North Branch Correctional Institution is a maximum-security prison located in Cumberland, Maryland. It was opened in 2003 and has an operating capacity of 675 inmates. The facility is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, which oversees the supervision and rehabilitation of adjudicated individuals who pose a threat to the public.
North Branch Correctional Institution is designed to house the most dangerous and violent offenders in the state. The facility is equipped with the latest security technology and has a staff of highly trained correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff.
The prison offers a variety of programs and services aimed at rehabilitating inmates and preparing them for re-entry into society, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff at North Branch Correctional Institution. The department is responsible for overseeing the operations of all state prisons and is dedicated to reducing recidivism rates and promoting public safety through effective rehabilitation programs.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 675 |
| Physical Address | 14100 McMullen Highway, S.W. Cumberland, Maryland 21502 |
| Mailing Address | 14100 McMullen Highway, S.W. Cumberland, Maryland 21502 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (301) 729-7400 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
North Branch Correctional Institution (NBCI) is a maximum-security prison located in Cumberland, Maryland. It was opened in 2003 as part of the Western Correctional Institution (WCI) and became an independent facility in 2008, with full activation in September 2009.
The facility was built to replace the aging Maryland Correctional Institution in Hagerstown. The construction of the facility cost around $150 million and was completed in 2003. The facility was designed to house around 675 inmates and was built on a 400-acre site.
Since its opening, NBCI has been the subject of controversy and criticism. In 2013, the facility was the focus of a report by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which criticized the prison for its use of solitary confinement and other harsh practices. The report also highlighted the high rate of violence at the facility, as well as the lack of adequate medical and mental health care.
Despite these criticisms, NBCI remains one of the largest and most secure prisons in Maryland. The facility has a long history of providing correctional services to the state, and it continues to play an important role in the state’s criminal justice system.
Facility
North Branch Correctional Institution is a maximum-security prison located in Cumberland, Maryland.
The cell doors are made of solid steel and feature micro-perforations to allow for ventilation. The prison is surrounded by two layers of razor-wire fencing and has motion sensors to detect any unauthorized movement. The perimeter is monitored from a master control tower, which provides a 360-degree view of the facility.
NBCI is known as a hyper-max prison, or an inverted fortress, due to its unique design. The prison was built with a focus on security, with all housing blocks and support areas located within the perimeter walls. This design allows for greater control over the movement of inmates and staff, reducing the risk of escapes and violence.
The prison has a variety of facilities for inmates, including a medical unit, a dental clinic, a law library, and a recreation yard. Inmates also have access to educational programs and vocational training to help prepare them for life after release.
Overall, North Branch Correctional Institution is a highly secure facility that is designed to provide a safe and controlled environment for both inmates and staff. Its state-of-the-art security features and modern facilities make it one of the most advanced prisons in the country.
Population
North Branch Correctional Institution is a maximum-security prison in Allegany County, Maryland, that primarily houses male offenders who have been convicted of crimes under Maryland state and federal laws. As of May 2023, the facility has an operating capacity of 675 prisoners.
The inmates at NBCI range in age from 18 to 76 years old, with an average length of stay of 150 months. The majority of the inmates are maximum adult males who have been convicted of violent crimes such as murder, rape, and assault.
NBCI offers a variety of services and programs designed to help inmates prepare for their eventual release, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in religious services, recreational activities, and family visitation programs.
Administrative segregation is used to separate inmates who pose a threat to the safety and security of the institution or other inmates. Disciplinary segregation is used as a form of punishment for inmates who violate prison rules and regulations.
NBCI also has a death row unit that houses inmates who have been sentenced to death. As of May 2023, there are no inmates on death row at NBCI.
Overall, the population at NBCI is carefully managed to ensure the safety and security of both the inmates and the staff. The facility provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reintegration into society.
Visitation
North Branch Correctional Institution views visitation as an important part of inmate development and case management. Visitation is considered a privilege and is subject to certain rules and regulations.
Visitors
All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. Visitors must provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is on the approved visitation list.
Visiting Hours
Visitation hours vary depending on the housing unit and custody level of the inmate. It is recommended that visitors contact the facility or check the website for specific visitation hours.
- General Population and Administrative Segregation: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Disciplinary Segregation: Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Visit an Inmate
Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to allow for processing. Visitors will be subject to a search of their person and belongings before entering the facility.
Rules
Visitors must adhere to all rules and regulations while visiting the facility. This includes no smoking or use of tobacco products on state property. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility, including food, drinks, or cell phones.
Small Children
Small children are allowed to visit but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children must be well-behaved and under control. Visitors are responsible for their children’s behavior while visiting the facility.
Commissary
Visitors are allowed to bring money to deposit into an inmate’s commissary account. This money can be used by the inmate to purchase items such as food, hygiene products, and clothing.
In conclusion, North Branch Correctional Institution takes visitation seriously and has established rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of all individuals involved. Visitors are encouraged to review the rules and regulations before visiting the facility.
