Buena Vista Correctional Complex is a state prison located in Buena Vista, Colorado. It is operated by the Colorado Department of Corrections and consists of three separate facilities – Buena Vista Correctional Facility (BVCF), Buena Vista Minimum Center (BVMC), and Transitional Work Center (TWC). The BVCF is a medium-security facility that houses up to 934 male inmates, while the BVMC is a minimum-security facility that houses offenders who are soon to be released from custody.
The Buena Vista Correctional Complex has a rich history, with the BVCF being opened in 1892 under the name of Colorado State Reformatory. Over the years, the facility has undergone numerous changes, with the addition of the BVMC and TWC. The complex has a total capacity of 1309 inmates and is responsible for the custody and care of male offenders sentenced to the Colorado Department of Corrections.
As with any prison, the Buena Vista Correctional Complex has its share of challenges. However, the Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to ensuring the safety and security of both staff and inmates. The department provides a range of programs and services aimed at reducing recidivism and helping offenders successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1309 |
| Physical Address | 15125 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211 |
| Mailing Address | BVCF PO BOX 2017 Buena Vista, CO. 81211 BVMC PO BOX 2005 Buena Vista, CO. 81211 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm. BVMC and TWC: Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 719-395-2404 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Background
Buena Vista Correctional Complex is a state prison for men located in Buena Vista, Chaffee County, Colorado. It is owned and operated by the Colorado Department of Corrections. The complex is comprised of three separate facilities – Buena Vista Correctional Facility, Buena Vista Minimum Center, and Transitional Work Center.
Physical Address
The physical address of Buena Vista Correctional Complex is 15125 US-24, Buena Vista, CO 81211. The complex is located in the town of Buena Vista, which is situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The town has a population of approximately 2,800 people and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and skiing.
The Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, which was established in 1871, was the first prison in the state of Colorado. It was located in Canon City, Colorado, which is approximately 100 miles southeast of Buena Vista. The facility was closed in 2012 and its operations were transferred to other correctional facilities, including Buena Vista Correctional Complex.
Buena Vista Correctional Complex has a capacity of 1,309 inmates. The complex provides a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The complex also has a number of volunteer opportunities for individuals and organizations interested in working with inmates.
Facilities and Services
The Buena Vista Correctional Complex is made up of several facilities that provide different services to inmates. Each facility has its own set of services and programs to help inmates with their rehabilitation.
Housing Units
The main facility, BVCF, has five housing units: Segregation, Admission & Orientation, South Unit, East Unit, and North Unit. The segregation unit is for inmates who require isolation from the general population. The Admission & Orientation unit is where new inmates are processed and assessed. The South, East, and North Units are general population housing units.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex vary depending on the facility and the housing unit.
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm.
- BVMC and TWC: Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm.
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list and must follow all visitation rules. Visitation is an essential part of an inmate’s rehabilitation, and the Buena Vista Correctional Complex encourages visits from family and friends.
Visitation Rules
Visitors must follow strict rules when visiting an inmate at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex. These rules include dress codes, prohibited items, and behavior guidelines. Visitors must wear appropriate clothing, avoid bringing any prohibited items, and behave in a respectful manner. Failure to follow these rules can result in the visitor being denied entry or future visitation.
Mailing Address
Inmates at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex can receive mail from friends and family. The mailing address for the Buena Vista Correctional Facility is:
- BVCF
- PO BOX 2017
- Buena Vista, CO. 81211
- BVMC
- PO BOX 2005
- Buena Vista, CO. 81211
Telephone
Inmates at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex can make phone calls to approved phone numbers. These phone numbers must be on the inmate’s approved phone list. Inmates can also receive phone calls from approved phone numbers. The Buena Vista Correctional Complex uses a prepaid phone system, and inmates must have funds in their phone accounts to make phone calls.
The Buena Vista Correctional Complex also offers several programs and services to inmates, including correctional industries, the Saddle and Leather Shop, the Fish Hatchery, wildfire fighters, canine units, auto repair, trail, and heavy equipment crews. These programs and services help inmates learn new skills and prepare for life after their release.
Custody Levels
Buena Vista Correctional Complex houses inmates at various custody levels. These levels are determined based on the inmate’s criminal history, behavior, and other factors. The Colorado Department of Corrections has three custody levels – Minimum Center, Medium Custody, and Close Security.
Minimum Center
The Buena Vista Minimum Center is a minimum-security facility that houses inmates who are at the lowest custody level. These inmates are usually non-violent offenders who have been convicted of minor crimes. BVMC has a capacity of 300 inmates at the minimum restrictive custody level. Inmates at BVMC have access to vocational training, educational programs, and drug and alcohol counseling.
Medium Custody
Inmates who are at the medium custody level are housed at the Buena Vista Correctional Facility. BVCF is a level III facility that has a capacity of 934 inmates. Inmates at BVCF have more freedom than those at BVMC, but they are still closely monitored. They have access to educational programs, vocational training, and other services.
Close Security
The Colorado Department of Corrections has designated the Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF) as the closest security facility to Buena Vista Correctional Complex. Appropriately designated close-classified inmates, medium-classified inmates, and inmates of lower classification levels may be incarcerated in level III facilities, but generally, inmates of higher classifications shall not be incarcerated in level III facilities. Inmates at AVCF are housed in individual cells and have limited access to recreational activities and educational programs.
