Jessup Correctional Institution is a maximum-security prison located in Jessup, Maryland. The facility was originally opened in 1981 as an annex to the Maryland House of Correction. It has an operating capacity of 1,068 adult male inmates serving sentences of three months or longer. The institution is accredited by the American Correctional Association and provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for reentry into society.
Jessup Correctional Institution has a long history of providing correctional services to the state of Maryland. The facility has undergone numerous renovations and upgrades over the years to ensure that it meets the highest standards of safety and security. The prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training in fields such as carpentry, horticulture, and culinary arts.
In addition, the facility provides mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and reentry planning to help inmates successfully transition back into their communities.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,068 |
| Physical Address | 7805 House of Correction Rd, Jessup, MD 20794 |
| Mailing Address | Post Office Box 534 Jessup, Maryland 20794 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (410) 799-6100 (877) 304-9755 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Jessup Correctional Institution
Establishment
Jessup Correctional Institution is a maximum-security prison located in Jessup, Maryland. It was established in 1981 as an annex to the Maryland House of Correction, which was built in 1878 in Ellicott City, Maryland. The institution was created to address the overcrowding issues at the Maryland House of Correction and to provide a more secure environment for the state’s most dangerous criminals.
Expansion
Over the years, Jessup Correctional Institution has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing inmate population. In 1991, a new maximum-security unit was added to the facility, and in 1997, a new medium-security unit was opened. In 2007, a new mental health unit was added to the facility to provide specialized care for inmates with mental health issues.
In 2010, the Maryland House of Correction was closed, and its remaining inmates were transferred to other facilities, including Jessup Correctional Institution. The closure of the Maryland House of Correction marked the end of an era for the state’s prison system and signaled a shift towards more modern, secure, and humane correctional facilities.
Today, Jessup Correctional Institution is one of the largest and most secure prisons in Maryland, housing over 1,000 inmates. The facility offers a range of vocational and educational programs to help inmates prepare for their release and reentry into society. Despite its troubled past, the institution has made significant strides in recent years toward improving conditions for inmates and staff alike.
Inmate Programs and Services
Jessup Correctional Institution provides various programs and services to inmates to help them develop skills and prepare for reentry into society. These programs include educational, vocational, recreational, and religious services.
Educational Programs
The institution offers a variety of educational programs to inmates, including GED classes, college classes, and vocational training. Inmates can take courses to earn a GED or enroll in college classes to earn college credits. The vocational training programs offered include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.
Vocational Programs
Jessup Correctional Institution offers vocational programs to inmates to help them develop skills that will be useful upon release. These programs include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Inmates can also participate in a horticulture program, which teaches them how to grow and care for plants.
Recreational Programs
Recreational programs are available to inmates to help them stay physically and mentally healthy. These programs include sports, fitness classes, arts and crafts, and music. Inmates can also participate in a book club and a chess club.
Religious Services
Religious services are available to inmates of all faiths. The institution has a chaplain who provides counseling and spiritual guidance to inmates. Inmates can attend religious services and participate in religious studies.
Inmates at Jessup Correctional Institution have access to various resources, including telephone and inmate mail services. Restroom facilities are available throughout the institution for the convenience of inmates.
Visitation and Communication
Visitation and communication with inmates at Jessup Correctional Institution are subject to certain rules and regulations. Visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with these rules before attempting to visit an inmate. This section provides an overview of the visitation and communication policies at Jessup Correctional Institution.
Visiting Hours
In-person visits are held on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Visitation hours are 10 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 7 PM. Saturday & Sunday visits are for even or odd calendar dates. Friday & Monday – even and odd can have visits.
Visits are 45 minutes in length. Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit to allow time for processing. Visiting hours are subject to change without notice, and visitors are encouraged to call the facility to confirm visiting hours before making travel arrangements.
In-Person Visits
To schedule an in-person visitation, visitors must email the facility using the assigned email address. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items, including cell phones, purses, or bags, into the facility. Visitors are also advised to dress appropriately and avoid wearing revealing clothing.
