Dade Correctional Institution, located in Florida City, Florida, is a state prison that has been in operation since 1996. The facility is designed to house adult male inmates who have been sentenced to serve time for various criminal offenses. The prison has a capacity of 1,706 inmates and is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections.
In recent years, Dade Correctional Institution has been the subject of controversy due to allegations of abuse and mistreatment of inmates. In 2012, an inmate named Darren Rainey died after being locked in a shower with scalding hot water for over two hours. The incident was investigated by the Miami-Dade Police Department and the Florida Department of Corrections, but no charges were ever filed. The case gained national attention and sparked outrage among advocates for prison reform.
Despite these issues, Dade Correctional Institution remains an important part of the Florida Department of Corrections’ prison system. The facility offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. The staff at the prison are trained to provide a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff members.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,706 |
| Physical Address | 19000 S.W. 377th Street Florida City, Florida 33034-6409 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 23608 Tampa, FL 33623 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (305) 242-1900 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
Dade Correctional Institution is a facility located in Florida City, Florida, and is operated by the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. It houses male inmates of minimum, medium, and close custody levels.
The facility has a long-standing history dating back to the 1960s when it was first established. Over the years, the institution has undergone several renovations and expansions to meet the growing needs of the community. Today, Dade Correctional Institution is one of the largest correctional facilities in the state of Florida.
The Florida Department of Corrections oversees the operations of Dade Correctional Institution, ensuring that all policies and procedures are followed to maintain a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. The facility is equipped with modern technology and advanced security systems to prevent any unauthorized access and maintain order.
Dade Correctional Institution is committed to providing inmates with access to education, vocational training, and other rehabilitative programs to prepare them for re-entry into society. Inmates can participate in various programs, including substance abuse treatment, anger management, and life skills training.
Overall, Dade Correctional Institution plays a critical role in the criminal justice system of Miami-Dade County, providing a secure and controlled environment for the incarceration and rehabilitation of offenders. The facility’s history and commitment to excellence have made it a vital component of the Florida Department of Corrections.
Facilities and Services
Dade Correctional Institution is a correctional facility located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. The facility is responsible for the care, custody, and control of inmates who are serving sentences of 364 days or less. The institution offers various facilities and services to inmates to help them transition back into the community.
Inmate Services
Dade Correctional Institution provides a range of services to inmates to help them prepare for their release. Inmates can participate in various programs, including vocational and educational programs, life skills training, and substance abuse treatment. The facility also provides mental health services to inmates who require it.
Visiting Hours and Information
Visiting hours at Dade Correctional Institution are on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. EST. Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled visit and must present a valid ID. Visitors are subject to a search before entering the facility.
Inmates can receive mail from family and friends. The mailing address for inmates at Dade Correctional Institution is as follows:
Inmate Name, DCI #
PO Box 23608
Tampa, FL 33623JPay
Dade Correctional Institution uses JPay, a service that allows family and friends to send money to inmates. Inmates can use the money to purchase items from the commissary, pay for phone calls, and other expenses. Family and friends can also send emails to inmates through JPay.
Overall, Dade Correctional Institution offers various facilities and services to inmates to help them transition back into the community. The facility provides vocational and educational programs, life skills training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Visitors can visit during designated visiting hours, and inmates can receive mail from family and friends. The use of JPay allows family and friends to send money and emails to inmates.
Inmate Population
Dade Correctional Institution houses a significant number of inmates, with the exact number varying on a daily basis. The facility has a capacity of 1,706 beds, but the actual population can exceed this number. The inmate population is divided into different categories, such as pre-trial detainees, sentenced inmates, and inmates with mental health issues.
Inmate Release
Inmates at Dade Correctional Institution are released in different ways, depending on their individual circumstances. Some inmates are released on bond, while others are released after serving their sentences. The facility also has monitored release programs for inmates who are eligible for early release. These programs provide inmates with the opportunity to serve the remainder of their sentence in the community, under the supervision of the Department of Corrections.
Inmates who are released from Dade Correctional Institution are provided with resources to help them transition back into the community. These resources include job training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling. The goal of these programs is to reduce recidivism and help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
Overall, the inmate population at Dade Correctional Institution is diverse, with individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Inmates are released in different ways, depending on their individual circumstances, and are provided with resources to help them transition back into the community.
Programs and Rehabilitation
The Dade Correctional Institution offers various programs and rehabilitation services to help inmates with their transition back into society. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the necessary skills and tools to help them become productive members of society upon their release.
Boot Camp Program
One of the programs offered at the Dade Correctional Institution is the Boot Camp Program. This program is designed to provide inmates with military-style training and discipline. The program is geared towards young male and female inmates between the ages of 14 and 24 who have been adjudicated as adults. The program lasts for 90 days and includes physical training, vocational training, and educational classes. Upon completion of the program, inmates are given the opportunity to participate in work release programs or community service.
Alcoholics Anonymous
For inmates struggling with addiction, the Dade Correctional Institution offers Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. AA is a 12-step program designed to help individuals overcome their addiction to alcohol. The program is led by trained facilitators and provides inmates with a supportive environment to share their experiences and struggles with addiction.
Narcotics Anonymous
Similar to AA, the Dade Correctional Institution also offers Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings for inmates struggling with drug addiction. NA is a 12-step program designed to help individuals overcome their addiction to drugs. The program is led by trained facilitators and provides inmates with a supportive environment to share their experiences and struggles with addiction.
The Corrections and Rehabilitation Department at the Dade Correctional Institution is committed to providing inmates with the necessary tools and resources to help them successfully reintegrate into society. In addition to the programs mentioned above, the department also offers vocational training, educational classes, and counseling services to help inmates with their transition back into society.
Controversies and Incidents
Darren Rainey Case
One of the most notable controversies surrounding the Dade Correctional Institution is the case of Darren Rainey, a mentally ill prisoner who died in 2012 after being locked in a shower with scalding hot water for over two hours. The incident was initially covered up by prison authorities but was later exposed by Harold Hempstead, another inmate who witnessed the events and reported them to the media. The Miami Herald’s Julie K. Brown also played a key role in bringing the case to public attention.
An investigation by the Justice Department found that the prison had a history of mistreating mentally ill prisoners and that the conditions in the facility’s mental health unit were “unconstitutional.” The warden at the time of Rainey’s death, Jerry Cummings, was later fired for “gross misconduct” related to the case.
Lavar Valentin Case
Another controversy that has plagued the Dade Correctional Institution is the case of Lavar Valentin, who was found dead in his cell in 2017. Valentin had been strangled to death by his cellmate, who was known to be dangerous and had a history of violent behavior. The incident raised questions about the safety of the prison and the adequacy of its staffing levels.
The Valentin case was just one of many incidents that highlighted the dangers faced by both offenders and staff at the Dade Correctional Institution. Poor conditions, including overcrowding and inadequate food preparation areas, have also been a persistent problem at the facility. These issues have been compounded by allegations of corruption and misconduct among prison authorities.
Despite these controversies, the Dade Correctional Institution remains in operation and continues to house some of the state’s most dangerous prisoners. While efforts have been made to address some of the issues facing the facility, much work remains to be done to ensure that it is a safe and humane environment for both staff and inmates.