United States Penitentiary Marion: Programs and Services

USP Marion, also known as United States Penitentiary Marion, is a medium-security federal prison located in Marion, Illinois. It was built in 1963 to house convicts transferred from Alcatraz after its closure. In 1973, the prison introduced “control unit” cell blocks, which were designed to isolate and control the most dangerous and disruptive inmates.

In 1979, USP Marion was designated as the only Level 6 institution in the federal prison system. This level was reserved for the most dangerous and violent offenders, who were confined to their cells for 23 hours a day. The prison has a maximum capacity of 850 inmates, and its adjacent minimum-security satellite camp has a capacity of 200 inmates.

Over the years, USP Marion has been the subject of much controversy and criticism due to its use of extreme isolation and control measures. Some have argued that these measures are inhumane and violate the constitutional rights of the inmates. Despite this, the prison remains in operation today and continues to house some of the most dangerous criminals in the country.

Security	Medium
Capacity	850
Physical Address	4500 Prison Road Marion, IL 62959
Mailing Address	P.O. BOX 1000 Marion, IL 62959
Can you send gifts?	No
Visitation Hours	Saturday, Sunday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Dress Code	Yes
Phone number	618-964-1441
Jurisdiction	Federal

History and Background

The United States Penitentiary Marion, a medium-security federal prison located in southern Illinois, has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1960s. The prison was opened in 1963 as a maximum-security institution, and it was originally designed to house some of the most dangerous criminals in the country. The prison was built to replace the notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, which was closed in 1963 due to its high operating costs.

USP Marion gained notoriety in the 1970s and 1980s as a result of several high-profile incidents, including the murder of two prison guards in 1983. These incidents sparked a series of reforms that resulted in the creation of the first “supermax” prison in the United States.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) developed the supermax concept as a way to deal with the most dangerous and disruptive inmates in the federal prison system. The supermax prison was designed to provide maximum security and control over inmates, and it was intended to be a model for other high-security prisons around the world.

USP Marion was the first supermax prison in the United States, and it served as a model for other high-security prisons, including the ADX Florence in Colorado. The prison was designed to house the most dangerous and disruptive inmates in the federal prison system, and it was equipped with a range of security features, including motion detectors, cameras, and metal detectors.

In the years since its opening, USP Marion has undergone a number of changes and improvements. The prison has been the subject of numerous lawsuits and investigations, and it has been the focus of intense scrutiny from human rights organizations and other groups. Despite these challenges, USP Marion remains one of the most secure and well-managed prisons in the United States.

Location

USP Marion is located in Marion, Illinois, a city in Southern Illinois. The prison is situated at 4500 Prison Road, Marion, IL 62959. The facility is easily accessible via car and public transportation.

The city of Marion is located in Williamson County, which is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the Shawnee National Forest and Crab Orchard Lake. The area is also home to a variety of outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

The prison is located near several major highways, including Interstate 57 and Route 13, making it easily accessible for visitors and staff. The nearest airport is the Williamson County Regional Airport, which is located approximately 10 miles from the facility.

Overall, USP Marion’s location provides easy access to transportation and a variety of recreational activities for both staff and visitors.

Communications and Visitation

USP Marion provides several communication and visitation options to inmates to maintain contact with their loved ones.

Mail

Inmates can receive mail at the following address:

Inmate Name, Register Number
USP Marion
U.S. Penitentiary
P.O. Box 1000
Marion, IL 62959

All incoming mail is opened, inspected, and delivered to the inmate. Any mail that contains prohibited items or violates the Bureau of Prisons policy will be returned to the sender.

Email

USP Marion does not allow inmates to send or receive emails.

Phone

Inmates can make phone calls to their approved contacts through the BOP’s CorrLinks system. This system allows inmates to send and receive electronic messages, which can be used to schedule phone calls.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours at USP Marion are on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors must arrive before 2:00 p.m. to be processed for visiting. Inmates are allowed up to five visitors at a time, including children.

