Riverbend Maximum Security Institution
Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is a renowned maximum security prison situated in Nashville, Tennessee. This institution stands as a secure facility for adult male inmates, accommodating up to 819 individuals. Most of the inmates housed at Riverbend are high-risk offenders who have committed violent crimes. As the primary correctional facility in the state, it encompasses a total of twenty buildings and serves as the home for all male death row inmates. Furthermore, Riverbend carries out capital punishment executions and operates the lethal injection chamber and electric chair.
Vocational Training Opportunities
At Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, inmates are provided with valuable vocational training programs to equip them with practical skills. These programs include commercial cleaning, maintenance, woodworking, computer technologies, and printing. Additionally, the institution actively participates in TRICOR prison industries, offering employment opportunities in a print shop and data entry operation. Inmates who choose not to engage in educational or vocational programs are assigned institutional jobs such as custodial work, laundry duties, and kitchen responsibilities.
Visiting Hours at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution
Visitation at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution follows a structured schedule based on the inmate’s unit location. The facility has established the following visiting hours:
Unit 5
- Maximum of four visitors per visit (excluding children)
- Saturdays and Holidays: 1pm-4pm
- Sundays: 8am-11am
- Mondays: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Unit 6
- Maximum of four visitors per visit (excluding children)
- Fridays: 5:30pm-8:30pm
- Saturdays and Holidays: 8am-11am
- Sundays: 1pm-4pm
Unit 1
- Non-contact visits allowed
- One hour per week with up to two visitors (children under 12 years old do not count as visitors)
Pod A
- Fridays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 4:30pm-5:30pm
- Odd Cells: 5:30pm-6:30pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Odd Cells: 7:30pm-8:30pm
- Lower Level:
- Saturdays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 8am-10am
- Odd Cells: 10am-12pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 12pm-2pm
- Odd Cells: 2pm-4pm
- Lower Level:
- Holidays: 8am-12pm
Pod B
- Saturdays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 8am-10am
- Odd Cells: 10am-12pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 12pm-2pm
- Odd Cells: 2pm-4pm
- Lower Level:
- Mondays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 4:30pm-5:30pm
- Odd Cells: 5:30pm-6:30pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Odd Cells: 7:30pm-8:30pm
- Lower Level:
- Holidays: 8am-12pm
Pod C
- Fridays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 4:30pm-5:30pm
- Odd Cells: 5:30pm-6:30pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Odd Cells: 7:30pm-8:30pm
- Lower Level:
- Sundays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 8am-10am
- Odd Cells: 10am-12pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 12pm-2pm
- Odd Cells: 2pm-4pm
- Lower Level:
- Holidays: 12pm-4pm
Pod D
- Sundays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 8am-10am
- Odd Cells: 10am-12pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 12pm-2pm
- Odd Cells: 2pm-4pm
- Lower Level:
- Mondays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 4:30pm-5:30pm
- Odd Cells: 5:30pm-6:30pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Odd Cells: 7:30pm-8:30pm
- Lower Level:
- Holidays: 12pm-4pm
Unit 2
Pod A
- Fridays: 4:30pm-6:30pm
- Saturdays: 8am-12pm
Pod B
- Fridays: 6:30pm-8:30pm
- Saturdays: 12pm-4pm
Pod C
- Sundays: 8am-12pm
- Mondays: 4:30pm-8:30pm
Pod D
- Sundays: 12pm-4pm
- Mondays: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Unit 3
Pod A
- Fridays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 4:30pm-5:30pm
- Odd Cells: 5:30pm-6:30pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Odd Cells: 7:30pm-8:30pm
- Lower Level:
- Saturdays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 8am-10am
- Odd Cells: 10am-12pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 12pm-2pm
- Odd Cells: 2pm-4pm
- Lower Level:
Pod B
- Fridays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 4:30pm-5:30pm
- Odd Cells: 5:30pm-6:30pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Odd Cells: 7:30pm-8:30pm
- Lower Level:
- Saturdays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 8am-10am
- Odd Cells: 10am-12pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 12pm-2pm
- Odd Cells: 2pm-4pm
- Lower Level:
Pod C
- Sundays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 8am-10am
- Odd Cells: 10am-12pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 12pm-2pm
- Odd Cells: 2pm-4pm
- Lower Level:
- Mondays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 4:30pm-5:30pm
- Odd Cells: 5:30pm-6:30pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Odd Cells: 7:30pm-8:30pm
- Lower Level:
Pod D
- Sundays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 8am-10am
- Odd Cells: 10am-12pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 12pm-2pm
- Odd Cells: 2pm-4pm
- Lower Level:
- Mondays:
- Lower Level:
- Even Cells: 4:30pm-5:30pm
- Odd Cells: 5:30pm-6:30pm
- Upper Level:
- Even Cells: 6:30pm-7:30pm
- Odd Cells: 7:30pm-8:30pm
- Lower Level:
Unit 4
Pod A
- Fridays: 4:30pm-6:30pm
- Saturdays: 1pm-4pm
Pod B
- Fridays: 6:30pm-8:30pm
- Saturdays: 1pm-4pm
Pod C
- Sundays: 8am-11am
- Mondays: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Pod D
- Sundays: 1pm-4pm
- Mondays: 6:30pm-8:30pm
For detailed information on visiting an inmate at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution, please refer to the comprehensive visitors guide available here.
