The Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) Chicago is a federal prison located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Illinois. The facility is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and serves as a holding facility for pretrial detainees and inmates who are serving short-term sentences. The MCC Chicago is known for its unique design, which features a triangular shape and a distinctive blue-green glass exterior.
In addition to its role as a federal prison, the MCC Chicago is also home to several other entities. The facility houses a courtroom, which is used for arraignments and other legal proceedings. It also serves as a hub for various law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Marshals Service. The MCC Chicago is a critical component of the federal justice system and plays a vital role in maintaining public safety in the Chicago area.
| Security | Low |
| Capacity | 674 |
| Physical Address | 71 West Van Buren Street Chicago, IL 60605 |
| Mailing Address | 71 West Van Buren Street Chicago, IL 60605 |
| Can you send gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone number | 312-322-0567 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Overview of MCC Chicago
MCC Chicago, or Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago, is a federal prison located in the heart of Chicago. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and is designed to hold pretrial detainees and individuals who have been sentenced to short-term imprisonment.
Opened in 1975, MCC Chicago was designed to house pretrial detainees close to the federal courthouse, allowing those detained to attend court proceedings without having to travel long distances. The facility is named after US District Judge William J. Campbell, who played a key role in its development.
The facility is a high-rise building that stands 28 stories tall and has a capacity of 674 inmates. It is located at 71 West Van Buren Street in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
MCC Chicago is unique in that it is one of only two federal prisons in the country that is located in a major metropolitan area, the other being MCC New York. This location presents both advantages and challenges for the facility’s operations.
The facility is staffed by a team of highly trained professionals, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel. MCC Chicago also offers a variety of programs and services to prisoners, including educational and vocational training, drug treatment, and mental health services.
Contact and Communication
Chicago MCC provides several options for contacting and communicating with inmates. These include sending mail and funds to inmates.
Inmate Mail
Inmates at Chicago MCC can receive and send mail. All incoming and outgoing mail is screened by staff for contraband and to ensure that it complies with Bureau of Prisons policies. Inmates are allowed to receive letters, cards, and photographs, but these must not contain any explicit or violent content.
To send mail to an inmate at Chicago MCC, address the envelope as follows:
Inmate Name and Register Number
MCC Chicago
Metropolitan Correctional Center
71 West Van Buren Street
Chicago, IL 60605In addition to regular mail, inmates can also receive publications, such as newspapers and magazines. However, these must be sent directly from the publisher or a recognized distributor.
Sending Funds to an Inmate
Inmates at Chicago MCC can receive funds from family and friends to use for commissary purchases or to pay for approved legal fees. There are several ways to send funds to an inmate, including:
- MoneyGram: Funds can be sent online, by phone, or in person at a MoneyGram location. The receiver code for Chicago MCC is 7932, and the inmate’s eight-digit register number must be included.
- Western Union: Funds can be sent online, by phone, or in person at a Western Union location. The city code for Chicago MCC is FBOP, and the state code is IL. The inmate’s full name and eight-digit register number must be included.
- U.S. Mail: Funds can be sent by money order or certified check through the mail. The envelope should be addressed as follows:
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Inmate Name and Register Number
P.O. Box 474701
Des Moines, IA 50947-0001The money order or certified check should be made payable to the inmate and include their full name and eight-digit register number.
It is important to note that funds sent to an inmate are subject to a processing fee, which varies depending on the method used to send the funds. It is recommended to confirm the current fee schedule with the Bureau of Prisons before sending funds.
Visiting Information
The Metropolitan Correctional Center Chicago welcomes inmate visitors to their facility. Visitors are reminded to carefully review their visiting regulations and to observe any applicable state and local travel advisories in planning their visit. Visiting hours, regulations, and procedures are subject to change without notice.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at MCC Chicago are generally from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, visitors should confirm these visiting hours and other important visiting information by referring to the facility’s official policy about these matters. Check the visitation schedule for more information. The Warden may restrict or cancel visiting for the sake of safety and security, for example, in cases of severe weather or other incidents that will affect normal visiting schedules.
Visiting Regulations
The MCC Chicago has specific visiting regulations that visitors must follow. Visitors should be aware that failure to follow these regulations may result in a denial of visiting privileges. Some of the visiting regulations include:
- Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list.
- Visitors must present a valid photo ID.
- Visitors must wear appropriate clothing – no revealing clothing, shorts, or skirts above the knee.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting area, including cell phones, purses, or bags.
- Visitors must follow all staff instructions while in the visiting area.
Visiting Schedule & Procedures
MCC Chicago has a visitation schedule that rotates every four months. Social visits will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis and will be limited to two hours per visit. The visiting schedule is subject to change without notice.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to allow for processing and security screening. Visitors must present a valid photo ID and may be subject to a search. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting area, including cell phones, purses, or bags.
In conclusion, visitors to MCC Chicago are encouraged to carefully review the visiting regulations and schedule before planning their visit. Visitors must follow all staff instructions while in the visiting area. The MCC Chicago reserves the right to deny or restrict visiting privileges at any time.
