Potosi Correctional Center: Max Security in Missouri

Potosi Correctional Center (PCC) is a maximum-security prison located in Mineral Point, Missouri, operated by the Missouri Department of Corrections. The facility houses 862 male inmates and employs nearly 500 staff members. The prison offers a range of programs and services, including education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment, to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release.

The history of Potosi Correctional Center dates back to 1989 when it was established as a medium-security prison. Over the years, the facility has undergone several expansions and renovations, including the addition of a maximum-security unit in 1993. Today, Potosi Correctional Center is one of the largest and most secure prisons in the state of Missouri, with a focus on maintaining safety and security for both inmates and staff.

The prison is located in Washington County, a rural area of Missouri known for its rolling hills and scenic countryside. While the prison is a significant employer in the area, it also faces challenges related to staffing shortages and overcrowding. Despite these challenges, Potosi Correctional Center remains committed to its mission of providing safe and secure confinement for the state’s most dangerous offenders.

SecurityMaximum
Capacity862
Physical Address11593 State Highway O
Mineral Point, MO 63660
United States
Mailing AddressC/O Digital Mail Center-Missouri DOC
PO Box 25678
Tampa, FL 33622-5678
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursFriday, Saturday, and Sunday:
9:30 am – 1:30 pm
2:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(573) 438-6000
JurisdictionState

Location

Potosi Correctional Center is located in Mineral Point, Missouri, at 11593 State Highway O. It is situated in the southeast part of the state, approximately 80 miles southwest of St. Louis.

The facility is located on a 99-acre site that includes several buildings, including housing units, administration buildings, and medical facilities. The prison is surrounded by a double fence topped with razor wire, and there are guard towers located at strategic points around the perimeter.

Visitors to the prison can access the facility via State Highway O, which runs adjacent to the prison’s main entrance. The facility is easily accessible by car, and there is ample parking available for visitors.

The area surrounding Potosi Correctional Center is primarily rural, with rolling hills and farmland. The prison is located in a sparsely populated area, with few residential areas nearby. The closest town is Potosi, which is located approximately 5 miles to the west of the facility.

Facilities

The Potosi Correctional Center is a multi-level correctional facility located in Mineral Point, Missouri. The facility is operated by the Missouri Department of Corrections and houses adult male inmates. PCC has a total capacity of 862 inmates and is divided into several custody levels.

Custody Levels

PCC has three custody levels: minimum, medium, and maximum. The minimum-security unit is designed for inmates who are nearing the end of their sentence and are preparing for re-entry into society. The medium-security unit houses inmates who have committed more serious crimes but are not considered to be high-risk. The maximum-security unit is for the most dangerous and violent offenders.

Special Needs Unit

PCC also has a Special Needs Unit (SNU) that provides specialized services to inmates with physical or mental disabilities. The SNU offers medical and mental health care, as well as vocational and educational programs.

Law Library

PCC has a law library that is available to all inmates. The library contains legal materials and resources that inmates can use to research their cases and prepare legal documents. Inmates can also receive assistance from staff members who are trained in legal research.

In addition to the above facilities, PCC also offers substance abuse treatment programs for inmates who are struggling with addiction. The facility also has administrative segregation and capital punishment units for inmates who require additional security measures.

Overall, PCC provides a range of facilities and services to meet the needs of its inmate population. Whether an inmate requires medical care, legal assistance, or substance abuse treatment, PCC has resources available to help them.

Inmate Information

Visitation

Visitation at Potosi Correctional Center is allowed for family and friends of inmates. Visiting hours are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:

  • 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
  • 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

Visitors must fill out a visiting application and receive approval before visiting. The application can be obtained from the Missouri Department of Corrections website or by contacting the facility directly. Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting hours. Visitors are subject to search and must follow the rules and regulations of the facility.

Inmate Search

The Missouri Department of Corrections provides an online inmate search tool for the public to use. This tool can be used to search for inmates by name or ID number. Inmates at Potosi Correctional Center can also be located by contacting the facility directly.

Send Money

Friends and family of inmates can send money to their loved ones at Potosi Correctional Center through JPay, a service that allows electronic funds transfer to inmate trust accounts. Money orders can also be sent through the mail to the facility.

Custody Levels

Potosi Correctional Center is a mixed custody facility that houses minimum, medium, and maximum custody-level inmates. Inmates are assigned custody levels based on their behavior, history, and the nature of their offense.

Adult Basic Education

Potosi Correctional Center offers Adult Basic Education classes to inmates who do not have a high school diploma or GED. Inmates can also take vocational training courses to learn job skills.

Law Library

Inmates at Potosi Correctional Center have access to a law library where they can research legal issues and prepare legal documents.

Regulations

Inmates at Potosi Correctional Center are required to follow the rules and regulations of the facility. The regulations cover a wide range of topics, including visitation, mail, commissary, and more.

Money Orders

Money orders can be sent to inmates at Potosi Correctional Center through the mail. The money order should be made payable to the inmate and include their ID number.

Commissary

Inmates at Potosi Correctional Center can purchase items from the commissary, including food, hygiene products, and clothing. The commissary is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Overall, Potosi Correctional Center is a state prison that houses inmates of various custody levels. Inmates have access to a variety of services and programs, including education and vocational training. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations of the facility to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Programs

Potosi Correctional Center offers a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for reentry into society. These programs focus on vocational skills, education, and mental health treatment.

Vocational Courses

The vocational courses at Potosi Correctional Center provide inmates with valuable job skills and training. Inmates can take courses in welding, carpentry, electrical work, and more. These courses help inmates develop the skills they need to find employment after their release. In addition, the vocational courses provide inmates with a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can help improve their mental health and overall well-being.

Puppies for Parole

Puppies for Parole is a unique program that pairs inmates with shelter dogs. Inmates are responsible for training and caring for the dogs, which helps them develop a sense of responsibility and empathy. The program also benefits the dogs, who receive much-needed attention and socialization. In addition, the program has been shown to improve the behavior of inmates who participate, reducing disciplinary infractions and promoting good behavior.

The Puppies for Parole program has been particularly successful at Potosi Correctional Center. In April 2023, PCC partnered with Five Acres Animal Shelter for the Puppies for Parole program at PCC. Five Acres Shelter is located in St. Charles, Missouri, and houses a number of cats and dogs. PCC P4P gifted a large monetary donation and multiple paintings, made by one of PCC’s dog handlers, to Five Acres.

Good Behavior

Inmates at Potosi Correctional Center are encouraged to exhibit good behavior through a system of rewards and incentives. Inmates who exhibit good behavior may be eligible for early release or other privileges. This system helps promote a positive environment within the prison and encourages inmates to work towards their rehabilitation and eventual release.

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