United States Penitentiary, Beaumont is a high-security federal prison located in Jefferson County, Texas. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and is one of the largest federal prisons in the United States. The facility houses male inmates with sentences ranging from 10 years to life and is known for its strict security measures and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
Beaumont Federal Correctional Complex is divided into four distinct facilities: a United States Penitentiary, a Medium Security Institution, a Low Security Institution, and a Satellite Prison Camp. Each facility has its own set of security protocols and programs designed to meet the needs of the inmates housed there. The prison also has a Special Housing Unit (SHU) for inmates who require additional security measures.
As a high-security facility, USP Beaumont has a reputation for being one of the most secure prisons in the country. The prison has a number of security measures in place, including high walls, razor wire fencing, and electronic surveillance systems. Despite its strict security protocols, the prison also offers a range of educational and vocational programs designed to help inmates prepare for life after their release.
| Security | High |
| Capacity | 957 |
| Physical Address | 6200 Knauth Road Beaumont, TX 77705 |
| Mailing Address | P. O. Box 26030 Beaumont, TX 77720 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and federal holidays: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 409-727-8188 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Location and Facilities
United States Penitentiary, Beaumont is located in Jefferson County, Texas. The facility is situated approximately 100 miles east of Houston, and it is easily accessible by car or public transportation. The facility is surrounded by a rural area, which provides a secure and isolated environment for the inmates.
Satellite Camp
The USP Beaumont Satellite Camp is a minimum-security facility located adjacent to the main prison. The camp houses non-violent offenders who are nearing the end of their sentences. The camp provides vocational training and educational programs to help inmates reintegrate into society after their release.
General Population Cells
The USP Beaumont has a total of four general population cell blocks. The cell blocks are surrounded by double perimeter fences, electronic detection devices, and razor wire. The cell blocks are also equipped with guard towers, which are manned 24 hours a day by armed guards.
The general population cells are designed to house medium to high-security inmates. The cells are equipped with bunk beds, a toilet, and a sink. Inmates are allowed to participate in educational and vocational programs, as well as recreational activities.
The USP Beaumont also has a Special Housing Unit (SHU), which is used to house inmates who have violated prison rules or who pose a threat to other inmates or staff members. The SHU is a maximum-security facility, and inmates are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day.
Overall, the USP Beaumont is a well-maintained and secure facility that provides a safe and controlled environment for both staff members and inmates.
Inmate Population
As of March 9, 2023, there are 144,700 federal inmates in Bureau of Prisons custody. This number includes male inmates of various ages and ethnicities. However, there are no federal inmates in privately managed facilities. In addition, there are 13,559 federal inmates in other types of facilities.
Life Imprisonment
A significant portion of the inmate population at USP Beaumont is serving life imprisonment sentences. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the U.S. prison population was 1,204,300 at yearend 2021, a 1% decrease from 2020 (1,221,200) and a 25% decrease from 2011 (1,599,000). The prison populations declined in 32 states from yearend 2020 to yearend 2021, after decreasing in 49 states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) during the prior 12 months largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not clear how many of these inmates are serving life sentences, but it is likely that a significant portion of them are.
Life imprisonment is a controversial topic, with some arguing that it is a necessary punishment for the most serious crimes, while others argue that it is inhumane and ineffective. Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is clear that life imprisonment is a reality for many inmates at USP Beaumont and other federal prisons across the country.
Programs and Services
Educational Programs
United States Penitentiary, Beaumont offers a range of educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy and acquire new skills. These programs include GED, vocational training, and adult continuing education. Inmates can enroll in courses in welding, carpentry, painting, plumbing, HVAC, and culinary arts. The literacy program is designed to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills. The educational programs are aimed at helping inmates develop skills that will help them secure employment upon release.
Residential Drug Abuse Unit
The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is a voluntary program offered at United States Penitentiary, Beaumont. The program is designed to help inmates with substance abuse problems overcome their addiction and develop the skills necessary to maintain sobriety. The program includes individual and group counseling, as well as educational and vocational training. Inmates who successfully complete the program may be eligible for early release.
Psychological Services and Mental Health Consultations
United States Penitentiary, Beaumont provides psychological services and mental health consultations to inmates who require them. The facility has a team of mental health professionals who provide individual and group counseling to inmates with mental health issues. Inmates can also receive psychiatric evaluations and medication management services.
Overall, United States Penitentiary, Beaumont offers a range of programs and services aimed at helping inmates develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead productive lives upon release. The facility’s educational programs, RDAP, and psychological services are designed to help inmates overcome the challenges they face and prepare them for a successful reentry into society.
Work Opportunities
At the United States Penitentiary, Beaumont, inmates have access to a variety of work opportunities that can help them develop new skills and prepare for life after their release. These opportunities are designed to provide inmates with meaningful work experience that can help them secure employment upon their release.
Diesel Engine Repair
Inmates at USP Beaumont can participate in a diesel engine repair program. This program provides inmates with the opportunity to learn valuable skills in engine repair and maintenance. Inmates who complete this program can find employment in the automotive and transportation industries upon their release.
Desktop Publishing
The desktop publishing program at USP Beaumont teaches inmates how to use software programs to create and edit documents, graphics, and other visual materials. Inmates who complete this program can find employment in the publishing, advertising, and marketing industries upon their release.
Electrical
The electrical program at USP Beaumont provides inmates with the opportunity to learn about electrical systems and how to install and maintain them. Inmates who complete this program can find employment in the construction and electrical industries upon their release.
Industrial Sewing
The industrial sewing program at USP Beaumont teaches inmates how to use industrial sewing machines to create clothing, accessories, and other textile products. Inmates who complete this program can find employment in the fashion and textile industries upon their release.
Other work opportunities available at USP Beaumont include labor support, groundskeeping, janitorial work, maintenance, food services, laundry, and warehouse work. Inmates who participate in these programs can develop valuable skills that can help them secure employment upon their release.
Inmate Communication
Inmates at United States Penitentiary, Beaumont have several ways to communicate with their loved ones outside of the facility. These include mail, email, phone, and visitation.
Visiting Hours
Visitation at USP Beaumont takes place on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and federal holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Inmates are allowed to have up to five visitors at a time, including children. Visitors are required to provide a valid photo ID and be on the inmate’s approved visiting list.
It is important to note that visitation may be canceled due to institutional needs or other unforeseen circumstances.
Inmate Mail
Inmates at USP Beaumont are allowed to receive and send mail. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection and must adhere to certain guidelines. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, cash, or personal checks.
To send mail to an inmate, address the envelope as follows:
Inmate Name & Register Number
USP Beaumont
U.S. Penitentiary
P. O. Box 26030
Beaumont, TX 77720Phone
Inmates at USP Beaumont are allowed to make phone calls during designated hours. They may only call individuals on their approved calling list. Inmates are not allowed to receive incoming calls.
To receive calls from an inmate, individuals must set up a prepaid account with the prison’s phone provider, GTL.
Contact Information
For more information on inmate communication at USP Beaumont, individuals can contact the prison directly at 409-727-8188