Union Correctional Institution (UCI) is a state prison located in Raiford, Florida. It is one of the largest correctional facilities in the state, housing 1,545 inmates. The facility is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and is responsible for the custody and care of inmates who have been sentenced to more than one year of incarceration.
UCI was established in 1913 and has a long history of providing correctional services to the state of Florida. Over the years, the facility has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing inmate population. Today, UCI is a modern correctional facility that provides a wide range of services to its inmates, including medical and mental health care, educational programs, and vocational training.
Despite its size and complexity, UCI has a good reputation for providing quality correctional services to its inmates. The facility has a dedicated staff of correctional officers, medical professionals, and support staff who work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all inmates. Overall, UCI is an important part of Florida’s correctional system and plays a critical role in rehabilitating offenders and preparing them for reentry into society.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,545 |
| Physical Address | 25636 NE SR-16 Raiford, Florida 32083 |
| 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 | (386) 431-2000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Contact Information
Physical Address
Union Correctional Institution is located at 25636 NE SR-16, Raiford, Florida 32083. The facility is situated in the town of Raiford, which is in Union County, Florida. The prison is easily accessible from the major highways and roads.
Mailing Address
Friends and family members of inmates can send mail to Union Correctional Institution by addressing the envelope to the inmate’s full name and DC number, followed by the facility’s mailing address: P.O. Box 1000, Raiford, FL 32083. It is important to use the correct mailing address to ensure that the mail is delivered to the intended recipient.
Telephone
The main telephone number for Union Correctional Institution is (386) 431-2000. This number can be used to reach the facility’s administration office during regular business hours. Friends and family members of inmates can also use this number to inquire about visitation, mail, and other issues related to their loved ones.
Fax
Union Correctional Institution can be reached via fax at (386) 431-2016. This number can be used to send documents or other information to the facility’s administration office. It is important to include the recipient’s name and department when sending a fax to ensure that it is delivered to the correct person.
Overall, Union Correctional Institution is located in a convenient location that is easily accessible from major highways and roads. Friends and family members of inmates can use the facility’s mailing address and telephone number to stay in touch with their loved ones and inquire about visitation and other issues.
History
Union Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Raiford, Florida, United States. It is one of the oldest prisons in the state, having been established in 1913 as the Raiford Prison Farm. The prison was renamed Union Correctional Institution in 1955, in honor of the county where it is located.
UCI is part of the Florida Department of Corrections and is one of the largest prisons in the state, with a capacity of over 1,500 inmates. The prison is divided into two units, the West Unit and the East Unit. The West Unit houses the general population of male inmates, while the East Unit is a maximum-security facility that houses some of the most dangerous inmates in the state.
Over the years, UCI has been the site of several major incidents, including riots and escapes. In 1971, a group of inmates at UCI took several prison guards hostage and demanded better living conditions. The standoff lasted for several days before the inmates eventually surrendered. In 1979, six inmates escaped from UCI by digging a tunnel under the prison walls. The escape was the largest in Florida history at the time.
In recent years, UCI has been the subject of controversy due to allegations of mistreatment of inmates. In 2012, a report by the Florida Department of Corrections found that UCI had the highest number of inmate deaths in the state, with many of the deaths attributed to poor medical care. The report also found that UCI had a high rate of staff misconduct, including excessive use of force and sexual misconduct.
Despite these issues, UCI remains an important part of the Florida Department of Corrections and continues to house a significant number of inmates. It is also closely linked to the history of the Florida State Prison, which is located nearby and was originally established as a branch of UCI.
Facilities and Security
Union Correctional Institution is a maximum-security adult prison located in Raiford, Florida. The facility has a maximum capacity of 1,545 inmates and is divided into six main housing units, each with its own security level. The units are classified as close, medium, and minimum custody.
The close custody units house the most violent and dangerous inmates, while the medium custody units house inmates who have committed less serious crimes. The minimum custody units are for inmates who are nearing the end of their sentences and have demonstrated good behavior.
Security is a top priority at Union Correctional Institution. The facility has a comprehensive security system that includes cameras, alarms, and a highly trained staff of correctional officers. The officers are responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff.
In addition to the standard security measures, Union Correctional Institution also has a specialized unit for inmates who require solitary confinement. These inmates are housed in a separate unit and are closely monitored by staff to ensure their safety and well-being.
