Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I: Overview

The Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I is a low-security federal prison located in Oakdale, Louisiana. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), it is part of the larger Oakdale Federal Correctional Complex (FCC). This facility houses only male inmates, primarily those convicted of federal crimes, and is designed to accommodate 1,138 prisoners. The prison offers a variety of programs aimed at rehabilitation and education, preparing inmates for reentry into society. FCI Oakdale I provides medical, dental, and mental health services, ensuring the well-being of its inmates.

Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I, Louisiana

Contact Information for Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I

For those needing to get in touch with Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I, below are the important contact details:

  • Address: 1507 East Whatley Road, Oakdale, LA 71463
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Oakdale, LA 71463
  • Phone Number: 318-335-4070
  • Email: OAK/[email protected]
  • Fax: Not publicly listed, contact the institution for specific needs.

Visiting Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I

Visiting an inmate at FCI Oakdale I is a straightforward process, but there are important regulations to follow. The visiting schedule is as follows:

  • Visiting Hours:
    • Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays: 8:15 AM to 3:00 PM

Visitors must arrive at least an hour before the end of visiting hours to complete processing. Each visitor must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. You can take personal items like a wallet and car keys, but they must be kept in a locker provided by the facility. The typical length of a visit is between 1-2 hours, but times may vary based on security considerations and the inmate’s custody level.

How to Book a Visit to Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I

To book a visit, potential visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. You can contact the facility to confirm the requirements. To schedule your visit:

  • What you need:
    • Full name and inmate’s BOP register number
    • Government-issued ID for visitors
    • Visitors must complete a background check for approval.

Each inmate is allowed a maximum of five visitors at a time, including children. Visits are non-contact unless otherwise specified by the prison.

Getting to Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I

Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I is located about 35 miles south of Alexandria, LA, and 58 miles north of Lake Charles, LA. If driving:

  • From Alexandria: Take US-165 S towards Oakdale.
  • From Lake Charles: Head north on US-165.
  • Parking: Free parking is available for visitors, but spaces may be limited on busy visiting days. Ensure you arrive early to find a spot.

Life Inside Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I

Inmates at FCI Oakdale I live in dormitory-style housing, with accommodations varying between two-person and four-person cells. The prison offers several educational and vocational training programs, including GED preparation, literacy classes, and vocational skills like building trades and horticulture. Recreation opportunities include organized sports and hobby programs. The facility also has a library with legal and recreational materials, as well as commissary privileges where inmates can purchase basic items.

The prison gained national attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, when several inmates contracted the virus, leading to multiple deaths. Conditions inside the prison were described as difficult due to the open-layout dorms, which hindered social distancing measures.

Famous Inmates at Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I

Over the years, FCI Oakdale I has housed several notorious inmates, including:

  • Bernard Ebbers, former CEO of WorldCom, convicted of fraud related to the company’s massive accounting scandal.
  • Kwame Kilpatrick, former Detroit mayor, sentenced to 28 years for corruption and racketeering charges​

FAQs About Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I

  1. What security level is FCI Oakdale I?
    FCI Oakdale I is a low-security facility for male federal inmates.

  2. How do I send mail to an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I?
    Mail should be addressed to:
    [INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER]
    FCI Oakdale I, P.O. Box 5000, Oakdale, LA 71463.

  3. Can I send money to an inmate at FCI Oakdale I?
    Yes, but money must be sent through a processing center in Des Moines, IA. Do not send money directly to the prison.

  4. What are the visiting hours at Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I?
    Visiting hours are from 8:15 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.

  5. Is there a commissary at FCI Oakdale I?
    Yes, inmates can purchase items from the commissary, such as snacks, hygiene products, and electronics.

  6. What types of rehabilitation programs are offered?
    Inmates can participate in GED programs, vocational training, and apprenticeships to prepare for reintegration into society.

  7. What health services are available at Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I?
    The facility provides routine and emergency medical care, including dental and mental health services​(

    Inmate Aid

    )​(

    Prison Professors

    ).

  8. How do I find an inmate at FCI Oakdale I?
    You can use the BOP inmate locator by entering the inmate’s name or ID number on the BOP website.

  9. Can I bring children to visit an inmate?
    Yes, children can visit, but they must be accompanied by an adult and listed on the approved visitor list.

  10. Are visits contact or non-contact?
    Visits are typically contact, but this can vary based on the inmate’s behavior and security level.

For more detailed information about Federal Correctional Institution Oakdale I, you can visit the official BOP website.

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Conclusion

Federal Correctional Institution Morgantown stands out for its relatively comfortable setting and focus on rehabilitation for nonviolent offenders. With amenities akin to a college campus and a range of educational and work programs, it provides inmates with the tools to reintegrate into society. The facility’s visitation policies make it easy for families and friends to maintain connections, ensuring inmates have a support network throughout their sentence.

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