Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg is a medium-security prison located in Petersburg, Virginia. It is managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a division of the Department of Justice. The facility houses male inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes.
The Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg is a part of the Federal Correctional Complex, Petersburg, which also includes a low-security prison and a detention center. The complex is located in Hopewell, Virginia, and employs over 600 staff members. The complex has a total capacity of 2,210 inmates.
The Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg offers various programs for inmates, including education, vocational training, and drug treatment. Inmates can also participate in religious services and recreational activities. The facility has a commissary where inmates can purchase personal items, food, and other items. The Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
| Security | Medium |
| Physical Address | 1060 River Road Hopewell, VA 23860 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1000 Petersburg, VA 23804 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 804-504-7200 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
History and Location
Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg Medium is a medium-security prison located in Prince George County, Virginia, approximately 25 miles south of Richmond. The prison is situated on 561 acres.
The institution was established in 1992 as a result of a merger between the Federal Correctional Institution and the United States Penitentiary, both of which were located in Petersburg. The prison houses male offenders, and its primary mission is to provide secure and humane confinement for those who have been convicted of federal crimes.
Petersburg, Virginia, is a historic city located in the central part of the state. The city has a rich history dating back to the colonial era and played a significant role in the Civil War. Today, Petersburg is a vibrant community with a diverse population and a thriving economy.
Hopewell, Virginia, is a neighboring city to Petersburg and is located just a few miles to the east. The city is home to several major industries, including chemical and manufacturing plants. Hopewell is also known for its historic downtown area, which features many unique shops and restaurants.
Prince George County is located in the southeastern part of Virginia and is home to approximately 38,000 residents. The county is known for its rural landscape and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The county seat is located in the city of Prince George, which is just a few miles from the prison.
Overall, Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg, is located in a region with a rich history and vibrant community. The prison plays an important role in the criminal justice system by providing secure and humane confinement for federal offenders.
Facilities and Security Levels
Federal Correctional Institution Petersburg Medium is part of the Petersburg Federal Correctional Complex, which includes the medium-security FCI Petersburg Medium, the low-security FCI Petersburg Low, and a satellite prison camp.
The facilities at FCI Petersburg Low include dormitory-style housing units, a dining hall, a recreation yard, and an education center. Inmates at this facility have access to medical and dental services, as well as mental health care. The commissary provides a bank-type account for inmates’ money and for the procurement of items not issued regularly as part of the institution’s administration. The list and prices of items sold at the commissary can be found on the official website of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
FCI Petersburg Medium is a medium-security facility for male inmates. It is adjacent to FCI Petersburg Low and a satellite prison camp. The facility includes a medical and dental clinic, a recreation yard, and an education center. Inmates at this facility have access to mental health care and counseling services. The facility has a Special Housing Unit (SHU) for inmates who require additional security measures.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) classifies its institutions into five security levels: minimum, low, medium, high, and administrative. The BOP uses an inmate classification system to determine the appropriate security level for each inmate. The classification system takes into account the inmate’s criminal history, the nature of the offense, and the inmate’s behavior while incarcerated. Inmates are assigned to facilities based on their security level and other factors, such as bed space availability and program needs.
The Petersburg Federal Correctional Complex has multiple security levels, including minimum security institutions, also known as Federal Prison Camps (FPCs). These institutions have dormitory-style housing, a relatively low staff-to-inmate ratio, and limited or no perimeter fencing. The institutions are work- and program-oriented.
Overall, the facilities at the Petersburg Federal Correctional Complex provide a range of housing and program options for inmates at different security levels. The BOP’s inmate classification system ensures that inmates are housed in facilities appropriate to their security needs and other factors.
Inmate Profile
Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg, houses a diverse group of inmates. The inmates at FCI Petersburg Medium are male, and the facility houses both sentenced and unsentenced inmates.
The age range of inmates at FCI Petersburg Medium varies, with the majority falling between the ages of 25 and 50. However, there are also older and younger inmates housed at the facility.
The facility houses inmates who have been convicted of a wide range of crimes, including drug offenses, white-collar crimes, and violent crimes. Additionally, there are inmates at the facility who are awaiting trial or sentencing.
FCI Petersburg Medium provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Overall, the inmate population at FCI Petersburg Medium is diverse, with inmates from a wide range of backgrounds and with a variety of different needs. The facility strives to provide a safe and secure environment for all inmates while also offering programs and services to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Programs and Services
Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg Medium offers various programs and services to its inmates to help them with their rehabilitation and reentry into society. These programs and services include:
- Education Programs: FCI Petersburg Medium offers a variety of educational programs, including Adult Continuing Education (ACE) courses, GED programs, and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. These programs are designed to help inmates improve their literacy and job skills, which can increase their chances of finding employment after release.
