Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RI DOC) Inmate Guide

Overview of the Facility

The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RI DOC) is the central correctional agency for the state of Rhode Island. It operates all state-level adult correctional facilities, including minimum, medium, and maximum security prisons, as well as the state's jail system.

Contact Information

Address: 40 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
Phone: (401) 462-2611
Website: https://doc.ri.gov/
Email: [email protected]

How to Locate an Inmate

To locate an inmate in the Rhode Island Department of Corrections system, you can use the online Inmate Search tool available on the RI DOC website. Visit https://www.ri.gov/doc/search/ and enter the inmate's name or ID number.

Visitation Information and Hours

Visitation policies and hours vary by facility within the RI DOC system. Generally, visits are scheduled by appointment and may be subject to COVID-19 restrictions. Contact the specific facility where the inmate is housed for current visitation information and to schedule a visit.

How to Send Money

There are several ways to send money to inmates in the RI DOC system:

Online: Use Access Corrections for credit/debit card deposits.
Phone: Call 1-866-345-1884 to make a deposit using a credit/debit card.
Lobby Kiosk: Available at various facilities for cash deposits.
Mail: Send a money order to the inmate's specific facility.

Phone Calls and Video Options

Phone services are provided through Global Tel Link (GTL). Inmates can make collect calls or use pre-paid accounts. Video visitation may be available at some facilities; check with the specific institution for availability and scheduling.

Inmate Services and Programs

The RI DOC offers various programs and services, including:

Educational programs (GED, vocational training)
Substance abuse treatment
Mental health services
Religious services
Work programs
Re-entry preparation

History of the Facility

The Rhode Island Department of Corrections was established in 1972, consolidating various correctional facilities and programs under one agency. The Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) complex in Cranston houses most of the state's correctional facilities.

Security and Management Information

The RI DOC operates facilities with various security levels, from minimum to maximum. The department is headed by a Director appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Each facility has its own warden and security staff.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. Family and friends can visit according to each facility's policies. All visitors must follow strict guidelines and may be subject to search upon entry.

Booking and Release Process

Booking involves fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information from the inmate. Release procedures vary depending on the type of release (e.g., completion of sentence, parole, or bond). The RI DOC provides re-entry services to help inmates transition back into society.

Frequently Asked Questions

What items can I bring to visitation?

Visitors are generally allowed to bring a clear plastic bag with identification, car keys, and a small amount of cash for vending machines. All other items must be left in lockers or vehicles. Specific rules may vary by facility.

How can I send mail to an inmate?

Address mail to the inmate's full name and ID number, followed by the facility name and address. All mail is inspected for contraband. Do not send cash, checks, or items not approved by the facility.

What is the policy on inmate phone calls?

Inmates can make collect calls or use pre-paid accounts through Global Tel Link (GTL). Calls are monitored and recorded, except for privileged calls to attorneys. There are limits on call duration and frequency.

Famous Prisoners

The Rhode Island Department of Corrections has housed several notable inmates over the years, including:

Claus von Bülow - Convicted (later acquitted) of attempting to murder his wife.
Craig Price - Serial killer who committed his crimes as a juvenile.
Jeffrey Mailhot - Serial killer active in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
Raymond Tempest Jr. - Convicted (later released) for the 1982 murder of Doreen Picard.
Christopher Hightower - Convicted of murdering the Brendel family in Barrington, Rhode Island.

General Visiting and Contacting Information

We provide detailed visiting and contact information for Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RI DOC). If you are have completed a Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RI DOC) inmate search and have located an inmate, the information on this page will help you to stay in contact. We help you send money to jail, send & receive text messages, and provide the address for in-person visits.

Sending Money

Inmates who are currently imprisoned in Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RI DOC) can receive money into their commissary account via money order, check or cash. Inmate visitors can also deposit money directly into the inmate's account at prison administrative office. Note: When sending the money via money order or check, mention the inmate id and full name on the back of the slip.

Sending a Package / Mail

You can send any mail to the inmates who are imprisoned in Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RI DOC). Please send the mail or package to the address mentioned below.

Inmate Name,

Inmate ID,

40 Howard Avenue, Cranston, RI, 02920

Please make sure the mail or package that you are sending comes under the list of approved items. For further clarification on the allowed items, contact the prison administration directly on 401-462-1000, 401-462-3900 .

Note: In case you want to send packages, you need to get prior approval from the prison administration. Contact the prison / jail staff for more information.

Phone calls

Inmates can call to any person outside who are on the approved members list between 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The cost of the call is beared by the receiver and the call can be of maximum 30 minutes. During rush hours, the calling time is reduced drastically to 10 minutes.

Visitation Rules

You need to get yourself registered in the visitors list before visiting any inmate in the prison. If you are visiting someone in Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RI DOC), make sure you are in approved visitors list. Confirm with the prison authorities before coming to visit the inmate.

Listed below are the basic visitation rules which one must adhere to:

Visitor must not be a prior felon.
Visitor must have a valid government ID.
A legal guardian must be accompanied for children below 16 years of age.

Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RI DOC) Inmate Searcher

Fill out the form below and receive a detailed report on an inmate. This includes current and previous arrest records, social media handles, current and previous addresses & phone numbers.

First Name*

Last Name*

State