Sumter Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Bushnell, Florida. The facility is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and houses adult male inmates. Sumter Correctional Institution has a capacity of 1,617 beds and is designed to house minimum, medium, and close custody inmates.
The institution offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release back into society. These programs include educational classes, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. In addition, Sumter Correctional Institution has a work camp that allows inmates to participate in work programs outside of the facility.
While Sumter Correctional Institution strives to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates, it has faced challenges in the past. In 2018, the Correctional Medical Authority conducted a physical and mental health survey of the facility and identified areas for improvement. The institution has since implemented corrective action plans to address these issues and improve the overall health and well-being of its inmates.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 1,617 |
| Physical Address | 9544 County Road 476B Bushnell, Florida 33513-0667 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 23608 Tampa, FL 33623 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (352) 569-6100 or 568-4600 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Physical Address and Contact Information
Sumter Correctional Institution is located in Bushnell, Florida. The facility is situated in Sumter County, approximately 60 miles from both Orlando and Tampa. The physical address of Sumter Correctional Institution is:
9544 County Road 476B
Bushnell, FL 33513To contact Sumter Correctional Institution, individuals can call the facility’s phone number at (352) 569-6100 or 568-4600. The facility does not have a fax number listed for public use.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Sumter Correctional Institution are on Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to call the facility or check the Florida Department of Corrections website for up-to-date visiting hours. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list and must provide valid identification before being allowed to enter the facility.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at Sumter Correctional Institution can receive mail at the following address:
Inmate Name, DC Number
Inmate’s last name, first name, DC#
PO Box 23608
Tampa, FL 33623All incoming mail must be addressed to the inmate and include the inmate’s DC number. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, and all mail is subject to inspection by facility staff.
Inmate Search
To find information on an inmate at Sumter Correctional Institution, individuals can use the Florida Department of Corrections online inmate search tool. Users can search by the inmate’s DC number or by their name and date of birth.
Inmate Population
Sumter Correctional Institution houses adult male offenders in the state of Florida. According to the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Sumter Correctional Institution has a capacity of 1,617 inmates.
Inmates at Sumter Correctional Institution are identified by their ID number, which is assigned upon intake. The ID number is used to track an inmate’s location, sentence, and release date.
Sumter Correctional Institution houses both youthful and adult inmates. Youthful inmates are those under the age of 18 who have been tried as adults and sentenced to adult facilities. However, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the majority of inmates in adult correctional facilities are over the age of 30.
The inmate population at Sumter Correctional Institution is composed entirely of male offenders. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, male offenders make up the majority of the prison population in the United States.
Inmates at Sumter Correctional Institution are subject to strict rules and regulations, and any violation can result in disciplinary action. The institution provides educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their release and re-entry into society.
Educational Programs
Sumter Correctional Institution offers a variety of educational programs to inmates, including GED, Adult Basic Education, Basic Literacy, Wellness Education, Vocational Programs, Library, Law Library, Academic Programs, Special Education, Title I, Transition Counseling, and Vocational Aptitude Assessment. These programs are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison.
The GED program at Sumter Correctional Institution helps inmates earn their high school equivalency diploma. The program covers all four subjects of the GED test: math, science, social studies, and language arts. Inmates can take classes and receive tutoring to help them prepare for the GED exam.
The Adult Basic Education program provides inmates with foundational skills in reading, writing, and math. This program is designed for inmates who have not completed high school and need to improve their basic skills.
The Basic Literacy program is designed for inmates who are not proficient in reading and writing. Inmates can receive individualized instruction to help them improve their literacy skills.
The Wellness Education program provides inmates with information and skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Inmates can learn about nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other topics related to wellness.
The Vocational Programs at Sumter Correctional Institution provide inmates with job skills training in a variety of fields. Inmates can learn skills in areas such as automotive repair, welding, carpentry, culinary arts, and more. These programs are designed to help inmates acquire the skills they need to find employment after their release.
The Library and Law Library at Sumter Correctional Institution provides inmates with access to books, magazines, and other reading materials. Inmates can also access legal resources to help them with their cases.
The Academic Programs at Sumter Correctional Institution provide inmates with college-level courses in a variety of subjects. Inmates can earn college credits and work towards a degree while incarcerated.
The Special Education program at Sumter Correctional Institution provides individualized instruction to inmates with special needs. Inmates can receive accommodations and support to help them succeed in their educational programs.
The Title I program at Sumter Correctional Institution provides additional resources and support to inmates who are struggling academically.
The Transition Counseling program at Sumter Correctional Institution helps inmates prepare for their release from prison. Inmates can receive counseling and support to help them transition back into society.
The Vocational Aptitude Assessment program at Sumter Correctional Institution helps inmates identify their strengths and interests in order to choose a career path that is right for them.
Overall, the educational programs at Sumter Correctional Institution are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison.
Religious Services
Sumter Correctional Institution provides a range of religious services to inmates, delivered by Department Chaplains and approved religious volunteers. These services include various worship services, religious education classes, study groups, and a variety of special event programs, such as a family day. The Chaplaincy Services Branch ensures the Constitutional religious rights of inmates and facilitates religious worship and sacred scriptural studies across faith lines in addition to providing pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and counseling.
