If you do, then your concept of prison facilities and inmate life is probably somewhat skewed. Let's take a look at some facts about security levels and inmate assignments in Federal prisons.
There are 5 levels of security in Federal prison facilities: Minimum, Low, Medium, High and Administrative.
Minimum Security Prison Camps (FCPs) have a low inmate to staff ratio and may have no peremeter fencing. These camps are often adjacent to a larger facility and inmate labor supports the needs of the larger institution.
Low Security Federal Corrections Institutes (FCIs) have dormatory or cubical style housing and have strong work and program components with an inmate to staff ratio lower than in other institutions.
Medium Security Prisons (FCIs and USPs) have a higher level of security with detection systems, double fencing, high inmate to staff ratios. These prisons offer a wide range of treatment programs and opportunities to work and learn a trade while in prison.
High Security, often called United States Penitentiaries (USPs) have the highest level of security and tightly restrict inmate movement.
Administrative Prisons have different missions. Some house prisoners awaiting trial while others house inmates with severe mental or medical disorders, those deemed extremely violent or escape risks.
Back to my comment about television and its impact on our thinking, we tend to imagine all prisons as being the kind we see on T.V. - High Security. However, most of the current inmate population in the U.S. reside in low to medium security facilities. Some 75% of the prison population has a learning disability or emotional condition that makes personal learning and growth difficult, and in some cases is the root cause for their having committed a crime.
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