Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury (FCI Danbury) is a low-security federal prison located in Danbury, Connecticut. The facility has an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. FCI Danbury is designed to house female inmates, but it also houses male inmates.
As of July 14, 2023, FCI Danbury is home to over 650 inmates, including both sentenced and pretrial inmates. The facility has a staff of around 300 employees, including correctional officers, counselors, medical staff, and administrative personnel. FCI Danbury has a range of vocational and educational programs, including adult continuing education, vocational training, and apprenticeships.
FCI Danbury has been the subject of several controversies in recent years. In 2020, two gas leaks at the facility posed a significant threat to the safety and security of both inmates and staff. Additionally, an employee at FCI Danbury was sentenced to two years of probation for smuggling phones into the prison. Despite these challenges, FCI Danbury remains an important correctional facility in Connecticut and the United States.
| Security | Low |
| Capacity | 858 |
| Physical Address | 33 1/2 Pembroke Station Route 37 Danbury, CT 06811 |
| Mailing Address | Route 37 Danbury, CT 06811 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 203-743-6471 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
History and Overview
Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury is a low-security federal correctional institution located in Danbury, Connecticut, United States. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which was established in 1930 to provide more progressive and humane care for federal inmates, professionalize the prison service, and ensure consistent and centralized administration of federal prisons.
FCI Danbury was established in 1940 as a federal reformatory for women. It was designed to provide a structured environment for female inmates to learn new skills and prepare for successful reentry into society. In 1993, FCI Danbury became a federal correctional institution for women, housing female inmates with varying security levels.
The city of Danbury, Connecticut, is located in Fairfield County, approximately 70 miles northeast of New York City. Danbury is home to several other correctional facilities, including the Danbury Correctional Institution, which is operated by the Connecticut Department of Correction.
Overall, FCI Danbury plays an important role in the federal prison system by providing a safe and secure environment for inmates while also helping them prepare for successful reentry into society.
Physical and Operational Structure
Satellite Prison
Federal Correctional Institution Danbury is a low-security federal correctional institution located in Danbury, Connecticut. The facility is comprised of three separate facilities: the FCI (Low Security-Male), the FSL (Federal Satellite Low-Female), and the SCP (Satellite Prison Camp-Female). The Satellite Prison Camp is a minimum-security facility that houses female inmates.
Federal Correctional Complex
The Federal Correctional Complex in Danbury, Connecticut, is a residential drug abuse program (RDAP) facility. The complex is made up of the FCI, the FSL, and the SCP. The FCI is the main facility, while the FSL is a female-only facility and the SCP is a minimum-security facility for female inmates.
Operational Levels Matrix
The operational levels matrix at FCI Danbury is used to determine the level of supervision and security required for each inmate. The matrix takes into account factors such as the type of crime committed, the length of the sentence, and the inmate’s behavior while in prison. Inmates are assigned to one of four operational levels: minimum, low, medium, or high.
Special Housing Unit
The Special Housing Unit (SHU) at FCI Danbury is used to house inmates who have violated prison rules or who are deemed a threat to the safety and security of the institution. Inmates in the SHU are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day and are allowed only one hour of recreation time each day.
Processing Center
The Processing Center at FCI Danbury is where new inmates are processed into the facility. During the processing period, inmates are given a medical examination, a psychological evaluation, and are assigned to an operational level. Inmates are also given an orientation to the facility’s rules and regulations during this time.
Overall, the physical and operational structure of FCI Danbury is designed to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates while also providing opportunities for rehabilitation and reentry into society.
Address and Contact Information
Federal Correctional Institution Danbury is a federal prison located in Danbury, Connecticut. The prison is overseen by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a division of the United States Department of Justice. FCI Danbury is a low-security facility that houses male inmates, while the adjacent Satellite Prison Camp (SCP) houses female inmates.
The physical address of FCI Danbury is 33 1/2 Pembroke Station, Route 37, Danbury, CT 06811. The prison can be contacted by phone at (203) 743-6471.
Inmates at FCI Danbury are allowed to receive mail from friends and family members. The mailing address for inmates is as follows:
- Inmate Name & Register Number
- FCI Danbury
- Federal Correctional Institution
- Route 37
- Danbury, CT 06811
It is important to note that all incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection and may be read by prison staff. Inmates are also allowed to make phone calls, but all calls are monitored and recorded.
For general inquiries or questions about FCI Danbury, individuals can email the prison at [email protected]gov.
Danbury is a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut, located approximately 70 miles northeast of New York City. FCI Danbury is located just outside the city limits, in a rural area surrounded by forests and farmland. The prison is the only federal correctional institution in the state of Connecticut.
Overall, FCI Danbury is a secure and well-run facility that provides inmates with access to a range of educational and vocational programs. The prison is committed to ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff and works to maintain a positive and supportive environment for all who live and work there.
Inmate Information and Procedures
Inmate Mail
Inmates at Federal Correctional Institution Danbury are allowed to correspond with friends and family through the mail. Incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband, but inmates are allowed to receive letters, photos, and money orders. Outgoing mail is also inspected and must follow specific guidelines. The mailing address for inmates can be found on the facility’s website.
Visiting an Inmate
Visiting hours at FCI Danbury vary based on the inmate’s location and sex. Visitors must be approved and added to the inmate’s visiting list before being allowed to visit. Visitors must follow specific regulations and procedures, including dress code and identification requirements. The visiting schedule can be found on the facility’s website, and visitors should check for any state or local travel advisories before planning their visit.
