Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota

Inmates housed at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility range from low-security, white-collar criminals to maximum-security, violent offenders. The Federal BOP operates many different types of facilities across the country, from correctional facilities to prison camps to low-security satellite facilities. Most all the Federal BOP facilities follow the same rules when it comes to visitation, mail, and phone privileges.

These federal facilities all have a commissary where inmates are allowed to shop for items beyond those provided by the facility. Mail and visitation are encouraged to help inmates maintain contact with friends and family. These facilities also offer many rehabilitation programs that can help inmates adjust and prepare for their release. These programs include substance abuse programs, educational programs, and career readiness programs.

Before their release from federal prison, some inmates may be transferred to home confinement or to a Federal BOP Reentry & Treatment facility. This transfer typically occurs within the last 12 to 18 months of an inmate’s sentence. The special programs available in these reentry centers help those participants fully prepare for life outside of prison.

How To Locate An Inmate At Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota

Locating an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota is not difficult, as the Federal Bureau of Prisons has an easy-to-use online inmate locator system. You can visit the facility’s website at (no website is available at this time) to search for an inmate. You will need to provide the Inmate ID number if possible. If you do not know the inmate ID number, you can search for an inmate by first and last name. This online tool will allow you to search for inmates across all facilities operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Not only does the online tool make it easy to search for an inmate, but it also provides you with lots of information about the inmate. You will have access to a lot of public information about the inmate, such as the arrest date, booking date, date of court appearances, release date, and several other data points. If applicable, you can also learn more about the bail that will be required to bail the inmate out of jail. Lastly, you may even have access to booking photos or other information.

If you are unable to locate the inmate for whom you are searching online, you can always call Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota at 559-274-4000. Make sure you have the inmate’s name, inmate ID number, date of birth, and gender available. The more information you can provide the staff member, the easier it will be to locate that inmate. Since most federal prisons are extremely busy, be mindful of that fact when placing your call. You might be placed on hold for extended periods of time as the jail staff works to complete your request while also completing other essential duties of their jobs.

Visitation Information & Procedures

Visitation at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota is encouraged so that inmates can stay in touch with family members and friends. However, there are strict rules that must be followed. First, you must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list before you will be allowed to enter the facility. Upon arrival at the facility, each inmate will be provided a visitor information form. He or she will complete this form and send a copy of the form to each potential visitor.

Each potential visitor must then complete their portion of the form and return it to the facility. Background checks and other research will be conducted to determine whether that person will be allowed to get onto the visitor list. If you are a convicted felon, you will not be placed on the visitor list.

Typically, an inmate may add parents, grandparents, siblings, children, a spouse, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family members to the list. They can also add an attorney, clergy member, an employer, and up to 10 friends or associates. When an inmate initially arrives at the facility, family members may be allowed to visit if those people can be verified through the previous facility at which the inmate was housed. This allows time for the paperwork to be processed until the official visitor list is ready.

Visitation typically occurs on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The prison warden may set specific visitation times for each inmate depending on the needs of the prison. Each inmate is typically allowed four hours of visitation per month. The following items of clothing are generally not allowed in the visitation area:

• Hats or Caps
• Revealing shorts or skirts
• Low-cut shirts or dresses
• Crop tops
• Bathing suits
• Spandex
• Any clothing that resembles inmate clothing
• Sleeveless garments
• Miniskirts
• Backless dresses or blouses

A brief hug, handshake, or kiss is usually allowed at the beginning of the visit. However, contact may be limited at the warden’s discretion to maintain order in the prison. All visits will be conducted in a quiet and orderly fashion. The visitation guard has the authority to remove you from the visitation area for not following the rules.

You should also remember that attempting to bring any type of contraband into the facility will result in your arrest and revocation of visiting privileges. You should not bring any items into the facility other than your photo ID. No cell phones, food, drinks, cigarettes, weapons, or other items are allowed. Before you arrive for visitation, it is always a good idea to call the facility at 559-274-4000 to confirm that you are on the visitation list.

How To Send Mail/Care Packages To An Inmate

Both regular mail and packages are allowed at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota, but the rules are a little different for each. When it comes to mail, there are two different types. There is general correspondence and special mail. General correspondence pertains to regular letters and postcards that may be sent to an inmate. This type of mail is subject to being searched and read when it enters the facility.

Special mail must be marked as such on the envelope. Special mail must be opened in the presence of the inmate, and it may contain special enclosures that should not be included in general correspondence. Even special mail will still be searched for contraband and read to ensure that there is nothing in the mail that could threaten the security of the prison.

Finally, packages are allowed, but you must obtain prior approval from an authorized staff member at the facility. The only items that may be included in a package from home are release clothes and medical equipment. No other items are allowed. Packages may also include paperback and hardcover books or magazines, but those items must be shipped to the facility directly from the publisher.

If you wish to send mail or a package to an inmate, it should be sent to the following address:

Inmate Name
Inmate ID Number
Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota
33500 W California Ave
Mendota, California 93640

Phone Calls

Phone privileges are given to each inmate at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota unless there has been some conduct that warrants revocation of these privileges. Inmates usually pay for outgoing calls with money from their inmate account, although they may place collect calls which allow the recipient of the call to pay for the charges.

