MCI-Cedar Junction is a maximum-security prison located in South Walpole, Massachusetts. The facility houses criminally sentenced males and has a medium component. It is one of several correctional facilities operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction.
MCI-Cedar Junction is also home to the Department Disciplinary Unit (DDU), which handles the most serious discipline issues. The facility has a capacity of approximately 600 inmates and employs over 500 staff members. The prison offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Visiting procedures for MCI-Cedar Junction are specific and must be followed closely. Visitors must complete a visitor application and be approved before they can visit an inmate. The prison provides a visiting procedure document on its website, which outlines the rules and regulations for visiting. It is important to note that visitors are subject to search and may be denied entry if they do not comply with the rules.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 619 |
| Physical Address | MCI-Cedar Junction, Route 1A, Main Street P.O. Box 100, South Walpole, MA 02071 |
| Mailing Address | MCI-Cedar Junction, Route 1A, Main Street P.O. Box 100, South Walpole, MA 02071 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (508) 660-8000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
MCI-Cedar Junction is a maximum-security prison located in Walpole, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest and largest correctional facilities in the state and has been in operation since 1955. The prison is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and has a capacity of approximately 600 inmates.
Facility Description
The prison is situated on a 1,700-acre site in South Walpole, Massachusetts. The facility is surrounded by a 30-foot wall and has multiple housing units, including a Reception and Diagnostic Center, a Behavioral Management Unit, and a Departmental Disciplinary Unit. The DDU is a high-security unit that houses inmates who have been deemed a threat to staff or other inmates.
MCI-Cedar Junction also has an auditorium, a chapel, a gymnasium, and a library. The prison offers a range of vocational and educational programs, including culinary arts, horticulture, and computer technology. In addition, the prison has a dedicated unit for inmates who require medical or mental health treatment.
Services Provided
MCI-Cedar Junction has a rehabilitation-focused mission and offers a range of effective services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society. The prison provides inmates with access to educational and vocational programs, as well as substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and counseling.
The prison also has a dedicated staff of correctional officers, medical professionals, and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates. The prison is committed to providing effective services while making the best use of taxpayer resources.
In recent years, MCI-Cedar Junction has faced challenges related to overcrowding and staffing shortages. However, the prison continues to provide high-quality services to inmates and is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
Overall, MCI-Cedar Junction plays an important role in the Massachusetts correctional system and is dedicated to providing effective services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
Security and Safety
Security Concerns
As a maximum security prison, MCI-Cedar Junction takes security concerns very seriously. As previously mentioned, the prison has a Department Disciplinary Unit for the most serious discipline issues.
The prison has a history of riots, and there have been several instances of violence between inmates and staff. The prison has implemented several measures to address these concerns, including increased staff training, the use of body cameras, and the installation of additional security cameras throughout the facility.
Restrictive Housing
MCI-Cedar Junction has a restrictive housing unit for inmates who pose a danger to themselves or others, or who have violated prison rules. Inmates in restrictive housing are placed in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours a day, and their movements are strictly controlled. The use of restrictive housing has been a controversial issue, with some critics arguing that it can cause psychological harm to inmates.
Visiting Hours
MCI-Cedar Junction has specific visiting hours for friends and family members of inmates. Visitors must fill out an application and send it to MCI-Cedar Junction’s Director of Security. Once the application process has been completed, the visitor and inmate are given a specific time and date for the visit. Visitors are subject to a search before entering the facility and are not allowed to bring in any items that could be used as weapons.
- Unit B4 – Contact
- Sunday: 1:00 pm-2:00 pm, 2:15 pm-3:15 pm, 5:20 pm-6:20 pm, 7:10 pm-8:10 pm
- Tuesday: 5:20 pm-6:20 pm, 7:10 pm-8:10 pm
- Behavioral Management Unit (B.M.U.)
- Sunday: 12:00 pm-2:00 pm, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, 8:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Monday – Tuesday: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, 8:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, 8:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Saturday: 12:00 pm-2:00 pm, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm, 8:30 pm-9:30 pm
- Behavior Assessment Unit (B.A.U.) and Department Disciplinary Unit (D.D.U.)
- Sunday: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
- Monday: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
- Wednesday – Thursday: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
- Saturday: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Classification System
MCI-Cedar Junction uses a security classification system to determine the level of supervision and security required for each inmate. The classification system takes into account factors such as the inmate’s criminal history, the nature of the offense, and the inmate’s behavior while in prison. Inmates are classified as maximum security, medium security, or minimum security, and are placed in housing units accordingly.
