Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix is a low-security prison under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is located in Burlington County, New Jersey, and houses male inmates. The facility is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the inmates and staff, while also offering a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release.
FCI Fort Dix is part of a larger complex that includes a minimum-security prison camp and a detention center. The complex is located on a military base and shares resources with the military installation, including medical and dental services, food service, and maintenance. The facility has a capacity of 4,041 inmates and employs over 1,000 staff members.
The prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, and HVAC. Inmates can also participate in drug treatment programs, mental health counseling, and religious services. The facility has a visiting program that allows inmates to receive visits from their family and friends, subject to certain rules and restrictions.
| Security | Low |
| Capacity | 4,041 |
| Physical Address | 5756 Hartford & Pointville Rd Joint Base Mdl, NJ 08640 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 2000 Joint Base Mdl, NJ 08640 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 609-723-1100 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
History of Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix
Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix, is a low-security federal correctional institution located in Burlington County, New Jersey. The facility is part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
The history of FCI Fort Dix dates back to 1917, when the U.S. Army established a training camp on the site. The camp was named after Major General John Adams Dix, a Civil War hero who served as both a U.S. Senator and Governor of New York. During World War II, Fort Dix served as a major training and staging area for troops, and after the war, it was used as a demobilization center.
In 1959, the U.S. Army transferred the site to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and FCI Fort Dix was established as a federal correctional institution for male inmates. Over the years, the facility has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, including the addition of a minimum-security satellite camp adjacent to the main facility.
Today, FCI Fort Dix houses a maximum of 4,041 male offenders and employs over 500 staff members. The facility provides a range of educational and vocational programs to help prepare inmates for reentry into society, including courses in adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
In recent years, FCI Fort Dix has been the subject of several high-profile cases, including the 2018 conviction of a former correctional officer for smuggling contraband into the facility. Despite these challenges, the staff at FCI Fort Dix remain committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
Facility Description
Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix is the largest federal prison in the United States, located on approximately 211 acres of land in New Jersey. The facility is situated on the Fort Dix portion of the Joint Military Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL). The FCI Fort Dix is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates.
Housing Units
The FCI Fort Dix consists of two main compounds, the East and West compounds. The East compound is the larger of the two and houses the majority of the inmate population. The West compound is smaller and is used primarily for administrative and support functions.
The housing units in the East compound are divided into four separate areas: A, B, C, and D. Each area consists of two-story buildings that contain multiple living units. The housing units are designed to hold up to 128 inmates each, and each unit contains two-person cells.
West Compound
The West compound at FCI Fort Dix houses various administrative and support functions. The compound includes the Education Department, which offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to inmates, as well as the Food Service Department, which prepares and serves meals to the inmate population.
The West compound also houses the Medical Department, which provides healthcare services to inmates, and the Recreation Department, which offers a variety of recreational activities to inmates.
Special Housing Unit
The Special Housing Unit (SHU) at FCI Fort Dix is a maximum-security unit designed to hold inmates who have violated institutional rules or who pose a threat to the safety and security of staff and other inmates. The SHU is divided into two separate areas, one for disciplinary segregation and one for administrative segregation.
In disciplinary segregation, inmates are held for a specific period of time as punishment for violating institutional rules. In administrative segregation, inmates are held for an indefinite period of time due to their threat to the safety and security of staff and other inmates.
Overall, FCI Fort Dix is a well-maintained facility with a strong emphasis on safety and security. The landscaping is well-manicured, and the operations are efficient and effective. The confinement areas are designed to ensure the safety of staff and inmates, while also providing for the basic needs of the inmate population.
Location and Contact Information
Physical Address
Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix is located in Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, a United States military installation in Burlington County, New Jersey. The physical address is:
- Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix
- 5756 Hartford & Pointville Rd
- Joint Base Mdl, NJ 08640
Processing Center
All visitors, including attorneys and other legal visitors, must go through the processing center, which is located at the entrance of the institution. Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Visitors will be required to pass through a metal detector and have their personal belongings searched. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the institution, including cell phones, cameras, purses, or bags.
Inmate Population
Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix houses male inmates with various security levels. As of March 9, 2023, the total population of federal inmates in Bureau of Prisons custody was 144,700. Of these, 2,548 inmates were housed in FCI Fort Dix. The institution has a capacity of 4,041 inmates.
Low-Security Inmates
Low-security inmates make up the majority of the inmate population at FCI Fort Dix. These inmates are typically non-violent offenders with a low risk of escape. They are housed in dormitory-style buildings with bunk beds and communal bathrooms. Inmates are allowed to participate in various programs and activities, including educational courses, vocational training, and recreational activities.
Minimum-Security Inmates
Minimum-security inmates are housed in a separate unit at FCI Fort Dix. These inmates are considered to have a low risk of escape and are typically non-violent offenders. They are housed in dormitory-style buildings with bunk beds and communal bathrooms. Inmates are allowed to participate in various programs and activities, including educational courses, vocational training, and recreational activities.
Overall, the inmate population at FCI Fort Dix is diverse, with a mix of low-security and minimum-security inmates. The institution provides various programs and activities to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reentry into society.
Prison Operations
FCI Fort Dix is a low-security federal correctional institution that houses male inmates. The facility offers various programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual re-entry into society. Education programs, vocational training, and work assignments are some of the key components of FCI Fort Dix’s prison operations.
Education Programs
FCI Fort Dix offers a range of education programs to inmates, including adult continuing education, apprenticeship, and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. These programs aim to equip inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed once they are released from prison. Inmates can earn a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate through the facility’s education programs.
Vocational Training
Vocational training is an essential aspect of FCI Fort Dix’s prison operations. Inmates can acquire skills and knowledge in various trades, such as carpentry, welding, and plumbing. The facility’s vocational training programs are designed to help inmates secure gainful employment upon their release from prison. The training is also an excellent opportunity for inmates to earn industry-recognized certifications.
