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The Federal Correctional Institution, Thomson (FCI Thomson), formerly Thomson Correctional Center, is a low-security federal prison located in Thomson, Illinois. It has an area of about 146 acres (59 ha) and comprises 15 buildings. The facility is enclosed by a 15-foot (4.6 m), 7000 volt electric fence surrounded by an additional 12-foot (3.7 m) exterior fence covered with razor wire. Thomson has eight cellhouses with a rated capacity of 2,100 bedsâ1,900 high-security SMU beds and 200 minimum-security beds at the onsite campâand according to BOP officials, the potential to use some of its high-security rated capacity to house up to 400 ADX inmates. From its completion in 2001 to 2006, it remained empty.
BOP-operated facility; conditions reports issued by the DOJ Office of Inspector General on a multi-year cycle.
Visiting
Visiting governed by BOP Program Statement 5267.09 — approved-visitor list maintained by the inmate's Unit Team. Weekends and federal holidays in most facilities; specific hours per facility.
Mailing
Standard BOP format: Inmate Name & Register Number, [Facility], [Address]. No staples, polaroids, or hardcover books. Sender's full return address required.
Practical info
Federal inmate funds via Western Union QuickCollect to the BOP Trust Fund. Communication via CorrLinks (TRULINCS) where the inmate has subscribed.
Known issues
DOJ Office of Inspector General report (2023) identified excessive use of restrictive housing and significant violence. Reorientation to a medium-security USP underway 2024-2025.
