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FCI Butner Medium I and Satellite Camp

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

Last Updated: March 25, 2026
Address
1 Old 75 Hwy, Butner, NC 27509
Beds
657
County
Granville
Phone
919-575-4541
Fax
919-575-5023
Email
buf-execassistant-s@bop.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 1000, Butner, NC 27509
View Official Website

FCI Butner I 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 Butner Medium I and Satellite Camp
Search Arrest Records

Official Resources

If your loved one is at FCI Butner I, InmateAid can help you stay connected. Call the facility directly at 919-575-4541 with any immediate questions.

FCI Butner I is a Federal Medium | Minimum federal correctional facility in Butner, NC, operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Inmates are sentenced under federal law and serve time in BOP custody with access to education, RDAP, and vocational programs. This page covers inmate search, visitation rules, phone and mail services, and how to send money to FCI Butner I.

The Federal Correctional Complex, Butner I Medium (FCC Butner I) is a medium-security federal prison with an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp for men, it is part of the Butner Federal Correctional Complex and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The complex is situated about 25 miles northwest of Raleigh and includes the Bureau's largest medical complex, specializing in oncology and behavioral science.

Notable inmates housed at FCC Butner I include Carmine Persico, former Colombo crime family boss; John Walker, former US Navy Chief Warrant Officer convicted of espionage; John Connolly, former FBI agent convicted of racketeering conspiracy; and Jonathan Pollard, a former intelligence analyst convicted of spying for Israel.

In terms of housing, inmates at FCC Butner I are accommodated in two-person cells. The facility provides comprehensive health services, including medical screenings, routine examinations, dental care, and preventive health screenings. The Psychology Department offers individual therapy, group treatment programs, and mental health services. The commissary is available to prisoners to shop only once per week on their assigned shopping day. The monthly spending limit for inmates is $360. Inmates can purchase several items, including food, beverages, electronics, shoes, and more. Here is the most recent list and prices of items sold at the commissary in FCI Butner Medium I.

While FCC Butner I does not have a Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), it offers Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and other drug education programs. Education services include GED, ESL, and Adult Continuing Education (ACE) classes, along with vocational training in fields like automotive technology, culinary arts, and office system technology.

The facility's library services offer legal and leisure reading materials, while the commissary allows inmates to purchase various items within a monthly spending limit. Recreation programs at FCC Butner I encompass a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, including arts and crafts, team sports, physical fitness, and musical programs, contributing to the overall well-being of the inmate population.

The Federal Correctional Complex, Butner I Medium (FCC Butner I) is a medium-security United States federal prison for men and is part of the Butner Federal Correctional Complex in Butner, North Carolina. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the US Department of Justice. This facility currently holds 720 inmates. FCC Butner is about 25 miles northwest of Raleigh, the state capital. It includes the Bureau's largest medical complex, which operates a drug treatment program and specializes in oncology and behavioral science. 

The complex consists of four facilities:

  • Federal Correctional Institution, Butner Low (FCI Butner Low): a low-security facility.
  • Federal Correctional Institution 1, Butner Medium (FCI 1 Butner Medium): a medium-security facility.
  • Federal Correctional Institution 2, Butner Medium (FCI 2 Butner Medium): a medium-security facility
  • Federal Medical Center, Butner (FMC Butner): a facility that houses inmates of all security levels with health issues.

The complex lies on the county line between Durham County to the west and Granville County to the east.

Notable inmates include Carmine Persico serving 139 years Mafia figure; former Colombo crime family Boss; convicted in 1986 of murder, loansharking, bribery and extortion, all in aid of racketeering, in order to control and profit from the concrete industry in New York City.​ John Walker was the former Chief Warrant Officer for the US Navy; pleaded guilty to espionage in 1986 for selling classified documents to the Soviet Union and died in custody in 2014 while serving a 30-year sentence. Co-conspirator Jerry Whitworth is also serving a life sentence. John Connolly the former FBI Agent; was convicted in 2002 of racketeering conspiracy for aiding Irish Mob figure Whitey Bulger; currently serving a 40-year sentence in a Florida state prison for the murder of a witness. The co-founder of the Cali Cartel Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela now serving a 30-year sentence for importing cocaine. Lee Farkas the former Chairman of Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corporation; was convicted in 2011 of fraud for masterminding a $2.9 billion scheme that led to the 2009 collapse of Colonial Bank; the story was featured on the CNBC program American Greed now serving a 30-year sentence. Samuel Israel was the founder of the now-defunct Bayou Hedge Fund Group; pleaded guilty in 2008 to defrauding investors of $400 million; attempted to fake his own suicide to avoid prison; the story was featured on the CNBC television program American Greed.   Jonathan Pollard a former intelligence analyst for the United States government. In 1987, as part of a plea agreement, Pollard pleaded guilty to spying for and providing top-secret classified information to Israel. He was sentenced to life in prison for violations of the Espionage Act. 

