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IN DOC - Indiana State Prison (ISP)

State Prison

Last Updated: March 24, 2025

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Address

1 Park Row, Michigan City, IN 46360

Beds

2400

County

Laporte

Phone

219-874-7258

pjames@idoc.in.gov

View Official Website

ISP is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - maximum facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules

Satellite View of IN DOC - Indiana State Prison (ISP)

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You can support your loved ones at ISP on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 219-874-7258.

Located at 1 Park Row in Michigan City, IN, ISP carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. ISP offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on IN DOC - Indiana State Prison (ISP) so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

The first Indiana State Prison, established in Jeffersonville in 1822, marked the inception of the state's correctional system. Seeking expansion, Indiana acquired land in Michigan City in 1858, leading to the establishment of another prison. Both locations were named the Indiana State Prison, with one designated as Prison North and the other as Prison South. Unfortunately, in 1922, a devastating fire razed Prison South, making the Michigan City facility the system's oldest. Originally enclosing 8.3 acres, the prison's perimeter wall has since expanded to cover 24 acres, punctuated by ten manned towers. With a capacity exceeding 2,400 individuals, the Indiana State Prison operates as a level four maximum-security facility, catering to those with lengthy sentences or convictions for violent crimes.

Furthermore, situated on the prison grounds is a level two facility, formerly recognized as Lakeside Correctional Facility. Housing up to 385 incarcerated individuals, Lakeside plays a crucial role in maintaining the prison's infrastructure, from groundskeeping to building maintenance and food preparation for staff.

Table of Contents for ISP

Inmate Locator

ISP maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Public Visitation: Please refer to the IDOC visitation page to find the most current information regarding visits.

Attorney Visits: Requests for general in-person legal visits between attorneys and Incarcerated Individuals must be made to the facility where the Incarcerated Individuals is housed. Attorney/Incarcerated Individuals visit requests are being scheduled and will continue as long as it is safe to do so on a facility-by-facility basis. Based on the conditions of each facility, they are subject to being postponed or rescheduled. A reliable alternative to an in-person attorney/Incarcerated Individual visit is to schedule a confidential phone call. Incarcerated Individuals must have the attorney's phone number added to their approved telephone list. All calls are to be 'collect calls' unless the Incarcerated Individual utilizes prepaid minutes.

Visiting Guidelines

Please review the visiting guidelines below before scheduling your visit to Indiana State Prison.

Maximum Security Visiting Guidelines- ED 22-23 (05-02-2022) (PDF)

VISITATION HOURS:

* Visitors must be signed in for a minimum of 1 hour and 15 minutes PRIOR to the visitation hours end. Please remember, for the latest visit updates contact the facility prior to visit. Call 219-874-7256, press #.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A security device has been implemented at the Indiana State Prison called a Cell Sense. Cell Sense is the best cell phone and contraband detector. This device is extremely sensitive and therefore special precautions must be taken by all visitors. From this point forward new procedures will be implemented for the use of Cell Sense at Indiana State Prison and Indiana Outside beginning February 12, 2016.

Everyone will pass in front of the Cell Sense detector, turn around and walk past it again. If the Cell Sense detector alarms, make sure that all metal items are removed from pockets and person including hair pins (bobby pins/metal barrettes). Be aware that undergarments containing underwire support have been known to cause alarms.

Visitors unable to clear the Cell Sense machine will not be allowed to enter the facility, however they will be permitted to obtain other garments and try again. If they don’t pass the Cell Sense after the second, entrance will be denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

