United States Penitentiary, Terre Haute is a high-security federal prison located in Terre Haute, Indiana. The prison is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and houses male inmates who are considered to be the most dangerous and high-profile criminals in the country.
USP Terre Haute is known for its strict security measures and has been the site of several high-profile executions, including those of Timothy McVeigh and Juan Raul Garza. In addition to housing maximum-security inmates, the prison also has a Special Confinement Unit for inmates who require the highest level of security.
Despite its reputation as a tough and secure prison, USP Terre Haute has faced criticism over the years for its treatment of prisoners and allegations of abuse by prison staff. Nonetheless, the prison 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 | 2,111 |
| Physical Address | 4700 Bureau Road South Terre Haute, IN 47802 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 33 Terre Haute, IN 47802 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday through Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 812-244-4400 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
History and Background
The United States Penitentiary (USP) in Terre Haute, Indiana, is a high-security federal prison that houses male inmates. The prison is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), which is an agency within the United States Department of Justice responsible for the administration of federal prisons.
The USP Terre Haute was established in 1940 as a federal prison camp to house minimum-security inmates. Over time, the prison’s mission changed, and it became a high-security facility for male inmates. In 2001, the prison became the site of the federal government’s execution chamber, which is used to carry out the death penalty for inmates sentenced to death by the federal government.
The BOP has a long history of providing correctional services to federal inmates. The agency was established in 1930 and is responsible for the custody and care of federal inmates. The BOP operates 122 facilities across the United States, including prisons, detention centers, and correctional institutions. The agency’s mission is to protect society by providing safe, secure, and humane confinement of federal offenders.
The USP Terre Haute is one of the BOP’s most secure facilities. The prison is designed to house high-security male inmates, including those who have been convicted of violent crimes and those who pose a threat to national security. The prison has a capacity of 2111 inmates and includes a Special Housing Unit (SHU) for inmates who require maximum security confinement.
In summary, the USP Terre Haute is a high-security federal prison that is operated by the BOP. The prison has a long history of providing correctional services to federal inmates and is one of the BOP’s most secure facilities. The prison’s mission has evolved over time, and it currently houses male inmates who require maximum security confinement. The prison is also the site of the federal government’s execution chamber.
Facility Overview
The United States Penitentiary Terre Haute is a part of the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Terre Haute. The facility is located in western Indiana and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The FCC Terre Haute consists of two separate facilities, the USP and a medium-security Federal Correctional Institution (FCI).
High-Security Facility
The USP Terre Haute is a high-security facility designed to house male inmates with a history of violent behavior or those deemed to be a high escape risk. The facility has a maximum capacity of 2,111 inmates. The USP has a range of security features, including secure perimeters, electronic detection systems, and armed patrols.
Special Confinement Unit
The Special Confinement Unit (SCU) at the USP Terre Haute is a separate facility within the prison that houses high-profile inmates, including those on death row. The SCU is designed to provide the highest level of security and control for these inmates.
Special Housing Unit
The Special Housing Unit (SHU) at the USP Terre Haute is a segregated housing unit designed to house inmates who have violated prison rules or who pose a threat to other inmates or staff. The SHU is a highly controlled environment, with inmates confined to their cells for most of the day.
Housing Units
The USP Terre Haute has several housing units, each of which is designed to accommodate a specific type of inmate. The housing units are arranged in a pod-style configuration, with each pod containing individual cells and common areas for inmates to use.
Overall, the FCC Terre Haute is a complex of facilities designed to provide a range of security levels for male inmates. The USP Terre Haute is a high-security facility designed to house the most dangerous and violent offenders, while the prison camp provides a less restrictive environment for non-violent offenders. The SCU and SHU are specialized facilities designed to provide the highest level of security and control for specific types of inmates.
Inmate Population
USP Terre Haute is a high-security federal prison located in Indiana. As of March 9, 2023, the total number of federal inmates in the custody of the BOP was 158,259, with 144,700 federal inmates in BOP custody. Of those 144,700 inmates, 13,559 were in other types of facilities.
Death Row Inmates
USP Terre Haute is home to the federal death row, which houses male inmates who have been sentenced to death by the federal government. As of the most recent statistics available, there were 49 inmates on federal death row at USP Terre Haute. These inmates are housed in a special unit within the prison and are subject to strict security measures.
Sentenced Inmates
The majority of inmates at USP Terre Haute are sentenced inmates, who have been convicted of federal crimes and are serving out their sentences at the facility. These inmates are housed in various units throughout the prison, depending on their security level and other factors.
Male Inmates
USP Terre Haute is a male-only facility, and as such, only male inmates are housed there. The majority of inmates at the prison are male, with a small number of female inmates housed in other facilities.
Overall, the inmate population at USP Terre Haute is carefully managed and monitored to ensure the safety and security of both the inmates and the staff. The prison is known for its strict security measures and high level of control over the inmate population.
