Downeast Correctional Facility
Downeast Correctional Facility is a minimum-security prison for adult male inmates that is located in Machiasport, Maine. It is located at the former Bucks Harbor Air Force Base, and it currently houses 148 inmates.
The Classification Committee has a direct impact on the prisoner for its primary responsibility is to orient each new prisoner to the facility, its housing, care, and/or treatment programs. The committee is responsible for the safety and well being of each prisoner assigned to the Downeast Correctional Facility.
The committee analyzes all input to determine the initial anniversary and/or required changes to the security status of the prisoners housed at the facility. A caseworker assists prisoners and their families in making recommendations for treatment programs within the community and in the therapeutic and rehabilitative settings.
Former Governor Paul LePage abruptly shut down the prison in February 2018, citing costs. However, following public outcry and pressure from Washington County lawmakers, Gov. Janet Mills announced in May 2019 that a new pre-release center for inmates would be built on the grounds of the facility.
A new main building was constructed for dorms, food service and space for visitation and programming. The existing administration building was renovated to house both administrative offices and medical facilities. A couple other buildings on the site were also rehabbed. Six existing buildings were torn down, including all three dorms.
Prison Insights
Downeast Correctional Facility
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Visiting Hours and Rules
For visitor information please call Downeast Correctional Facility. All visits must be scheduled in advance.
General Visiting Rules
Visitors must leave all handbags, suitcases, briefcases, and other items not necessary during visits locked in their automobiles. No property will be allowed to be brought in by visitors.
Visitors who bring diaper bags into the visit room must leave them with the Visit Officer. Visitors’ coats/jackets will be stored in the prescribed area.
No cameras or cell phones are allowed. Visitors will not be allowed to take photographs in or about the Facility.
All items purchased in the canteen machines for the prisoners will be consumed in the visiting room.
Dress Code
Visitors must be properly attired.
ACCEPTABLE DRESS: Jeans and slacks, skirts and dresses, knee length or longer. Tops and shirts that are loose fitting and completely cover the upper torso.
UNACCEPTABLE DRESS: Gym shorts, boxer shorts, short-shorts, or any items of clothing with revealing holes. Clothing which makes reference to drugs, alcohol, sex, violence or with vulgar or obscene language. Bare midriffs, half shirts, halter tops, tank tops, pajamas, lingerie, or see-through clothing of any kind. No bare feet.
Dress code rules may be waived in cases where children (0-10) and senior citizens (60 and over) are involved.
Physical Address
Downeast Correctional Facility
64 Base Road
Machiasport, ME 04655
Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/ZmGT9rwfqpXDJrrJ6
General Phone Number
(207)-255-1100
Inmate Mailing Address(es)
Inmate Name and DOC Number
Downeast Correctional Facility
64 Base Road
Machiasport, ME 04655
All incoming prisoner mail must have a verifiable name and return address. Cash may not be sent to any prisoner. For more detailed information see the Mail Policy.
How to Call an Inmate
You can’t call an inmate at the Downeast Correctional Facility, but they do have access to a phone during assigned times and are allowed to make monitored outgoing calls. For complete details on how to call an inmate in Maine, please click here.
How to Send Money
You may now make more than one deposit per week, and the maximum amount you are allowed to deposit is $100 to the general trust account and $100 to the phone account.
Deposits to a general (trust) account may be used by the inmate for purchases of allowable personal property items or phone time. Funds will be available to the individual approximately three business days following your transaction.
To use this service, you will need:
- The MDOC number and date of birth of the individual you wish to make a deposit for.
- A valid credit or debit card with a Visa or MasterCard logo. Prepaid Cards will not be accepted.
Programs For Inmates
The Educational Program at Downeast Correctional Facility is geared for a high school diploma and/or a G.E.D. There is a NovaNET program, which allows prisoners to increase their skills in grades 6 through 12. The NovaNET also offers several college courses via a closed circuit with the Southern Maine Vocational College.
The Vocational Programs are staffed by degreed instructors in the following fields: Upholstery, Welding, and Building Trades. An Industries program was instituted in July 2001, for the manufacture of denim jeans for the entire Department of Corrections prisoner population.
The Community Restitution Program provides other State Agencies, Local Municipalities, and non-profit organizations with assistance in maintaining their facilities. The firefighting crew travels throughout the state assisting the State of Maine Forestry Department. This group has been active for well over ten years and is highly acclaimed for its firefighting efforts.
The Treatment Program consists of psychological treatment with counselors in Substance Abuse Education, Relapse Prevention, and Individual Substance Counseling, and Crisis Intervention groups.
Pictures of Downeast Correctional Facility
Careers at Downeast Correctional Facility
If you are interested in a career with the Maine Department of Corrections at the Downeast Correctional Facility, you can click here for more information.
