Prisons in New Hampshire are an important aspect of the state’s criminal justice system. These facilities house individuals who have been convicted of crimes and sentenced to incarceration.
While the primary purpose of these facilities is to punish and rehabilitate offenders, there has been much debate in recent years about the effectiveness of the state’s approach to criminal justice and the impact it has on the lives of those who are incarcerated.
This article will explore the history of prisons in New Hampshire, the current state of the system, and the challenges facing the state as it works to improve its approach to criminal justice.
New Hampshire Prison Map
Use the New Hampshire 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire State Prison for Men | Concord, NH | 1,408 | Multi-level | Male | New Hampshire Department of Corrections |
| New Hampshire State Prison for Women | Concord, NH | 224 | Multi-level | Female | New Hampshire Department of Corrections |
| Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility | Berlin, NH | 512 | Medium | Male | New Hampshire Department of Corrections |
New Hampshire State Prison for Men
The New Hampshire State Prison for Men is the state’s oldest prison facility, with the original prison being built in 1812. Since then, a new facility was constructed in 1878, and following renovations and new construction in the 1980s, this facility remains in use today.
It is a multi-security level male-only prison with a capacity of 1,408. The NH State Prison for Men provides housing for three classification levels of male offenders ranging from general population (C3) to maximum security (C5).
In addition, all male inmates newly incarcerated in the NHDOC system are processed through the Reception and Diagnostic Unit (R&D). The NHSP/M in Concord serves as the primary facility for housing male inmates in New Hampshire, offering a range of rehabilitative and educational programs to promote successful reentry into society.
New Hampshire State Prison for Women
The New Hampshire State Prison for Women, also known as the NH Correctional Facility for Women, is situated in Concord and can accommodate up to 224 individuals. The facility provides a variety of programming and treatment opportunities to aid residents in preparing for their transition back to the community.
Its amenities include a fully equipped health services unit, a spacious educational area, an expanded Correctional Industries space, and a Family Connections Center. The prison utilizes advanced technology to maintain a secure and efficient security operation.
Overall, the NH Correctional Facility for Women aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for women who are serving time in the state of New Hampshire.
Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility
The Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility is one of the newest prison facilities in New Hampshire. Completed in 1999, the facility opened its doors to general population male inmates in 2000.
Their mission is to provide a safe and secure environment that will challenge individuals to develop their potential through personal growth. They also aim to promote meaningful learning opportunities that nurture responsible decision-making, recognize and support the development of emotional maturity, and advance personal responsibility.
The facility honors individual strengths, and respects and embraces the commitment to disciplined teamwork as essential to safe and efficient prison management.
Federal Prisons
| Prison Name | Location | Inmate Capacity | Security Level | Gender | Operator/ Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin | Northern New Hampshire | 1,282 | Medium | Male | Federal Bureau of Prisons |
Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin
The Federal Correctional Institution, Berlin is a medium-security federal prison for male inmates located in northern New Hampshire. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, this facility is a part of the United States Department of Justice.
FCI Berlin also has a satellite prison camp that houses minimum-security male inmates. The facility is situated in Coos County and is 115 miles north of Concord, New Hampshire, and 95 miles northwest of Portland, Maine.
The purpose of FCI Berlin is to provide a safe and secure environment for the incarceration of federal offenders while also offering educational and vocational programs run by the staff to help prepare the offenders for successful re-entry into society.
Sources:
https://www.nh.gov/nhdoc/facilities/concord.html
https://www.nh.gov/nhdoc/facilities/goffstown.html
https://www.nh.gov/nhdoc/facilities/berlin.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Correctional_Institution,_Berlin