Overall, MCI-Cedar Junction takes security and safety very seriously and has implemented several measures to address security concerns. The use of restrictive housing and the security classification system are two examples of these measures. However, the prison has also faced criticism for its use of restrictive housing and its treatment of at-risk individuals, such as women and prisoners with mental health issues.
Controversies and Closure
Serious Discipline Issues
MCI-Cedar Junction has had its share of controversies over the years. One of the most significant issues is the serious discipline problems that have plagued the facility. In 2019, the Departmental Disciplinary Unit at MCI-Cedar Junction was the subject of a scathing report by the Massachusetts Department of Correction. The report found that the disciplinary unit was plagued by a lack of training, inadequate staffing, and poor record-keeping. The report also found that the unit was failing to investigate and discipline staff who engaged in misconduct.
The serious discipline issues at MCI-Cedar Junction have been ongoing for years. In 2016, the Boston Strangler was attacked by another inmate at the facility. The attack was allegedly carried out by a group of inmates who were upset with the special treatment that the Boston Strangler was receiving. The attack was a wake-up call for the Massachusetts Department of Correction, which was forced to acknowledge the serious discipline issues at the facility.
Closure
In 2023, the Massachusetts Department of Correction announced a plan to suspend housing operations at MCI-Cedar Junction. The closure of the facility is part of a three-phased, two-year plan to enhance operational efficiency and advance cost-saving solutions. The closure comes amid the state’s lowest prison population in 35 years. The decision to close the facility has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised the decision as a necessary step to address the redundancies in the state’s prison system, while others have criticized the decision as a shortsighted move that will hurt the state’s ability to provide adequate healthcare and rehabilitation services to inmates.
The closure of MCI-Cedar Junction is not without its challenges. The facility is a maximum security prison that houses some of the state’s most dangerous and violent offenders. The closure of the facility will require the transfer of these inmates to other facilities, which could lead to overcrowding and other issues. The closure of the facility will also have an impact on the local community. MCI-Cedar Junction is a major employer in the area, and the closure of the facility will result in the loss of jobs for many people.
Despite these challenges, the closure of MCI-Cedar Junction is seen by many as a necessary step to address the serious discipline issues and other problems that have plagued the facility for years. The closure of the facility is a bold move by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and DOC Commissioner Carol Mici, who have recognized the need to address the serious problems that exist within the state’s prison system.
Rehabilitation and Reentry
Reform and Programming
MCI-Cedar Junction has a rehabilitation-focused mission, and they offer a variety of programming and services to support inmate rehabilitation and successful reentry into society. The facility provides educational and vocational training programs, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. In addition, they offer various religious and volunteer services.
The facility has implemented several reform initiatives to improve the quality and effectiveness of its programming. They have adopted evidence-based practices and established partnerships with community organizations to provide additional resources and support to inmates. They have also implemented a behavior management unit to address disciplinary issues and provide additional support to inmates who need it.
Reentry Services
MCI-Cedar Junction offers a range of reentry services to help inmates successfully transition back into their communities. They provide pre-release planning, which includes developing a reentry plan and identifying resources and support systems. In addition, they offer job readiness training, job placement assistance, and housing assistance.
The facility also has a partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance to provide inmates with access to food stamps and other public assistance programs upon release. They also have a community supervision program that provides additional support and monitoring for inmates who are on probation or parole.
Overall, MCI-Cedar Junction has a capacity of approximately 600 inmates and is committed to providing effective rehabilitation and reentry services to its inmate population.
Contact Information
Physical Address
MCI-Cedar Junction is located at Route 1A, Main Street, South Walpole, MA 02071. The facility is a maximum security prison with a medium component that houses criminally sentenced males. The Department Disciplinary Unit for the most serious discipline issues is also located here. Visitors can use the following address to send mail to inmates:
Inmate Mailing Address
- Inmate Name, MDOC Number
- MCI-Cedar Junction
- PO Box 100
- South Walpole, MA 02071
All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and read by staff. Mail that contains contraband, threats, or other illegal content will be confiscated, and the sender may face criminal charges.
Route 1A
MCI-Cedar Junction is situated along Route 1A, which runs north-south along the eastern coast of Massachusetts. Visitors can use this route to access the facility by car or public transportation. The nearest train station is located in Norwood, MA, which is approximately 5 miles from the prison.
Phone Number
MCI-Cedar Junction can be reached by phone at (508) 660-8000. This number is for general inquiries only and cannot be used to contact individual inmates. Visitors should consult the specific visiting procedures for information on how to communicate with inmates by phone or email.
Overall, MCI-Cedar Junction is a secure correctional facility that provides housing, medical care, and other essential services to inmates. Visitors should be aware of the rules and regulations governing visitation and communication with inmates and should follow them carefully to avoid any legal issues.