Rhode Island Maximum Security Prison
The Rhode Island Maximum Security Facility (MAX) is the state’s oldest operational prison. The facility was opened in 1878 and is modeled on the Auburn style construction, which consolidates all inmate cells into one main building.
MAX once served as the prison for both awaiting trial and sentenced inmates. As the sentenced population grew and the needs of the prison system changed, other facilities were added.
Surrounded by a wall with five observation towers, the facility has an inmate bed capacity of 466. The population consists of inmates serving long sentences for a variety of offenses, along with inmates serving shorter sentences who have been transferred to MAX from other facilities for serious discipline and/or behavioral problems. Inmates are prepared for classification to lesser securities through participation in rehabilitative programs.
Surrounded by a wall with observation towers and a double chain-link security fence equipped with an electronic intrusion detection system to prevent and detect escape attempts, the facility is divided into six housing areas, one disciplinary confinement unit, kitchen/dining area, recreation yard, education/gym building, and an industrial area.
Maximum Security employs over 230 inmates, approximately 59% of its total population. Inmates perform a variety of functions to help maintain the institution. Approximately 190 inmates work in areas such as the kitchen, laundry, barber shop, library, and as porters within the housing modules and recreation areas. Industries consists of a print shop, carpenter shop, and laundry.
RIDOC operates a unified correctional system, whereby all pretrial detainees and all sentenced offenders (regardless of sentence length or crime) are under the jurisdiction of the Department.
It has seven housing facilities on the Pastore Government Center Complex in Cranston, Rhode Island.
The mission of Maximum Security is to provide custody, control, and security during the process of confining those persons sentenced under the provisions of a duly appointed court of law.
During confinement, Rhode Island Maximum Security Prison provides correctional treatment, training, care, and supervision commensurate with custody grade and category necessary to return each inmate to society as an effective member of that society and as a useful citizen with improved attitude and motivation.
It is the responsibility of each inmate to seek out and take advantage of those programs offered within Maximum Security.
Rhode Island has no death penalty and no death row.
Prison Insights
Rhode Island Maximum Security Prison
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Visiting Hours and Rules
The Rhode Island Maximum Security Facility offers two different daily visiting periods, one from 1:30-3:45 p.m. and one from 6-8:40 p.m. Most inmates are eligible for five visiting periods per week.
Visiting Rules
- Each visitor may bring up to ten ($10) dollars in change to use in the vending machines. It must be in a clear plastic bag.
- You may store personal belongings (coats, snow boots, etc.) in lockers provided for that purpose. You may take the locker key into the visiting room.
- Nitroglycerin is the only life saving medication visitors will be approved to bring with them to a visiting session.
- For more information about visiting an inmate at a Rhode Island Correctional Facility, click here.
Video Visitation
The Rhode Island Maximum Security Prison offers video visitation through Securus Technologies. For more information, click here. For schedule updates, visit the RIDOC Facebook Page
Dress Code
All visitors MUST wear undergarments. Any visitor who doesn't follow this dress code may be denied visits or entry to the facility. Visitors to any RIDOC facility are prohibited from wearing:
- See-through clothing
- Low-cut and V-neck sweaters, blouses or shirts and tank, halter, or “tube” tops
- Skirts, dresses, shorts with slits that are two (2) inches or more above the knee
- Blouses or shirts too short to tuck in; blouses or shirts which expose the midriff
- Tight-fitting or athletic type clothing
- Spandex, stirrup, sweat, and/or “swish” pants
- Clothing the Visiting Room Lieutenant or Shift Commander determines is provocative/inappropriate
- Hats, headbands, and/or hooded clothing
- Clothes with holes, rips, tears (clothing must be completely intact)
- Clothing with the pockets torn out or torn to allow access beneath the garment
- Sleeveless garments
- “Farmer” jeans
- Camouflage garments
- Khaki, beige, or any other clothing which could be mistaken for inmate clothing
- Military clothing (actual uniforms and look-alikes)
- Clothing which closely resembles uniforms (Correctional Officer, police, sheriff, marshal, etc.)
- Nursing uniforms (including “scrubs”)
- Jewelry (except wedding and/or engagement rings and medical alert jewelry)
- Underwire bras, metal buttons, buckles which cannot be removed and set off the metal detector
- Metal hair ornaments
- Flip-flops
Physical Address
Rhode Island Maximum Security Prison
1375 Pontiac Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920
Driving Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/qdrhdU7Vynj22zbe6
General Phone Number
(401) 462-3791
Inmate Mailing Address(es)
Inmate Name/DOC Number
Rhode Island Maximum Security Prison
P.O. Box 8273
Cranston, RI 02920
How to Call an Inmate
You can't call an inmate at Rhode Island Maximum Security Prison, but they do have access to phones during certain hours. For complete details on how to call an inmate in Rhode Island, please click here.
How to Send Money
Family and friends can send money to a RIDOC inmate online, over the phone, through US mail, or at one of the convenient deposit kiosks.
- Go to AccessCorrections.com to make a deposit to an inmate’s account or download an Android or IOS app from your smart device.
- Call toll free 866-345-1884 to speak to a representative 24/7. Bilingual representatives are available.
- Go to a cash walk-in location. Visit www.CashPayToday.com to enroll and find a location near you. You can call 844-340-CASH(2274) for more information.
- Utilize the Lobby Kiosk at the Travisono Intake Service Center.
- Make a deposit in person at the Inmate Accounts Office, West Road (Bldg.#138), Cranston, RI between 9am and 11am or 1 pm and 3 pm.
You may send a check, bank draft, or money order to:
RI Department of Corrections
Inmate Accounts Office
51 West Road, Bldg. 138
Cranston, RI 02920
Check /money order should be payable to RI Department of Corrections with inmate’s name and ID# on the memo line.
Programs For Inmates
Education
Education Unit programming occurs five days a week on a full-time, year-round basis and on evenings and weekends. Students are instructed by highly qualified teachers and are offered support by tutors and para-professionals.
Students enrolled in education have a range of skills and abilities. Educational Services aims to pick up where the student left off. The typical offender to be served in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes is typically of lower literacy skills and has significant gaps in education.
The General Education Diploma (GED) classes focus on the student who is close to completing school but may have learning gaps or other educational challenges. In addition to ABE/GED classes, programs for English Language Learners, Special Education / Title One, Inmate Literacy Program, GED testing, post-secondary programs, and Vocational Training exist.
Educational/Vocational Programs:
Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Educational Development (GED), English As A Second Language (ESL), remedial reading, art classes, CCRI Visual Arts and Computer Literacy, Changing Lives Through Literature, and barber licensing.
Rehabilitative Programs:
Anger Management, Cognitive Self Change, Domestic Violence Group 1 & 2, Parenting Class, Sex Offender Treatment Program, Life Skills, and many more. Numerous religious services and programs are offered to inmates throughout the year.
Pictures of Rhode Island Maximum Security Prison
Careers at Rhode Island Maximum Security Prison
If you are interested in a career with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, you can find out more information about available jobs at Rhode Island Maximum Security Prison by clicking here.
