Thumb Correctional Facility: Secure and Structured Reform

Thumb Correctional Facility (TCF) is a state prison located in Lapeer, Michigan, that houses adult and youthful offenders. The facility has seven Level II general population housing units, including day rooms, showers, laundry facilities, and staff offices. Four of the units house adult prisoners, while one unit houses prisoners sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HTYA), and another separate unit houses youthful offenders.

The TCF offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse counseling, and mental health services. The facility also offers in-person and video visitation for family and friends of inmates. Visitation schedules vary by housing unit, and visitors are required to follow strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility.

SecurityMedium
Capacity1,202
Physical Address3225 John Conley Drive
Lapeer, MI 48446
Mailing Address3225 John Conley Drive
Lapeer, MI 48446
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursDepends on the Unit
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number810-667-2045
JurisdictionState

Overview of Thumb Correctional Facility

Thumb Correctional Facility is a Level II security prison located in Lapeer, Michigan. It is operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections and has a capacity of 1,202 inmates. TCF has seven general population housing units, four of which are for adult prisoners, one for those sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act, and one for youthful offenders.

The facility also has a segregation unit for inmates who require more restrictive housing due to their behavior or safety concerns. TCF offers mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, group therapy, and dental care to its inmates.

TCF’s physical address is 3225 John Conley Drive, Lapeer, MI 48446, and it can be reached by telephone at (810) 667-2045. The mailing address is the same as the physical address. Directions to the facility can be found on the Michigan Department of Corrections website.

Inmates at TCF have access to a commissary where they can purchase items such as toiletries, snacks, and writing supplies. Health care services are also provided, including medical and dental care.

Overall, TCF provides a secure and structured environment for its inmates and offers various programs and services to help them rehabilitate and prepare for reentry into society.

Housing Units at Thumb Correctional Facility

Thumb Correctional Facility has several housing units that cater to different types of inmates. The facility has seven Level II general population housing units, each with day rooms, showers, laundry facilities, and staff offices. Four of these housing units house adult prisoners, while one unit houses prisoners sentenced under the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act. One separate housing unit houses a youthful population.

The facility also has a segregation unit where inmates are housed when they are deemed a threat to the general population or staff. The segregation unit has individual cells with a bed, sink, and toilet. Inmates are allowed out of their cells for one hour a day for recreation and shower time.

TCF provides mental health services to inmates in need. The facility has a dedicated mental health unit where inmates can receive counseling and therapy sessions. The mental health unit also provides medication management for inmates with mental health diagnoses.

Substance abuse treatment is also available to inmates at TCF. The facility has a substance abuse treatment program that provides counseling, education, and support to inmates struggling with addiction. The program also offers aftercare services to help inmates maintain their sobriety after release.

The capacity of Thumb Correctional Facility is approximately 1,200 inmates. The facility is a Level II security level, which means that it houses inmates who are considered a moderate risk to the public. Overall, TCF provides a range of housing units and programs to meet the needs of its inmate population.

Education and Work Programs at Thumb Correctional Facility

Thumb Correctional Facility offers a variety of educational programs and vocational training opportunities to inmates to help them acquire new skills and knowledge that can help them lead productive lives after their release.

Education Programs

TCF provides Adult Basic Education (ABE) and General Education Development (GED) programs to its inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills, and to prepare them to take the GED test. TCF also offers Special Education services to inmates who have learning disabilities or other special needs.

Work Programs

TCF offers several employment readiness and vocational training programs, including Building Trades, Food Technology, and Hospitality Management. These programs are designed to help inmates acquire skills that are in high demand in the job market. Inmates who complete these programs are more likely to find employment after their release.

The Building Trades program provides inmates with training in various construction trades, such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. The Food Technology program teaches inmates how to prepare and serve food in a commercial kitchen setting, while the Hospitality Management program provides training in hotel and restaurant management.

In addition to these programs, TCF also offers a variety of work programs that allow inmates to earn money while they are incarcerated. These programs include jobs in the prison’s kitchen, laundry, and maintenance departments, as well as jobs in the prison’s industries program.

Overall, TCF’s education and work programs are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed after their release. By providing inmates with opportunities to learn new skills and earn money while they are incarcerated, TCF is helping to reduce recidivism and improve the chances of successful reentry into society.

Healthcare Services at Thumb Correctional Facility

Thumb Correctional Facility provides comprehensive healthcare services to its inmates. The facility offers on-site medical care, including x-ray, dental, and mental health services. Referrals are made to outside medical facilities when necessary.

TCF has seven Level II general population housing units which include day rooms, showers, laundry facilities, and staff offices. Each unit has a medical examination room, and medical staff is available 24/7 to provide medical care to inmates. The facility also has specialized healthcare units, such as the Medically Frail unit, which has 236 beds and is equipped to handle the medical needs of prisoners with chronic illnesses or disabilities.

In addition to medical care, TCF provides mental health services to inmates. The facility has licensed mental health professionals who provide therapy and counseling services to inmates who require them. The mental health unit can be reached at 716-858-8095.

