ByJohn Wick Posted onApril 1, 2023September 4, 2023 Updated onSeptember 4, 2023

Hiland Mountain Correctional Center: Alaska’s Women Prison

Hiland Mountain Correctional Center (HMCC) is Alaska’s only women’s prison. It is a state-owned correctional facility located in Eagle River, approximately 25 miles northeast of Anchorage. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of Hiland Mountain Correctional Center, including its history, operations, programs, and services.

Connecting With Loved Ones

Visiting Hours

Maintaining connections with loved ones is crucial for inmates’ emotional well-being and successful reintegration into society. Hiland Mountain Correctional Center recognizes this, offering visiting hours based on house assignments. These visiting hours accommodate family and friends, fostering a sense of connection during challenging times.

House 1:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, Saturday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Sunday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

House 2:

Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Sunday from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

House 3:

House 4:

House 5:

Monday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Friday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Saturday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Finding Hiland Mountain

The Physical Location

Hiland Mountain Correctional Center is nestled at 9101 Hesterberg Road in Eagle River, Alaska 99577. Its serene yet secure setting provides an environment conducive to rehabilitation.

Contacting the Center

For inquiries or general information, you can reach Hiland Mountain Correctional Center at (907) 694-9511. The staff is dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Keeping in Touch

Mailing Address

When sending mail to inmates, it’s essential to include their name and ID number along with the facility’s address. The inmate’s mailing address is as follows:

Inmate Name, ID Number Hiland Mountain Correctional Center 9101 Hesterberg Road Eagle River, Alaska 99577

History of Hiland Mountain Correctional Center

HMCC opened in 1977 as a minimum-security prison for men. In 1986, it was converted to a women’s prison. The facility is located on 105 acres and has a housing capacity of 443 inmates. In 2018, the facility underwent a $19 million expansion that added a new housing unit, medical center, visitation area, and classrooms.

Security Levels and Operations

HMCC is a multi-security level facility that houses minimum, medium, and maximum-security inmates. The facility operates 24/7 and has a staff of approximately 200 employees. The security staff includes correctional officers, sergeants, lieutenants, captains, and a facility superintendent. The facility has various security measures in place, including perimeter fencing, cameras, and electronic detection systems.

Programs and Services

HMCC offers a variety of programs and services to inmates to help them rehabilitate and reintegrate into society. The facility offers educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and parenting classes. HMCC also has a partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage, offering inmates the opportunity to earn college credits. Additionally, the facility has a work-release program that allows eligible inmates to work in the community while still serving their sentence.

Inmate Population

As of 2023, HMCC has a population of approximately 400 female inmates. The majority of the inmates are serving time for drug-related offenses, property crimes, and domestic violence. The facility also houses inmates who are serving time for homicide and other violent crimes.

Criticisms and Challenges

Like many correctional facilities, HMCC faces various challenges and criticisms. Overcrowding is a significant issue, as the facility is often at or near capacity. The facility has also faced criticism for its use of solitary confinement and lack of access to adequate mental health services. Additionally, many advocates have criticized the lack of resources for incarcerated women in Alaska, including access to job training, education, and housing upon release.

Conclusion

Hiland Mountain Correctional Center is an important part of Alaska’s criminal justice system, providing services and programs to female inmates to help them successfully reintegrate into society. While the facility has faced criticisms and challenges, it remains an essential part of the state’s efforts to reduce recidivism and promote public safety.

FAQs

Q1. Can family and friends visit inmates at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center? A1. Yes, HMCC has designated visitation areas for family and friends to visit inmates. Visitors must follow strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility.

Q2. How long is the average sentence for inmates at HMCC? A2. The length of sentences varies depending on the offense. However, the average sentence for inmates at HMCC is approximately three years.

Q3. Can inmates earn a college degree while incarcerated at HMCC? A3. Yes, HMCC has a partnership with the University of Alaska Anchorage, allowing inmates to earn college credits towards a degree.

Q4. What types of vocational training are available at HMCC? A4. HMCC offers vocational training programs in areas such as culinary arts, horticulture, and construction.

Q5. How does HMCC help inmates prepare for reentry into society?

A5. HMCC offers various programs and services aimed at helping inmates prepare for reentry into society. These include educational programs, vocational training, and job placement assistance. The facility also offers mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and parenting classes to help inmates address underlying issues that may contribute to their criminal behavior. Additionally, HMCC has a work-release program that allows eligible inmates to work in the community while still serving their sentence, providing them with valuable job experience and connections to potential employers upon release.

Overall, Hiland Mountain Correctional Center is an essential component of Alaska’s criminal justice system. The facility provides a range of services and programs aimed at helping female inmates successfully reintegrate into society and reduce their likelihood of reoffending. While there are challenges and criticisms associated with the facility, it remains an important part of the state’s efforts to promote public safety and reduce recidivism.