United States Penitentiary, Lompoc is a medium-security federal prison located in Lompoc, California. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and has an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. The correctional facility is designed to house male prisoners and has a total capacity of 1,009.
USP Lompoc is one of several federal prisons located in California’s Central District. The facility is known for its unique architecture, which features a series of circular buildings arranged in a pattern resembling a wagon wheel. The design was chosen to improve staff supervision and inmate management and has been replicated at other federal prisons across the country.
USP Lompoc has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the facility experienced a major outbreak of the virus, with over 1,000 inmates and staff members testing positive. The outbreak prompted calls for the release of non-violent offenders and improved health measures within the facility. Despite these challenges, USP Lompoc remains an important part of the federal prison system and continues to house inmates from across the country.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,009 |
| Physical Address | 3901 Klein Blvd Lompoc, Ca 93436 |
| Mailing Address | 3901 Klein Blvd Lompoc, Ca 93436 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 805-735-2771 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Location and Overview
United States Penitentiary, Lompoc is a medium-security federal prison located in Lompoc, California, United States. The prison is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and is part of the Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex (FCC). The complex includes a medium-security penitentiary, a minimum-security satellite camp, and a detention center.
The USP Lompoc penitentiary was established in 1942 and has a current capacity of 1,009 inmates. The facility primarily houses male inmates. The facility provides a range of programs and services for inmates, including education, vocational training, drug treatment, and religious services.
The prison is located on Klein Boulevard in Lompoc, a city in Santa Barbara County, California. Lompoc is situated in the central coast region of California, about 55 miles northwest of Santa Barbara and 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The city has a population of approximately 43,000 people and is known for its flower fields, vineyards, and scenic beauty.
The USP Lompoc penitentiary is surrounded by a double fence topped with razor wire and has a secure perimeter with armed patrols. The facility has a modern medical facility, a visiting area, and a commissary where inmates can purchase various items. The prison also has a recreation yard where inmates can participate in sports and other activities.
Overall, the United States Penitentiary, Lompoc is a secure and well-run facility that provides a range of services and programs for its inmates.
Facility Description
USP Lompoc is a medium-security federal correctional complex located in Lompoc, California. The facility is part of the Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex, which also includes a minimum-security prison camp. The complex is situated on 588 acres of land and can house up to 1,009 inmates.
USP Lompoc is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and is designed to house male inmates. The facility was opened in 1959 and has undergone several renovations and expansions since then. In 2009, a new housing unit was added to the complex, which increased the capacity of the facility.
The complex has a total of 12 housing units, including two special housing units for inmates who require more restrictive housing. The facility also has a range of support buildings, including a medical center, a food service area, and an education building. Inmates at USP Lompoc have access to a variety of educational and vocational programs, including adult continuing education, GED programs, and vocational training.
The minimum-security prison camp at the Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex is adjacent to USP Lompoc and can house up to 436 male inmates. The camp is designed to provide inmates with a less restrictive environment and offers a range of vocational and educational programs. Inmates at the camp also have access to a recreation area, a library, and a hobby craft area.
Overall, the Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex provides a secure and structured environment for inmates while also offering a range of educational and vocational programs to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Inmate Information
United States Penitentiary, Lompoc houses male federal inmates who have been sentenced to medium security. Inmates are assigned a register number upon admission, which is used to identify them throughout their incarceration.
The facility also has an adjacent minimum security satellite camp. Inmates are assigned to either the main USP or the satellite camp based on their security level and behavior.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons provides an inmate locator tool on its website that allows individuals to search for inmates by name or register number. This tool provides information about the inmate’s location, release date, and other details. However, due to the First Step Act, sentences are being reviewed and recalculated to address pending Federal Time Credit changes. As a result, an inmate’s release date may not be up-to-date.
Inmates at USP Lompoc have access to a variety of programs and services, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The facility also offers religious services and recreational activities.
Inmates are required to follow a strict set of rules and regulations while incarcerated. This includes adhering to a dress code, following a daily schedule, and participating in regular counts. Inmates are also subject to disciplinary action if they violate any of the facility’s rules.
Overall, USP Lompoc provides a secure and structured environment for federal inmates who have been sentenced to medium security. The facility’s programs and services aim to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Visitation Procedures
Visiting an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Lompoc requires careful planning and adherence to strict guidelines. Visitors are encouraged to review the visiting regulations before arriving at the facility to ensure compliance with all rules.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at USP Lompoc are:
- Medium and Low: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays
- The Main Camp and Camp North: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays
- Special Housing Unit (SHU) inmate visiting hours are from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Visiting Regulations
Visitors must comply with all visiting regulations at USP Lompoc, including dress code requirements and restrictions on personal belongings. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting room, including cell phones, cameras, and purses.
Visiting Information
Before visiting an inmate at USP Lompoc, visitors must be approved and placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list. Visitors must also provide a valid photo ID and complete a background check.
Visiting Overview
Visitors to USP Lompoc are subject to a thorough search before entering the visiting room. This may include a pat-down search, metal detector scan, and inspection of personal belongings. Visitors are also required to sign in and out of the visiting room.
Overall, visiting an inmate at USP Lompoc requires careful planning and adherence to strict guidelines. Visitors should review all visiting regulations and procedures before arriving at the facility to ensure a successful visit.
Prison Operations
The United States Penitentiary, Lompoc is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and is classified as a medium-security prison. The prison also has an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. The prison is designed to house male inmates, with a capacity of approximately 1,000 inmates.
The operational procedures at USP Lompoc are governed by the BOP’s operational levels matrix, which outlines the various security levels and procedures required for each level. The prison is staffed by a team of highly trained professionals who are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the inmates, staff, and visitors.
