Massachusetts Correctional Institution – Framingham

The Massachusetts Correctional Institution - Framingham is a state prison for female inmates located in Framingham, Massachusetts. It was opened in 1877, and it was the second prison for women in the United States.

MCI-Framingham is currently a medium-security reception and diagnostic center that houses both state and county offenders, as well as those awaiting sentencing. There are prisoners of a variety of classification levels. Sixty-three percent of the inmates are there for non-violent offenses, most often involving drugs.

This facility is reportedly the most-overcrowded prison in the state of Massachusetts. It was designed to house a capacity of 452 inmates, but more than 650 inmates are currently at the facility. Over 75 percent of the inmates are mothers.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting Hours at Massachusetts Correctional Institution Framingham are from 1:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.; on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday for all inmates housed in general population. 

Visitor processing runs from 12:00p.m.–8:15 p.m. No visits will be processed after 8:15 p.m. Visiting trap procedures are as follows:

• Shift Change–The Visitor Trap will close from 2:50 p.m.–3:10 p.m. At 2:30 p.m., the Visiting Room OIC shall make an announcement for those opting to exit the visiting room. Those who choose to remain may not leave until directed by the visiting room OIC. 
• Major Count–The Visitor Trap will close from 4:15 p.m. until the Major count has cleared. At 4:00 p.m. the Visiting Room OIC shall make an announcement for those opting to exit the visiting room. Visitors will be processed through the trap. Those who choose to remain may not leave until directed by the visiting room OIC.

Visiting Hours - Civil Commitments
Monday: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Friday–Saturday: 8:00 am-10:30 am

General Visiting Rules

Inmates are allowed a maximum number of five visiting periods per week. A visiting period is 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. and/or 4:00 p.m.–8:45 p.m. An inmate who is on a visit for any portion of either period shall be charged with utilization of one visit (i.e. if the visit runs from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. then the inmate shall be charged with two visiting periods). 

Maximum number of visitors allowed per visit is two adults and three children.

The processing of inmate visitors is conducted at the designated visit processing window located in the Outer Control Lobby. Inmate Visitors are processed on a first come first serve basis. 

The designated “stamp of the day” is affixed by the processing officer once all necessary paperwork and identification procedures have been completed. The inmate visitors will then remain in the visitor waiting area pending entrance into the facility.

The trap officer shall advise all of the visitors prior to entering the trap of the items that are allowed to be carried to the visiting room. (Locker key, vending card, approved personal medication, wedding ring/band, and medical alert jewelry). All other items should be secured inside the lockers.

For a detailed list of visiting rules for MCI-Framingham, click here.

Dress Code

• Undergarments must be worn. 
• Clothing shall not be ripped, torn, have holes, or missing buttons. 
• Visitors are expected to dress in accordance with standards of decency acceptable in a public place. 
• Headwear is allowed only if pre-approved for religious purposes. 
• No jewelry is to be worn except a traditional wedding ring and/or one religious medal on a chain will be allowed and a medical alert bracelet (if applicable).
• No watches or wallets allowed. 
• Sweaters may be worn. 
• Hairpieces (i.e., toupees, wigs, extensions, weaves) may be worn but must be searched. It shall be the responsibility of the visitor to inform the officer that they are wearing a hairpiece during the search processing. 
• Garments with elastic waists may be worn. 
• Jackets or blazers may be worn as part of a suit or outfit by students participating in a clinical/internship program. 

