Rush City Prison is a correctional facility located in Rush City, Minnesota, that is operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections. The facility houses male inmates who have been convicted of various crimes and are serving their sentences. Rush City prison has a capacity of 1,000 inmates and is classified as a medium-security facility.
The facility offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their release and successfully reintegrate into society. These include educational and vocational programs, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and religious programming. Inmates are also provided with opportunities to participate in work assignments and earn wages, which can be used to pay for their own needs and obligations.
Despite its efforts to provide inmates with the necessary tools to succeed upon their release, Rush City prison has faced criticism and controversy over the years. Some have raised concerns about the conditions and treatment of inmates, while others have questioned the effectiveness of the facility’s rehabilitation programs. Nonetheless, Rush City prison remains a significant part of Minnesota’s correctional system, and its impact on the lives of its inmates and the surrounding community cannot be ignored.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,000 |
| Physical Address | 7600 525th St. Rush City, MN 55069 |
| Mailing Address | 7600 525th St. Rush City, MN 55069 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 11:15 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone number | 320-358-0400 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Rush City Prison
Construction and Funding
MCF-Rush City is a high-security prison located in Chisago County, Minnesota. The prison was opened in February 2000 after a $90 million project, making it the largest single structure in the state’s correctional system. The construction of the facility was funded by the state of Minnesota.
The construction of the facility took approximately 18 months and involved over 350 workers. The facility was built on a 1,000-acre site and has the capacity to house up to 1,000 adult male inmates.
Facility Features
The MCF-Rush City facility is equipped with modern security features, including a perimeter fence, electronic surveillance systems, and a state-of-the-art control center. The facility is also equipped with a medical unit, a mental health unit, and a segregation unit for inmates who require specialized care.
The facility has a variety of educational and vocational programs available to inmates, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training in fields such as welding, carpentry, and horticulture. The facility also has a library, a gymnasium, and a recreational yard for inmates to use.
In conclusion, MCF-Rush City is a modern, state-of-the-art correctional facility that has been designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates. The facility is equipped with a variety of security features and offers a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their release back into society.
Inmate Life at Rush City Prison
Housing Units
Rush City prison has several housing units that are designed to accommodate different categories of inmates. The facility has four main living units, namely 1 South, 2 South, 3 South, and 4 South. Each unit has several cell blocks, and each cell block can house up to 64 inmates. The cells are designed to accommodate two inmates each.
Visiting Hours
Inmates at Rush City Prison have access to visitation services. Visiting hours for general population are on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 11:15 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. On Thursday and Friday visits are up to 2 hours, and on Saturday and Sunday, visits are 1 hour. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list, and they must follow strict rules and regulations. Visitors must also submit a visiting application and be approved before they can visit an inmate. Visiting hours are subject to change, and visitors are advised to check with the prison’s visiting schedule before visiting.
Restrictive Housing Population Visitation
Those in restrictive housing may visit on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. via teleconference television.
To make an appointment, call 320-358-0481 – 24 hours in advance on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Education and Work Opportunities
Rush City Prison offers several education and work opportunities to inmates. The facility has a GED program that helps inmates earn their high school equivalency diplomas. Inmates can also enroll in adult basic education classes to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. The Minnesota Correctional Industries Program provides inmates with work opportunities in various areas, including manufacturing, printing, and agriculture.
The prison also has a dog rescue program that allows inmates to train and care for dogs. The program helps inmates learn valuable skills and build self-confidence. Inmates can also participate in teleconference television programs, which allow them to connect with family and friends outside the prison.
Restrictive Housing and Sex Offender Treatment Unit
Rush City Prison has a restrictive housing unit that is designed to house inmates who pose a threat to the safety and security of other inmates, staff, or the public. The unit is designed to provide a secure and safe environment for inmates who require additional supervision.
The prison also has a sex offender treatment unit that provides specialized treatment to inmates who have been convicted of sex offenses. The program is designed to help inmates understand the root causes of their behavior and develop strategies to prevent future offenses.
