Oak Park Heights Prison, also known as the Minnesota Correctional Facility, is a maximum-security prison located in Stillwater, Minnesota. It is run by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) and is home to some of the state’s most dangerous criminals, including murderers, rapists, and other violent offenders. The prison has a capacity of 473 inmates and employs over 400 staff members.
The prison is known for its strict security measures, including 24-hour surveillance, high walls, and razor-wire fencing. Inmates are housed in individual cells and are closely monitored at all times.
The prison also has a specialized unit for inmates with mental health issues, as well as a segregation unit for inmates who pose a threat to others. Despite its reputation as a tough and secure facility, the prison has faced criticism in the past for its treatment of inmates and staff safety concerns.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 473 |
| Physical Address | 5329 Osgood Avenue North Stillwater, MN 55082 |
| Mailing Address | 5329 Osgood Avenue North Stillwater, MN 55082 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 7:45 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 651-779-1400 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
MCF-Oak Park Heights is a maximum-security prison located in Stillwater, Minnesota. The facility is part of the Minnesota DOC system and was constructed in 1981. It was designed to house the state’s highest-risk offenders, all of whom are housed in single cells.
The prison is architecturally designed into the side of a hill, and it is the only Level Five Maximum Security Prison in Minnesota. The facility has a long history of corrections in Minnesota, dating back to the establishment of a territorial prison in Stillwater in 1853.
Over the years, the Minnesota DOC system has undergone significant changes and improvements, including the creation of a Reentry Unit to address the needs of the growing number of offenders released from prison. In 2007, the MCF-Oak Park Heights underwent a major expansion, adding more than 100 new cells to the facility.
Throughout its history, the MCF-Oak Park Heights has been committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and offenders. The facility has implemented a number of programs and initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism and helping offenders successfully reintegrate into society.
Overall, the MCF-Oak Park Heights plays an important role in the Minnesota DOC system, providing a secure and effective correctional environment for some of the state’s most high-risk offenders.
Facilities
Oak Park Heights is a maximum-security state prison located in Stillwater, Minnesota. The facility is securely fenced and houses inmates in various living units, including the Administrative Control Unit, Transitional Care Unit, Mental Health Unit, and Hospice.
Living Units
The living units in Oak Park Heights prison consist of individual inmate cells that are designed to provide maximum security. Inmates have access to a commissary program that offers a variety of items for purchase, including food, hygiene products, and clothing.
Administrative Control Unit
The Administrative Control Unit is a specialized unit within Oak Park Heights that houses inmates who require maximum security due to their behavior or criminal history. Inmates in this unit have limited movement and are closely monitored by staff.
Transitional Care Unit
The Transitional Care Unit is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates who require medical care or assistance with daily living activities. Inmates in this unit receive specialized care from trained nursing staff.
Mental Health Unit
The Mental Health Unit is a specialized unit within Oak Park Heights that provides mental health treatment and support to inmates who require it. Inmates in this unit have access to a variety of mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and medication management.
Exercise Room
Oak Park Heights has an exercise room that is available to inmates for physical activity and recreation. Inmates have access to a variety of exercise equipment, including weightlifting machines and cardio equipment.
Nursing Care
The nursing staff at Oak Park Heights provides medical care and support to inmates who require it. Inmates have access to a variety of medical services, including routine check-ups, medication management, and emergency care.
Hospice
The hospice unit at Oak Park Heights is designed to provide end-of-life care and support to inmates who require it. Inmates in this unit receive specialized care from trained nursing staff and have access to a variety of hospice services, including pain management and emotional support.
Overall, Oak Park Heights prison provides a secure and safe environment for inmates while also offering specialized care and support to those who require it. The facility offers a variety of work programs to inmates, providing them with opportunities to gain valuable skills and experience.
Custody Levels
The Minnesota Correctional Facility – Oak Park Heights is a maximum-security prison that houses male inmates at two custody levels: Close Custody and Level Five.
Close Custody
Inmates in Close Custody are considered to be at a higher risk of escape or posing a threat to staff or other inmates. They are housed in specialized units and have limited movement within the facility. Inmates in Close Custody have access to non-contact visits and restrictive housing visits.
Level Five
Level Five is the highest level of custody and is reserved for the most dangerous and violent inmates. The Oak Park Heights prison is the only Level Five maximum-security prison in Minnesota. Inmates in Level Five custody are housed in a specialized unit known as the Administrative Control Unit (ACU) and have limited movement within the facility. Inmates in Level Five custody have access to non-contact visits and restrictive housing visits.
The Oak Park Heights prison has strict policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and security of staff, inmates, and visitors. Visitors must adhere to the prison’s guidelines and are subject to search and screening before entering the facility. Inmates in restrictive housing have limited access to visits, but non-contact visits are available for approved visitors.
Overall, the custody levels at the Oak Park Heights prison reflect the high level of security required to house some of the most dangerous and violent inmates in Minnesota. The prison’s policies and procedures are designed to maintain the safety and security of all those within its walls.
Visiting
Visiting a loved one in Oak Park Heights prison can be a challenging experience. However, the Minnesota Department of Corrections has put in place regulations to ensure that the visitation process is safe and secure for both visitors and inmates.
