USP Thomson is a federal prison located in Thomson, Illinois, operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The facility is designed to house male inmates of all security levels, including those with special needs. USP Thomson is one of the newest federal prisons in the country, having been acquired by the Bureau of Prisons in 2012 and opened for operations in 2016.
USP Thomson has been the subject of controversy in recent years due to reports of violence, abuse, and poor living conditions. In 2023, the Bureau of Prisons announced the closure of the special management unit (SMU) at USP Thomson after reports of resident deaths, harassment, and terrible conditions. The closure of the SMU is part of ongoing efforts to reform the prison system and prevent abuse. Despite these challenges, USP Thomson remains an important part of the federal prison system and continues to provide housing for thousands of inmates each year.
| Security | High |
| Capacity | 1,690 |
| Physical Address | 1100 One Mile Road Thomson, IL 61285 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 1002 Thomson, IL 61285 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 815-259-1000 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Overview of USP Thomson
USP Thomson, also known as United States Penitentiary Thomson, is a high-security federal prison located in Thomson, Illinois. The facility is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and houses male inmates with sentences ranging from 10 years to life.
Originally built in 2001 as the Thomson Correctional Center, the facility was acquired by the Federal Bureau of Prisons in 2012 and converted into a high-security prison. USP Thomson has a capacity of 1,690 inmates and employs over 600 staff members.
The facility is situated on a 146-acre campus and includes a 30-acre minimum-security satellite camp adjacent to the main facility. The campus also features a number of buildings and amenities, including a medical center, a chapel, a recreation yard, and various vocational and educational programs.
USP Thomson is designed to house the most dangerous and violent offenders in the federal prison system. The facility has a Special Management Unit (SMU) for inmates who require additional security measures, as well as a Transitional Unit for inmates who have completed the SMU program.
The facility has been the subject of controversy in recent years, with some critics arguing that it is unnecessary to house such a large number of high-security inmates in one location. However, supporters of USP Thomson argue that it is an important tool in the fight against crime and that it provides a vital service to the community by keeping dangerous offenders off the streets.
Population and Overcrowding
USP Thomson is a high-security federal prison that houses male inmates. As of 2023, the inmate population at USP Thomson is approximately 1,200. The prison has a capacity of 1,690 inmates, which means that it is currently operating at 75% capacity.
Overcrowding is a significant issue in many prisons across the United States, and USP Thomson is no exception. In 2018, the Bureau of Prisons announced the activation of the Administrative United States Penitentiary Thomson (AUSP Thomson) to help address overcrowding issues. AUSP Thomson is a separate facility that will house administrative security level inmates, which will help alleviate overcrowding at USP Thomson.
Overcrowding can have negative effects on both inmates and staff. It can lead to increased violence, poor living conditions, and inadequate medical care. The Bureau of Prisons is committed to addressing overcrowding issues and ensuring that all inmates are housed in safe and humane conditions.
To help alleviate overcrowding, the Bureau of Prisons has implemented various programs and initiatives, such as the Residential Drug Abuse Program and the Second Chance Act. These programs aim to reduce recidivism rates and provide inmates with the tools they need to successfully re-enter society upon their release.
In conclusion, while overcrowding remains a challenge at USP Thomson, the Bureau of Prisons is taking steps to address the issue and ensure that all inmates are housed in safe and humane conditions.
Security and Violence
USP Thomson is a high-security federal prison that has had a history of violence and security concerns. The facility has a Special Management Unit that is used to house violent and disruptive prisoners. The SMU is a restricted housing unit that is used to house inmates who pose a threat to staff or other inmates.
Homicides and Assaults
USP Thomson has had a number of violent incidents over the years, including homicides and assaults. In 2018, two inmates were killed in separate incidents at the prison. One of the inmates was beaten to death by other inmates, while the other was killed by a correctional officer. In 2021, there were two more homicides at the prison.
Assaults are also a common occurrence at the prison. In 2022, there were 10 assaults at the prison, with one resulting in serious injury. The majority of assaults at the prison are classified as assaults without serious injury.
