Sterling Correctional Facility: A Comprehensive Overview
Sterling Correctional Facility, also known as Sterling Prison, is a medium-security prison located in Sterling, Colorado. It was opened in 1998 and currently houses approximately 2,400 male inmates. Sterling Prison is one of the largest employers in Logan County, Colorado, and plays a significant role in the local economy. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at Sterling Correctional Facility, including its history, management, programs, and controversies.
Visiting Hours at Sterling Correctional Facility
Scheduling Visits
Visiting an inmate at Sterling Correctional Facility requires careful planning. All visits must be scheduled at least one week in advance by calling (970)-521-8300. It’s essential to know the visiting schedule based on the unit where your inmate is located.
West Living Units (1-4)
- Fridays: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
- Saturdays and Sundays: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
East Living Units (21-36)
- Fridays: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
- Saturdays and Sundays: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Restrictive Privilege Offenders
For restrictive privilege offenders, the visiting hours are as follows:
- East: Fridays 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
- West: Fridays 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Management Control Unit
The Management Control Unit has a unique schedule:
- Tuesdays: 9:30 am or 10:30 am (non-contact)
- Thursdays: 9:30 am or 10:30 am (non-contact)
- Fridays: 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
MCU/Protective Custody
For MCU/Protective Custody inmates, the visiting hours are as follows:
- Wednesdays: 9:30 am or 10:30 am (non-contact)
- Fridays: 8:30 am – 10:00 am
Contact Information
Physical Address
If you need to reach the facility in person, you can find it at:
Sterling Correctional Facility 12101 Hwy 61 Sterling, CO, 80751
Telephone
For general inquiries and information, you can contact Sterling Correctional Facility at:
(970) 521-5010
Inmate Mailing Address
When sending mail to an inmate, ensure it is addressed correctly:
Inmate Name, ID Number Sterling Correctional Facility PO Box 6000 Sterling, CO, 80751
History of Sterling Correctional Facility
Sterling Correctional Facility was constructed in 1995 and opened in 1998 as a response to Colorado’s growing prison population. The facility was built to house approximately 1,200 inmates, but due to overcrowding in other Colorado prisons, the capacity was expanded to its current 2,400 inmates. Sterling Prison was designed to be a medium-security facility, with a focus on providing vocational and educational programs to help inmates successfully re-enter society upon release.
Management of Sterling Correctional Facility
Sterling Correctional Facility is managed by the Colorado Department of Corrections. The prison is overseen by a warden who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility. The warden is supported by a team of administrative staff, security personnel, and program coordinators. The Colorado Department of Corrections has a strong emphasis on staff training and development to ensure that all employees are equipped to handle the challenges of working in a correctional facility.
Inmate Population at Sterling Correctional Facility
Sterling Correctional Facility houses approximately 2,400 male inmates, with an average age of 37 years old. The majority of inmates at Sterling Prison have been convicted of drug-related offenses, followed by violent crimes and property crimes. The racial makeup of the inmate population at Sterling Prison is diverse, with roughly equal percentages of white, black, and Hispanic inmates. The prison also houses a small number of inmates who are serving life sentences.
Programs and Services at Sterling Correctional Facility
Sterling Correctional Facility offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for life after release. These programs include vocational training in fields such as welding, carpentry, and automotive repair. Inmates can also take classes to earn their GED or participate in college courses through a partnership with Northeastern Junior College. The prison also offers a range of mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and religious programs.
Controversies Surrounding Sterling Correctional Facility
Sterling Correctional Facility has been the subject of several controversies over the years. In 2015, the prison was placed on lockdown after a series of assaults on staff members. In 2018, an investigation was launched into allegations of excessive use of force by prison staff. In 2020, the prison was criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with reports of inadequate testing and insufficient protective equipment for staff and inmates.
Future of Sterling Correctional Facility
The future of Sterling Correctional Facility is uncertain. The Colorado Department of Corrections has acknowledged the need for prison reform, and there is growing support for alternative forms of punishment and rehabilitation for non-violent offenders. However, the state’s prison population continues to grow, and there is a need for additional correctional facilities to accommodate the increasing number of inmates.
Conclusion
Sterling Correctional Facility plays an important role in Colorado’s criminal justice system, housing a significant number of male inmates and providing a range of programs and services to help prepare them for life after release. While the prison has faced several controversies over the years, it remains a vital part of the local economy and the state’s correctional system. As the need for prison reform continues to be a pressing issue, it will be interesting to see how Sterling Correctional Facility adapts and evolves in the years to come.
FAQs
- What is the capacity of Sterling Correctional Facility?
- Sterling Correctional Facility has a capacity of approximately 2,400 male inmates.
- What types of programs are offered at Sterling Correctional Facility?
- Sterling Correctional Facility offers a range of vocational training programs, GED and college courses, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and religious programs.
- What controversies has Sterling Correctional Facility faced?
- Sterling Correctional Facility has faced controversies related to assaults on staff members, allegations of excessive use of force by prison staff, and inadequate handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Who manages Sterling Correctional Facility?
- Sterling Correctional Facility is managed by the Colorado Department of Corrections.
- What is the future of Sterling Correctional Facility?
- The future of Sterling Correctional Facility is uncertain, but it is likely that the prison will continue to play a role in Colorado’s correctional system as the state’s prison population continues to grow.
