Does anyone know anything about MDC-Brooklyn?
I am told it is now classified as a low level Fed facility.

I've been there a few times when my husband was there. I don't know about what level it is . Anything u need to know if I can help I will.

I visited there last year. As far as I know it is still an administrative facility holding mostly pretrial inmates. The inmates don't even get to go outside for recreation so I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be considered a low security facility.

Sorry to hear your are going to Brooklyn. MDC Brooklyn houses both pre-trial detainees and sentenced offenders. It does take minimum and low security inmates. It is not a desirable placement (from what I have heard), but I was placed there also,to serve a year and a day sentence (white-collar, first offense, minimum security). I am going in after Memorial Day.

I forgot to add that it also houses all manner of medium, high, and ulta-high security inmates; they are segregated by floor.

I have a relative heading in to MDC Brooklyn.
Is it a safe place inside?
Are the inmates allowed to workout?
Is there a tv room?
Is there a library?
Are there any fights?
Do they have a work program for the inmates?
Are you allowed to receive packages?
Are there long waits for visits?
Does anyone have any additional information that would be helpful.
Thank you

I posted this a month ago to someone else asking the same questions:

I was at MDC Brooklyn for 2 weeks back in Oct. '06 until my bail was posted. The experience amazed me. Inmates are divided between short-sentence guys like yourself, and those who are awaiting trial or other legal hearings and haven't made bail, and also guys who are waiting assignment or transfer to another insititution.

The first week there you'll be in a "reception" area, 2-man cells, strictly run. The feel is much like what I imagine Medium or High secutiry to be. Food sucks, and there is no access to commissary. Some of the guys in this unit who were in transit had some of their "stuff" with them, like powdered coffee and a special transistor radio which you need to hear the tv's. The CO's there don't give a damn about you, and the Counselor (like a Unit Leader in a regular insititution) is only around for about an hour a day. Getting to see him is frustrating.

Placement in this unit is temporary. Your situation is evaluated, and you are then transferred to a "regular" unit. There are two types: the cell-blocks, and the "dorms." Assignment is based on security classification (i.e., history of violence). I was assigned to a dorm, and it surprised the hell out of me. I'm white and 65, and was expecting the worst. I couldn't have been more wrong. First, there were 125 men in one large room which included all the bunk beds, the dining/tv area, showers and bathrooms. This was presided over by one, lone female officer! Not once was she shown even a moment of disrespect, and she was clearly very comfortable moving around the room. The men were very considerate of each other, and I didn't hear a raised voice ever, much less an argument. They were very helpful to me. They offered me food, and the first time they saw me heading for the shower they stopped me, and a Latino who spoke no English pantomimed to me that I shouldn't go near the showers without "shower shoes". He guided me to his bunk, and pointed to an extra pair he had under his bed, and "told" me that I could borrow them anytime I wanted. I was offered food regularly. Guys near my bunk were always asking, "are you hungry? Want something to eat?" The most caring thing that happened to me really touched me: I'm elderly, and was assigned an upper bunk with no ladder on it. Any time guys around me would see me trying to either get up to or down from the bed, they would immediately stop what they were doing (playing cards, writing letters, etc.), and help me to make sure I didn't fall. Much of the time we didn't speak the same language, and we certainly came from different cultures. That never seemed to matter. Everyone realized we were all in the same situation (hell, in the same big room!), and no one was any different or better than anyone else.

I was in Dorm 5-South. The atmosphere was very relaxed. No fighting over the phones, no BS issues. The tv's hang from the ceilings, and after lights-out at 10 pm, they let the guys swivel the tv's to face the beds, and they left some low lighting on. Guys quietly talk, read, play cards, etc., until midnight when the room goes dark. After that many guys read (using small personal lamps) or listen to the radio. But no one bothers anyone, and the CO's don't care. I wasn't there long enough to know much, but I did learn one thing very quickly. Like Tyler Perry's book title "Don't Make A Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings!", you never want to force a CO to do their job! The CO's I encountered had one thing in common: they really don't want to do much, and they definitely don't want to have to deal with arguments or other negative crap. They just want to get through their shift in peace and go home to their family. They want to have good reports on their unit, and inmates need to help make that happen. Technically, the 10 pm lights-out means just that (and in the reception unit it definitely was). But because this dorm was well-ordered, and there was never any loud noise (except for football touchdowns on tv), the administration and supervising officers basically left it alone, and the CO's were able to cut the guys a lot of slack. Which turned down the frustration level, which cut the tension way down, which made for a better living situation.

