Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin: Security & Reform

The Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Berlin, New Hampshire is a medium-security prison that houses adult male offenders. The facility also has an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. The construction of FCI Berlin began in 2008, and it was completed in the fall of 2010. The construction project cost approximately $276 million.

FCI Berlin is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a subdivision of the United States Department of Justice. The facility is responsible for the custody and care of inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes. FCI Berlin has a capacity of 1,277 medium-security and 128 minimum-security inmates. The facility employs around 320-340 full-time staff members.

The prison has an inmate admission and orientation program that provides information to new inmates about the rules and regulations of the institution. The program also aims to help inmates adjust to their new environment. FCI Berlin has visiting regulations that govern inmate visits by family and friends. Visitors must follow the institution’s rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the inmates, staff, and visitors.

SecurityMedium
Capacity1,277
Physical Address1 Success Loop Road
Berlin, NH 03570
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 9000
Berlin, NH 03570
Can You Send Gifts?No
Visitation HoursSaturday, Sunday and Holidays: 8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number603-342-4000
JurisdictionFederal

Location and Overview

Facility and Grounds

Federal Correctional Institution Berlin is a medium-security federal correctional institution located in Northern New Hampshire, specifically in Coos County. The facility is situated at 1 Success Loop Road, Berlin, NH 03570, and is adjacent to a minimum-security satellite camp. FCI Berlin is approximately 110 miles north of Concord, New Hampshire’s capital, and 120 miles west of Portland, Maine.

The facility’s campus covers a total of 773 acres of land, with 20 acres inside the secure perimeter fence. The institution’s grounds include a recreation yard, a weightlifting area, a track, and a baseball field. The facility also has a chapel, a law library, a commissary, and a visiting room.

Operations and Operational Levels Matrix

FCI Berlin is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and has a rated capacity of 1,277 inmates. The facility houses male offenders and has five operational levels, ranging from Level 1 (minimum security) to Level 5 (administrative maximum security). The facility has both double-bunked and single-bunked cells, and inmates are housed in dormitories, as well.

FCI Berlin provides a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and psychological counseling. The facility also offers religious services, recreational activities, and work assignments, such as food service, maintenance, and landscaping.

In conclusion, FCI Berlin is a medium-security federal correctional institution located in Northern New Hampshire. The facility has a rated capacity of 1,277 inmates and provides a range of programs and services to inmates.

Inmate Information

Federal Correctional Institution Berlin houses adult male inmates with a register number assigned to each inmate. The register number is a unique identifier that is used to track the inmate’s location, sentence, and other important information. Inmates are assigned to either the FCI or the satellite camp based on their security level. The satellite camp is a minimum-security facility that provides inmates with more freedom and privileges than the FCI.

Inmates are required to provide their full name and register number on all correspondence. The mailing address for FCI Berlin is as follows:

Inmate Name & Register Number
FCI Berlin
Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 9000
Berlin, NH 03570

Minimum-security inmates are housed in a self-contained living area within the satellite camp, which provides them with more freedom and privileges than the FCI. Inmates in the satellite camp are still subject to the rules and regulations of the facility and must follow all guidelines to maintain their privileges.

Overall, FCI Berlin provides inmates with a safe and secure environment while ensuring that they are treated fairly and with respect. The facility strives to provide inmates with the necessary resources and programs to help them successfully re-enter society upon their release.

Institutional Management

The Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin is managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The warden is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facility, including the management of staff and inmates. The warden is also responsible for ensuring that the facility operates in compliance with all federal regulations and policies.

The staff at the Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin includes correctional officers, administrative personnel, and support staff. The correctional officers are responsible for maintaining order and security within the facility, while the administrative personnel handle tasks such as record-keeping, inmate classification, and inmate programs. The support staff includes individuals such as warehouse workers, maintenance workers, and food service workers.

Facility maintenance is an important aspect of institutional management at the Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin. The facility must be kept in good repair to ensure the safety and security of staff and inmates. This includes regular inspections of the facility, repairs to any damage or wear and tear, and the implementation of preventative maintenance measures.

