United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX, also known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” is a maximum-security prison located in Florence, Colorado. This facility is designed to house the most dangerous and violent criminals in the United States federal prison system. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and has been in operation since 1994.
The prison is known for its strict security measures, including 23-hour lockdowns, limited contact with other inmates, and restricted access to the outside world. Inmates are housed in small, soundproof cells with solid steel doors and are monitored by correctional officers using video cameras and microphones. The facility is also equipped with advanced technology, such as motion detectors and pressure sensors, to detect any attempts at escape or unauthorized movement.
According to a report posted on the BOP website, the prison has been audited to ensure compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The report details the findings of an audit conducted by an outside contractor to determine the BOP’s compliance with the act. The report is required by law and is intended to ensure that inmates are protected from sexual abuse and harassment while in custody.
| Security | Supermax |
| Capacity | 474 |
| Physical Address | 5880 Highway 67 South Florence, CO 81226 |
| Mailing Address | PO BOX 8500 Florence, CO 81226 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 719-784-9464 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Overview of United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX
The United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX (ADX Florence) is a federal supermax prison located in Fremont County near Florence, Colorado, United States. It is also known as the Administrative Maximum Facility (AMF) or the United States Penitentiary, Florence ADX. The prison was designed to house the most dangerous and violent criminals in the US federal prison system.
The facility is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and is part of the Federal Correctional Complex, Florence (FCC Florence). The complex consists of four separate facilities: the USP Florence High, the USP Florence Medium, the FCI Florence, and the ADX Florence. The ADX Florence is the most secure and restrictive of the four facilities.
The ADX Florence is a state-of-the-art prison designed to house the “worst of the worst” criminals in the United States. The prison is known for its strict security measures, including 23-hour lockdowns and limited contact with other inmates and staff. The prison has been called the “Alcatraz of the Rockies” due to its remote location and high level of security.
The ADX Florence is designed to be escape-proof and has state-of-the-art security systems in place to prevent any attempts at escape. The prison is surrounded by multiple layers of fencing, including electric fences, and is monitored by armed guards and surveillance cameras 24 hours a day.
Inmates at the ADX Florence are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day and have limited contact with other inmates and staff. They are allowed one hour of exercise per day in a small outdoor area. Inmates are also limited in their access to reading materials, TV, and other forms of entertainment.
Overall, the ADX Florence is one of the most secure and restrictive prisons in the United States. It is designed to house the most dangerous and violent criminals in the federal prison system and is known for its strict security measures and limited inmate contact.
Historical Background
The United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX, also known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” is a federal prison located in Fremont County near Florence, Colorado. The facility is part of the Federal Correctional Complex, Florence (FCC Florence), which includes four other facilities: the United States Penitentiary, Florence High (USP Florence High), the United States Penitentiary, Florence Medium (USP Florence Medium), the Federal Correctional Institution, Florence (FCI Florence), and the Federal Prison Camp, Florence (FPC Florence).
The ADX Florence, also known as the “control unit” prison, opened in 1994 and is considered to be the most secure prison in the United States. It was built in response to a number of high-profile incidents, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The prison is designed to house the most dangerous and violent offenders in the federal prison system, including terrorists, gang leaders, and organized crime figures.
Before the construction of ADX Florence, the most secure federal prisons were USP Lewisburg in Pennsylvania and USP Marion in Illinois. USP Lewisburg was the first penitentiary built by the Bureau of Prisons and featured an original design that incorporated many new correctional concepts, such as housing for different security levels in the same institution. USP Marion was known for its strict conditions and was the site of two major incidents in the 1980s that led to a reform of the BOP’s policies and procedures.
The history of the BOP dates back to 1930 when it was established to manage federal prisons and oversee the care and custody of federal inmates. As time passed and laws changed, the Bureau’s responsibilities grew along with the prison population. By the end of 1930, the agency operated 14 facilities for just over 13,000 inmates. In 1932, the Bureau opened USP Lewisburg, the first penitentiary built by the newly established agency.
Overall, the historical background of the United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX, is closely tied to the development of the federal prison system and the changing nature of crime and punishment in the United States.
Location and Infrastructure
The United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX is located in Florence, Colorado, in Fremont County, which is situated in the Rocky Mountains. The facility is also known as the Alcatraz of the Rockies and is considered one of the most secure prisons in the world.
The prison is situated on a 37-acre site and has a capacity of 474 inmates. The facility is designed to house the most dangerous and violent criminals in the United States. The prison is surrounded by pressure pads, which detect any movement around the perimeter, and a 12-foot high chain-link fence.
The infrastructure of the prison is designed to prevent any escape attempts. The walls of the prison are made of poured concrete and are 1 foot thick. The prison has eight guard towers that are equipped with cameras and high-powered rifles. The prison also has a number of security cameras that are monitored 24 hours a day.