- Vocational Training Programs: FCI Petersburg Medium also offers vocational training programs in fields such as carpentry, electrical work, and HVAC repair. These programs provide inmates with valuable job skills that can help them find work after release.
- Substance Abuse Treatment Programs: FCI Petersburg Medium offers both residential and non-residential substance abuse treatment programs. These programs are designed to help inmates overcome addiction and develop the skills they need to maintain sobriety after release.
- Sex Offender Treatment Programs: FCI Petersburg Medium offers a Sex Offender Management Program (SOMP) for inmates who have been convicted of sex offenses. This program is designed to help inmates manage their behavior and reduce the risk of reoffending.
- Legal Reference Materials: FCI Petersburg Medium provides inmates with access to legal reference materials, including law library resources and legal assistance from staff members.
- Medical Care: FCI Petersburg Medium provides inmates with medical care, including routine medical exams, dental care, and mental health services. Inmates can also receive specialized care for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
Overall, FCI Petersburg Low offers a range of programs and services to help inmates with their rehabilitation and reentry into society. These programs and services are designed to provide inmates with the skills and resources they need to succeed after release.
Visiting Procedures and Regulations
Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg, encourages visiting by family, friends, and community groups to maintain positive relationships between inmates and the community. Medium General Population: On Monday, Thursday, and Friday, visiting will begin at 5:00 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. Processing of visitors will end at 8:00 p.m. Visiting hours on Sunday, Saturday and federal holidays are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Processing of visitors will end at 2:00 p.m.
Special Housing Unit: On Monday, Thursday, and Friday, visiting will begin at 5:00 p.m. and end at 7:00 p.m. Processing will end at 6:00 p.m. Visiting hours on Sunday, Saturday and federal holidays are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Processing of visitors will end at 1:00 p.m.
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list before they can visit. To be approved, visitors must complete a Visitor Application and provide valid identification. The application must be submitted to the inmate’s Case Manager for review and approval. Visitors who are not on the approved list will not be allowed to visit.
Visitors are subject to a search before entering the facility. All personal belongings, including cell phones and electronic devices, must be left in a locker or vehicle. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting area, except for a valid ID and a small amount of cash for vending machines.
The visiting regulations at FCI Petersburg Medium are in place to ensure the safety and security of all visitors, inmates, and staff. Visitors must follow all rules and regulations while in the facility. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in the visitor being denied future visits.
State and local travel advisories may impact visiting hours and schedules. Visitors should check with the institution before traveling to ensure that visiting hours have not been changed or canceled. Inmate mail and sending funds to an inmate are also subject to specific regulations and procedures. Visitors should review the institution’s policies and procedures before sending mail or funds to an inmate.
In conclusion, visitors to FCI Petersburg Medium must follow all regulations and procedures to ensure a safe and successful visit. Visiting hours, regulations, and schedules may be subject to change, so visitors should check with the institution before traveling.
Commissary and Inmate Money
Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg Medium offers a commissary to inmates, which allows them to purchase items that are not provided by the institution’s administration. Inmates can use the bank-type account provided by the commissary to buy goods. The commissary account is maintained by the institution, and funds deposited by family, friends, or other sources are stored in the account.
The commissary list includes a variety of items such as food, personal hygiene products, clothing, electronics, and more. The prices of items sold at the commissary in FCI Petersburg Medium are available on the institution’s website. Inmates can purchase items from the commissary using their account balance.
Inmates can receive funds at the institution, which are deposited into their commissary accounts. Funds can be sent electronically using MoneyGram’s ExpressPayment Program or Western Union’s Quick Collect Program. Funds sent between 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST are posted within 2-4 hours. The processing center for commissary funds is located in Des Moines, Iowa.
Non-USPS parcels are not accepted at FCI Petersburg Medium. All parcels must be sent through the United States Postal Service (USPS). Freight deliveries are not accepted at the institution. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages or items from family or friends during visits.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Federal Correctional Institution Petersburg Medium is committed to upholding all legal and regulatory compliance requirements. The institution has a well-established legal and regulatory compliance program that ensures all activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Legal Activities
FCI Petersburg has a Legal Activities department that provides legal services to inmates. The department assists inmates with legal research, drafting legal documents, and representing them in court. The department also provides legal training to staff members to ensure they are knowledgeable about legal issues that may arise in the institution.
Legal Counsel
The institution has a legal counsel who provides legal advice to the institution’s management. The legal counsel ensures that the institution is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and provides guidance on legal issues that may arise.
Inmate Legal Activities
The institution allows inmates to engage in legal activities, such as filing lawsuits and drafting legal documents. Inmates may also have access to legal materials, such as books and legal forms, to assist them in their legal activities.
