Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota, is a medium-security federal prison located in Mendota, California, United States. It is home to over 1,200 male inmates who are serving sentences for a wide range of federal crimes. The facility consists of a main unit and a satellite camp, which is a minimum-security facility for low-risk offenders.
The institution is managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also offering a range of programs and services to help them prepare for their eventual release. These programs include education and vocational training, drug treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in religious services and recreational activities.
Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota, has a strict set of rules and regulations that all inmates must follow. This includes rules regarding visitation, mail, and telephone communication. The institution also has a comprehensive security system in place to prevent escapes and ensure the safety of staff and inmates.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,280 |
| Physical Address | 33500 West California Avenue Mendota, CA 93640 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. BOX 9 Mendota, CA 93640 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 559-274-4000 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
History and Construction
Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota is a medium-security facility located on 960 acres of land in Central California. It was established in 2012 and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
The construction of FCI Mendota began in 2007 and was completed in 2012. The facility was built to house male inmates and has a capacity of 1,280. The construction of the facility was part of the Bureau of Prisons’ efforts to address overcrowding in federal prisons.
The facility was built using modern construction techniques and materials to ensure it met the highest standards of safety and security. The design of the facility is based on a campus-style layout, with buildings arranged in a circular pattern around a central courtyard. This design allows for easy supervision of inmates and ensures that staff can quickly respond to any incidents.
The construction of FCI Mendota was a significant investment in the region, providing jobs and economic opportunities for the local community. The facility is located in an area that was previously used for agriculture, and the construction of the facility required significant infrastructure improvements to support it.
In summary, FCI Mendota was built to address the issue of overcrowding in federal prisons, and its construction was a significant investment in the Central California region. The facility was built using modern construction techniques and materials to ensure it met the highest standards of safety and security.
Institution Overview
Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota, is a medium-security facility that is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is located in Mendota, California, and is designed to house male inmates. The institution also has a satellite prison camp that is minimum security.
The facility has a capacity to hold 1,280 inmates and is primarily used to house individuals who have been convicted of federal crimes. The institution provides a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society.
The medium-security facility has a range of security measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. These include secure perimeters, electronic detection systems, and a staff of trained correctional officers.
The minimum-security satellite camp is designed to house inmates who are nearing the end of their sentence and who have demonstrated good behavior while in custody. Inmates at the satellite prison camp are allowed greater freedom of movement and have access to a range of vocational and educational programs.
Overall, Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota, is a well-run federal institution that provides a safe and secure environment for inmates while also offering a range of programs and services to help them prepare for their eventual release.
Inmate Population and Capacity
The Federal Correctional Institution Mendota is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates. As of March 9, 2023, the total number of federal inmates in FCI Mendota was 1,215, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons population statistics. The facility has a rated capacity of 1280 inmates.
Male offenders make up the entire inmate population at FCI Mendota. The majority of inmates at this facility are serving sentences for drug offenses, followed by weapons offenses and immigration offenses.
The BOP has implemented various programs and services to address the needs of the inmate population at FCI Mendota. These include educational and vocational training programs, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in religious services and recreational activities such as sports and arts and crafts.
The BOP has established guidelines for the classification and placement of inmates in its facilities. Inmates are classified based on various factors such as the nature of the offense, length of sentence, and criminal history. The BOP strives to place inmates in facilities that are appropriate for their security level and programming needs.
Overall, the inmate population at FCI Mendota is subject to the rules and regulations of the BOP and must adhere to the policies and procedures of the facility.
Inmate Locator and Contact Information
Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota, has an inmate locator service available on its website. The service allows individuals to search for inmates who are currently incarcerated in the facility. The search function is available for inmates who have been incarcerated from 1982 to the present.
To use the inmate locator service, individuals need to enter the inmate’s name or registration number. Due to the First Step Act, sentences are being reviewed and recalculated to address pending Federal Time Credit changes. As a result, an inmate’s release date may not be up-to-date. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals contact the facility directly for the most up-to-date information.
Individuals can contact the facility by phone or email. The phone number for Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota is (559) 274-4000. The email address for the facility is MEN/[email protected]. If individuals need to send mail to an inmate, they must follow the Bureau of Prisons’ guidelines. All funds sent through the mail must be addressed to a processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota, provides a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on its website. The FAQs cover a variety of topics, including visitation, mail, phone calls, and commissary. The FAQs are a helpful resource for individuals who have questions about the facility.
In summary, the Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota, provides an inmate locator service on its website. Individuals can search for inmates who are currently incarcerated in the facility by name or registration number. The facility can be contacted by phone or email, and individuals must follow the Bureau of Prisons’ guidelines when sending mail to an inmate. The facility’s website also provides a list of frequently asked questions that cover a variety of topics.
Educational and Vocational Programs
FCI Mendota offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help inmates acquire literacy and marketable skills. These programs are designed to provide inmates with opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills, as well as to encourage them to use their time constructively.
All institutions under the Federal Bureau of Prisons offer literacy classes, English as a Second Language, parenting classes, wellness education, adult continuing education, library services, and instruction in leisure-time activities. At FCI Mendota, inmates can also participate in post-secondary programs, such as college courses and vocational training programs.
The vocational training programs at FCI Mendota include building trades, automotive, and recycling. These programs provide inmates with hands-on experience in various trades, which can help prepare them for employment after release. In addition, FCI Mendota offers computer literacy courses to help inmates develop computer skills that are essential in today’s job market.
Upon completion of the educational and vocational programs, inmates can earn a GED certificate or other certifications that can help them secure employment after release. FCI Mendota also offers job placement assistance to help inmates find employment opportunities upon release.
