Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island is a low-security federal prison located on Terminal Island in San Pedro, California. The facility was opened in 1938 and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is one of several correctional institutions in California and is designed to house male inmates.
FCI Terminal Island has a capacity of 1,194 inmates and is known for its unique location on the coast between San Pedro and Long Beach. The facility offers impressive ocean views from many buildings and grounds within the institution, and it is common to hear the barking of seals and the sounds of various sea birds in the early morning. While fog may roll in during the brief periods of the day, the views of the ocean and the surrounding area are breathtaking.
Despite its picturesque location, FCI Terminal Island is still a correctional institution, and the inmates housed there have been convicted of various federal crimes. The facility has been in the news recently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant number of inmates testing positive for the virus. The Department of Justice conducted a remote inspection of the facility in 2020, and the report highlighted the challenges faced by the prison in preventing the spread of the virus.
| Security | Low |
| Capacity | 1,194 |
| Physical Address | 1299 Seaside Avenue San Pedro, CA 90731 |
| Mailing Address | PO BOX 3007 San Pedro, CA 90731 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 310-831-8961 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
History and Background
Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island, is a low-security facility located in San Pedro, California. The institution was built in 1938 as a federal prison on Terminal Island. In 1942, the US Navy began using the island, and in 1950, the first 65 inmates from San Quentin arrived to convert the old Naval disciplinary barracks into the first California Medical Facility. On July 1, 1950, the keys to the Terminal Island facility were turned over to the California Medical Facility superintendent.
The facility was converted into a federal prison in 1955 and has since housed a number of notable inmates, including Al Capone, who was imprisoned for tax evasion. Capone was transferred to Terminal Island in 1939 and was released in 1940 after serving his sentence. Another notable inmate was Henry Hill, a former member of the Lucchese crime family, who entered the witness protection program after testifying against his former associates. Hill was imprisoned at Terminal Island from 1980 to 1981.
Timothy Leary, a former Harvard professor and LSD advocate, was also imprisoned at Terminal Island in the 1970s for drug-related charges. Charles Manson, the infamous cult leader, was transferred to Terminal Island in 1961 after being convicted of federal charges of violating the Mann Act. Manson was released in 1967.
In 2011, a corruption scandal involving several prison guards was uncovered at Terminal Island. The guards were accused of smuggling contraband into the prison, including cell phones and drugs. The scandal led to the arrest and conviction of several guards.
Notable Inmates
Here is a list of some of the notable inmates who have been held at Terminal Island:
- Al Capone – imprisoned for tax evasion
- Henry Hill – former member of the Lucchese crime family
- Timothy Leary – former Harvard professor and LSD advocate
- Charles Manson – infamous cult leader
- Charles Desordi – former Los Angeles police officer convicted of drug trafficking
Facility and Operations
The Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Terminal Island is a low-security facility located in San Pedro, California. The facility is situated on the site of a former Coast Guard base and receiving station. The FCI Terminal Island is part of the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Long Beach, California, which includes a United States Penitentiary (USP) and a detention center.
Camp and Dormitories
The FCI Terminal Island has a housing capacity of 1,194 male inmates. The facility has both dormitory-style housing and a camp. The camp is a separate unit that houses minimum-security inmates who are eligible for the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). The dormitory-style housing consists of two-person rooms, and each room has a toilet and sink.
Special Housing Unit
The Special Housing Unit (SHU) is a separate unit that houses inmates who have violated institutional rules or are considered a threat to the safety and security of the institution. The SHU has a capacity of 96 beds and includes single and double cells.
UNICOR
The FCI Terminal Island has a UNICOR factory that employs approximately 200 inmates. UNICOR is a government-run corporation that provides job training and employment opportunities for inmates. The factory produces a variety of products, including clothing, electronics, and furniture.
Advanced Occupational Education
The FCI Terminal Island offers advanced occupational education programs to inmates. These programs provide vocational training and job skills that can be used upon release. The programs include carpentry, welding, electrical, and HVAC.
Apprenticeship
The FCI Terminal Island also offers apprenticeship programs to inmates. These programs provide on-the-job training and education in a variety of trades, including plumbing, painting, and masonry.
Overall, the FCI Terminal Island operates under an Operational Levels Matrix (OLM) system, which is a tool used by the United States Department of Justice to assess and manage the operations of correctional facilities. The facility was deactivated and was turned over to the State of California in 2020.
Inmate Information
Admissions and Orientation
Upon arrival at Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island, inmates are provided with an Admissions and Orientation (A&O) Handbook. This handbook provides general information about the institution, its programs, and the rules and regulations that inmates must follow during their confinement. Inmates are required to attend an orientation session to learn about the institution’s policies and procedures.
Inmate Mail
Inmates at FCI Terminal Island may receive and send mail, with some restrictions. All incoming mail must include the inmate’s name and register number, and be addressed to FCI Terminal Island, P.O. Box 3007, San Pedro, CA 90731. Inmates may receive general correspondence, newspapers, and magazines, but packages and money orders are not allowed. Outgoing mail must be sent through the mailroom and may be subject to inspection.
Commissary Account
Inmates at FCI Terminal Island have access to a commissary, where they can purchase personal hygiene items, snacks, and other approved items. Inmates must have funds in their commissary account to make purchases. Family and friends may deposit money into an inmate’s commissary account using Western Union, MoneyGram, or by mailing a money order to the institution.
Inmate Money
Inmates at FCI Terminal Island are allowed to have money in their possession, up to a limit of $500. Any excess funds must be deposited into the inmate’s trust fund account. Inmates may use their funds to purchase items from the commissary or to pay for approved services, such as medical co-pays.