Office space is also an important consideration in institutional management. The administrative personnel at the Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin require adequate office space to perform their duties effectively. This includes space for record-keeping, classification, and program management. The BOP is responsible for ensuring that the facility has sufficient office space to meet the needs of its staff.

Overall, institutional management at the Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin is a complex and multifaceted task. The warden and staff must work together to ensure that the facility operates in compliance with all federal regulations and policies. This includes maintaining order and security within the facility, providing adequate office space for administrative personnel, and ensuring that the facility is properly maintained.

Housing and Accommodation

Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin has a medium-security federal correctional institution with an adjacent minimum-security satellite prison camp. The facility houses 1,277 medium-security and 128 minimum-security adult male offenders.

Each inmate is assigned to a housing unit, which is a self-contained inmate living area that includes both housing sections and office space for unit staff. There are a total of 12 housing units at FCI Berlin. Each unit is staffed by a Unit Team directly responsible for the inmates assigned to that unit.

The housing units at FCI Berlin are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The facility has a mix of dormitory-style and two-man cells. Inmates are assigned to housing based on their security level, program needs, and other factors.

The dormitory-style housing units are designed to promote socialization and interaction among inmates. Inmates in these units share a common living area and sleep in individual bunks. The two-man cells are designed to provide a more private living space for inmates. Each cell has two beds, a toilet, and a sink.

FCI Berlin also has an adjacent minimum-security satellite prison camp that houses approximately 128 minimum-security adult male offenders. The camp provides dormitory-style housing and is designed to promote a more open living environment for inmates.

Overall, the housing and accommodation at FCI Berlin are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Programs and Services

Federal Correctional Institution Berlin offers a range of programs and services to its inmates. These programs aim to provide educational, vocational, and life skills training to prepare them for successful reentry into society.

Education

Inmates at FCI Berlin have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma or degree through the institution’s education program. The program offers courses in various subjects, including mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts. In addition, the institution provides vocational training in fields such as carpentry, welding, and culinary arts.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

FCI Berlin offers a Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) for inmates who have a history of substance abuse. The program is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment program that includes individual and group therapy, education, and vocational training. RDAP participants may be eligible for early release upon completion of the program.

Health Services

FCI Berlin provides comprehensive medical and mental health services to its inmates. The institution has a medical clinic staffed by physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. In addition, the institution offers mental health services, including individual and group therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention.

Overall, FCI Berlin’s programs and services aim to provide inmates with the skills and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.

Visiting Information

Visiting an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin is subject to certain regulations and procedures. Visitors are advised to review these regulations before planning a visit.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours at FCI Berlin are typically held on weekends and federal holidays, from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. However, visitors are advised to confirm visiting hours with the institution before planning a visit, as they may be subject to change.

Visiting Regulations

Visitors are required to follow certain regulations when visiting an inmate at FCI Berlin. These regulations include:

  • Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list before visiting.
  • Visitors must present valid identification before being allowed to visit.
  • Visitors are subject to search before entering the institution.
  • Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the institution, except for a small amount of money for vending machines.
  • Visitors are not allowed to take any items out of the institution.
  • Visitors must dress appropriately and modestly.

Visiting Schedule & Procedures

Visiting at FCI Berlin is by appointment only. Visitors must contact the institution to schedule a visit in advance. The inmate will then be notified of the visit and must add the visitor to their approved visiting list.

Visitors are advised to arrive at the institution at least 30 minutes before their scheduled visit. Late arrivals may result in the visit being canceled.

State and Local Travel Advisories

Visitors are advised to check state and local travel advisories before planning a visit to FCI Berlin. These advisories may provide information on road closures, weather conditions, and other factors that could affect travel to the institution. Visitors should also be aware of any travel restrictions or quarantine requirements that may be in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, visitors should be aware of the regulations and procedures in place when visiting an inmate at FCI Berlin. By following these regulations and procedures, visitors can help ensure a safe and successful visit.

Mail and Funds

Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin has specific rules and guidelines for handling inmate mail. According to the institution’s policy, all mail addressed to an inmate is opened and inspected by the staff before it is delivered to the inmate. However, certain types of mail, such as legal mail, are not opened or inspected by the staff. Inmates are allowed to receive letters, postcards, and photographs, but there are restrictions on the type of content allowed. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, books, or magazines from outside the institution.