PREA Report
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requires institutions to provide an annual report on their efforts to prevent and respond to sexual abuse in their facilities. FCI Petersburg Medium has a PREA coordinator who is responsible for ensuring compliance with PREA standards. The institution’s PREA report is available to the public on the institution’s website.
Audit
FCI Petersburg Medium undergoes regular audits to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. The institution has a dedicated audit team that conducts internal audits and responds to external audits.
FCI Petersburg PREA Report
The institution’s PREA report includes information on the institution’s efforts to prevent and respond to sexual abuse in its facilities. The report includes data on the number of reported incidents of sexual abuse, the number of investigations conducted, and the outcomes of those investigations.
Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
FCI Petersburg Medium is committed to complying with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The institution has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and harassment and has implemented a range of measures to prevent and respond to such incidents.
In summary, FCI Petersburg Medium is committed to upholding all legal and regulatory compliance requirements. The institution has a well-established legal and regulatory compliance program that ensures all activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Safety and Security Measures
Safety and security are top priorities at the Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg Medium. The institution has implemented several measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its staff and inmates. The Warden is responsible for the overall safety and security of the institution and works closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies to maintain a secure environment.
Correctional Officers play a vital role in maintaining safety and security within the institution. They are responsible for conducting routine checks, monitoring inmate activities, and responding to emergencies. The institution also has a Security Audit Program in place to assess security risks and vulnerabilities and to prevent injuries, escapes, disruptions, or property destruction. The Prison Staffing Analysis program helps assess staffing needs, determine critical levels, and modify and implement staffing operations for new or existing facilities.
The institution is part of the BOP Region Mid-Atlantic, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Eastern District of Virginia. The BOP Region provides oversight, guidance, and support to the institution, ensuring that it operates in compliance with BOP policies and procedures. The Eastern District of Virginia is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes committed within the district and works closely with the institution to investigate and prosecute criminal activity.
In addition to these measures, the institution has implemented several other safety and security protocols, including controlled movement procedures that identify authorized personnel only, virtual electronic technologies to monitor and control access to certain areas, and designated areas for staff safety. The institution also provides training and resources to staff to ensure that they are equipped to handle emergencies and maintain a safe environment.
Overall, the Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg Medium takes safety and security seriously and has implemented several measures to ensure a secure environment for staff and inmates.
Notable Incidents and Inmates
Federal Correctional Institution, Petersburg has had its share of notable incidents and inmates. Some of the most significant ones are discussed below.
Notable Inmates
Sharpe James
Sharpe James, the former mayor of Newark, New Jersey, was incarcerated at FCI Petersburg after being convicted of fraud and conspiracy charges in 2008. James was sentenced to 27 months in prison and was released in 2010.
John Leighnor
John Leighnor, a former executive at the now-defunct commodities trading firm Refco, was also incarcerated at FCI Petersburg. Leighnor was convicted of fraud and conspiracy charges in 2008 and was sentenced to 33 months in prison.
Keif Jackson
Keif Jackson, a former lieutenant in the Baltimore Police Department, was incarcerated at FCI Petersburg after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin. Jackson was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2018.
Walter Brooks
Walter Brooks, a former police officer in Prince George’s County, Maryland, was also incarcerated at FCI Petersburg. Brooks was convicted of identity theft and mail fraud charges in 2014 and was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Richard Chandler
Richard Chandler, a former civilian employee of the United States Navy, was incarcerated at FCI Petersburg after being convicted of child pornography charges in 2015. Chandler was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Al Clark
Al Clark, a former Major League Baseball umpire, was also incarcerated at FCI Petersburg. Clark was convicted of income tax evasion charges in 2002 and was sentenced to 8 months in prison.
Notable Incidents
Death
In 2018, an inmate at FCI Petersburg died after being found unresponsive in his cell. Life-saving efforts were made, but the inmate was declared dead at the scene.
News
In 2019, FCI Petersburg was in the news after a group of inmates smuggled contraband into the prison. The contraband included cell phones, drugs, and other items.
Fraud
In 2017, a former lieutenant at FCI Petersburg was indicted on charges of mail fraud and identity theft. The lieutenant was accused of stealing the identities of other prison employees and using them to file false tax returns.
Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin
In 2018, several inmates at FCI Petersburg were indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin. The inmates were accused of smuggling heroin into the prison and distributing it to other inmates.
Medical Emergency
In 2016, an inmate at FCI Petersburg suffered a medical emergency and required immediate medical help. The inmate was transported to a nearby hospital, where life-saving efforts were made.
Overall, FCI Petersburg has had its share of incidents and notable inmates over the years. The Eastern District of Virginia has been instrumental in prosecuting those who break the law within the prison’s walls. The prison’s operational levels matrix and media representatives help ensure that the facility operates smoothly and transparently.