There is one enclosed tv room where you can watch if you don't have a radio, and a rec room with a small indoor track surrounding a space where they play volleyball in the late afternoon and evening. There is no going outdoors. The facility is in the middle of a large industrial area, and if you didn't know better you would swear it was just another warehouse or factory. There was no "yard" that I was ever aware of, and I never heard anyone mention differently.

The age range in this dorm was 18-70. It's racially mixed, but I rarely noticed guys grouping intentionally by race. Most rec activities (board games, cards, etc.) were very "blended".

The one thing you want to be careful of at MDC Brooklyn is the gangs. There were no gang members in my dorm, but I was told of other units (the cell blocks) where they had huge problems with gang members. I was also told that not all of the dorms were the same, not all as civil.

While my dorm experience was positive, I have read on here of guys that did not like the dorm environment. Maybe I was just lucky, but I didn't mind it a bit, and was actually impressed by the civility and maturity of the whole thing.

Good luck to you!!

Thank you so much for replying to my post! That makes me feel a little bit better. The whole situation just seems scary to me. Does anyone know anything about the visitation policy? Or if you can bring anything with you when you self surrender? Are inmates allowed to receive packages from family and friends?

Thank you to all.

Check out the Forums for Self-Surrender, and Mail-Packages, and the others as well. You'll find a treasure-trove of really helpful information there. I will take you some time to read through a lot of it, but you'll get an education from it. I know I did.

You'll get the answers to most of your questions. If you ask them one at a time here, you'll have to wait for someone to answer them, which is frustrating. If you go ahead and visit the Forums and check out the threads in them, you'll get your answers without waiting.

Everyone here helps each other. And the questions you have in your mind have already been asked by many who have come before you. And their answers are already here. Just dig 'em out!!

Hey fam, does anybody know the procedure to visit at MDC Brooklyn, while person is awaiting transfer. He is already in the system and his visit list in already in PA. He was supposed to move last week, then this week, and now next. So we want to get their today. between 5-8pm. Thanks Ann

My fiancee is in there now, he says he feels safe and the people are generally nice. The commissary is every two weeks but they're often "out" of the stuff that inmates really want, like pens and the right size underpants. They play a lot of ping-pong, mail call is late afternoon, and I've only sent packages successfully from Amazon.com - books and such. Softcovers get thru find but someone swiped his copy of Harry Potter. Make sure you keep delivery confirmation for everything.

The visiting policies at MDC Brooklyn are pretty strict, and depending on who is working that day they may give you the run-around. So far the people at the front desk have been decent people not looking to make trouble where there isnt any, but the guards in the room range from decent to total jerk.

Don't let them pick a fight with you, one or two of them certainly try to and its not worth it, just stay polite. But also don't let them send you away without a reason. You're entitled to a detailed reason why you can't visit and a chance to fix it if possible (i.e. change your clothes).

They give you one hour from the moment your inmate walks thru the visiting room door. Get there at least an hour before the visiting period ends to be admitted at all, and expect to wait about 45 minutes from when you arrive to actually get into the room.

I've seen people turned away for the wrong clothes almost every visit. Don't wear ANY shade of tan, brown or green, and white pants do not fly. No shorts or skirts 3 inches over the knee, no low-cut clothes, no spandex and you need sleeves. No hoodies, no zippered shirts. Make sure you can't see through your shirt. Wear closed-toe shoes, sneakers are better than boots since there's no metal inside them usually. No clothes with holes.

They make you take the clips out of your hair to check them for contraband so avoid fancy hairdos, they'll just get un-did. You're allowed to bring in a small clear plastic container (like a ziploc bag) for change for the machines in $1, $5 and quarters no more than $20 but nothing else unless you're bringing a baby in then you can bring diapers and such. Not so much as a piece of paper otherwise, and you will have to turn out your pockets. They give you a key for a locker to put your stuff in. I usually leave my belt in the locker to avoid setting off the metal detector, it just slows the process down since they have to search you with the wand if it goes off.

Sometimes they're just looking for a reason to turn you away so it's best to not give them a reason. Dress conservatively, be polite and listen when they give you instructions. I recommend reading everything on the BOP site carefully, and work on sticking a smile on your face when confronted by a jerk.

