United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy is a high-security federal prison located in Inez, Kentucky. It is one of the many facilities managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and is designed to house male inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes. The prison is known for its strict security measures and is considered one of the most secure prisons in the United States.
USP Big Sandy has a capacity of approximately 1,050 inmates and is staffed by over 400 employees, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel. The facility is divided into several housing units, each of which is designed to house a specific type of inmate. The prison also has a Special Housing Unit (SHU) for inmates who have violated prison rules or are considered a threat to themselves or others.
In recent years, USP Big Sandy has been in the news due to several incidents involving civil rights violations by prison staff. In 2022, three employees of the prison were indicted for federal civil rights violations, including assault and falsifying documents to cover up their actions. Despite these incidents, USP Big Sandy remains an important part of the federal prison system and continues to house some of the most dangerous criminals in the country.
| Security | High |
| Capacity | 1,076 |
| Physical Address | 1197 Airport Road Inez, KY 41224 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 2068 Inez, KY 41224 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | General Population: Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. SHU: Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 606-433-2400 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Location and Overview
Physical Address
The United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy is a high-security federal prison located in Inez, Martin County, Kentucky. The physical address of the facility is 1197 Airport Road, Inez, KY 41224. It is situated in the eastern part of Kentucky, approximately 130 miles east of Lexington, Kentucky.
The prison is located on a 700-acre complex that includes the main USP, a maximum-security Federal Correctional Institution (FCI), and a minimum-security Satellite Prison Camp (SPC). The complex is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains and is located near the Tug Fork River.
The USP Big Sandy was opened in 2003 and has a capacity of 1,076 inmates. The prison houses male inmates who are considered to be the most dangerous and high-risk offenders in the federal system. The facility is designed to house inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking.
The USP Big Sandy is responsible for providing inmates with a safe and secure environment while also offering a range of programs and services that are designed to help them successfully reintegrate into society. The facility offers a variety of educational and vocational programs, as well as substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and religious programs.
Overall, the USP Big Sandy is a modern and well-equipped federal prison that is designed to provide inmates with a safe and secure environment while also offering them the tools and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society.
History
The United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy is a high-security facility located in Inez, Kentucky. It was opened in 2003 and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a part of the Department of Justice. The prison was built to house male inmates and has a capacity of 1,076.
The construction of the United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy was authorized by the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997. This act provided funding for the construction of new federal prisons in rural areas, such as Inez, Kentucky.
The United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy is one of the newest federal prisons in the United States, and it is equipped with modern security features to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. The prison is surrounded by a double fence, and the perimeter is monitored by armed guards and electronic surveillance equipment.
Over the years, the United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy has faced several challenges, including violence and overcrowding. In 2009, a former inmate was sentenced to 45 years in prison for assaulting another inmate with the intent to murder, assaulting two corrections officers that resulted in bodily injury, and possessing prison-made weapons. In 2021, three employees of the prison were indicted for civil rights violations, including assaulting an inmate and attempting to cover up the incident.
Despite these challenges, the United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy remains an important part of the federal prison system, providing a secure and controlled environment for some of the most dangerous criminals in the country.
Inmate Information
United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy, houses male inmates who are serving sentences for various federal crimes. Inmates at Big Sandy are provided with various programs and resources to help them rehabilitate and prepare for their eventual release. This section will provide information about high-profile inmates and life-sentence inmates at the facility.
High-Profile Inmates
Big Sandy has housed several high-profile inmates over the years. One such inmate was David Fry, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in the 2016 occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon. Another high-profile inmate was Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road online marketplace, who was sentenced to life in prison for drug trafficking and other charges. Inmates like Fry and Ulbricht are closely monitored and may have limited privileges due to their notoriety.
Life Sentence Inmates
Big Sandy also houses inmates who are serving life sentences. These inmates have been convicted of serious federal crimes and are not eligible for parole. Life sentence inmates may have access to different programs and resources than other inmates, as their focus is on maintaining a healthy and productive lifestyle while incarcerated. These inmates may also have unique needs and challenges, which are addressed by the staff at Big Sandy.
Inmates at Big Sandy are allowed to receive mail from family and friends. Inmates’ mailing addresses can be found on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website’s inmate locator tool. It is important to follow the guidelines for sending mail to inmates, which can be found on the Bureau’s website. It is also important to note that inmates may only receive mail that meets certain criteria, and all incoming mail is subject to search and inspection.
Overall, Big Sandy is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for its inmates while also offering programs and resources to help them prepare for their eventual release.
Visiting Information
Visiting an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy is a privilege that comes with rules and regulations that must be followed. Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the visiting hours, background check requirements, and package restrictions before planning a visit.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at USP Big Sandy vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit. Visitors are encouraged to check the visiting schedule for their loved one’s unit before planning a visit. Visitation hours are:
- General Population:
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- SHU:
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The visitation schedule is subject to change, so it is recommended that visitors confirm the schedule before traveling to the facility.
