kintml2u
02-26-2004, 05:56 PM
Low Security Correctional Institution Allenwood
Inmate mailing address
PO Box 1000
White Deer, PA 17887
Note: Its part of the Allenwood complex which includes a low, FCI Medium, USP Max, Special Confinement Unit and Camp about a mile or so from here. LSCI Allenwood is primarily a INS Immigration Compound, so 85% are non US citizens.
Educational Programs
Is not well suited for those that have an above average education. There are no opportunities for those who are post graduates. Allenwood offers GED (equal to 7th grade in NY state), ESL (English as second language), adult continued education-run by other inmates, drafting, office automation and correspondence, college program through a local business institution. The max you can get is your Associates Degree and it is at the cost of the inmate. GED and ESL are mandatory for those who don’t have a high school diploma or greater. Those who refuse are punished with deduction of good time and restriction on commissary.
Work Details
Work ranges from Education tutors, Orderlies, Clerks, Facilities (electric, plumbing, landscape, painting, carpentry), Landry, Food services, Recreational Orderlies, Compound cleaning (outside), trash and Unit Cleaning Staff. UNICOR is at this location and they make tables and chairs. This place is designed for about 900 people but there is almost 1,400 people here. Work ranges from 4-8 hour days, some work 7 days a week, some only 4. Pay is 5 grades: 5 those without GED’s max pay is $5.25 month
4 $ .12 hour
3 $ .24 hour
2 $ .48 hour
1 $ .96 hour
UNICOR ranges from $ .32 an hour to $1.10 an hour depending on whether the work is demanding or not. Clerk jobs (like mine) are considered the most prized jobs and the highest paid.
Recreational Activities
There is a gym, outdoor and indoor weight room, treadmills, bikes (stationary) spinning class, outdoor track, soccer field, softball field, Italian Bowling (botchy pits), handball courts, outdoor basketball, horseshoes, indoor basketball and indoor soccer. We also have a leisure center with table soccer, ping pong, 3 pool tables, music practice rooms, painting classes and other artwork.
Medical
I personally would rate the medical care a 2 out of 10….10 being the highest. I have had problems with health services. So I try to avoid them. Worse then clinical care probably like most military medical centers.
Visitation
Visiting is Friday thru Sunday and is based on a point system. 1 point for Friday and 2 points for Saturday and Sunday. Each person gets 12 points per month. Hours are 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. During warm weather you can sit on the patio or inside a large room. Vending machines are available as well as a meeting room and children’s play area. SHU wear orange and have to sit closest to the visiting desk and can’t get up until they are leaving. There is limited contact but visits are face to face. You may hug and kiss when the visit starts and again when leaving.
Food Services
I would rate it pretty good. Plenty of food but taste quality depends on who the cooks are. Since this place houses over 75 different ethnic groups the meals vary. Always have soup and salad bar. 3 meals a day Monday thru Friday and 2 meals on Saturday and Sunday with coffee hour on weekend mornings. Meals start 6-7 am, 11 am-12 pm, 5:15-6:30 pm. Meals are on rotation with the cleanest unit goes first (4 units).
Commissary
A commissary list was included with this location. When I am able to scan this, I will post it along with this information.
Each inmate is afforded the privilege to shop once per week. The inmate must be present in Commissary when called to shop or he will forfeit his shopping privileges for the week. Sales are scheduled by the last 2 digits of the first 5 numbers in the inmate register number (exp. 12345-012…45 would be number). The schedule at this location goes like this. Monday 00-25, Tuesday 26-50, Wednesday 51-75, Thursday 76-99.
Library
Legal library is always sbusy and I guess it is complete. I personally have not used it since I still have a lawyer. Most here do there own legal work.
Leisure Library is stocked 100% on donations. There is a semi-good stock mostly geared towards lower education block. Not much in the way of real research books. Since I study politics (international) and history there is little that interests me. We do have access to a local public library. Only 3 request at a time and we can keep the book for 3 weeks.
RDAP
Never heard of it.
Living Conditions
Living is cube style in large open dorm. There is about 325 men per unit. Most dorms are 3 man with a few 2 man cubes. Sanitation is strict, very demanding-military style. We have one bin under the bed for clothing (for 3 men), 5 foot locker for personal items, 4 hook hangers for clothing and 6 desks. The 2 men cubes are the same but no bunks or bins.
Racial/Age make-up
One of the most diverse places in the BOP. Only about 300 or so are from the USA. The make up is about 75 or so countries and over 80 languages to dialects. Primary languages are English, Spanish, French, Korean, Russian and German. We have a large Muslim and Arab population as well as Dominican and Caribbean population. Age ranges from 16 to 90. Majority of foreigners are in their 30-40’s. Most Muslims are black and have poor hygiene. There is a large Nation of Islam following (militant-political Islamic movement). There is a large Christian (English and Spanish) following and about 20-30 Jews mostly from Russia.
