Sterling Correctional Facility is the largest prison in the Colorado Department of Corrections system. Located in Sterling, Colorado, the facility was officially opened in June of 1999. The facility covers 100 acres of the 765-acre site, with the interior perimeter covering 80 acres. Sterling Correctional Facility houses male inmates at various custody levels and specializes in different types of offenders.
The prison system in the United States is a complex and multifaceted institution that has been the subject of much debate and controversy. Sterling Correctional Facility is no exception. As a prison, it is designed to serve several purposes, including punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation of offenders.
The Department of Corrections is responsible for ensuring that inmates are treated humanely and that they have access to the necessary resources to help them reintegrate into society upon release.
However, the reality of life inside a prison is often far from ideal. Inmates face a range of challenges, including overcrowding, violence, and limited access to educational and vocational programs. The Colorado Department of Corrections has implemented various reforms over the years to address these issues, but there is still much work to be done.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,488 |
| Physical Address | 12101 CO-61, Sterling, CO 80751 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 6000 Sterling, CO 80751 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 970-521-5010 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Sterling Correctional Facility
Sterling Correctional Facility (SCF) is the largest prison in the Colorado Department of Corrections system, located in Sterling, Colorado. The facility officially opened in June 1999. Since then, it has undergone several developments to accommodate its growing population of inmates.
Construction and Early Years
The construction of the Sterling Correctional Facility began in 1995 and was completed in 1998. The facility was built to house 1,000 inmates, but it has since expanded to accommodate more than 2,400 inmates. The facility covers 100 acres of the 765-acre site, and the interior perimeter covers 80 acres.
In its early years, the Sterling Correctional Facility was known for its innovative rehabilitation programs that aimed to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society. These programs included vocational training, educational programs, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Recent Developments
In recent years, the Sterling Correctional Facility has faced several challenges. In 2018, the facility was placed on lockdown after a series of assaults on staff members. The lockdown lasted for several months, and it was lifted only after several changes were made to the facility’s security protocols.
In 2020, the Sterling Correctional Facility faced criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inmates and staff members alike were infected with the virus, and several inmates died as a result. The facility has since implemented several measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including mandatory mask-wearing and regular testing for inmates and staff.
Despite these challenges, the Sterling Correctional Facility continues to provide a safe and secure environment for its inmates. The facility offers a range of programs and services aimed at helping inmates successfully reintegrate into society, including vocational training, educational programs, and substance abuse treatment programs.
Facility and Operations
Sterling Correctional Facility is the largest prison in the Colorado Department of Corrections system. It is located in Sterling, Colorado, in the northeast corner of the state, approximately 120 miles northeast of Denver. The facility covers 100 acres of the 765-acre site, with the interior perimeter covering 80 acres. The facility officially opened in June 1999.
Units and Custody Levels
SCF houses male inmates at various custody levels. It has the capacity to house 2,488 inmates, including those on Colorado’s death row. The facility has several units, including general population, administrative segregation, and special needs. The general population unit houses inmates who have committed less severe crimes and are considered lower risk. The administrative segregation unit houses inmates who have violated prison rules or are considered high-risk. The special needs unit houses inmates with medical or mental health needs.
Rehabilitation and Education Programs
SCF offers several rehabilitation and education programs to help inmates prepare for reentry into society. This variety of programs includes vocational training, educational programs, substance abuse treatment, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Inmates can also participate in work programs within the facility, such as food service, laundry, and maintenance.
Visiting Hours and Guidelines
Visiting hours at SCF vary depending on the unit and the custody level of the inmate. There are strict rules about visitation, including dress codes and behavior guidelines. Visitors must also be approved and added to the inmate’s approved visitor list before they can visit. The facility also offers video visitation for approved visitors who cannot physically come to the facility.
For visitation hours visit.
Inmate Search and Bookings
The Colorado Department of Corrections provides an online inmate search tool that allows users to search for inmates housed at SCF and other Colorado prisons. The search tool provides information on the inmate’s name, booking number, custody status, and location. Family members and friends can also use the tool to find information on how to send mail, money, and packages to inmates.