United States Penitentiary, Florence High is a high-security federal prison located in Florence, Colorado. It is one of the most secure prisons in the United States and is known for its strict security measures. The prison is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and houses some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in the country.
The prison was built in 1993 and has a capacity of 1,000 inmates. It is surrounded by a double fence with razor wire and has a highly secured perimeter. The prison is designed to house high-risk inmates who have a history of violence or escape attempts. Inmates at Florence High are housed in single cells and have limited contact with other inmates and the outside world. They are closely monitored by correctional officers, and any attempt to escape or cause harm to others is met with swift and severe consequences.
Overall, United States Penitentiary, Florence High is a highly secure federal prison that houses some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in the country. Its strict security measures and limited inmate contact make it a challenging place to live and work, but also one of the safest prisons in the United States.
| Security | High |
| Capacity | 1,000 |
| Physical Address | 5880 Hwy 67 South Florence, CO 81226 |
| Mailing Address | PO BOX 7000 Florence, CO 81226 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 719-784-9454 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Overview of United States Penitentiary, Florence High
United States Penitentiary, Florence High (USP Florence High) is a high-security federal prison located in Florence, Colorado, within the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Florence. The facility is operated by the United States Department of Justice and is one of the most secure prisons in the country.
USP Florence High is also known as ADX Florence or Florence ADMAX, and it is a supermax prison. The prison has been designed to house inmates who are considered high-risk and pose a significant threat to national security. The correctional facility is equipped with advanced security measures, including electronic surveillance, remote-controlled doors, and a 12-foot high razor-wire fence.
The prison is home to some of the most dangerous criminals in the United States, including terrorists, gang leaders, and serial killers. Inmates at USP Florence High are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day and are only allowed one hour of exercise in a secure outdoor area.
USP Florence High has gained a reputation for being one of the most secure and well-managed prisons in the United States. The facility has a staff of highly trained professionals who are experienced in dealing with high-risk inmates. The prison also has a comprehensive program of mental health services, educational programs, and vocational training to help inmates prepare for their eventual release.
Overall, USP Florence High is a facility that is designed to house the most dangerous and high-risk inmates in the United States. The prison’s advanced security measures and highly trained staff ensure that the facility is secure and well-managed.
Inmate Population
United States Penitentiary, Florence High is a federal prison that houses male inmates who have been convicted of violent crimes. As of March 9, 2023, there were 144,700 federal inmates in Bureau of Prisons (BOP) custody across the United States, according to the BOP’s population statistics. Of these, 91% are in BOP custody, while 9% are in other types of facilities.
The inmate population at USP Florence High is subject to change due to various factors such as transfers, releases, and new admissions. Inmates are assigned a name and register number upon admission, which is used for identification purposes and to keep track of their location within the prison system.
The BOP conducts audits to ensure compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) to protect inmates from sexual violence. The most recent audit report, posted on May 1, 2023, found that USP Florence High was in compliance with PREA standards.
While violence is a concern in any prison, USP Florence High has a reputation for being one of the most secure and well-managed facilities in the federal prison system. The prison employs a variety of security measures, such as electronic detection systems, to prevent violent incidents and ensure the safety of both staff and inmates.
Overall, the inmate population at USP Florence High is composed of federal inmates who have been convicted of violent crimes, and the prison is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all those who reside within its walls.
Housing and Facilities
United States Penitentiary, Florence High, is a high-security federal prison located in Florence, Colorado. The facility has a highly secured perimeter, featuring walls or reinforced fences, and multiple- and single-occupant cell housing. The prison has the highest staff-to-inmate ratio, and maintains close control over inmate movement.
The housing units at USP Florence High are designed to accommodate different levels of security and custody. The prison has a general population housing unit, which houses inmates who pose a lower security risk. The Special Housing Unit (SHU) is a segregated housing unit for inmates who require additional security measures due to their violent or disruptive behavior. The SHU is designed to provide maximum security and control, and inmates are confined to their cells for most of the day.
USP Florence High also has a Control Unit, which is a highly secure housing unit for inmates who pose a significant security risk. The Control Unit is designed to provide maximum security and control, and inmates are confined to their cells for most of the day. The prison also has a prison camp, which is a minimum-security facility for non-violent offenders.
The facilities at USP Florence High are designed to provide maximum security and control. The prison has a Special Management Unit (SMU), which is a highly secure housing unit for inmates who require additional security measures due to their violent or disruptive behavior. The SMU is designed to provide maximum security and control, and inmates are confined to their cells for most of the day.
