MCI-Shirley is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates who have been criminally sentenced. It is located in Shirley, Massachusetts, and is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction. The facility has a capacity of approximately 1,000 inmates and is staffed by a team of correctional officers, medical professionals, and support staff.
MCI-Shirley offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reentry into society. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and religious services. Inmates are also provided with access to healthcare, dental care, and other medical services as needed.
Overall, MCI-Shirley plays an important role in the Massachusetts criminal justice system by providing a secure and humane environment for inmates while also helping them to develop the skills and resources they need to succeed after their release. While the facility has faced some criticism over the years, it remains an essential component of the state’s correctional system.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,458 |
| Physical Address | 104 Harvard Road, Shirley, MA 01464 |
| Mailing Address | Harvard Rd., P.O. Box 1218, Shirley, MA 01464 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (978) 425-4341 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Overview
MCI-Shirley is a medium-security facility located in Shirley, Massachusetts. It is operated by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and is one of the five state prisons in the state. The facility is located on Harvard Road, just off Route 2, and is easily accessible by car.
MCI-Shirley is comprised of two separate facilities, a medium-security, and a minimum-security facility. The medium-security facility houses criminally sentenced males and offers a full range of academic and vocational education programs. The minimum-security facility houses inmates who are nearing the end of their sentence and are preparing to reintegrate into society.
The facility is located on a 500-acre site and has a capacity of approximately 1,000 inmates. The facility has a staff of over 500 employees, including correctional officers, counselors, medical staff, and administrative personnel.
MCI-Shirley is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for its inmates, staff, and the public. The facility has a number of security measures in place, including perimeter fencing, security cameras, and a highly trained staff. In addition, the facility offers a number of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release and successfully reintegrate into society.
Overall, MCI-Shirley is a well-managed and secure facility that is committed to providing the highest level of care and rehabilitation to its inmates.
History and Services
MCI-Shirley is a medium-security facility that houses criminally sentenced males. It is located in Shirley, Massachusetts. The facility has a long history of providing a variety of services to inmates.
One of the primary services offered at MCI-Shirley is education. The facility offers a GED program to help inmates obtain their high school equivalency diplomas. This program is designed to help inmates improve their job prospects and reintegrate into society after they are released.
Another important service offered at MCI-Shirley is healthcare. The facility has a hospital unit that provides medical care to inmates who require it. The hospital unit is staffed by healthcare professionals who are trained to provide care to inmates with a variety of medical needs.
MCI-Shirley also offers a culinary arts program that teaches inmates cooking skills. This program is designed to help inmates learn a valuable trade that they can use to find employment after they are released.
The facility also offers medication-assisted treatment for inmates who are struggling with addiction. This program is designed to help inmates overcome their addiction and improve their chances of successfully reintegrating into society.
In order to maintain safety and security, MCI-Shirley has a segregation unit for inmates who pose a threat to other inmates or staff. This unit is designed to prevent violence and maintain order within the facility.
Overall, MCI-Shirley provides a variety of services to inmates to help them improve their lives and prepare for their eventual release.
Security and Safety
MCI-Shirley places a high priority on safety and security for both staff and inmates. The facility is equipped with advanced security systems and employs a highly trained correctional staff to ensure the safety of everyone within its walls.
Correction officers at MCI-Shirley undergo extensive training to prepare them for the unique challenges of working in a correctional environment. This includes training on de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and the use of force. Additionally, officers receive training on identifying and responding to potential security threats.
The facility also has a 59-bed segregation unit for inmates who require additional security measures. This unit is designed to prevent assaults and attacks on other inmates and staff members. Inmates in the segregation unit receive specialized programming and are closely monitored to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
MCI-Shirley takes a zero-tolerance approach to assault and attack on staff members or other inmates. Any such incidents are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate disciplinary action is taken against the perpetrator. The facility also has a dedicated team of investigators who work to prevent and respond to security threats.
Overall, safety and security are top priorities at MCI-Shirley. The facility is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all who live and work within its walls.
Inmate Programs and Activities
MCI-Shirley offers a variety of programs and activities for inmates to engage in during their incarceration. These programs are designed to reduce inmate idleness and teach pro-social skills to use their time constructively. The Department of Correction offers a wide range of staff-supervised recreational and leisure time activities.
One such program is the Weightlifting Apparatus, which is available to inmates who are interested in building strength and improving their physical fitness. This program is supervised by trained staff who ensure that inmates use the equipment safely and effectively. The program is available at MCI-Shirley medium, MCI-Shirley minimum, MCI-Concord, Northeastern Correctional Center, Boston Pre-Release Center, and MCI-Framingham.
