The Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (ERDCC) is a Missouri Department of Corrections facility located in Bonne Terre, Missouri. It houses adult male offenders of all custody levels, including those with special needs and medical conditions. The facility is designed to provide diagnostic and reception services to new inmates entering the Missouri Department of Corrections system.
ERDCC has a maximum capacity of 2,684 inmates and employs over 1,000 staff members. The facility provides a variety of services to inmates including medical, dental, and mental health care, educational and vocational training, and substance abuse treatment programs. Inmates can also participate in religious services and counseling provided by chaplains.
Visitation is allowed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Family members and friends of inmates can visit them during these hours, although there are strict rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety and security of all involved. The ERDCC also has a Transition Center in St. Louis that provides services to offenders who are transitioning back into society.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,684 |
| Physical Address | 2727 Highway K Bonne Terre, MO 63628 United States |
| Mailing Address | C/O Digital Mail Center-Missouri DOC PO Box 25678 Tampa, FL 33622-5678 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (573) 358-5516 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center is a medium-security prison located in Bonne Terre, Missouri, United States. The facility is operated by the Missouri Department of Corrections and has a capacity of 2,684 inmates. ERDCC provides a range of services, including medical and mental health care, education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Location
ERDCC is located in Bonne Terre, a small city in St. Francois County, Missouri. The facility is situated on a 700-acre site and is surrounded by farmland and forest. Bonne Terre is approximately 70 miles south of St. Louis and can be easily accessed via Highway 67.
History
ERDCC was established in 1998 to replace the old Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City. The facility was designed to provide comprehensive diagnostic and assessment services for incoming inmates. ERDCC has since expanded its services to include a range of treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Over the years, ERDCC has faced several challenges, including overcrowding, staff shortages, and security concerns. In 2021, a correctional officer at ERDCC tragically lost his battle with PTSD, highlighting the mental health risks faced by prison staff.
Despite these challenges, ERDCC remains committed to providing high-quality services to its inmates and staff. The facility has implemented several reforms, including increased staff training, improved mental health services, and expanded educational and vocational programs.
Facilities
The Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center is a state prison facility located in Bonne Terre, Missouri, that houses adult male offenders. The facility provides a range of services, including reception and diagnostic processing, medical and mental health care, and educational and vocational programs.
Security Levels
ERDCC is a mixed-security facility that houses inmates with varying security levels, from minimum to maximum. The facility has separate housing units for maximum, medium, and minimum-security inmates.
The maximum-security unit is reserved for the most dangerous offenders, while the medium-security unit houses inmates with a moderate risk of harm to others. The minimum-security unit is for inmates who are nearing the end of their sentence and are preparing for release.
Inmate Housing
ERDCC has a capacity of over 2,684 inmates. Inmates are housed in cells or dormitories, depending on their security level and behavior. The cells are typically small and contain a bed, a toilet, and a sink. Dormitories are larger and can accommodate several inmates.
Visiting Hours
ERDCC allows visitors to visit on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must bring a valid photo ID. The facility also has strict rules regarding dress codes and behavior during visitation.
In conclusion, ERDCC is a mixed-security state prison facility that provides a range of services to adult male offenders. The facility has separate housing units for maximum, medium, and minimum-security inmates, and inmates are housed in cells or dormitories. Visiting hours are restricted to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and follow strict rules regarding dress code and behavior during visitation.
Inmate Services
Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center offers a range of services to its inmates to help them prepare for successful reentry into society. These services include education and restorative justice programs, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and community partnerships.
Education and Restorative Justice
ERDCC provides a variety of educational opportunities to its inmates, including adult basic education, high school equivalency classes, and vocational training programs. These programs aim to equip inmates with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce upon release. Additionally, ERDCC offers restorative justice programs that focus on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior and promoting accountability.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
ERDCC recognizes the importance of addressing mental health and substance abuse issues in its inmate population. The facility offers a range of treatment options, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and substance abuse counseling. Inmates can also participate in peer support groups and self-help programs to aid in their recovery.
Community Partnerships
ERDCC partners with a variety of community organizations to provide additional support and resources to its inmates. These partnerships include job training and placement programs, reentry support services, and mentoring programs. By working with community organizations, ERDCC aims to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism rates.
In summary, ERDCC offers a range of inmate services to help prepare its population for successful reentry into society. These services include education and restorative justice programs, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and community partnerships.
Intake and Classification
The Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center is a state prison facility in Bonne Terre, Missouri, that serves as the intake and diagnostic center for male inmates in Missouri. Upon arrival at the facility, inmates are processed through the intake and classification process, which takes an average of 3-6 weeks.
Intake Procedures
The intake process at ERDCC involves a thorough medical and mental health evaluation, as well as a security screening. Inmates are also given a standardized test to assess their educational level and job skills. The results of these evaluations are used to determine the appropriate housing unit and work assignment for the inmate.