Typewriters
No computers for personal work. Typewriters are mostly out dated for legal work only. Clerks are the only others who have typewriters. People must buy their own ribbons and correction tape.
Telephones
8 phones per unit-2 before 4:30 pm. Limited 15 minutes every 30 minutes, 300 minutes per month at $ .20 per minute, $3.00 per 15 minute phone call.
Furloughs
Furloughs are rare and no idea how often (have only been here since Aug 03).
Items issued by BOP
3 pair pants, 3 button shirts, shoes, heavy jacket, 2 towels, two sets of sheets, two blankets, pillow, 5 t-shirts, 5 socks, 5 boxers, winter hat and gloves. Soap, razors, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste every other week.
Items that can be sent in
Limited letters, pictures, soft cover books and magazines, hard cover books and newspapers from publisher or book store ONLY. Money Orders now are sent to an Iowa address, only.
Parole Hearings
Unsure but they do have INS hearings every Tuesday.
Religious Groups
There is a strong Christian following as both Chaplin’s are Christians, one Non-denomination and other former Baptist minister and Lt Corporal in Air force Reserve, (Chaplin in military). Prison Ministry has strong participation. Outside contracts for Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish and Muslim. But also have Native American, Hindu, Buddhist, Jehovah Witness, Mormon, and Sikh. Have resources for 7th day adventure, Eastern Orthodox as well as Yoga and Meditation groups. Muslim service on average attends about 100, Christian total (Spanish and English) about 400, Jewish 12-24, Hindu about 10, Buddhist about 12-20. This chapel is going to become the only BOP place to have an in house Seminary training with connection to outside seminary and various church involvements. Out of all of the groups the Islamic are the least liked. Most are blacks who use Islam to hide behind sort of a racial protection. But most only pretend to be; only about 50% are truly Islamic from Middle East. I myself am a Christian Jew (Messianic Jew).
Parenting Programs
Yes mostly outside contract through education.
Marriage Workshops
Something is offered however I have no details since I am single.
Other things
We are allowed to walk compound on Saturday and Sundays and weekdays we have controlled 10 minute moves.
Have been at LSCI Allenwood from 8/03 to current.
Inmate mailing address
PO Box 1000
White Deer, PA 17887
Note: Its part of the Allenwood complex which includes a low, FCI Medium, USP Max, Special Confinement Unit and Camp about a mile or so from here. LSCI Allenwood is primarily a INS Immigration Compound, so 85% are non US citizens.
Educational Programs
Is not well suited for those that have an above average education. There are no opportunities for those who are post graduates. Allenwood offers GED (equal to 7th grade in NY state), ESL (English as second language), adult continued education-run by other inmates, drafting, office automation and correspondence, college program through a local business institution. The max you can get is your Associates Degree and it is at the cost of the inmate. GED and ESL are mandatory for those who don’t have a high school diploma or greater. Those who refuse are punished with deduction of good time and restriction on commissary.
Work Details
Work ranges from Education tutors, Orderlies, Clerks, Facilities (electric, plumbing, landscape, painting, carpentry), Landry, Food services, Recreational Orderlies, Compound cleaning (outside), trash and Unit Cleaning Staff. UNICOR is at this location and they make tables and chairs. This place is designed for about 900 people but there is almost 1,400 people here. Work ranges from 4-8 hour days, some work 7 days a week, some only 4. Pay is 5 grades: 5 those without GED’s max pay is $5.25 month
4 $ .12 hour
3 $ .24 hour
2 $ .48 hour
1 $ .96 hour
UNICOR ranges from $ .32 an hour to $1.10 an hour depending on whether the work is demanding or not. Clerk jobs (like mine) are considered the most prized jobs and the highest paid.
Recreational Activities
There is a gym, outdoor and indoor weight room, treadmills, bikes (stationary) spinning class, outdoor track, soccer field, softball field, Italian Bowling (botchy pits), handball courts, outdoor basketball, horseshoes, indoor basketball and indoor soccer. We also have a leisure center with table soccer, ping pong, 3 pool tables, music practice rooms, painting classes and other artwork.
Medical
I personally would rate the medical care a 2 out of 10….10 being the highest. I have had problems with health services. So I try to avoid them. Worse then clinical care probably like most military medical centers.
