Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island: Overview

Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island is a low-security federal prison located on Terminal Island in San Pedro, California, between the Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors. The facility, which opened in 1938, houses male inmates and is managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It offers vocational and educational programs designed to help inmates reintegrate into society after their release. This facility is notable for housing a large number of elderly and medically vulnerable inmates, making it a focal point during the COVID-19 pandemic. The prison is designed to house up to 1,000 inmates, and it primarily holds individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses.

 

Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island

Contact Information for Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island

 

Visiting Information at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island

Visiting hours at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island are structured by inmate housing units. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list, and visits must be scheduled in advance.

Visiting Schedule:

  • Friday (Units A/B): 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday (Units C/D): 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Sunday (Units K/J): 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Monday (Units F/G): 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Special Housing Unit (SHU): Sunday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Visits are usually limited to four hours, and visitors are subject to a security check before entering. Visitors must bring a valid government-issued ID, and personal belongings like cell phones, wallets, and purses are not allowed inside the facility.

How to Book a Visit to Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island

To book a visit at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island, you will need to follow a few simple steps:

  1. Ensure you are on the inmate’s approved visitor list.
  2. Schedule your visit at least 48 hours in advance.
  3. Bring a valid government ID on the day of your visit.
  4. Up to five visits are allowed per month, and no more than two visits can be scheduled for one weekend.

Directions and Parking for Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island

Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island is located at 1299 Seaside Avenue in San Pedro, California. It is accessible from the 110 Freeway, exiting at Harbor Boulevard toward Terminal Island. Limited visitor parking is available at the facility, and visitors are advised to arrive early, as parking can be competitive during peak visiting hours.

 

What Is Life Like Inside Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island?

Life inside Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island is structured around various programs aimed at inmate rehabilitation. The prison offers advanced occupational education and apprenticeship programs in carpentry, welding, plumbing, and other trades. These programs are designed to provide inmates with marketable skills that can aid in their re-entry into society post-incarceration

The facility also offers general education courses and vocational training. Inmates can work in prison industries such as maintenance and food service. Like many prisons, life at FCI Terminal Island is regulated by strict routines, including mandatory work assignments and daily counts. While the institution has a focus on rehabilitation, it maintains tight security and strict regulations to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.

Famous Prisoners at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island

Over the years, Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island has housed several high-profile inmates. Some notable individuals include:

  • Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani: The former COO of Theranos, sentenced for his role in the fraudulent activities of the health tech company​
  • Michael Avenatti: The controversial attorney convicted of fraud and extortion​
  • Owsley Stanley: A famous figure in the 1960s counterculture and the sound engineer for the Grateful Dead

FAQs about Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island

  • What is the security level at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island?

    • Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island is a low-security facility for male inmates.

  • How do I schedule a visit at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island?

    • You can schedule a visit by contacting the prison at least 48 hours in advance. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list and have a valid government ID.

  • What are the visiting hours at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island?

    • Visiting hours vary by housing unit, but typically occur between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

  • Can inmates receive mail and packages at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island?

    • Yes, inmates can receive letters and authorized publications. Mail must be addressed correctly with the inmate’s name and register number.

  • Are there educational programs available for inmates at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island?

    • Yes, inmates can participate in vocational training and apprenticeship programs, including carpentry, welding, and electrical training​

  • Where is Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island located?

    • It is located at 1299 Seaside Avenue, San Pedro, California, between the Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors.

  • What personal items can I bring during a visit to Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island?

    • Visitors cannot bring personal items like cell phones, wallets, or purses. Lockers are available for storage outside the visiting area.

  • What is the maximum number of visits allowed per month?

    • Inmates can receive up to five visits per month, with no more than two visits per weekend​

  • How do I send money to an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island?

    • Money can be sent via Western Union or mailed to the BOP’s processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.

  • Has Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island housed famous inmates?

    • Yes, notable inmates have included Ramesh Balwani, Michael Avenatti, and Owsley Stanley​

Summary and Conclusion:

Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island is a well-known federal facility in California that provides various educational and vocational programs aimed at inmate rehabilitation. Its low-security status and its location near Los Angeles make it one of the more prominent prisons in the region. Despite its focus on rehabilitation, the prison has housed some of the most notorious names in American criminal history. Visitors must follow strict procedures, and visits are limited in number and duration. To learn more about the prison or its visiting policies, it is best to contact the facility directly or visit the Bureau of Prisons website.

References:

  1. Federal Bureau of Prisons – FCI Terminal Island (bop.gov)
  2. Wikipedia – FCI Terminal Island​
  3. PrisonLocator – Overview of FCI Terminal Island

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