Federal Correctional Institution, Pollock: Prison Overview

Federal Correctional Institution, Pollock is a medium-security prison located in central Louisiana. It is part of the Federal Correctional Complex, Pollock, which also includes a high-security United States Penitentiary and a minimum-security Federal Prison Camp.

The Federal Correctional Institution, Pollock offers a variety of programs and services to inmates, including education and vocational training, drug and alcohol treatment, and religious services. Inmates can also participate in recreational activities, such as sports and fitness programs. The prison has a commissary where inmates can purchase personal items and snacks, and a library where they can access reading materials.

Overall, the Federal Correctional Institution, Pollock plays an important role in the federal prison system by providing a secure and structured environment for inmates to serve their sentences. While the prison has faced some challenges in the past, including incidents of violence and drug use, it continues to strive towards providing effective rehabilitation and reentry programs for its inmates.

SecurityMedium
Capacity2,299
Physical Address1000 Airbase Road
Pollock, LA 71467
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 4050
Pollock, LA 71467
Can You Send Gifts?No
Visitation HoursSunday, Saturday, & Federal Holidays: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number318-765-4400
JurisdictionFederal

Facility Overview

Federal Correctional Institution, Pollock is a medium-security United States Federal Prison located in Central Louisiana, approximately 15 miles north of Alexandria. It is part of the Pollock Federal Correctional Complex, which also includes the United States Penitentiary Pollock and the Federal Detention Center Pollock.

Security Levels

As a medium-security facility, FCI Pollock houses male inmates with sentences of 10 years or more, and those who have committed more serious offenses. The facility has a rated capacity of 2,299 inmates. Inmates at FCI Pollock have access to a variety of programs and services, including education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling.

Operational Levels Matrix

FCI Pollock operates under an Operational Levels Matrix, which is used to determine the level of supervision and security required for each inmate. The matrix takes into account factors such as the inmate’s criminal history, behavior in the facility, and any gang affiliations. Inmates are assigned to one of five levels, ranging from Level 1 (minimum security) to Level 5 (administrative maximum security).

The Operational Levels Matrix is designed to ensure that inmates are housed in the appropriate level of security and that staff resources are allocated efficiently. It is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains effective and up-to-date.

In summary, FCI Pollock is a medium-security facility that is part of the Pollock Federal Correctional Complex. It houses male inmates with sentences of 10 years or more and operates under an Operational Levels Matrix to ensure that inmates are housed in the appropriate level of security. Inmates have access to a variety of programs and services aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Inmate Information

Admissions and Orientation (A&O) Handbook

Upon arrival at Federal Correctional Institution, Pollock, all inmates are given a copy of the Admissions and Orientation (A&O) Handbook. This handbook provides important information about the facility, rules and regulations, and inmate rights and responsibilities. Inmates are required to read and understand this handbook within the first few days of their arrival.

The A&O Handbook contains information on a variety of topics, including but not limited to, the following:

  • Admission and Orientation process
  • Inmate discipline and sanctions
  • Inmate work assignments and pay
  • Inmate personal property
  • Inmate mail and visiting regulations
  • Inmate medical and dental care
  • Inmate religious practices and programs
  • Inmate education and recreation programs
  • Inmate release preparation and procedures

Inmates are also assigned an inmate register number upon arrival at FCI Pollock. This number serves as their identification number while incarcerated and should be used in all correspondence and communication with the facility.

Sentenced male offenders are housed at FCI Pollock. Inmates are assigned to specific housing units based on factors such as their security level, program needs, and medical requirements. The facility provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling.

Inmates at FCI Pollock are expected to follow all facility rules and regulations, as outlined in the A&O Handbook. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, including loss of privileges, transfer to a higher security facility, or additional time added to their sentence.

Overall, the A&O Handbook and other resources provided by FCI Pollock are designed to help inmates understand their rights and responsibilities and to prepare them for a successful return to society upon release.

Programs and Opportunities

FCI Pollock provides several programs and opportunities to inmates to help them prepare for their successful reentry into society. These programs are designed to promote personal growth and development, as well as to reduce recidivism rates. The institution offers a range of educational, recreational, and vocational training programs.

Education

FCI Pollock provides educational programs to inmates, including Adult Continuing Education (ACE) courses, GED programs, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. These programs are designed to help inmates improve their literacy and language skills, which can increase their chances of finding employment after release. Inmates can also take college courses through partnerships with local community colleges.

Recreation

Recreation is an essential part of the rehabilitation process, and FCI Pollock offers various recreational programs to inmates, including sports leagues, hobby craft programs, and fitness classes. These programs help inmates maintain their physical and mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and develop social skills.

Vocational Training

FCI Pollock provides vocational training programs to inmates to help them acquire job skills and prepare for employment after release. The institution offers vocational training in various fields, including culinary arts, carpentry, welding, horticulture, and more. Inmates can also participate in the Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) program, which provides job training and work experience in various industries.

Overall, FCI Pollock provides several programs and opportunities to inmates to help them prepare for their successful reentry into society. These programs are designed to promote personal growth and development, reduce recidivism rates, and increase the chances of finding employment after release.

Visiting Information

Visiting an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Pollock is a regulated process. Visitors must follow the official policy and Covid-19 procedures to ensure a safe and successful visit.

Official Policy

Before visiting an inmate, visitors must review the visiting regulations and observe any applicable state and local travel advisories. The Bureau of Prisons welcomes visitors to its institutions, but all visitors must be approved and placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list before visiting.

To locate an inmate and be approved for visitation, visitors must follow four steps: locate the inmate, be approved, be prepared, and visit the inmate. The visiting hours and schedule are subject to change, so visitors should check the visiting schedule and procedures before planning their visit.

