Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong is a medium-security federal correctional institution located in Herlong, California. It has an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. FCI Herlong is responsible for housing male inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes and are serving sentences of varying lengths.
The facility has a capacity of 920 inmates and provides a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include adult continuing education, parenting classes, and vocational training in fields such as carpentry, welding, and horticulture. Inmates can also participate in recreational activities such as sports, music, and arts and crafts.
As with all federal correctional institutions, FCI Herlong is subject to regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations. In 2021, an audit was conducted to determine the facility’s compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The audit report, which is available on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, details the findings of the audit and the steps being taken to address any areas of non-compliance.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 920 |
| Physical Address | 741-925 Access Road A-25 Herlong, CA 96113 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. BOX 800 Herlong, CA 96113 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 530-827-8000 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Overview of Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong
Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong is a medium-security federal correctional institution located in Lassen County, California, United States. It is run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and has an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. The facility was opened in 2007 and houses male inmates.
The institution has a capacity of 920 inmates and is designed to house adult male offenders. The facility offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services. Inmates can also participate in work programs, where they are paid for their labor.
FCI Herlong provides a range of medical and mental health services to inmates, including routine check-ups, emergency care, and medication management. The facility also has a psychology department that provides counseling and therapy to inmates.
In terms of security, FCI Herlong has a variety of measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. The facility has a secure perimeter fence, surveillance cameras, and an alarm system. Inmates are also subject to regular searches and pat-downs.
Overall, FCI Herlong is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its staff and inmates. The facility aims to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism by offering a range of programs and services to inmates.
Institutional Structure
Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong is a medium-security federal correctional institution that also has an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. It is one of the facilities managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), which is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates.
The institution is divided into different units that serve different purposes. The general population units house the majority of the inmates, while the special housing unit (SHU) and special management unit (SMU) are reserved for those who require more restrictive confinement. The SHU is designed for inmates who have violated institutional rules and regulations, while the SMU is for inmates who have been identified as a threat to the safety and security of the institution.
In addition to the general population units, FCI Herlong also has a prison camp, which is a minimum-security facility that houses inmates who are nearing the end of their sentences and are preparing for re-entry into society. The camp provides a range of programs and services to help inmates develop the skills they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities.
The facility is staffed by a team of professionals who are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the institution, as well as providing inmates with access to the programs and services they need to successfully reintegrate into society. This team includes correctional officers, case managers, counselors, and medical staff.
Overall, FCI Herlong is a well-structured correctional institution that has been designed to meet the needs of federal inmates. With its medium-security facility, prison camp, and specialized units, it provides a range of options for inmates who require different levels of confinement and care.
Inmate Profile
Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong houses male inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes. The inmate population at FCI Herlong includes individuals from different backgrounds, races, and ethnicities. Inmates are assigned to different housing units based on their custody level, behavior, and other factors.
One notable inmate who was previously housed at FCI Herlong was Tre Arrow, an environmental activist who was convicted of arson. Another high-profile inmate who was held at FCI Herlong was Tim DeChristopher, a climate activist who was convicted of false representation and sentenced to two years in prison.
Male inmates at FCI Herlong have access to various programs and services aimed at helping them prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational courses, vocational training, drug treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in recreational activities such as sports and music programs.
Peaceful Uprising, a non-profit organization that advocates for environmental and social justice, has partnered with FCI Herlong to provide educational materials and resources to inmates. The organization’s goal is to help inmates gain knowledge and skills that will enable them to make positive changes in their communities upon their release.
Overall, FCI Herlong strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. The facility’s staff is committed to providing inmates with the support and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society.
Services and Programs
Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong offers a variety of services and programs to its inmates. These services and programs aim to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society and lead productive lives upon release. Some of the services and programs available at FCI Herlong are:
- Education Services: The institution offers a range of educational programs, including Adult Continuing Education (ACE), General Educational Development (GED), and English as a Second Language (ESL). These programs are designed to help inmates improve their literacy, numeracy, and language skills, which can increase their chances of finding employment upon release.
- Library Services: The institution has a well-stocked library that offers a range of reading materials, including books, magazines, and newspapers. Inmates can also access legal materials and research databases to help them with their legal cases.
- Recreation Services: FCI Herlong offers a range of recreational activities to its inmates, including sports, fitness programs, and hobby clubs. These activities can help inmates stay physically and mentally healthy, reduce stress, and develop new skills.
- Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP): The institution offers a comprehensive drug treatment program for inmates with substance abuse problems. The program includes individual and group counseling, education, and vocational training.
- Health Services: FCI Herlong has a medical and dental clinic that provides a range of services to its inmates, including routine check-ups, emergency care, and mental health services.
- Psychology Services: The institution offers a range of psychological services to its inmates, including individual and group counseling, anger management, and stress reduction programs. These services can help inmates cope with the challenges of incarceration and prepare for re-entry into society.
Overall, the services and programs offered at FCI Herlong aim to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed upon release. By providing education, counseling, and other support services, the institution can help inmates prepare for a successful return to their communities.
