Rhode Island is a small state located in the northeastern region of the United States. Despite its size, the state has a significant prison population, with multiple facilities housing inmates across the state.
The prison system in Rhode Island has been a topic of debate and controversy, with concerns ranging from overcrowding to inadequate healthcare for inmates.
This article aims to provide an overview of the prisons in Rhode Island, including their history, current conditions, and recent developments in the state’s efforts to reform its criminal justice system.
By exploring the state’s prison system, we hope to shed light on the challenges faced by inmates and the efforts being made to improve their conditions.
State Prisons
| Prison Name | Location | Inmate Capacity | Security Level | Gender | Operator/ Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High Security Center | Cranston | 166 | Supermax | Male | RIDOC |
| Maximum Security Facility | Rhode Island | 466 | Maximum | Male | RIDOC |
| John J. Moran Medium Security Facility | Cranston | 1,186 | Medium | Male | RIDOC |
| Minimum Security Facility | Rhode Island | 710 | Minimum | Male | RIDOC |
| Gloria McDonald Women’s Facility | Cranston | 187 | Mixed (3 levels) | Female | RIDOC |
High Security Center
The High Security Center (HSC) is a supermax facility in Rhode Island designed to house inmates who require close custody and control. Opened in 1981, the facility has an inmate bed capacity of 166, with an average population of 80 as of FY22.
The HSC contains a Rehabilitation Treatment Unit (RTU), which provides inmates with programming, treatment, and structure as an alternative to more restrictive housing units. Inmates have access to a legal and recreational library, a classification board room, a classroom, a barber shop, and a chapel.
The HSC is dedicated to ensuring the safety of its staff, inmates, and the public through the use of advanced security measures and protocols. The operational capacity of the facility is set at 96 for FY22.
Maximum Security
The Maximum Security Facility (MAX) in Rhode Island is the state’s oldest operational prison, having opened in 1878. The prison is modeled on the Auburn-style construction, where all inmate cells are consolidated into one main building.
MAX once served as the prison for both awaiting trial and sentenced inmates. However, as the needs of the prison system changed, other facilities were added. MAX has an inmate bed capacity of 466, with a population consisting of inmates serving long sentences for a variety of offenses, as well as inmates serving shorter sentences who have been transferred to MAX for serious discipline and/or behavioral problems.
Inmates are prepared for classification to lesser securities through participation in rehabilitative programs. Maximum Security employs approximately 190 inmates who perform a variety of functions to help maintain the institution.
The facility is surrounded by a wall with five observation towers and a double chain-link security fence equipped with an electronic intrusion detection system to prevent and detect escape attempts.
The facility is divided into six housing areas, one disciplinary confinement unit, a kitchen/dining area, a recreation yard, an education/gym building, and an industries area.
John J. Moran Medium Security Facility
The John J. Moran Medium Security Facility is a state-of-the-art correctional facility located in Rhode Island. Constructed between 1990 and 1992, the facility covers 29 acres and is home to sentenced adult male offenders classified as medium custody.
With the highest inmate bed capacity of any RIDOC facility, MED has 1,186 available beds. The facility provides extensive programming to inmates, with the aim of preparing them for successful reintegration into their communities.
In addition, MED offers several industry opportunities, including a garment and furniture/upholstery shop, a license plate shop, and carpentry and auto body shops. The facility is also equipped with an education and programming building, a gym, and a large outdoor recreation yard.
As of FY22, the average facility population was 753, with an operational capacity of 1,126.
Minimum Security
The Minimum Security Facility (MIN) in Rhode Island has been providing housing for inmates since 1978. The facility was initially opened in a converted hospital building and later expanded to include a second building in 1989.
In July of 1992, the two buildings were connected to form one large complex, with the capacity to house up to 710 inmates. All Minimum Security inmates are required to work unless they are medically certified as unable to do so.
They may be employed within the institution, at a Work Release Program site, on public service projects, or are in the process of seeking employment. As of FY22, the average facility population is 123, with an operational capacity of 692.
Gloria McDonald Women’s Facility
The Gloria McDonald Women’s Facility, located in Rhode Island, is a correctional institution that opened its doors in December 2010. The facility is designed to house awaiting trial offenders and is equipped to accommodate three classification levels, including minimum, medium, and work release.
The building itself is a converted and expanded hospital building that was initially constructed to serve as a male Reintegration Center. As of FY22, the average facility population stands at 101 individuals, while its operational capacity is 187.
The Gloria McDonald Women’s Facility is one of many correctional institutions in Rhode Island, and it plays a vital role in the state’s criminal justice system.
Sources:
https://doc.ecms.ri.gov/more-resources/facilities/high-security-center
https://doc.ecms.ri.gov/more-resources/facilities/maximum-security
https://doc.ecms.ri.gov/more-resources/facilities/john-j-moran-medium-security-facility
https://doc.ecms.ri.gov/more-resources/facilities/minimum-security
https://doc.ecms.ri.gov/more-resources/facilities/gloria-mcdonald-womens-facility