Robinson Correctional Center: An In-depth Prison Overview

Robinson Correctional Center is a medium-security prison located in Robinson, Illinois. It was opened in 1985 on the site of a historic Shaker farm community that dates back to 1792. The prison is operated by the Illinois Department of Corrections and has a capacity of 1,223 inmates.

The facility has undergone several changes since its inception. In 1990, with the implementation of a new Inmate Objective Classification System, the institution’s security level was changed to medium-security.

The prison has also implemented several programs to help inmates transition back into society, such as life skills and re-entry centers. The Illinois Department of Corrections aims to promote positive change and build community relationships through its Office of Constituent Services, which is available to all families and friends of inmates.

SecurityMinimum
Capacity1,223
Physical Address13423 E 1150th Ave, Robinson, IL 62454
Mailing Address13423 East 1150th Avenue
Robinson, IL 62454
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursEvery day: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(618) 546-5659
JurisdictionState

History

Robinson Correctional Center is a minimum-security prison located in Crawford County, Illinois. It was opened on November 8, 1985, on the site of a historic Shaker farm community that dates back to 1792. The facility was designed to house 1,223 inmates, but it currently houses around 600 inmates.

Robinson Correctional Center has a long history of providing education and vocational training to its inmates. The facility offers a variety of programs, including adult basic education, GED preparation, vocational training, and college courses.

In recent years, Robinson Correctional Center has faced challenges related to overcrowding and understaffing. In 2018, the facility was placed on lockdown after several staff members were assaulted by inmates. The lockdown lasted for several weeks, and it highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Despite these challenges, Robinson Correctional Center remains an important part of the Illinois prison system. It provides critical services to inmates, and it plays a key role in rehabilitating offenders and preparing them for reentry into society.

Facilities

Robinson Correctional Center has 23 buildings that are used for various purposes. These buildings have a total serviceable space of 309,778 square feet. The buildings include the administration building, control center, mailroom, armory, main gate, academic/vocation building, multi-purpose building, gym, non-denominational chapel, medical unit, segregation unit, food service building, laundry, maintenance building, warehouse, and training facility.

Buildings

The administration building is the hub of the facility. It houses the warden’s office, the administrative staff, and the business office. The control center is the nerve center of the prison. It is where the officers monitor the security cameras and control the doors. The mailroom is where all incoming and outgoing mail is processed. The armory is where the officers store their weapons.

The main gate is the entrance to the prison. It is where visitors check in and where the officers search vehicles. The academic/vocational building is where the inmates attend classes and learn new skills. The multi-purpose building is used for a variety of purposes, including religious services and recreational activities. The gym is where the inmates exercise and play sports.

The non-denominational chapel is where the inmates can attend religious services. The medical unit is where the inmates receive medical care. The segregation unit is where the inmates who have violated prison rules are housed. The food service building is where the meals for the inmates are prepared. The laundry is where the inmates’ clothing and bedding are washed.

The maintenance building is where the maintenance staff stores their equipment and supplies. The warehouse is where the prison stores its supplies and equipment. The training facility is where the officers receive their training.

Inmates

Robinson Correctional Center is a state prison for adult males located in Connecticut. Inmates at Robinson Correctional Center are housed in a minimum-security setting. The facility has a capacity of 1,223 inmates, and as of May 2023, it was operating at about 85% capacity.

Population

The inmate population at Robinson Correctional Center is made up of individuals who have been convicted of a range of crimes, including drug offenses, property crimes, and violent crimes. The average sentence length for inmates at Robinson Correctional Center is around 3 years.

Housing Units

The housing units at Robinson Correctional Center are designed to accommodate different types of inmates. The facility has dormitory-style housing units, as well as single and double cells. Inmates are assigned to housing units based on factors such as their security classification and behavior.

Commissary

Inmates at Robinson Correctional Center have access to a commissary where they can purchase a variety of items, including food, personal hygiene products, and electronics. Inmates are allowed to spend up to $100 per week at the commissary, and purchases must be made using a money order.

Inmate Programs

Robinson Correctional Center offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates can also participate in religious services and recreational activities.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours at Robinson Correctional Center are every day: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list and must present a valid photo ID to enter the facility. Visitors are subject to a search before entering the visiting area.

Overall, Robinson Correctional Center provides a range of services and programs to its inmate population, aimed at helping them to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.

Security

Robinson Correctional Center is a medium-security facility that houses adult male inmates in Connecticut. Security is a top priority at the facility, and it is maintained through a variety of measures.

Staffing

The facility has a staff of correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining order and security within the prison. These officers undergo rigorous training and are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to ensure the safety of inmates and staff.

Perimeter Security

The facility is surrounded by a secure perimeter fence that is monitored by cameras and other surveillance equipment. The fence is designed to prevent unauthorized access and to keep inmates from escaping.

Cell Security

Inmates are housed in individual cells that are secured with doors and locks. The doors are made of solid steel and are designed to prevent inmates from breaking out or tampering with the locks.

