The New Hampshire State Prison for Men (NHSP/M) is the state’s oldest prison facility, built in 1812. It is located in Concord and is a multi-security level male-only facility with a capacity of over 1,400 inmates. The facility underwent extensive renovations and new construction in the 1980s and remains in use today.
The prison houses general population male inmates and has a mission to provide a safe and secure environment that will challenge individuals to develop their potential through personal growth. The facility offers various programs to inmates, including educational and vocational opportunities, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The prison also has a transitional housing unit that helps inmates prepare for reentry into society.
Despite efforts to improve conditions and offer rehabilitation programs, the New Hampshire State Prison for Men has faced criticism and legal challenges regarding its treatment of inmates. In 2019, a lawsuit was filed alleging that the prison was violating the constitutional rights of inmates by subjecting them to inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care. The case is ongoing and highlights the ongoing debate over the role of prisons in society and the treatment of inmates.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,408 |
| Physical Address | 281 North State St. Concord, NH 03301 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 14 Concord, NH 03301 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (603)271-1801 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of the New Hampshire State Prison for Men
The New Hampshire State Prison for Men, located in Concord, is the state’s oldest prison facility. The original state prison was built in 1812, and it included a blacksmith shop. The first inmate, John Drew, was sentenced to four years for horse stealing. The prison was built to hold 36 prisoners, and it was located on North State and Tremont Streets in Concord.
In 1878, a new facility was constructed to replace the old prison. This new facility was designed to hold 150 prisoners. It was built using granite from the nearby Swenson quarry and featured a central tower that served as a guard post. The prison was designed to be self-sufficient, with its own farm, dairy, and workshops.
In the 1980s, the prison underwent extensive renovations and new construction. Today, the NH State Prison for Men is a multi-security level male-only facility with a capacity of 1,408 inmates. The prison is divided into four units: general population, maximum security, transitional housing, and a minimum security unit.
The prison’s mission is to provide public safety by maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and inmates while providing opportunities for personal growth and development. The prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Overall, the New Hampshire State Prison for Men has a long and fascinating history. It has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the state and its inmates. Today, it remains an important part of the state’s criminal justice system, providing public safety and rehabilitation services to the men who are incarcerated there.
Facilities at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men
The New Hampshire State Prison for Men is a multi-security level male-only facility located in Concord, New Hampshire. It is the state’s oldest prison facility, with the original state prison being built in 1812. The current facility was constructed in 1878, and following extensive renovations and new construction in the 1980s, it remains in use today.
The prison has a maximum security unit, a medium security unit, and a minimum security unit. The facility has a capacity of 1,408 inmates.
Reception and Diagnostic Unit
The Reception and Diagnostic Unit is the first stop for all inmates entering the New Hampshire State Prison for Men. It is responsible for evaluating and classifying new inmates, assigning them to the appropriate housing unit, and providing them with necessary medical and mental health care.
General Population
The General Population unit is the largest unit at the prison and houses the majority of the inmates. It is a maximum security unit and is designed to house inmates who have been classified as high-risk or who have committed serious offenses.
Transitional Work Center
The Transitional Work Center is a minimum security unit that provides inmates nearing the end of their sentence with the opportunity to work in the community. Inmates are employed by local businesses and are supervised by Department of Corrections staff. The work center is designed to help inmates transition back into society by providing them with job skills and work experience.
North End Transitional Housing Unit
The North End Transitional Housing Unit is a minimum security unit that provides inmates nearing the end of their sentence with a structured environment to help them transition back into society. Inmates are required to participate in educational and vocational programs and are provided with counseling and other services to help them successfully reintegrate into the community.
Shea Farm Transitional Housing Unit
The Shea Farm Transitional Housing Unit is also a minimum security unit that provides inmates with a structured environment to help them transition back into society. Inmates are similarly required to participate in educational and vocational programs and are provided with counseling and other services to help them successfully reintegrate into the community. The unit is located in Concord, New Hampshire, and is specifically designed to house inmates who have been classified as low-risk.
Rules and Regulations at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men
The New Hampshire State Prison for Men has strict rules and regulations that visitors and inmates must follow. These prison rules are in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone at the facility.
Visitation Hours
- Tuesday:
- 8:30 am – 9:45 am – MCN
- 10:00 am – 11:15 am – Hancock
- 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm – MCS
- 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – MCN/MCS/RTU
- Wednesday:
- 8:30 am – 11:15 am – Hancock
- 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm – MCN
- 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – MCS/Hancock
- Thursday:
- 8:30 am – 11:15 am – MCS/R&D/HSC/RTU
- 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm – CCU
- 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm – Hancock/MCN
- NHSP-M SHU NON-CONTACT:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 8:00 am – 10:00 am, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Inmate Records
NHSP/M maintains records of all inmates, including their release dates and identification numbers. Inmates can request copies of their records, but they must do so in writing.
