ByJohn Wick Posted onApril 6, 2023September 7, 2023 Updated onSeptember 7, 2023

Buena Vista Correctional Facility: A Closer Look at Colorado’s Maximum Security Prison

Table of Contents

Buena Vista Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison in Colorado, USA, known for its strict policies, state-of-the-art facilities, and highly trained staff. The prison has gained notoriety for its unique approach to inmate rehabilitation, which involves an emphasis on education, vocational training, and behavioral therapy. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history, facilities, programs, and controversies surrounding the Buena Vista Correctional Facility.

Visiting Buena Vista Correctional Complex

Appointment-Based Visitation

To visit an inmate at Buena Vista Correctional Complex, you must follow a few essential steps:

Visitor Application: Ensure you have an approved visitors’ application on file.

Schedule an Appointment: Contact the facility at (719)-395-7249, Monday through Thursday, between 7 am and 3 pm, to schedule your visitation appointment.

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours at Buena Vista Correctional Facility are as follows:

Fridays: 9 am – 2:30 pm

Saturdays: 9 am – 2:30 pm
Sundays: 9 am – 2:30 pm

For Buena Vista Minimum Center, visitation hours are limited to:

Saturdays: 9 am – 2:30 pm
Sundays: 9 am – 2:30 pm

Contact Information

For further inquiries or to reach out to the Buena Vista Correctional Complex, here are the contact details:

Physical Address: 15125 Highway 24 & 285, Buena Vista, CO 81211
Telephone: (719) 395-2404

Inmate Mailing Address

If you wish to correspond with an inmate, please use the following mailing addresses, ensuring you include the inmate’s name and ID number:

For Buena Vista Correctional Facility:

Inmate Name, ID Number Buena Vista Correctional Facility P. O. Box 2017 Buena Vista, CO, 81211

For Buena Vista Minimum Center:

Inmate Name, ID Number Buena Vista Minimum Center P. O. Box 2005 Buena Vista, CO, 81211

1. Introduction

Buena Vista Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Buena Vista, Colorado. It is operated by the Colorado Department of Corrections and has a capacity of 618 inmates. The prison was opened in 1986 and has since gained a reputation as one of the most secure and well-managed prisons in the country. It is home to some of the most dangerous criminals in the state, including murderers, rapists, and drug traffickers.

2. History of Buena Vista Correctional Facility

The Buena Vista Correctional Facility was built in response to the overcrowding of other Colorado prisons in the 1980s. The construction of the prison was completed in 1985, and it began operations in 1986. Initially, the prison was designed to house 395 inmates, but over the years, its capacity has been increased to 618 inmates.

3. Facilities at Buena Vista Correctional Facility

Buena Vista Correctional Facility has some of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the country. The prison is divided into several housing units, each of which has its own security level. The maximum-security unit is the most secure, while the minimum-security unit is the least secure. In addition to the housing units, the prison also has a medical unit, a dining hall, a chapel, and several recreational areas.

The prison also has a variety of security measures in place to prevent escapes and maintain order. These measures include surveillance cameras, metal detectors, and a highly trained staff.

4. Inmate Programs at Buena Vista Correctional Facility

Buena Vista Correctional Facility has a variety of programs in place to help inmates prepare for life after prison. These programs include education, vocational training, and behavioral therapy.

4.1 Education Programs

The prison offers a range of educational programs, including high school equivalency classes, college courses, and vocational training. Inmates can earn certificates and degrees in a variety of fields, including welding, carpentry, and computer science.

4.2 Vocational Training Programs

Buena Vista Correctional Facility also offers vocational training programs to help inmates gain marketable skills that will be useful upon release. These programs include cosmetology, culinary arts, and auto mechanics.

4.3 Behavioral Therapy Programs

In addition to educational and vocational programs, Buena Vista Correctional Facility also has a variety of behavioral therapy programs in place to help inmates overcome their negative behaviors and patterns. These programs include drug and alcohol counseling, anger management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

5. Staff at Buena Vista Correctional Facility

Buena Vista Correctional Facility has a highly trained and dedicated staff, consisting of correctional officers, counselors, medical personnel, and administrative staff. The staff is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the prison, as well as providing a variety of services to the inmates.

The correctional officers at Buena Vista Correctional Facility are responsible for the day-to-day management of the prison. They are responsible for ensuring that the inmates are following the rules and regulations, and that the facility is secure. They also oversee the educational and vocational programs and provide counseling to the inmates.

The medical personnel at Buena Vista Correctional Facility provide a range of medical services to the inmates, including routine check-ups, emergency care, and mental health services. They work closely with the correctional officers and counselors to ensure that the inmates receive the care they need.

The counselors at Buena Vista Correctional Facility provide a range of services to the inmates, including individual and group counseling, drug and alcohol treatment, and anger management. They also work with the educational and vocational programs to help the inmates prepare for life after prison.

6. Controversies Surrounding Buena Vista Correctional Facility

Despite its reputation as one of the best-managed prisons in the country, Buena Vista Correctional Facility has been the subject of several controversies over the years. One of the most significant controversies was the death of an inmate in 2014, who was allegedly beaten to death by a group of other inmates.

Another controversy was the alleged mistreatment of mentally ill inmates at the prison. In 2015, a report by the Colorado Department of Corrections found that mentally ill inmates at Buena Vista Correctional Facility were being held in isolation for extended periods of time, which can exacerbate their conditions.

7. Conclusion

Buena Vista Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison in Colorado known for its state-of-the-art facilities, inmate programs, and highly trained staff. The prison’s unique approach to inmate rehabilitation, which emphasizes education, vocational training, and behavioral therapy, has made it a model for other prisons around the country.

Despite its success, Buena Vista Correctional Facility has also faced controversies over the years, including the death of an inmate and the mistreatment of mentally ill inmates. These controversies serve as a reminder that even the best-managed prisons are not immune to the challenges of the correctional system.

8. FAQs

How many inmates are housed at Buena Vista Correctional Facility?

Buena Vista Correctional Facility has a capacity of 618 inmates.

What types of programs are offered to inmates at Buena Vista Correctional Facility?

Inmates at Buena Vista Correctional Facility can participate in education, vocational training, and behavioral therapy programs.

What security measures are in place at Buena Vista Correctional Facility?

Buena Vista Correctional Facility has surveillance cameras, metal detectors, and a highly trained staff to prevent escapes and maintain order.

What controversies has Buena Vista Correctional Facility faced?

Buena Vista Correctional Facility has faced controversies over the years, including the death of an inmate and the mistreatment of mentally ill inmates.