Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) is a medium-security prison located in Maryland. It is the largest state prison in Maryland, operating since 1987 near Westover, in Somerset County, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. ECI has two identical compounds, East and West, and houses 2,665 inmates. The prison was originally designed to house male inmates but was converted to house females in 2014. However, the state prison system underwent a Remissioning Project at three facilities across the state, and Eastern CI was converted back to a male close custody facility in the winter of 2019.
ECI has been the subject of several controversies. In 2016, a federal indictment charged 80 defendants in an alleged racketeering conspiracy at ECI. The indictment alleged that the prison was a hub for drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illegal activities. The indictment also alleged that correctional officers and other prison employees were involved in the conspiracy. The indictment was the result of a long-term investigation by federal and state law enforcement agencies.
Despite the controversies, ECI remains an important part of Maryland’s prison system. The inmate population at ECI reflects the larger trends in the state’s prison system, which has seen a decline in recent years. The decline is due in part to changes in sentencing laws and policies, as well as efforts to reduce recidivism and improve reentry programs. As Maryland continues to grapple with issues related to its prison system, ECI will likely remain a focus of attention and debate.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 2,665 |
| Physical Address | 30420 Revells Neck Road Westover, Maryland 21890 |
| Mailing Address | 30420 Revells Neck Road Westover, Maryland 21890 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (410) 845-4000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
Eastern Correctional Institution is a state prison facility located in Maryland. It opened in January 1983 as a male facility but was converted to a female facility in 2014. However, in 2019, the state prison system underwent a Remissioning Project, and ECI was converted back to a male close custody facility.
Facilities
ECI has a capacity of 3,300 inmates and is divided into multiple housing units, including wings for medium-security, minimum-security, and administrative segregation. The facility has a total of 19 housing units, including 7 for administrative segregation, 8 for close custody, and 4 for general population.
ECI features a variety of facilities to support the rehabilitation of inmates, including a gymnasium, outdoor recreation areas, classrooms, and vocational training areas.
Population
ECI houses offenders who have been convicted of a wide range of crimes, including violent and non-violent offenses. The facility is designed to house inmates who are considered to be a high-security risk and require close supervision.
ECI houses both short-term and long-term inmates, with a significant portion of the population serving sentences of 10 years or more. The facility also has a significant number of inmates who are serving life sentences.
In conclusion, ECI is a close custody facility that houses a diverse population of inmates who have been convicted of a wide range of crimes. The Institution features a variety of facilities to support inmate rehabilitation, and its housing units are designed to meet the specific needs of different types of inmates.
Visitation and Communication
Visiting an inmate at Eastern Correctional Institution requires careful planning and adherence to the facility’s rules and regulations. The following sub-sections provide an overview of the visitation process, visiting hours, telephone, and mail policies.
Visit an Inmate
To visit an inmate at ECI, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. Inmates are responsible for submitting the names of their visitors to the facility’s Visitation Officer. It is important to note that administrative segregation inmate visits and disciplinary segregation inmate visits may have different requirements and procedures.
Visitors must also complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire, undergo a temperature check, and wear a mask covering their nose and mouth at all times during the visit. To schedule an in-person visitation, visitors should email the facility using the assigned email address provided on the DPSCS – In-Person Visitation website.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at ECI are subject to change and may vary by housing unit. Visitors are encouraged to call the facility’s main phone number and follow the prompts for visiting hours and holiday visits. The inmate population is notified of visits and all changes through the inmate bulletin board.
Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to allow for processing. Late arrivals may result in the visit being canceled. Visitors should also be prepared for a pat-down search and metal detector screening before entering the visiting area.
- Eastern East/West and Annex (Time slots: 9:00 am, 10:45 am, 12:30 pm)
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Protective Custody Status
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Telephone
Inmates at ECI are allowed to make collect calls to approved phone numbers. To receive calls from an inmate, the phone number must be on the inmate’s approved phone list. The facility does not accept incoming calls for inmates.
