If you or a loved one is facing a federal prison sentence, you may be wondering what kind of prison you will end up in. There are five security levels for federal prisons: from minimum to high, plus administrative. Depending on the risk and needs of the inmates, each level has different characteristics and limitations. In this article, we will focus on the highest security level: maximum security prisons.
The most dangerous and violent offenders in the federal system are housed in maximum security prisons, which are also called penitentiaries. These Coleman federal prison inmates have committed serious crimes, such as murder, terrorism, espionage, or sex offenses, and have long sentences or life imprisonment. Some of them may also be on death row, awaiting execution.
The environment of maximum security prisons is the most restrictive and secure, with electronic surveillance, guard towers, razor wire, and high walls. The inmates are confined to their cells for most of the day, with limited movement and activities. There is a high staff-to-inmate ratio, and the security measures are tight.
In Florida, there are two maximum security prisons, both located in the Federal Correctional Complex, Coleman (FCC Coleman). FCC Coleman prison, near Wildwood, is a United States federal prison complex for male inmates in unincorporated Sumter County, Florida. It is run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), which is a division of the United States Department of Justice.
Approximately 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Orlando, 60 miles (97 km) northeast of Tampa, and 35 miles (56 km) south of Ocala, the facility is located in central Florida. The complex is located at 846 NE 54th Ter, Coleman, FL 33521. The space of the complex is 1,600 acres (650 ha). The complex, the largest correctional facility operated in the nation, houses 7,120 prisoners altogether, and 1,300 employees, as of 2010, making it one of the county’s largest employers. According to Rachel Monroe of The Atlantic, the prison has held several notable or unusual criminals. Most prisoners, except for those housed at United States Penitentiary Coleman 1, are serving sentences for drug-related crimes, and had not been found guilty of violent acts.
Prisoners housed at FCC Coleman Florida prison are all male. The prisoners on average have sentences of 10 years. According to press reports, staff had raped female prisoners, which previously were held at the adjacent satellite prison camp, and widespread sexual abuse has been tolerated. Prosecutors have been unable to prosecute cases against the employees due to lack of evidence.
The complex consists of four facilities: Federal Correctional Institution, Coleman Low (FCI Coleman Low): a low-security facility. Federal Correctional Institution, Coleman Medium (FCI Coleman Medium): a medium-security facility with an adjacent satellite prison camp for minimum-security inmates. United States Penitentiary I, Coleman (USP Coleman 1): a high-security facility. United States Penitentiary II, Coleman (USP Coleman 2): a high-security facility.