United States Penitentiary Tucson is a high-security federal prison located in Tucson, Arizona. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and has a capacity of approximately 2,000 inmates. The correctional facility is designed to house male and female prisoners who have been convicted of serious crimes, including violent offenses and drug trafficking.
The prison comprises several different units, including a maximum-security unit, a special housing unit, and a minimum-security satellite camp. Inmates at United States Penitentiary Tucson are subject to strict rules and regulations, and the facility is staffed by a team of highly trained correctional officers. The prison also offers a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reentry into society.
| Security | High |
| Capacity | 2,055 |
| Physical Address | 9300 S Wilmot Rd, Tucson, AZ 85756 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. BOX 24550 Tucson, AZ 85734 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 520-663-5000 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Location
United States Penitentiary Tucson is located in Tucson, Arizona. The facility is situated on South Wilmot Road, which is approximately 12 miles southeast of downtown Tucson. The prison is located in the Sonoran Desert, which is known for its hot and dry climate.
The Tucson International Airport is the closest airport to the prison, located about 10 miles from the facility. Visitors traveling by car can access the prison via Interstate 10, which runs east-west through Tucson. The facility is located just off Exit 281 of the interstate.
In addition to the penitentiary, the Tucson Complex also includes a minimum-security satellite camp. The camp is located adjacent to the penitentiary and is designed to house low-security inmates. The complex is situated on 640 acres and has a bed capacity of 2055.
The Tucson Complex supervises 31 work crews with over 400 inmates working both on and offsite. Inmates work in a variety of industries, including the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, and food factories. The complex also offers educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society.
Facility Overview
The United States Penitentiary Tucson, also known as USP Tucson, is a high-security federal prison located in Tucson, Arizona. The facility is part of the Federal Correctional Complex Tucson, which includes a minimum-security satellite camp. The complex is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
USP Tucson houses male and female inmates and has a capacity of 2,055. The facility is designed to hold inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes, including violent offenses, drug trafficking, and terrorism-related offenses. The prison also has a detention center that houses pre-trial detainees and inmates who are awaiting transfer to other facilities.
The Tucson Federal Correctional Complex provides a range of services and programs to inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, and drug treatment programs. Inmates can also participate in religious services, recreational activities, and work assignments. The complex has a commissary where inmates can purchase a variety of items, including food, clothing, and personal hygiene products.
The Satellite Prison Camp Tucson is a minimum-security facility that houses male inmates. The camp has a capacity of 240 and is designed to provide inmates with a work- and program-oriented environment. Inmates at the camp can participate in a range of vocational training programs and work assignments.
Overall, the Federal Correctional Complex Tucson provides a range of facilities and programs to meet the needs of inmates at different security levels. The complex is staffed by trained professionals who are committed to ensuring the safety and security of inmates, staff, and the public.
Operations
United States Penitentiary, Tucson is a high-security federal prison located in Tucson, Arizona. The facility is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a component of the United States Department of Justice. The Warden is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the prison.
Inmate Mail is closely monitored at USP Tucson. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection, and any mail that violates prison rules and regulations is not delivered. Inmates are allowed to send and receive letters, postcards, and photographs, but they are not allowed to receive packages.
The Commissary List at USP Tucson is available to inmates, and they can purchase a variety of items, including food, personal hygiene products, and clothing. Inmates can only purchase items that are on the approved list, and they are limited to how much they can spend each week.
Legal Activities are available to inmates at USP Tucson. They can access legal materials and receive assistance from the law library. Inmates can also participate in legal education programs and receive assistance with filing legal documents.
Internet Sex Crime is taken seriously at USP Tucson. Inmates who engage in this type of activity are subject to disciplinary action, including loss of privileges, segregation, and criminal prosecution.
Lockdowns are implemented at USP Tucson when there is a threat to the safety and security of the institution. During a lockdown, inmates are confined to their cells, and all movement within the institution is restricted.
Contraband is prohibited at USP Tucson, and inmates found in possession of contraband are subject to disciplinary action. Contraband includes items such as drugs, weapons, and cell phones.