Inmates at ECI are allowed to receive mail from family and friends. All mail must be sent through the United States Postal Service and addressed to the inmate’s mailing address, including the inmate’s full name, identification number, and housing unit. The sender’s name and return address must also be included on the envelope.
Inmates are not allowed to receive packages from family and friends. Any unauthorized items sent to an inmate will be returned to the sender or disposed of by the facility. Visitors may deposit money into an inmate’s account by using the kiosk located in the facility’s lobby.
Overall, visitors should carefully review the facility’s visitation and communication policies before attempting to visit an inmate at ECI. Failure to comply with these policies may result in the visit being canceled, delayed, or denied.
Treatment and Programs
Eastern Correctional Institution offers a variety of programs and treatments to its inmates to help them prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society. These programs are designed to address the needs of the inmates and help them develop the skills necessary to become productive members of society.
GED
One of the most important programs offered by Eastern Correctional Institution is the General Education Development (GED) program. This program allows inmates to earn their high school equivalency diploma, which can be a valuable asset when they are released from prison. The program is designed to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills, and it provides them with the knowledge they need to pass the GED exam.
Substance Abuse
Eastern Correctional Institution also offers a substance abuse treatment program for inmates who struggle with addiction. The program is designed to help inmates overcome their addiction and develop the skills necessary to maintain their sobriety once they are released from prison. The program includes counseling, group therapy, and educational classes on the dangers of substance abuse.
Positive Rehabilitation
In addition to the GED and substance abuse programs, Eastern Correctional Institution also offers a variety of other programs designed to help inmates develop positive habits and behaviors. These programs include anger management classes, parenting classes, and vocational training programs that teach inmates valuable skills that they can use to find employment once they are released from prison.
Education
Eastern Correctional Institution also offers a variety of educational programs to its inmates. These programs include classes on basic reading and writing skills, as well as more advanced courses on topics such as computer programming and business management. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market.
Overall, Eastern Correctional Institution’s treatment and programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to become productive members of society. By offering a variety of programs that address the needs of its inmates, Eastern Correctional Institution is helping to reduce recidivism rates and improve the lives of those who are incarcerated.
Security and Rules
Disciplinary Segregation
Disciplinary segregation is a form of punishment for inmates who have violated prison rules. Inmates who are placed in disciplinary segregation are separated from the general population and are subject to more restrictive conditions. Eastern Correctional Institution has a disciplinary segregation unit for inmates who have committed serious offenses. Inmates in disciplinary segregation are allowed limited privileges, such as phone calls and visits, but are closely monitored by staff.
Administrative Segregation
Administrative segregation is used to separate inmates from the general population for reasons other than punishment. Inmates may be placed in administrative segregation for their own protection or for the safety of others. ECI has an administrative segregation unit for inmates who require this level of separation. Inmates in administrative segregation are allowed limited privileges, such as phone calls and visits, but are closely monitored by staff.
Protective Custody Status
Protective custody status is used to protect inmates from harm. Inmates who are at risk of being harmed by other inmates may be placed in protective custody. ECI has a protective custody unit for inmates who require this level of protection. Inmates in protective custody are allowed limited privileges, such as phone calls and visits, but are closely monitored by staff.
Rules
ECI has rules that must be followed by all inmates. Inmates are provided with a copy of the rules when they arrive at the prison. The rules cover a wide range of topics, including visitation, mail, telephone calls, and disciplinary procedures. Inmates who violate the rules may be subject to disciplinary action, including placement in disciplinary segregation.
Inmates at ECI are allowed visits from family and friends. Visits must be scheduled in advance and are subject to approval by prison staff. Inmates in disciplinary segregation may have limited visitation privileges. Visits are not allowed on holidays.
Overall, ECI has strict rules and security measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.
Expansions and Upgrades
Eastern Correctional Institution has undergone several expansions and upgrades over the years to improve its facilities and operations. These projects have included the Westover Expansion and the Remissioning Project.
