General Overview of Union Correctional Institution

Union Correctional Institution, located in Raiford, Florida, is one of the oldest and largest prisons in the state. Originally established in 1913 as the Raiford State Prison Farm, it was renamed in 1955 to reflect its location in Union County. The prison houses over 1,500 male inmates, ranging from those serving life sentences to those on death row. As a maximum-security facility, it handles some of Florida’s most dangerous criminals, including infamous serial killers and other violent offenders.

Over the years, Union Correctional Institution has been at the center of several incidents, including major escapes and inmate uprisings, but it has also been a place of rehabilitation with programs aimed at helping inmates reintegrate into society. Despite its challenging history, it remains a crucial part of the Florida Department of Corrections, providing a secure facility with strict safety measures, such as close monitoring, solitary confinement units, and advanced security protocols.

Union Correctional Institution Raiford Florida Prison

Contact Information for Union Correctional Institution

Visiting Information for Union Correctional Institution

Visitation at Union Correctional Institution takes place every weekend, offering friends and family the chance to connect with inmates. Visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as registration begins at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m. Proper identification is required, including a driver’s license or state-issued ID.

When visiting Union Correctional Institution, it’s important to adhere to the dress code, which prohibits revealing clothing and suggests business casual attire. Visitors are allowed to bring a small amount of money for vending machines, but all other personal belongings, including electronics, must be left outside the facility.

How to Book a Visit to Union Correctional Institution

Before visiting Union Correctional Institution, you must complete a visitor application. This can be done online through the Florida Department of Corrections website or by mail. Approval can take several weeks, so it’s essential to plan ahead. Once approved, visitors can bring up to three people, including children, to each visit. Visits are typically family-oriented, with areas designated for conversation and limited physical contact allowed.

To book a visit, you’ll need to provide:

  1. The inmate’s full name and ID number.
  2. A valid photo ID for each visitor.
  3. Completion of the visitor application form.

Directions and Parking Information for Union Correctional Institution

Union Correctional Institution is located in the small town of Raiford, Florida, in Union County. The main address is 7819 NW 228th Street, and it’s easily accessible via State Road 16. If you’re traveling from Jacksonville, head west on I-10, then south on US-301 until you reach SR-16. Free parking is available near the facility, but visitors are advised to arrive early as parking can fill up quickly on busy weekends.

 

Life Inside Union Correctional Institution and Latest News

Life inside Union Correctional Institution is highly regulated, with a focus on both security and rehabilitation. Inmates follow a strict daily schedule, which includes work assignments, educational programs, and recreation time. Educational opportunities, such as GED programs and vocational training in agriculture, help inmates develop skills for life after release. The prison also offers substance abuse counseling and religious services to support inmates’ personal development.

Recent reports have highlighted concerns about medical care at the facility, with several inmate deaths linked to inadequate healthcare. Despite these issues, Union Correctional Institution continues to be a key player in Florida’s criminal justice system. Inmates serving on death row at Union Correctional are under high security, with restricted movement and limited visitation rights.

Famous Prisoners at Union Correctional Institution

Union Correctional Institution has housed some of the most notorious criminals in Florida’s history. Among them are serial killers Ted Bundy, Oba Chandler, Danny Rolling, and Bobby Joe Long. Gary Ray Bowles, another serial killer, was executed at the prison in 2019. Other infamous inmates include Wade Wilson, convicted of multiple murders, and Clarence Earl Gideon, who was wrongfully convicted and later became the subject of a landmark Supreme Court case on the right to legal counsel.

 

FAQs About Union Correctional Institution

  • What type of prison is Union Correctional Institution?

    • Union Correctional Institution is a maximum-security facility that houses over 1,500 male inmates, including those on death row.
  • How can I contact Union Correctional Institution?

    • You can contact the prison by phone at (386) 431-2000 or by mail at 7819 NW 228th Street, Raiford, FL 32026-4000.
  • What are the visiting hours at Union Correctional Institution?

    • Visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Can I send money to an inmate at Union Correctional Institution?

    • Yes, you can send money via money order or through services like Western Union. Be sure to include the inmate’s full name and ID number.
  • What is the capacity of Union Correctional Institution?

    • The facility can hold up to 1,545 inmates.
  • What security level is Union Correctional Institution?

    • It is a level VII maximum-security prison, reserved for high-risk inmates.
  • Who are some of the famous prisoners held at Union Correctional Institution?

    • Notable inmates include Ted Bundy, Danny Rolling, and Bobby Joe Long, all of whom were notorious serial killers.
  • What kind of programs does Union Correctional Institution offer?

    • The prison offers GED education, vocational training in agriculture, substance abuse treatment, and religious services.
  • How do I book a visit to Union Correctional Institution?

    • You need to complete a visitor application form online or by mail. Once approved, you can visit on weekends.
  • Where is Union Correctional Institution located?

    • The prison is located in Raiford, Florida, at 7819 NW 228th Street.

Conclusion

Union Correctional Institution is a significant part of Florida’s correctional system, providing both secure containment and opportunities for rehabilitation. Despite its challenges, including controversies over healthcare and security, it remains one of the state’s most prominent maximum-security prisons, housing some of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history. Visitors and family members can stay connected through weekend visitations, but it’s crucial to follow all protocols for a safe and smooth experience.

For more details, you can visit the official Florida Department of Corrections page on Union Correctional Institution.

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