Nestled in the northeastern region of the United States lies Vermont, a state with a rich history and unique culture. Vermont has a small population of approximately 600,000 people, but its prison system still plays an important role in the state’s criminal justice system.
Vermont’s prisons have undergone significant changes over the years, including the closure of older facilities and the implementation of new rehabilitation programs.
As the state continues to grapple with issues such as recidivism and prison overcrowding, it is important to examine the current state of Vermont’s prison system.
In this article, we will explore the history and current state of Vermont’s prisons, including their facilities, policies, and challenges.
State Prisons
| Prison Name | Location | Inmate Capacity | Security Level | Gender | Operator/ Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility | South Burlington, Vermont | 155 | Medium | Female | Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) |
| Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility | Rutland, VT | 148 | Medium | Male & Female | Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) |
| Northeast Correctional Complex | St. Johnsbury, Vermont | 126 | Medium | Both | Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) |
| Northern State Correctional Facility | Newport, Vermont | 430 | Medium | Male | Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) |
| Northwest State Correctional Facility | Swanton, Vermont | 262 | Minimum/ Maximum | Male & Female | Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) |
| Southern State Correctional Facility | Springfield, VT | 370 | Medium | Male | Vermont Department of Corrections (Vermont DOC) |
Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility
Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility is a prison located in South Burlington, Vermont. It was originally built in the 1970s to temporarily house 88 inmates awaiting trial but now houses approximately 155 female offenders.
In 2012, the facility faced several problems, including unsanitary conditions, insufficient clothing, and a lack of handicap accessibility. A report was published, and changes were made to improve the conditions at the facility. Offenders are now provided with uniforms and a computer skills course.
Despite these changes, it is still considered the worst female facility in the state. The facility faced budgetary cuts in June 2015, resulting in the loss of some of its education programs, and more cuts are expected in the future.
Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility
Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility is also located in Vermont. The facility is anchored by its historic wall, which was constructed with locally quarried marble and faced with brick in 1878.
This wall is the only remaining remnant of the Rutland House of Correction that stood in the same spot until the 1970s. The facility is designed to house a maximum of 148 inmates and is responsible for the care, custody, and control of both male and female inmates.
The facility offers a range of programs and services to its inmates, including educational and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its staff and inmates, and to helping inmates successfully transition back into their communities upon release.
Northeast Correctional Complex
Northeast Correctional Complex, also known as Northeast Regional Correctional Facility, is a prison located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont that houses around 126 adult offenders. This facility not only accommodates long-term offenders but also inmates who are awaiting trial.
During their sentence, offenders can take math courses, literacy classes, and additional high school classes. However, budget cuts have impacted the educational programs, resulting in a reduced number of staff.
In addition to educational opportunities, offenders can work within the institution in supportive operations such as cooking and serving food, and custodial maintenance tasks.
The Northeast Correctional Complex aims to provide a secure and rehabilitative environment for its inmates, helping them to acquire the necessary life skills and education to prepare them for re-entry into society.
Northern State Correctional Facility
Northern State Correctional Facility is a medium security prison located in Newport, Vermont. As the largest prison in Vermont, it can house up to 430 adult male inmates.
The facility offers an education program, which includes the opportunity for offenders to earn their GED through the Community High School of Vermont. Despite reports of several gangs in the prison, incidences of violence are relatively rare.
The facility provides a re-entry program to help inmates prepare for their release, as well as a theater group and vocational training for multiple skills. Additionally, Northern State Correctional Facility operates a 28-bed unit for inmates with acute and chronic mental illness.
Northwest State Correctional Facility
Northwest State Correctional Facility is a correctional institution located in Swanton, Vermont. This facility, which opened in 1969, has a capacity of 262 inmates and has housed both male and female prisoners over the years.
In addition to long-term commitments, this prison also serves as a detention facility for inmates awaiting trial. The facility offers several programs, including a cognitive self-change program, mental health services, and sex offender treatment programs.
The prison has general population units, a segregation unit, and a close custody unit. Recently, the facility was recognized for meeting Vermont’s new Recycling of Solid Waste law over a year early. The program, which sorts recyclables and organic matter from the trash, not only benefits the environment but also saves thousands in disposal costs.
Despite being part of several facilities in need of intensive repair, Northwest State Correctional Facility remains committed to providing a safe and productive environment for its inmates.
Southern State Correctional Facility
Southern State Correctional Facility (SSCF) is a Central Level male facility in Vermont. The facility’s mission is to protect the public by providing safe, secure, and humane supervision and confinement of offenders.
They also aim to promote positive change by facilitating risk-reducing programs in disciplined, safe, and supportive housing communities. SSCF has 370 beds, and its campus encompasses over 27 acres with six buildings.
The facility has modernized medical facilities, including an infirmary for acute care, x-ray, dental, and optometry services. SSCF serves Orange, Windham, Windsor, and parts of Bennington County by accepting detainees from local, county, and state law enforcement in these territories.
SSCF also has a housing unit for elderly and chronically ill offenders, a Secure Mental Health Stabilization unit, a Mental Health Transitional unit, and the state’s largest Close-Custody unit for housing disruptive inmates. The Community High School of Vermont is also located on the SSCF campus, providing a fully accredited high school for offenders.
Sources:
https://doc.vermont.gov/correctional-facilities/crcf-south-burlington
https://doc.vermont.gov/correctional-facilities/mvrcf-rutland
https://doc.vermont.gov/correctional-facilities/nercf-ccwc-st-johnsbury
https://doc.vermont.gov/correctional-facilities/nscf-newport
https://doc.vermont.gov/correctional-facilities/nwscf-swanton
https://doc.vermont.gov/correctional-facilities/sscf-springfield