Indianapolis Correctional Facility Overview
The Indianapolis Correctional Facility, previously known as the Indianapolis Re-Entry Educational Facility (IREF), has played a significant role in Indiana’s prison system. Originally a re-entry facility, it primarily focused on preparing inmates for reintegration into society. Before its conversion into IREF, it functioned as the Indiana Women’s Prison, making it one of the first facilities in the U.S. exclusively for women. The prison is located on the east side of Indianapolis and housed both men and women in its later years.
IREF was unique due to its emphasis on education, offering various educational programs to its inmates, including college-level courses. However, the facility was closed in 2017, with inmates and staff being reassigned to other correctional institutions across the state
Contact Information for Indianapolis Correctional Facility
- Address: 401 North Randolph Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201
- Phone Number: No longer operational due to closure in 2017
- Email: Not available
Visiting Information for Indianapolis Correctional Facility
Though the Indianapolis Correctional Facility is no longer active, during its operational years, visitation played a crucial role in inmate morale. Visitors had to schedule appointments in advance, following strict security protocols, including background checks. Visitations typically lasted for two hours, and visitors were required to bring valid photo identification and adhere to a dress code.
To book a visit, visitors would complete an online application, specifying the inmate they wished to visit. A maximum of three visitors could attend each session. The facility also provided limited parking for visitors, and public transportation options were readily accessible due to its central Indianapolis location
Directions and Parking Information for Indianapolis Correctional Facility
The Indianapolis Correctional Facility was situated at the corner of North Randolph Street and East New York Street, close to downtown Indianapolis. Given its urban location, the prison was accessible by car, public transport, and ride-share services. For those driving, the facility offered a small parking lot. Today, the site stands as a reminder of its historical significance, though it is no longer operational
What is Indianapolis Correctional Facility Like for a Prisoner?
Life at the Indianapolis Correctional Facility was focused heavily on re-entry education. Inmates were encouraged to take part in educational programs aimed at developing skills for life after prison. This included courses in literacy, vocational training, and, at one time, a robust college program. The facility prioritized preparing prisoners for reintegration, offering counseling and support services designed to reduce recidivism. The overall environment, while still a correctional institution, was designed to offer a more progressive approach to incarceration
However, budget cuts in the early 2010s saw a decline in these educational opportunities, with some programs being scaled back or eliminated. By the time of the prison’s closure, it housed around 183 inmates
Famous Prisoners at Indianapolis Correctional Facility
During its time as a women’s prison, the Indianapolis Correctional Facility housed several high-profile inmates. Most notably, the facility was part of a groundbreaking historical research project led by a group of inmates, which unearthed dark and untold stories about the prison’s past, including its connection to the treatment of “fallen women” and its role in housing some of Indiana’s most notorious female offenders
FAQs About Indianapolis Correctional Facility
Is Indianapolis Correctional Facility still open?
No, the facility was closed in 2017 by the Indiana Department of Correction. Inmates were transferred to other facilities.What type of inmates did the Indianapolis Correctional Facility house?
Initially, it housed female inmates when it operated as the Indiana Women’s Prison. Later, it housed male and female offenders as a re-entry facility.What were the visiting hours at Indianapolis Correctional Facility?
Visiting hours were typically on weekends, with two-hour sessions. All visits had to be scheduled in advance.Where was Indianapolis Correctional Facility located?
The facility was located at 401 North Randolph Street, Indianapolis, IN, near downtown.How could you book a visit to Indianapolis Correctional Facility?
Visits could be booked online through the Indiana Department of Correction’s scheduling system.What happened to the inmates after the prison closed?
Inmates were transferred to other correctional facilities across Indiana following the closure in 2017.Was Indianapolis Correctional Facility focused on education?
Yes, the prison was renowned for its educational programs, especially during its time as a re-entry facility.What was life like for prisoners at Indianapolis Correctional Facility?
The facility focused on education, re-entry programs, and counseling services designed to help inmates transition back into society.Were there any famous inmates at Indianapolis Correctional Facility?
The prison has a storied history, particularly from its time as a women’s prison, and several high-profile research projects were conducted by its inmates.What is the history of the Indianapolis Correctional Facility?
The facility began as the Indiana Women’s Prison and later became a re-entry facility for men and women, before closing in 2017.
Conclusion
The Indianapolis Correctional Facility played a crucial role in Indiana’s penal system, with a strong focus on inmate education and re-entry programs. Though the prison is no longer operational, its history as one of the first women’s prisons in the United States and its focus on inmate rehabilitation remain significant. For those seeking more information about the Indiana correctional system, the Indiana Department of Correction provides further resources.
Sources:
- APM Reports: Research Project at Indiana Women’s Prison