Monroe Correctional Facility Overview

The Monroe Correctional Facility, officially known as the Monroe Correctional Complex (MCC), is a significant prison in Washington state, located in the town of Monroe. Opened in 1910 as the Washington State Reformatory, it has grown to include five distinct units, housing inmates across all security levels—from minimum to maximum. With a capacity to hold approximately 2,400 male prisoners, Monroe Correctional Facility plays a critical role in the state’s corrections system.

The facility consists of the Washington State Reformatory, Twin Rivers Unit, Special Offender Unit (focused on mentally ill inmates), Minimum Security Unit, and the Intensive Management Unit for high-risk prisoners. Inmates at Monroe are offered a range of rehabilitation services, including educational programs like adult basic education and vocational training in carpentry and graphic arts. Additionally, specialized programs for sex offender treatment are available within its walls.

Monroe Correctional Facility in Washington

Contact Information for Monroe Correctional Facility

  • Address:
    Monroe Correctional Complex
    16550 177th Avenue SE
    Monroe, WA 98272
  • Telephone: (360)-794-2600
  • Mailing Address for Inmates:
    Inmate Name, ID Number
    Monroe Correctional Complex
    P.O. Box 777
    Monroe, WA 98272

For more detailed inquiries, it’s best to contact the facility directly or visit the Washington Department of Corrections website.

Visiting Information for Monroe Correctional Facility

Visiting a loved one at Monroe Correctional Facility varies depending on the unit where the inmate is housed. Visiting times are typically available from 1:00 PM to 7:30 PM on Fridays through Mondays, but exact times can differ between units. Visits must be pre-approved, and visitors should follow a strict dress code.

  • What to Bring: Visitors must bring a valid government-issued ID. Personal items such as mobile phones, wallets, and bags are generally not permitted beyond the security checkpoint.
  • Duration of Visits: Typically, visits last between 90 minutes to 2 hours, though this can vary based on the unit’s schedule.
  • Number of Visitors: Up to three people can visit an inmate at a time, though exceptions may be made for immediate family.

How to Book a Visit at Monroe Correctional Facility

To book a visit at Monroe Correctional Facility, you’ll need to be on the approved visitor list, which requires submitting an application and passing a background check. After approval, visits can be scheduled online or via phone by calling the facility. Visitors should book at least 24 hours in advance and arrive early for check-in. Ensure to confirm the exact visiting hours for the inmate’s unit as they may change.

How to Get to Monroe Correctional Facility

Monroe Correctional Facility is located approximately 35 miles northeast of Seattle, accessible via US-2 E and WA-522. There is ample parking available for visitors at the facility. Public transportation options to the facility are limited, so it’s recommended to drive or arrange alternative travel methods.

 

What is Life Like at Monroe Correctional Facility?

Life inside Monroe Correctional Facility can be challenging but includes opportunities for personal development. Prisoners have access to medical, dental, and mental health services. For those in the Special Offender Unit, there are dedicated mental health programs. Vocational training and educational programs, such as GED preparation, are also available, depending on the inmate’s security level.

The facility has been involved in several incidents over the years, including a COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 that led to a riot as inmates protested conditions. This incident highlighted the complexities of prison management during a health crisis.

Famous Prisoners at Monroe Correctional Facility

Monroe Correctional Facility has housed several infamous inmates, including:

  • Byron Scherf, who was convicted of murdering a corrections officer, Jayme Biendl, inside the facility in 2011.
  • James Fogle, the author of Drugstore Cowboy, who spent time here after various criminal charges.
  • Glen Sebastian Burns and Atif Rafay, infamous for their role in the 1994 murders of Rafay’s family in Bellevue, Washington.

FAQs About Monroe Correctional Facility

  • Where is Monroe Correctional Facility located?
    Monroe Correctional Facility is located in Monroe, Washington, at 16550 177th Avenue SE, approximately 35 miles northeast of Seattle.

  • How do I schedule a visit to Monroe Correctional Facility?
    You must first be on the approved visitors list. Visits can then be scheduled online or by calling the facility.

  • What is the capacity of Monroe Correctional Facility?
    The facility has a capacity to house 2,400 inmates across multiple units with varying security levels.

  • What are visiting hours at Monroe Correctional Facility?
    Visiting hours vary by unit but generally take place between 1:00 PM and 7:30 PM from Friday to Monday.

  • Does Monroe Correctional Facility offer rehabilitation programs?
    Yes, Monroe provides education, vocational training, and specialized programs, including mental health and sex offender treatment programs.

  • How many people can visit an inmate at one time?
    Up to three visitors are allowed at a time, though this can vary depending on circumstances.

  • What is the Special Offender Unit at Monroe Correctional Facility?
    The Special Offender Unit is designed for inmates with serious mental health issues and provides specialized care and treatment.

  • Are there video visits available at Monroe Correctional Facility?
    Yes, video visits can be scheduled in 30-minute increments, up to a maximum of one hour, through the Securus system.

  • What security levels are at Monroe Correctional Facility?
    The facility houses inmates ranging from minimum to maximum security, depending on their classification and needs.

  • How do I send mail to an inmate at Monroe Correctional Facility?
    Mail should be addressed to the inmate’s full name and ID number, and sent to P.O. Box 777, Monroe, WA 98272.

Conclusion

The Monroe Correctional Facility is a large, multifaceted prison that houses male inmates across various security levels. It provides comprehensive rehabilitation programs and is known for its treatment of mentally ill offenders. For those visiting or contacting the facility, it’s important to follow all rules and regulations to ensure a smooth process.

Sources:
Washington State Department of Corrections (doc.wa.gov)
Wikipedia – Monroe Correctional Complex
PrisonPro.com

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