Overall, the Buena Vista Correctional Complex provides a range of custody levels to meet the needs of inmates at different stages of their incarceration. The Colorado Department of Corrections is committed to ensuring that inmates receive the necessary services and programs to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Education and Vocational Skills
Incarcerated individuals at Buena Vista Correctional Complex have access to a variety of educational and vocational programs to help them improve their skills and prepare for life after release.
GED Courses
Both Buena Vista Correctional Facility and Buena Vista Minimum Center offer GED courses to incarcerated individuals who have not completed high school. These courses cover the core subjects of math, science, social studies, and language arts. Successful completion of the GED program can improve an individual’s job prospects and open up opportunities for further education.
Adult Basic Education
In addition to GED courses, both facilities also offer adult basic education courses. These courses cover basic literacy and numeracy skills, as well as reading comprehension and writing skills. Adult basic education classes can help incarcerated individuals improve their communication and problem-solving skills.
Computer Courses
Buena Vista Correctional Facility offers computer courses to incarcerated individuals. These courses cover basic computer skills, such as word processing and email, as well as more advanced topics like programming and web design. Computer skills can be valuable in a wide range of industries and can help individuals find employment after release.
Cisco Certified Network Class
Buena Vista Correctional Facility also offers a Cisco-certified network class. This program covers networking fundamentals, routing and switching, and network security. Successful completion of this program can lead to industry-recognized certifications and can improve an individual’s job prospects in the IT industry.
Welding
Buena Vista Correctional Facility offers a welding program to incarcerated individuals. This program covers basic welding techniques and safety procedures. Welding skills can be valuable in a variety of industries, including construction and manufacturing.
Vocational Skills
Both facilities offer a range of vocational skills programs, including construction, auto repair, and leatherworking. These programs provide hands-on training in a variety of trades and can help incarcerated individuals develop valuable skills and work experience.
Overall, the educational and vocational programs offered at Buena Vista Correctional Complex can help incarcerated individuals improve their skills and prepare for successful reentry into society.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration
The Buena Vista Correctional Complex, operated by the Colorado Department of Corrections, is committed to rehabilitating inmates and reintegrating them into society. The complex provides a variety of programs and services aimed at helping inmates develop life skills, prepare for parole hearings, and reduce their risk of reoffending.
Life Skills
Inmates at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex have access to a range of life skills programs, including education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed once they are released from prison.
The complex also offers a program called Take TWO, which selects non-violent offenders nearing parole eligibility for workforce reintegration. This program provides offenders with the opportunity to live in a more open, dormitory-style setting and participate in work projects that help rehabilitate the community.
Parole Hearing
Inmates at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex who are eligible for parole must go through a rigorous process to prepare for their hearing. The complex provides inmates with access to legal resources, counseling, and other support services to help them prepare for their hearing and increase their chances of success.
Recidivism Rate
The Buena Vista Correctional Complex is committed to reducing the rate of recidivism among its inmates. The complex tracks the recidivism rate of its inmates and uses this information to improve its programs and services.
According to the Colorado Department of Corrections, the recidivism rate for inmates who were released from the Buena Vista Correctional Complex in 2019 was 45.5%. While this is higher than the statewide average of 43.4%, the complex is working to improve its programs and services to reduce the rate of recidivism among its inmates.
In conclusion, the Buena Vista Correctional Complex is committed to rehabilitating inmates and reintegrating them into society. The complex provides a variety of programs and services aimed at helping inmates develop life skills, prepare for parole hearings, and reduce their risk of reoffending. While the recidivism rate is still higher than the statewide average, the complex is working to improve its programs and services to reduce the rate of recidivism among its inmates.
Money and Services
When it comes to managing money and accessing services at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex, there are a few things to keep in mind. The facility offers a range of options for sending and receiving money, as well as various services for inmates.
Western Union
One option for sending money to an inmate at Buena Vista is Western Union. Users can send money online, by phone, or in person at a Western Union location. To send money, users will need to provide the inmate’s ID number, name, and facility information. There are fees associated with sending money through Western Union, and these fees can vary depending on the amount being sent.
Money Order
Another option for sending money to an inmate is through a money order. Money orders can be purchased at various locations, including post offices and grocery stores. To send a money order, users will need to fill out the necessary paperwork and include the inmate’s name and ID number. There are fees associated with sending money orders, and these fees can vary depending on the location and amount being sent.
Services
In addition to managing money, the Buena Vista Correctional Complex offers various services for inmates. These services include adult basic education and GED courses at the Buena Vista Correctional Facility and Buena Vista Minimum Center. Inmates can also access the commissary to purchase items like food, hygiene products, and clothing.
The staff at Buena Vista works to improve the overall experience for inmates, and they have implemented various programs to achieve this goal. For example, the facility offers a schedule of activities and events for inmates, including religious services, educational programs, and recreational activities.
Overall, the Buena Vista Correctional Complex offers a range of options for managing money and accessing services. While there are fees associated with some of these options, the staff works to improve the overall experience for inmates and provide opportunities for education and personal growth.