Classification and Assessment

Inmates are classified and assessed based on their risk level and behavior. This helps to determine the appropriate level of security and supervision required for each inmate. Inmates who pose a higher risk to the safety and security of the facility are housed in more secure areas and are subject to stricter supervision.

Searches and Inspections

The facility conducts regular searches and inspections of the cells, common areas, and other parts of the facility to ensure that contraband is not being smuggled in and that inmates are not engaging in illegal activities. These searches are conducted by trained staff members who are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to detect contraband.

Conclusion

Overall, security is a top priority at Robinson Correctional Center. The facility has implemented a variety of measures to ensure the safety of inmates and staff, including staffing, perimeter security, cell security, classification and assessment, and searches and inspections.

Education and Training

Robinson Correctional Center provides various education and training programs to help incarcerated individuals acquire essential skills and knowledge that can help them succeed upon release. These programs aim to reduce recidivism rates and help prisoners become productive members of society.

Academic Programs

Academic programs offered at Robinson Correctional Center include courses in basic reading, writing, and math skills. These programs are designed to help inmates who may have limited education levels. The courses are taught by qualified instructors and are available at different levels, depending on the inmate’s educational background.

College Degree Program

Robinson Correctional Center also offers a college degree program, which provides inmates with an opportunity to earn an associate degree. The program is offered in partnership with a local community college, and the courses are taught by college professors. Inmates who complete this program have a better chance of finding employment upon release.

Life Skills Counseling

Life skills counseling is another program offered at Robinson Correctional Center. This program is designed to help inmates develop essential life skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. The program aims to help inmates improve their interpersonal relationships and increase their chances of success upon release.

GED

Robinson Correctional Center offers a GED program, which provides inmates with an opportunity to earn their high school equivalency diploma. The program is designed to help inmates who may have dropped out of high school or have limited education levels. The program is taught by qualified instructors, and inmates who complete the program have a better chance of finding employment upon release.

Culinary Arts

The culinary arts program at Robinson Correctional Center provides inmates with an opportunity to learn culinary skills and techniques. The program is designed to help inmates acquire skills that can help them find employment in the food service industry upon release. The program is taught by experienced chefs and provides hands-on training in a commercial kitchen.

Horticulture

The horticulture program at Robinson Correctional Center provides inmates with an opportunity to learn about gardening and horticulture. The program is designed to help inmates acquire skills that can help them find employment in the horticulture industry upon release. The program provides hands-on training in a greenhouse and garden area.

Commercial Custodial Training

The commercial custodial training program at Robinson Correctional Center provides inmates with an opportunity to learn about commercial cleaning and custodial services. The program is designed to assist inmates in acquiring skills that can help them find employment in the custodial industry upon release. The program provides hands-on training in a commercial setting.

Anger Management

The anger management program at Robinson Correctional Center provides inmates with an opportunity to learn about anger management techniques and strategies. The program is designed to help inmates develop coping skills and reduce their chances of engaging in violent or aggressive behavior. The program provides counseling and group therapy sessions, and inmates who complete the program have a better chance of success upon release.

Overall, Robinson Correctional Center provides a range of education and training programs that aim to help inmates acquire essential skills and knowledge that can help them succeed upon release. These programs are designed to reduce recidivism rates and help inmates become productive members of society.

Communication

Effective communication is essential in any correctional facility, and Robinson Correctional Center is no exception. The center uses various methods of communication to ensure that inmates, staff, and visitors receive information promptly and accurately.

Inmate Communication

Inmates at Robinson Correctional Center have access to several forms of communication, including mail, phone calls, and video visitation. The center has a secure mail system that allows inmates to send and receive letters and packages from their loved ones. Inmates can also make phone calls to approved numbers, and the center has a video visitation system that allows inmates to communicate with their families and friends remotely.

Staff Communication

Effective communication among staff members is crucial to maintaining a safe and secure environment at Robinson Correctional Center. The center uses a variety of communication methods, including radios, intercoms, and email, to ensure that staff can communicate with each other quickly and efficiently.

Visitor Communication

Visitors to Robinson Correctional Center must follow strict rules and regulations, and effective communication is essential to ensure that they understand these rules.

The center has a visitor information center where visitors can ask questions and receive information about visitation policies and procedures. The center also provides written materials, such as brochures and handouts, to help visitors understand the rules and regulations.

Emergency Communication

In the event of an emergency, effective communication is critical to ensure that staff and inmates are safe and informed. Robinson Correctional Center has an emergency communication plan in place that includes procedures for notifying staff and inmates of emergencies, evacuating the facility if necessary, and communicating with outside agencies.

Overall, Robinson Correctional Center places a high priority on effective communication to ensure the safety and security of staff, inmates, and visitors. By using a variety of communication methods and having clear policies and procedures in place, the center is able to maintain a safe and secure environment for all.

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