Overall, Rush City Prison provides inmates with several opportunities for education, work, and personal growth. The facility is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also helping them prepare for successful reentry into society.
Family and Friend Visits
Visiting an incarcerated loved one can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MNDOC) aims to make the process as smooth as possible for both visitors and inmates at the Rush City Prison. This section provides information about visiting applications, rules and regulations, and visiting options.
Visiting Applications
All visitors must complete a visiting application before they can visit an inmate. The application is available online at the MNDOC website. Visitors can also request a paper application by calling the Visiting Unit at Rush City Prison. The application requires visitors to provide their personal information, including their full name, date of birth, and social security number. Visitors must also provide information about their relationship with the inmate they wish to visit.
Rules and Regulations
Visitors must follow strict rules and regulations when visiting an inmate at Rush City Prison. Failure to comply with these rules may result in the termination of the visit and possible suspension of future visits. Some of the rules and regulations include:
- Visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled visit.
- Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Visitors must wear appropriate clothing. Clothing that is revealing or offensive is not allowed.
- Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items, including cell phones, into the visiting area.
- Visitors must follow the instructions of the prison staff at all times.
Visiting Options
The Rush City prison offers several visiting options for family and friends of inmates. These include:
- In-person visits: Visitors can schedule an in-person visit with their loved one at the prison. Visitors must schedule their visit at least one week in advance and can do so by calling the Visiting Unit at Rush City Prison.
- Video visitation: Visitors can also schedule a video visitation with their loved ones. Video visits are conducted using a computer or mobile device and require an internet connection. Visitors must schedule their video visit at least one week in advance and can do so using the online scheduling option available on the MNDOC website.
- Email: Visitors can send emails to their loved ones using the MNDOC email system. Emails are printed and delivered to the inmate. Visitors must create an account on the MNDOC website to use this service.
- Letters: Visitors can also send letters to their loved ones. Letters must be addressed to the inmate and sent to the prison’s mailing address.
- Phone calls: Inmates are allowed to make phone calls to their approved contacts. Visitors can add their phone number to the inmate’s approved contact list by completing a phone application. The application is available on the MNDOC website.
It is important to note that visiting hours may vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit and the prison’s schedule. Visitors are encouraged to check the MNDOC website for up-to-date information on visiting hours and state-recognized holidays. Visitors are responsible for their own transportation to and from the prison. It is recommended that visitors plan their transportation in advance and arrive at the prison early to allow for any unforeseen delays.
In conclusion, visiting an incarcerated loved one can be a difficult experience, but the MNDOC strives to make the process as smooth as possible for visitors and inmates. By following the rules and regulations and utilizing the available visiting options, visitors can maintain their connection with their loved ones during their incarceration.
Healthcare and Safety
Emergency Medical Care
Inmates at Rush City Prison have access to emergency medical care when needed. The Minnesota Department of Corrections ensures that inmates receive prompt and appropriate medical attention in case of an emergency. The prison has trained medical staff on duty 24/7 to provide emergency medical care to inmates. In case an inmate’s health deteriorates, they are immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Corizon Settlement
In 2019, Corizon Health agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of an inmate who died in custody at Rush City Prison. The lawsuit alleged that the prison failed to provide adequate medical care to the inmate, resulting in his death. The settlement also required Corizon to provide additional training to its staff at the prison.
Regulations and Custody
The MNDOC has regulations in place to ensure that inmates receive appropriate medical care while in custody. The regulations require that inmates receive medical screening upon admission to the prison and that they have access to medical care throughout their duration of custody. Inmates are charged a nominal amount for medical services.
The prison has a medical unit that provides routine medical care to inmates. Inmates with chronic medical conditions are given special attention, and their medical needs are monitored closely. The prison also has a mental health unit that provides mental health services to inmates.
In conclusion, Rush City Prison takes the healthcare and safety of its inmates seriously. The prison has trained medical staff on duty 24/7 to provide emergency medical care to inmates. The MNDOC has regulations in place to ensure that inmates receive appropriate medical care while in custody. The Corizon settlement has also ensured that staff at the prison receive additional training to provide better medical care to inmates.