FCC Butner
Butner, NC· MXR Region
About FCC Butner
FCC Butner, officially known as the Federal Correctional Complex Butner, is a minimum-security Federal Correctional Institution located in Butner, North Carolina. This facility houses male inmates in a minimum-security environment, providing a structured setting for individuals nearing the end of their sentences or those with lower security classifications. While current population data shows zero inmates, this may reflect temporary status or facility transitions within the broader Butner complex.
As a minimum-security facility, FCC Butner focuses on preparing inmates for successful reentry into society. The facility operates under Bureau of Prisons standards for minimum-security institutions, though specific program offerings such as the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) are not currently available at this location. The medical care level has not been specified in available data, but the facility follows BOP guidelines for healthcare services appropriate to its security level.
FCC Butner's location in North Carolina provides accessibility for families in the southeastern United States. While specific visiting schedules are not currently available, the facility follows standard BOP visiting procedures for minimum-security institutions. Prison Professors can help individuals and their families prepare for the transition to FCC Butner, providing guidance on what to expect during self-surrender, orientation processes, and strategies for making the most of their time at this facility.
Contact & Location
Mailing Address (Inmates)
INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBERButnerOld Nc Hwy 75Butner, NC 27509Do NOT send money to an inmate using this facility's address. All funds must be sent to the processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Population & Housing
Total population: 0
Programs & Education
Program information for this facility is being compiled.
Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)
RDAP Not Available
FCC Butner does not currently offer RDAP.
The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is the Bureau of Prisons' most intensive substance-abuse treatment program. It is a 500-hour, unit-based program lasting 9 to 12 months, followed by community-based transitional treatment. Participants who successfully complete RDAP may be eligible for up to a 12-month reduction in their sentence under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e).
Facilities that do not offer RDAP may still provide the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NR-DAP), a less intensive outpatient-style treatment, or the Drug Abuse Education (DAE) course, a shorter psychoeducational program. Both can help demonstrate progress toward rehabilitation but do not qualify for the same sentence reduction as RDAP.
Medical Care
Medical care level information is being compiled.
Standard BOP Medical Services
Inmates request medical attention by submitting a cop-out (Inmate Request to Staff) or a sick call form, typically available in each housing unit. Sick call is held on scheduled mornings — a staff member triages requests and inmates are seen by mid-level providers or physicians based on need.
All BOP facilities provide 24/7 emergency medical coverage. In a medical emergency, staff will initiate on-site treatment and arrange outside hospital transport if necessary. Inmates should notify any staff member immediately for emergencies.
Routine dental exams are provided on an annual basis, including cleanings and necessary X-rays. Emergency dental care — such as treatment for pain, infection, or trauma — is available on a priority basis. Elective procedures are limited and subject to approval.
Each facility has psychology staff who provide individual counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention, and mental health evaluations. Inmates can self-refer by submitting a cop-out to the Psychology Department. Inmates on psychiatric medications are monitored regularly.
Chronic care medications (e.g., blood pressure, insulin, psychiatric meds) are dispensed through a scheduled "pill line." Inmates must report at designated times to receive their medications. Over-the-counter medications are available through commissary; some may be prescribed at no cost.
The BOP charges a $2.00 co-pay for inmate-initiated health care visits. Exemptions apply to follow-up visits requested by medical staff, emergency care, chronic care appointments, mental health contacts, preventive services, and prenatal care. Inmates with insufficient funds are not denied care.
Good to Know
Medical care quality and wait times vary by facility. Inmates with pre-existing conditions should bring documentation of their medical history, current medications, and treating physicians to assist with continuity of care during intake processing.
Have questions about medical care at FCC Butner? Share your experience on your Prison Professors profile to help others prepare.
Share Your ExperienceSelf-Surrender Guide for FCC Butner
Minimum security · Federal Correctional Institution · Butner, NC
If you've been designated to self-surrender, it's natural to feel anxious. This guide walks you through exactly what to expect so you can arrive prepared and focused. Thousands of people have been through this process — and the more prepared you are, the smoother your transition will be.
Preparing for Self-Surrender at FCC Butner
Before You Leave Home
Prepare all required documentation including your commitment order, identification, and any medical records. Prison Professors recommends creating a family communication plan and ensuring your affairs are in order. Contact the facility 48-72 hours before your surrender date to confirm reporting instructions and any last-minute changes.
What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
Bring only essential items: your commitment papers, valid ID, prescription medications in original containers, wedding ring (if simple band), religious medallion, and a small amount of cash for commissary. Do NOT bring electronics, jewelry beyond what's allowed, excessive cash, food items, or personal clothing beyond what you're wearing. All items will be inspected upon arrival.
Arrival and Check-In Process
Arrive during the facility's designated self-surrender hours, typically between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays. The intake process includes documentation review, fingerprinting, photographing, medical screening, and property inventory. This process can take several hours, so family members should expect a lengthy goodbye.
