Sheriff’s Deputies maintain custody, care and control of the Dukes County Jail & House of Correction, and maintain a Regional Lock-Up for all six Martha’s Vineyard towns, located on Upper Main Street in Edgartown, MA, less than one mile from the Edgartown District Court. The facility houses a maximum of 40 male detainees awaiting trial and inmates serving sentences of up to 2 ½ years.
In Fiscal Year 2019, the Dukes County Jail and House of Correction admitted Over 940 individuals.
During their period of incarceration, individuals being held at the Dukes County Jail & House of Correction are encouraged to participate in programming designed to allow them to better themselves and prepare for re-entry. Programming opportunities include classes focused on education, vocation, addiction, anger management and self-help, among others. Human Services Division works with each inmate to develop a comprehensive individual therapeutic care plan including creating and addressing educational goals, medical, dental, and mental health needs and concerns and more and coordinates with local service professionals and community volunteers who support this programming with their services. The Human Services Division also oversees the implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
+ Inmate Education
Inmate Education Division uses progressive educational programming and tools (In-house proctoring of HiSet exams, use of Edovo tablets, weekly Path of Freedom mindfulness sessions and more) to promote opportunity for successful reentry and support personal growth of people who are incarcerated. A weekly reading club, online courses, parenting skills courses, and expert guest speakers on the topics of mental health and building self-worth are among the many options offered to inmates.
+ Inmate Labor Program
The Inmate Labor Program also known as "Road Crew", in conjunction with the State Department of Public Works, provides inmates with the opportunity to utilize their time effectively and helps them to reintegrate into the community.
+ Transportation
Dukes County Sheriff's Office, operating under the authority of the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 37 Sections 24 and 25, transports individuals in custody to the courts in Dukes County, to other courts within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to correctional facilities, and to health care facilities.
+ Medical Services
On-site medical services are provided by Dukes County Sheriff’s Office Health Services Unit. A medical intake is performed on every pre–trial detainee and inmate who is placed in the Sheriff’s custody. Medical care includes physicals, acute care, sick calls, dental care, eye care and access to mental health treatment.
+ Prison Rape Elimination Act
The Dukes County Sheriff’s Office is committed to Zero Tolerance prevention and elimination of sexual abuse perpetrated against inmates by staff members or other inmates. Meeting the objectives set forth within the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 is an important priority for the Sheriff’s Office and an ongoing focus for staff efforts at all levels of our organization.