Dress Code
Visitors and inmates must follow the facility’s dress code. Visitors must wear appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Inmates must wear their assigned uniforms at all times.
Video Visits
NHSP/M offers video visitation for approved visitors. Visitors must schedule their visit in advance and follow the facility’s dress code. Video visits are subject to monitoring and recording.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at NHSP/M can receive mail at the following address:
- New Hampshire State Prison for Men Inmate Name, ID Number PO Box 14 Concord, NH 03301
Release Date
Inmates at NHSP/M can find information about their release date by requesting their records or speaking with their case manager.
Inmate Search
The New Hampshire Department of Corrections provides an online inmate search tool for the public. This tool allows users to search for inmates by name or identification number.
Personal Checks
NHSP/M does not accept personal checks for inmate deposits. However, inmates can receive money orders through the mail.
Money Orders
Money orders must be made payable to “NHDOC Inmate Accounts” and include the inmate’s name and identification number. Money orders can be mailed to the following address:
- NHDOC Inmate Accounts PO Box 300 Concord, NH 03302
Identification Number
Inmates at NHSP/M are assigned a unique identification number that they must use for all correspondence and transactions. This number can be found on their records and is required for all money orders and deposits.
NHSP/M is one of several state prisons in New Hampshire, including the Northern NH Correctional Facility and the Correctional Facility for Women in Concord. The New Hampshire Department of Corrections oversees all state prisons in the state. Michelle Edmark is the current Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Corrections.
Education and Career Opportunities at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men
The New Hampshire State Prison for Men provides a range of educational and career opportunities to inmates who are interested in improving their skills and preparing themselves for a successful life after release. The prison offers various educational programs that cater to the diverse needs of inmates, including GED, high school diploma, and business programs.
GED
The GED program at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men is designed to help inmates who did not complete high school to earn a high school equivalency credential. The program covers four subjects: language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Inmates who successfully complete the program are awarded a GED certificate, which is recognized by employers and educational institutions across the country.
High School Diploma
Inmates who want to earn a high school diploma can enroll in the high school diploma program at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men. The program is offered through a partnership with a local school district, and inmates can earn credits towards their diploma by completing courses in various subjects, including English, math, science, and social studies. Inmates who successfully complete the program are awarded a high school diploma, which can open up more career opportunities for them.
Business
The New Hampshire State Prison for Men also offers a range of business programs that can help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in the business world. The programs cover a variety of topics, including entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, and management. Inmates who complete the business programs can use their skills to start their own businesses or to pursue careers in various fields.
Overall, the educational and career opportunities provided by the New Hampshire State Prison for Men can help inmates improve their skills, increase their chances of success after release, and contribute positively to society.
Victim Services at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men
The New Hampshire State Prison for Men provides a range of victim services to support and assist victims of crime. The NHSP/M Victim Services program works closely with the Department of Corrections and the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office to ensure that victims are informed about their rights and receive the support they need.
Services Provided
The NHSP/M Victim Services program offers a range of services to victims of crime, including:
- Notification of offender status
- Assistance with victim impact statements
- Assistance with restitution and compensation claims
- Assistance with victim-witness protection programs
- Referrals to community resources
Victims can also access the Department of Corrections’ Victim Services website for additional information and resources.
Priorities
The NHSP/M Victim Services program is committed to ensuring that victims are treated with respect and dignity and that their rights are protected. The program’s priorities include:
- Ensuring that victims are informed about their rights and the services available to them
- Providing victims with timely and accurate information about offender status
- Ensuring that victim impact statements are considered in the sentencing process
- Ensuring that victims are notified of parole hearings and given the opportunity to provide input
- Providing victims with support and assistance throughout the criminal justice process
Contact Information for the New Hampshire State Prison for Men
Physical Address
The physical address for the New Hampshire State Prison for Men is:
314 North State Street, Concord, NH 03301
Visitors should note that this is a secure facility and that they will need to follow all rules and regulations when visiting.
Phone Number
To contact the New Hampshire State Prison for Men, visitors can call (603) 271-1801. This number can be used for general inquiries, as well as questions about visiting hours, sending packages, and more.
Website
The New Hampshire Department of Corrections website provides information about the New Hampshire State Prison for Men, including visiting hours, administrative rules, and more. Visitors can access the website.