Montana, known as the “Treasure State,” is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from the rugged Rocky Mountains to the expansive Great Plains.
While Montana is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, it is also home to a growing prison population.
With a state prison system that includes multiple facilities and thousands of inmates, the issue of incarceration in Montana is a complex and multifaceted one.
In this article, we will explore the history and current state of Montana’s prisons, examining the challenges faced by inmates, staff, and communities, as well as the efforts being made to improve the system.
Montana Prison Map
Use the Montana prison map below to locate any facility. Click on the map markers to read our detailed guide of that facility.
State Prisons
| Prison Name | Location | Inmate Capacity | Security Level | Gender | Operator/ Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana State Prison | Deer Lodge Valley | 1,600 | Low to High | Male | Montana Department of Corrections |
| Montana Women’s Prison | Billings | 225 | High | Female | Montana Department of Corrections |
| Riverside Special Needs Unit | Boulder | 25 | High | Male | Montana Department of Corrections |
Montana State Prison
Montana State Prison (MSP) is a correctional facility located in the Deer Lodge Valley. The prison houses nearly 1,600 male inmates in a secure, 68-acre compound.
The facility caters to inmates requiring low to high levels of security and provides them with a range of evidence-based programming aimed at helping them successfully transition back to Montana communities.
The prison has a variety of vocational training programs, educational opportunities, and counseling services that help inmates acquire skills that can assist them in securing employment upon their release.
MSP also has a healthcare facility that provides inmates with medical and mental health services. The facility is staffed by trained professionals who work to maintain a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
Montana Women’s Prison
Montana Women’s Prison in Billings is a correctional facility that houses around 225 female felony inmates. The prison provides a secure environment that focuses on accountability, productivity, and personal growth for the women who live there.
The women participate in various gender-specific, evidence-based programs that aim to assist them when they reintegrate into Montana communities. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
The prison also offers parenting classes and family visitation programs to help maintain relationships with their loved ones. Montana Women’s Prison is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment that promotes rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
Riverside Special Needs Unit
The Riverside Special Needs Unit, situated in Boulder, Montana, is a sub-unit of the Montana State Prison that caters to male inmates with severe and long-term medical requirements. This unit has a maximum capacity of 25 inmates and provides specialized care to its residents, including medical, psychiatric, and dental care.
The unit has a dedicated team of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals, who work round-the-clock to ensure the well-being of the inmates.
The facility also provides educational and vocational programs to help the inmates acquire new skills and prepare for life after incarceration. Overall, the Riverside Special Needs Unit serves a crucial role in Montana’s prison system by offering specialized care and support to some of the state’s most vulnerable inmates.
Private Prisons
| Prison Name | Location | Inmate Capacity | Security Level | Gender | Operator/ Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crossroads Correctional Facility | Unincorporated Toole County | 1,538 | Multi-security | Male | Corrections Corporation of America |
Crossroads Correctional Facility
Crossroads Correctional Facility is a men’s prison located in unincorporated Toole County, Montana. It is operated by the Corrections Corporation of America and is the only privately operated prison in the state.
The facility houses detainees under contract with the Montana Department of Corrections and the United States Marshals Service. Opened in 1999, it is a multi-security facility.
Unfortunately, the prison has faced controversy due to allegations of inadequate medical care, which allegedly led to the death of Montana medical marijuana provider Richard Flor, who was serving a five-year federal sentence.
Despite this, Crossroads Correctional Facility remains an important part of Montana’s corrections system.
Juvenile Detention Centers
| Prison Name | Location | Inmate Capacity | Security Level | Gender | Operator/ Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Hills Correctional Facility | Miles City | 32 | Low to Medium | Male | Montana Department of Corrections |
Pine Hills Correctional Facility
Pine Hills Correctional Facility in Miles City, Montana, serves a unique dual role for the Montana Department of Corrections. The facility is the only state-operated long-term facility for adjudicated male youthful offenders between the ages of 10 and 17.
Pine Hills operates as a fully functioning school, providing education and rehabilitation services to its young population. Additionally, Pine Hills is an assessment and treatment center for male adults on the eastern side of the state.
This facility is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for individuals who require long-term care and treatment. With its focus on education, rehabilitation, and assessment, Pine Hills Correctional Facility plays a vital role in the Montana Department of Corrections.
Sources:
https://cor.mt.gov//Facilities/SecureFacilities
https://www.corecivic.com/facilities/crossroads-correctional-center