COVID-19 Procedures

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has implemented additional procedures to ensure the safety of visitors and inmates. Visitors must wear masks at all times and follow social distancing guidelines. The number of visitors allowed per inmate may be limited to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Visitors who have recently traveled to high-risk areas or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 may be denied entry. Visitors who are feeling unwell or have symptoms of COVID-19 should not visit the institution.

Special Visiting Resource

The Federal Correctional Institution, Pollock has a special visiting resource for visitors with disabilities. Visitors with disabilities should contact the institution to request any accommodations needed to ensure a successful visit.

In conclusion, visiting an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution, Pollock requires visitors to follow the official policy and COVID-19 procedures. Visitors must be approved and placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list before visiting and observe any applicable state and local travel advisories. The institution has implemented additional procedures to ensure the safety of visitors and inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors with disabilities should contact the institution to request any accommodations needed to ensure a successful visit.

Commissary and Inmate Money

FCI Pollock has a commissary that provides a bank-type account for inmates to purchase items not issued regularly as part of the institution’s administration. Inmates can use their commissary accounts to buy items such as food, personal hygiene products, and clothing.

Commissary Purchasing Rules

There are specific rules that inmates must follow when purchasing items from the commissary. Inmates are only allowed to purchase items that are on the approved list of items available for purchase. The list is updated regularly, and items can be added or removed at any time. Inmates are not allowed to purchase items for other inmates, and they are not allowed to exceed their spending limit.

Money Deposit Procedures

Inmates can receive funds at FCI Pollock, which are deposited into their commissary accounts. There are several ways to send money to an inmate’s account, including 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. Inmates can also receive funds through postal money orders by mail.

It is important to note that inmates are not allowed to possess cash while incarcerated. All funds must be deposited into their commissary account, and any excess funds will be held in the inmate’s trust fund account. Inmates can use their trust fund account to pay for court-imposed fines, restitution, or other legal obligations.

Overall, the commissary and inmate money procedures at FCI Pollock are designed to provide inmates with access to basic necessities and to manage their finances while incarcerated.

Safety and Security

FCI Pollock prioritizes safety and security for both inmates and staff members. The institution has implemented several measures to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Inmate Rules and Regulations

Inmates at FCI Pollock are required to follow strict rules and regulations to maintain safety and security within the facility. These rules include restrictions on contraband items such as weapons, drugs, and cell phones. Inmates are also required to follow a dress code, attend scheduled activities, and participate in educational programs.

The institution has a zero-tolerance policy for violence and disruptive behavior, and any violations of these policies are met with disciplinary action. Inmates who violate rules may be placed in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) for a period of time.

Staff Safety Measures

The safety of staff members is of utmost importance at FCI Pollock. The institution has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of staff members, including training programs, personal protective equipment, and emergency response plans.

All staff members are required to complete training programs that cover topics such as self-defense, communication skills, and emergency procedures. Staff members are also provided with personal protective equipment, including pepper spray and handcuffs, to protect themselves in case of an emergency.

Emergency response plans are in place to ensure that staff members can quickly and effectively respond to any situation that may arise. These plans include procedures for responding to medical emergencies, fires, and security breaches.

In conclusion, FCI Pollock places a high priority on safety and security for both inmates and staff members. The institution has implemented several measures to ensure a safe and secure environment, including strict rules and regulations for inmates and training programs, personal protective equipment, and emergency response plans for staff members.

Release Information

When an inmate is nearing the end of their sentence, they will be provided with release information. This information will include details about their release date, as well as any necessary procedures that must be followed prior to their release.

Parole Procedures

Inmates who are eligible for parole will be provided with information about the parole process. This may include details about the parole board, the criteria for parole, and the steps that must be taken in order to be considered for parole.

Release Preparation Program

Inmates who are preparing for release will have the opportunity to participate in a release preparation program. This program is designed to help inmates transition back into society by providing them with the necessary skills and resources to succeed on the outside.

The release preparation program may include a variety of different components, such as job training, education, counseling, and more. Inmates who successfully complete the program will have a better chance of success upon their release.

It is important to note that the release date provided to an inmate may be subject to change. This may occur due to a variety of different factors, such as changes in sentencing laws or other legal developments. Inmates should be prepared to be flexible and adaptable in the event that their release date is changed.

Overall, the release information provided to inmates at Federal Correctional Institution, Pollock is designed to help them successfully transition back into society. By participating in the appropriate programs and following the necessary procedures, inmates can improve their chances of success upon their release.

Notable Inmates

John Gotti

John Gotti, also known as “The Teflon Don,” was a notorious American mobster who was the boss of the Gambino Crime Family. He was convicted of a variety of crimes, including murder, racketeering, and tax evasion, and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In 2002, he died of throat cancer while still incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Pollock.

During his time at FCI Pollock, Gotti was known for his celebrity status and his ability to manipulate the media. He was frequently visited by his family and friends and was even allowed to hold press conferences from prison. However, he also faced disciplinary action for his involvement in illegal activities, including smuggling contraband into the facility.

Gene Gotti

Gene Gotti is the younger brother of John Gotti and was also a member of the Gambino Crime Family. In 1989, he was arrested and charged with running a large-scale heroin ring. He was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison, which he served at FCI Pollock.

During his incarceration, Gene Gotti maintained a relatively low profile and did not attract the same level of attention as his brother. However, he was involved in several disciplinary incidents, including a fight with another inmate.

Overall, FCI Pollock has housed a number of high-profile inmates throughout its history, including members of organized crime, white-collar criminals, and drug traffickers. Despite the notoriety of some of its inmates, the facility has a reputation for being well-run and secure.

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