Contact Information
Physical Address: Riverbend Maximum Security Institution 7475 Cockrill Bend Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0471
Telephone: (615)-350-3100
Inmate Mailing Address: Inmate Name, ID Number Riverbend Maximum Security Institution 7475 Cockrill Bend Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1048
History of Riverbend Maximum Security Institution
RMSI was established in 1989, replacing the old Tennessee State Penitentiary. Its primary purpose was to house maximum-security inmates, including those on death row. Since its inception, the institution has undergone various changes and improvements in terms of its facilities and security measures to ensure the safe containment of its inmates.
Facilities and Security Features
Housing Units
RMSI consists of several housing units, each designed to cater to different security levels and inmate needs. The facility includes general population units, a protective custody unit, and a death row unit. The general population and protective custody units consist of single cells, while the death row unit houses inmates in individual cells with additional security measures.
Recreational Facilities
The institution offers a range of recreational facilities for inmates, including outdoor fields, gymnasiums, and indoor recreation areas. These facilities allow inmates to engage in physical activities, sports, and leisure time, promoting their overall well-being.
Security Measures
RMSI employs state-of-the-art security measures to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and visitors. These measures include electronic surveillance systems, secure perimeters, controlled access points, and a highly trained security staff. In addition, the facility operates under strict protocols and procedures to minimize potential security breaches.
Inmate Population
Demographics
RMSI houses a diverse population of inmates, with varying ages, ethnic backgrounds, and criminal histories. The majority of inmates are male, and many are serving lengthy sentences for serious offenses such as murder, rape, and armed robbery.
Notable Inmates
Over the years, RMSI has housed several notorious inmates, including those on death row. Some of these high-profile inmates have attracted national attention due to the nature of their crimes or the controversy surrounding their cases.
Programs and Services
Educational Programs
RMSI offers a variety of educational programs to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge needed for successful reintegration into society. These programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, and post-secondary education courses.
Vocational Training
Vocational training is available to inmates, providing them with the opportunity to learn a trade or develop marketable job skills. Some of the vocational programs offered at RMSI include carpentry, auto mechanics, and culinary arts.
Rehabilitation Programs
RMSI provides rehabilitation programs to address various needs, such as substance abuse treatment, anger management, and life skills development. These programs aim to address the root causes of criminal behavior and help inmates make positive changes in their lives.
Mental Health Services
Recognizing the importance of mental health support, RMSI offers a range of mental health services to inmates, including counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care. These services aim to address mental health issues, promote emotional well-being, and reduce the risk of recidivism.
Visitation and Communication with Inmates
RMSI has established guidelines for visitation and communication with inmates to maintain security and promote positive relationships with family and friends. Visitation is allowed on designated days, and visitors must adhere to strict dress codes and conduct rules. Inmates can also communicate with loved ones through mail, telephone calls, and electronic messaging, subject to monitoring and restrictions.
Controversies and Incidents
As a maximum-security institution, RMSI has faced several controversies and incidents over the years, including escape attempts, security breaches, and inmate misconduct. The institution continually reviews and updates its policies, procedures, and security measures to address these issues and ensure a safe and secure environment.
Conclusion
The Riverbend Maximum Security Institution plays a crucial role in the Tennessee correctional system by housing some of the state’s most dangerous criminals. Through its facilities, programs, and services, RMSI aims to provide a secure environment that encourages personal growth, rehabilitation, and ultimately, successful reintegration into society. Despite occasional controversies and incidents, the institution remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and security for its staff, inmates, and the community.
FAQs
- What is the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution?Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is a state prison in Nashville, Tennessee, that houses maximum-security inmates, including those on death row.
- What types of programs and services does RMSI offer to inmates?RMSI offers a variety of programs and services, including educational programs, vocational training, rehabilitation programs, and mental health services.
- How does RMSI maintain security within the facility?RMSI employs state-of-the-art security measures, including electronic surveillance systems, secure perimeters, controlled access points, and highly trained security staff, along with strict protocols and procedures.
- Can inmates at RMSI receive visitors?Yes, inmates at RMSI can receive visitors on designated days, subject to guidelines and restrictions designed to maintain security and promote positive relationships.
- Have there been any notable incidents or controversies at RMSI?RMSI has faced several controversies and incidents over the years, including escape attempts, security breaches, and inmate misconduct. The institution continually reviews and updates its policies and procedures to address these issues.