Housing: Inmates are housed in two-person cells.

Health Services: Inmates receive a medical screening upon arrival at FCI Butner Medium 1. Inmates are then scheduled for routine physical examinations, laboratory studies, physical and dental examinations, and assessment of any health needs. Sick call, dental call, emergency care, medications, chronic care, physical examinations, periodic health screenings for HIV, TB, colon cancer (for inmates over 50 years of age), diabetes and cholesterol screening (for inmates over 45), and vaccinations as recommended are available to the inmate population. Other preventive health services may be available based on the inmate’s age and needs.

Psychology Services: The FCI Butner Medium 1 Psychology Department offers both individual therapy and group treatment options. On the group side, inmates can participate in anger management, stress management, and other programs. FCI Butner Medium 1 also has a fully staffed Mental Health Hospital with full-time psychiatrists who are medical doctors and can be seen by appointment after referral by a psychologist. The facility also has a Mental Health Step Down Program for inmates with serious mental health issues who need to develop functional skills.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP): FCI Butner Medium 1 does not house a Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). It does offer Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the Drug Education Program, and the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP).

Education Services: FCI Butner Medium 1 offers GED and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) courses to inmates. Adult Continuing Education (ACE) classes are also available. High school diplomas and post-secondary programs are available through paid correspondence programs.

Advanced Occupational Education: FCI Butner Medium 1 offers advanced occupation education in Automotive Electrical, Culinary Arts, Drivetrain, Engine Repair and Undercarriage, Office System Technology (OST), Carpentry, Electrical, and Automotive Technology.

Vocational Training: FCI Butner Medium 1 does not offer any vocational training programs aside from its advanced occupational training and apprenticeship programs.

Apprenticeship: FCI Butner Medium 1 offers an apprenticeship in Commercial Cleaning.

Library Services: FCI Butner Medium 1 has a legal and leisure library available to inmates six days a week. The leisure library has numerous books and other reading materials available, including magazines, newspapers, career planning, multicultural studies, parenting, fiction, and nonfiction selections. The law library is located in the Education Department, which contains a variety of legal reference materials for use in preparing legal papers.

Commissary: The commissary is available to prisoners to shop only once per week on their assigned shopping day. The monthly spending limit for inmates is $360. Inmates can purchase a number of items, including food, beverages, electronics, shoes, and more.

Recreation: Recreation programs at FCI Butner Medium 1 include indoor and outdoor activities, and range from individualized arts and crafts programs to intramural team sports such as baseball, basketball, and volleyball. Physical fitness, weight reduction, hobby craft, and musical programs are also available to inmates.

Admissions and Orientation (A&O) Handbook - This document provides you with general information about the institution, programs, rules, and regulations that you will encounter during your confinement. Familiarizing yourself with this information and knowing your responsibilities will help you to adjust to institutional life.

Commissary List - In 1930 the Department of Justice authorized and established a Commissary at each Federal institution. The Commissary provides a bank type account for your money & for the procurement of articles not issued regularly as part of the institution's administration. Funds deposited by your family, friends, or other sources are stored in your commissary account that we maintain.

Legal Activities - This document outlines the procedures for access to legal reference materials and legal counsel and the opportunities that you will be afforded to prepare legal documents while incarcerated.

