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FCI Talladega & Satellite Camp

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

Last Updated: March 25, 2026
Address
565 E Renfroe Rd, Talladega, AL 35160
Beds
2307
County
Talladega
Phone
256-315-4100
Fax
256-315-4495
Email
tdg-execassistant-s@bop.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 1000, Talladega, AL 35160
View Official Website

FCI Talladega is for Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offenders found guilty of a federal crime and sentenced to incarceration in accordance with the Department of Justice Sentencing Guidelines.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for Federal Medium | Minimum facility.

The phone carrier is Trulincs, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is MoneyGram There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules
Satellite View of FCI Talladega & Satellite Camp
Search Arrest Records

Official Resources

Nearby Facilities

If your loved one is at FCI Talladega, InmateAid can help you stay connected. Call the facility directly at 256-315-4100 with any immediate questions.

FCI Talladega, located in Talladega, Alabama, is a federal correctional institution managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This page provides essential information for those seeking details about inmate services, visitation guidelines, and facility contact information.

FCI Talladega, established in 1979 as a medium-security federal prison for male inmates in Alabama, situated approximately 50 miles from Birmingham, Alabama, and 100 miles from Atlanta, Georgia, this facility has been a crucial component of the federal correctional system for decades. Over the years, it has evolved to provide various programs and services aimed at the rehabilitation and well-being of its inmate population.

The housing accommodations at FCI Talladega are designed to ensure security and privacy for the inmates. Inmates are housed in five different housing units, where they typically reside in one or two-person cells. Additionally, the facility includes a satellite camp that was opened in 1989, where inmates are housed in dormitories divided into two-person cells. This segregation of inmates into smaller living units helps maintain order within the facility while also providing a sense of privacy and security for the inmates.

Health services at FCI Talladega are comprehensive, aiming to address the medical and dental needs of the inmate population. Intake screening, routine medical and dental care, emergency medical care, physical examinations, and medication management are all available services. Inmates can access these services by submitting a sick call form for routine care needs, while emergency medical care is available 24 hours a day. Additionally, the facility offers psychological services, including crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and individual and group counseling. These services play a crucial role in addressing the mental health needs of the inmate population and promoting overall well-being.

One notable aspect of FCI Talladega is its focus on education and vocational training programs. The facility provides literacy, GED, and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) programs to help inmates improve their educational attainment. Additionally, adult continuing education (ACE) classes, taught by fellow inmates, cover a wide variety of topics, including vocational skills and parenting programs. For inmates seeking more advanced education, high school diplomas and post-secondary programs are available through paid correspondence programs. Moreover, FCI Talladega offers advanced occupational education programs, including electrical, forklift operation, HVAC, masonry, office technology, and welding. These programs equip inmates with valuable skills that can increase their employability upon release and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

Despite not housing a Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), FCI Talladega provides other substance abuse treatment options, such as the Drug Education class, the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP), and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These programs aim to address substance abuse issues among the inmate population and support their rehabilitation efforts. Furthermore, the facility offers apprenticeship opportunities in various occupations, including baking, barbering, carpentry, cooking, dental assisting, electrical work, HVAC, landscaping, masonry, painting, plumbing, quality assurance, sheet metal work, teacher's aide, and welding. These apprenticeship programs allow inmates to gain valuable work experience and skills that can facilitate their reintegration into society upon release.

The library services at FCI Talladega play a vital role in promoting education, literacy, and legal knowledge among the inmate population. The leisure library offers a range of reading materials, including newspapers, fiction and nonfiction books, and magazines, providing inmates with opportunities for leisure and intellectual stimulation. Additionally, the law library provides access to the TRULINCS Electronic Law Library, enabling inmates to conduct legal research and access resources related to their legal matters. This access to legal information empowers inmates to understand their rights and navigate the legal system effectively.

In terms of recreational activities, FCI Talladega offers a variety of indoor and outdoor programs aimed at promoting physical fitness, leisure, and personal development. The recreation department operates seven days a week, providing inmates with opportunities to engage in hobby crafts, fitness programs, intramural sports, and music programs. These recreational activities contribute to the overall well-being of the inmate population by promoting physical and mental health, social interaction, and personal growth.

Notably, FCI Talladega has experienced significant incidents throughout its history, including a riot in 1991 involving Cuban inmates. During this 10-day standoff, 121 Cuban inmates captured hostages in protest against their deportation back to Cuba. The situation escalated, prompting a response from specially trained agents who used explosives to rescue the hostages and apprehend the inmates. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks inherent in managing a correctional facility, as well as the importance of effective crisis management and intervention protocols.

In conclusion, FCI Talladega stands as a multifaceted correctional institution dedicated to the rehabilitation and well-being of its inmate population. Through its comprehensive programs and services, including education, vocational training, health care, psychological support, and recreational activities, the facility aims to equip inmates with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary for successful reintegration into society upon release. While challenges and incidents may arise, FCI Talladega remains committed to its mission of fostering positive change and promoting public safety within the criminal justice system.

