FMC - Devens Satellite Prison Camp

FMC - Devens Satellite Prison Camp's comprehensive information to help guide you through the federal prison process, specifically on how to remain connected to your inmate while they are incarcerated.

The FMC-Devens-Camp is a federal prison located at 42 Patton Rd in Ayer, MA. This federal minimum security prison is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to hold inmates who have been convicted to and sentenced for a federal crime through the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

Locate all federal inmates here. If you would like to speak with a case manager or counselor, call 978-796-1000.

The Federal Medical Center, Devens Satellite Prison Camp (FMC Devens Camp) is a minimum-security United States federal prison in Massachusetts for male inmates requiring specialized or long-term medical or mental health care. It is designated as an administrative facility, which means it has inmates from different security classifications, from white-collar criminals to mobsters and sex offenders. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the US Department of Justice.

FMC Devens is located in north-central Massachusetts, approximately 39 miles west of Boston, on the grounds of Fort Devens, which occupied the land before it was scaled back in size.

FMC Devens is located in north-central Massachusetts, approximately 39 miles west of Boston, on the grounds of Fort Devens, which occupied the land before it was scaled back in size.

Upon entering FMC Devens, new inmates undergo a month-long admission and orientation program to meet prison staff, acquaint themselves with the facility, and learn the facility's rules and regulations. They are introduced to the prison’s inmate count system: prisoners are checked on five times a day. New inmates also receive a physical exam and educational, vocational, and psychological tests. Inmates at Devens are subject to random, unannounced urine and breathalyzer tests, as well as searches for contraband.

FMC Devens has regular onsite specialists in cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, surgery, neurology and pulmonology. Inmates often leave the facility to see outside specialists and for tests and medical procedures not available in the medical center, according to Sandra Howard, the clinical director at FMC Devens.

Inmates are allowed six visits a month. Physical contact is allowed so long as it is not deemed excessive. An in-house psychology department offers inmates counseling for depression and suicidal ideation, as well as sex-offender and drug-addiction programs. A chaplain offers religious services and counseling, and volunteers in a prisoner visitation service pay visits to inmates who do not receive many visitors. There are adult continuing-education classes and an electronic library where they can read up on new case law and sentencing guidelines. The prison has a recreation area for floor hockey, basketball, and soccer, a hobby craft room, and a music practice room.

Housing: Inmates in the camp are housed in open dormitories.

Health Services: Inmates receive a thorough physical examination and psychological tests during the orientation period. Health services include medical sick call, dental sick call, and all support services. Emergency health care services are available 24 hours each day. Routine care is obtained by submitting a triage form to Health Services.

Psychology Services: New inmates at FCI Devens Camp undergo psychological testing during their Admission & Orientation phase. Crisis counseling, coping skills, suicide prevention, mental health counseling, and spiritual counseling are all available for inmates. The Psychology Department also offers a Residential Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP-R) (only available at FMC Devens) and a Sex Offender Management Program (SOMP). This department also offers self-development programs in both group and individual counseling.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP): FMC Devens Camp does not house a Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). However, the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP) and the Drug Education class are offered.

Education Services: FMC Devens Camp provide GED, parenting, and English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) programs. Certificates are awarded for completion of all programs. Adult Continuing Education (ACE) classes are also available, which are taught by fellow inmates and span a wide variety of topics. High school diplomas and post-secondary programs are available through paid correspondence programs.

Vocation Training: FMC Devens Camp offers vocational training in Computer Applications/MS Office and Culinary Arts.

Apprenticeship: FMC Devens Camp offers apprenticeships in Animal Trainer and Cook.

Library Services: A leisure and law library is available for inmates. An electronic law library has been added as part of the TRULINCS system, where inmates can conduct legal research from a database that contains the latest updates on case law from every federal district and circuit court in the United States, federal criminal/civil rules of procedure, sentencing guidelines, Bureau of Prisons policy statements, and more. Magazines, newspapers and basic reference books cannot be removed from the library, but fiction and nonfiction books can. Typewriters are available for inmate use in preparing legal documents. A copy machine is also available for inmate use.

Commissary: Funds deposited by an inmate’s family, friends, or other sources are stored in their commissary account that is administered by FMC Devens Camp. With these funds, inmates can make telephone calls, send and receive emails, and purchase commissary items. Commissary items include sodas, snacks, food, clothing, ice cream, and shoes.

Recreation Services: FMC Devens Camp recreation programs include indoor and outdoor activities that range from individualized hobby craft programs to intramural team sports. The Inmate Recreation and Activity Center includes a multi-purpose room, outdoor recreation yard, and an indoor inmate Activity Center. The indoor Activity Center is located ion the recreation yard and is intended for activities such as basketball, soccer, and floor hockey. The Hobby Craft Shop and a music practice room are located in the Recreation Building.

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.

• FMC Devens Admissions & Orientation Handbook

• Also available in Spanish: FMC Devens Guía de Admisión y Orientación

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.

• List and prices of items sold at the commissary in FMC Devens

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.

• Inmate Legal Activities