Operations and Security
The MCC Chicago facility places a high priority on maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates. As such, they have implemented various operational and security measures to ensure that the facility runs smoothly and efficiently.
Operational Levels Matrix
The operational levels matrix is used at MCC Chicago to classify inmates based on their behavior, risk level, and other factors. This matrix helps staff determine the appropriate level of supervision and security required for each inmate, and it helps to ensure that inmates are placed in the appropriate housing units based on their needs.
Special Housing Unit
The Special Housing Unit (SHU) at MCC Chicago is used to house inmates who pose a threat to the safety and security of the facility, other inmates, or staff. Inmates in the SHU are subject to strict security measures, including limited visitation and communication with the outside world.
Safety and Security
MCC Chicago has implemented various safety and security measures to ensure that the facility is secure and that staff, visitors, and inmates are safe. These measures include:
- Controlled access: Access to the facility is tightly controlled, and visitors must go through a security screening process before being allowed to enter the facility.
- Surveillance: The facility is equipped with surveillance cameras and other monitoring equipment to help staff keep an eye on inmates and identify potential security threats.
- Staff training: All staff members at MCC Chicago receive extensive training on safety and security procedures to ensure that they are prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
Overall, MCC Chicago takes the safety and security of its staff, visitors, and inmates very seriously. Through the use of operational and security measures such as the operational levels matrix, the Special Housing Unit, and various safety and security measures, MCC Chicago is able to maintain a safe and secure environment for all.
Inmate Services and Facilities
Chicago MCC provides a variety of services and facilities to inmates to ensure their well-being and comfort during their stay. These services include commissary and library services.
Commissary
Chicago MCC offers commissary services to inmates, which allows them to purchase various items such as food, clothing, and personal hygiene products. Inmates can place orders for items through the commissary list, which is available in their housing unit. The commissary items are delivered to the inmates once a week.
Inmates can purchase a variety of food items, including snacks, beverages, and microwaveable meals. They can also buy clothing items such as socks, underwear, and t-shirts. Personal hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste are also available for purchase.
Library Services
Chicago MCC provides library services to inmates, which include access to a variety of reading materials such as books, newspapers, and magazines. Inmates can check out books and other materials from the library and return them once they have finished reading them.
The library also provides legal materials and resources to inmates, which can help them with their legal cases. Inmates can request legal materials from the library and use them to prepare for their court appearances.
In addition, Chicago MCC offers educational programs to inmates, which include literacy and GED classes. These programs can help inmates improve their reading and writing skills, as well as prepare them for their future after their release.
Overall, Chicago MCC provides a variety of services and facilities to inmates, which can help them during their stay and prepare them for their future.
Admissions and Orientation
Upon arrival at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, inmates are required to go through an Admissions and Orientation (A&O) process. The A&O Handbook provides inmates with general information about the institution, programs, rules, and regulations that they will encounter during their confinement. The handbook is a comprehensive guide that contains summaries of Bureau of Prisons Program Statements and MCC Chicago’s supplements and is subject to change.
During the A&O process, inmates will be given a copy of the handbook and will be required to attend an orientation session. The orientation session is designed to provide inmates with an overview of the facility’s rules and regulations, as well as information on how to access various programs and services available to them. Inmates will also be informed of their rights and responsibilities while in custody.
Sentenced inmates will be classified according to their custody level, which is determined based on their offense, criminal history, and behavior while in custody. The classification process will determine the inmate’s housing assignment, work assignment, and access to programs and services.
Inmates who have been sentenced to less than a year in custody will be housed in the MCC’s General Population unit. Those who have been sentenced to more than a year will be housed in the MCC’s Special Housing Unit. The SHU is a maximum-security unit that is designed to house inmates who pose a threat to themselves or others, or who have been deemed a security risk.
Overall, the A&O process is an important part of an inmate’s experience at the MCC. It provides inmates with the information they need to navigate the facility’s rules and regulations, as well as access programs and services that can help them succeed while in custody.
Notable Inmates and Cases
The Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago has housed several notable inmates over the years, including those involved in high-profile cases. Here are some of the most notable inmates and cases associated with MCC Chicago.
Tomas Arevalo-Renteria
Tomas Arevalo-Renteria was a member of the Sinaloa Cartel, a Mexican drug trafficking organization. He was arrested in 2011 and extradited to the United States in 2015. Arevalo-Renteria was charged with money laundering and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2017.
Kevin Trudeau
Kevin Trudeau is a former infomercial salesman who was convicted of criminal contempt in 2013. He had been ordered by a federal judge to pay $37 million in fines for making false and misleading claims in his infomercials. Trudeau failed to pay the fines and was found guilty of contempt of court. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and served time at MCC Chicago.
Thomas Zajac
Thomas Zajac was a former police officer who was convicted of possession of a destructive device. He was arrested in 2012 after authorities found a pipe bomb in his car during a traffic stop. Zajac was also charged with bribery and kidnapping. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2013 and served time at MCC Chicago.
MCC Chicago has housed many other notable inmates and cases over the years, but these three stand out as some of the most high-profile.