Work Assignments
Inmates at FCI Fort Dix are assigned to work in various areas of the facility, such as the kitchen, maintenance, and landscaping. In addition, the facility has a UNICOR factory where inmates can work and earn wages. UNICOR is a government-owned corporation that provides job training and employment opportunities for inmates. The work assignments help inmates develop a strong work ethic and gain valuable job skills.
In conclusion, FCI Fort Dix’s prison operations aim to provide inmates with the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into society. Education programs, vocational training, and work assignments are some of the key components of the facility’s operations. These programs help inmates acquire valuable skills and knowledge, which can increase their chances of securing gainful employment upon their release from prison.
Inmate Communication
Inmates at Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix have access to various communication services to stay in touch with their loved ones outside the facility. These communication services include mail, phone, and email.
Mail Services
Inmates can receive and send mail to their family and friends via the United States Postal Service. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by the prison staff, and any mail that violates the prison rules and regulations will be confiscated. Inmates can receive letters, cards, and photographs, but packages are not allowed.
Inmates can also purchase postage stamps and writing materials from the commissary. The mailing address for FCI Fort Dix is as follows:
Inmate Name, Register Number
FCI Fort Dix
Federal Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 2000
Joint Base MDL, NJ 08640Phone Services
Inmates can make outgoing calls to their approved phone list. In order to add someone to the list, the inmate must submit a request to the prison staff. The phone list can be updated every 90 days. Inmates can make phone calls between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. every day. The calls are limited to 15 minutes each.
Inmates can also receive incoming calls, but they must have a pre-paid account with the prison’s phone service provider, GTL. Family and friends can set up an account with GTL to receive calls from the inmate.
Visitation Information
Visiting an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix is an important way to maintain family ties and support the rehabilitation process. However, visitors must follow strict rules and guidelines to ensure the safety and security of the facility. In this section, we will provide information on visiting hours and the visiting schedule at FCI Fort Dix.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at FCI Fort Dix are subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Visitors are advised to check with the institution beforehand to confirm the visiting hours.
Visitors are advised to arrive early to ensure they have enough time to complete the check-in process. Late arrivals may not be allowed to visit, so it is important to plan accordingly.
Visiting Schedule
The visiting schedule at FCI Fort Dix is organized based on the inmate’s unit and the first letter of their last name. The visiting schedule is as follows:
- The East and West Compound will have visits from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Friday, and Saturday of each week to include Federal holidays. Visits on Monday will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., on the East and West Compound.
- SHU visits will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, to include Federal holidays that fall on Mondays. Legal visits will be permitted to continue throughout the day.
Visitors are required to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled visit time. Visitors who arrive late may not be allowed to visit.
Visitors are also required to follow a dress code. Clothing that is revealing, provocative, or offensive is not allowed. Visitors should also avoid wearing clothing that resembles the clothing worn by inmates or staff.
In conclusion, visiting an inmate at FCI Fort Dix requires careful planning and adherence to strict guidelines. Visitors should familiarize themselves with the visiting hours and schedule, arrive early, and follow the dress code to ensure a successful visit.
Inmate Services
At Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix, inmates have access to a variety of services to help them during their incarceration. These services include commissary, health services, and legal activities.
Commissary
Inmates at FCI Fort Dix can purchase a variety of items from the commissary, including food, hygiene products, and clothing. The commissary is a privilege, and inmates must meet certain requirements to be eligible to shop there. The commissary list is updated regularly, and inmates can purchase items using funds from their trust account.
Health Services
FCI Fort Dix provides comprehensive health services to inmates, including medical, dental, and mental health care. Inmates have access to routine medical care, emergency services, and specialty care as needed. The health services staff also provides health education and wellness programs to help inmates maintain their health during their incarceration.
Legal Activities
Inmates at FCI Fort Dix have access to a law library and legal resources to help them with their legal matters. The legal activities department provides assistance with legal research, drafting legal documents, and preparing for court appearances. Inmates can also receive assistance with filing grievances and appeals related to their incarceration.
Overall, FCI Fort Dix provides a range of services to help inmates during their incarceration. These services are designed to promote the well-being of inmates and help them prepare for a successful reentry into society.
Prison Controversies
Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix has not been without its share of controversies over the years. Some of the key issues that have arisen include:
Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the United States, affecting millions of people and leading to widespread shutdowns and restrictions. Prisons were hit particularly hard, as they are often overcrowded and difficult to keep clean. Advocates raised concerns about the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) available to inmates and staff at FCI Fort Dix and other federal prisons. Some argued that this lack of protection put both inmates and staff at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
Contraband Smuggling
In recent years, several cases of contraband smuggling have been reported at FCI Fort Dix. In 2018, a former correctional officer at the prison was sentenced to 26 months in prison for accepting bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband, including tobacco and synthetic marijuana. In 2020, a former inmate was arrested for conspiring to use drones to smuggle contraband into the prison and for possession of narcotics with intent to distribute. These cases have raised concerns about the effectiveness of security measures at the facility.
Child Pornography Ring
In 2021, a child pornography ring was discovered at FCI Fort Dix, operated by inmates who were imprisoned for related offenses. One inmate pleaded guilty, and another was indicted in connection with the ring. The case highlighted the challenges of maintaining safety and security within a federal prison, particularly when inmates are able to use contraband cell phones to communicate and coordinate illegal activities.
Despite these controversies, FCI Fort Dix continues to operate as a United States federal prison, housing inmates who have been convicted of a wide range of crimes. While efforts are being made to address some of the issues that have arisen, it remains to be seen how effective these efforts will be in the long term.