Downeast Correctional Facility (DCF) is a correctional institution located in Machiasport, Maine, that was established in 1984. The facility was initially designed to house 150 inmates, but it was later expanded to accommodate up to 150 male prisoners. DCF is a minimum-security prison that focuses on providing rehabilitation and reintegration programs to help inmates transition back into society.
DCF offers a variety of educational and vocational programs, including adult basic education, GED preparation, computer literacy, and vocational training. The facility also provides substance abuse treatment, counseling, and mental health services to help inmates address underlying issues that may have contributed to their criminal behavior. Inmates at DCF are expected to participate in these programs as part of their rehabilitation process.
Despite its focus on rehabilitation, DCF has faced criticism in recent years. In 2017, the facility was closed due to budget cuts, but it was later reopened in 2018 after public outcry. The facility has also been criticized for its lack of transparency and for reports of mistreatment and abuse of inmates. The state of Maine has acknowledged these issues and has taken steps to address them, including appointing a new commissioner of the Department of Corrections in 2019.
| Security | Minimum |
| Capacity | 48 |
| Physical Address | 64 Base Road Machiasport, Maine 04655 |
| Mailing Address | Downeast Correctional Facility 811 Cushing Road Warren, Maine 04864 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm or Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (207) 255-1104 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Downeast Correctional Facility is a minimum-security institution located in Machiasport, Washington County, Maine. The facility is operated by the Maine Department of Corrections and is designed to house adult males who have been sentenced to confinement and rehabilitation.
Location
Downeast Correctional Facility is located in Machiasport, a small town in Washington County, Maine. The facility is situated on Base Road, which is accessible via Route 92 and Port Road. The location of the facility is remote, with the nearest town being Machias, which is approximately 10 miles away.
History
Downeast Correctional Facility was established by the Maine Legislature in September 1984. The facility was originally located at the former Bucks Harbor Air Force Station and was designed to house adult males who had been sentenced to confinement and rehabilitation. The facility was later relocated to Machiasport, where it remains to this day.
Over the years, Downeast Correctional Facility has undergone several changes and renovations. In 2019, the Mills Administration and the Washington County Legislators announced an agreement to construct a new facility in Machiasport. The new facility was officially opened in May 2023 and is designed to house up to 48 minimum-security prisoners and employ 15 staff.
Downeast Correctional Facility is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its inmates. The facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release and reintegration into society. These programs include education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Facility Information
Downeast Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison located at 64 Base Road, Machiasport, Maine 04655. The facility was established by the Legislature in September 1984 and began receiving inmates in 1985.
Physical Address
The physical address of DCF is 64 Base Road, Machiasport, Maine 04655. The facility is located on the former Bucks Harbor Air Force Station and covers an area of approximately 150 acres. It is surrounded by wooded areas and has a perimeter fence with razor wire.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at DCF can receive mail at the following address (for first-class mail other than legal mail):
Resident's Name & MDOC #
Downeast Correctional Facility
811 Cushing Road
Warren, Maine 04864Packages, newspapers and magazines, and legal mail can be sent to an inmate at the following address:
- Resident’s Name & MDOC #
- Downeast Correctional Facility
- 64 Base Road
- Machiasport, Maine 04655
All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband. Inmates are allowed to receive letters, cards, and photographs, but they are not allowed to receive packages or parcels.
Visiting Hours
To schedule a visit, call the facility at 207-255-1104 between Monday-Thursday, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Visiting hours at DCF are as follows:
Saturday 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm or Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.Visitors are required to arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of visiting hours. They must present valid photo identification and be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. Visits are subject to cancellation at any time for security reasons.
Staff
DCF is staffed by a team of approximately 70 employees, including correctional officers, administrative staff, and support personnel. The facility is overseen by a warden, who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the prison.
Correctional officers are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the facility and its inmates. They are also responsible for enforcing rules and regulations, conducting searches, and responding to emergencies.
Administrative staff are responsible for managing the facility’s budget, overseeing programs and services, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Support personnel include maintenance workers, food service workers, and other staff who provide essential services to the facility and its inmates.
Inmate Programs
Downeast Correctional Facility offers a variety of inmate programs to help them develop skills and prepare for reentry into society. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the necessary skills to succeed in the workforce, address underlying issues that may have led to their incarceration, and promote positive behavior.
Vocational Programs
The facility offers vocational programs in upholstery and welding. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the necessary skills to secure employment upon release. Inmates who participate in these programs receive hands-on training and instruction from experienced professionals.
Treatment Programs
Downeast Correctional Facility offers a range of treatment programs to address the underlying issues that may have led to an inmate’s incarceration. These programs include substance abuse treatment, anger management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Inmates who participate in these programs learn coping skills and strategies to help them address their issues and avoid future criminal behavior.
Community Restitution
Inmates at Downeast Correctional Facility may participate in community restitution programs. These programs allow inmates to give back to the community by performing community service. Inmates who participate in these programs may work on projects such as cleaning up parks and beaches, painting public buildings, and assisting with community events.
Novanet
Novanet is an online educational program that allows inmates to earn high school credits and prepare for the General Education Development (GED) exam. This program is designed to help inmates improve their educational skills and increase their chances of success upon release.
In summary, Downeast Correctional Facility offers a range of inmate programs to help inmates develop skills, address underlying issues, and prepare for reentry into society. These programs include vocational programs in upholstery and welding, treatment programs, community restitution, and Novanet.
Impact on Community
The Downeast Correctional Facility has been a topic of discussion regarding its impact on the community. There are several ways in which the facility has affected the community, both positively and negatively.
Community Involvement
DCF has also been involved in the community in several ways. The facility has been involved in various community service projects, such as cleaning up the local parks and roads. The facility has also provided educational programs for the local community, such as job training and literacy programs. These programs have helped to improve the quality of life for the community.
However, the presence of a correctional facility in the community has also had some negative impacts. Some people believe that the presence of a correctional facility in the community creates a risk to public safety, lowers nearby property values, and reduces the community’s quality of life. These concerns have been investigated, and while there is some evidence to support these claims, the impact on the community is not as significant as some people believe.
In conclusion, the Downeast Correctional Facility has had both positive and negative impacts on the community. The employment opportunities and community involvement provided by the facility are significant benefits for the community. However, concerns regarding public safety, property values, and quality of life are also valid. It is essential to continue to monitor the impact of the facility on the community and address any issues that may arise.