MCI-Norfolk is a medium-security level correctional facility located in Norfolk, Massachusetts. It is the largest prison of its kind in the state and houses criminally sentenced males. The facility is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction, which is responsible for overseeing the state’s prison system.
MCI-Norfolk has a capacity of 1,478 inmates and is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff. The facility offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for a successful re-entry into society, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. In addition, the facility provides a variety of recreational and religious activities to help inmates maintain a positive outlook and stay connected to their families and communities.
While MCI-Norfolk is a correctional facility, it is important to remember that the individuals housed there are still people who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The staff at the facility work hard to ensure that inmates are treated fairly and humanely, while also maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone involved. Overall, MCI-Norfolk plays an important role in the Massachusetts Department of Correction’s efforts to promote public safety and reduce recidivism rates among the state’s inmate population.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,478 |
| Physical Address | 2 Clark St, Norfolk, MA 02056 |
| Mailing Address | 2 Clark St., P.O. Box 43, Norfolk, MA 02056 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Sunday – Wednesday: 1:00 pm-8:30 pm Saturday: 1:00 pm-8:30 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (508) 660-5900 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
MCI-Norfolk, formerly known as the Norfolk Prison Colony, has a long and storied history dating back to the 18th century. The prison was established in 1794 and was originally designed as a house of correction for petty criminals. It was not until the early 20th century that the prison became a maximum-security facility, housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the state.
In 1926, Howard Belding Gill became the superintendent of Norfolk Prison Colony, and under his leadership, the prison underwent significant reforms. Gill believed in the power of education and rehabilitation and introduced a number of educational programs to the prison, including a debating society. The Norfolk Debating Society, which was established in 1933, became famous for its debates with teams from universities such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Oxford. The society was also instrumental in rehabilitating inmates and reducing recidivism rates.
In the 1950s, Malcolm X, then known as Malcolm Little, was incarcerated at Norfolk Prison Colony. During his time there, he became involved in the Norfolk Debating Society and honed his skills as a public speaker. Malcolm X credited the society with helping him develop his oratorical skills and shaping his worldview.
Over the years, MCI-Norfolk has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. Today, the prison is the largest medium-security facility in Massachusetts, housing criminally sentenced males. It offers a full range of academic and vocational education programs, sex offender treatment, residential substance abuse treatment services, and the largest Correctional Industries program in the state. Despite its controversial history, MCI-Norfolk remains an important institution in the Massachusetts criminal justice system.
Facility
MCI-Norfolk is a medium security-level facility located in Norfolk, Massachusetts. The facility houses criminally sentenced males and is the largest of its kind in the state.
Location
MCI-Norfolk is located on Clark Street in Norfolk, Massachusetts. It is easily accessible by car and public transportation.
Physical Address
The physical address of MCI-Norfolk is:
- MCI-Norfolk
- 2 Clark Street
- Norfolk, MA 02056
Mailing Address
The inmate mailing address for MCI-Norfolk is:
- Inmate Name and MDOC Number
- 2 Clark St., P.O. Box 43, Norfolk, MA 02056
MCI-Norfolk is not a maximum security facility, but it does have strict security measures in place to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors. Visitors should be aware of the facility’s visiting schedule and procedures, which are subject to change.
Overall, MCI-Norfolk is a well-maintained facility that provides a secure environment for inmates while also offering programs and services to help them prepare for life after incarceration.
Services
Inmate Services
MCI-Norfolk provides a range of services to inmates to help them during their incarceration. Inmates can access medical and mental health services, including medication-assisted treatment for substance abuse disorders. The prison has its own hospital, which takes care of inmates who require medical attention. The prison also offers religious services to inmates, including chaplaincy services.
Inmates can also receive money from their families and friends while they are in prison. The prison has a system in place for receiving and processing inmate money. Inmates can use this money to purchase items from the commissary, such as snacks, toiletries, and other personal items.
Contact Information
The Department of Correction Division and Staff Directory provides contact information for MCI-Norfolk. The prison’s phone number is (508) 660-5900. The prison’s email address is not provided on the official website.
Visitation
MCI-Norfolk has visiting hours for family and friends of inmates. Visitors must follow a dress code and present a valid photo ID. Visitors must also be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. The prison provides information on its website about visiting hours, dress code, and other rules and regulations.
Visitation Hours
- Sunday – Wednesday: 1:00 pm-8:30 pm
- Saturday: 1:00 pm-8:30 pm
Mail Procedures
Inmates can receive mail while they are in prison. The prison has specific procedures in place for processing incoming and outgoing mail. Inmates can only receive mail that meets certain criteria, such as size and content. The prison provides information on its website about mail procedures and restrictions.
Overall, MCI-Norfolk provides a range of services to inmates, including medical and mental health care, religious services, and access to money from family and friends. Visitors can contact the prison for information on visiting hours and mail procedures.
Population
It is worth noting that the population in MCI-Norfolk is just a fraction of the total prison population in Massachusetts. In the first quarter of 2022, the total average daily population in Department of Correction (DOC) facilities was 7,424. This means that MCI-Norfolk accounted for about 15% of the total prison population in Massachusetts during that period.
The prisoners at MCI-Norfolk are classified as medium security-level inmates. This means that they are considered less dangerous than maximum security-level inmates, but more dangerous than minimum security-level inmates. The facility has various programs and services that are designed to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reentry into society. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
In summary, MCI-Norfolk is a medium security-level facility that houses criminally sentenced males. The facility has experienced fluctuations in its population over the years, but as of the first quarter of 2022, it was operating at 106% of its design/rated capacity. The prisoners at MCI-Norfolk are classified as medium security-level inmates and have access to various programs and services that are designed to help them prepare for their eventual release and reentry into society.