Sexual Assault Allegations
There have been allegations of sexual assault at USP Thomson. In 2022, a former inmate filed a lawsuit against the prison, alleging that she was sexually assaulted by a correctional officer. The lawsuit also alleges that the prison failed to take appropriate action to prevent the assault from occurring.
Gang Affiliation and Racism
Gang affiliation and racism are also concerns at USP Thomson. In 2022, a report by the Department of Justice found that the prison had a significant problem with gang activity. The report also found that the prison had a problem with racism, particularly towards African-American inmates.
The prison has taken steps to address these concerns, including enhancing staff training and increasing the use of body cameras. However, there is still work to be done to ensure the safety and security of inmates and staff at the prison.
Prison Staff and Training
Officer Misconduct
The USP Thomson has had incidents of officer misconduct in the past. In 2018, a correctional officer was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting female inmates. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 4070, the union representing the correctional officers at Thomson, has been vocal about the need for better training and screening of officers to prevent such incidents.
In response to such incidents, the Bureau of Prisons has implemented various measures to ensure accountability and deter misconduct. These measures include regular audits, investigations, and disciplinary actions against officers found to be engaging in misconduct.
Staff Training
The BOP places a strong emphasis on staff training and development. All employees at Thomson, including correctional officers, receive extensive training in various areas, such as security procedures, emergency response, and communication skills. The BOP also provides ongoing training to ensure that staff members stay up-to-date with the latest policies and procedures.
In addition to the standard training provided by the BOP, the AFGE Local 4070 has also advocated for additional training for officers. The union has called for more training in areas such as mental health and crisis intervention to help officers better deal with the unique challenges of working in a prison environment.
The warden at Thomson is responsible for overseeing staff training and ensuring that all employees receive the necessary training to perform their jobs effectively. The BOP also has a dedicated training academy that provides specialized training to employees in various areas, such as firearms proficiency and self-defense.
Overall, while incidents of officer misconduct have occurred at Thomson in the past, the BOP has taken steps to address these issues and improve staff training. The prison continues to prioritize staff training and development to ensure that employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.
Institutional Culture and Practices
Solitary Confinement
USP Thomson is known for its strict policies regarding solitary confinement. Inmates who violate institutional rules are often placed in solitary confinement for extended periods of time. This practice has been criticized by some as inhumane and a violation of human rights. However, the institution maintains that it is necessary for maintaining order and discipline within the facility.
According to BOP policy, inmates can be placed in solitary confinement for up to 60 days for a single violation, and up to 365 days for multiple violations. However, USP Thomson has been known to exceed these limits in some cases. Inmates who are placed in solitary confinement are locked down for 23 hours a day, with limited access to exercise and other recreational activities.
Retaliation
There have been reports of retaliation against inmates who speak out against institutional practices or file grievances. Inmates who are perceived as troublemakers or who challenge the authority of staff members are often subjected to harsher treatment or disciplinary measures. This has led to concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the institution’s disciplinary process.
USP Thomson has policies in place to prevent retaliation against inmates who file grievances or make complaints. However, some inmates have reported that these policies are not always enforced and that staff members who engage in retaliation are not held accountable.
Compliance
USP Thomson is required to comply with BOP policies and regulations, as well as federal and state laws. The institution has a compliance program in place to ensure that it meets these requirements. This program includes regular audits and reviews of institutional practices, as well as training for staff members on compliance issues.
In recent years, USP Thomson has been the subject of several investigations and lawsuits related to compliance issues. These have included allegations of excessive use of force, inadequate medical care, and failure to provide adequate access to legal resources. The institution has taken steps to address these issues and improve its compliance program, but some critics argue that more needs to be done to ensure that inmates are treated fairly and humanely.
Mental Health Care and Suicide Risks
Mental health care plays a crucial role in preventing suicide risks. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the suicide death rate is 300 times higher in the first week and 200 times higher in the first month after patients leave inpatient psychiatric care than the general population’s. This highlights the importance of providing adequate mental health care to individuals at risk of suicide.
