United States Penitentiary (USP) - Leavenworth Medium, Kansas
Overview of the Facility
United States Penitentiary (USP) Leavenworth is a medium-security federal prison located in Leavenworth, Kansas. It is part of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and houses male inmates. The facility is known for its historical significance as one of the oldest federal prisons in the United States.
Contact Information
Address: 1300 Metropolitan Avenue, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Phone: (913) 682-8700
Website: https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/lvn/
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at USP Leavenworth, use the BOP's Inmate Locator tool available at https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/. You will need the inmate's full name and registration number or other identifying information.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visiting hours are typically on weekends and federal holidays. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list. Contact the facility directly for the most up-to-date visiting schedule and requirements.
How to Send Money
Money can be sent to inmates through the following methods:
- Online: BOP's Trust Fund System
- Western Union Quick Collect
- MoneyGram
- Postal Money Order
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates have access to telephones and can make collect calls or use pre-paid phone accounts. Video visitation may be available, but you should check with the facility for current options and procedures.
Inmate Services and Programs
USP Leavenworth offers various programs including:
- Educational programs
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Religious services
- Recreation activities
History of the Facility
USP Leavenworth was one of the first federal prisons, opening in 1906. It has a rich history and was once considered a model for other federal penitentiaries. The facility has undergone several changes over the years, transitioning from a maximum-security prison to its current medium-security status.
Security and Management Information
As a medium-security facility, USP Leavenworth employs various security measures including perimeter fencing, surveillance systems, and regular inmate counts. The prison is managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and staffed by trained correctional officers and support personnel.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates at USP Leavenworth have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. They also have the right to receive visits from approved family and friends, subject to prison regulations and security requirements.
Booking and Release Process
The booking process involves intake procedures, including fingerprinting, photographing, and medical screening. Upon release, inmates may be transferred to a halfway house or released directly to the community, depending on their sentence and behavior while incarcerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of facility is USP Leavenworth?
USP Leavenworth is a medium-security federal prison for male inmates, operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
How can I send mail to an inmate at USP Leavenworth?
To send mail to an inmate, use the following format:
Inmate Name and Register Number
USP Leavenworth
U.S. Penitentiary
P.O. Box 1000
Leavenworth, KS 66048
Are there any restrictions on what can be sent to inmates?
Yes, there are restrictions on what can be sent to inmates. Generally, only letters, photos, and approved publications are allowed. No packages or items that could pose a security risk are permitted. Check the BOP website or contact the facility for specific guidelines.
Famous Prisoners
Several notable individuals have served time at USP Leavenworth throughout its history, including:
- George "Machine Gun" Kelly - Convicted of kidnapping
- Robert Franklin Stroud - Known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz"
- Michael Vick - Former NFL quarterback, served time for dogfighting
- George "Bugs" Moran - Chicago gangster during Prohibition era
- Carl Panzram - Serial killer who confessed to multiple murders
- James Earl Ray - Assassin of Martin Luther King Jr.
- Frank Abagnale Jr. - Con artist whose life inspired the film "Catch Me If You Can"
- Tom Pendergast - Kansas City political boss convicted of tax evasion
- Robert Satiacum - Native American fishing rights activist
- Leonard Peltier - Native American activist convicted of murder, subject of controversy