Visiting Schedule

Inmates are allowed up to 12 visiting points per month. Each visit costs one point, regardless of the number of visitors. Inmates can schedule visits by submitting a request form to the unit team. Visits are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Phone Calls

Overall, USP Marion provides several communication and visitation options to inmates to maintain contact with their loved ones.

Facilities and Security Level

USP Marion is a medium-security United States Penitentiary located in Marion, Illinois. The facility is part of the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Marion, which also includes a minimum-security satellite camp and a medium-security Federal Correctional Institution (FCI).

USP Marion is known for its Control Unit, which was created in 1973 to house the most dangerous and disruptive inmates. The Control Unit is a maximum-security facility within the prison that uses strict security measures to maintain control over inmates. Inmates in the Control Unit are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day and have limited contact with other inmates and staff.

USP Marion was also the first federal supermax prison, designated as a Level 6 institution in 1979. Level 6 institutions are the highest security level in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and are reserved for inmates who pose a significant threat to the safety of staff, other inmates, or the public.

The prison has a capacity of 850 inmates and houses male offenders. The facility is a medium-security prison, with a mix of single and double-bunked cells. Inmates at USP Marion have access to a variety of educational and vocational programs, including GED courses, adult continuing education, and apprenticeships.

Overall, USP Marion is a highly secure facility that houses some of the most dangerous offenders in the federal prison system. The Control Unit and Level 6 designation are evidence of the strict security measures in place at the facility.

Inmate Population

As of March 9, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Prisons reported a total of 144,700 federal inmates in BOP custody and 158,259 total federal inmates across all types of facilities. USP Marion is home to a significant portion of these federal inmates.

USP Marion houses male offenders and has an inmate gender distribution of 100% male. The prison has an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp that houses additional inmates. The BOP website provides a list of the current inmate population at USP Marion, which includes information such as the inmate’s register number, age, race, and release date.

Inmates at USP Marion are subject to strict rules and regulations. They must adhere to a daily routine that includes meals, recreation, and work assignments. Inmates are also required to participate in educational and vocational programs that can help them develop skills that may be useful upon release. The BOP provides inmates with access to medical and mental health services, as well as religious programs and services.

Overall, the inmate population at USP Marion is closely monitored and managed by the BOP. The prison staff works diligently to ensure that inmates are safe and secure while incarcerated and that they have access to the resources they need to succeed upon release.

Inmate Services and Programs

USP Marion offers a variety of services and programs to help inmates with rehabilitation and behavior modification. These programs aim to provide inmates with the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison.

One of the most important programs offered at USP Marion is the Behavior Modification Program. This program is designed to help inmates learn how to manage their emotions and behaviors in a healthy way. It includes group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and other types of support. By participating in this program, inmates can learn how to better control their impulses and make better decisions.

In addition to the Behavior Modification Program, USP Marion also offers a wide range of educational and vocational programs. These programs are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce. Some of the programs offered include vocational training, adult education, and college courses. By participating in these programs, inmates can improve their chances of finding meaningful employment upon release.

USP Marion also offers a variety of recreational and wellness programs. These programs are designed to help inmates stay healthy and active while they are in prison. Some of the programs offered include sports leagues, fitness classes, and meditation sessions. By participating in these programs, inmates can improve their physical and mental health, which can help them better cope with the challenges of prison life.

Overall, USP Marion offers a wide range of services and programs to help inmates with rehabilitation and behavior modification. By participating in these programs, inmates can improve their chances of success both inside and outside of prison.

Inmate Money and Labor

Inmates at USP Marion have the opportunity to earn money through work assignments and participate in the Inmate Financial Responsibility Program (IFRP). The IFRP ensures that inmates who have financial obligations contribute 50% of their earnings towards court-ordered fines, victim restitution, child support, incarceration fees, and other monetary judgments. In FY 2017, the IFRP generated over $941,000 dollars.

