Thompson Correctional Center

The Thompson Correctional Center is a prison for adult male inmates that is located 17 miles east of Madison, Wisconsin (between Deerfield and Cambridge). This facility has an operating capacity of 125 inmates and is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. 

This prison is part of the Wisconsin Correctional Center System, an "institution" that consists of 14 adult, male correctional centers with a single warden. 

TCC was established in 1942 as a prison farm. It's located on 1,100 acres of land which was owned at the time by the University of Wisconsin and leased to the Department of Welfare. All of this land was sold in 1974, with the exception of the 22 acres that the facility sits on. At that time, the facility's program focus changed from farming to work release.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting Hours at Thompson Correctional Center are:

Thursdays: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m

A maximum of six adults may visit an inmate at one time without prior approval. 

General Visiting Rules

Only the visitors on the offender’s approved visiting list are allowed to visit. All visitors 16 years and older must show a photo ID before the start of each and every visit. No exceptions. 

Electronic devices, including cell phones and cameras, are prohibited. Smoking materials are also prohibited. Visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance will not be permitted entrance. 

Purses, briefcases, tote bags, strollers, etc. must be left in locked vehicles. 

During the summer months, visits are conducted outside at picnic tables. During winter months and in inclement weather, visiting is held indoors. 

No food items of any kind may be brought in by visitors. An exception to this policy will be granted for children two years of age and younger, for whom factory sealed containers of baby food, baby formula, and crackers or dry cereal in clear plastic bags will be allowed. These items may not be shared with inmates or other visitors. 

Vending machines are available to visitors for the purchase of snacks and drinks. You are allowed to bring a small coin purse for vending machine purchases. 

Visitors may not bring anything in to give to offenders during visits, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, money, paperwork or electronics. 

Visitors are not allowed to go out to their vehicle and return to a visit once it has begun. If a visitor returns to their vehicle, the visit will be terminated. 

Dress Code

To ensure a safe and secure visiting area that is conducive to a family atmosphere, visitors are expected to dress in an appropriate manner. Visitors who are not appropriately dressed will be denied entrance. The following clothing and items are prohibited in the visiting room.

• Hats and headgear
• Watches 
• Transparent/translucent clothing 
• Shorts that are shorter than fingertip length with the visitor standing with proper posture, arms straight down, fingers extended 
• Skirts and dresses shorter than fingertip length plus three inches
• Tops and dresses that are strapless, tube, or halter style. 
• Camisoles and tank tops are only permissible when worn under other attire 
• Tops and dresses that expose the midriff (front and/or back) 
• Spandex or Spandex-like and Lycra or Lycra-like clothing
• Exposed undergarments
• Clothing with revealing holes, tears or slits 
• Clothing or accessories with obscene or profane writing, images, or pictures 
• Gang-related clothing, headwear, shoes, logos, or insignias 

The Wisconsin DOC has a Personal Care Package Program that allows you to purchase approved personal care items for your inmate at Thompson Correctional Center. Orders can be placed online at WIinmatepackage.com.

How to Call an Inmate

You can't call an inmate at Thompson Correctional Center, but they do have access to phones. For complete details on how to call an inmate in Wisconsin, please click here.

How to Send Money

You can send money to your inmate at Thompson Correctional Center through Access Corrections Secure Deposit and their affiliate walk-in provider CashPayToday.

Internet or Phone (service fees apply):

• Visit AccessCorrections.com or call (866) 345-1884 (bilingüe; agents available 24/7)
• Visa and MasterCard are accepted

US Postal Service (no service fees):

• Print and complete a Wisconsin DOC Money Order/Check Deposit Slip (bilingüe). Forms are also available at the facilities.
• The inmate's DOC number must be written on the check/money order and deposit slip.
• All writing must be legible and in blue or black ink. 
• Do not include any additional items such as photos or letters, as they will be discarded. 
• Make cashier's checks, personal checks, and money orders payable to ACCESS SECURE DEPOSITS.
• Mail to: Secure Deposits – Wisconsin DOC, P.O. Box 12486, St Louis, MO 63132.

Walk-in (service fees apply):

• Visit CashPayToday.com or call (844) 340-2274 to enroll.
• Walk-in sites accept cash only.
• Visit CashPayToday to locate a Dollar General, Family Dollar, Speedway, or other location near you that accepts walk-in payments, or view this list of WI locations.

Programs For Inmates

TCC offers work release programs with local employers. Eligible inmates work outside of the prison during the day and earn money which can be used for fees, restitution, and other financial obligations. 

The TCC project crew assists local government agencies and non-profit organizations on a variety of work projects. Community service opportunities are also available.

In 2013, Thompson Correctional Center partnered with the Labrador Education and Rescue Network (L.E.A.R.N) to become part of their rescue network for Labradors.

Pictures of Thompson Correctional Center

Careers at Thompson Correctional Center

If you are interested in a career with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and would like more information about job openings at the Thompson Correctional Center, click here.