Table of Contents for FCI Talladega

Inmate Locator

Finding a Federal Inmate at FCI Talladega & Satellite Camp

If you're trying to locate someone in federal custody at FCI Talladega & Satellite Camp in Talladega, Alabama, the federal system works differently from state and county facilities. The Bureau of Prisons maintains a central inmate locator at bop.gov covering all federal inmates from 1982 forward. The locator is the right starting point, but it doesn't show everyone in federal custody, newly sentenced inmates and those in transit may not appear yet. Call FCI Talladega & Satellite Camp at 256-315-4100 if the locator doesn't return a result.

Using the BOP Inmate Locator

The BOP locator searches by full name, register number, or BOP number. The register number is an eight-digit identifier assigned at intake and used throughout the inmate's federal sentence. With the register number, the search returns an exact match. Without it, search by name and confirm against age, race, or sentencing details if the name is common. The locator returns current facility, register number, age, race, projected release date, and release status. It does not return charges, court of conviction, or visiting details.

When the Inmate Doesn't Appear in the BOP Locator

A federal inmate may be missing from the locator for several reasons. Newly sentenced inmates spend a designation period in US Marshals custody, often held at a county jail or private contract facility, before being assigned to a BOP institution. During designation, the person is still in federal custody but isn't yet in the BOP system. Designation can take a few weeks to a few months. Inmates in holdover status during transfer may also be temporarily missing. If you can't find someone in the BOP locator and the case is recent, they're likely still in US Marshals custody at a non-BOP facility.

Locating Someone in US Marshals Custody

Pre-designation federal detainees are held by the US Marshals Service, usually at a contracted county jail or regional federal detention center. The Marshals don't operate a public locator. To find someone in Marshals custody, contact the US Marshals Service district office for the federal court handling the case, or call the federal court clerk's office for the district of conviction. The InmateAid inmate search can also locate federal detainees at contracted facilities once the booking is in the facility's public roster.

The Register Number and What It's For

The BOP register number stays with the inmate across every federal facility transfer. State inmate ID numbers do not carry over. The register number is the single most useful piece of information for federal locating, document requests, money transfers, and communication account setup. Once you have it, save it; you'll use it for every federal interaction.

Once You've Located the Inmate

When you confirm the person is at FCI Talladega & Satellite Camp, set up an inmate phone and Trulincs account, and arrange money transfer through approved BOP channels. For federal facility phone discount plans, money transfer, and mail services, see InmateAid's federal inmate services and call 256-315-4100 to confirm what's available at FCI Talladega & Satellite Camp.

To confirm current custody status, register number, or recent transfers involving FCI Talladega & Satellite Camp, call 256-315-4100.

Visitation Information

Visiting Hours

  • Friday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  • Holidays 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Satellite Prison Camp - Visiting Hours

  • Friday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
  • Holidays 8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Visiting Overview - how to visit an inmate. This covers the fundamentals that apply to all of our institutions. The BOP welcomes visitors to our institutions. We remind all visitors to carefully review our visiting regulations and to observe any applicable state and local travel advisories in planning their visit.

Visiting Schedule & Procedures - The official policy at FCI Talladega outlines the specific regulations and procedures for visiting an inmate at this facility.

Frequently Asked Questions About FCI Talladega & Satellite Camp

  1. What is a federal prison?
      A federal prison is a correctional facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to house individuals convicted of federal crimes. These offenses include drug trafficking across state lines, white-collar crimes, terrorism, bank robbery, and other federal violations. Unlike state prisons, federal prisons operate under standardized regulations and typically have more structured programming.

  2. How do federal prisons differ from state prisons?
      Federal prisons are managed by the BOP and house inmates convicted of violating federal laws, while state prisons house those convicted of state crimes. Federal facilities tend to have more uniform security classifications and rehabilitation programs, while state prisons vary by jurisdiction. Additionally, federal inmates often serve longer sentences with less opportunity for parole, as federal sentencing guidelines are stricter.

  3. What are the security levels in federal prisons?
      The BOP classifies federal prisons into five security levels:

    • Minimum (Federal Prison Camps - FPCs): Low-risk inmates with non-violent offenses, dormitory-style housing, and little supervision.
    • Low (FCIs - Low): More security than camps, with fences, dorm-style housing, and work programs.
    • Medium (FCIs - Medium): Higher security, cell housing, increased staff monitoring, and more restricted movement.
    • High (United States Penitentiaries - USPs): Maximum security, with high walls, armed guards, and strict inmate movement restrictions.
    • Administrative Facilities (ADX, MCC, MDC, FMCs): Used for medical care, high-risk inmates, or those requiring extreme isolation (e.g., ADX Florence Supermax).