First 24-48 Hours
New arrivals typically spend initial time in receiving and discharge (R&D) for orientation and classification. You'll receive facility handbooks, undergo medical and psychological evaluations, and begin the housing assignment process. Prison Professors emphasizes using this time to ask questions and understand facility procedures.
Emotional Preparation
Prison Professors recommends preparing mentally for the separation from family and adjustment to institutional life. Maintain a positive mindset focused on personal growth and preparation for release. Family members should also prepare emotionally and consider counseling resources to help navigate this challenging period.
Before You Surrender
- Get your affairs in order: power of attorney, finances, family arrangements.
- Confirm your surrender date and time with your attorney.
- The facility may send a surrender letter with specific instructions — follow them exactly.
- Bring valid government-issued photo ID.
- Arrive on time — arriving late can result in a warrant for your arrest.
- Consider having someone drive you. Your vehicle cannot remain at the facility.
What to Bring
Most facilities allow very little on surrender day. Wear simple, comfortable clothing — you'll change into facility-issued clothing upon arrival.
Generally Allowed
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Legal documents related to your case
- Prescription medications in original pharmacy containers with a valid prescription
- A small amount of cash (typically $20–$50, deposited to your commissary account)
- Plain wedding band (no stones)
- Religious medallion
Do NOT Bring
- Cell phone or electronics
- Excess clothing or luggage
- Food or beverages
- Jewelry beyond a plain wedding band
- Weapons of any kind
What to Expect on Arrival
Processing: fingerprints, photographs, medical screening, and intake interview.
You'll receive facility-issued clothing, bedding, and hygiene items.
Orientation program (typically 1–2 weeks) covering facility rules, daily schedule, and expectations.
You'll be assigned a housing unit, a counselor, and a register number if you don't already have one.
The first few days are the hardest — this is completely normal.
First Week Tips
- Be respectful and observe before acting. Take time to learn the culture.
- Learn the daily schedule immediately — meals, count times, recreation, work call.
- Set up your commissary account and phone list as soon as possible.
- Reach out to your counselor for questions about programs, visiting, and mail.
- Start thinking about programming: education, vocational training, RDAP if applicable.
Preparing to surrender at FCC Butner? Create your free Prison Professors profile to start documenting your journey and access resources from others who've been through this process.
Recreation
Standard BOP recreation information for a minimum-security facility. Actual offerings at FCC Butner may vary.
Outdoor Recreation
Recreation yards at FCI facilities are enclosed and supervised. Outdoor recreation is available during structured periods — typically mornings, afternoons, and weekends. Men move to the yard during designated call-outs, and the schedule may vary by housing unit.
- Walking and jogging track
- Basketball courts
- Handball/racquetball courts
- Bocce ball
- Horseshoe pits
- Softball field
- Soccer field
Indoor Recreation
Fitness Equipment
- Cable weight machines and resistance equipment
- Stationary bikes and elliptical trainers
- Stair-steppers
Note on free weights: The BOP removed free weights from most federal facilities in the mid-1990s. Today, the vast majority of facilities offer only cable machines, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercise stations — not free weights.
Activities
- Table tennis
- Card and board games
- Pick-up basketball
- Music room (instruments available at some facilities)
Leisure Activities
- Arts and crafts workshops
- Hobby craft programs (leatherwork, painting, drawing, crochet)
- Intramural sports leagues and tournaments
- Holiday and special-event tournaments
- Movie nights (typically weekends)
Library
All federal facilities are required to provide access to a law library so that inmates can research legal matters and prepare court filings. Most facilities also maintain a leisure library with fiction, non-fiction, and reference materials.
- Law library with legal reference materials
- Access to electronic legal research tools
- Leisure library (fiction, non-fiction, self-help)
- Newspapers and magazine subscriptions
- Interlibrary loan requests (at some facilities)
- Typewriter or computer access for legal work
Recreation schedules are posted at each facility and vary by season, staffing levels, and institutional operations. Weekend and holiday schedules often differ from weekday routines. Check with FCC Butner's Recreation Department for the current schedule.
Work Assignments & UNICOR
Work Assignments
All medically able inmates at FCC Butner are required to work unless participating in a full-time education or vocational training program. Work assignments are made by the Unit Team based on institutional need, the inmate's skills and background, and current program participation.
Work assignments at FCC Butner are performed within the facility perimeter.
Common Work Assignments
Standard institutional work assignments pay between $0.12 and $0.40 per hour. Pay grades are determined by position and performance.
Good work performance is factored into program reviews and can positively affect custody classification, housing placement, and eligibility for preferred assignments.
UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries)
UNICOR, also known as Federal Prison Industries (FPI), is a wholly owned government corporation that operates manufacturing and service operations inside federal prisons. UNICOR provides inmates with job training and work experience in real-world industries while producing goods and services for federal agencies.
