Lowell Correctional Institution, located in Ocala, Florida, is the largest women’s prison in the United States. The prison has been the subject of numerous investigations and allegations of mistreatment of inmates. In 2023, the Justice Department concluded that the conditions at Lowell Correctional Institution violate the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.
Lowell Correctional Institution was established in 1956 and sits on approximately 315 acres of land. The prison has a capacity of 1,946 inmates and houses women who have been convicted of a variety of crimes, ranging from drug offenses to murder. In recent years, the prison has been the focus of scrutiny due to allegations of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment of inmates. The Justice Department’s investigation found that there is reasonable cause to believe that the conditions at Lowell Correctional Institution violate the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,946 |
| Physical Address | 11120 NW Gainesville Rd. Ocala, Florida 34482-1479 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 23608 Tampa, FL 33623 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (352) 690-8900 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
Lowell Correctional Institution (CI) is the largest women’s prison in the United States. It is located in Ocala, Florida, and was opened in 1956. Lowell CI was the first Florida prison for women, and it is the primary prison for women in the state. The Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) operates the facility.
Lowell CI sits on approximately 315 acres of land and has a climate-controlled facility. The prison has a capacity of 1,946 inmates and employs about 1,200 staff members. The facility has several buildings, including housing units, educational and vocational training facilities, medical facilities, and administrative offices.
Lowell CI has a long and complicated history. Over the years, the prison has been the subject of numerous investigations and lawsuits. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted an investigation into the prison and found that it had a “culture of abuse and neglect.” The DOJ’s investigation revealed that Lowell CI had a high rate of sexual abuse, inadequate medical care, and poor living conditions.
Despite these challenges, Lowell CI has made efforts to improve its operations. The prison has implemented new programs and policies to address the issues identified by the DOJ. For example, the facility has increased staffing levels, provided additional training for staff, and improved medical care for inmates.
Overall, Lowell CI is a complex institution that plays an important role in the Florida Department of Corrections. While it has faced significant challenges in the past, the prison has taken steps to improve its operations and provide better care for its inmates.
Inmate Population
Lowell Correctional Institution is a women’s prison located in Ocala, Florida. The inmate population in Lowell CI is divided into several categories, including women, youthful offenders, and death row inmates.
Women
The majority of the women incarcerated in Lowell CI are serving time for non-violent offenses, such as drug possession, theft, or fraud. Pregnant inmates are also housed in Lowell CI, and the institution provides prenatal care and other medical services to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the child.
Youthful Offenders
In addition to adult women, Lowell CI also houses youthful offenders, who are individuals under the age of 24 who have been convicted of a crime.
Death Row
Lowell CI also houses death row inmates, who are individuals who have been sentenced to death for their crimes.
Overall, the inmate population of Lowell CI is primarily made up of adult women serving time for non-violent offenses. While the institution does house youthful offenders and death row inmates, these populations are relatively small compared to the overall population of the prison.
Facilities and Units
The Lowell Correctional Institution consists of several facilities and units that house adult women and youthful inmates. The Main Unit and the Annex are the primary facilities, while the Lowell Work Camp is a separate unit.
West Unit
The West Unit is a part of the Lowell Correctional Institution’s Main Unit and houses adult female inmates. It has a capacity of 432 inmates and provides housing, medical, and mental health services to the inmates. The West Unit also includes a dining hall, a recreation area, and a chapel.
Lowell Work Camp
The Lowell Work Camp is a minimum-security facility that houses female inmates who have been classified as low-risk. Inmates at the work camp participate in work programs, such as agriculture, horticulture, and custodial work, that help them learn job skills and prepare for re-entry into society. The work camp has a capacity of 200 inmates and provides housing, medical, and mental health services to the inmates.
The facilities and units at Lowell Correctional Institution are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also providing them with opportunities to learn job skills and prepare for re-entry into society. The facilities and units are staffed by trained professionals who are committed to providing quality care to the inmates.
Programs and Services
Lowell Correctional Institution offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for life after incarceration. These programs are designed to provide education, vocational training, counseling, and behavior modification to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
Education
Lowell CI offers a range of academic programs to help inmates earn their high school diploma or GED. In addition, the prison offers special education services and Title I services for inmates with learning disabilities. The Volunteer Literacy Program is also available to help inmates improve their reading and writing skills.
Vocational Programs
Lowell CI offers a variety of vocational programs to help inmates learn new skills and prepare for employment upon release. Some of the vocational programs available include cosmetology, culinary arts, and equine care technology.