Westover Expansion
The Westover Expansion was a major project that added new housing units, a medical facility, and a dining hall to the prison. The project was completed in 2012 and cost $63 million. The new housing units provide additional space for inmates and feature modern amenities, such as air conditioning and individual showers.
The medical facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by qualified medical professionals. The dining hall can accommodate up to 1,000 inmates and is designed to provide nutritious meals that meet dietary requirements.
Remissioning Project
The Remissioning Project was launched in 2016 to address overcrowding at the prison and improve living conditions for inmates. The project involved the closure of the Greene Correctional Institution and the Southern Correctional Institution, with their inmates being transferred to Eastern Correctional Institution. The project also included the renovation of existing facilities at Eastern Correctional Institution to accommodate the additional inmates.
The Remissioning Project was completed in 2018 and cost $27 million. The project has helped to reduce overcrowding at the prison and improve living conditions for inmates. The renovated facilities include new housing units, classrooms, and recreational areas.
Maury is a company that specializes in correctional facility design and construction and was involved in both the Westover Expansion and the Remissioning Project at Eastern Correctional Institution.
Overall, these expansions and upgrades have helped to improve the facilities and operations at Eastern Correctional Institution, making it a safer and more efficient correctional facility.
Notable Incidents and Cases
Patrick Simpson Case
Patrick Simpson was an inmate at Eastern Correctional Institution who was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. In 2016, Simpson was charged with assault with a deadly weapon after he attacked another inmate with a homemade knife. During the investigation, federal authorities discovered that Simpson was using contraband cell phones to run a drug smuggling scheme from inside the prison.
Simpson’s scheme involved using cell phones to coordinate the delivery of drugs and other contraband to the prison. He also used the phones to communicate with co-conspirators outside the prison, including his girlfriend, who was later indicted for her role in the scheme. In addition to drug smuggling, Simpson and his co-conspirators were also involved in smuggling pornography into the prison.
Smuggling Scheme
The drug smuggling scheme run by Patrick Simpson was not an isolated incident at Eastern Correctional Institution. In fact, the prison has been the site of several high-profile smuggling cases in recent years. In 2013, 18 correctional officers, 35 inmates, and 27 outside “facilitators” were indicted for their roles in a racketeering conspiracy that involved paying bribes to correctional officers to smuggle contraband into the prison.
The smuggling scheme involved a variety of contraband, including drugs, cell phones, and tobacco. The scheme was organized by a group of inmates who used their connections to the outside world to coordinate the delivery of contraband to the prison. The correctional officers who were involved in the scheme were paid thousands of dollars in bribes to look the other way and allow the contraband to enter the prison.
Despite efforts to crack down on smuggling at Eastern Correctional Institution, the problem persists. In 2019, federal authorities announced the indictment of 18 people, including 11 correctional officers, for their roles in a smuggling scheme that involved cell phones, drugs, and other contraband. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing prisons across the country when it comes to preventing the smuggling of contraband.
General Information
Eastern Correctional Institution is the largest prison in the state of Maryland. It is located in Somerset County and is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. ECI houses adult male inmates, including those who have been sentenced to long-term incarceration.
Physical Address
The physical address of Eastern Correctional Institution is 30420 Revells Neck Road, Westover, MD 21871. The prison is situated on 620 acres of land in a rural area of the state. The facility has a capacity of 2,665 inmates and is divided into several housing units, each with its own security level.
Annex
ECI also has an annex, which is known as the Minimum Security Compound. The annex is located nearby at 30430 Revells Neck Road, Westover, MD 21871. The Minimum Security Compound is a minimum-security facility that houses inmates who are nearing the end of their sentences or who have been transferred from other institutions.
References
Visitors to ECI may call the main phone number to get information about visiting hours and holiday visits. The inmate population is notified of visits and all changes through the inmate information channel. Restroom facilities are prohibited during visitation.
For general inquiries, please call the Department of Corrections at (503) 945-9090 or send an email. Other prisons in Maryland include the Maryland Correctional Institution and the North Branch Correctional Institution.