Florida State Prison – Overview and Information
The Florida State Prison is the primary correctional facility in the US state of Florida. Located in Raiford, Florida, it is the oldest and largest prison in the state. The prison opened in 1939 and currently houses over 1,400 inmates in a secure and controlled environment. The facility is run by the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) and operates under state law.
The main objective of the FDC is to provide inmates with a secure and safe living environment, and provide resettlement and rehabilitation programming in order to ease inmates’ return to society. As such, inmates are provided with education and rehabilitation opportunities, such as vocational and job training, substance abuse programs, educational programs, and life skills programs. Inmates also have access to mental health services, including mental health counseling, psychological services, and medication services.
The prison is divided into five separate sections; general population, close security, open security, transition services, and work release. Inmates are placed in the section that best suits their assessment upon entering the facility and are subject to administrative segregation if deemed needed.
Safety is a high priority for Florida State Prison and all inmates are monitored using 24-hour video surveillance, electronic detection, and physical searches. Further, the prison is surrounded by an electric security fence, complete with sound alarms, motion detectors, and infrared lights.
Inmates of Florida State Prison are required to adhere to all rules and regulations. Any violation of the code of conduct may result in disciplinary action, such as the loss of certain privileges or a permanent transfer to another facility.
The Florida State Prison provides inmates with the opportunity to make a fresh start and gain rehabilitation benefits. With the proper use of the resources offered to them, inmates can return to society better prepared and ready for a successful life post incarceration.
Florida State Prison – Classes, Services, and Programs
Florida State Prison is home to 157 prisons throughout the state, with each prison facility providing a variety of different classes, services, and programs that benefit inmates. Through these offerings, inmates are personally empowered, gain self-respect, and obtain skills that can be used in future endeavors upon release. Utilizing these resources, inmates have the opportunity to reintegrate back into society successfully.
Academic Classes: Numerous academic classes are available to inmates at Florida State Prison, all of which are designed to assist them in preparing for their GED exams and other academic courses. Inmates learn English, Math and Science and are provided with the necessary tools and resources to receive their High School Equivalency diploma. Additionally, the prison also offers academic classes on business, entrepreneurship, and various vocational courses.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Classes: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy classes are also offered at Florida State Prison. These classes focus on helping inmates develop self-control, conflict resolution, anger management, and other necessary life skills. Depending on the individual’s needs, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be conducted either one-on-one or in group settings.
Substance Abuse Services: Inmates are provided with access to substance abuse services in order to help them maintain their sobriety and reduce their risk of relapse. This includes assistance with Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, therapies, and classes.
Treatment Programs: Treatment programs are available to inmates who have mental health or substance abuse issues. Through these programs, inmates can gain assistance from professionals and receive the help they need to overcome their issues.
Recreational Programs: Florida State Prison also offers recreational programs such as music, art, games, and sports. These are designed to help inmates cope with the stresses of prison life, stay mentally and physically active, and foster positive relationships with one another.
Through these programs, services, and classes, inmates within the Florida State Prison system have the opportunity to improve their lives and gain the skills necessary to find success upon release.
Inmate visiting application in Florida State Prison
An inmate visiting application in Florida State Prison can involve setting up an in-person visit, a video visit, or a video-visit-by-mail.
In order to have an in-person visit, visitors must submit a Visiting Application which can be found on the Florida Department of Corrections website or picked up at the prison. The form requires the visitor to provide basic personal information, such as name, address, and date of birth. If a visitor is over the age of 18, they must also submit identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
In addition, the visitor must have their picture taken for a photo identification card at the prison. The visitor can then schedule a visit up to two weeks in advance, however, only one visit per inmate can be scheduled per week.
For a video visit, visitors will need to download the video visitation application through the Florida Department of Corrections website, and follow the steps for setting up an account. Once an account is created, the visitor must submit the same information as an in-person visit and pay the appropriate fees prior to the visit. Video visits must be scheduled in advance and depending on the prison, visitors can attend a video visit from home or from the correctional facility.
Finally, the video-visit-by-mail will require the visitor to fill out the same application and provide all of the same information as an in-person or video visit, and submit a 2×2 color photograph with the application. Video visits by mail must also be scheduled in advance and fees paid.
Overall, visitors need to submit the appropriate application along with the appropriate documents and fees in order to successfully apply for a visiting request with the Florida State Prison.
Florida State Prison: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Florida State Prison is the largest prison in Florida and one of the largest in the United States. It has been in operation since 1861. It houses some of the most notorious inmates in the country, including those serving life sentences or who are on death row.
1. What type of prisoners are housed at Florida State Prison?
Florida State Prison houses all levels of offenders, including those sentenced to life or given the death penalty. It also has a wide array of programs and services for inmates ranging from counseling and rehabilitation to education and vocational training.
2. How is security maintained at Florida State Prison?
Security is of the utmost importance at Florida State Prison. All inmates are kept in secure areas, and multiple security checks are conducted so that no one can enter or leave the facility without authorization. Access to inmates is further restricted through locked doors, bars, and walls.
3. What amenities are available at Florida State Prison?
Inmates at Florida State Prison have access to extensive amenities, such as medical care, educational and vocational training, counseling, religious services, and recreational activities. In addition, the facility offers a library, reading rooms, a gym, and other recreational options.
4. What are the visitation rules at Florida State Prison?
Visitation is limited to immediate family members, with two adult members or one adult member and one minor child allowed at any given time. Visits can only occur through scheduled appointments, and proper identification must be provided before admittance will be granted.
5. Is there an opportunity for inmates to earn good-behavior rewards?
Yes, inmates at Florida State Prison have the opportunity to earn time off of their sentences for good behavior. This incentive, called “gain time” or “merit time” allows inmates to reduce their sentences if they maintain a good disciplinary record.
