Maine State Prison is the maximum-security facility in Warren, Maine. It houses inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes and require maximum security.
The prison is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for its residents while also providing educational, vocational, and treatment programs to help them prepare for a successful re-entry into society.
The Maine Department of Corrections oversees the prison, and its central office is located in Augusta, Maine.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 916 |
| Physical Address | 807 Cushing Road Warren ME 04864 |
| Mailing Address | 807 Cushing Road Warren ME 04864-4600 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Close Custody Unit and Medium Custody Unit: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (207) 273-5300 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Maine State Prison (MSP) is a maximum-security facility located in Warren, Maine. It was created by legislation in 1824 and was overseen by a Warden and Inspector. The duties of the Inspector of the State Prison would become those of the Board of Prison Commissioners in 1917.
In 1913, the State Board of Charities and Corrections was formed. By 1931, it became the Department of Public Welfare, and the Maine Department of Corrections was created in 1973.
The prison has been managed by the Maine Department of Corrections since its inception. It is a receiving facility but only for a few residents. The residents are classified as close and medium custody. The prison has a capacity of 916 beds and employs over 400 staff members.
Over the years, the prison has undergone several changes. In 2002, a new 132-bed facility was built at the prison to house inmates with mental health needs. In 2008, a new 72-bed unit was added to house inmates with substance abuse issues.
Additionally, the prison has implemented several programs to help inmates with rehabilitation and re-entry into society. These programs include education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Despite these efforts, the prison has faced criticism for its high rates of violence and drug use. In 2017, the prison was placed on lockdown after several incidents of violence occurred within the facility. The lockdown was lifted after two weeks, but concerns about safety and security at the prison remain.
Overall, Maine State Prison has a long and complex history. While it has undergone significant changes over the years, it continues to face challenges in providing a safe and rehabilitative environment for its residents.
Facility
The Maine State Prison is a correctional facility located at 807 Cushing Road, Warren, Maine. The facility is operated by the Maine Department of Corrections and has a capacity of approximately 916 inmates.
Location
The Maine State Prison is located in Warren, Maine, a town in Knox County. The facility is situated on 54 acres of land and is easily accessible from Route 1.
The physical address of the facility is 807 Cushing Road, Warren, ME 04864.
Capacity
The Maine State Prison has a capacity of approximately 916 inmates. The facility has a mix of single and double cells and can house inmates of all security levels.
The prison also has specialized units for inmates with mental health needs and for inmates who are in need of substance abuse treatment.
Security Levels
The Maine State Prison has a range of security levels, from minimum to maximum.
The facility has a maximum-security unit that houses some of the state’s most dangerous and violent offenders.
The prison also has a medium-security unit and a minimum-security unit.
Inmate Programs and Services
Inmate programs and services at Maine State Prison are designed to provide residents with the necessary tools and skills to help them successfully transition back into society upon release.
The programs and services offered at Maine State Prison include education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and probation.
Education
Maine State Prison offers a variety of educational programs to its residents, including basic education, adult basic education, and college courses. The prison also has a library that residents can use to further their education.
These programs are designed to help residents improve their literacy and numeracy skills, which can be essential for finding employment after release.
Vocational Training
Maine State Prison provides vocational training programs to its residents to help them develop skills that can be used in the workforce.
The vocational training programs include carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and welding. These programs are designed to help residents gain the skills and knowledge necessary to secure employment upon release.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Maine State Prison offers substance abuse treatment programs to residents who struggle with addiction.
The programs include individual and group counseling, relapse prevention, and aftercare services. The goal of these programs is to help residents overcome their addiction and develop the necessary skills to maintain sobriety after release.
Mental Health
Maine State Prison provides mental health services to residents who struggle with mental illness.
The prison has a mental health unit staffed by licensed mental health professionals who provide individual and group counseling, medication management, and crisis intervention services.
The goal of these services is to help residents manage their mental illness and develop coping skills that can be used after release.
Probation
Maine State Prison works closely with probation officers to ensure that residents have a smooth transition back into society after release.
The prison provides residents with resources and support to help them successfully complete their probation period. The goal of this program is to help residents avoid re-offending and successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Visitation
Visitation is an important aspect of the Maine State Prison. It is a way for inmates to maintain contact with their loved ones and receive support during their incarceration.
The Department of Corrections has specific rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety and security of the facility, staff, inmates, and visitors.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at the Maine State Prison for general population residents housed in the Close Custody Unit and Medium Custody Unit are:
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
- 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to check the visiting schedule in advance to ensure they are visiting during the appropriate time.
Visiting hours are subject to change without notice, so it is important to check the schedule frequently.
Non-Contact Visits
Non-contact visits are available at the Maine State Prison for visitors who are unable to have contact visits with an inmate.
These visits take place in a designated non-contact visiting area and are subject to the same rules and regulations as contact visits.
Visitors must schedule non-contact visits in advance and arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled visit.
Visitors should be aware that all visits are subject to monitoring and recording. Inmates and visitors are prohibited from exchanging any items during visits, including money, gifts, or contraband.
Visitors are also required to follow a dress code and are subject to search prior to entering the facility.
For more information on visiting the Maine State Prison, including visiting hours and dress code requirements, visitors can visit the Maine Department of Corrections website.
Visitors can also contact the facility directly by phone or TTY at (207) 273-5300.
Release and Reentry
When an inmate is released from Maine State Prison, the Department of Corrections (MDOC) has a comprehensive plan in place to ensure their successful reentry into society.
This plan includes identifying and addressing release planning and reentry as soon as the resident enters one of the facilities.
Release Date
The release date for an inmate is determined by the MDOC and is based on a number of factors, including the length of their sentence, their behavior while incarcerated, and their participation in rehabilitation programs.
Inmates are typically released on their scheduled release date, but in some cases, they may be released earlier due to good behavior or other factors.
Electronic Funds Transfer
When an inmate is released from Maine State Prison, they are provided with an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) card, which allows them to access the funds in their inmate account.
This card can be used to withdraw cash, make purchases, or pay bills. Inmates are encouraged to use their EFT card responsibly and to avoid using it for illegal activities.
The MDOC also provides a range of services to help inmates transition back into society, including job training, education programs, and counseling services. These services are designed to help inmates find employment, housing, and other resources they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Overall, the MDOC is committed to ensuring that inmates have the tools and resources they need to successfully reenter society and become productive members of their communities. By providing comprehensive release planning and reentry services, the MDOC is helping to reduce recidivism rates and promote public safety.
Contact Information
If you need to contact the Maine State Prison or the Maine Department of Corrections, you can do so using the following information.
Phone
To reach the Maine State Prison, you can call (207) 273-5300.
If you need to contact the Maine Department of Corrections Central Office, you can call (207) 287-2711.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the Maine Relay Service by dialing 711.
If you prefer to send mail, you can address it to the following:
- Maine State Prison
- 807 Cushing Road
- Warren, ME 04864
- Maine Department of Corrections Central Office
- 25 Tyson Drive 3rd flr
- State House Station 111
- Augusta, Maine 04333-0111