How Many Prisons Are There in Indiana?
Published February 11, 2022
From minimum-security to maximum-security, the state of Indiana has 18 prisons. Three primary factors are considered when assigning a security level to an adult offender: the offense committed, criminal history, and the length of the sentence. Inmates who follow prison rules, do their assigned tasks, and participate in rehabilitative programs may be transferred to a less restricted security prison.
Minimum Security Prisons
The South Bend Community Re-Entry Center is the state of Indiana’s oldest operating work release program. Offenders who participate in the program are allowed to leave the prison for outside jobs but must return evening. It was established in 1975 to accommodate selected criminals within 12 months of their release under the mentioned program, preparing them for their reintegration into society.
Established in 1991, the Edinburgh Correctional Facility holds 320 adult male offenders. It currently employs approximately 44 crews to support Camp Atterbury and other local and state authorities.
The two other minimum security prisons in Indiana are Madison Correctional Facility and Chain O’Lakes Correctional Facility.
Medium Security Prisons
Westville Correctional Facility started in 1949 as a state-run mental health facility named Beatty Memorial Hospital in honor of an Indianapolis doctor who devoted his life to mental health services. In 1974, prisoners in Indiana filed a lawsuit in a United States District Court, requiring the state to lessen prison overcrowding. This resulted in the hospital being transferred to the Department of Correction.
The 52-acre Rockville Correctional Facility was originally built in the early 1950s as a United States Air Force radar base. In 1970, it was converted into a juvenile male facility. After holding young juveniles, older juveniles, adolescent men, and adult females together, it was turned to an adult females-only facility in 1992.
The Putnamville Correctional Facility, formerly known as the Indiana State Farm, began in 1915 as a 3,500-acre minimum-security work camp. It was reclassified as medium security in 1977 and began accepting convicted felons. The Department of Natural Resource was given 917 acres in 2009. The facility has received several environmental awards, including the 2010 Organization of the Year for Green Initiatives from the Hoosier Environmental Council; and the 2011 Trees Inc. Recycling and Sustainability Award.
Other medium-security prisons in Indiana are Heritage Trail Correctional Facility, Plainfield Correctional Facility, Correctional Industrial Facility, New Castle Correctional Facility, and Branchville Correctional Facility.
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Maximum Security Prisons
Pendleton Correctional Facility, founded in 1923 and formerly known as Indiana Reformatory, is a level three maximum security adult male facility with a minimum-security dormitory attached to the main facility. It has an average population of 1,791.
Built in 1860, Indiana State Prison is the state’s oldest prison. It is a level four maximum security facility with 2,434 adult male offenders serving long sentences and/or those convicted of violent crimes.
The Indiana Women’s Prison facility holds the distinction of being the country’s oldest and first adult female prison. It was built in 1872 and has a daily population of approximately 600.
The Wabash Valley Correctional Facility and the Miami Correctional Facility are Indiana’s other two maximum-security prisons.
Intake Facilities
Indiana has two intake facilities that receive newly committed adult offenders. Offenders are evaluated using interviews, reports, and diagnostic tests during the intake process. The information gathered during the evaluation is used to determine an offender’s program assignment and facility. Female offenders are admitted to Rockville Correctional Facility, while male offenders are admitted to Reception Diagnostic Center.
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn is an SEO Specialist with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Before launching a career in SEO, she started as a content writer for various digital magazines and renowned publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage other people to speak up.