Visiting Regulations
Visitors are required to follow strict guidelines when visiting Oak Park Heights prison. Some of the regulations include:
- Visitors must arrive at the prison on time and check in at the front desk.
- All visitors are subject to a search before entering the prison.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items into the prison, including cell phones, purses, or bags.
- Visitors are required to dress appropriately and follow a strict dress code. Clothing that is revealing, provocative, or gang-related is not allowed.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring any food or drinks into the prison. However, vending machines are available in the visiting area.
- Visits are conducted on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, scheduled visits are also available.
COVID Safe Visiting
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Corrections has implemented additional safety measures to keep visitors and inmates safe. Some of the measures include:
- Visitors are required to wear a mask at all times while in the prison.
- Visitors are required to maintain social distancing guidelines of six feet apart from other visitors and inmates.
- Hand sanitizer is available throughout the visiting area.
- Visits are limited to a specific number of visitors per inmate.
Visitors can access Oak Park Heights prison by taking Hwy. 36 and exiting at Osgood Ave. The prison is also accessible via the MTC bus service. Visitors are encouraged to check the Minnesota Department of Corrections website for up-to-date information on visiting regulations and COVID-19 safety measures.
Overall, visiting Oak Park Heights prison can be a challenging experience, but following the regulations and safety measures put in place by the Minnesota Department of Corrections can make the process smoother and safer for everyone involved.
Education and Programs
The Oak Park Heights prison offers various educational and vocational programs to help inmates develop skills and improve their chances of finding employment upon release. These programs include General Educational Development (GED), Computer Career Programming, New Perspective, Adult Basic Education, and MINNCOR Industries.
General Educational Development (GED)
The GED program at Oak Park Heights provides inmates with the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma. The program covers the four main subjects tested on the GED exam: math, science, social studies, and language arts. Inmates who complete the program and pass the GED exam have a better chance of finding employment and pursuing higher education upon release.
Computer Career Programming
The Computer Career Programming course teaches inmates the basics of computer literacy and digital skills. The program covers topics such as internet safety, Microsoft Office, and web design. Inmates who complete the course have a better understanding of technology and are better equipped to find employment in fields that require computer skills.
New Perspective
The New Perspective program at Oak Park Heights is designed to provide inmates with the knowledge and skills necessary to re-enter society successfully. The program covers topics such as financial planning, job search strategies, and interpersonal communication skills. Inmates who complete the program have a better understanding of the challenges they may face upon release and are better prepared to overcome them.
Adult Basic Education
The Adult Basic Education program at Oak Park Heights provides inmates with the opportunity to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. The program covers topics such as reading comprehension, writing, and basic math. Inmates who complete the program have a better understanding of fundamental concepts and are better equipped to pursue further education or vocational training.
MINNCOR Industries
MINNCOR Industries is a vocational training program that provides inmates with the opportunity to learn job skills and earn a wage. The program offers training in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and printing. Inmates who participate in the program gain valuable work experience and are better equipped to find employment upon release.
Overall, the education and vocational programs offered at Oak Park Heights are designed to help inmates develop skills, gain knowledge, and improve their chances of finding employment upon release. These programs not only benefit the inmates but also contribute to the safety and security of the facility by reducing recidivism rates.
Security and Safety
The Oak Park Heights prison is a maximum-security facility that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in Minnesota. The prison’s security and safety measures are designed to prevent escapes, assaults, homicides, and other incidents that could jeopardize the safety of staff and inmates.
Escape and Dangerous Inmates
The prison’s security measures are designed to prevent escapes. The facility has a secure perimeter with multiple layers of fencing, razor wire, and electronic detection systems. Inmates are also subject to regular searches, and their movements are closely monitored. However, despite these measures, some inmates have attempted to escape in the past. In 2018, an inmate attempted to escape but was apprehended by staff.
The prison also houses some of the most dangerous inmates in the state. These inmates are often subject to additional security measures, such as being placed in restrictive housing units or being escorted by armed guards when they leave their cells.
Assault and Homicide
Assaults and homicides are rare at the Oak Park Heights prison, but they can still occur. Inmates who commit violent acts are subject to disciplinary action, which can include being placed in restrictive housing units or being transferred to other facilities.
Disciplinary Reasons
Inmates who violate prison rules or engage in disruptive behavior are subject to disciplinary action. This can include loss of privileges, such as visitation or phone calls, or being placed in restrictive housing units. In some cases, inmates may be transferred to other facilities if their behavior is deemed too disruptive.
Administrative Segregation
Inmates who pose a threat to the safety of others or the security of the facility may be placed in administrative segregation. This is a form of restrictive housing that is used to isolate inmates from the general population. Inmates in administrative segregation are subject to additional security measures, such as being escorted by armed guards when they leave their cells.
Overall, the Oak Park Heights prison takes security and safety very seriously. The facility’s security measures are designed to prevent escapes, assaults, homicides, and other incidents that could jeopardize the safety of staff and inmates. Inmates who violate prison rules or engage in disruptive behavior are subject to disciplinary action, and those who pose a threat to the safety of others or the security of the facility may be placed in administrative segregation.