During the intake process, inmates are also given an orientation to the facility, including the rules and regulations that they will be expected to follow. They are also provided with information about the programs and services that are available to them, such as educational classes, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Classification
After the intake process is complete, inmates are classified based on their security level, medical and mental health needs, and programming needs. The classification process is designed to ensure that inmates are housed in a facility that is appropriate for their level of risk and their individual needs.
Inmates at ERDCC are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security, based on factors such as their criminal history, the nature of their offense, and their behavior while incarcerated. Inmates who require medical or mental health treatment may be placed in a specialized housing unit that is designed to meet their needs.
Regulations
ERDCC is subject to a number of regulations that are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the inmates, staff, and visitors at the facility. These regulations cover a wide range of topics, including security, health and safety, and inmate rights.
Inmates at ERDCC are expected to follow a strict set of rules and regulations, which are enforced by the staff. Violations of these rules can result in disciplinary action, such as loss of privileges or placement in segregation.
Overall, the intake and classification process at ERDCC is designed to ensure that inmates are housed in a facility that is appropriate for their needs and that they are provided with the programs and services that they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Mail and Packages
Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center has a strict policy on inmate mail and packages.
The mailing address for ERDCC is:
- C/O Digital Mail Center-Missouri DOC
- PO Box 25678
- Tampa, FL 33622-5678
Inmates are allowed to receive packages from approved vendors only. The packages must not exceed 30 pounds in weight and must not exceed the size of 24″ x 24″ x 24″. The packages must be shipped directly from the vendor and must not contain any contraband items. The facility has a list of approved vendors, and inmates can purchase items from them by using their commissary account.
Inmates are not allowed to receive packages from family or friends, and any unauthorized packages will be returned to the sender. Inmates can receive letters, cards, and photographs from family and friends.
The facility has a strict policy on contraband items, and any package or mail that contains contraband items will be confiscated, and the sender and the inmate will be subject to disciplinary action. Inmates are not allowed to receive any of the following items:
- Weapons or firearms
- Explosives or ammunition
- Drugs or narcotics
- Pornographic materials
- Gang-related materials
- Cash or checks
- Food items
In conclusion, ERDCC has strict policies on inmate mail and packages. Inmates can receive letters, cards, and photographs from family and friends, but they must follow the facility’s guidelines. Inmates can receive packages from approved vendors only, and any unauthorized packages will be returned to the sender.
The facility has a list of approved vendors, and inmates can purchase items from them by using their commissary account. The facility has a strict policy on contraband items, and any package or mail that contains contraband items will be confiscated, and the sender and the inmate will be subject to disciplinary action.
Money and Telephone
The Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center provides various services to inmates, including access to telephones and money transfers. Inmates can use the telephone system to make calls to their family and friends, legal representatives, and other approved contacts.
To make a call, inmates are required to have a prepaid account. Family and friends can add money to an inmate’s account by using the JPay system, which is available online or by phone. Inmates can also receive money orders or cashier’s checks through the mail. The maximum amount of money that an inmate can have in their account varies depending on their custody level.
The ERDCC also offers a secure email system that allows inmates to communicate with their approved contacts. Inmates can purchase email credits using their JPay account. The cost of sending an email is one credit, and the cost of receiving an email is free.
In addition to telephone and email services, the ERDCC provides various ways for inmates to access their funds. Inmates can use their account balance to purchase items from the commissary, which offers a range of personal hygiene products, snacks, and other items. They can also use their account balance to pay for medical services, legal fees, and other approved expenses.
Overall, the ERDCC strives to provide inmates with access to various services that can help them maintain contact with their loved ones and manage their finances while incarcerated.
Visitation
Visiting an inmate at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center is a privilege that is subject to certain rules and regulations. This section outlines the procedures and requirements for visiting an inmate at the facility.
Visiting Application
Before visiting an inmate at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center, visitors must complete a visitation application. The application can be downloaded from the Missouri Department of Corrections website or obtained from the facility. The application must be completed in full, signed, and returned to the facility. Visitors must provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, when submitting the application.
Visiting Regulations
Visitors must adhere to certain regulations when visiting an inmate at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center. Visitors must arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time. Visitors must pass through a metal detector and submit to a search of their belongings before entering the facility. Visitors are prohibited from bringing any items into the facility, including cell phones, cameras, and purses.
Visitors must dress appropriately when visiting an inmate at the facility. Clothing that is revealing or provocative is not allowed. Visitors must wear shoes at all times and may not wear hats or sunglasses inside the facility. Visitors who violate any of the facility’s rules and regulations may be denied visitation privileges.
Visiting Hours
Visitation hours at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center vary depending on the housing unit and the inmate’s classification. Visitors are encouraged to check the Missouri Department of Corrections website for the most up-to-date information on visitation hours. Generally, visitation hours are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
It is important to note that visitation hours may be canceled or modified due to security concerns or other reasons. Visitors are encouraged to call the facility before making the trip to confirm the visitation hours.
In conclusion, visiting an inmate at Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center requires visitors to follow certain rules and regulations. Visitors must complete a visitation application, adhere to the facility’s dress code, and arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time. Visitors are also encouraged to check the Missouri Department of Corrections website for the most up-to-date information on visitation hours.