The Federal Correctional Institution, Hazelton is a medium-security United States federal prison located in Preston County, West Virginia. It is the newest facility in the federal prison system and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The facility is designed to house male inmates, as well as a secure facility for female inmates.
The Hazelton Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) includes four facilities, including FCI Hazelton. The complex is located approximately 188 miles from Washington, DC. The CIC conducted an inspection of FCI Hazelton in August of 2019, and a follow-up inspection in January of 2020. According to the inspection report, the facility had a total population of 1,455 inmates, which included 1,300 male inmates and 155 female inmates. The facility also had a staff population of 397. The report found that the facility had several areas of concern, including staffing shortages, inadequate medical care, and limited access to educational and vocational programs.
| Security | Medium |
| Physical Address | 1640 Sky View Drive Bruceton Mills, WV 26525 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 5000 Bruceton Mills, WV 26525 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | General Population: Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. SHU: Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 304-379-1500 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Location
The Federal Correctional Institution, Hazelton is located in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, in Preston County. It is situated on a 996-acre complex that includes the high-security U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton and a minimum-security satellite camp. The facility is located approximately 188 miles from Washington, DC.
The prison complex is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, and the surrounding area is known for its rugged terrain. The prison is located near Misery Mountain, which is a popular hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is also known for its scenic beauty and is home to several state parks.
The facility is easily accessible by car and is located near several major highways. Visitors can reach the prison by taking Interstate 68 to Exit 23 and then following the signs to the facility. The nearest airport is the Morgantown Municipal Airport, which is approximately 30 miles from the prison.
Overall, the location of the Federal Correctional Institution, Hazelton provides a secure and remote setting for the incarceration of federal inmates. The surrounding area offers beautiful scenery and outdoor activities for visitors, but the prison itself is designed to be a highly secure and controlled environment.
Facilities
The Federal Correctional Institution, Hazelton is a federal prison complex that consists of two prisons and a satellite prison camp. The complex is located in Preston County, West Virginia, and was constructed in 2004. The prison complex is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Medium-Security Facility
The United States Penitentiary, Hazelton is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates. It’s designed to house inmates who have committed serious crimes. The facility provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release, including educational and vocational training programs.
High-Security Facility
The Federal Correctional Complex, Hazelton also houses a high-security facility that is designed to house the most dangerous and violent inmates. It’s designed to provide a secure environment for inmates who pose a threat to other inmates and staff.
Minimum-Security Facility
The Satellite Prison Camp is a minimum-security facility that is designed to house non-violent offenders. It provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release.
Secure Female Facility
The Federal Correctional Institution, Hazelton also houses a secure female facility that is designed to house female inmates. It provides a range of programs and services to help female inmates prepare for their release.
Special Housing Unit
The Special Housing Unit is a facility that is designed to house inmates who have violated prison rules or who pose a threat to other inmates and staff. It provides a secure environment for inmates who need to be isolated from the general population.
Overall, the Federal Correctional Institution, Hazelton is a modern and secure prison complex that provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release. The complex is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff, and it is staffed by highly trained and experienced correctional officers.
Inmate Information
Male Inmates
Federal Correctional Institution, Hazelton, houses male offenders who have been convicted of violating federal laws. The facility has a high-security U.S. penitentiary and a medium-security federal correctional institution with an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. Male inmates are assigned to one of the three facilities based on their security level and behavior.
Inmates at Hazelton have access to various programs and services, including educational opportunities, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. They can also participate in recreational activities, such as sports and music programs. The facility has a commissary where inmates can purchase personal items and snacks.
Female Inmates
Hazelton also has a secure female facility that houses female inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes. Female inmates have access to the same programs and services as male inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and recreational activities.
Orientation
Upon arrival at Hazelton, all inmates are required to attend an orientation session that provides them with information about the facility’s rules and regulations. During the orientation, inmates are also given a handbook that outlines the facility’s policies and procedures.
Life Sentence
Hazelton houses inmates who have been sentenced to life in prison. These inmates have access to the same programs and services as other inmates. However, they may be housed separately from the general population based on their behavior and security level.
Overall, Hazelton provides a safe and secure environment for incarcerated federal prisoners. The facility is committed to providing inmates with opportunities to improve themselves and prepare for reentry into society.
Contact Information
Federal Correctional Institution, Hazelton is a medium-security United States federal prison for male inmates, as well as a secure facility for female inmates. It is located in Preston County, West Virginia, and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the United States Department of Justice.