Legal Activities
Inmates at FCI Danbury are allowed access to legal materials and resources, including legal books, forms, and assistance from the facility’s law library. Inmates are also allowed to meet with their attorneys and participate in legal activities, such as court hearings and depositions.
Commissary
The facility’s commissary provides inmates with the ability to purchase items not regularly issued as part of their daily routine. Inmates are allowed to purchase items such as food, hygiene products, and clothing. The commissary list can be found on the facility’s website, and inmates must have funds in their accounts to make purchases.
Orientation
Upon arrival at FCI Danbury, inmates must participate in an orientation process to become familiar with the facility’s operating procedures. The Inmate Admission & Orientation Handbook is designed to assist inmates with this process and can be found on the facility’s website.
Sentenced Inmates
FCI Danbury houses sentenced male and female inmates in its low-security facilities and a satellite camp for female inmates. The facility’s warden, correctional officers, and chaplain work to ensure that inmates are treated humanely and have access to necessary resources and services. The facility also has procedures in place to address any grievances or complaints from inmates.
Note: The facility’s PREA report and staff mail procedures can be found on the facility’s website. Media representatives must follow specific regulations and procedures when visiting the facility. Inmate money and freight and non-USPS parcels are also subject to specific guidelines and requirements.
Family and Visitor Information
When a loved one is incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution Danbury, it can be a difficult and stressful time for family and friends. This section provides important information on visiting an inmate at FCI Danbury, including visiting hours, regulations, safety, and security.
Visiting Schedule
Visiting hours at FCI Danbury are determined by the inmate’s unit and are subject to change. Visitors should check the visiting schedule with the inmate or on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website before planning their visit. Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit to allow for processing.
Visiting Regulations
To visit an inmate at FCI Danbury, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list. The inmate must submit a request form to add visitors to their list, and visitors must be approved by the institution. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and must comply with the dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing, shorts, and skirts above the knee.
Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items into the visiting area, including cell phones, purses, and wallets. Lockers are available for visitors to store their belongings. Visitors are subject to search before entering the visiting area.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of visitors, staff, and inmates is a top priority at FCI Danbury. Visitors must follow all rules and regulations while on the premises, including obeying all instructions from staff. Any violation of rules or disruptive behavior may result in termination of the visit and possible suspension of visiting privileges.
In addition, visitors are subject to state and local travel advisories, which may affect their ability to travel to FCI Danbury. Visitors should check for any travel advisories before planning their visit.
Overall, visiting an inmate at FCI Danbury can be a challenging experience, but with proper planning and preparation, visitors can have a successful visit with their loved ones.
Parenting Program
Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury offers a range of programs to help inmates prepare for their release from prison. One such program is the Parenting Program, which aims to help incarcerated mothers bond with their children and learn how to parent effectively.
Baby Blanket
As part of the Parenting Program, inmates have the opportunity to participate in the Baby Blanket program. This program allows inmates to create a special blanket for their child. The blankets are made with love and care, providing a tangible reminder of the bond between mother and child.
Diapers
In addition to the Baby Blanket program, FCI Danbury also provides inmates with access to diapers for their children. This ensures that incarcerated mothers can provide for the basic needs of their children, even while in prison.
Wipes
Along with diapers, the Parenting Program also provides inmates with access to wipes for their children. This helps to ensure that incarcerated mothers can maintain proper hygiene for their children, even while in prison.
Pacifier
As part of the Parenting Program, FCI Danbury also provides inmates with access to pacifiers for their children. This helps to soothe and comfort infants, providing a sense of security and well-being.
Overall, the Parenting Program at FCI Danbury provides incarcerated mothers with the tools they need to bond with their children and to parent effectively. By providing access to items like baby blankets, diapers, wipes, and pacifiers, FCI Danbury is helping to ensure that incarcerated mothers can provide for the basic needs of their children, even while in prison.
Notable Inmates and Incidents
Orange Is the New Black Influence
The Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, gained national attention after the memoir “Orange Is the New Black” by Piper Kerman was adapted into a popular Netflix series of the same name. The show portrayed the experiences of Kerman, who was incarcerated in Danbury for money laundering. The show’s success led to increased interest in the prison, and many visitors came to the facility to see where the show was filmed.
Notable Incidents
Deadly Fire
On July 7, 1977, a deadly fire occurred at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut. The fire killed five inmates and hospitalized about 70 people due to smoke inhalation. The Bureau of Prisons convened a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident, but no outside experts in fire safety investigations were involved. The report found that the fire was caused by an inmate who lit a match to light a cigarette, which ignited his clothing hanging on wooden pegs in the washroom of G unit. The fire spread quickly due to the use of flammable materials in the prison’s construction.
Notable Inmates
Several high-profile inmates have been incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, including:
- Teresa Giudice, a reality TV star who was sentenced to 15 months for fraud
- Leona Helmsley, a hotel magnate who was sentenced to 18 months for tax evasion
- George Jung, a drug trafficker who inspired the movie “Blow” and was sentenced to 60 years for cocaine smuggling
- A hitman for the Gambino crime family who was sentenced to life in prison for murder
Lauryn Hill
In 2013, Grammy-winning singer Lauryn Hill was sentenced to three months in the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury for tax evasion. Hill was released early after serving three months of her sentence.
Overall, the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury has housed many notable inmates and has been the site of several high-profile incidents, including a deadly fire in 1977.