Another program offered by MCI-Shirley is the GED program. This program is designed to provide inmates with the opportunity to earn their high school equivalency diploma. The program consists of classroom instruction, independent study, and testing. Inmates who successfully complete the program are better equipped to pursue higher education or employment opportunities upon release.
MCI-Shirley also offers a Culinary Arts program. This program provides inmates with the opportunity to learn culinary skills and techniques. Inmates who participate in this program learn how to prepare and cook meals, as well as how to maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment. The program is available at MCI-Shirley medium, MCI-Shirley minimum, and MCI-Concord.
In addition to these programs, MCI-Shirley also offers a variety of other activities, including sports leagues, arts and crafts, and music programs. These activities are designed to provide inmates with a creative outlet and to promote social interaction among inmates.
Overall, the programs and activities offered by MCI-Shirley are designed to help inmates develop pro-social skills and prepare for successful reentry into society upon release.
Visiting Hours and Contact Information
MCI-Shirley allows visits for inmates, subject to certain rules and regulations. Visitors are required to follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and security of the facility, staff, and inmates. Visiting hours may vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit, custody level, and other factors.
To verify normal visiting schedules, which are subject to change, visitors are advised to call the facility at the phone number provided below.
Visiting Hours
MCI-Shirley offers visiting hours for inmates on specific days of the week. The visiting hours are as follows:
- General Population – Last Name Beginning with A through L
- Wednesday – Friday: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm, 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
- Saturday: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
- Sunday: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
- General Population – Last Name Beginning with M through Z
- Wednesday – Friday: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm, 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
- Saturday: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
- Sunday: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
- BAU
- Monday: 1:15 pm-2:15 pm, 2:30 pm-3:30 pm, 3:30 pm-4:30 pm, 6:15 pm-7:15 pm, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm
- Thursday – Saturday: 1:15 pm-2:15 pm, 2:30 pm-3:30 pm, 3:30 pm-4:30 pm, 6:15 pm-7:15 pm, 7:30 pm-8:30 pm
- Health Services Unit
- Tuesday – Wednesday: 1:15 pm-3:15 pm, 3:30 pm-5:30 pm, 6:15 pm-8:15 pm
- Saturday: 1:15 pm-3:15 pm, 3:30 pm-5:30 pm, 6:15 pm-8:15 pm
Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the visiting hours to ensure they have enough time to check in and go through the security screening process. Visitors are also advised to dress appropriately and follow all rules and regulations regarding personal conduct and behavior.
Physical Address
MCI-Shirley is located at the following address:
- 104 Harvard Road, Shirley, MA 01464
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at MCI-Shirley can receive mail from family, friends, and other individuals. To send mail to an inmate at MCI-Shirley, use the following mailing address:
- Inmate Name, ID Number
- MCI-Shirley
- Harvard Rd., P.O. Box 1218, Shirley, MA 01464
All incoming mail is subject to inspection and must adhere to certain rules and regulations. Visitors are advised to check with the facility for specific guidelines regarding inmate mail.
Contact
For more information about visiting hours, rules and regulations, or any other questions or concerns, visitors can contact MCI-Shirley at the following phone number: (978) 425-4341.
Notable Incidents and Controversies
MCI-Shirley has been the center of several controversies and incidents over the years. Here are some notable ones:
- Roy Booth Lawsuit: In 2016, Roy Booth, a former corrections officer at MCI-Shirley, filed a lawsuit against the Massachusetts Department of Correction. Booth alleged that he was subjected to retaliation and harassment by his supervisors after he reported instances of abuse of inmates by fellow officers. The lawsuit was settled in 2019 for an undisclosed amount.
- Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center Riot: In January 2020, a riot broke out at the nearby Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center, which houses maximum-security male inmates. The riot resulted in the death of one inmate and injuries to several others. The incident raised concerns about the safety of correctional officers and inmates at MCI-Shirley and other nearby facilities.
- Middlesex County Jail Inmate Death: In 2019, a 26-year-old male inmate died at the Middlesex County Jail, which is located next to MCI-Shirley. The inmate had reportedly been in custody for less than 48 hours before his death. The incident raised questions about the adequacy of medical care provided to inmates at the facility.
- Male Inmate Suicide Rates: MCI-Shirley has been criticized for its high rates of inmate suicides. According to a report by the Massachusetts Department of Correction, the suicide rate at MCI-Shirley was more than double the national average between 2011 and 2015. The report also found that the majority of inmates who committed suicide had a history of mental illness.
These incidents and controversies have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of inmates and correctional officers at MCI-Shirley and other nearby facilities. The Massachusetts Department of Correction has taken steps to address these issues, including implementing new policies and procedures to improve the safety and security of inmates and staff. However, more needs to be done to ensure that the rights and dignity of all individuals in custody are protected.