Physical Address
The physical address of Federal Correctional Institution, Hazelton, is as follows:
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Hazelton Federal Correctional Complex | 1640 Sky View Drive, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525 |
Visitors are advised to use this address when sending mail or packages to inmates at the facility. The format for mailing letters and packages to inmates at the facility is as follows:
- Inmate Name & Register Number
- FCI Hazelton
- Federal Correctional Institution
- P.O. Box 5000
- Bruceton Mills, WV 26525
Programs and Services
The Federal Correctional Institution, Hazelton offers a range of programs and services to inmates. These programs and services aim to help inmates develop skills, improve their mental and physical health, and prepare them for life after release.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at FCI Hazelton are typically on weekends and federal holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for general population, and for inmates in SHU on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and provide valid identification. Visitors are also subject to a search before entering the facility.
Inmate Mail
Inmates at FCI Hazelton can receive mail from friends and family members. Inmates can also send mail to approved recipients. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by facility staff.
Commissary
Inmates at FCI Hazelton can purchase a variety of items from the commissary, including food, hygiene products, and electronics. Inmates must have money in their accounts to make purchases. Family and friends can also deposit money into an inmate’s account through Western Union or MoneyGram.
Phone Calls
Inmates at FCI Hazelton can make phone calls to approved numbers. Phone calls are limited to 300 minutes per month and are subject to monitoring and recording. Inmates can also purchase phone time through the commissary.
Overall, FCI Hazelton provides a range of programs and services to help inmates during their incarceration. These programs and services are designed to help inmates prepare for life after release and improve their physical and mental health.
Safety and Security
Federal Correctional Institution Hazelton is a medium-security federal prison facility for adult males located in Bruceton Mills, West Virginia. Safety and security are of utmost importance in this facility, given its nature.
The facility is equipped with various security measures to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors. This includes secure perimeters, electronic detection systems, and a staff of trained professionals who are responsible for maintaining order and discipline within the facility.
Additionally, FCI Hazelton has a secure female facility (SFF) and a United States Penitentiary (USP) within its complex. The entire complex is known as the Hazelton Federal Correctional Complex (FCC). The FCC provides a secure environment for inmates and staff, and the security measures in place ensure that the facility is safe and secure.
Special Housing Units (SHUs) are available for inmates who require additional security measures. These units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates who may pose a threat to themselves or others. Inmates in the SHU are monitored closely, and their activities are restricted to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Overall, FCI Hazelton is a secure facility that prioritizes the safety and security of its inmates, staff, and visitors. The facility’s security measures, including secure perimeters, electronic detection systems, and trained professionals, ensure that the facility is safe and secure.
Notable Inmates
Whitey Bulger
Whitey Bulger, born James Joseph Bulger Jr., was a notorious Irish-American organized crime boss who led the Winter Hill Gang in Boston from the 1970s until the mid-1990s. He was convicted of multiple charges, including racketeering, extortion, money laundering, and 11 counts of murder. Bulger was on the run for 16 years before being captured in Santa Monica, California in 2011. He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus five years and was transferred to FCI Hazelton in 2018.
Bulger’s time at FCI Hazelton was marked by controversy and tragedy. In October 2018, he was transferred to the facility’s general population, despite being 89 years old and suffering from multiple health issues. Less than 24 hours after his arrival, he was beaten to death by fellow inmates. His death sparked an investigation into the conditions at FCI Hazelton and the Bureau of Prisons’ handling of high-profile inmates.
James Alex Fields Jr.
James Alex Fields Jr. is a white supremacist who was convicted of multiple charges, including first-degree murder, for driving his car into a crowd of counter-protesters at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017. The attack killed one person and injured dozens more. Fields was sentenced to life in prison and was transferred to FCI Hazelton in 2019.
Fields’ time at FCI Hazelton has been marked by controversy and legal battles. In 2021, he filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Prisons, claiming that he was being held in solitary confinement for 24 hours a day and was being denied access to basic necessities like toothpaste and soap. The lawsuit also alleged that he was being subjected to cruel and unusual punishment and that his mental health was deteriorating as a result.
Despite these high-profile inmates, FCI Hazelton houses a diverse population of inmates, including those serving time for drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and immigration violations. The facility has been the subject of scrutiny in recent years, with concerns raised about its staffing levels, safety, and conditions for inmates.