Good luck

My fiance is also at MDC Brooklyn. Has anyone tried to bring a tampon or maxi pad into the place? I'm just curiuos as to what you're supposed to do when that time comes. He is in the work cadre program so we are allowed to visit from 8-3. I appreciate any response.

Thanks.

Hi Scared and all...
My friend Glenn is in MDC Brooklyn (my gods typing that just seems so wrong) and he has been there for 7 days. I dont know how he is, and I cant visit as I am not immediate family. This thread helped a little, but I am so worried. I want to send "care packages" but I dont know whats allowed and what is not.

Susan

I'm sorry to say that you're not allowed to send him care packages. This federal institution does not allow any. They allow magazines to be sent directly from the publisher, but honestly don't waste your money because I sent my fiancee some, but even though they were delivered, he never received them. The guards keep them to read for themselves. You are allowed to write to him, go on the bop website and click on the facility that will give you the address that you write to. He will be able to call you if he places you on his phone list and you'll be able to visit if you fill out the appropriate forms. Is he in the work program? Did he self surrender? I just went through all this a couple of months ago, so ask any questions you may have, I will try and help you any way that I can.

Lots of luck.

Hi Scared...
Thank you for being so helpful. I was under the impression that I would NOT be allowed to visit as I am not an immediate family member. The PDF file from MDC Brooklyn says only immediate family gets to visit at that facility?

Glenn was NOT allowed to self surrender they took him away at sentencing in front of his grieving family, and his friends. I was in such shock, we were led to believe he could self surrender, and would be allowed to do so.

What can I mail him, in a letter? I dont want to get him in any trouble. Can I mail him my phone number? I doubt he has mine memorized, so he couldnt add me to a phone list.

What kind of things can he get in commisary, and how do I add to his account? Will he know I even did so? If he has no clue funds were added, then its kinda useless.

Thank you so so much for your help. Heh, maybe Glenn will get to know your loved one.

He was sentenced a week ago, Friday. 9 years.
Sincerely, (and thank you)
Susan

Susan,

You can definitely mail your number. They read the letters, but they're not supposed to tell anyone about them unless there's illegal stuff. Just don't write anything you wouldn't want the government to know, don't make threats and don't plot escape. :)

I've sent my fiance all sorts of paperwork - a full printout of our wedding guests' addresses, several articles from newspapers, dozens of photos (even a bikini one to keep him warm at night!), and plain paper and envelopes. I've used large clasp envelopes and just pulled off the clasp for the larger stuff.

Glenn will be able to check his commissary account and see there's money in it, but you might want to sent him a note that you did so in case he doesn't check. He can use that money for phone calls as well so he doesn't need to call collect. There's a pretty detailed FAQ on the BOP site under "Inmate Matters" (on the top) and "Inmate Money" (on the left in that section)

I've used Western Union Quick Collect option so far and it hits the account that same day. There's a fee of about $10 depending on how much you send but I can handle it all online, and not worry he'll run out before the funds get to him. The form at Western Union uses the inmate register number followed by last name - no spaces or dashes (ex: 12345678SMITH) and his full name on the optional line (ex: JOHN SMITH). They can only spend $110 at each commissary and $290 for the whole month.

The only thing I've been able to send is paperback books. He says folks in there have hardcovers, but I'm not having any luck with that. :) I tried to send pens and a photo album from Amazon and they got sent back, oh well.

Tell him to hang in there. MDC is a pretty lousy place with no outside, but the people are more nice than jerks at least. If he's sentenced to 9 years, they'll designate him in a few weeks and probably move him somewhere else.

Hi Ksemel,
Thank you for your reply. Ive written him letters but I told him I dont expect a response from him as Id rather he save his money for commisary. And really, what is he going to be writing anyway...that hes miserable?

Do you have any idea how long it takes to get a name on a phone list? He hasnt been cleared to call me yet, hes been there since Sept 9th. I cant call the prison to find out if I am on the list, and they dont tell him anything, from what Ive gathered.

I miss him so so much. Its so hard to think of him in jail.
Thanks for your help and replies.
Susan

My hubby is waiting on clearance for our very first contact visit. I'm just wondering if we (wife and kids) don't really have to wait??? He was cleared by Medic and waiting to be transferred out of holding to meet with a counselor. From what he tells me, until he meets with a counselor--he won't really know anything about visits. Noone seems to tell you anything.