On this page - FCI Butner I

Inmate Locator

Finding a Federal Inmate at FCI Butner Medium I and Satellite Camp

If you're trying to locate someone in federal custody at FCI Butner Medium I and Satellite Camp in Butner, North Carolina, 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 Butner Medium I and Satellite Camp at 919-575-4541 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 Butner Medium I and 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 919-575-4541 to confirm what's available at FCI Butner Medium I and Satellite Camp.

To confirm current custody status, register number, or recent transfers involving FCI Butner Medium I and Satellite Camp, call 919-575-4541.

Visitation Information

Butner I Medium - Visiting Hours

  • Monday 2:30 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 2:30 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
  • Holidays 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Visiting Information

How to Save Money on Inmate Calls

Understanding Prison Phone Services: How to Save on Inmate Calls

Prison phone companies hold a monopoly within the facilities they are contracted with, resulting in shared profits and minimal incentives for representatives to promote cost-saving measures to customers. These companies typically display their rates, often offering multiple pricing tiers. However, the primary factor determining call costs is the type of phone number used and the location of both the caller and the inmate.

In federal prisons, acquiring a new local number can significantly reduce call rates, lowering costs from $0.21 to only $0.06 per minute. The Federal Bureau of Prisons provides inmates with 300 minutes per month, and local line services like InmateAid cost $5.00 per line, without any hidden fees or bundled services.

For non-federal facilities (county jail, state prison, private and ICE detention centers), the benefits of using a local number have diminished, making market intelligence crucial. InmateAid specializes in identifying the best deals in various scenarios. While approximately 30% of the time no savings can be achieved—a reality acknowledged by other providers—InmateAid guarantees a refund if they cannot save you money.

For more detailed information on inmate calls, individuals are encouraged to visit the InmateAid website and navigate to the facility where their inmate is incarcerated. By accessing the Prison Directory and following the links to the Discount Telephone Service, individuals can obtain an honest estimate before making any purchases.

How to Send Money to an Inmate

How to Send an Inmate Money in North Carolina

These are general guidelines for sending money to an inmate's Trulincs account. Inmates need money to access several privileges like weekly commissary visits, outbound phone calls, using Corrlinks email, electronic tablets where offered and paying their co-pay when needing the medical or dental services.

What is a Commissary?

A commissary is a store within the correctional institution. Commissary day is usually held once a week and can only be enjoyed if the inmate has funds in their commissary account. An inmate's commissary account is like a bank account within the institution. If the inmate has a job, their paycheck is deposited into this account, too.

The Commissary sells various products that the inmates may purchase if they have money on their books. The commissary sells clothing, shoes, snacks, and food, as well as hygienic products like soap, shampoo, and shavers. The commissary might also sell entertainment-related products like books, magazines, televisions, radios, playing cards, headphones, MP3 players, electronic tablets like iPads (no internet access), songs, and educational programming.

The commissary also sells is paper, envelopes, and stamps which allow the inmate to write their loved ones, friends, and family. Most facilities will provide stamps and paper to indigent inmates – which means that there can be no money in their commissary account for at least 30 days to become eligible.

How you send money to an inmate?

Sending money to an inmate varies from state to state, depending if it is county, state or federal, their ways of accepting money for inmates’ changes by the money transfer company they’ve contracted with.

Federal Prisons and some state-level prisons have centralized banking systems which means that you do not need to know where they are specifically, just that they are in the state systems of for instance the California, Texas, Florida DOC or the FBOP to name a few.

Some facilities will allow you to deposit cash through the lobby window stand-alone kiosk in the lobby or visitation room. Most facilities will also accept a postal money order mailed to the institution’s inmate mailing address made payable to the full inmate’s name.

Electronic banking allows friends and family members to send the funds online, and correctional departments are starting to favor this method because it is less work for staff and more accurate/easier to keep track of, as well as being more convenient.

Regardless of the method of sending funds, there are several key things you will need to know:
• Inmate’s full committed name
• Inmate’s ID number
• Inmate’s location – or a system like the federal BOP

Before sending any funds you should find out what online transfer companies the institution your inmate is incarcerated in uses. You can find this information on our site by navigating to the facilities page click on the Money Transfer button under the address and phone number.

Pay close attention to the rules of the facility. Sometimes they will require money senders are on the inmate's visitation list. Some correctional facilities have a deposit limit, like $200-300 at a time, but in federal, there is no limit.