Visiting and Communication
Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong has established guidelines and procedures for visiting and communication to maintain the safety and security of staff, inmates, and visitors.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at FCI Herlong are subject to change, so visitors are advised to check with the facility before planning a visit. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list and provide valid identification to enter the facility. The visiting schedule is as follows:
- FCI and FPC: Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- SHU: Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Visits are a minimum of one hour, with a three-hour maximum. Visitors are allowed to bring only a small clear plastic bag containing their identification and a small amount of money. Visitors are not allowed to bring any other items into the facility.
Inmate Mail
Inmates at FCI Herlong are allowed to send and receive mail, subject to certain rules and regulations. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection and may be read by staff. Inmates must include their full name, register number, and the complete address of the institution on all incoming and outgoing mail.
The mailing address is:
- Inmate Name & Register Number
- FCI Herlong
- Federal Correctional Institution
- P.O. Box 800
- Herlong, CA 96113
Send Money
FCI Herlong provides a bank-type account for inmates to purchase items at the commissary and pay for phone calls. Friends and family can deposit funds into an inmate’s account through Western Union or by mailing a money order to the institution. Money orders must be made payable to the inmate and include the inmate’s full name and register number.
Commissary
The commissary at FCI Herlong provides inmates with the opportunity to purchase items not issued regularly as part of the institution’s administration. Inmates are allowed to spend up to $360 per month at the commissary. The commissary offers a variety of items, including food, personal hygiene products, electronics, and clothing. Inmates must have funds in their account to make purchases at the commissary.
Notable Events and Investigations
Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong has been the subject of several notable events and investigations over the years. These events and investigations have involved abuse, criminal investigations, and federal audits.
One such event occurred in 2018 when a federal audit found that the facility was not in compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The audit found that the facility had failed to provide adequate training to staff on how to prevent sexual abuse, and had not properly investigated allegations of abuse. As a result, the facility was required to develop a corrective action plan to address the issues identified in the audit.
In 2019, the facility was also the subject of a criminal investigation by the FBI and the Office of Internal Investigations. The investigation was launched after allegations of staff misconduct, including the use of excessive force and the smuggling of contraband into the facility, were brought to light. Several officers were eventually indicted on charges related to the investigation.
In addition to these investigations, the facility has also faced criticism for its grievance process. In 2020, a federal court ruled that the facility’s grievance process was inadequate, and ordered the facility to implement changes to ensure that inmates had a meaningful opportunity to file grievances.
Despite these challenges, the facility continues to operate as a medium security federal correctional institution with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp. It remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for inmates, while also ensuring that staff are held accountable for any misconduct or abuse.
Issues and Controversies
Federal Correctional Institution Herlong has faced several issues and controversies over the years. These issues have ranged from inadequate mental health care to allegations of racism and retaliation.
One of the most pressing issues at FCI Herlong is the provision of mental health care. Inmates with mental health issues are often not provided with the necessary care, which can lead to further deterioration of their mental health. This has resulted in several lawsuits against the institution.
Another issue that has plagued FCI Herlong is the incidence of homicide and suspected homicide. The institution has seen several cases of inmate-on-inmate violence, which have led to the loss of life. The institution has also been accused of not doing enough to prevent such incidents.
Suicide is another issue that has been a cause for concern at FCI Herlong. Inmates who are not provided with adequate mental health care are at a higher risk of suicide. The institution has been accused of not doing enough to prevent suicides.
Restraint and unnecessary restraint have also been a source of controversy at FCI Herlong. Inmates have alleged that they have been subjected to unnecessary and excessive restraint, which has led to physical and emotional harm.
Racism and retaliation have also been a problem at FCI Herlong. Inmates have reported incidents of racism and discrimination by staff members. The institution has also been accused of retaliating against inmates who have filed complaints.
Solitary confinement is another issue that has been a cause for concern at FCI Herlong. Inmates have been placed in solitary confinement for extended periods, which has led to mental health issues and other problems.
Institutional culture has also been a source of controversy at FCI Herlong. Inmates have reported that the culture at the institution is punitive and oppressive, which has led to a hostile environment for inmates.
Overall, FCI Herlong has faced several issues and controversies over the years, which have led to lawsuits and other legal actions. The institution needs to address these issues to ensure that it provides a safe and humane environment for inmates.
Legal and Civil Rights Concerns
The Federal Correctional Institution, Herlong, has been the subject of legal and civil rights concerns in recent years. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has the authority to review conditions and practices within institutions like FCI Herlong under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). However, the DOJ is not authorized to address issues with federal facilities or federal officials, according to their website.
One of the ongoing legal concerns at FCI Herlong is employee misconduct. In 2020, several employees at FCI Herlong filed a claim seeking overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for allegedly uncompensated pre- and post-shift work. This claim highlights the importance of ensuring fair and just treatment of employees within the institution.
Another concern at FCI Herlong is the protection of civil rights. Prisoners have constitutional rights that must be protected, including the right to free speech, due process, and freedom from cruel and unusual punishment. The changing role of the federal courts in prison administration has led to increased intervention to protect these rights.
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can also be used to obtain information about FCI Herlong. FOIA allows individuals to request access to federal agency records, including those related to prisons and correctional institutions. This can be a useful tool for journalists, researchers, and concerned citizens who want to learn more about the institution.
In summary, legal and civil rights concerns are important issues that must be addressed at FCI Herlong. Employee misconduct, protection of civil rights, and transparency through FOIA requests are all important areas of focus for maintaining a just and fair institution.