United States Penitentiary Beaumont: Overview
The United States Penitentiary Beaumont (USP Beaumont) is a high-security federal prison located in Beaumont, Texas. It primarily houses male inmates who have been convicted of serious federal crimes and are considered dangerous, requiring close supervision. Part of the larger Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Beaumont), USP Beaumont is notorious for its strict security measures, housing high-profile and sometimes violent offenders. The prison is known for holding inmates serving lengthy sentences, including life terms, and is designed to manage individuals who pose significant risks to the public or themselves.
In addition to the high-security facility, FCC Beaumont also includes a medium-security facility (FCI Beaumont Medium) and a low-security institution (FCI Beaumont Low), making it a comprehensive correctional center. Life inside USP Beaumont is highly controlled, with strict schedules, limited freedoms, and a focus on maintaining security. With its history of housing notorious criminals, the prison has gained a reputation as one of the toughest federal institutions in the country.
Contact Information for United States Penitentiary Beaumont
If you need to get in touch with United States Penitentiary Beaumont, here is the current contact information:
- Address:
United States Penitentiary Beaumont
6200 Knauth Road
Beaumont, TX 77705 - Phone:
(409) 727-8188 - Email:
None publicly listed. For inmate concerns or general information, use the mailing address or call the facility.
USP Beaumont falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and most communication is done via mail or phone for official business.
Visiting Information for United States Penitentiary Beaumont
Visiting an inmate at United States Penitentiary Beaumont is a structured process. Visits provide essential social and familial support to the inmates, helping them maintain a connection to the outside world. However, due to the prison’s high-security nature, the visitation process is strict and must be followed closely to ensure safety.
Visiting Days and Hours:
Visitations typically take place on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and federal holidays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early as processing times can vary.What to Bring to a Visit:
Visitors must bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). Personal items such as wallets, cell phones, and purses are not allowed into the visitation area and must be stored in a locker or left in your vehicle.What Visits Are Like:
Visits at USP Beaumont are contact visits, allowing some limited physical interaction like hugs or handshakes at the beginning and end of the visit. Conversations take place under the watchful eye of prison staff, and visits are usually calm but highly monitored. Children are allowed but must be supervised at all times.Duration of Visits:
Visits are typically limited to 2 hours, though during busy periods such as holidays, times may be shortened to accommodate more visitors.
How to Book a Visit to United States Penitentiary Beaumont
To book a visit at United States Penitentiary Beaumont, you’ll need to be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. This list is created after the inmate submits the names of potential visitors to the prison authorities. Here’s how the process works:
Steps to Book a Visit:
- Confirm that you are on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
- Call USP Beaumont ahead of time to check for available slots.
- Bring the required documentation (photo ID).
- Ensure compliance with the dress code (no revealing clothing, shorts, or items that could be deemed inappropriate).
What You Need:
A valid government-issued ID is essential. Visitors must also provide personal information such as their address and relationship to the inmate.Who Can Visit:
Inmates are generally allowed up to five visitors at a time, depending on the space available in the visiting room. The visitation list can include family members and close friends who have passed a background check.What Visits Are Like:
Visiting at United States Penitentiary Beaumont offers a brief opportunity for inmates to connect with their loved ones, though physical contact is strictly limited. Conversations are monitored, and security is a priority.
How to Get to United States Penitentiary Beaumont
United States Penitentiary Beaumont is located approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Beaumont, Texas, in Jefferson County. Here’s how you can get there:
Driving Directions:
From downtown Beaumont, take I-10 West toward Houston. Exit at Walden Road, then follow signs for the prison by taking a left onto FM 365. After approximately 3 miles, turn left onto Knauth Road, and you will see the facility on your left.Parking Information:
Parking is available at the prison for visitors. There is a designated parking area near the entrance, and spaces are usually adequate for the number of visitors, though it may fill up quickly on busy visiting days.Public Transport:
Public transportation options are limited for getting to USP Beaumont, so driving is the most reliable method of transportation. Ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft may also be available from Beaumont city center.
What is United States Penitentiary Beaumont Like for a Prisoner?
Life inside United States Penitentiary Beaumont is rigid and highly controlled. Inmates face a strict daily schedule that includes headcounts, meals, and limited recreational time. The facility is known for its stringent security protocols, and inmates have limited freedom of movement. While there are opportunities for education and limited vocational training, many inmates find the environment to be isolating, with tensions sometimes running high among the prison population.
Recent reports from the prison suggest that there have been challenges with overcrowding and occasional violent incidents among inmates. However, the staff is trained to de-escalate situations swiftly to maintain order. The federal prison system provides medical and mental health care, though resources can be strained due to the large population.
Famous Prisoners at United States Penitentiary Beaumont
USP Beaumont has housed a number of high-profile inmates over the years, making it one of the more infamous federal prisons. Some of the more well-known inmates include:
- Barry Byron Mills: Leader of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang, serving multiple life sentences for organized crime-related charges.
- Robert Hanssen: Former FBI agent convicted of espionage, who is known as one of the most notorious spies in U.S. history.
- David Paul Hammer: Convicted murderer who was sentenced to death for killing a fellow inmate.
These notorious inmates have contributed to the prison’s reputation as a place for dangerous criminals serving long-term sentences.
FAQs About United States Penitentiary Beaumont
Where is United States Penitentiary Beaumont located?
United States Penitentiary Beaumont is located in Beaumont, Texas, approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Beaumont.What security level is United States Penitentiary Beaumont?
USP Beaumont is a high-security federal prison that houses dangerous male inmates with long sentences.How can I visit someone at United States Penitentiary Beaumont?
You must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list, bring a valid ID, and comply with the prison’s visitation rules.What famous inmates have been held at United States Penitentiary Beaumont?
Notable inmates include Barry Byron Mills, Robert Hanssen, and David Paul Hammer.What is life like inside United States Penitentiary Beaumont?
Life inside USP Beaumont is highly controlled, with a strict daily routine and limited freedoms for inmates.How do I get to United States Penitentiary Beaumont?
The prison is accessible by car, located off FM 365 in Beaumont, Texas. Parking is available for visitors.What can I bring to a visit at United States Penitentiary Beaumont?
Visitors are required to bring a valid photo ID. Personal items must be stored outside the visitation area.How long are visits at United States Penitentiary Beaumont?
Visits usually last around two hours, but times can vary depending on the number of visitors on a given day.Does United States Penitentiary Beaumont offer any inmate programs?
Yes, USP Beaumont offers educational and vocational training, though the security level limits available activities.Are there any public tours of United States Penitentiary Beaumont?
No, public tours are not allowed at USP Beaumont due to its high-security nature.
Summary and Conclusion
United States Penitentiary Beaumont is a high-security federal prison located in Texas, housing male inmates serving lengthy sentences for serious federal crimes. With strict security measures, limited freedoms, and a roster of notorious inmates, the prison is a critical part of the federal correctional system. For those looking to visit inmates, careful adherence to the prison’s