Written by
James Calder, Senior Lecturer of Law and Social Justice, Emerson College
Reviewed by
Rachel Steiner, Co-Founder, Coalition for Peace and Justice – Chicago
FCI Berlin – A Medium Security Federal Correctional Institution managed under federal bureau of prisons
Overview of FCI Berlin
The Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Berlin is a medium-security prison for male inmates located in Berlin, New Hampshire. It also features an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), FCI Berlin plays a vital role in housing and rehabilitating federal offenders.
Facility Location and Contact Details
- Address: 1 Success Loop Road, Berlin, NH 03570
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 603-342-4000
- Fax: 603-342-4250
- Judicial District: District of New Hampshire
- County: Coos County
- BOP Region: Northeast Region
Understanding the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) System
Role of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
The BOP oversees federal correctional facilities across the U.S. It ensures inmates serve their sentences while providing them with rehabilitative programs.
Security Levels in Federal Prisons
Federal prisons are categorized into minimum, low, medium, high, and administrative security levels. FCI Berlin is a medium-security facility, offering a balance of security and rehabilitative opportunities.
Importance of Medium-Security Institutions
Medium-security prisons like FCI Berlin house offenders who require more supervision than those in minimum-security facilities but do not need the highest level of control.
FCI Berlin: Facility Overview
Physical Structure and Layout
The facility consists of multiple housing units, administrative offices, and recreational areas. The adjacent minimum-security camp accommodates lower-risk inmates.
Capacity and Inmate Demographics
- Total Inmates: 951
- Inmates at FCI: 882
- Inmates at the Camp: 69
Special Housing Unit
For inmates requiring additional supervision, FCI Berlin includes a Special Housing Unit (SHU) for disciplinary or protective custody purposes.
Inmate Life at FCI Berlin
Daily Routines and Activities
Inmates at FCI Berlin follow a structured daily schedule, including meals, work assignments, educational programs, and recreational time.
Housing and Accommodations
Housing units are designed to house multiple inmates per cell. The satellite camp offers dormitory-style accommodations for lower-risk inmates.
Food and Commissary Services
Inmates receive standard meals, but they can purchase additional food, hygiene products, and personal items from the commissary.
Programs and Opportunities for Inmates
FCI Berlin provides inmates with educational programs, vocational training, and rehabilitation services to help them reintegrate into society upon release.
Legal and Administrative Aspects
The Admissions & Orientation (A&O) Handbook outlines inmate rights, responsibilities, and facility policies. Inmates also have access to legal reference materials.
Visiting an Inmate at FCI Berlin
Visiting Regulations and Guidelines
The BOP encourages family visits but enforces strict rules regarding scheduling, conduct, and dress code.
Visiting Schedule and Procedures
Visiting hours vary, and all visitors must adhere to security screenings before entry.
Communication with Inmates
Sending and Receiving Mail
Mail is monitored for security, and there are specific guidelines for letters and packages.
Phone Call Policies
Inmates can make monitored calls to approved numbers during designated hours.
Email and Electronic Communication
Some inmates may have access to the BOP’s TRULINCS email system for communication with family and friends.
Conclusion
FCI Berlin is a crucial facility in the federal correctional system, offering structured inmate programs while maintaining security. Its educational and vocational initiatives aim to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for reintegration into society.
FAQs
FCI Berlin – A Medium Security Federal Correctional Institution managed under federal bureau of prisons
Overview of FCI Berlin
The Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Berlin is a medium-security prison for male inmates located in Berlin, New Hampshire. It also features an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), FCI Berlin plays a vital role in housing and rehabilitating federal offenders.
Facility Location and Contact Details
- Address: 1 Success Loop Road, Berlin, NH 03570
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 603-342-4000
- Fax: 603-342-4250
- Judicial District: District of New Hampshire
- County: Coos County
- BOP Region: Northeast Region
Understanding the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) System
Role of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
The BOP oversees federal correctional facilities across the U.S. It ensures inmates serve their sentences while providing them with rehabilitative programs.
Security Levels in Federal Prisons
Federal prisons are categorized into minimum, low, medium, high, and administrative security levels. FCI Berlin is a medium-security facility, offering a balance of security and rehabilitative opportunities.
Importance of Medium-Security Institutions
Medium-security prisons like FCI Berlin house offenders who require more supervision than those in minimum-security facilities but do not need the highest level of control.
FCI Berlin: Facility Overview
Physical Structure and Layout
The facility consists of multiple housing units, administrative offices, and recreational areas. The adjacent minimum-security camp accommodates lower-risk inmates.
Capacity and Inmate Demographics
- Total Inmates: 951
- Inmates at FCI: 882
- Inmates at the Camp: 69
Special Housing Unit
For inmates requiring additional supervision, FCI Berlin includes a Special Housing Unit (SHU) for disciplinary or protective custody purposes.
Inmate Life at FCI Berlin
Daily Routines and Activities
Inmates at FCI Berlin follow a structured daily schedule, including meals, work assignments, educational programs, and recreational time.
Housing and Accommodations
Housing units are designed to house multiple inmates per cell. The satellite camp offers dormitory-style accommodations for lower-risk inmates.
Food and Commissary Services
Inmates receive standard meals, but they can purchase additional food, hygiene products, and personal items from the commissary.
Programs and Opportunities for Inmates
FCI Berlin provides inmates with educational programs, vocational training, and rehabilitation services to help them reintegrate into society upon release.
Legal and Administrative Aspects
The Admissions & Orientation (A&O) Handbook outlines inmate rights, responsibilities, and facility policies. Inmates also have access to legal reference materials.
Visiting an Inmate at FCI Berlin
Visiting Regulations and Guidelines
The BOP encourages family visits but enforces strict rules regarding scheduling, conduct, and dress code.
Visiting Schedule and Procedures
Visiting hours vary, and all visitors must adhere to security screenings before entry.
Communication with Inmates
Sending and Receiving Mail
Mail is monitored for security, and there are specific guidelines for letters and packages.
Phone Call Policies
Inmates can make monitored calls to approved numbers during designated hours.
Email and Electronic Communication
Some inmates may have access to the BOP’s TRULINCS email system for communication with family and friends.
Conclusion
FCI Berlin is a crucial facility in the federal correctional system, offering structured inmate programs while maintaining security. Its educational and vocational initiatives aim to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for reintegration into society.
FAQs
- How do I send money to an inmate at FCI Berlin?
- Funds can be sent via MoneyGram, Western Union, or mailed money orders.
- What are the visiting hours for FCI Berlin?
- Visiting hours vary, and visitors should check with the facility for updates.
- What types of programs are available for inmates at FCI Berlin?
- Educational courses, vocational training, and rehabilitation programs are offered.
- How can I contact an inmate at FCI Berlin?
- Contact can be made through mail, phone calls, or approved email services.
- What security measures are in place at FCI Berlin?
- The facility employs inmate monitoring, contraband control, and compliance with PREA regulations to ensure security.
