How do I find out how many inmates a prison was designed to hold?I found out that Forrest city was designed to hold 1150,but is now over full at 1945,I would like info on Texarkana federal prison.I will be going to one of these soon and would like to go to the lest crowded one.

I found the post by Guysgal,that says texarkana is at 1412,but how many was it designed to hold?

As of Monday, April 19, 2004:

Texarkana, FCI: Rated Capacity 758, Actual: 1426
Texarkana, SCP: Rated Capacity 165, Actual: 205

Forrest City, FCI: Rated Capacity 1536, Actual 1947
Forrest City, SCP: Rated Capacity 256, Actual 281

So based on these numbers, Forrest City is the least crowded of the two.

Thanks Greyghost,looks like I may be going to Forrest City.

Isn't It Tru That Most Federal Prisons Are Overcrowded? My Huz Is In Fci Allenwood, Pa. And Instead Of Teo Men In A Cell There's 3. Seems To Me That They Should Set Some Guys Free. (wouldn't That Be Nice)

Unfortunately, it don't work that way. In the BOP, there is always room. It doesn't matter whether there is space or not. They'll find a spot - somewhere.

Additionally, building prisons, (or at least more prisons) seems to be a kind of 'self-fulfilling prophecy': Meaning - "If you build it they will come" - type of thing. I don't know that building prisons is the best answer. It might be - it might not?? For all the years that I've worked in corrections, for the age that I am, I still don't have enough wisdom, knowledge to answer that one. Prisons have a purpose, they serve a purpose. I only wish that I knew where it will all lead; or if we are on the right course???????

So, I ask, what is the purpose of prison? Of incarcerating someone?

Maxmum capacity? One inmate per bunk.

So, I ask, what is the purpose of prison? Of incarcerating someone?

I was reading a book recently, that pointed out that punishment is defined as (paraphrasing; this definition is not that from the book, but from Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition) "suffering, pain, or loss that serves as retribution."

It went on to point out that the original purpose of jails (gaols) was temporary confinement until trial and, assuming a guilty verdict, punishment could take place - punishment being anything from time in the stocks and branding to whipping, exhile, or public hanging/beheading/etc. Even petty thievery would get you to the gallows.

The modern concept of prison (and it's an oft-changing landscape) didn't grab hold until the latter part of the 18th century, in the fledgling U.S. With just a little over two hundred years of practice, I'd say we haven't got it quite right yet. As an alterative to what preceeded it, it's a whole lot less barbaric...

Wasn't it as recently as the 1960s that inmates weren't allowed to talk in their cells? (Of course, here I'm quoting from The Rock, but I seem to remember something similar being mentioned when I toured Alcatraz.)

There's a long way yet to go, obviously...

greyghost

On the "rated capacity"....is it true that is no longer valid information? lol When more bunks are added, should it raise the "rated capacity"? lol

Its amazing how many are packed today in compared to those rated capacities put out around 1997. How things have grown! Wonder if property taxes have gone up, lol!

First, let me say that for once I can honestly say that Howard and I are on the same page - ""Max capacity = 1 man per bunk"". :) Off course, this is not to imply that I haven't agreed with Howard before, we just have a different perspective on some issues.

For Kintme2u, 'Rated Capacity' has always seemed kind of illogical to me. I think that they only time that they are truly relevant (ever) is when the prison is first being considered for funding/construction. Once the prison is built, and is housing inmates, 'Rated Capacity' becomes just a number. From that point on, the more important number is $$, or the cost per inmate for housing him one day, feeding him one day. That's the number that they look at more closely than how many are being housed in one location. Now, that doesn't mean that they don't concern themselves with overcrowding. They do, it's just not the main issue. As long as they can keep the numbers they way that they do, then they will (logically). If it ain't broke, or if no significant harm is being done, then why stress out over it. Please understand that I am not making light of overcrowding. It's obviously a growing issue, but the BOP seems to work along the lines that they let things grow, keep growing, until something goes wrong. Then they deal with it. (They work that way with inmates and with staff). So, in my humble opinion - rated capacity is nothing more than a number, a gage to compare current numbers with wishful numbers.

hello all,

my brother is at FCI Forrest City, we are going for our first visit this week :) does anyone know if the visitation area is indoors or out? they are calling for rain. will this hinder our visiting him? if anyone knows the accomodations please let me know. we are leaving early friday morning.
thanks so much.

Here is the website for anyone who has people in a state facility. pap.state.ga.us
This website will tell you everthing and enything you want to know about a facillity or an inmate. Let me know if you have a problem

Thanks guys!