Sending funds to an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin is a straightforward process. Funds can be sent to the inmate through the Western Union Quick Collect program or by mail. The Western Union Quick Collect program allows funds to be sent online, over the phone, or in person at a Western Union location. Funds sent by mail should be addressed to the inmate’s full committed name and registered number and sent to the appropriate processing center. Funds sent by mail should not be sent in cash or personal checks and should be in the form of a money order or cashier’s check.

Inmates at Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin are allowed to receive funds from family and friends to use for commissary purchases. The commissary offers a range of products and services, including personal hygiene items, snacks, and stationery. Inmates are given a commissary list and can order items once a week. The commissary items are delivered to the inmates on a regular schedule.

Freight and non-USPS parcels are not allowed to be sent to inmates at Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages or parcels from outside the institution. Any freight or non-USPS parcels sent to the institution will be refused and returned to the sender.

In summary, Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin has specific guidelines for handling inmate mail and funds. Inmates are allowed to receive letters, postcards, and photographs, but there are restrictions on the type of content allowed. Funds can be sent to the inmate through the Western Union Quick Collect program or by mail, and inmates are allowed to receive funds from family and friends for commissary purchases. Freight and non-USPS parcels are not allowed to be sent to inmates at the institution.

Legal and Safety Measures

Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its staff, inmates, and visitors. To achieve this goal, the institution has implemented various legal and safety measures.

Inmate Legal Activities

FCI Berlin allows inmates to engage in legal activities, including access to legal materials and consultation with legal counsel. The institution has a law library that provides inmates with legal resources to prepare legal documents, such as appeals, motions, and petitions. Inmates can also receive legal assistance from the institution’s legal staff.

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Report

FCI Berlin is committed to preventing sexual abuse and harassment in its facilities. The institution has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual abuse and harassment, and it has implemented various measures to prevent such incidents. FCI Berlin has a PREA coordinator who oversees the institution’s compliance with PREA standards. The institution also provides PREA training to its staff and inmates.

Special Housing Unit (SHU)

FCI Berlin has a Special Housing Unit that provides secure housing for inmates who pose a threat to the safety and security of the institution. Inmates in the SHU are subject to strict rules and regulations, and they are closely monitored by staff. The SHU also provides inmates with access to medical and mental health services.

Safety and Security

FCI Berlin has implemented various measures to ensure the safety and security of its staff, inmates, and visitors. The institution has a comprehensive security plan that includes regular security audits, staff training, and emergency preparedness. FCI Berlin also conducts regular searches of its facilities to prevent the introduction of contraband, such as drugs and weapons.

In summary, FCI Berlin takes the safety and security of its staff, inmates, and visitors seriously. The institution has implemented various legal and safety measures to prevent incidents of sexual abuse and harassment, provide secure housing for inmates who pose a threat to the institution, and ensure the safety and security of its facilities.

Notable Inmates

Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin has housed a number of notable inmates over the years. One of the most well-known is Kent Hovind, a Young Earth creationist and evangelist who was convicted of tax evasion in 2006. Hovind was sentenced to ten years in prison and was released in 2015.

Another notable inmate was former New Hampshire State Representative Kyle Tasker, who was sentenced to 3.5 to 7 years in prison in 2016 for drug and gun charges. Tasker was known for his libertarian views and had been a vocal advocate for the legalization of marijuana.

In addition to Hovind and Tasker, FCI Berlin has housed a number of other high-profile inmates over the years. These include:

  • Joseph Banister, a former IRS Special Agent who was convicted of tax evasion in 2005.
  • Richard Hatch, the winner of the first season of the reality TV show Survivor, who was sentenced to 51 months in prison in 2006 for tax evasion.
  • Timothy McVeigh’s co-conspirator, Terry Nichols, who was transferred to FCI Berlin in 2008 after spending several years at the federal supermax prison in Colorado.

While FCI Berlin has housed a number of notable inmates, it is important to note that the vast majority of the prison’s population consists of individuals who have been convicted of non-violent offenses. The prison’s focus is on rehabilitation and preparing inmates for re-entry into society, rather than punishment.

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