USP Marion also has a UNICOR facility, which is a government-owned corporation that provides employment and job training to inmates. UNICOR offers a variety of work opportunities, including manufacturing, assembly, and services. Inmates who work for UNICOR earn wages that are comparable to those paid in the private sector for similar work.

Inmates who participate in UNICOR programs can use their earnings to pay for personal expenses, such as phone calls, email, and commissary items. They can also use their earnings to pay restitution, fines, and other financial obligations.

It is worth noting that UNICOR is a self-sustaining program and does not receive any taxpayer funding. Inmates who work for UNICOR are not forced laborers and can choose whether or not to participate in the program. However, participation in UNICOR can be a factor in determining an inmate’s custody level and security classification.

Overall, the inmate money and labor programs at USP Marion provide inmates with opportunities to earn money, develop job skills, and take responsibility for their financial obligations. The IFRP and UNICOR programs help to prepare inmates for successful reentry into society by providing them with the tools and resources they need to become productive members of their communities.

Controversies and Incidents

USP Marion has been the center of several controversies and incidents over the years. Some of the most notable ones are discussed below.

Escape Attempts

USP Marion has a history of attempted escapes. In 1978, three inmates attempted to escape from the prison. One of them was killed, and the other two were injured in the shootout with the prison guards. In 1983, another inmate attempted to escape by digging a tunnel. However, the attempt was unsuccessful, and the inmate was caught.

Permanent Lockdown

In the 1980s, USP Marion was placed on permanent lockdown due to the high level of violence at the prison. Inmates were confined to their cells for 23 hours a day, with limited access to the outside world. The lockdown was lifted in 1995, but the prison still has a reputation for being one of the most restrictive and harsh prisons in the United States.

Abuse and Solitary Confinement

USP Marion has also been criticized for its use of solitary confinement and the abuse of inmates. In the 1980s, the prison implemented a control unit, which is a type of solitary confinement used to isolate and punish recalcitrant and violent inmates. Inmates in the control unit were confined to their cells for 23 hours a day, with limited access to the outside world. The use of the control unit has been criticized by human rights organizations, who argue that it constitutes torture.

Violence

USP Marion has also been the site of several violent incidents over the years. In 1983, two guards were killed in a riot at the prison. In 1993, an inmate was killed by another inmate during a fight. In 2006, a guard was killed by an inmate who had smuggled a homemade knife into the prison.

Despite the controversies and incidents, USP Marion remains one of the most secure and restrictive prisons in the United States. The prison is designed to house the most dangerous and violent criminals in the country, and its policies and procedures reflect this mission.

Notable Inmates

USP Marion has housed several notable inmates throughout its history. Some of the most well-known inmates include:

John Gotti: The former head of the Gambino crime family, John Gotti was transferred to Marion in 1998 after being convicted of murder and racketeering. He died in prison in 2002.
Pete Rose: The former baseball player and manager was incarcerated at Marion in 1990 for tax evasion. He served five months before being released.
Thomas Silverstein: Considered one of the most dangerous inmates in the federal prison system, Silverstein was transferred to Marion in 1983 after killing two fellow inmates at another prison. He spent over 35 years in solitary confinement at Marion before his death in 2019.
Clayton Fountain: A former police officer, Fountain was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to life in prison. He was transferred to Marion in 1986 and became a key informant for the FBI, providing information on corrupt law enforcement officials.
Garrett Brock Trapnell: A notorious prison escape artist, Trapnell was transferred to Marion in 1980 after escaping from several other prisons. He attempted to escape from Marion twice but was unsuccessful.
Viktor Bout: A Russian arms dealer, Bout was extradited to the United States in 2010 and convicted of conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization. He was transferred to Marion in 2012 and is currently serving a 25-year sentence.

Overall, USP Marion has housed a variety of high-profile and dangerous inmates throughout its history.