Riverbend Maximum Security Institution (RMSI) is a state prison located in Nashville, Tennessee. It opened in 1989 and replaced the Tennessee State Penitentiary. The prison is known for its high-tech security features and is situated on 132 acres of land with 20 different buildings and approximately 320,000 square feet of operating space.
RMSI is a maximum-security prison that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the state of Tennessee. The prison is designed to provide a secure and safe environment for both staff and inmates. The facility has a capacity of 748 inmates and employs over 500 staff members. The prison offers various programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release, including educational and vocational training programs, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services.
Overall, Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a secure and safe environment for both staff and inmates. The prison’s high-tech security features and various programs and services make it one of the most advanced and efficient prisons in the state of Tennessee.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 748 |
| Physical Address | 7475 Cockrill Bend Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0471 |
| Mailing Address | 7475 Cockrill Bend Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1048 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (615) 350-3100 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is a state prison located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is one of the state’s most high-tech prisons and is known for its advanced security measures. The institution is designed to house the most dangerous inmates in the state and is classified as a maximum-security prison.
History
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution opened in 1989 and replaced the Tennessee State Penitentiary, which had been in operation for over 100 years. The new prison was built to address the overcrowding and outdated facilities of the old prison. Today, it is one of the most modern and technologically advanced prisons in the state.
Location
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is located on 132 acres of land off Cockrill Bend Boulevard in Nashville, Tennessee. The prison is situated on the Cumberland River and is surrounded by industrial and commercial areas. The facility is easily accessible by car and public transportation.
Security Level
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is classified as a maximum-security prison. It is designed to house the most dangerous and violent inmates in the state. The prison is equipped with advanced security measures, including electronic surveillance, perimeter fencing, and armed guards. Inmates are closely monitored at all times to prevent escapes and ensure the safety of staff and other inmates.
In summary, Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is a modern and technologically advanced maximum-security prison located in Nashville, Tennessee. It is designed to house the most dangerous inmates in the state and is equipped with advanced security measures to prevent escapes and ensure the safety of staff and other inmates.
Inmate Life
Housing
Inmates at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution are housed in individual cells. The cells are approximately 60 square feet in size and include a bed, a toilet, and a sink. Inmates are allowed to have personal items such as a radio, a television, and books. They can purchase these items from the commissary. The commissary also sells hygiene products and snacks.
Visitation
Visitation at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is by appointment only. Inmates are allowed one visit per week. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must fill out a visitation application. Children are allowed to visit, but they must be accompanied by an adult. For a visitation schedule, visit this link.
Education Programs
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution offers various educational programs to its inmates. These programs include GED, Adult Basic Education, and vocational classes. The vocational classes include Computer Information Systems, which teaches inmates about computers and technology. The Tennessee School for the Blind offers a Braille Transcription Program, which teaches inmates how to transcribe printed material into Braille. The Print Shop teaches inmates about printing and graphic design.
Rehabilitative Programs
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution also offers various rehabilitative programs to its inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates prepare for life outside of prison. The programs include substance abuse treatment, anger management, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The programs are offered in a pod setting, which is a small group of inmates who live and work together.
Overall, the inmate life at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is structured and focused on rehabilitation. The housing is individual and includes personal items, while visitation is by appointment only. The educational programs include GED, Adult Basic Education, vocational classes, and Braille Transcription. The rehabilitative programs include substance abuse treatment, anger management, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Death Row
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is home to all of Tennessee’s male death row offenders, who are housed in a separate unit from the general population. As of June 2023, there are 57 inmates on death row at Riverbend, according to the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Death Penalty
Tennessee is one of 27 states in the US that still has the death penalty. The state uses lethal injection as its method of execution. The first execution in Tennessee in nearly 40 years took place on April 19, 2000, at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, where Robert Glen Coe was put to death by lethal injection.
Release Date
Inmates on death row at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution have their cases reviewed by the Tennessee Supreme Court. If the court upholds the death sentence, the inmate can then appeal to the US Supreme Court. If the US Supreme Court denies the appeal, the inmate’s execution date is set.
The Tennessee Department of Correction does not release execution dates to the public until after they have occurred. Inmates on death row can also have their sentences commuted to life in prison without parole by the governor of Tennessee.
It is important to note that death row inmates at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution are not eligible for parole. They are considered high-risk offenders and are housed in a maximum-security facility. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies work closely with Riverbend to ensure the safety of the public and staff.
Facilities and Services
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution offers a range of facilities and services to its inmates, including printing and commercial cleaning, residential construction and cabinet making/millwork, support service roles, and maintenance.
Printing and Commercial Cleaning
Tricor, a private company, provides printing and commercial cleaning services at the facility. Inmates are employed by Tricor and are responsible for producing printed materials such as brochures and flyers. They also provide commercial cleaning services for the facility. These services provide inmates with skills that can be used upon release.
Residential Construction and Cabinet Making/Millwork
Inmates are also employed in residential construction and cabinet making/millwork. They are responsible for constructing and repairing buildings within the facility, as well as constructing cabinets and other wood products. These skills can be used upon release, providing inmates with a valuable trade.
Support Service Roles
Inmates can also work in support service roles such as food service, laundry, and maintenance. These roles provide inmates with valuable skills that can be used upon release. Inmates are responsible for preparing and serving food, washing and folding laundry, and maintaining the facility.
Maintenance
Maintenance is an essential aspect of the facility, and inmates are employed in this area as well. They are responsible for maintaining the facility’s infrastructure, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Inmates also provide landscaping services, ensuring that the facility’s grounds are well-maintained.
Overall, Riverbend Maximum Security Institution provides a range of facilities and services that help inmates develop valuable skills that can be used upon release. These services provide inmates with a sense of purpose and help prepare them for life outside of the facility.