Lawrence Correctional Center is a medium-security adult male facility located in southeastern Illinois. The facility has 16 buildings that cover more than 364,000 square feet. The warehouse, mailroom, vehicle maintenance, and maintenance departments are located outside of the perimeter fence, which enhances safety and security.
The facility is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also offering a range of programs and services to help them prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational opportunities, vocational training, and counseling services. The goal is to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Despite its efforts, Lawrence Correctional Center has faced criticism in the past. For instance, there have been concerns about the facility’s overcrowding and understaffing, which can lead to unsafe conditions for both inmates and staff. However, the facility has also received praise for its efforts to implement evidence-based programming and reduce recidivism rates.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 2,380 |
| Physical Address | 10940 Lawrence Rd, Sumner, IL 62466 |
| Mailing Address | 10930 Lawrence Road Sumner, IL 62466 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (618) 936-2064 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview of Lawrence Correctional Center
Lawrence Correctional Center is a medium-security adult male facility located in southeastern Illinois. The facility is operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections and has an operational capacity of 2,380 inmates. The facility consists of 16 buildings, which comprise more than 364,000 square feet.
History
Lawrence Correctional Center was opened in 2001. It was built to replace the county jail that was previously used to house inmates in Lawrence County, Illinois. The facility was designed to provide a secure and safe environment for inmates while also offering programs and services to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Facilities
The facility consists of 16 buildings, totaling more than 364,000 square feet. The warehouse, mailroom, vehicle maintenance, and maintenance departments are located outside of the perimeter fence, which assists in the safety and security of the facility. The facility also has a number of programs and services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These include educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Population
Lawrence Correctional Center has an operational capacity of 2,380 inmates. The facility is designed to house medium-security adult males. The inmate population at the facility includes individuals who have been convicted of a variety of crimes, including drug offenses, violent crimes, and property crimes.
Programs and Services
At Lawrence Correctional Center, inmates have access to a variety of programs and services designed to help them develop skills, improve their education, and prepare for successful reentry into society. These programs and services are divided into several categories, including GED and Adult Basic Education, Vocational and Rehabilitation Programs, Substance Abuse Treatment and Education, Chaplaincy, and Leisure Activities.
GED and Adult Basic Education
Lawrence Correctional Center offers a comprehensive education program that includes GED and Adult Basic Education classes. These classes help inmates develop the skills they need to earn their high school equivalency diploma and improve their literacy and numeracy skills. The education program also includes classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) for non-native speakers.
Vocational and Rehabilitation Programs
In addition to academic classes, Lawrence Correctional Center offers a range of vocational and rehabilitation programs. These programs provide inmates with the skills they need to find employment after their release. Vocational programs include culinary arts, custodial maintenance, and vocational skills training, while rehabilitation programs focus on anger management, life skills, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Substance Abuse Treatment and Education
Lawrence Correctional Center has a comprehensive substance abuse treatment and education program that helps inmates overcome addiction and develop the skills they need to maintain sobriety after their release. This program includes individual and group counseling, as well as classes in drug and alcohol education.
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy program at Lawrence Correctional Center provides inmates with spiritual support and guidance. The program includes religious services, Bible study groups, and one-on-one counseling with a chaplain.
Leisure Activities
Leisure activities are an important part of life at Lawrence Correctional Center. Inmates have access to a variety of activities, including a library, recreational sports, and hobby and craft classes. These activities help inmates develop new skills, relieve stress, and build social connections with other inmates.
Overall, the programs and services offered at Lawrence Correctional Center are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed after their release. Whether they are learning new vocational skills, earning their GED, or overcoming addiction, these programs provide inmates with the tools they need to build a better future.
Visiting and Communication
Lawrence Correctional Center allows inmates to communicate with their loved ones through various means, including visitation, phone and video visitation, and mailroom services.
Visitation Hours and Rules
Visitation hours at Lawrence Correctional Center vary depending on the housing unit and the inmate’s custody level. Visitors are advised to check the website or call the Visiting Sergeant to confirm the visitation hours for the specific inmate they wish to visit.
Visitors must follow the facility’s dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing, shorts, and skirts above the knee, and clothing with offensive or suggestive language or graphics. Visitors must also present a valid government-issued photo identification card and be on the inmate’s approved visiting list.
Phone and Video Visitation
Lawrence Correctional Center offers phone and video visitation services to inmates and their loved ones. Inmates can make collect calls to approved phone numbers, and loved ones can set up prepaid accounts to receive calls from inmates.
