G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility: Programs and Reform

G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility (JCF) is a multi-level prison located in Jackson County, Michigan. The facility occupies 114 acres of land and has several buildings, including six pole barn housing buildings, eleven brick housing buildings, an Administration building, an Education building, and two food service buildings. The facility is designed to house male prisoners and has a capacity of 1,756 inmates.

JCF provides several programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The facility also offers religious services, recreational activities, and visitation programs to help inmates maintain connections with their families and communities.

Overall, G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility is an important part of Michigan’s correctional system, providing a secure environment for male inmates and offering programs and services to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.

SecurityMixed
Capacity1,756
Physical Address3500 N. Elm Road
Jackson, MI 49201
Mailing Address3500 N. Elm Road
Jackson, MI 49201
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursDepends on the Unit
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number517-780-5000
JurisdictionState

Overview

G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility is a state prison located in Jackson, Michigan, managed by the Michigan Department of Corrections. The facility is a multi-level prison on 114 acres of land and has a capacity of housing male inmates at Levels I, II, and IV.

History

G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility was opened in 1988 and was named after G. Robert Cotton, a former Michigan State Senator. The facility was built to replace the Cooper Street Correctional Facility and the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center, which were both outdated.

Location and Capacity

The facility is located northwest of the intersection of Elm Road and I-94 in Jackson County, Michigan. It consists of six pole barn housing buildings, eleven brick housing buildings, an Administration building, an Education building, and two food service buildings. The facility has a capacity of 1,756 inmates and is one of the largest prisons in Michigan.

Security

G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility is a multi-level prison with Level I, II, and IV security. The facility has a 12-foot fence with razor-ribbon wire, perimeter towers, an electronic detection system, and surveillance camera systems. The security measures are designed to provide the maximum feasible safety for the persons and property of the general public, the staff, and the inmates.

The facility offers healthcare services to inmates, including medical, dental, and mental health care. Michigan State Industries and Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund are also located at the facility. Inmates can participate in various educational and vocational programs to improve their skills and increase their chances of finding employment after their release.

In conclusion, G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility is a multi-level prison located in Jackson, Michigan, with a capacity of housing male inmates at Levels I, II, and IV. The facility offers various programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for their release. The security measures are designed to ensure the safety of all individuals within the facility.

Housing and Facilities

The G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility is a multi-level prison located in Jackson County, Michigan. The prison property spans 114 acres and consists of various buildings for different purposes. In this section, we will discuss the housing and facilities available at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility.

Inmate Housing

The prison property consists of six pole barn housing buildings and eleven brick housing buildings. The brick housing buildings are multi-level and have a capacity of 1,756 inmates. Inmates are housed in cells that are designed to accommodate two to four inmates. The cells are equipped with basic amenities such as a bed, a table, and a toilet.

Education and Work Opportunities

The G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility provides educational and work opportunities for inmates. The Education building is equipped with classrooms, a library, and a computer lab. Inmates can enroll in various educational programs such as Adult Basic Education, General Education Development, and vocational training programs.

Inmates are also provided with work opportunities through Michigan State Industries. Michigan State Industries offers various job opportunities such as manufacturing, printing, and laundry services. Inmates who participate in these programs are paid a minimum wage.

Food and Healthcare

The G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility has two food service buildings that provide meals to inmates. The meals are prepared in accordance with the Michigan Department of Corrections’ dietary guidelines. Inmates are provided with three meals a day, and special dietary needs are accommodated.

Inmates at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility have access to healthcare services. The prison has a medical unit that is staffed by healthcare professionals. Inmates can receive medical, dental, and mental health services as needed.

Maintenance and Administration

The G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility has a dedicated Maintenance department that is responsible for the upkeep of the prison property. The Maintenance department is responsible for repairing and maintaining the buildings, equipment, and grounds.

The Administration building is the hub of the prison’s operations. It houses the administrative offices, visiting rooms, and visiting processing areas. Inmates’ families and friends can visit them at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility on designated visiting days.

The Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund is also located at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility. Inmates who are trained in Braille transcription can work for the Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund, which produces Braille materials for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Overall, the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility provides adequate housing and facilities for its inmates. Inmates have access to educational and work opportunities, food and healthcare services, and maintenance and administrative support.

Visiting and Communication

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visitation at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility is a privilege that must be earned and maintained by inmates. Visitors must follow strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility. Visiting hours vary by housing unit and are subject to change. It is recommended that visitors check the in-person visiting schedule provided by the Michigan Department of Corrections website before visiting.

  • Housing Units A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H
    • Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    • Tuesday and Friday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Housing Units TE and TF
    • Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
    • Monday, Wednesday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Housing Unit J
    • Thursday and Saturday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Housing Units I and L – Temporary Segregation
    • Thursday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Visitors must arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit. They must bring a valid photo ID and be dressed appropriately. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility, including cell phones, cameras, purses, or bags. Any visitor who violates the visiting rules may be denied future visits.

Telephone and Commissary

Inmates at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility have access to telephones, but they must purchase phone time from the commissary. The cost of phone calls varies depending on the destination and the length of the call. Inmates can also purchase items from the commissary, such as snacks, hygiene products, and writing supplies.

Inmate Mailing Address

Friends and family members can send mail to inmates at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility using the following address:

  • Inmate Name and MDOC Number, G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility, 3500 N. Elm Rd., Jackson, MI 49201

All incoming mail must include the inmate’s full name and MDOC number. Mail that does not meet the facility’s guidelines may be returned to the sender. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages or money orders through the mail.

Overall, communication with inmates at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility is possible through visiting, phone calls, and mail. However, visitors and inmates must follow strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility.

Prisoner Information

Inmate Search

The G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility provides an online Inmate Search tool for individuals who want to find information about an inmate. This tool allows users to search for an inmate by their name or MDOC number. The search results provide information such as the inmate’s name, MDOC number, race, gender, and facility location.

Release Date

The release date of an inmate can be found on the Michigan Department of Corrections website. The MDOC provides an Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) that allows individuals to search for an inmate’s release date. The release date provided is an estimate and is subject to change based on the inmate’s behavior and other factors.

It is important to note that the release date listed on OTIS is not the same as the parole eligibility date. The parole eligibility date is the earliest possible date that an inmate can be released on parole. The actual release date may be later than the parole eligibility date.

Inmates may also be released through other means such as a commutation, pardon, or discharge. The MDOC website provides information on these types of releases as well.

Overall, individuals who are looking for information about an inmate at the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility can use the Inmate Search tool and the MDOC’s OTIS system to find information such as the inmate’s release date. However, it is important to keep in mind that the release date provided is an estimate and is subject to change.

Leave a Comment