My hubby is waiting on clearance for our very first contact visit. I'm just wondering if we (wife and kids) don't really have to wait??? He was cleared by Medic and waiting to be transferred out of holding to meet with a counselor. From what he tells me, until he meets with a counselor--he won't really know anything about visits. Noone seems to tell you anything.

Just a follow-up to this message. After being cleared by medical he was moved out of holding yesterday. I'm wondering if I can just complete FORM BRO 5267.08A (Visitor Information Sheet) which is available online and mail to hubby to expedite things? Not sure if I only need to complete one or do I have to fill one out for each of our kids as well? Our oldest is 17. I would think NOT for minors.

Thanks.

Never mind. We're going to see him on Wed. No form--we're married and kids and I have the same last name. We're good to go! Can't wait.

You are so lucky to get to visit....the guy I've been dating (also my best friend) is at MDC Brooklyn and I can't get cleared to visit....it's killing me! Just a lot of letters....

You are so lucky to get to visit....the guy I've been dating (also my best friend) is at MDC Brooklyn and I can't get cleared to visit....it's killing me! Just a lot of letters....

You will get clearance eventually. They work on immediately family first and then all others. As long as there was an existing relationship prior to incarceration, you will be allowed to visit. My girlfriend is waiting on clearance to see her man too. He is also at MDC. Did you read my other post about the visit itself? It's some process getting into this place but it was worth it. Even if all I got was a 1 minute kiss! :(

Hello everyone I am new to this forum. Thanks for all the info so far.

I have a friend serving Federal time. He received a sentence of 8 months. He was allowed to self surrender at Fort Dix FCI (He lives in NJ) now the BOP locater shows him in MDC Brooklyn.

Can anyone tell me why they might have moved him to MDC? Also what is the work cadre like? What kind of work will they let them do?

Is there any chance of him going back to Fort Dix? Another question although not directly prison related: What is supervised release like? How close a tabs do they keep on you? How often does one have to report?

--> I will try t answer your questions one at a time.
I have a friend serving Federal time. He received a sentence of 8 months. He was allowed to self surrender at Fort Dix FCI (He lives in NJ) now the BOP locater shows him in MDC Brooklyn.

Can anyone tell me why they might have moved him to MDC?
--> It is very common for persons with a "short sentence" (year and a day or less) to be sent to MDC for their whole sentence.

Also what is the work cadre like? What kind of work will they let them do?
--> From friends who were there, I understand that it is mostly groundskeeping. However there are jobs in Library, kitchen, etc.

Is there any chance of him going back to Fort Dix?
--> Very unlikely

Another question although not directly prison related: What is supervised release like? How close a tabs do they keep on you? How often does one have to report?
--> This varies by case and by probation officer. There is a monthly written report. If his case is drug-related, he will have random testing. Probation Officer will visit at random times. How often very much depends on the individual and his relationship with Probation Officer. I get an unannounced visit about once in six weeks at random times. However, the judge modified the terms to permit me unlimited travel in the tri-state area. I think if he has travel restrictions he may get more frequent visits.

Feel Free to ask any other questions.

--> I will try t answer your questions one at a time.
I have a friend serving Federal time. He received a sentence of 8 months. He was allowed to self surrender at Fort Dix FCI (He lives in NJ) now the BOP locater shows him in MDC Brooklyn.

Can anyone tell me why they might have moved him to MDC?
--> It is very common for persons with a "short sentence" (year and a day or less) to be sent to MDC for their whole sentence.

Also what is the work cadre like? What kind of work will they let them do?
--> From friends who were there, I understand that it is mostly groundskeeping. However there are jobs in Library, kitchen, etc.

Is there any chance of him going back to Fort Dix?
--> Very unlikely

Another question although not directly prison related: What is supervised release like? How close a tabs do they keep on you? How often does one have to report?
--> This varies by case and by probation officer. There is a monthly written report. If his case is drug-related, he will have random testing. Probation Officer will visit at random times. How often very much depends on the individual and his relationship with Probation Officer. I get an unannounced visit about once in six weeks at random times. However, the judge modified the terms to permit me unlimited travel in the tri-state area. I think if he has travel restrictions he may get more frequent visits.

Feel Free to ask any other questions.

Just one clarification, I understand that MDC Brooklyn has no yard or grounds. What kind of groundskeeping jobs could there be? Do they have any off premise details like chain gangs or picking up garbage?

Yes, the "outside" work is for the National Parks Service.
I served just over ten months and while it seems like foreever, he and you will get through it.
Good Luck