$0.23 – $1.15 per hour
UNICOR pays significantly more than standard institutional work assignments, making it one of the most sought-after jobs in the federal system.
Products & Services UNICOR May Produce
Application & Waitlist
Inmates must apply for UNICOR positions and there is often a waitlist. Priority is generally given to inmates with court-ordered financial obligations and those nearing release.
Benefits of UNICOR Participation
UNICOR participation is viewed favorably by staff and can positively impact time credits under the First Step Act, custody level reviews, and halfway house recommendations.
UNICOR Availability
Not all federal facilities have UNICOR operations. Contact FCC Butner to confirm current UNICOR availability and operations.
First Step Act Time Credits
The First Step Act (FSA) allows eligible inmates to earn time credits toward early release or transfer to supervised release (halfway house or home confinement) through productive work assignments, educational programs, and vocational training.
10 – 15 days of credit per 30 days
Eligible inmates earn 10 days of time credits for every 30 days of successful participation in Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs or productive activities. Inmates assessed as minimum or low risk earn an enhanced rate of 15 days per 30-day period.
Work assignments — including institutional jobs and UNICOR — count as productive activities under the FSA. Combined with program participation, these credits can meaningfully reduce time served. Eligibility depends on factors including offense type, risk assessment score, and disciplinary record.
Commissary
Commissary information for this facility is being compiled.
Communication
Staying connected with a loved one at FCC Butner is important. The Bureau of Prisons offers several ways for inmates and their families to communicate, including email, telephone, traditional mail, and video visiting. Each method has its own rules, costs, and limitations — here is what you need to know.
TRULINCS Email
TRULINCS (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System) is the BOP's electronic messaging system. It is the primary way inmates at FCC Butner send and receive email. Messages are text-only — no attachments, images, or formatted text.
Cost
~$0.05/min
Format
Text only
Inmates purchase email credits (stamps or units) using funds from their commissary account. They are charged per minute of usage while composing or reading messages. Incoming messages from family members are free for the inmate to receive, but the inmate pays to read and reply.
Getting Set Up
- The inmate must add you to their approved contact list from inside the facility — family members cannot initiate the connection.
- Once added, you will receive an email invitation from CorrLinks, the external-facing system that connects to TRULINCS.
- Create a free CorrLinks account at corrlinks.com and accept the inmate's contact request.
Limitations
- Text only — no photos, PDFs, or attachments of any kind
- All messages are monitored and may be read by facility staff
- Contact list must be approved before messaging can begin
- Messages may be delayed during facility lockdowns or system maintenance
Telephone
Inmates at FCC Butner can make outgoing phone calls to approved contacts. Calls are placed from designated phones within the housing units during scheduled hours.
300
Minutes / Month
15
Min Per Call
Monitored
& Recorded
- Most inmates receive 300 minutes per month. Inmates on certain disciplinary statuses may have reduced allotments.
- Each call is limited to approximately 15 minutes. A warning tone sounds before the call disconnects.
- All calls are monitored and recorded except those designated as attorney-client privileged communications.
- Inmates use their commissary account balance to pay for calls. Families can also set up prepaid phone accounts through the BOP's approved telephone provider to reduce per-minute costs.
- International calls are available but cost significantly more than domestic calls.
Tip for Families
Setting up a prepaid account in advance ensures your loved one can call you as soon as they arrive at the facility. Contact the BOP's telephone provider to establish an account using the inmate's register number.
Traditional mail remains one of the most reliable ways to stay in touch with someone at FCC Butner. All correspondence must include the inmate's full legal name and register number on the envelope and letter.
Contact the facility for the correct inmate mailing address.
What You Can Send
- Letters and cards
- Photographs (standard prints — no Polaroids or instant photos)
- Newspaper and magazine clippings
- Books and magazines sent directly from the publisher or an approved vendor (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.)
- Religious materials
What You Cannot Send
- Packages (unless pre-approved by staff)
- Cash, checks, or money orders to the facility
- Stamps or stamped envelopes
- Stickers, glitter, or glued items
- Crayon or marker drawings
- Perfumed or scented paper
Important
All incoming and outgoing mail is inspected by facility staff. Mail that violates BOP policy will be rejected and returned to the sender. Always include a return address on your envelope.
Video Visiting
The Bureau of Prisons has rolled out video visiting capabilities at many federal facilities, including institutions like FCC Butner. Video visits allow families to see and speak with their loved one face-to-face without traveling to the facility.
- Conducted through facility-issued tablets or designated video visiting stations within the housing unit.
- Must be scheduled in advance through the BOP's approved scheduling system.
- Subject to institutional availability — sessions may be limited during lockdowns, counts, or high-demand periods.
- Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visiting list to participate in video visits.
- Video visits are monitored and recorded, similar to phone calls.
Availability Note
Video visiting availability varies by facility and may change based on institutional needs. Contact FCC Butner directly to confirm whether video visiting is currently offered and how to schedule a session.
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