Religious programming is led by agency chaplains, contracted spiritual leaders, and volunteers from various religious organizations. Inmates have access to a Chapel Library, which provides books, magazines, and religious materials for personal study and reflection. The Chapel Library Services are available to all inmates, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Sumter Correctional Institution also offers a T.D. Jakes Satellite Location, which provides a weekly video sermon by Bishop T.D. Jakes. This program is available to all inmates, and the sermons are delivered in English and Spanish.
Religious classes are offered to inmates throughout the week, and worship services are held on Saturdays and Sundays. Inmates are encouraged to attend religious services and classes as a way to support their spiritual growth and development.
The institution also partners with various organizations, such as Gospel Echoes, Prison Fellowship Quarterly, and Forgiven Ministries, to provide additional religious services and support to inmates and their families. These organizations offer mentoring, counseling, and other services designed to support inmates and their families during and after incarceration.
In addition to supporting inmates in their spiritual growth, Sumter Correctional Institution recognizes the importance of supporting families. The institution offers various programs and services designed to help families stay connected during incarceration, including supporting family visits and providing resources and support to families during and after incarceration.
Overall, Sumter Correctional Institution is committed to providing a range of religious services and support to inmates, recognizing the importance of spiritual growth and development in the rehabilitation process.
Rehabilitation and Re-entry Programs
Sumter Correctional Institution offers a range of rehabilitation and re-entry programs designed to help inmates successfully transition back into society. These programs focus on developing life skills, substance abuse treatment, and job readiness to help inmates become productive members of society upon release.
The Basic Training Unit Programs at Sumter Correctional Institution provide inmates with essential life skills and job training. Inmates learn employability skills, personal finances, and building character to help them succeed in the workforce. The program also offers substance abuse treatment, with AA/NA meetings and drug awareness and dependency education.
The D.I.R.E.C.T. Program is another essential re-entry program at Sumter Correctional Institution. This program provides inmates with a comprehensive approach to substance abuse treatment, including individual and group counseling, educational classes, and relapse prevention strategies.
The F.I.T. (Families in Transition) program is designed to help inmates with families prepare for re-entry into society. The program focuses on strengthening family relationships, providing parenting classes, and offering support to families during the transition process.
Anger management and Thinking for a Change are two other programs offered at Sumter Correctional Institution. These programs help inmates learn how to manage their emotions and develop positive thinking patterns to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
The Gavel Club at Sumter Correctional Institution is a Toastmasters International affiliate program that helps inmates develop communication and leadership skills. The program provides inmates with a supportive environment to practice public speaking and build confidence.
Finally, the Veterans Program at Sumter Correctional Institution provides specialized services for incarcerated veterans. The program offers counseling, job training, and other resources to help veterans successfully transition back into society.
Overall, Sumter Correctional Institution offers a variety of rehabilitation and re-entry programs to help inmates successfully transition back into society. These programs provide inmates with essential skills and support to help them become productive members of society upon release.
Work Programs and Certifications
Sumter Correctional Institution offers a variety of work programs and certifications for inmates to develop valuable job skills that can help them succeed upon release. These programs are designed to provide hands-on training and experience in different fields, including masonry, carpentry, automotive repair, and more.
One of the most popular programs is the masonry program, which provides inmates with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This certification is highly sought after by employers and can lead to well-paying jobs in the construction industry.
In addition to the masonry program, Sumter Correctional Institution offers a range of other vocational programs, including automotive repair, welding, and culinary arts. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a variety of industries.
Inmates who complete these programs can earn certifications that demonstrate their proficiency in different areas. These certifications can be a valuable asset when seeking employment after release and can help set them apart from other job candidates.
Overall, Sumter Correctional Institution’s work programs and certifications are designed to provide inmates with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce upon release. By providing hands-on training and experience in different fields, these programs help to prepare inmates for successful reentry into society.
Prison System and Legal Issues
Sumter Correctional Institution is a state-run prison facility located in Sumter County, Florida. As with all prisons, Sumter Correctional Institution is subject to state and federal laws, as well as regulations set forth by the Florida Department of Corrections.
One of the most significant legal issues facing Sumter Correctional Institution is the potential for sexual assault among inmates. In 2019, a federal lawsuit was filed against the prison for alleged failure to protect inmates from sexual assault. The lawsuit alleges that the prison failed to provide adequate security measures and training to prevent such incidents. The case is ongoing, and Sumter Correctional Institution has not commented on the allegations.
In addition to legal issues, Sumter Correctional Institution also faces challenges in terms of rehabilitation and preparing inmates for life after their release. To address this, the prison offers educational and vocational programs, including courses in adult basic education, vocational training, and life skills. These programs are designed to help inmates acquire the skills they need to succeed once they are released.
Another issue facing Sumter Correctional Institution, as well as other prisons across the country, is the use of JPay, a company that provides communication and financial services to inmates. JPay charges fees for services such as sending money and emails, which can be a burden for the families and loved ones of inmates. Some advocates argue that these fees are exploitative and that they make it more difficult for inmates to stay connected with their families and communities.
Sumter Correctional Institution is part of the larger Florida Department of Corrections prison system, which includes facilities such as Lake Correctional Institution. The Florida Department of Corrections is responsible for overseeing all state-run prisons in Florida, ensuring that they are operating in compliance with state and federal regulations.