Operations and Procedures
The United States Penitentiary, Terre Haute operates under strict procedures and protocols to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates. These procedures are in accordance with the mission and goals of the Federal Correctional Complex at Terre Haute, Indiana, and in accordance with the Program Statement 5267.09, Visiting Regulation.
The Warden is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the facility, including the implementation of these procedures. The Warden may restrict or cancel visiting for the sake of safety and security, such as in cases of severe weather or other incidents that will impact normal facility operations. Visitors are advised to call the facility at 812-244-4400 to confirm visiting schedules before departing for their visit.
The staff at USP Terre Haute are highly trained professionals who are responsible for ensuring that the facility operates smoothly. They are responsible for implementing the procedures and protocols established by the Warden, and for ensuring that all inmates are treated fairly and humanely.
Inmates at USP Terre Haute are subject to strict rules and regulations. These rules govern all aspects of their daily lives, including their interactions with other inmates and staff, their access to medical care, and their participation in educational and vocational programs.
Overall, USP Terre Haute is a highly secure facility that operates under strict procedures and protocols to ensure the safety and security of all staff and inmates. The Warden and staff work diligently to ensure that the facility operates smoothly and that all inmates are treated fairly and humanely.
Services and Opportunities
The United States Penitentiary, Terre Haute, offers a variety of services and opportunities for its inmates. This section will provide an overview of the UNICOR Program and Commissary Services.
UNICOR Program
UNICOR, also known as Federal Prison Industries, is a government corporation that provides work opportunities to inmates in federal prisons. Inmates at USP Terre Haute can participate in the UNICOR program and earn wages for their work. UNICOR provides job training and experience, which can help inmates secure employment after their release. The program also offers vocational training in various industries, including electronics, textiles, and furniture.
Commissary Services
USP Terre Haute also offers commissary services to inmates. Inmates can purchase a variety of goods, including snacks, hygiene products, and clothing, using funds from their trust accounts. The commissary also offers electronics, such as televisions and MP3 players, which inmates can purchase with their own funds. The commissary is open weekly, and inmates are allowed to spend up to $360 per month.
USP Terre Haute also provides email services to inmates. Inmates can use the Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS) to communicate with approved contacts via email. The email system is monitored and subject to review by prison staff.
Overall, USP Terre Haute offers a range of services and opportunities to its inmates, including job training and experience, commissary services, and email communication. These services can help inmates prepare for their eventual release and improve their quality of life while incarcerated.
Healthcare and EMS
United States Penitentiary, Terre Haute has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of medical services to inmates. The healthcare services are provided by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and are designed to meet the medical needs of the inmate population. The healthcare services include medical, dental, and mental health services.
The medical staff at USP Terre Haute consists of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They are responsible for providing medical care to the inmates and ensuring that they receive the appropriate medical treatment. The medical staff also works closely with the mental health staff to ensure that the inmates receive the necessary mental health treatment.
In case of a medical emergency, the USP Terre Haute has an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system in place. The EMS system is staffed by trained medical professionals who are equipped to handle medical emergencies. The EMS staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can respond to any medical emergency that may arise.
USP Terre Haute also has a fully equipped medical unit that is staffed by trained medical professionals. The medical unit is equipped to handle a wide range of medical conditions and is designed to provide medical care to inmates who require more intensive medical treatment.
In addition to the medical staff, USP Terre Haute also has a team of nurses who provide nursing care to the inmates. The nursing staff is responsible for administering medication, monitoring vital signs, and providing other nursing services as needed.
Overall, the healthcare and EMS services at USP Terre Haute are designed to provide comprehensive medical care to the inmate population. The medical staff, EMS staff, and nursing staff work together to ensure that the inmates receive the appropriate medical treatment and care.
Notable Inmates
United States Penitentiary, Terre Haute has housed several high-profile inmates throughout its history. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Timothy McVeigh: McVeigh was a domestic terrorist who carried out the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, killing 168 people. He was sentenced to death and executed by lethal injection at USP Terre Haute on June 11, 2001. McVeigh’s execution was the first federal execution in the United States since 1963.
- Cory Johnson: Johnson was a drug dealer who was convicted of killing seven people in 1992 as part of a drug trafficking operation in Virginia. He was executed at USP Terre Haute on January 14, 2021, after his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court.
- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev: Tsarnaev was one of the perpetrators of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, which killed three people and injured hundreds more. He was sentenced to death and is currently on death row at USP Terre Haute.
- Terry Nichols: Nichols was a co-conspirator in the Oklahoma City bombing and was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. He is currently serving his sentence at USP Florence ADMAX in Colorado.
- Zacarias Moussaoui: Moussaoui was a member of al-Qaeda who was involved in the planning of the September 11, 2001 attacks. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole and is currently serving his sentence at USP Florence ADMAX.
- Robert Hanssen: Hanssen was an FBI agent who spied for the Soviet Union and Russia for over two decades. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole and is currently serving his sentence at USP Florence ADMAX.
These are just a few of the notable inmates who have been housed at USP Terre Haute over the years. The prison has also been the site of several federal executions, including those of McVeigh and Johnson.