Video visitation is available through the facility’s video visitation vendor, which requires visitors to create an account and schedule a visitation session in advance. Video visitation sessions are subject to availability and can be canceled or rescheduled by the facility at any time.
Mailroom and Commissary
Inmates at Lawrence Correctional Center can receive mail from their loved ones, subject to certain restrictions and guidelines. All incoming mail must be addressed to the inmate and include the inmate’s name and identification number. Inmates can purchase writing materials, stamps, and other approved items from the facility’s commissary.
Visitors can deposit money into an inmate’s commissary account through the facility’s website or by calling the facility’s toll-free number. Inmates can use the funds to purchase approved items from the commissary, subject to certain restrictions and guidelines.
Overall, visitors and loved ones of inmates at Lawrence Correctional Center have several options for communicating with their incarcerated loved ones, including visitation, phone and video visitation, and mailroom and commissary services. However, these services are subject to certain rules and restrictions, and visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with the facility’s guidelines before attempting to communicate with an inmate.
Safety and Security
Lawrence Correctional Center prioritizes safety and security to ensure the well-being of both staff and inmates. The facility has implemented various measures to maintain a secure environment.
Housing Units and Segregation
The eight housing units at Lawrence CC are T-design with a capacity of 504 beds. The facility also has a segregation unit that houses inmates who require separation from the general population for disciplinary or other reasons. The segregation unit has a capacity of 96 beds. Inmates in segregation receive the same amenities as those in general population housing units, including access to medical and mental health services, educational programs, and religious services.
Security Level and Staff
Lawrence Correctional Center is a medium-security adult male facility that consists of 16 buildings, comprising more than 364,000 square feet.
The warehouse, mailroom, vehicle maintenance, and maintenance departments are located outside of the perimeter fence, which assists in the safety and security of the facility. The facility employs a variety of security measures, including electronic surveillance, metal detectors, and pat-down searches.
The facility has a staff of approximately 400 employees, including correctional officers, administrative staff, and medical and mental health professionals. Staff receive extensive training in safety and security procedures, including emergency response, use of force, and defensive tactics.
Public Safety and Recidivism
The facility has a dedicated reentry team that works with inmates to develop reentry plans and connect them with community resources upon release. These efforts help to reduce recidivism and improve public safety.
In conclusion, Lawrence Correctional Center prioritizes safety and security to ensure the well-being of both staff and inmates. The facility employs a variety of security measures, including electronic surveillance, metal detectors, and pat-down searches. Inmates have access to a variety of educational and vocational programs and mental health services to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Re-Entry and Rehabilitation
The Lawrence Correctional Center is committed to public safety and individual in-custody habilitation by providing efficient correctional services through secure and humane facility operations. Utilizing evidence-based programming and enhanced individual in-custody mental health treatment service delivery, rehabilitation and successful re-entry into the community are top priorities.
Re-Entry Programs and Summits
To facilitate a smooth transition for individuals returning home from prison, Lawrence Correctional Center offers a variety of re-entry programs and summits. These programs and summits are designed to help individuals develop the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully reintegrate into society. They include:
- Re-Entry Summits: These summits provide returning citizens with access to community resources, such as housing, employment, education, and healthcare. They also offer workshops on financial literacy, parenting, and other life skills.
- Re-Entry Programs: Lawrence Correctional Center offers several re-entry programs, including the Life Skills Program, which teaches individuals how to manage their finances, find employment, and maintain healthy relationships. The center also offers educational programs, such as the Adult Basic Education Program and the Vocational Training Program, which provide individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to obtain employment after release.
Work Opportunities and Print Management
Lawrence Correctional Center provides work opportunities to individuals in custody, including commercial custodial, print management, and other job opportunities. These work opportunities help individuals develop job skills, work ethic, and a sense of responsibility. The center also provides print management services, which include printing, copying, and binding services to various state agencies.
Volunteer
The center also offers a volunteer program, which allows individuals to give back to the community by volunteering their time and skills. Volunteers can work in various areas, such as education, healthcare, and religious services. This program not only benefits the community but also helps individuals develop a sense of purpose and belonging.
Administrative Detention
Administrative detention is a temporary placement in a separate housing unit for individuals who pose a threat to the safety and security of the facility. This unit is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for both the individual and the staff. The center provides mental health treatment services to individuals in administrative detention to help them address the underlying issues that led to their placement.
Overall, Lawrence Correctional Center is committed to providing individuals in custody with the necessary tools and resources to successfully reintegrate into society. Through its various programs and services, the center helps individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to obtain employment, maintain healthy relationships, and become productive members of society.