Use MoneyGram to get the funds there instantly. How do I send money using MoneyGram?

Sending funds using MoneyGram to a BOP facility
Inmates can receive funds at a BOP-managed facility, which are deposited into their commissary accounts. You can send inmate funds electronically using MoneyGram's ExpressPayment Program.
1. Funds are received and processed seven days per week, including holidays.
2. Funds sent between 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. EST are posted within 2-4 hours.
3. Funds sent after 9:00 p.m. EST is posted at 7:00 a.m. EST the following morning.

To send funds to your federal inmate, please read and follow these steps carefully:
1. Wait until your inmate has physically arrived at an FBOP facility.
2. You'll need the following information:

  • Account Number: Inmate's eight-digit register number with no spaces or dashes, followed immediately by the inmate's last name (example: 12345678DOE).
  • Company Name: Federal Bureau of Prisons
  • City & State: Washington, DC
  • The Receive Code is always: 7932 and the amount you are sending (up to $300).
  • Beneficiary: Inmate's full committed name

3. CLICK to send the funds through MoneyGram over the internet
4. First-time users will have to set up a profile and account.
5. A MasterCard or Visa credit/debit card is required.

Who else can access the money you send?

An inmate with fines or restitution will be subject to commissary/trust account garnishment. If the inmate has these financial obligations, they will be extracted from the inmate’s bank account. It may be a percentage or the entire amount depending on the situation. We recommend inmates who are going into their bid contact the counselor and make an arrangement beforehand. If you go in knowing they are taking 20-25% of all deposits is better than having them take it all and you find out in the commissary line when the account is zero.

Why is my inmate asking for more than I normally send?

This is generally a signal that the inmate is doing something they shouldn’t and needs money to get them out of or through a situation. It could be gambling, it could be extortion it could be other things you don’t need to know on this forum (for now). Set boundaries with your inmate. Tell them that “this is the amount I can send each month” and that is it. There are no extras beyond the boundary. Also, NEVER send money to the account of another inmate on your inmate’s instruction. This is a sign that something is not right. If the corrections people discover this, and they do more times than not, it will result in some severe disciplinary action to the inmate, and certainly the loss of all privileges.

Who can I call if I suspect something? We recommend speaking with the counselor or case manager of the facility and using a generic reference if your suspicions are wrong. You needn’t put them in a more difficult position if they are.

Send Photos, Letters, and Postcards

Sending Mail to Inmates at FCI Butner Medium I and Satellite Camp: Guidelines and Services

Looking to send heartfelt greetings to your loved one in prison? Some facilities have recently updated their rules for incoming mail to protect staff from potential drug contamination through the ink used in mail pieces. These new rules require mail to be sent to a third-party post office box, where it is scanned into computer files and shared with inmates without anyone physically handling the original mail. When sending letters, photos, postcards, greeting cards, and magazines to inmates at FCI Butner Medium I and Satellite Camp, adherence to specific guidelines is essential. Both incoming and outgoing mail undergo inspection to prevent the introduction of contraband that could compromise the safety, security, or well-being of the facility, its staff, and residents.

Inmate mail must not contain content that poses an immediate threat to jail order, such as descriptions of manufacturing weapons, bombs, incendiary devices, or escape tools that could realistically endanger jail security. Content advocating violence, racial supremacy, or ethnic purity is also prohibited. Additionally, inmate-to-inmate mail is not allowed and will be destroyed.

To simplify the process, individuals can utilize the mailing services offered by InmateAid. This automated system makes sending special messages or pictures to loved ones convenient and efficient. InmateAid has successfully sent tens of thousands of mail pieces per month without encountering issues with prisons or jails. Envelopes bearing the InmateAid logo assure mail room staff that the contents comply with regulations, establishing a trust that has been maintained since 2012.

Inmates are permitted to receive only metered, unstamped, plain white postcards no larger than 4" x 6". Writing must be done in pencil or blue or black ink. Any other type of mail will be returned to the sender. If there is no return address, unauthorized mail will be stored in the inmate's locker until their release. Again, InmateAid's service for postcards and greeting cards complies with the old and new rules. You can get 8 postcards/greeting cards for only $8.