The facility also provides showers for inmates on a regular basis to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of disease. The showers are closely monitored by staff to prevent any incidents of violence or misconduct.
Overall, Union Correctional Institution is a well-maintained facility that places a strong emphasis on security and safety. The staff is highly trained and dedicated to ensuring that inmates are treated with respect and dignity while also maintaining order and discipline within the facility.
Inmate Information
Union Correctional Institution is a male-only prison in Florida, housing inmates who have been sentenced to a variety of crimes. The facility has a capacity of 1,545 inmates, and it is known for its Death Row unit, which houses inmates who have been sentenced to capital punishment.
The prison offers a number of resources for inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Inmates can also participate in religious services and counseling, as well as recreational activities like sports and games.
The Death Row unit at Union Correctional Institution is one of the largest in the country, with over 400 inmates currently awaiting capital punishment. The state of Florida uses lethal injection as its primary method of execution, although inmates can choose to be executed by the electric chair.
Notable inmates who have been housed at Union Correctional Institution include Gary Ray Bowles, a serial killer who was executed by lethal injection in 2019, and Phillup Partin, who was sentenced to death for the murder of a police officer in 1991. Other notorious inmates who have been housed at the prison include Daniel Lugo, Ted Bundy, Oba Chandler, Bobby Joe Long, Danny Rolling, and Giuseppe Zangara.
The Supreme Court has upheld the use of lethal injection as a method of execution, although there have been legal challenges to the practice. Inmates who are sentenced to death are typically housed in a separate unit from the general population, and they have limited access to visitors and other privileges.
Overall, Union Correctional Institution is a high-security prison that is designed to house some of the most dangerous criminals in the state of Florida. While the facility offers some resources for inmates, the focus is primarily on punishment and rehabilitation, rather than providing a comfortable living environment.
Education and Work Programs
Union Correctional Institution offers various education and work programs to help inmates acquire new skills and knowledge that can help them find employment and reintegrate into society.
The Department of Education provides education programs that include GED and Adult Basic Education courses. These programs help inmates earn a high school diploma or equivalent, which can improve their chances of finding employment upon release.
The institution also offers work programs that allow inmates to gain valuable work experience. The cattle program, for instance, teaches inmates how to raise and care for cattle. Inmates work in the cattle program, which provides them with hands-on experience and helps them develop skills that can be useful in the agricultural industry.
The dental lab program is another work program that provides inmates with valuable skills. Inmates in this program learn how to make dental prosthetics, such as dentures and bridges. The program provides inmates with the opportunity to develop a trade and potentially find work in the dental industry upon release.
In addition to work programs, Union Correctional Institution also has a tag plant that produces license plates for the state of Florida. Inmates who work in the tag plant learn how to operate machinery and work in a manufacturing environment. The program provides inmates with skills that can be useful in various industries.
The institution also has a library that provides inmates with access to books and other educational materials. Inmates can improve their reading and writing skills, learn new subjects, and explore different interests through the library.
Visitation and Mail
Union Correctional Institution has specific policies and procedures in place for visitors and mail. Visitors must be approved and on the inmate’s approved visiting list before they can visit. The facility has specific visiting hours, which are subject to change. Visitors must adhere to all applicable rules and regulations while at the facility.
Mail is delivered to inmates Monday through Friday, except for holidays. Incoming mail must have
- Inmate’s last name, first name, DC#
- PO Box 23608
- Tampa, FL 33623
Inmates are allowed to receive letters, cards, and photographs. However, any mail that contains contraband or violates facility rules will be rejected and returned to the sender.
Visiting hours at Union Correctional Institution are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. Visitors must arrive at the facility at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit. All visitors must be dressed appropriately and follow the dress code policy. Visitors who do not adhere to the dress code will not be allowed to visit.
In order to visit an inmate, visitors must complete the necessary paperwork and be approved by the facility. The facility has specific rules and regulations that visitors must follow, including no cell phones or electronic devices, no weapons, and no outside food or drinks. Visitors who violate these rules will be asked to leave the facility.
Union Correctional Institution also has a video visitation program, which allows visitors to visit with inmates remotely. Video visits are subject to monitoring and recording, and visitors must adhere to all applicable rules as if they were visiting in person.
Overall, Union Correctional Institution has strict policies and procedures in place for visitors and mail. Visitors must be approved and follow all applicable rules and regulations, while mail must be addressed properly and not contain contraband or violate facility rules.