Overall, the educational and vocational programs at FCI Mendota provide inmates with valuable skills and knowledge that can help them succeed and become productive members of society upon release.
Inmate Resources and Services
Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota provides a range of resources and services to inmates to help them during their incarceration. These services include access to a commissary, inmate mail, legal activities, legal counsel, legal reference materials, and an Admissions and Orientation (A&O) Handbook.
The commissary is a facility where inmates can purchase items such as snacks, toiletries, and clothing. Inmates are allowed to spend up to $360 per month at the commissary. The commissary list is available for inmates to view, and they can place orders once a week.
Inmate mail is another essential resource that is available at FCI Mendota. Inmates can send and receive mail from family, friends, and other contacts. Inmates can receive mail from anyone, but they can only send mail to people on their approved contact list.
Legal activities and counsel are available to inmates who need legal assistance. FCI Mendota has a law library that inmates can use to research legal issues. Inmates can also request legal assistance from the institution’s legal department or from a private attorney.
Inmates can also access legal reference materials, such as books and legal forms, to help them with their legal activities. These materials are available in the law library.
The Admissions and Orientation Handbook is a guidebook for new inmates that provides information about the institution’s policies and procedures. The handbook covers topics such as inmate rights and responsibilities, visiting hours, and the commissary.
Familiarizing oneself with the handbook is important for new inmates to understand the rules and regulations of the institution. Inmates are required to attend an orientation session where they will receive a copy of the handbook and learn about the institution’s policies.
In conclusion, FCI Mendota provides a range of resources and services to inmates to help them during their incarceration. These services include access to a commissary, inmate mail, legal activities, legal counsel, legal reference materials, and an Admissions and Orientation Handbook. Familiarizing oneself with these resources is important for new inmates to understand their rights and responsibilities and to make their time in the institution more manageable.
Family and Friends Information
Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota recognizes the importance of maintaining familial and social bonds for the well-being of the inmates. The facility supports various programs and services that help inmates stay connected with their family and friends. This section provides information about visiting hours, contact information, and other resources available for family and friends of inmates.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at FCI Mendota are scheduled on weekends and federal holidays. Visitors are required to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time and must present a valid photo ID for verification. Visitors are also subject to search and screening before entering the facility.
The visiting hours are Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to check the official website or contact the facility to confirm the visiting hours before planning their visit.
Contact Information
Family and friends of inmates can contact FCI Mendota for general information or to inquire about specific inmates. The facility’s contact information is:
- Address: Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 9, Mendota, CA 93640
- Phone: (559) 274-4000
Inmates can also communicate with their family and friends through phone calls, email, and mail. However, all communication is subject to monitoring and recording by the facility staff.
Other Resources
FCI Mendota offers various resources and programs to support inmates and their families. Some of these resources include:
- The Inmate Money program, which allows family and friends to send funds to inmates for their use within the facility.
- The Read to Me program, which encourages inmates to improve their reading skills and read to their children or grandchildren.
- The Community Ties program, which provides resources and support to help inmates transition back into their communities after their release.
Family and friends of inmates can contact the facility or visit the official website for more information about these programs and resources.
Local Community Impact
The Federal Correctional Institution Mendota has a significant impact on the local community. The facility is located in Mendota, California, a small city with a population of approximately 11,000 people. The prison is one of the largest employers in the area, and its operations have a significant impact on the local economy.
Jobs and Employment
FCI Mendota provides employment opportunities for the local community. The facility employs approximately 300 staff members, including correctional officers, administrative staff, and support personnel. These jobs provide stable employment for many individuals in the area, contributing to the local economy.
Economy
The presence of FCI Mendota has a significant impact on the local economy. The facility purchases goods and services from local businesses, contributing to the growth of the local economy. Additionally, the prison provides a stable source of income for many families in the area, which helps to support local businesses.
Community Relations
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is committed to maintaining positive relationships with the local community. The BOP works closely with local officials to ensure that the prison operates in a way that minimizes its impact on the community. Additionally, the BOP provides opportunities for community members to tour the facility and learn more about its operations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, FCI Mendota has a significant impact on the local community. The facility provides stable employment opportunities, contributes to the local economy, and maintains positive relationships with the community. While the presence of a federal prison in a small community can be challenging, the BOP is committed to working with local officials to ensure that the prison operates in a way that minimizes its impact on the community.
Notable Inmates
Federal Correctional Institution, Mendota has housed a number of notable inmates throughout its history. Here are a few examples:
- Frankie Maybee was a former police officer who was convicted of sexually abusing minors. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison and was housed at FCI Mendota until his release in 2019. Maybee’s case was notable because it was one of the first to be prosecuted under the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was signed into law in 2009.
- John G. Rowland was the former governor of Connecticut who was convicted of corruption charges in 2014. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison and was housed at FCI Mendota until his release in 2018.
- Raj Rajaratnam was a former hedge fund manager who was convicted of insider trading in 2011. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison and was housed at FCI Mendota until his release in 2021.
- Robert Rizzo was the former city manager of Bell, California, who was convicted of corruption charges in 2013. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and was housed at FCI Mendota until his release in 2022.
- Jared Fogle was a former spokesman for Subway who was convicted of child pornography and child sex crimes in 2015. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and was initially housed at FCI Englewood, but was later transferred to FCI Mendota.
These are just a few examples of the notable inmates who have been housed at FCI Mendota over the years. While the prison is primarily known for its medium-security male population, it has also housed minimum-security and high-security inmates at various times.