MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is a high-security prison located in Suffield, Connecticut. It is the largest correctional facility in New England, housing over 2,000 inmates of various custody levels from minimum security to death row. The facility is operated by the Connecticut Department of Correction, which oversees all state prisons in Connecticut.
The MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is a level 4/5, high/maximum security level multi-mission facility for adult males. The prison was created on May 15, 2001, as a result of the consolidation of the Walker Reception and Special Management Unit and the MacDougall Correctional Institution. The facility is comprised of two buildings and is designed to house inmates who require a higher level of security due to the nature of their crimes or their risk of escape.
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution has a lot of rich history. It has been the subject of many news stories and documentaries over the years. While the prison has faced criticism for its conditions and treatment of inmates, it remains an important part of Connecticut’s criminal justice system. This article will explore the history of the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution, its role in Connecticut’s criminal justice system, and the controversies that have surrounded it over the years.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2218 |
| Physical Address | 1153 East Street, South Suffield, CT 06080 |
| Mailing Address | 1153 East Street, South Suffield, CT 06080 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (860) 627-2100 – MacDougall Building (860) 292-3400 – Walker Building |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Facilities
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is located at 1153 East Street South, Suffield, Connecticut. The facility sits on a combined 140 acres of land, making it one of the largest correctional facilities in New England.
Address
The address of MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is 1153 East Street South, Suffield, Connecticut. The facility is easily accessible from Hartford via I-91 North to exit 42. From there, take a left at the light onto Route 159 North and continue for 2-1/2 miles, bearing right at the fork.
Size
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is a large facility that has a capacity of 2218 inmates. Based on its offender population, it is the largest correctional facility in New England. The facility has two buildings, the MacDougall Building and the Walker Building, which are connected by a tunnel.
Custody Levels
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is a mixed security facility that houses inmates with various custody levels, including maximum security, Level 4, and Level 4/5. The facility also has a Special Management Unit (SMU) that provides additional security for inmates who require it.
Facilities
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is a regional hub for the northern district of the Connecticut Department of Correction. The facility offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
In addition to its two buildings, MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution has several other facilities, including a gymnasium, a recreation yard, a food service area, and a medical unit. The facility also has a visiting area where inmates can meet with their friends and family members.
Overall, MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is a well-equipped facility that provides a range of programs and services to its inmates. Its location in Suffield, Connecticut, makes it easily accessible from Hartford and other nearby cities.
Inmate Information
Inmate Search
The MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution provides an online inmate search tool that allows the public to search for inmates currently incarcerated in the facility. The search tool provides basic information about the inmate, including their full name, inmate number, date of birth, and current location within the facility.
Inmate Number
Each inmate in the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is assigned a unique inmate number upon arrival. This number is used to identify the inmate within the facility and in all communications with the outside world. Inmates are required to provide their inmate number to anyone who wishes to send them mail or money.
Inmates are also required to display their inmate number on all of their personal property, including clothing and bedding. This helps to ensure that all property is returned to the correct inmate in the event that it is lost or misplaced.
Age, Sentence, Charge, Charges
Inmates at the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution range in age from 18 to over 70 years old. The facility houses both sentenced and unsentenced offenders, as well as protective custody offenders and those on death row.
Sentenced inmates at the facility have been convicted of a wide range of charges, including drug offenses, violent crimes, and white-collar crimes. The length of their sentences varies depending on the severity of their crimes and other factors.
Unsentenced offenders, on the other hand, are inmates who have been charged with a crime but have not yet been convicted. These inmates may be awaiting trial or sentencing, or they may be held for other reasons.
High Bond
The MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution has a High Bond unit that is designed to house inmates who are considered to be high-risk or high-profile. These inmates are typically held in isolation from the general population and are subject to heightened security measures.
Inmates in the High Bond unit may include those who have been charged with serious crimes, such as murder or terrorism, as well as those who have a history of violence or escape attempts.
Overall, the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution is a high-security facility that houses a diverse population of inmates. While the facility is primarily designed to house male offenders, there are a small number of female inmates housed in a separate unit within the facility.
Visitation and Communication
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution provides several ways for inmates to communicate with their loved ones outside of the facility. Visitation, phone calls, mail, and money services are available to inmates, with specific guidelines and restrictions that must be followed.
Visiting Schedule
Visiting hours at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution are determined by the housing unit of the inmate. Visitors must arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the visitation time and must present a valid photo ID. The visiting schedule is subject to change.
You can find visitation hours at this link.
Phone Calls
Inmates at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution have access to collect calls and prepaid phone cards. Collect calls can be made to landline and cell phone numbers, but the receiver must accept the charges. Prepaid phone cards can be purchased through the commissary, and inmates are responsible for making sure they have enough funds in their accounts to make calls.
Inmates at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution can receive letters and packages through the mail. All mail must be addressed to the inmate using their full name and identification number. Inmates are not allowed to receive cash or personal checks through the mail. All incoming mail is subject to inspection and may be rejected if it violates facility rules.
Money
Inmates at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution can receive money through the mail or by using the Western Union service. Money orders and cashier’s checks must be made payable to the inmate and include their identification number. Cash is not accepted through the mail. Inmates can also receive funds through the Western Union service, which can be done online or in person at a Western Union location.
Collect Calls
Inmates at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution can make collect calls to landline and cell phone numbers. The receiver must accept the charges, and the cost of the call is determined by the phone service provider.
Western Union
Inmates at MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution can receive funds through the Western Union service. Funds can be sent online or in person at a Western Union location. The sender must provide the inmate’s full name and identification number, and the inmate must have a valid ID to pick up the funds.
Overall, MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution provides several options for inmates to communicate with their loved ones outside of the facility. However, it is important to follow the guidelines and restrictions set by the facility to ensure that communication is safe and secure.
Programs and Services
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution offers a range of programs and services to address the needs of its inmate population. These programs are designed to provide education, vocational training, and other services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Education Programs
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution offers a variety of education programs, including pre-GED, GED, and special education classes. In addition, the institution also offers TSOL classes to help non-native English speakers improve their language skills. These classes are designed to provide inmates with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
Vocational Training
The institution also offers vocational education programs, including electro-mechanical and electronic repair courses. These courses provide inmates with the skills they need to work in a variety of industries upon release. In addition, the institution also offers dental and sanitation courses to help inmates develop the skills they need to work in these fields.
Structured Environment
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution provides a highly structured environment to manage long-term sentenced offenders, protective custody offenders, and high-bond unsentenced offenders. The institution offers a range of programs designed to address the needs of each population, including parenting skills and sex offender treatment programs.
Industries Program
The institution’s industries program provides inmates with the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, including the regional commissary, food service operation, and sanitation. These programs are designed to provide inmates with job skills and work experience that will help them succeed upon release.
Aftercare and Fellowship AA/NA Meetings
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution offers aftercare and fellowship AA/NA meetings to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These programs provide inmates with the support they need to stay clean and sober and build a successful life after incarceration.
Commissary-Processing Center
The institution’s commissary-processing center serves as a regional hub for the northern district of the state, handling more than 24,000 orders per month. In addition, the institution also offers a range of other services, including addiction services and beyond fear programs, to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Overall, MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution offers a variety of programs and services designed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These programs provide inmates with the education, vocational training, and other services they need to build a successful life after incarceration.