General Overview of Florence ADX
Florence ADX (United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility), commonly known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” is the most secure federal prison in the United States. Located in Florence, Colorado, ADX is designed to house the nation’s most dangerous and high-risk inmates. These prisoners are typically individuals convicted of terrorism, organized crime, espionage, or extreme violence. Inmates at ADX Florence are held under strict conditions, often spending 23 hours a day in solitary confinement in their concrete cells. This supermax prison’s stringent security measures ensure that even the most notorious criminals remain isolated, preventing escape or harm to others
Florence ADX Contact Information
For those needing to contact the facility, here are the essential details:
- Address: 5880 Highway 67 South, Florence, CO 81226
- Phone: (719) 784-9464
- Email: flx-execassistant-s@bop.gov
- Type: Federal Supermax Prison, all-male inmates.
Visiting Information at Florence ADX
Florence ADX permits highly restricted inmate visits, adhering to strict security protocols. Visits must be scheduled in advance, and only close family members or legal representatives are typically allowed. Inmates are allowed five visits a month, and each visit lasts approximately one hour under direct supervision. Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes early for processing.
- Visiting Days: Fridays through Sundays
- Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- What to Bring: Valid photo ID, proof of relationship (if applicable), and minimal personal belongings (no electronics, cash is limited). Strict dress codes apply, so avoid wearing revealing or offensive attire
How to Book a Visit to Florence ADX
Visits to Florence ADX must be pre-booked through the Bureau of Prisons’ online system or via telephone. To schedule a visit, you will need the inmate’s full name, register number, and personal details, along with identification verification. Each inmate is allowed only a limited number of visitors per month, and each visitor must pass a background check before being approved. Given the prison’s high-security status, visits are non-contact, occurring through secure screens
How to Get to Florence ADX: Directions and Parking
Florence ADX is located in a remote area of southern Colorado, about 40 miles south of Colorado Springs and 100 miles from Denver. The facility is reachable via Highway 67 South. Parking is available on-site for visitors, but the remote location means public transport options are limited, and driving is the most practical option. For visitors flying in, the nearest major airport is Colorado Springs Airport(
What Is Florence ADX Like for a Prisoner?
Life at Florence ADX is defined by extreme isolation and control. Inmates live in 7-by-12-foot concrete cells for 23 hours a day, with minimal human interaction. Each cell is equipped with a concrete bed, a toilet, sink, and a small window that allows inmates to see only the sky, limiting their awareness of the outside world. Physical exercise is limited to a small, enclosed area resembling a concrete pit. Prisoners’ interactions with others are rare, often only occurring through brief visits or communication through pipes
Critics argue that conditions at ADX Florence amount to psychological torture, as the prolonged isolation can lead to mental deterioration. Despite these harsh conditions, ADX is intended to house individuals considered too dangerous for other federal facilities
Famous Prisoners at Florence ADX
Florence ADX has housed some of the most infamous criminals in recent U.S. history, including:
- Ted Kaczynski (the “Unabomber”)
- Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the Mexican drug cartel leader
- Ramzi Yousef, mastermind behind the 1993 World Trade Center bombing
- Eric Rudolph, responsible for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic bombing
- Richard Reid, the “Shoe Bomber”
FAQs About Florence ADX
What type of prisoners are held at Florence ADX?
Florence ADX houses inmates deemed the most dangerous or disruptive, including terrorists, gang leaders, and individuals convicted of serious violent crimes.How can I contact Florence ADX?
You can contact Florence ADX by phone at (719) 784-9464 or via email at flx-execassistant-s@bop.gov.How do I book a visit to Florence ADX?
Visits must be scheduled in advance through the Bureau of Prisons’ visiting system, and you will need to provide proper identification and pass a background check.Are there any famous inmates at Florence ADX?
Yes, notorious criminals such as “El Chapo” Guzmán and the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, have been incarcerated at ADX.What are the visiting hours at Florence ADX?
Visiting hours are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Friday through Sunday, with visits lasting one hour each.What security measures are in place at Florence ADX?
ADX employs extensive security, including 12-foot razor-wire fences, motion detectors, and 1,400 remote-controlled steel doors.Can inmates at Florence ADX communicate with other prisoners?
Inmates rarely have direct contact with others but can sometimes communicate through cell pipes or during brief exercise periods.Is there public transportation to Florence ADX?
No, the remote location means public transportation is unavailable, and visitors must drive to the facility.What is life like inside Florence ADX?
Inmates live in extreme isolation, with 23 hours spent in solitary confinement, leading many to develop psychological issues over time.Has anyone ever escaped from Florence ADX?
No, ADX Florence is considered inescapable due to its extensive security measures
Conclusion
Florence ADX stands as the most secure federal prison in the U.S., designed to isolate the nation’s most dangerous criminals. While its extreme conditions are controversial, its primary purpose remains clear: to prevent high-risk inmates from threatening society or each other.
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