Indiana State Prison, located in Michigan City, Indiana, is a maximum-security prison that houses some of the state’s most dangerous offenders. The prison was established in 1860 and has a capacity of over 2,000 inmates. It is operated by the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) and provides a range of services, including education and vocational training, counseling, and medical care.
Indiana State Prison has a reputation for being one of the toughest and most secure prisons in the United States. The prison has a long history of housing notorious criminals and has been the site of many high-profile incidents over the years.
Despite its reputation, the prison is committed to providing inmates with the resources they need to turn their lives around. This includes offering educational programs, vocational training, and counseling services to help inmates prepare for life outside of prison.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2434 |
| Physical Address | 1 Park Row, Michigan City, IN 46360 |
| Mailing Address | 1 Park Row, Michigan City, IN 46360 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (219) 874-7258 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
Indiana State Prison is a maximum-security prison located in Michigan City, Indiana. It is one of the oldest state prisons in the United States, having been established in 1847. The prison has a capacity for 2,434 inmates and employs over 800 staff members.
Location
The Indiana State Prison is situated on the western edge of Michigan City, Indiana, and covers an area of approximately 102 acres. The prison is located near the Indiana Dunes National Park, which is a popular tourist attraction in the area.
Name
The Indiana State Prison has had several names over the years. It was originally known as the Indiana State Penitentiary, but in 1927, the name was changed to the Indiana State Prison. The prison is sometimes referred to as “The Rock” due to its imposing stone walls.
The Indiana State Prison has a rich and storied history. Over the years, the prison has been the site of numerous riots and escapes. In 1927, the prison was the scene of one of the deadliest prison riots in American history, which resulted in the deaths of nine inmates and one guard.
Despite its troubled past, the Indiana State Prison is known for its commitment to rehabilitation. The prison offers a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for life after release, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
The Indiana Department of Correction oversees the operation of the Indiana State Prison, as well as several other correctional facilities throughout the state. The department is responsible for the care and custody of over 27,000 offenders in Indiana.
Overall, the Indiana State Prison is an important part of Indiana’s criminal justice system. It plays a vital role in protecting the public and rehabilitating offenders, and it continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of society.
Facilities and Security
The Indiana State Prison is a maximum-security prison that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the state. The facility has a capacity of 2434 incarcerated individuals and is located in Michigan City, Indiana. The prison is divided into different sections, each with its own security level, depending on the type of inmates housed there.
Maximum Security
The maximum-security section of the prison is where the most violent and dangerous inmates are housed. This section is heavily guarded and has multiple layers of security to prevent any escape attempts. Inmates in this section are closely monitored and have limited interaction with other inmates and staff.
Death Row Inmates
The Indiana State Prison also houses death row inmates. These are inmates who have been sentenced to death for their crimes. The death row section of the prison is separate from the rest of the facility and has additional security measures in place to prevent escape attempts.
Building Maintenance
The Indiana State Prison has a team of inmates who are responsible for building maintenance. These inmates are trained in various trades and are responsible for repairing and maintaining the prison’s facilities. They are also responsible for maintaining the grounds and landscaping.
The prison also has a staff dining room that is maintained by the inmates. The food preparation is done by the inmates, and the dining room is open to all staff members.
In conclusion, the Indiana State Prison is a maximum-security facility that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the state. The prison has multiple layers of security to prevent escape attempts and has a team of inmates responsible for building maintenance.
Offender Programs and Services
Indiana State Prison offers a variety of programs and services designed to help offenders improve their skills, gain new knowledge, and prepare for their eventual re-entry into society. These programs are designed to address a range of needs, including substance abuse, education, job training, and more.
Substance Abuse
Indiana State Prison offers a range of substance abuse programs designed to help offenders overcome addiction and develop the skills they need to maintain their sobriety. These programs include individual and group counseling, educational classes, and more.
Organic Gardening
The prison’s organic gardening program provides offenders with the opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture and gain hands-on experience growing fruits and vegetables. This program not only provides offenders with valuable job skills but also helps promote healthy eating habits and a connection to the natural world.
Culinary Arts
Indiana State Prison’s culinary arts program provides offenders with the opportunity to learn about food preparation and gain valuable job skills in the culinary industry. The program includes hands-on training in the prison’s kitchen, as well as classroom instruction in topics such as nutrition, food safety, and more.
Religious Programs
The prison offers a range of religious programs designed to meet the spiritual needs of offenders. These programs include religious services, Bible studies, and more. The prison also has a chaplain on staff to provide counseling and support to offenders.
