Bent County Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison located in Las Animas, Bent County, Colorado. The facility is owned and operated by CoreCivic under contract with the Colorado Department of Corrections. It was built by Bent County and opened in 1993 as the first private correctional facility in the State of Colorado. CoreCivic purchased the facility from the county in October 1996 and has been running it ever since.
The facility is designed to incarcerate male offenders and is contracted through the Department of Correction. Private facilities are similar to regular Colorado Department of Corrections facilities, except that they are run by a private corporation.
Bent County Correctional Facility is one of the largest private prisons in Colorado, with a capacity of over 1000 inmates. The facility offers a range of inmate programs and services to help them prepare for re-entry into society, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
The Colorado State Prison System has been under scrutiny in recent years for overcrowding and understaffing, leading to safety concerns for both inmates and staff. Private prisons like Bent County Correctional Facility have been a controversial topic, with critics arguing that they prioritize profits over inmate welfare.
Despite the criticisms, private prisons continue to be a significant part of the Colorado State Prison System, and Bent County Correctional Facility remains an essential component of the state’s correctional infrastructure.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,388 |
| Physical Address | 11560 Road FF75 Las Animas, CO. 81054 |
| Mailing Address | 11560 Road FF75 Las Animas, CO. 81054 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:50 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 719-456-2610 |
| Jurisdiction | CoreCivic |
Location and Background
History
The Bent County Correctional Facility (BCCF) was built in 1993 by Bent County and was the first private correctional facility in the state of Colorado. It is owned and operated by CoreCivic under contract with the Colorado Department of Corrections. The facility is a medium-security prison for men and houses Colorado inmates.
Location
The Bent County Correctional Facility is located in Las Animas, Bent County, Colorado. It is situated 85 miles east of Pueblo. The facility is easily accessible by road and is located near major highways. Las Animas is a small town with a population of 1,350 people. It is the county seat of Bent County and is located in southeastern Colorado.
The Bent County Correctional Facility is situated on a 60-acre site and has a capacity of 1,388 inmates. The facility has a staff of over 200 employees who work in various capacities. The facility provides a range of services to inmates, including medical care, education, and vocational training.
The BCCF is a private prison, which means that it is operated by a private company rather than the government. Private prisons are controversial and have been subject to criticism. Some people argue that private prisons are less safe and less effective than government-run prisons. However, supporters of private prisons argue that they can provide cost-effective and innovative solutions to the challenges of the correctional system.
In summary, the Bent County Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison for men located in Las Animas, Bent County, Colorado. It was built in 1993 and is owned and operated by CoreCivic under contract with the Colorado Department of Corrections. The facility provides a range of services to inmates and has a staff of over 200 employees.
Facility Information
The Bent County Correctional Facility was built by Bent County and opened in 1993 as the first private correctional facility in the State of Colorado. CoreCivic purchased the facility from the county in October 1996 and currently owns and operates the facility.
Capacity
The Bent County Correctional Facility has a capacity of 1,388 inmates. It is a medium-security facility that houses male offenders under contract with the Colorado Department of Corrections.
Inmate Population
As of May 17, 2023, the inmate population at the Bent County Correctional Facility is not publicly available.
Phone Number
The phone number for the Bent County Correctional Facility is 719-456-2610, and the fax number is 719-456-2615. Friends and family members of inmates can contact the facility for information about visiting hours, inmate mail, and other inquiries.
Visiting hours at the Bent County Correctional Facility vary depending on the housing unit and the inmate’s custody level. Visitors are advised to call the facility in advance to confirm visiting hours and other details.
Inmate Education and Programs
Inmate education and programs are an essential part of the rehabilitation process at Bent County Correctional Facility. The facility offers a variety of programs focused on basic education, vocational training, mental health, substance abuse, and reentry programs.
Basic Education
Basic education programs at Bent County Correctional Facility are designed to help inmates improve their literacy skills and prepare for further education or vocational training. The programs offer classes in reading, writing, and math, and are taught by certified teachers.
GED
The General Educational Development (GED) program for inmates at Bent County Correctional Facility provides them with the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma. The program includes classes in math, science, social studies, and language arts, and is designed to prepare inmates for the GED exam. Inmates who complete the program and pass the exam are better equipped to pursue further education or vocational training upon release.
The Colorado Department of Corrections recognizes the importance of education and offers a variety of programs to help inmates improve their literacy and vocational skills. Inmates who participate in education and vocational training programs are more likely to find employment upon release and less likely to re-offend.
In addition to adult basic education and GED programs, Bent County Correctional Facility offers vocational training programs in fields such as welding, carpentry, and automotive repair. These programs provide inmates with valuable skills and certifications that can lead to employment opportunities upon release.
Overall, the inmate education and programs offered at Bent County Correctional Facility are an essential part of the rehabilitation process and help prepare inmates for successful reentry into society.
Visiting Rules and Regulations
Visiting an inmate at the Bent County Correctional Facility requires following several rules and regulations to ensure safety and security. Visitors are encouraged to read and understand all the rules and regulations before visiting any inmate. The following sub-sections outline the visiting rules, holidays, and friends.
Visiting days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:50 pm. Holidays are no exceptions. Processing visitors begins at 9:30 am, stops at 10:45 am, and resumes at 12:00 pm. Visitors arriving on or after 3:00 pm will not be allowed to visit that day.
Visiting Rules
All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. Visitors must arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo identification card, such as a driver’s license or passport. Visitors must also comply with the dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing, shorts, skirts, and sleeveless shirts.
Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility, including cell phones, purses, or bags. Visitors must store their belongings in a locker provided by the facility. Visitors are also not allowed to bring any gifts or money for the inmates.
Friends
Inmates are allowed to have up to five friends on their approved visitation list. Friends must submit a Visiting Application to the Private Prison Monitoring Unit at the Colorado Department of Corrections Headquarters. The application must include the inmate’s name, the visitor’s name, address, and phone number, and a valid government-issued photo identification card. Friends must also comply with all the visiting rules and regulations.
In conclusion, visiting an inmate at the Bent County Correctional Facility requires complying with several rules and regulations. Visitors must arrive on time, present a valid government-issued photo identification card, and comply with the dress code. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility or communicate with other inmates. Inmates are allowed to have up to five friends on their approved visitation list, who must also comply with all the visiting rules and regulations.