Mail and Communication
North Branch Correctional Institution provides various options for inmates to communicate with their loved ones outside. These options include mail, phone, and email.
Inmates can receive mail from their loved ones, but there are certain restrictions on what can be sent. The mail must be sent in a plain white envelope with the inmate’s full name, inmate number, and the address of the institution written on it. Any other markings or stickers on the envelope will result in the mail being rejected.
Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, except for legal mail. Legal mail must be clearly marked as such and addressed to the inmate’s attorney or legal representative.
Phone Number
Inmates can make phone calls to their loved ones by setting up a prepaid account. The prepaid account can be set up by the inmate’s loved ones outside and must be funded before the inmate can make any calls.
The phone number for North Branch Correctional Institution is (301) 729-7400.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at North Branch Correctional Institution can receive mail at the following address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
North Branch Correctional Institution
14100 McMullen Highway SW
Cumberland, MD 21502North Branch Correctional Institution does not provide email services for inmates.
Prepaid Account
Inmates can make phone calls to their loved ones by setting up a prepaid account. The prepaid account can be set up by the inmate’s loved ones outside and must be funded before the inmate can make any calls.
Overall, North Branch Correctional Institution provides several options for inmates to communicate with their loved ones outside. However, there are certain restrictions and guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety and security of the institution.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are the top priorities at NBCI, and the facility has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the public.
Custody
NBCI is staffed by highly trained correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining custody of all inmates. The facility has a staff-to-inmate ratio of 1:3, which allows for close supervision of all inmates. Additionally, NBCI has a strict dress code for both staff and visitors to ensure that contraband is not brought into the facility.
Surveillance
NBCI is equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance systems that monitor all areas of the facility 24/7. The facility also has a dedicated team of security officers who monitor the surveillance systems and respond to any incidents that may occur.
Contraband
NBCI has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to contraband. The facility has implemented several measures to prevent the introduction of contraband into the facility, including the use of drug-sniffing dogs, body scanners, and random searches of staff and visitors.
Escape
NBCI has never had an escape in its history, and the facility has implemented several measures to prevent escapes from occurring. The facility has a secure perimeter fence, and all doors and gates are equipped with electronic locks that can only be opened by authorized personnel.
Abuse
NBCI has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to abuse of any kind. The facility has implemented several measures to prevent abuse, including the use of cameras in all areas of the facility, and a dedicated team of investigators who respond to any allegations of abuse.
Cell Phones
NBCI has a strict policy when it comes to cell phones. Inmates are not allowed to possess cell phones, and the facility has implemented several measures to prevent cell phones from being smuggled into the facility.
Overall, NBCI is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all staff, inmates, and the public. The facility has implemented several measures to prevent incidents from occurring, and staff are highly trained to respond to any incidents that may occur.
Employment and Education
North Branch Correctional Institution offers a variety of educational and employment opportunities to its inmates. The institution believes that providing these opportunities can help inmates become productive members of society upon their release.
Education
North Branch Correctional Institution offers GED and Adult Basic Education classes to its inmates. These classes help inmates improve their literacy skills, which can increase their chances of finding employment upon release. In addition, the institution offers vocational training programs that teach skills such as welding, carpentry, and culinary arts.
Employment
Inmates at North Branch Correctional Institution can work in a variety of jobs within the institution. These jobs include food service, laundry, and maintenance. Inmates can also work in the prison industries program, which provides work opportunities in manufacturing and textiles. The program helps inmates develop job skills that can be used upon their release.
Average Sentence
The average sentence for inmates at North Branch Correctional Institution is 15 years. However, the length of an inmate’s sentence can vary depending on the crime committed and other factors.
Overall, North Branch Correctional Institution offers a range of educational and employment opportunities to its inmates. These opportunities can help inmates improve their chances of finding employment and becoming productive members of society upon their release.
Procedures and Regulations
North Branch Correctional Institution is a maximum-security prison that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in Maryland. The prison has strict procedures and regulations that must be followed to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors.
One of the most important procedures at North Branch Correctional Institution is the inmate search process. When an inmate arrives at the prison, they are assigned an ID number and a housing location. Family members and friends can use this information to find out where an inmate is housed and to send them care packages.
Visitors to North Branch Correctional Institution must undergo a background check and follow strict rules during their visit. All visitors must sign in and out, and they are subject to search before and after their visit. In addition, visitors must follow a dress code and are not allowed to bring certain items into the facility.
North Branch Correctional Institution has a mission to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates, staff, and visitors. To achieve this mission, the prison has strict regulations governing inmate behavior and conduct. Inmates are expected to follow all rules and regulations, and violations can result in disciplinary action.
The prison also has procedures in place for handling charges against inmates. Inmates are entitled to due process, and the prison has a system in place for investigating and adjudicating charges. In addition, inmates have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions.
Overall, North Branch Correctional Institution is a highly secure facility with strict procedures and regulations in place to ensure the safety of all involved.