Video Visitation
Video visitation is available at Jessup Correctional Institution. Video visitation hours are 8:30 AM -1:30 PM and 4 PM – 8:30 PM daily. Visits are 15 minutes in length. Visitors must schedule a video visitation at least 24 hours in advance. Video visitation is subject to the same rules and regulations as in-person visitation.
Debit Account Information
Visitors can deposit funds into an inmate’s Debit Account using ConnectNetwork or AdvancePay® Prepaid Telephone Accounts. Offender Phone Debit Accounts and PIN Debit Cards are also accepted. Visitors can find more information about these services on the ConnectNetwork website.
Inmates can use funds in their Debit Account to purchase phone time, email credits, and other services. Inmates are not allowed to receive cash or personal checks. Inmates are also not allowed to receive any items from visitors, including food, clothing, or personal items.
Overall, visitors are advised to follow all rules and regulations regarding visitation and communication at Jessup Correctional Institution. Failure to follow these rules may result in the visitor being denied access to the facility or the inmate.
Security and Contraband
Jessup Correctional Institution takes security seriously to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. The institution has implemented various measures to prevent the introduction of contraband, including drugs, weapons, and cell phones, into the facility.
Criminal Violations
Maryland’s Criminal Law Article, Sections 9-410 and 9-412 through 9-417, make it illegal for anyone to possess, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver contraband in a place of confinement. Violators can face criminal charges and penalties.
Contraband
Despite the institution’s efforts, contraband has been found within JCI. In 2022, a federal racketeering conspiracy at JCI was uncovered, involving inmates and outside facilitators paying bribes to correctional officers to smuggle contraband, including narcotics, alcohol, tobacco, and cell phones, into the prison. Several individuals, including former correctional officers, inmates, and outside “facilitators,” were indicted and sentenced for their involvement in the scheme.
The Maryland State Police and other law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation, which resulted in the arrests and convictions of those responsible for the illegal activities. The institution’s leadership has also taken steps to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
In addition to the criminal violations related to contraband, JCI has also faced other security challenges. In recent years, there have been incidents of homicide and inmate death within the facility. The State Police and other authorities have been involved in investigating these incidents and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Overall, JCI remains committed to maintaining a secure environment for staff and inmates. The institution continues to implement measures to prevent the introduction of contraband and address security concerns as they arise.
Special Programs and Initiatives
Jessup Correctional Institution offers various special programs and initiatives to its inmates to help them develop new skills and prepare for life outside of prison. These programs aim to reduce recidivism rates and provide inmates with opportunities for personal growth and development.
Beyond Scared Straight Program
One of the special programs offered at Jessup Correctional Institution is the Beyond Scared Straight Program. This program brings at-risk youth to the prison to witness the realities of prison life and hear from inmates about their experiences. The goal of the program is to deter youth from engaging in criminal activities and prevent them from ending up in prison.
Prison Puppy Raising Program
The Prison Puppy Raising Program is another special program offered at Jessup Correctional Institution. In this program, inmates are given the opportunity to raise and train puppies that will later be used as service dogs for people with disabilities. This program not only provides inmates with a sense of purpose and responsibility but also helps them develop valuable skills in dog training and care.
Prison Scholars Program
The Prison Scholars Program is a partnership between Jessup Correctional Institution and the University of Baltimore. In this program, inmates can take college-level courses and earn college credits while serving their sentences. The program aims to provide inmates with educational opportunities that will help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Second Chance Pell Experiment
Jessup Correctional Institution also participates in the Second Chance Pell Experiment, a federal program that provides Pell Grants to eligible inmates to pursue postsecondary education. This program aims to increase access to higher education for incarcerated individuals and reduce recidivism rates.
Overall, these special programs and initiatives offered at Jessup Correctional Institution provide inmates with valuable opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and education. By participating in these programs, inmates can better prepare themselves for successful reentry into society.