The warden of USP Lompoc is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facility, including the management of staff, inmate programs, and facility maintenance. The warden is also responsible for ensuring that all BOP policies and procedures are followed at the prison.
Inmates at USP Lompoc are required to follow strict rules and regulations, which are designed to maintain order and safety within the facility. These rules include restrictions on inmate movement, communication, and access to certain areas of the prison.
The BOP also provides a range of programs and services to inmates at USP Lompoc, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. These programs are designed to help inmates prepare for their release and successfully reintegrate into society.
Overall, the operational procedures at USP Lompoc are designed to ensure that the prison operates in a safe and secure manner, while also providing inmates with the necessary tools and resources to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Programs and Services
USP Lompoc offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for reentry into society. These programs and services include:
- Education Programs: Inmates can take courses to earn their GED or high school diploma. They can also take college courses through the Life Connections Program, which partners with Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California.
- Vocational Training: Inmates can learn valuable job skills through vocational training programs, such as welding, carpentry, and horticulture. These programs are designed to help inmates find employment upon release.
- Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP): This program is a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program that includes individual and group therapy, as well as education and vocational training. Inmates who successfully complete the program may be eligible for early release.
- Release Preparation: Inmates receive assistance with release planning, including job search and placement, housing assistance, and financial management.
USP Lompoc also offers a variety of other programs and services, including counseling, parenting classes, and religious services. Inmates are encouraged to take advantage of these programs to help them successfully reintegrate into society.
Special Units and Areas
United States Penitentiary, Lompoc has several special units and areas to accommodate the needs of its inmates. These units and areas include:
Satellite Camp
The satellite camp is a minimum-security facility adjacent to the main penitentiary. It houses inmates who are near the end of their sentences and are preparing for re-entry into society. The satellite camp provides vocational training, educational programs, and work opportunities to help inmates develop skills that will assist them in finding employment once they are released.
Special Housing Unit (SHU)
The Special Housing Unit (SHU) is a segregated housing unit for inmates who have violated institutional rules or who pose a threat to the safety and security of other inmates or staff members. Inmates in the SHU are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day and are allowed one hour of recreation time. They have limited access to programs and services and are closely monitored by staff members.
Special Management Unit (SMU)
The Special Management Unit (SMU) is a specialized housing unit for inmates who require a higher level of supervision and control than can be provided in the general population. Inmates in the SMU are subject to more restrictive conditions of confinement and are closely monitored by staff members. The SMU provides specialized programming and treatment to help inmates address their behavioral and mental health issues.
In conclusion, United States Penitentiary, Lompoc has several special units and areas to accommodate the needs of its inmates. These units and areas provide specialized programming, treatment, and supervision to help inmates succeed both during and after their incarceration.
Inmate Mail and Commissary
Inmates at the United States Penitentiary, Lompoc have access to a commissary where they can purchase various items, including toiletries, snacks, and writing materials. The commissary list can be found in a PDF format on the Federal Bureau of Prisons website here. Inmates can use funds deposited into their commissary accounts to make purchases.
Friends and family members of inmates can send money to their loved ones through the United States Postal Service or electronically. Funds sent through the mail must be in the form of a postal money order and addressed to the inmate’s full committed name and complete eight-digit register number. Electronic deposits can be made through the Western Union Quick Collect program or by visiting the Federal Bureau of Prisons website here.
Inmates at USP Lompoc can receive mail from family, friends, and legal representatives. All incoming mail is opened and inspected by prison staff, and any mail that violates prison rules is not delivered to the inmate. Inmates are allowed to correspond with people outside of the prison, but there are restrictions on the types of correspondence that are allowed. For example, inmates are not allowed to correspond with other inmates or former inmates, and they are not allowed to receive packages or gifts through the mail.
Inmates can also send mail to people outside of the prison, but there are restrictions on the types of correspondence that are allowed. For example, inmates are not allowed to send mail to victims or witnesses of their crimes, and they are not allowed to send mail that contains threats or other illegal content. Inmates are also allowed to make phone calls, but all phone calls are monitored and recorded by prison staff.
Notable Inmates
United States Penitentiary, Lompoc has housed a number of notable inmates over the years, including politicians, businessmen, and athletes.
One of the most famous inmates to be held at USP Lompoc was H.R. Haldeman, who served as White House Chief of Staff under President Richard Nixon. Haldeman was convicted of conspiracy and obstruction of justice in relation to the Watergate scandal and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. He served his sentence at USP Lompoc from 1975 to 1977.
Another notable inmate was Herbert W. Kalmbach, who was a personal attorney for President Nixon. Kalmbach was convicted of violating campaign finance laws and served his sentence at USP Lompoc from 1975 to 1977.
Chuck Muncie, a former NFL running back, was also incarcerated at USP Lompoc. Muncie was convicted of drug trafficking in 1989 and served his sentence at the facility.
Reed Slatkin, a former investment advisor, was another notable inmate at USP Lompoc. Slatkin was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors out of millions of dollars. He served his sentence at the facility from 2003 to 2020.
Ivan Boesky, a former stock trader, was also held at USP Lompoc. Boesky was convicted of insider trading in the 1980s and served his sentence at the facility from 1987 to 1990.
Auburn Calloway, a former FedEx pilot, was also incarcerated at USP Lompoc. Calloway attempted to hijack a FedEx plane in 1994 and was sentenced to life in prison. He served his sentence at the facility until his death in 2020.
Overall, USP Lompoc has housed a number of high-profile inmates over the years, many of whom were involved in political or financial scandals.