Visitation
Visiting is Friday thru Sunday and is based on a point system. 1 point for Friday and 2 points for Saturday and Sunday. Each person gets 12 points per month. Hours are 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. During warm weather you can sit on the patio or inside a large room. Vending machines are available as well as a meeting room and children’s play area. SHU wear orange and have to sit closest to the visiting desk and can’t get up until they are leaving. There is limited contact but visits are face to face. You may hug and kiss when the visit starts and again when leaving.
Food Services
I would rate it pretty good. Plenty of food but taste quality depends on who the cooks are. Since this place houses over 75 different ethnic groups the meals vary. Always have soup and salad bar. 3 meals a day Monday thru Friday and 2 meals on Saturday and Sunday with coffee hour on weekend mornings. Meals start 6-7 am, 11 am-12 pm, 5:15-6:30 pm. Meals are on rotation with the cleanest unit goes first (4 units).
Commissary
A commissary list was included with this location. When I am able to scan this, I will post it along with this information.
Each inmate is afforded the privilege to shop once per week. The inmate must be present in Commissary when called to shop or he will forfeit his shopping privileges for the week. Sales are scheduled by the last 2 digits of the first 5 numbers in the inmate register number (exp. 12345-012…45 would be number). The schedule at this location goes like this. Monday 00-25, Tuesday 26-50, Wednesday 51-75, Thursday 76-99.
Library
Legal library is always sbusy and I guess it is complete. I personally have not used it since I still have a lawyer. Most here do there own legal work.
Leisure Library is stocked 100% on donations. There is a semi-good stock mostly geared towards lower education block. Not much in the way of real research books. Since I study politics (international) and history there is little that interests me. We do have access to a local public library. Only 3 request at a time and we can keep the book for 3 weeks.
RDAP
Never heard of it.
Living Conditions
Living is cube style in large open dorm. There is about 325 men per unit. Most dorms are 3 man with a few 2 man cubes. Sanitation is strict, very demanding-military style. We have one bin under the bed for clothing (for 3 men), 5 foot locker for personal items, 4 hook hangers for clothing and 6 desks. The 2 men cubes are the same but no bunks or bins.
Racial/Age make-up
One of the most diverse places in the BOP. Only about 300 or so are from the USA. The make up is about 75 or so countries and over 80 languages to dialects. Primary languages are English, Spanish, French, Korean, Russian and German. We have a large Muslim and Arab population as well as Dominican and Caribbean population. Age ranges from 16 to 90. Majority of foreigners are in their 30-40’s. Most Muslims are black and have poor hygiene. There is a large Nation of Islam following (militant-political Islamic movement). There is a large Christian (English and Spanish) following and about 20-30 Jews mostly from Russia.
Typewriters
No computers for personal work. Typewriters are mostly out dated for legal work only. Clerks are the only others who have typewriters. People must buy their own ribbons and correction tape.
Telephones
8 phones per unit-2 before 4:30 pm. Limited 15 minutes every 30 minutes, 300 minutes per month at $ .20 per minute, $3.00 per 15 minute phone call.
Furloughs
Furloughs are rare and no idea how often (have only been here since Aug 03).
Items issued by BOP
3 pair pants, 3 button shirts, shoes, heavy jacket, 2 towels, two sets of sheets, two blankets, pillow, 5 t-shirts, 5 socks, 5 boxers, winter hat and gloves. Soap, razors, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste every other week.
Items that can be sent in
Limited letters, pictures, soft cover books and magazines, hard cover books and newspapers from publisher or book store ONLY. Money Orders now are sent to an Iowa address, only.
Parole Hearings
Unsure but they do have INS hearings every Tuesday.
Religious Groups
There is a strong Christian following as both Chaplin’s are Christians, one Non-denomination and other former Baptist minister and Lt Corporal in Air force Reserve, (Chaplin in military). Prison Ministry has strong participation. Outside contracts for Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish and Muslim. But also have Native American, Hindu, Buddhist, Jehovah Witness, Mormon, and Sikh. Have resources for 7th day adventure, Eastern Orthodox as well as Yoga and Meditation groups. Muslim service on average attends about 100, Christian total (Spanish and English) about 400, Jewish 12-24, Hindu about 10, Buddhist about 12-20. This chapel is going to become the only BOP place to have an in house Seminary training with connection to outside seminary and various church involvements. Out of all of the groups the Islamic are the least liked. Most are blacks who use Islam to hide behind sort of a racial protection. But most only pretend to be; only about 50% are truly Islamic from Middle East. I myself am a Christian Jew (Messianic Jew).
Parenting Programs
Yes mostly outside contract through education.
Marriage Workshops
Something is offered however I have no details since I am single.
Other things
We are allowed to walk compound on Saturday and Sundays and weekdays we have controlled 10 minute moves.
Have been at LSCI Allenwood from 8/03 to current.