United States Penitentiary Tucson: General Overview

The United States Penitentiary Tucson (USP Tucson) is a high-security federal prison located in the southern part of Arizona, just outside Tucson. Opened in 2006, this facility is designed to house male inmates, particularly those with a high security classification. USP Tucson is notable for its Sex Offender Management Program (SOMP), making it a unique institution within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Approximately 40% of its population is incarcerated for sexual offenses. The prison is part of the broader Tucson Federal Correctional Complex, which includes a minimum-security satellite camp.

USP Tucson houses approximately 1,500 inmates, with an additional 138 in the minimum-security camp. Life inside USP Tucson includes access to educational and rehabilitation programs, though the environment is strict due to the high-security nature of the prison. The facility is known to manage vulnerable populations such as sex offenders and those requiring mental health treatment.

Contact Information: United States Penitentiary Tucson

Address:
United States Penitentiary Tucson
9300 South Wilmot Road
Tucson, AZ 85756
Phone Number: 520-663-5000
Fax Number: 520-663-5024
Email: TCP/TCX-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov

For inmate correspondence, use the following address:

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name & Register Number
USP Tucson
P.O. Box 24550
Tucson, AZ 85734

Visiting Information: United States Penitentiary Tucson

Visiting hours at USP Tucson are available on weekends and federal holidays. Visiting times typically run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. It’s important to confirm your visit ahead of time, as special housing inmates may have modified visiting hours.

What to Bring: Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Personal belongings, including cell phones and bags, are typically not allowed inside the visitation area.

Visitation Experience: Visits last up to several hours, depending on the inmate’s status and the day of the visit. The environment is closely monitored, and rules must be strictly followed to ensure a smooth visit.

How to Book a Visit to United States Penitentiary Tucson

To visit an inmate at USP Tucson, you must first be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. The inmate will initiate this process by sending you a visitor application form. Once you receive approval, you can schedule a visit by contacting the facility directly.

When booking a visit, you will need:

The inmate’s full name and register number
Your approved visitor status
Government-issued identification

Each inmate is allowed a certain number of visitors per session. Group visits can include up to four adults, but you must confirm the specific limitations in advance.

How to Get to United States Penitentiary Tucson

Located about 10 miles southeast of downtown Tucson, USP Tucson is accessible via Interstate 10.

From Downtown Tucson:
Take I-10 E, exit on South Wilmot Road, and follow signs for the prison. The address is 9300 South Wilmot Road.
Parking Information: Free parking is available onsite for visitors.

What is Life Like at United States Penitentiary Tucson?

Life inside USP Tucson is structured and highly secure, with strict routines in place. The facility houses inmates who are considered high-risk, and the population includes a significant number of sex offenders. The prison offers educational programs, such as GED preparation, and rehabilitation services, particularly focusing on mental health and drug abuse programs.

However, the facility has faced incidents of violence and unrest, as seen with the attack on notorious inmates like Larry Nassar in 2023. Despite these events, USP Tucson remains committed to providing secure and humane treatment for its population.

Famous Prisoners at United States Penitentiary Tucson

Several high-profile inmates have been incarcerated at USP Tucson:

Larry Nassar: Former USA Gymnastics doctor, serving 60 years for producing child pornography.
Randy “Duke” Cunningham: A former U.S. Congressman convicted of bribery.
Brian David Mitchell: Abductor of Elizabeth Smart, serving a life sentence.
Steve Dale Green: A former U.S. Army Private convicted of rape and murder during his deployment in Iraq.

FAQs: United States Penitentiary Tucson

What security level is USP Tucson?
USP Tucson is a high-security federal prison with an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp.
Can I send money to inmates at United States Penitentiary Tucson?
Yes, you can send money through the BOP’s National Lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa, or through services like Western Union and MoneyGram.
How do I book a visit to USP Tucson?
You must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list, and once approved, you can schedule visits during regular visiting hours by contacting the facility.
What are the visiting hours at United States Penitentiary Tucson?
Visiting hours are Friday through Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, including federal holidays.
Are there rehabilitation programs available at USP Tucson?
Yes, the prison offers educational programs, mental health services, and drug abuse rehabilitation.
How many inmates are housed at United States Penitentiary Tucson?
Approximately 1,516 inmates are housed in the high-security prison, with an additional 138 at the satellite camp.
Who is the most notorious inmate at USP Tucson?
Larry Nassar, convicted of sexual abuse, is one of the most infamous inmates at USP Tucson.
Is USP Tucson part of a larger correctional complex?
Yes, it is part of the Tucson Federal Correctional Complex, which includes other facilities with varying security levels.
What mental health services are available at USP Tucson?
USP Tucson offers Level 3 mental health care for inmates requiring psychiatric support.
Where is USP Tucson located?
USP Tucson is located at 9300 South Wilmot Road, Tucson, Arizona.

For more detailed information, visit the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ website.

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