The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) has released a report that includes the first-ever recommendations on suicide-related standard care for primary care, behavioral health care, and emergency department settings. The report emphasizes the importance of providing standard care to people with suicide risk, as the majority (64 percent) of people who attempt suicide visit a doctor during the month before.
Implementing a structured and explicit suicide and risk management protocol is essential when conducting mental health research where suicide is a potential risk. Several documents have highlighted the importance of having a structured protocol in place to assess suicidal ideation. This helps to ensure that individuals at risk of suicide receive adequate care and support.
It is also important to note that suicide risks are often associated with mental disorders. Depression, substance use disorders, and psychosis are the most relevant risk factors for suicide. However, anxiety, personality-, eating-, and trauma-related disorders, as well as other mental health conditions, can also increase the risk of suicide.
In conclusion, providing adequate mental health care is essential in preventing suicide risks. The implementation of structured protocols to assess suicidal ideation and the provision of standard care to people with suicide risk can help to reduce the incidence of suicide. Mental health care providers must be aware of the risk factors associated with suicide and provide appropriate care and support to individuals at risk.
Legal and Civil Rights Issues
Investigations
USP Thomson has been the subject of multiple investigations over the years. In 2023, the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Prisons temporarily converted USP Thomson into a low-security prison and enhanced training for staff after moving all remaining individuals in the Special Management Unit and Reintegration Unit (RU) from Thomson in February 2023. This followed the calls made by Senator Durbin to prevent abuse at USP Thomson and abolish the Special Management Unit in March 2023.
The Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs and a legal nonprofit have also investigated the treatment of prisoners at USP Thomson. According to The Marshall Project, an investigative journalism nonprofit, USP Thomson has been the site of numerous incidents of violence and abuse.
Pending Litigation
USP Thomson is currently facing several legal challenges. In one case, a former inmate filed a lawsuit against the prison alleging that he was subjected to excessive force by prison staff. The case is currently pending in federal court.
In another case, a group of inmates filed a lawsuit against USP Thomson alleging that they were subjected to inhumane conditions, including being denied access to basic medical care and being subjected to prolonged periods of solitary confinement. The case is also pending in federal court.
According to NPR, the U.S. criminal justice system has been criticized for its treatment of prisoners, with many arguing that it is inhumane and violates basic human rights. The legal and civil rights issues at USP Thomson are just one example of the larger problems facing the U.S. criminal justice system.
Notable Cases and Incidents
USP Thomson has been the center of several notable cases and incidents over the years, ranging from abuse and misconduct to high-profile criminal cases.
One of the most recent incidents occurred in November 2020 when an inmate was stabbed to death by his cellmate, resulting in the latter being charged with second-degree murder. The incident led to an investigation into the prison and its staff, with allegations of serious abuses by staff members coming to light. In response, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois called for an Inspector General investigation into the matter.
In 2019, a corrections consultant was allegedly shackled and placed in four-pointed, double-celled solitary confinement for several hours without any explanation. The consultant, who had been hired to evaluate the prison, claimed that he was subjected to inhumane treatment and that his constitutional rights had been violated. The incident led to a lawsuit against the prison and its staff.
Another incident that garnered national attention occurred in 2015 when a Jewish man was placed in a cell with a white supremacist who had tattoos of swastikas and other hate symbols. The man claimed that he was beaten and sexually assaulted by his cellmate, who had a history of violence. The incident led to a lawsuit against the prison and its staff for failing to protect the man from harm.
In 2013, an inmate named Bobby Everson died while in custody at USP Thomson. The cause of death was listed as suicide, but his family claimed that he was killed by prison staff. The family filed a lawsuit against the prison and its staff, alleging that Everson had been subjected to abuse and mistreatment prior to his death.
USP Thomson has also been linked to the Lewisburg penitentiary scandal, which involved the abuse and mistreatment of inmates at the facility. Several former staff members of Lewisburg were transferred to USP Thomson, raising concerns about the potential for similar abuses to occur at the new facility.
Overall, the incidents at USP Thomson highlight the need for greater oversight and accountability in the U.S. prison system.