In addition to the SMU, USP Florence High also has a Special Housing Unit, which is a segregated housing unit for inmates who require additional security measures due to their violent or disruptive behavior. The SHU is designed to provide maximum security and control, and inmates are confined to their cells for most of the day.
Overall, the housing and facilities at USP Florence High are designed to provide maximum security and control. The different housing units and facilities are designed to accommodate different levels of security and custody, and provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
Notable Inmates
United States Penitentiary, Florence High has housed some of the most notorious criminals in recent history. Here are some of the most notable inmates who have served time at this facility:
- Khalid Sheikh Mohammed: A senior member of the al-Qaeda terrorist organization, Mohammed was the principal architect of the 9/11 attacks. He was captured in 2003 and transferred to USP Florence High in 2006. He is currently awaiting trial for his role in the attacks.
- Thomas Silverstein: A former member of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang, Silverstein was known as one of the most dangerous men in the federal prison system. He was convicted of three murders and spent over 35 years in solitary confinement at USP Florence High before his death in 2019.
- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev: Along with his brother, Tsarnaev carried out the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, killing three people and injuring hundreds more. He was sentenced to death and is currently awaiting execution at USP Florence High.
- Clayton Fountain: A former corrections officer at USP Florence High, Fountain was convicted of sexually abusing female inmates under his supervision. He was sentenced to 63 months in prison and was released in 2018.
- Eljvir Duka, Shain Duka, and Dritan Duka: The Duka brothers were convicted of plotting to kill US soldiers at Fort Dix in New Jersey. They were sentenced to life in prison and transferred to USP Florence High in 2012.
- Terry Nichols: Along with Timothy McVeigh, Nichols was responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, which killed 168 people. He was sentenced to life in prison and transferred to USP Florence High in 2005.
- Merle Clutts: A former police officer, Clutts was convicted of murdering his wife and two children in 2002. He was sentenced to life in prison and transferred to USP Florence High in 2009.
USP Florence High has also housed other high-profile inmates, including members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang and individuals convicted of white-collar crimes.
Criminal Cases and Sentences
United States Penitentiary, Florence High is a high-security federal prison that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. The prisoners at this facility have been convicted of a range of crimes, including terrorism conspiracy, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the World Trade Center bombing.
The United States Sentencing Commission received information on 64,659 federal criminal cases in which the offender was sentenced in fiscal year 2020. Among these cases, 64,565 involved an individual offender and 94 involved a corporation or other “organizational” offender. The Commission provides a comprehensive overview of the federal criminal cases in the US.
Sentences for federal crimes can vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the crime. The sentencing guidelines for federal crimes are set by the United States Sentencing Commission and are based on the seriousness of the offense, the offender’s criminal history, and other factors.
Some of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent years have resulted in lengthy prison sentences. For example, Timothy McVeigh, who was convicted of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, was sentenced to death and executed in 2001. Ramzi Yousef, who was convicted of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
In addition to these high-profile cases, there are many other prisoners at USP Florence High who have been convicted of serious crimes. These can include drug trafficking, organized crime, and white-collar crimes. The sentences for these crimes can range from a few years to life in prison.
Overall, USP Florence High is a facility that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. The sentences for federal crimes can be severe, and the prisoners at this facility have been convicted of a wide range of crimes.
Visiting Information
Visiting an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Florence High is allowed, but visitors must follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and security of the institution. Visitors are encouraged to carefully review the visiting regulations and observe any applicable state and local travel advisories in planning their visit.
Visiting hours at USP Florence High are held on weekends and federal holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors are advised to check the visiting schedule and procedures to ensure they are visiting during designated hours. Inmates confined to a special housing unit will usually have a modified visiting schedule.
To visit an inmate at USP Florence High, visitors must first locate the inmate and be approved to visit. Before visiting, visitors must be placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list. Visitors who are not on the approved list will not be allowed to visit.
Visitors are required to follow a dress code and are not allowed to bring any personal items into the visiting area. Prohibited items include cell phones, cameras, and weapons. Visitors may be searched before entering the visiting area to ensure that they are not bringing in any prohibited items.
Media representatives who wish to visit USP Florence High must follow specific procedures and obtain prior approval from the institution’s Public Information Officer. Resources for media representatives are available by calling 603-342-4000.