Sentenced Inmates
FCI Terminal Island houses male inmates who have been sentenced to federal prison. The institution also has a separate facility for pretrial inmates, the Federal Detention Center (FDC). Sentenced inmates are assigned to a housing unit based on their security level and other factors, such as medical needs or program participation.
Overall, FCI Terminal Island provides inmates with basic services and programs to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release. Inmates are expected to follow all rules and regulations while incarcerated, and failure to do so may result in disciplinary action or other consequences.
Visitation and Contact
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island are:
- Units A/B
- Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Units C/D
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Units K/J
- Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Units F/G
- Monday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- SHU
- Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before visiting hours begin to allow time for processing.
Visiting Overview
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list before they can visit. To be added to the list, visitors must fill out a visiting application and submit it to the institution. Inmates are allowed up to 10 approved visitors on their list.
Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to be allowed entry into the institution. Visitors are also subject to a search of their person and belongings before entering.
Visiting Regulations
Visitors must follow all institutional rules and regulations during their visit. Failure to comply with these rules may result in termination of the visit and possible suspension of future visits.
Visitors are prohibited from bringing any personal items into the visiting area, including cell phones, purses, and cameras. Lockers are available for visitors to store their personal items.
Visiting Schedule & Procedures
Visitors must schedule their visit at least 48 hours in advance, but no more than 7 days prior to the visit. Visits can be scheduled by calling the institution or by visiting the institution’s website.
Inmates are allowed up to 5 visits per month, with a maximum of 2 visits per weekend. Each visit is limited to 4 hours.
Media representatives must obtain prior approval from the institution’s Public Information Officer before visiting.
Phone Calls
Inmates are allowed to make phone calls during designated hours. Phone calls may be monitored and recorded.
State and Local Travel Advisories
Visitors are advised to check state and local travel advisories before visiting the institution. In the event of a travel advisory, visits may be canceled or rescheduled.
Visiting Information
For more information on visiting Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island, please visit the institution’s website or contact the institution directly.
Sending Money and Resources
Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island allows family and friends to send money and resources to inmates. This can be done through various means including Western Union, money orders, and the MoneyGram Express Payment Program. Inmates can receive funds at a BOP-managed facility, which are deposited into their commissary accounts.
MoneyGram’s ExpressPayment Program is a quick and convenient way to send funds to an inmate. Funds are received and processed seven days per week, including holidays. Funds sent between 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST are posted within 2-4 hours. Family and friends can also send money orders to inmates. The money order must be made out to the inmate’s full committed name and complete eight-digit register number.
It is important to note that inmates are not allowed to receive cash, personal checks, or stamps. Any mail that contains these items will be returned to the sender. Inmates are also not allowed to receive packages from family and friends. However, they can purchase items from the commissary using the funds deposited into their account.
Families can also send resources to inmates, such as books, magazines, and newspapers. However, these items must be sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor. The inmate’s full committed name and complete eight-digit register number must be included on the package.
Overall, sending money and resources to an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island is a straightforward process. By following the guidelines and restrictions set forth by the institution, families and friends can ensure that their loved ones have access to the resources they need during their incarceration.
Legal and Safety Procedures
The Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island, is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its staff, inmates, and visitors. The institution is governed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), which has established strict legal and safety procedures to maintain order and prevent incidents.
Arrested individuals are processed at the institution’s Processing Center, where they are screened for medical and mental health issues. After processing, they are transferred to the appropriate housing unit within the institution. Inmates are classified based on their security level, criminal history, and other factors, and are assigned to either the main institution or the Satellite Camp.
The institution’s safety and security procedures include regular inmate counts, pat-down searches, and cell searches to prevent the introduction of contraband. The institution also has a comprehensive emergency response plan in place to deal with incidents such as fires, natural disasters, and inmate disturbances.
Legal activities at the institution are overseen by the Legal Activities Department, which provides legal assistance to inmates and ensures that their constitutional rights are protected. Inmates can access legal resources such as law libraries and legal materials and can communicate with their attorneys through approved channels.
Freight and non-USPS parcels sent to the institution are subject to inspection and may be rejected if they contain prohibited items. Visitors to the institution are also subject to search and may be denied entry if they fail to comply with the institution’s rules and regulations.
In summary, the Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island, has established legal and safety procedures to ensure the safety and security of its staff, inmates, and visitors. The institution is committed to maintaining order and preventing incidents through regular inmate counts, searches, and emergency response planning. The Legal Activities department provides legal assistance to inmates and ensures that their constitutional rights are protected.
Programs and Services
Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island offers a variety of programs and services to inmates to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These programs and services include:
- Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP): A comprehensive drug treatment program that includes individual and group counseling, education, and vocational training. RDAP is available to inmates who meet certain eligibility criteria and can significantly reduce their sentence.
- Orientation: Upon arrival at FCI Terminal Island, inmates participate in an orientation program that provides them with information about the institution, programs, and rules and regulations they will encounter during their confinement.
- Contraband: FCI Terminal Island has strict policies regarding contraband, which includes any item that is not authorized for possession by the institution. Inmates found to be in possession of contraband may face disciplinary action and criminal charges.
- Links: FCI Terminal Island has established partnerships with various community organizations to provide inmates with resources and support to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
- Resources: FCI Terminal Island offers a variety of resources to inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, and counseling services. Inmates can also participate in recreational activities such as sports, music, and art.
Overall, FCI Terminal Island’s programs and services are designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release and reduce their likelihood of reoffending.