In addition to the main prison, there are several other facilities on the site, including a Special Housing Unit, a Communications Management Unit, and a Federal Prison Camp. The Special Housing Unit is used to house inmates who are considered a threat to national security, while the Communications Management Unit is used to house inmates who have been convicted of terrorism-related offenses. The Federal Prison Camp is a minimum-security facility that is used to house non-violent offenders.
Overall, the location and infrastructure of the United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX are designed to prevent any escape attempts and to ensure the safety of the public and the staff who work at the facility.
Security Measures
United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX is known for its high-security measures. The facility houses some of the most dangerous and high-profile criminals in the United States. The Federal Bureau of Prisons has implemented various security measures to ensure the safety and security of staff, inmates, and visitors.
The facility has a 24-hour surveillance system, including motion detectors and cameras that monitor every inch of the prison. The prison has a staff-to-inmate ratio of 1:1, which is one of the lowest in the BOP. This ratio ensures that staff can closely monitor inmates and respond quickly to any security breaches.
Administrative segregation and the Control Unit are two security measures that the facility uses to maintain order. Administrative segregation is a form of solitary confinement where an inmate is isolated from the general population due to safety concerns. The Control Unit is a highly secure area within the prison where the most dangerous inmates are housed.
The prison also employs a range of technological security measures. For example, the facility uses a state-of-the-art electronic locking system that ensures that doors can only be opened with authorized access. The facility also has a perimeter fence that is monitored by an electronic detection system to prevent escapes.
In conclusion, United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX has implemented various security measures to ensure the safety and security of staff, inmates, and visitors. The BOP’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment is evident in the facility’s state-of-the-art technology and staff-to-inmate ratio.
Inmate Population
United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX is a federal prison that houses male inmates, including high-profile criminals, in a supermax facility. The facility is designed to hold inmates who have been deemed too dangerous or high-risk to be held in the general population unit of other federal prisons.
As of March 9, 2023, there were 144,700 federal inmates in BOP custody, but none of them were housed in privately managed facilities. Of these, 400 inmates were housed in USP Florence ADMAX. The facility has a capacity of 474 inmates.
The facility’s inmate population includes some of the most notorious criminals in the United States. Notable inmates who have been housed at USP Florence ADMAX include Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, and 9/11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui.
The inmates at USP Florence ADMAX are subject to strict security measures and are housed in small, soundproof cells for up to 23 hours a day. They are allowed limited contact with other inmates and are closely monitored by staff at all times. The facility is designed to prevent communication between inmates and to minimize the risk of escape or violence.
Overall, the inmate population at USP Florence ADMAX is carefully selected and monitored to ensure the safety of staff, other inmates, and the public. The facility’s strict security measures and specialized staff help to maintain order and prevent incidents from occurring.
Prison Conditions
The United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX, is known for its strict prison conditions. The facility is designed to house the most dangerous and violent criminals in the United States federal prison system. Inmates are typically placed in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, with one hour for exercise in a small outdoor cage.
The prison has a Special Housing Unit (SHU) where inmates are held in isolation for extended periods of time. Inmates in the SHU are allowed out of their cells for only one hour a day, and they are not allowed any contact with other inmates. The SHU is reserved for inmates who have violated prison rules or who are deemed to be a danger to other inmates or staff.
Suicide is also a concern at the facility due to the harsh conditions. Inmates are monitored closely to prevent suicides, but there have been several instances of suicide at the prison. Mental health is also a concern, and the prison has a mental health unit to provide care for inmates with mental health issues.
The prison also has a commissary where inmates can purchase items such as snacks, toiletries, and clothing. Inmates are allowed to exercise for one hour a day in a small outdoor cage. The exercise area is small and lacks equipment, which can be a challenge for inmates who want to stay in shape.
Overall, the prison conditions at United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX, are strict and designed to prevent inmates from causing harm to others. While the conditions may be harsh, they are necessary to ensure the safety of staff and other inmates.
Educational and Rehabilitation Programs
United States Penitentiary Florence ADMAX offers various educational and rehabilitation programs to inmates to help them acquire literacy and marketable skills so that they can obtain employment after their release. These programs include literacy classes, English as a Second Language, parenting classes, wellness education, adult continuing education, library services, and instruction in leisure-time activities.
The institution’s education department broadcasts on Channel 69-1 and 692, while the recreation department broadcasts on Channel 68.2. All new inmates are required to watch the entire Admission and Orientation (A&O) Program, which broadcasts on Channel 69-2 every Sunday at 7:30 a.m., Thursday at 5:00 p.m., and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. as part of the required departmental programs.
In addition to the standard educational programs, United States Penitentiary Florence ADMAX offers vocational training in various fields, such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and culinary arts. The institution also provides apprenticeship programs in various trades. These programs are designed to help inmates gain valuable skills that can lead to employment opportunities upon their release.
