Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee is a women’s prison located in Shakopee, Minnesota. It has been in operation since 1986 and is one of ten state prisons in Minnesota. The facility has a capacity of 641 inmates and is operated by the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
The Shakopee prison is unique in that it is the only women’s prison in Minnesota. It serves as a correctional facility for women who have been convicted of crimes ranging from drug offenses to homicide. The prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates with their rehabilitation and re-entry into society, including education and job training programs, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment.
Despite its efforts to provide rehabilitation and re-entry services, the Shakopee prison has faced criticism over the years for its treatment of inmates. In 2016, a group of female inmates filed a lawsuit against the prison, alleging that they were subjected to inhumane conditions, including being forced to use plastic bags as toilets. The lawsuit was settled in 2018, with the prison agreeing to make a number of changes to improve conditions for its inmates.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 641 |
| Physical Address | 1010 West Sixth Avenue Shakopee, MN 55379 |
| Mailing Address | 1010 West Sixth Avenue Shakopee, MN 55379 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 952-496-4440 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Shakopee Prison, officially known as the Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee (MCF-Shakopee), is a state prison located in Shakopee, Minnesota. It is a multi-custody facility that houses female offenders of all security levels.
History
MCF-Shakopee was established in 1986 as the first state prison for women in Minnesota. Prior to this, female inmates were housed in county jails. The facility was built to address the need for a separate facility for female offenders and to provide gender-responsive programming.
Facility Description
MCF-Shakopee is located on a 78-acre site in Scott County and has the capacity to house 660 female inmates. The facility consists of several buildings, including four general population housing units, an intake and release unit, a segregation unit, and a health services unit. The Monahan Living Unit, which opened in 2019, provides a residential treatment program for women with substance use disorders.
The facility also has a vocational and educational program, which includes adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training. Inmates can also participate in cognitive behavioral programming, parenting classes, and other self-improvement programs.
Security
MCF-Shakopee is a secure facility with perimeter fencing, electronic detection systems, and a staff of correctional officers. The facility has a classification system that determines the level of security for each inmate based on factors such as criminal history, behavior, and escape risk. Inmates are assigned an ID number and must follow strict rules and regulations.
Maintenance and support services are provided by staff members who ensure the facility is clean and safe for both staff and inmates. The Department of Corrections oversees the operations of the facility and ensures that all policies and procedures are followed.
Overall, MCF-Shakopee provides a safe and secure environment for female offenders in Minnesota. The facility offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for reentry into society.
Offender Education and Treatment
Offender education and treatment are essential components of the Minnesota Department of Corrections’ mission to promote public safety, reduce recidivism, and support the successful reentry of incarcerated individuals into their communities.
The Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee provides a range of education and treatment programs to help offenders address the underlying issues that contributed to their criminal behavior and develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life after release.
Education Opportunities
The Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee offers a variety of academic and vocational educational opportunities to offenders, including Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Educational Development (GED) preparation, and college courses. Offenders can also participate in vocational training programs through Minncor Industries, which provides job skills training in areas such as manufacturing, welding, and printing.
Treatment Programs
The Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee provides evidence-based programming that is gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and cognitive-behavioral in nature. The facility offers a range of treatment programs to address the specific needs of offenders, including those with chemical dependency, mental health issues, and histories of trauma and violence.
One of the treatment programs offered at the facility is Moving On, a cognitive-behavioral intervention program designed to help offenders address their thinking patterns and behaviors related to criminal activity. Beyond Trauma is another program that provides trauma-informed care to female offenders who have experienced trauma and abuse. The facility also offers Beyond Violence, a program designed to help offenders address their violent behavior and develop healthy coping strategies.
Overall, the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Shakopee is committed to providing high-quality education and treatment programs to help offenders successfully reintegrate into their communities after release. By addressing the underlying issues that contributed to their criminal behavior, offenders are better equipped to make positive changes in their lives and reduce their risk of reoffending.
Visiting and Support
Visiting Rules and Hours
Visiting hours at Shakopee Women’s Prison vary depending on the day of the week and the housing unit of the inmate. Visitors are required to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the visiting period to allow time for check-in. Visitors must also present a valid government-issued photo ID and be on the inmate’s approved visiting list.
Visitors are expected to follow the dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing, hats, and shorts. Children are allowed to visit, but they must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items into the visiting area, and all items must be stored in a locker provided by the facility.
Visitation Hours
- General population
- Wednesday: 4 pm – 8:15 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8 am – 2:30 pm
- MCF-Shakopee CIP Visiting
- Visiting takes place on the first and third Saturday of each month from 3 pm – 5 pm
- Restrictive Housing by appointment only (24 hours in advance).
Visiting Applications
To visit an inmate at Shakopee Women’s Prison, visitors must fill out a visiting application and be approved by the facility. The application can be obtained by contacting the prison directly or by visiting the Minnesota Department of Corrections website.
The visiting application requires the visitor’s full name, date of birth, social security number, and contact information. Visitors must also provide the inmate’s full name and ID number, as well as information about their relationship with the inmate. The application must be completed in full and submitted to the facility for processing.
Support Programs
Shakopee Women’s Prison offers a variety of support programs for inmates, including life skills training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The Chemical Dependency Treatment Unit and Mental Health Unit provide specialized care for inmates with these specific needs.
The Education Unit offers a range of educational programs, including GED preparation, vocational training, and college courses. The Industries Building provides job training and work opportunities for inmates.
In addition to these programs, Shakopee Women’s Prison also offers support for families of inmates. The Blue Hats program provides support and assistance for families during visiting hours. The facility also offers resources for families to stay in contact with their loved ones, including inmate mailing addresses and phone call options.
Overall, Shakopee Women’s Prison provides a range of support programs and resources for inmates and their families. Visitors should be aware of the visiting rules and hours, and complete the visiting application process in advance to ensure a smooth visit.