The following items are NOT ALLOWED: 

• Boots worn above the knee (exception – boots below the knee are permitted October 15–April 15)
• Work boots
• Bare feet
• Bathing suits, shorts, any clothing with excessive pockets, metal, drawstrings, excessively baggy or tight clothing, hooded clothing, sheer, excessively revealing or transparent clothing, bodysuits of any type, or wrap around shirts. (Children age 8 and younger may wear shorts)
• With the exception of undergarments, spandex, or spandex type clothing is not allowed
• Any clothing that displays a gang affiliation or is in any way attributable to gang culture; additionally, clothing that is obscene, racist, or displays sexual content
• Any clothing similar to that issued to an inmate or uniformed personnel, to include nursing scrubs, police, postal, and utility (Class A active military uniforms are allowed)
• Fatigue or camouflage clothing
• Double-layered clothing on the bottom half of the person (e.g. two pairs of pants, or skirt and slacks)
• Bibbed clothing of any type: shorts, dresses, pants, overalls, jumpers etc. (allowable for age 8 and younger)
• Hair accessories that cannot be easily removed to be searched
• Bobby pins, barrettes, and ribbons
• Umbrellas, jackets, coats, vests, or outerwear of any type
• Male visitors may not wear any type of blue or black jeans
• Earrings, facial/body jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, and watches are not allowed. The only exception regarding jewelry is a traditional engagement ring/wedding band, religious medallion and medical alert jewelry
• Dresses, skirts, and skirt slits shall not exceed three inches above the knee when standing. No wrap-around style skirts are allowed unless worn for religious reasons
• Tank tops, halter tops, muscle shirts, or clothing that reveals the midriff or excessively exposes the back. Tube tops of any type are not allowed. Sleeveless clothing is not allowed unless covered by an article of clothing, such as a sweater, that shall not be removed
• Sweatshirts, sweatpants, wind pants, and exercise clothing (allowable for age 8 and younger)
• Clothing with zippers that go the full length of the garment with the exception of outerwear (allowable for age 8 and younger)
• T-shirts with offensive logos
• Leg warmers
• Hats and head coverings of any type, unless worn for religious or medical reasons; however, they must be searched prior to entering the institution
• No electronic communication devices (e.g., cell phones, electronic devices) or those capable of storing information are allowed.
• No wearing or possession of any type of glitter make-up materials to include ChapStick or lip balms, facial make-up, nail polish, eye shadow etc.

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

Programs For Inmates

Department Service and Programs

• Building Positive Connections
• Family Preservation Programs and Services
• First Step Program
• Healthy Living Community
• Life In Recovery
• Medication-Assisted Treatment Reentry Initiative
• Methadone Maintenance Program
• Parenting Inside Out
• Parenting Support Group Recreation Services
• Recreation Services
• Religious Services
• Sex Offender Treatment Program
• Volunteer Services

Correctional Industries

This operation currently manufactures custom flags for the United States, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and POW/MIA. They also make laundry bags and belt pouches. The inmates learn valuable skills that are related to employment opportunities in the sewing industry within the state.

The Embroidery Shop can embroider caps, jackets, tee shirts, and other items.

Academic Education Programs

• ESL I - Beginner
• ESL II - Intermediate
• ESL III - Advanced
• Adult Basic Education
• Pre-Adult Secondary Education
• Adult Secondary Education
• Emerson College
• Tufts University

Technology Education Programs

• Introduction to Microsoft Office
• Advanced Microsoft Office
• CISCO IT Essentials

Vocational Education Programs

• Cosmetology Program
• Culinary Arts Foundations I
• OSHA
• ServSafe

Institutional Programs

• AAWOL
• Able Minds
• A Book from Mom
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• American Vet Dogs
• Back To Basics
• Career Pathway Workshop
• Career Skills Seminar
• Cognitive Skills Workshops
• Community Services Overview Seminar
• DCF Visit Coordination
• Doing the Right Thing
• Fully Alive Program
• Healing from the Heart
• HIV/AIDS Education
• Law Clerk Training
• MDK Brand Management
• Money Smart 
• Narcotics Anonymous
• National Education for Assistant Dog Services - Puppy Program
• Parents Helping Parents
• Protection Methods Workshop
• Read To Me Mommy
• Self/Help Twelve Stop Programs
• Victim Offender Education Group
• Writers Group

Pictures of Massachusetts Correctional Institution – Framingham

Careers at Massachusetts Correctional Institution – Framingham

If you are interested in a career with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution Framingham, you can find job listings by clicking here.