All outgoing phone systems are monitored, and notices are posted around the phones to remind inmates of this. Phone systems cannot be used to discuss any topics that could threaten the safety or security of the prison. Failure to follow these rules will result in a revocation of phone privileges. It is also worth noting that unmonitored lines for communication with an attorney are available, and they can be used under certain circumstances by inmates for phone calls with an attorney.

No incoming calls to Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota for inmates are allowed. However, phones for outgoing use are typically available during daytime hours. Facility staff may limit the use of the phones to a certain time interval at their discretion.

Commissary Information

All federal prisons have a commissary from which inmates may purchase additional goods that are not provided to them. Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota has a commissary at which inmates can shop, and inmates can even earn higher spending limits at the commissary for good behavior and participation in certain rehabilitation programs. To shop at the commissary, an inmate will need money on his or her account.

The easiest way to send money to an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota is electronically through Western Union or MoneyGram. You will need to wait until the inmate has arrived at the facility, and you will need several pieces of information. You will need to provide the inmate’s full name, the inmate’s account number, the company name of “Federal Bureau of Prisons,” the city and state of Washington, DC, and the receive code of 7932.

You also have the option to mail a money order; however, it should not be sent to Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota. All money for federal inmates should be sent to the central processing facility at the following address:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
Full Inmate Committed Name
Inmate Eight-Digit Register Number
P.O. Box 474701
Des Moines, IA 50947-0001

The inmate’s name and register number should be included in the money order. Do not send cash or a personal check, as those methods of payment are not accepted.

Rehabilitation Programs Offered At Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota

Inmates at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota have access to many different types of rehab programs. One of the most common types of programs available is the substance abuse program. Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota offers group sessions, residential treatment, and non-residential treatment options. These programs help to reduce relapse, reduce recidivism, reduce misconduct, and increase mental health.

In addition to substance abuse programs, Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota also offers educational programs, religious programs, and work programs. While participation in these programs is not mandatory, inmates can earn extra privileges by participating in and completing some of these programs. The programs provide valuable information to inmates and help them prepare for their eventual release and reentry into society.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What does the Bureau of Prisons do?

The Bureau of Prisons performs many different tasks as part of its overall operations. First and foremost, the BOP helps to protect society by confining offenders in prison and community-based facilities. They do this in a safe, secure, humane, and cost-efficient manner. In addition to simple confinement, they offer many programs aimed at helping and rehabilitating the inmates housed in these facilities.

The ultimate goal of these facilities is not only to confine these criminals but to help provide them with the tools they need to return to their place in the community. Inmates are provided with substance abuse programs and counseling, as well as education and work programs. When it comes time for their release, an inmate should be fully prepared and confident to enter the workforce and become a contributing member of society.

How do you locate a federal inmate?

Locating a federal inmate is not a difficult task. The Federal BOP makes it easy to find an inmate using their online inmate locator tool. This tool allows you to search for an inmate by either their inmate ID number or their first and last name. When an inmate first enters the system, it may take a few days before they appear in the online system. If you cannot locate the inmate online, you can also call the facility at which they are housed. If you are attempting to locate an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) - Mendota, you should call 559-274-4000.

Do federal prisons allow conjugal visits?

No, federal prisons do not allow conjugal visits. Visitation is allowed and encouraged, although physical contact is extremely limited. A hug, handshake, or appropriate kiss will generally be allowed at the beginning of the visit. However, excessive physical contact is not allowed. The visiting guard will remove you from the visitation area for a violation of these rules.

Similarly, revealing or inappropriate clothing is not allowed in the facility. No revealing shorts, miniskirts, low-cut blouses, spandex, or other suggestive clothing will be allowed. The reason for this rule is to maintain a safe and orderly environment within the visitation area and within the facility as a whole.

Why do some inmates go to state prisons and others go to federal prison?

The prison to which an inmate is sent usually depends on the specific crime that was committed. If a person is charged and convicted of a federal crime, they will typically be sent to federal prison. Conversely, those charged and convicted of state crimes will be sent to state prison. For instance, many white-collar criminals who violate federal laws around money laundering, SEC violations, or other financial crimes usually go to federal prison. Those who break local laws, like theft, assault, or manslaughter, are sentenced to state prison. The specifics of the crime will determine where the inmate is sent to serve his or her sentence.

What are the five federal prison security levels?

The five security levels of federal prisons are as follows: minimum, low, medium, high, and administrative. The first four levels are pretty self-explanatory. Minimum security facilities house criminals who pose very little danger to society. These inmates are typically allowed to participate in work release programs or other programs that may allow them to leave the facility at certain times.

High-security prisons, on the other hand, house violent offenders who must be kept under the strictest security measures. These facilities have highly secure perimeters, and all inmate movement inside the facility is closely monitored. Administrative security facilities are typically used for special circumstances. These facilities may house pre-trial detainees, inmates who need special medical attention, or escape-prone inmates. Administrative facilities are capable of housing inmates of all security levels.