Background Check
All visitors to USP Big Sandy are required to undergo a background check before being approved to visit an inmate. The background check is conducted to ensure the safety and security of the facility. Visitors must complete a Visitor Information Form and submit it to the inmate they wish to visit. The inmate will then send the form to the Visiting Room Officer for processing. The background check can take up to 30 days to complete, so visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly.
Packages
USP Big Sandy has strict rules regarding packages that can be sent to inmates. All packages must be sent through approved vendors and must meet specific size and weight requirements. In general, packages cannot exceed 16 ounces in weight and must fit in a 12″ x 16″ x 24″ box. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages containing food or clothing. Visitors are encouraged to check the BOP website for a list of approved vendors and package restrictions before sending a package to an inmate.
In conclusion, visitors to USP Big Sandy must follow specific rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility. By familiarizing themselves with the visiting hours, background check requirements, and package restrictions, visitors can help make their visit a positive experience for everyone involved.
Security Levels and Facilities
The United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy, is a high-security federal prison located in Inez, Kentucky. It is one of the 122 institutions operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) throughout the United States. The prison is responsible for housing male inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes that are deemed to be of high severity.
Main Penitentiary
The main penitentiary at USP Big Sandy is a high-security facility that houses up to 1,076 inmates. The facility is designed to house inmates who pose a high risk to society and have been convicted of serious crimes. The facility is equipped with advanced security features such as electronic detection systems, secure housing units, and a special housing unit (SHU) for inmates who require more secure housing.
Satellite Camp
The adjacent minimum-security satellite camp at USP Big Sandy is designed to house up to 162 inmates. The facility is designed to house inmates who have been convicted of non-violent crimes and who pose a lower risk to society. The satellite camp is equipped with a range of recreational facilities, including a gymnasium, a library, and a hobby craft center.
In addition to the main penitentiary and the adjacent minimum-security satellite camp, USP Big Sandy also has a special housing unit for inmates who require more secure housing. The SHU is designed to house inmates who are deemed to be a threat to the safety and security of other inmates or staff members.
Overall, USP Big Sandy is a high-security facility that is designed to house inmates who have been convicted of serious federal crimes. The facility is equipped with advanced security features and is staffed by highly trained correctional officers who are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of both inmates and staff members.
Operations and Programs
United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy, is a high-security federal prison that houses male inmates. The facility is managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of the inmates, staff, and the public.
The operations at USP Big Sandy are designed to provide a secure and structured environment for the inmates. The facility has a range of programs and services that aim to promote rehabilitation, education, and vocational training. Inmates are encouraged to participate in these programs as they can help reduce recidivism and improve their chances of success upon release.
One of the programs offered at USP Big Sandy is vocational training. Inmates can learn a variety of skills, such as carpentry, welding, and auto mechanics. These skills can be useful when they return to society and can help them secure employment. The facility also offers educational programs, including adult basic education and GED preparation.
USP Big Sandy has a range of operations that are designed to maintain order and security within the facility. The staff is responsible for ensuring that all inmates comply with the rules and regulations of the prison. This includes conducting regular searches for contraband and monitoring inmate behavior.
The Bureau of Prisons has a set of policies and procedures that govern the operations of all federal prisons, including USP Big Sandy. These policies cover everything from inmate discipline to staff training and development. The policies are designed to ensure that all operations are conducted in a fair, consistent, and transparent manner.
In conclusion, USP Big Sandy is a high-security federal prison that offers a range of programs and services to promote rehabilitation, education, and vocational training. The operations at the facility are designed to maintain order and security while ensuring the safety and well-being of all inmates and staff. The Bureau of Prisons oversees all operations and has policies and procedures in place to ensure that they are conducted in a fair, consistent, and transparent manner.
Notable Incidents
United States Penitentiary, Big Sandy has seen its fair share of violent incidents over the years. Here are a few notable incidents that have occurred at the facility:
- In 2022, three Bureau of Prisons employees at USP Big Sandy were indicted for federal civil rights violations, including assault. One of the employees was accused of assaulting an inmate while they were being escorted away from the lieutenant’s office. The employee then allegedly wrote a false incident report to cover up the assault. The other two employees were accused of failing to intervene to stop the assault and then lying to investigators about what happened.
- In 2019, a USP Big Sandy inmate was found guilty of using a homemade shank to stab another inmate to death. The inmate was convicted of first-degree murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
- In 2017, a former USP Big Sandy inmate was awarded $1.5 million in damages after he was allegedly tortured by prison staff. The inmate claimed that he was beaten, choked, and subjected to waterboarding by prison staff in an attempt to force him to confess to a crime he did not commit.
- In 2015, a USP Big Sandy inmate was sentenced to an additional 10 years in prison after he was caught with a homemade shank. The inmate was already serving a 30-year sentence for violent crimes.
These incidents highlight the challenges faced by correctional officers and inmates at USP Big Sandy. While the facility has implemented measures to prevent violent incidents, such incidents can still occur in a prison environment.