Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility: Life Behind Bars

Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, also known as CTCF, is a medium-security prison located in Canon City, Colorado. It is the oldest prison in the Colorado Department of Corrections system and was built in 1871 as a territorial prison. Today, it houses over 900 inmates.

CTCF has a rich history that dates back to the territorial days of Colorado. It was initially built to house dangerous criminals who were deemed unfit for society. However, over time, the prison has evolved to focus on rehabilitation and education programs to help offenders succeed legally in life. The facility offers a variety of educational and vocational treatments for offenders, including GED classes, vocational training, and counseling services.

SecurityMedium
Capacity985
Physical Address275 US-50, Cañon City, CO 81215
Mailing AddressCOLORADO TERRITORIAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
PO BOX 1010
Canon City, CO. 81215-1010
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursFriday: 12:45 pm-03:15 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 08:15 am – 10:45 am, 12:45 pm – 03:15 pm
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number719-275-4181
JurisdictionState

History

The Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility has a rich history that dates back to 1871. It started as a territorial prison and became a state prison in 1876.

Territorial Prison

The territorial prison was built on 25 acres off Main and First Streets in Cañon City. It was a three-story stone building consisting of 50 cells, offices, and a hospital. The prison was designed to house 100 inmates, but it was overcrowded from the start. The inmates were put to work quarrying and cutting stone for the prison walls, and they also worked in the prison’s gardens and farms.

State Prison

When Colorado achieved statehood in 1876, the territorial prison became the Colorado State Prison (CSP). The prison underwent several expansions over the years, and in 1935, a new cell house was built to accommodate the growing number of inmates.

In the 1960s, the prison began offering GED classes to inmates, and in the 1970s, it started offering vocational training programs. These programs helped inmates prepare for life outside of prison and gave them the skills they needed to find employment once they were released.

Today, the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) operates the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility. The facility is located within the city limits of Cañon City and encompasses 150 acres, with 20 acres within the secure perimeter and six towers staffed with guards. The facility has a capacity of 985 inmates and houses medium-security male offenders.

In conclusion, the Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility has a long and fascinating history that spans over a century. From its humble beginnings as a territorial prison to its current role as a state correctional facility, CTCF has played an important role in the criminal justice system of Colorado.

Visitation

Visitation is an essential part of an incarcerated individual’s life as it allows them to maintain a connection with their loved ones. Visits can help them stay motivated and reduce the risk of recidivism. The Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility offers visitation to eligible visitors on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Visiting Application

To visit an incarcerated individual at Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility, visitors must complete a visiting application and submit it to the location specified on the facility’s website. The application process includes a background check, and visitors must provide valid identification to be approved for visitation.

Special Visits

In certain circumstances, visitors may be granted special visits outside of regular visiting hours. These visits are usually reserved for emergencies or other extenuating circumstances and must be approved by the facility’s administration.

Visiting Appointments

Visitors must schedule an appointment to visit an incarcerated individual at Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility. To schedule a visit, visitors can sign in to the ViaPath Visitor Web 8.0 system, which allows them to reserve a visitation time and skip the long lines.

Visiting Hours

As part of opening up for in-person visits, Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility will only allow a visitor to attend 1 session a week. CTCF will offer 5 separate visiting sessions each week.

  • Friday: 12:45 pm – 03:15 pm

Processing for Visitors Begins at 12:30 pm – 2:15 pm

  • Saturday: Two Sessions Visitors can only Attend 1 Session per week
  • Session 1: 08:15 am – 10:45 am
  • Session 2: 12:45 pm-03:15 pm

Processing for Visitors Begins at:

  • Session 1: 08:00 am – 09:45 am
  • Session 2: 12:30 pm – 2:15 pm
  • Sunday: Two Sessions You can only Attend 1 Session per week
  • Session 1: 08:15 am – 10:45 am
  • Session 2: 12:45 pm- 03:15 pm

Processing for Visitors Begins at:

  • Session 1: 08:00 am – 09:45 am
  • Session 2: 12:30 pm – 2:15 pm

Dress Code

Visitors must follow a strict dress code when visiting an incarcerated individual at Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility. Visitors must dress conservatively and avoid wearing revealing clothing or clothing with offensive language or graphics. Visitors must also remove their shoes and jewelry before entering the visitation area.

In conclusion, visitation is an integral part of an incarcerated individual’s life, and Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility strives to make the visitation process as smooth as possible for both visitors and incarcerated individuals. By following the rules and regulations set forth by the facility, visitors can maintain a connection with their loved ones while ensuring the safety and security of the facility.

Inmate Services

Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility offers a variety of inmate services to help offenders successfully reintegrate into society. These services include educational programs, culinary programs, and adult basic education.

Educational Programs

The facility offers a range of educational programs to help inmates acquire new skills and knowledge. Inmates can take courses in subjects such as math, science, and social studies. They can also earn a GED or high school diploma. Additionally, the facility offers vocational training programs in fields such as welding, carpentry, and automotive repair.

Culinary Programs

Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility also offers culinary programs to inmates. These programs teach inmates basic cooking skills and prepare them for careers in the food service industry. Inmates learn how to prepare a variety of dishes and gain experience working in a commercial kitchen. The facility also has a bakery where inmates can learn how to bake bread and other baked goods.

Adult Basic Education

In addition to educational and culinary programs, the facility also offers adult basic education to inmates. This program helps inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills. It also helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The program is designed to help inmates become more self-sufficient and improve their chances of finding employment after release.

Overall, Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility provides a range of services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society. These services include educational and vocational programs, culinary programs, and adult basic education. By providing these services, the facility helps inmates acquire new skills and knowledge, which can help them find employment and lead successful lives after release.

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