Counseling
Counseling services are available to help inmates address personal issues and develop coping skills. The Residential Therapeutic Community program provides intensive counseling and therapy for inmates struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Chaplaincy services and the Chapel Library Program are also available to provide religious education and worship services.
Overall, Lowell CI provides a range of programs and services designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These programs and services, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Boot Camp, Gavel Club, HIV/AIDS/STD Awareness, Law Library Program, Library Program, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Parenting, Thinking for a Change, Women Helping Women, Women Offering Obedience and Friendship (Dog Training Program), and Yoga, aim to provide inmates with the skills and support they need to make positive changes in their lives.
Security and Regulations
Searches
Lowell Correctional Institution (LCI) has strict search procedures in place to ensure the safety of everyone within the facility. All visitors, staff, and inmates are subject to searches upon entering the facility. This includes a thorough pat-down search and metal detector screening. Inmates are also subject to random cell searches, as well as searches of their personal property, mail, and phone calls. These searches are conducted to prevent the introduction of contraband into the facility and to maintain a safe environment for all.
Security Levels
LCI is a multi-level security facility, meaning it houses inmates with varying levels of security needs. The facility has three main security levels: Minimum, Medium, Close, and Maximum. Inmates are assigned to a security level based on factors such as their criminal history, behavior, and risk of escape. Inmates in minimum security have fewer restrictions and are allowed more privileges, while those in close security have the most restrictions and are closely monitored.
Metal Detector
The facility has metal detectors in place to prevent the introduction of weapons and other contraband. All visitors, staff, and inmates are required to pass through the metal detector before entering the facility. If the metal detector is triggered, the individual will be subject to further search and screening. This is an important security measure that helps to ensure the safety of everyone within the facility.
Overall, LCI has strict security measures in place to ensure the safety of everyone within the facility. These measures include thorough searches, multi-level security, and the use of metal detectors. By enforcing these regulations, the facility is able to maintain a safe environment for all.
Contact Information
For those who wish to contact Lowell CI, there are several ways to do so. The facility’s physical address is 11120 NW Gainesville Rd., Ocala, Florida 34482-1479. This address can be used for mail correspondence or for those who wish to visit the facility in person.
Additionally, Lowell CI can be reached by phone at (352) 690-8900. This number can be used to speak with staff members or to leave a message if necessary. It is important to note that calls may be monitored or recorded for security purposes.
For those who wish to contact specific departments or staff members at Lowell CI, the facility directory can be found on the official website. The directory includes contact information for the facility’s warden, as well as other key staff members such as the chaplain and medical director.
Visitors to the facility should be aware of the facility’s visiting hours and rules. Visiting hours are typically on weekends and holidays, and visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. More information about visiting hours and rules can be found on the facility’s official website or by contacting the facility directly.
Overall, Lowell CI provides several ways for individuals to contact the facility and its staff members. Whether it be through mail, phone, or in-person visitation, the facility strives to maintain open lines of communication with the public while also maintaining the safety and security of its inmates and staff members.
Notable Inmates
Lowell Correctional Institution has housed several high-profile inmates over the years. Some of the most notable inmates include:
- Emilia Carr: In 2011, Emilia Carr was convicted of first-degree murder for her role in the death of her ex-boyfriend’s wife, Heather Strong. Carr was sentenced to death and is currently on death row at Lowell Correctional Institution.
- Tiffany Cole: Tiffany Cole was convicted of the 2005 kidnapping, robbery, and murder of a Florida couple. She was sentenced to death and is currently on death row at Lowell Correctional Institution.
- Ana Maria Cardona: Ana Maria Cardona was convicted of the 1990 murder of her 3-year-old son, Lazaro Figueroa. She was sentenced to life in prison and is currently serving her sentence at Lowell Correctional Institution.
- Michele Williams: Michele Williams was convicted of the 1991 murder of her husband, Greg Williams. She was sentenced to life in prison and is currently serving her sentence at Lowell Correctional Institution.
- Yolanda Saldivar: Yolanda Saldivar was convicted of the 1995 murder of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez. She was sentenced to life in prison and is currently serving her sentence at Lowell Correctional Institution.
These inmates have garnered media attention due to the nature of their crimes and their high-profile status. However, it is important to note that all inmates at Lowell Correctional Institution are serving their sentences and are subject to the same rules and regulations as any other inmate.