  4. What is ADX Florence, and why is it considered the most secure prison?
      ADX Florence, also known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” is a supermax facility in Colorado that houses the most dangerous federal inmates, including terrorists and high-profile criminals. It has 23-hour solitary confinement, soundproof cells, and minimal human interaction to prevent escapes or inmate violence.

  5. Can federal inmates earn early release?
      Federal inmates can reduce their sentences through good conduct time (GCT), participation in rehabilitation programs, and the First Step Act. However, unlike state prisons, parole was eliminated from the federal system in 1987, meaning inmates must serve at least 85% of their sentence before being released on supervised release.

  6. How do phone calls work in federal prisons?
      Federal inmates can make outgoing calls only to approved numbers using the Corrlincs system, managed by providers such as GTL (ViaPath) and Securus or the BOP itself. Calls are limited to 15 minutes per call and 300 minutes per month, with costs varying between $0.06 to $0.21 per minute depending on the location. Using a LOCAL number gets the six-cents-per-minute rate. Get a local number from InmateAId for only $5.00. All calls are monitored and recorded, except for attorney-client calls.

  7. Can federal inmates send and receive mail?
      Yes, inmates can send and receive mail, but all non-legal mail is screened for contraband. Books, magazines, and newspapers must be shipped directly from an approved vendor like Amazon or InmateAid. Legal mail is not read but may be inspected in the presence of the inmate.

  8. What are the visitation rules for federal prisons?
      Visitation is allowed, but visitors must be pre-approved and follow strict guidelines, including dress codes, behavioral rules, and security screenings. Some institutions offer non-contact visits (separated by glass), while others allow contact visits with limited physical interaction. Visits can be terminated if rules are violated.

  9. How do family members send money to federal inmates?
      Funds can be deposited into an inmate’s account using Western Union, MoneyGram, or the BOP’s online deposit system called Trulincs. Family members can also send postal money orders to the Federal Bureau of Prisons centralized processing facility in Des Moines, Iowa.

  10. Do federal prisons provide healthcare?
      Yes, federal prisons provide basic medical, dental, and mental health care, with certain facilities designated for serious medical conditions (FMCs – Federal Medical Centers). Emergency treatment may require transfer to an outside hospital, and some medications are restricted based on security concerns.

  11. Do federal inmates have access to education and work programs?
      Yes, federal prisons offer GED programs, college correspondence courses, and vocational training. Inmates can work through UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries), earning $0.12 to $1.15 per hour for jobs in textiles, manufacturing, or recycling. Participation in these programs can also help reduce sentence time under the First Step Act.

  12. What happens if an inmate breaks the rules in a federal prison?
      Disciplinary actions range from loss of privileges (phone, commissary, visitation) to solitary confinement (SHU - Special Housing Unit). More serious infractions can lead to criminal charges or additional prison time.

  13. Can federal inmates transfer to a different facility?
      Transfers can happen for security reasons, medical needs, overcrowding, or disciplinary actions. Inmates may also request a transfer closer to family, but approval depends on the BOP’s evaluation.

  14. What kind of food do federal inmates receive?
      Federal prisons follow National Menu guidelines, providing three meals per day, including vegetarian and religious dietary options. Some facilities allow inmates to purchase snacks and specialty foods from the commissary.

  15. Can federal inmates own personal property?
      Inmates are allowed limited personal items such as eyeglasses, religious materials, and authorized hygiene products. Commissary purchases may include headphones, radios, and writing supplies.

  16. Do federal inmates have internet access?
      No, federal inmates do not have direct internet access. However, they can use Trulincs, a secure email system, to communicate with approved contacts. Emails are monitored and cost approximately $0.05 per minute of usage time.

  17. Are federal prisons overcrowded?
      Many federal prisons operate above capacity, leading to shared cells, increased inmate tensions, and limited access to rehabilitation programs. Overcrowding is a major concern, prompting calls for criminal justice reform and alternative sentencing.

  18. What happens when a federal inmate is released?
      Inmates are usually transferred to a halfway house or placed on supervised release to help reintegrate into society. They may receive job placement assistance, housing referrals, and continued mental health treatment if needed.

  19. Can federal inmates vote?
      No, federal inmates cannot vote while incarcerated. However, voting rights may be restored after release, depending on the state’s policies regarding felon disenfranchisement.

Ask The Inmate

Connect directly with former inmates and get your questions answered for free. Gain valuable insights from individuals with firsthand experience in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and GEO and CoreCivic-run private prisons. Whether you're seeking advice, clarification, or just curious about life behind bars, this unique opportunity allows you to ask questions or explore answers to previous inquiries from the InmateAid community. Engage in meaningful discussions and get informed perspectives from those who truly understand the system.
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