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USP Tucson and Satellite Camp

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

Last Updated: February 04, 2026
Address
9300 S Wilmot Rd, Tucson, AZ 85706
Beds
1590
County
Pima
Phone
520-663-5000
Fax
520-663-5024
Email
tcp-execassistant-s@bop.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 24550, Tucson, AZ 85734
View Official Website

USP-Tucson 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 Maximum | 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 USP Tucson and Satellite Camp
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Official Resources

Nearby Facilities

If your loved one is at USP-Tucson, InmateAid can help you stay connected. Call the facility directly at 520-663-5000 with any immediate questions.

USP-Tucson, located in Tucson, Arizona, 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.

Questions About This Facility

The United States Penitentiary, Tucson (USP Tucson), stands as a high-security federal prison within the Tucson Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Tucson) solely housing male inmates. Operated by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), this facility also manages a satellite prison camp designated for minimum-security male offenders.

USP Tucson is distinguished by its participation in the Sex Offender Management Program (SOMP), resulting in a larger proportion of sex offenders within its general population compared to other prisons. This program aims to create a safer environment for inmates seeking treatment by concentrating them in designated facilities. USP Tucson offers a specific program addressing these needs - the Non-Residential Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP-NR). This moderate-intensity program caters to low and moderate-risk offenders, with many participants being first-time offenders serving sentences for internet sex crimes. Notably, SOTP-NR is available in all SOMP institutions, and inmates are transferred based on their treatment requirements and security classification.

Beyond its core function, USP Tucson incorporates a satellite camp that provides crucial labor for the daily operations of the entire federal prison complex. Inmates within the camp reside in dormitories and have access to comprehensive healthcare services. These services include routine sick calls, dental care, physical examinations, chronic care management, emergency medical attention, medication dispensing, HIV testing, and vision correction tools.

Mental health and substance abuse support are also addressed at USP Tucson. Services encompass screenings, assessments, and treatment options for both conditions. Inmates can participate in individual and group therapy sessions, psycho-educational classes, and self-help programs, and receive referrals for medical treatment of mental illnesses. Additionally, USP Tucson offers a Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP) and the Challenge Program, geared towards inmates struggling with substance abuse, mental health issues, or a propensity for violence.

Education plays a significant role in rehabilitation at USP Tucson. The facility provides GED and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs. Inmates lacking a high school diploma or GED are mandated to participate in educational programs. Furthermore, inmate work compensation is directly tied to their educational level. Those without a verified diploma are restricted to a lower pay grade for their assigned tasks. Interestingly, the facility allows concurrent enrollment in both the GED program and the Mexican High School Diploma program offered by the Mexican Consulate.

USP Tucson Camp caters to inmates seeking to enhance their employability upon release. The camp offers advanced occupational courses in subjects like baking, business management, and food safety certifications. Apprenticeship opportunities are also available in various trades, including cooking, maintenance, electrical work, and culinary arts.

Leisure and recreational activities are crucial components of USP Tucson's inmate support system. The facility provides access to both leisure and legal libraries. Leisure options include various publications, fiction and non-fiction books, and reference materials. Inmates also have access to legal resources and tools to prepare legal documents through the TRULINCS Electronic Law Library system. Photocopying facilities and electric typewriters further aid inmates in their legal pursuits.

Financial transactions are facilitated through a commissary account system. Inmates can utilize these funds for purchasing approved items at the prison store, adding money to their phone accounts, and even sending funds home. A monthly spending limit is established to ensure responsible financial management.

USP Tucson prioritizes inmate well-being by offering various leisure, wellness, and social programs. Inmates can engage in organized sports and games, participate in fitness activities, and enjoy board games and hobbies like crafting or music programs. Social and cultural organizations provide opportunities for connection, while movie screenings add to the leisure options. Art therapy programs allow inmates to express themselves creatively through painting, sketching, and various artistic mediums. Wellness programs focus on preventive care through screenings, goal setting, and the provision of fitness and nutritional guidance.

Several notable figures have served time at USP Tucson, including Brian David Mitchell, a convicted kidnapper, Louis Eppolito, a former corrupt NYPD detective, Larry Nassar (21504-040), the disgraced former USA Gymnastics doctor, and Randy "Duke" Cunningham, a former US Congressman involved in a bribery scandal.

In conclusion, USP Tucson represents a high-security federal prison actively involved in rehabilitation efforts. Its participation in the SOMP program addresses the specific needs of sex offenders, while comprehensive healthcare services, educational programs, vocational training, and recreational activities aim to equip inmates with the tools and support necessary for successful reintegration into society upon release.

Table of Contents for USP-Tucson

Inmate Locator

Finding a Federal Inmate at USP Tucson and Satellite Camp

If you're trying to locate someone in federal custody at USP Tucson and Satellite Camp in Tucson, Arizona, 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 USP Tucson and Satellite Camp at 520-663-5000 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 USP Tucson 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 520-663-5000 to confirm what's available at USP Tucson and Satellite Camp.

To confirm current custody status, register number, or recent transfers involving USP Tucson and Satellite Camp, call 520-663-5000.

Visitation Information

USP Visiting Hours

  • Friday 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:15 am – 3:00 pm
  • Sunday 8:15 am – 3:00 pm
  • Holidays 8:15 am – 3:00 pm

Camp Visiting Hours

  • Saturday 8:15 am – 3:00 pm
  • Sunday 8:15 am – 3:00 pm
  • Holidays 8:15 am – 3:00 pm

Visiting Information

Frequently Asked Questions About USP Tucson 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

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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