Fencing surrounds the perimeter of USP Tucson, and the facility is equipped with a variety of security measures, including cameras, alarms, and motion detectors. The security measures are designed to prevent escapes and ensure the safety and security of staff and inmates.
Inmate Information
United States Penitentiary Tucson is a high-security federal prison that houses male inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes. The prison has a capacity of approximately 2,000 inmates. The population of incarcerated individuals at this facility includes a variety of offenders, including sex offenders, high-profile sex offenders, and male offenders.
The regulations at USP Tucson are strict, and inmates are expected to follow them closely. Inmates are subject to searches of their cells and personal property, and they must adhere to a strict schedule. Additionally, inmates are required to participate in educational and vocational programs, which include classes in subjects such as computer skills, culinary arts, and welding.
The sentences for inmates at USP Tucson vary depending on the nature of their crimes. Inmates may be serving sentences ranging from a few years to life in prison. 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 may be eligible for early release if they participate in certain programs and demonstrate good behavior.
Notable inmates who have been housed at USP Tucson include former Arizona Governor Fife Symington, who was convicted of bank fraud, and former Enron executive Jeffrey Skilling, who was convicted of insider trading.
To locate an inmate at USP Tucson, individuals can use the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ inmate locator tool. This tool allows users to search for inmates by name or registration number. Inmates’ gender is male.
Treatment and Programs
At United States Penitentiary Tucson, inmates have access to a variety of treatments and programs to help them reintegrate into society upon release.
One of the programs offered is the Challenge Program, a cognitive-behavioral, residential treatment program developed for male inmates in the high-security USP setting. The Challenge Program provides treatment to high-security inmates with substance abuse problems and/or mental illnesses.
In addition to the Challenge Program, the prison also offers substance abuse treatment. For over twenty years, the Bureau’s substance abuse treatment strategy has made a significant difference in the lives of inmates, their families, and their communities. The Bureau’s drug abuse treatment strategy has grown and changed as advances have occurred in substance treatment programs.
The prison also offers education programs, including GED and vocational training. Inmates can earn their GED while incarcerated and receive vocational training in a variety of fields.
Furthermore, the prison offers sex offender treatment programs, including the Sex Offender Management Program (SOMP), the SOTP-NR (Non-Residential Sex Offender Treatment Program), and orientation programs. These programs aim to help inmates who have committed sexual offenses understand their behavior and prevent future offenses.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings are also available to inmates who struggle with addiction. Medication-assisted treatment is also available to those who need it.
Overall, United States Penitentiary Tucson offers a range of treatments and programs to help inmates with substance abuse problems, mental illnesses, and other issues. These programs aim to help inmates reintegrate into society upon release and reduce recidivism rates.
Notable Inmates
United States Penitentiary Tucson has housed a number of high-profile inmates throughout its history. Here are some of the most notable:
- Brian David Mitchell: Mitchell is a convicted kidnapper and rapist who gained national attention for his abduction of Elizabeth Smart in 2002. He is currently serving a life sentence at USP Tucson for his crimes.
- Larry Nassar: Nassar is a former USA Gymnastics team doctor who was convicted of sexually assaulting hundreds of young girls and women under his care. He is serving a 60-year sentence at USP Tucson for child pornography and sexual assault charges.
- Randy “Duke” Cunningham: Cunningham is a former US Congressman who was convicted on charges of bribery and tax evasion in 2006. He served eight years at USP Tucson before being released in 2013.
- Jaan Laaman: Laaman is a member of the United Freedom Front, a militant group responsible for a series of bombings and bank robberies in the 1980s. He is currently serving a 53-year sentence at USP Tucson for his role in the group’s activities.
- Edward Oedewaldt: Oedewaldt is a former NYPD detective who was convicted of murder in 1997. He is serving a life sentence at USP Tucson for his crimes.
- Ross Ulbricht: Ulbricht is the founder of the Silk Road marketplace, a dark web site used for illegal drug sales and other criminal activity. He is serving a life sentence at USP Tucson for drug trafficking, money laundering, and other charges.
These are just a few of the many notable inmates who have been housed at USP Tucson over the years.