TCF also provides dental care to its inmates. The facility has a dental clinic that offers comprehensive dental services, including routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions. Inmates can request dental services by submitting a sick call request.

Food services at TCF are provided by a contracted vendor. The facility provides three meals a day to its inmates, and the meals are designed to meet the nutritional needs of prisoners. The facility also offers special diets for inmates with medical conditions or dietary restrictions.

Overall, TCF provides comprehensive healthcare services to its inmates, including medical, dental, and mental health services. The facility is equipped to handle the medical needs of prisoners with chronic illnesses or disabilities, and referrals are made to outside medical facilities when necessary.

Rehabilitation Programs at Thumb Correctional Facility

Thumb Correctional Facility offers a variety of rehabilitation programs to help incarcerated individuals redirect their lives and become productive members of society. These programs are designed to address a range of issues, including substance abuse, violence prevention, and mental health.

One of the evidence-based programs offered at TCF is Thinking for a Change (T4C). This program is designed to help individuals learn problem-solving skills, improve decision-making abilities, and develop pro-social attitudes. The program is offered in a group setting and includes both cognitive restructuring and social skills training.

Another program offered at TCF is the Violence Prevention Program (VPP). This program is designed to help individuals learn how to manage anger and resolve conflicts in a non-violent way. The program includes both individual and group therapy sessions, as well as anger management classes.

TCF also offers Phase II Substance Abuse and Advanced Substance Abuse treatment programs. These programs are designed to help individuals overcome addiction and develop the skills necessary to maintain sobriety. The programs include both individual and group therapy sessions, as well as education on the effects of substance abuse.

For individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, TCF offers Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings. These meetings provide a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and receive encouragement from others who have overcome addiction.

In addition to these programs, TCF also offers the Michigan Prisoner Assistance Program for War Survivors (MI-PAWS). This program provides service dogs to military veterans who are incarcerated at TCF. The dogs are trained to assist with disabilities and provide emotional support to their owners.

Overall, TCF’s rehabilitation programs are designed to provide individuals with the tools and support they need to overcome their challenges and successfully reintegrate into society.

Security Measures at Thumb Correctional Facility

Thumb Correctional Facility is a Level II correctional facility located in Lapeer, Michigan. As a correctional facility, security is of paramount importance to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. TCF has implemented various security measures to maintain a secure environment.

One of the most visible security measures at TCF is the presence of correctional officers (COs) who are responsible for maintaining order and security within the facility. COs are stationed throughout the facility, including in towers that provide a clear view of the entire facility. The towers are equipped with communication systems that allow COs to communicate with each other and with the central control room.

TCF also has a comprehensive surveillance camera system that monitors all areas of the facility, including housing units, common areas, and outside areas. The cameras are monitored 24/7 by the central control room, which can dispatch COs in response to any incidents that are detected.

To prevent unauthorized access, TCF has implemented a triple layer of 12-foot fences topped with razor ribbon wire. The fences are equipped with electric perimeter detection systems that can detect any attempts to breach the fence. In addition, the perimeter is patrolled by a perimeter vehicle that can quickly respond to any incidents.

Armed personnel are also present at TCF to provide an additional layer of security. These personnel are highly trained and equipped with the necessary tools to respond to any security threats that may arise.

In summary, TCF has implemented a variety of security measures to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. These measures include the presence of COs, a comprehensive surveillance camera system, triple 12-foot fences topped with razor ribbon wire, electric perimeter detection systems, a perimeter vehicle, and armed personnel.

Visiting an Inmate at Thumb Correctional Facility

Visiting an inmate at Thumb Correctional Facility requires prior approval and adherence to specific rules and regulations. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list and submit a Visiting Application (CAJ-103) in advance to the facility Mailroom or Information Desk where the prisoner is currently housed for review.

Visiting hours at Thumb Correctional Facility vary by housing unit. In-person visits may be restricted for various reasons, including refusal to wear or properly wear a mask, failure to follow social distancing guidelines, and more.

Visitation Hours

  • Auburn and Durant Units
    • Sunday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
    • Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    • Wednesday: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
  • Burns and Cord Units
    • Sunday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am
    • Monday, Thursday: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
    • Wednesday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    • Saturday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
  • Essex and Franklin Units
    • Sunday, Monday, and Thursday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    • Tuesday and Friday: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
    • Saturday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am
  • BMU/Segregation
    • Friday: 8:30 am – 10:30 am, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Visitors should adhere to the dress code policy at Thumb Correctional Facility, which prohibits revealing clothing, shorts, skirts, and dresses above the knee, and clothing that promotes gangs, violence, drugs, or sexually explicit material.

Juvenile offenders and male juvenile offenders have specific visiting protocols at Thumb Correctional Facility. Juveniles must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and provide a copy of their birth certificate. Male juvenile offenders have specific visiting days and times, and visitors must be approved by the facility’s Deputy Warden or designee.

Overall, visitors must follow all rules and regulations when visiting an inmate at Thumb Correctional Facility. Failure to comply with the facility’s policies may result in the visitor being denied access to the facility.

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