Re-entry Programs
Indiana State Prison offers a range of re-entry programs designed to help offenders successfully transition back into society. These programs include job training, educational classes, and more. The prison also partners with local organizations to provide additional support and resources to offenders upon their release.
Overall, Indiana State Prison’s programs and services are designed to help offenders develop the skills and knowledge they need to successfully re-enter society and lead productive lives.
Visitation and Communication
Visitation and communication with an inmate at Indiana State Prison is a privilege. There are rules and regulations that visitors must follow to ensure the safety and security of the facility and its inmates. This section will provide information on visiting hours, mailing address, visitor identification, and inmate search.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Indiana State Prison may vary, and visitors are encouraged to contact the facility prior to their visit to confirm the hours. Visitors must be signed in for a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to the end of visiting hours. Failure to abide by these visitation rules may result in your visitation being terminated.
- General Population: 11:00 am – 5:15 pm, Monday-Friday with sign-in by 4:15 pm. Weekends and holidays, 7:00 am-3:00 pm, with sign-in by 1:15 pm.
- Administrative Restricted Housing: 7:00 am – 10:30 am, Monday-Friday with sign-in by 9:15 am. Weekends and holidays, 3:30 pm to 5:15 pm, with sign-in by 4:15 pm.
- Administrative Non-Contact: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday only, excluding holidays, with sign-in by 3:00 pm.
- Disciplinary Restricted Housing: 8:00 am-1:00 pm, Monday-Friday only, excluding
holidays. - X-ROW and Protective Custody: 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, daily.
You may check the visiting hours at the Department of Correction’s website.
Mailing Address
Families and friends of inmates can send letters to Indiana State Prison. All incoming mail will be opened and inspected for contraband. Mail that contains contraband or is deemed inappropriate will be returned to the sender. The mailing address for Indiana State Prison is:
- Indiana State Prison 1 Park Row Michigan City, Indiana 46361-0041
Visitor Identification
All visitors to Indiana State Prison must have a valid ID. Visitors may be asked questions about their current health symptoms and may be asked to reschedule their visit if they have symptoms of contagious illness. Any communication devices are strictly prohibited, and visitors are not allowed to bring any medication or currency into the facility.
Inmate Search
Indiana State Prison provides an online inmate search tool that allows users to search for an inmate by name or offender number. The tool provides basic information on the inmate, including their location and release date. Users can access the tool by visiting the Indiana Department of Correction’s website.
In conclusion, visitors to Indiana State Prison must follow the rules and regulations set forth by the facility to ensure the safety and security of the inmates and staff. By adhering to these rules, visitors can enjoy a safe and pleasant visit with their loved ones.
Inmate Life and Services
Indiana State Prison provides a range of services and programs for its inmates to help them prepare for a successful release and reduce the potential for recidivism. Inmates have access to educational and vocational programs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. They also have opportunities to participate in religious services, recreational activities, and work assignments.
Food Preparation
Inmates at Indiana State Prison are responsible for food preparation in the Staff Dining Room. This provides them with valuable culinary skills and work experience that can help them find employment after their release. The prison also offers a Food Service Program that teaches inmates how to prepare and serve food in a commercial kitchen.
Cell Sense
Indiana State Prison uses a technology called Cell Sense to detect and locate contraband cell phones within the facility. This system helps to prevent inmates from using cell phones to communicate with the outside world or engage in illegal activities. The prison also has a strict policy against cell phone possession and use, which is enforced through regular searches and disciplinary action.
Inmate Roster
Indiana State Prison maintains an online Inmate Roster that allows members of the public to search for information about current and past inmates. The roster includes basic information such as name, age, and gender, as well as more detailed information such as incarceration date, release date, and criminal history. This information can be useful for families and friends of inmates, as well as for researchers and journalists.
Inmate Deposits
Indiana State Prison allows family and friends of inmates to make deposits into their commissary accounts. These accounts can be used by inmates to purchase a variety of items from the commissary, such as food, hygiene products, and electronics.
Deposits can be made online or in person at the prison’s visitation center. The prison also has a policy that limits the amount of money that can be deposited into an inmate’s account, in order to prevent the use of commissary funds for illegal activities.
Overall, Indiana State Prison provides a range of services and programs to help inmates prepare for a successful release and reduce the potential for recidivism. These services include educational and vocational programs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.
The prison also uses technology such as Cell Sense to prevent the use of contraband cell phones and maintains an online Inmate Roster for public access.