The institution’s library provides inmates with access to books, periodicals, and audio-visual materials. The library also offers legal research materials to assist inmates with their legal matters. Inmates can also participate in the institution’s book club, which meets once a month to discuss a selected book.
Overall, the educational and rehabilitation programs offered at United States Penitentiary Florence ADMAX are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to become productive members of society upon their release. By providing inmates with access to education and vocational training, the institution aims to reduce recidivism rates and promote successful reentry into society.
Visitor Information
Visiting an inmate at the United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX (USP Florence ADMAX) requires careful planning and adherence to strict regulations. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) welcomes visitors to its institutions but reminds all visitors to carefully review the visiting regulations and observe any applicable state and local travel advisories in planning their visit.
Before visiting an inmate, visitors must first locate the inmate and be placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list. Visitors can use the BOP’s inmate locator tool on its website to find an inmate’s location and register for visitation. Visitors must also be approved by the inmate and the facility before they can visit.
Once approved, visitors must arrive at the facility during designated visiting hours and present a valid government-issued photo ID. Visitors are subject to a search and must comply with dress codes and other rules and regulations. Visitors are not allowed to bring personal belongings, including cell phones, cameras, and purses, into the visiting area.
USP Florence ADMAX offers both contact and non-contact visitation options. Contact visitation allows for physical contact between the inmate and the visitor, while non-contact visitation is conducted through a glass barrier. Visitors must follow different rules and regulations depending on the type of visitation they choose.
It is important for visitors to note that visitation may be canceled or restricted at any time for safety or security reasons. Visitors should check with the facility or the BOP website for any updates or changes to the visiting schedule.
Overall, visiting an inmate at USP Florence ADMAX requires careful planning and adherence to strict regulations. Visitors should review the BOP’s visiting regulations and facility-specific guidelines before planning their visit to ensure a successful and safe visitation experience.
Notorious Inmates
United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX, is known for housing some of the most dangerous and notorious inmates in the United States. Here are some of the most infamous inmates who have been incarcerated in this maximum-security prison.
El Chapo
Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, the former leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel, was transferred to ADX Florence in 2019. He was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years for drug trafficking and other crimes. El Chapo is known for his elaborate prison escapes, but it is unlikely he will be able to escape from ADX Florence.
Foreign Terrorists
ADX Florence has housed a number of foreign terrorists, including Ramzi Yousef, who was involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and Zacarias Moussaoui, who was involved in the 9/11 attacks. Mahmud Abouhalima, who was also involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, was also incarcerated at ADX Florence.
Domestic Terrorists
Theodore Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, is one of the most well-known domestic terrorists who has been incarcerated at ADX Florence. Eric Rudolph, who was responsible for the 1996 Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta, and Clayton Fountain, who was involved in a string of bombings in the 1980s, have also been housed at ADX Florence.
Gang Members
United Blood Nation leader Omar Portee was transferred to ADX Florence in 2018 after he was convicted of racketeering and murder. Nine Trey Gangsters member James Marcello, who was involved in the murder of a government witness, was also incarcerated at ADX Florence.
Others
ADX Florence has also housed Soviet spy Robert Hoffman and serial killer Michael Swango. Thomas Silverstein, who was involved in a number of prison murders, was incarcerated at ADX Florence for over 30 years before his death in 2019.
Overall, ADX Florence is known for housing some of the most dangerous and notorious inmates in the United States.
Controversies and Human Rights Issues
United States Penitentiary, Florence ADMAX has been the subject of several controversies and human rights issues over the years. The prison has been criticized for its use of solitary confinement, which is considered by many to be a form of torture. Inmates at the facility are often confined to their cells for up to 23 hours a day, with little to no human contact.
The use of solitary confinement has been linked to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. In fact, several inmates at the prison have committed suicide in recent years, leading to calls for reform. According to a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the suicide rate at USP Florence ADMAX was nearly eight times the national average for state and federal prisons.
In addition to concerns about solitary confinement and suicide, there have also been allegations of human rights abuses at the prison. In 2015, a group of inmates filed a lawsuit against the Bureau of Prisons, alleging that they were subjected to excessive force and denied medical care. The lawsuit also claimed that the prison’s staff engaged in a pattern of harassment and retaliation against inmates who spoke out about their treatment.
The use of force by prison staff has also been a point of controversy at USP Florence ADMAX. In 2018, an inmate was killed during a confrontation with correctional officers, leading to an investigation by the FBI. The incident raised questions about the use of force by prison staff and the adequacy of training for dealing with mentally ill inmates.
Overall, USP Florence ADMAX has been the subject of ongoing scrutiny and criticism from human rights organizations, mental health advocates, and legal experts. While the prison plays a critical role in the federal correctional system, the controversies and human rights issues associated with the facility highlight the need for reform and greater transparency in the treatment of inmates.