By following these guidelines and using reliable services like InmateAid, you can ensure your mail reaches your loved one safely and without complications.

Inmate Commissary

Understanding Inmate Commissary

An inmate commissary, often referred to as a "canteen," is a store within a correctional facility where incarcerated individuals can purchase items not provided by the institution. Commissary services play an essential role in improving the quality of life for inmates by giving them access to additional goods and services. Here's what you need to know about how commissaries function and the impact they have:

What Is Available at Commissary?

Commissary stores typically offer a wide range of products, including:

  • Snacks and Beverages: Chips, candy, coffee, and instant noodles are common purchases.
  • Hygiene Products: Toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and feminine hygiene items.
  • Writing Supplies: Paper, envelopes, pens, and stamps to facilitate correspondence with loved ones.
  • Entertainment Items: Books, playing cards, radios, and sometimes MP3 players or tablets for facilities with digital programs.
  • Clothing and Accessories: Basic clothing, shoes, and thermal wear.
  • Miscellaneous Items: Batteries, headphones, and over-the-counter medications.

How Do Inmates Pay for Commissary?

Inmates use funds from their trust accounts to make purchases. These accounts are funded by money sent from family or friends, as well as wages earned from jobs within the facility. Without available funds, inmates cannot access commissary items unless they qualify as indigent, in which case the facility may provide limited basic supplies like paper and stamps.

Why Is Commissary Important?

Commissary services enhance the overall well-being of inmates in several ways:

  • Comfort: Access to familiar snacks and hygiene products provides a sense of normalcy.
  • Communication: Purchasing writing supplies and stamps enables inmates to stay connected with family and friends.
  • Rehabilitation: Items like books and educational materials contribute to personal growth and development.
  • Autonomy: The ability to choose and purchase items fosters a sense of independence.

Regulations and Limits

Each facility has strict rules governing commissary purchases:

  • Spending Limits: Weekly or monthly caps are set to prevent hoarding or misuse of funds.
  • Item Restrictions: Facilities may prohibit certain products to maintain safety and security.
  • Delivery Schedules: Commissary orders are typically processed and distributed on designated days.

Inmate commissaries provide more than just goods—they offer a vital connection to the outside world and an opportunity for inmates to manage their daily needs. For families and friends, ensuring your loved one has funds in their trust account can significantly improve their experience during incarceration. Always check the specific rules and options available at the facility to better support your loved one.

Inmate Care Packages

How to Buy Inmate Commissary Care Packages Online

Purchasing commissary care packages for an inmate is a thoughtful way to show support and provide essential items they may not otherwise have access to. These packages often include a variety of approved products such as snacks, hygiene items, and personal necessities. Here’s how you can buy commissary care packages online:

  1. Find the Facility’s Approved Vendor
    Correctional facilities typically partner with approved providers like Keefe Group, Access Securpak, Union Supply Direct, Walkenhorst’s, or CareACell. These vendors work directly with facilities to ensure that the items in the packages meet all regulations.

  2. Search for the Inmate’s Facility
    Visit the vendor’s website and select the correctional facility where your loved one is housed. This ensures that you see the packages and items specifically allowed for that institution.

  3. Select a Package
    Browse the available packages, which often include bundles of snacks, toiletries, and even seasonal or holiday-themed items. Many services also allow customization, so you can tailor the package to your loved one’s preferences.

  4. Enter the Inmate’s Details
    Provide the inmate’s full name and ID number to ensure the package is delivered to the correct person. Double-check this information to avoid delivery issues.

  5. Complete Your Purchase
    Add the selected package to your cart, proceed to checkout, and make your payment using a credit or debit card. Some vendors may also offer alternative payment methods.

  6. Confirm Delivery Guidelines
    Delivery schedules vary by facility, so check when packages are typically distributed. Most vendors provide estimated delivery times and tracking options.

By following these steps, you can easily send a commissary care package to brighten an inmate’s day. These packages not only provide comfort but also remind your loved one that they are supported and cared for. For added convenience, many vendors offer affordable pricing and frequent promotions to help you maximize your support

Frequently Asked Questions About FCI Butner Medium I and 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

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