Overall, visitors to USP Florence High must comply with all rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the institution.
Inmate Communication
Inmates at United States Penitentiary, Florence High have several ways to communicate with the outside world. These include inmate mail, phone calls, and visits.
Inmate Mail
Inmates can send and receive mail at USP Florence High. Incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection, and certain restrictions may apply. For example, inmates may not receive packages or photographs. Inmates are also prohibited from corresponding with certain individuals or organizations. Visitors are encouraged to review the Bureau of Prisons’ mail regulations before sending any correspondence to an inmate.
Phone Calls
Inmates at USP Florence High are allowed to make phone calls during designated hours. The schedule for phone calls may vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit and security level. Inmates must submit a request to make a phone call, and calls may be monitored or recorded. Inmates must also pay for their own phone calls using funds from their inmate account.
Visits
Inmates at USP Florence High are allowed to receive visits from approved visitors. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must follow all Bureau of Prisons’ visitation regulations. Visitors may be subject to a search before entering the facility, and may not bring certain items into the visiting area. Inmates are responsible for submitting a request for a visit, and visits may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling.
Inmate Money
Inmates at USP Florence High can receive money from friends and family members. Money can be sent through the mail or electronically using a service like Western Union. Inmates can use these funds to purchase items from the commissary, pay for phone calls, or send money to family members. Inmates may also be required to pay certain fees or fines using funds from their inmate account.
Overall, communication with the outside world is an important part of an inmate’s life at USP Florence High. While there are certain restrictions and regulations in place, inmates are still able to maintain contact with loved ones and the outside world.
Regulations and Procedures
United States Penitentiary, Florence High has strict regulations and procedures that must be followed by all visitors and inmates. These regulations and procedures are put in place to ensure safety and security within the institution.
Visiting regulations are clearly outlined by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and visitors are required to carefully review them before planning a visit. Visitors are also expected to observe any applicable state and local travel advisories. The visiting schedule and procedures are official policies that outline specific regulations and procedures for visiting an inmate at this facility.
To implement Program Statement 5267.08, Visiting Regulations, dated May 11, 2006, the institution has provided a PDF version of the visiting regulations on its website. The PDF contains the purpose and scope of the visiting regulations, and it also outlines the procedures that must be followed by visitors.
Before a visitor can visit an inmate, they must be placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list. The process for being approved is outlined on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website. Visitors must also be prepared and follow the general visiting information.
Inmates are also required to follow specific rules and procedures. The Federal Bureau of Prisons has implemented a program statement, Correspondence, which outlines the procedures for inmates in each institution, as authorized and suggested by the President of the United States, the U.S. Department of Justice (including the Bureau of Prisons), U.S. Attorneys Offices, Surgeon General, and U.S. Public.
The institution is also required to comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The Federal Bureau of Prisons conducts audits to ensure compliance with this act. The most recent audit report for the United States Penitentiary, Florence High was posted on May 1, 2023, and it details the findings of an audit that was conducted by an outside contractor.
Legal Activities and Resources
United States Penitentiary, Florence High, provides inmates with access to various legal activities and resources. Inmates have the right to access the courts and legal materials, and the institution is required to provide reasonable access to legal resources and assistance.
Inmate Legal Activities are regulated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the institution has policies and procedures in place to ensure that inmates have access to legal materials and assistance. The Inmate Legal Activities policy at Florence High provides guidance on the use of legal materials, legal assistance, and access to the courts. The policy also outlines the procedures for filing grievances related to legal activities.
The Admissions and Orientation (A&O) Handbook provides information on the legal resources available to inmates at Florence High. The handbook explains the procedures for requesting legal materials, accessing the law library, and obtaining legal assistance. Inmates can request legal materials and assistance through the Inmate Request to Staff Member (Cop-Out) process.
The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) requires institutions to provide inmates with access to legal resources related to sexual abuse and harassment. Florence High is required to provide inmates with information on how to report incidents of sexual abuse and harassment, as well as access to counseling and medical services.
In 2023, Florence High underwent an audit to determine compliance with PREA. The audit report is available on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website and provides details on the findings of the audit. The report includes information on the policies and procedures related to sexual abuse and harassment, as well as the training provided to staff and inmates.
Overall, Florence High provides inmates with access to legal activities and resources, as required by federal regulations. Inmates have access to legal materials and assistance, and the institution has policies and procedures in place to ensure that inmates can exercise their legal rights.