IN DOC - Indiana State Prison (ISP) – FAQs

What is a state prison?
A state prison is a correctional facility operated by the Indiana Department of Corrections, housing individuals convicted of state crimes. Inmates typically serve sentences longer than one year. State prisons have different security levels and provide rehabilitation, education, and work programs.
How do state prisons differ from federal prisons?
State prisons hold offenders convicted of crimes under state laws, while federal prisons house those convicted of federal offenses. State prisons are managed by state DOCs and vary in policies, security levels, and resources. Federal prisons, run by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), often have more structured programs and uniform policies nationwide.
What are the different security levels in state prisons?
State prisons are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security, based on inmate risk assessments. Minimum-security facilities house non-violent offenders with lower risks. Medium-security prisons have higher security protocols and structured daily routines. Maximum-security prisons, or supermax facilities, house the most dangerous offenders with strict confinement measures.
How are inmates classified in state prisons?
Classification is based on criminal history, sentence length, behavior, and medical or mental health needs. The DOC assesses inmates upon intake to determine their housing assignment, work eligibility, and rehabilitative program access. Inmates may be reclassified based on behavior or security concerns.
What types of programs are offered in state prisons?
State prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, religious programs, and work release opportunities. Many prisons collaborate with colleges and trade schools to provide certificates in fields such as welding, plumbing, and computer technology.
Can inmates earn early release from state prisons?
Some inmates qualify for parole, good behavior credits, or sentence reduction programs. State laws determine eligibility based on offense type, institutional behavior, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Some states offer compassionate release for elderly or terminally ill inmates.
How do state prisons handle medical care for inmates?
Inmates receive basic medical, dental, and mental health care inside the facility. For specialized care, they may be transported to hospitals under security escort. State DOCs often contract with private healthcare providers such as Corizon Health, Wellpath, and Centurion Health.
Are state prison inmates allowed to work?
Yes, inmates can work within the prison (kitchen, janitorial, maintenance) or in prison industries (manufacturing, farming, sewing, furniture-making). Some states allow inmates to participate in work-release programs, where they work outside the prison and return at night. Inmate workers may earn small wages (often $0.10 to $2.00 per hour) depending on the job.
What are the visitation rules for state prisons?
Visitation varies by facility but generally requires pre-approval of visitors, background checks, dress codes, and scheduled visiting hours. Some prisons allow contact visits (where inmates and visitors can hug or hold hands), while others allow only non-contact visits (separated by glass). Video visitation services are provided by companies like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions.
Can inmates receive mail and packages?
Yes, inmates can receive letters, photos, and books, but all mail is screened for contraband. Some state prisons require mail to be sent through third-party processors, which convert letters into digital copies. Packages with clothing or hygiene items must often be ordered through approved vendors like Access Securepak, InmateCanteen, JailCanteen, iCareGifts, MyCarePack or Union Supply Group.
How do phone calls work in state prisons?
Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers through prison phone services, but cannot receive calls. Calls are typically monitored and recorded. Services like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions provide prepaid accounts for families to deposit funds for calls. Some states offer tablet-based calls with limited messaging services.
What are the disciplinary rules in state prisons?
Inmates must follow prison regulations regarding behavior, movement, and interactions with staff and other inmates. Infractions like fighting, possession of contraband, or rule violations can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, or additional time added to their sentence.
Do state prisons offer religious services?
Yes, state prisons have chaplains and religious volunteers who provide services for various faiths. Many facilities offer Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and religious dietary accommodations for inmates who follow specific religious beliefs.
How does parole work in state prisons?
Inmates eligible for parole must appear before a parole board, which reviews their behavior, program participation, and risk to society. If granted parole, inmates serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community, following specific rules such as curfews and employment requirements.
Can inmates transfer between state prisons?
Yes, inmates may be transferred for medical needs, security risks, disciplinary actions, or administrative reasons. Some may request transfers to be closer to family, but approvals depend on facility capacity and eligibility requirements.
What happens when an inmate finishes their sentence?
Inmates released from state prison may receive reentry services, such as job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. Some states require certain inmates to remain under supervision (such as parole or probation) after release.
Are state prisons overcrowded?
Many states struggle with overcrowding due to high incarceration rates. Solutions include alternative sentencing programs, early release initiatives, and building new facilities to accommodate growing populations.
How can family members send money to an inmate?
Families can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account through services like JPay, ConnectNetwork, or Access Corrections. Money is used for purchasing snacks, hygiene items, and phone calls. Some states have limits on how much an inmate can receive per month.
Do state prisons offer educational opportunities?
Yes, many prisons provide GED classes, college courses, and vocational training programs. Some offer Pell Grants for inmates to take college-level courses. Popular vocational programs include auto repair, HVAC, and culinary arts.
Can inmates be placed in protective custody?
Yes, inmates who are at risk of harm due to gang conflicts, former law enforcement ties, or other safety concerns can be placed in protective custody (PC). These inmates are housed separately from the general population, often with limited movement and privileges for their safety.

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