United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania: General Overview
The United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania (USP Allenwood) is a high-security federal prison located in Union County, approximately 2 miles north of Allenwood on Route 15. Opened in 1993, USP Allenwood is part of the Allenwood Federal Correctional Complex (FCC), which also includes medium- and low-security facilities. The penitentiary holds male inmates, many of whom have been convicted of serious federal crimes, including organized crime figures, drug kingpins, and violent offenders.
USP Allenwood houses around 630 prisoners across multiple two-story housing units. The facility is known for its Special Management Unit (SMU), which focuses on rehabilitating inmates with behavioral challenges through structured programs aimed at teaching self-discipline and social coexistence. Inmates have access to various educational programs, including GED and vocational training, with some inmates working in industries such as the UNICOR upholstery factory
Contact Information for United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania
- Address:
United States Penitentiary Allenwood
Route 15, 2 Miles North of Allenwood
Allenwood, PA 17810 - Phone: 570-547-0963
- Fax: 570-547-9201
- Email: ALX/ExecAssistant@bop.gov
- Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, Register Number
USP Allenwood
U.S. Penitentiary
P.O. Box 3000
White Deer, PA 17887
Visiting Information for United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania
Visiting at USP Allenwood takes place Friday through Sunday, as well as on federal holidays, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Visitors must arrive by 2:15 PM to ensure enough time for processing. Inmates are allowed up to five visitors at a time, and children under two do not count toward this limit. Each inmate is allotted nine visiting points per month, with weekend visits costing two points and Friday visits costing one.
During visits, prisoners can meet their family in designated dayroom areas, and visits are typically contact-based, allowing for direct interaction unless otherwise restricted. Visitors are required to follow strict dress codes and bring valid photo identification
How to Book a Visit at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania
To visit an inmate at USP Allenwood, you must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list. To get approved, inmates need to submit a list of potential visitors for review. Once approved, visitors can schedule their visits by contacting the facility. You will need to provide identification, and only visitors who have passed the approval process will be permitted to enter. When visiting, it’s essential to follow the dress code and be prepared for security checks.
The facility allows a maximum of five visitors per session, and visits are typically peaceful with time spent in the dayroom areas
How to Get to United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania
USP Allenwood is located on Route 15, about 2 miles north of Allenwood and 11 miles south of Williamsport. If you are driving from Washington, D.C., the prison is approximately 197 miles north. Ample parking is available at the facility, and directions can be easily obtained through most GPS services by entering the address. Public transport options to this remote location are limited, so driving is the most practical way to visit
What is Life Like for a Prisoner at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
Life at USP Allenwood is structured and highly controlled. Inmates live in two-story housing units where they spend time in common areas or dayrooms when not confined to their cells. Prisoners are given access to educational programs, including GED classes, vocational training, and work opportunities like upholstery work in the UNICOR factory.
The prison maintains a Special Management Unit (SMU) designed to rehabilitate inmates with behavioral issues by teaching them pro-social values. Despite these programs, life at USP Allenwood can be dangerous, with instances of violence reported over the years, including fatal assaults among inmates
Famous Prisoners at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania
USP Allenwood has housed several high-profile inmates over the years, including:
- James Eagan Holmes, the mass murderer behind the 2012 Aurora, Colorado theater shooting.
- Louis Daidone, former acting boss of the Lucchese crime family, serving a life sentence for racketeering and murder.
- Mohamud Salad Ali, a Somali pirate leader convicted of hijacking
- Esteban Santiago-Ruiz, the perpetrator of the 2017 Fort Lauderdale airport shooting
FAQs about United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania
What type of prison is United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
USP Allenwood is a high-security federal prison for male inmates.How do I contact an inmate at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
You can send mail to the inmate at:
Inmate Name, Register Number
USP Allenwood, P.O. Box 3000, White Deer, PA 17887.How do I schedule a visit at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list. Once approved, visits can be scheduled by contacting the facility.What are the visiting hours at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
Visiting hours are Friday through Sunday, and on federal holidays, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.What programs are available for inmates at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
USP Allenwood offers educational programs like GED classes and vocational training in fields like upholstery and drafting.How many inmates are housed at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
The prison currently houses around 630 inmates.Is there parking available at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
Yes, parking is available for visitors.Who are some notable inmates at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
Notable inmates include James Eagan Holmes and Louis Daidone.What type of inmates are held at United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
USP Allenwood houses high-security male inmates, many of whom are convicted of violent and federal crimes.What is life like inside United States Penitentiary Allenwood Pennsylvania?
Life is regimented with access to educational and work programs, but violence among inmates can occur