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Aerial view of FCI Butner Medium II
Medium SecurityFCIMale

FCI Butner Medium II

Butner, NC· MXR Region

Population1,534
BOP RegionMXR

About FCI Butner Medium II

FCI Butner Medium II is a medium-security Federal Correctional Institution located in Butner, North Carolina, in Granville County. This facility houses male inmates and currently maintains a population of 1,534 individuals. As part of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office (MXR) within the Federal Bureau of Prisons system, Butner Medium II operates as a standalone medium-security facility without an adjacent minimum-security camp or federal satellite low facility.

The facility follows standard Bureau of Prisons protocols for medium-security institutions, focusing on maintaining security while providing inmates with opportunities for rehabilitation and preparation for reentry. While specific program details are limited in available data, the facility operates under BOP guidelines for educational, vocational, and therapeutic programming typical of medium-security institutions. The facility does not currently offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), which may be an important consideration for individuals seeking substance abuse treatment as part of their sentence.

FCI Butner Medium II's location in North Carolina provides accessibility for families visiting from the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions. The facility can be reached at 919-575-8000 for general inquiries, and the executive assistant can be contacted via email at BUX-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov. Visiting procedures follow standard BOP policies, and families should familiarize themselves with current visiting guidelines available on the BOP website. Prison Professors can help individuals and their families prepare for the transition to FCI Butner Medium II, providing guidance on what to expect and how to make the most of the time served at this facility.

Contact & Location

Mailing Address (Inmates)

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBERButner Medium IIP.O. BOX 1500Butner, NC 27509

Mailing Address (Staff)

Butner Medium IIP.O. 1500Butner, NC 27509
919-575-8000
919-575-8020(Fax)
BUX-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov

Do NOT send money to an inmate using this facility's address. All funds must be sent to the processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.

GPS: 36.138213, -78.799449

Population & Housing

Total population: 1,534

Programs & Education

Program information for this facility is being compiled.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

RDAP Not Available

FCI Butner Medium II 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.

Learn more about RDAPPreparing for RDAP? Start your profile

Medical Care

Medical care level information is being compiled.

Standard BOP Medical Services

Sick Call Process

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.

Emergency Care

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.

Dental Services

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.

Mental Health Services

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.

Medications

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.

Co-Pay Information

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 FCI Butner Medium II? Share your experience on your Prison Professors profile to help others prepare.

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Recreation

Standard BOP recreation information for a medium-security facility. Actual offerings at FCI Butner Medium II 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 FCI Butner Medium II's Recreation Department for the current schedule.

Work Assignments & UNICOR

Work Assignments

All medically able inmates at FCI Butner Medium II 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 FCI Butner Medium II are performed within the facility perimeter.

Common Work Assignments

Food Service
Facilities Maintenance (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)
Landscaping & Grounds
Orderly / Janitorial
Laundry
Education Tutor
Recreation Aide
Commissary
Chapel Orderly
Library Aide
Institutional Pay

Standard institutional work assignments pay between $0.12 and $0.40 per hour. Pay grades are determined by position and performance.

Work 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

Furniture & cabinetry
Textiles & clothing
Electronics & cable assemblies
Fleet management & vehicular components
Call center services
Printing & bindery

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 FCI Butner Medium II 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.

Learn More About the First Step Act

Commissary

Monthly Spending Limit

$360.00

Commissary Notes

Over-the-counter medications and postage stamps do not count against the monthly spending limit.

Good to Know

Over-the-counter medications and postage stamps do not count against the monthly spending limit. These items are tracked separately by the Bureau of Prisons.

How to Send Money

Friends and family can deposit funds into an inmate's commissary account through several methods:

  • MoneyGram — Available at retail locations nationwide. Use BOP Inmate Deposit code 7932.
  • Western Union — Send via online, phone, or in-person. Use BOP city code FBOP, DC.
  • U.S. Postal Money Order — Mail to the National Finance Center. Personal checks are not accepted.
  • Online via Trust Fund — Use the BOP's authorized deposit service at bop.gov.

All deposits are processed through the Federal Bureau of Prisons' Des Moines Finance Center. Allow 3–5 business days for funds to appear in the inmate's account.

Communication

Staying connected with a loved one at FCI Butner Medium II 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 FCI Butner Medium II 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 FCI Butner Medium II 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.

Mail

Traditional mail remains one of the most reliable ways to stay in touch with someone at FCI Butner Medium II. All correspondence must include the inmate's full legal name and register number on the envelope and letter.

Inmate Mailing Address

INMATE FULL NAME, REGISTER NUMBERP.O. BOX 1500Butner, NC 27509

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 FCI Butner Medium II. 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 FCI Butner Medium II directly to confirm whether video visiting is currently offered and how to schedule a session.

BOP Communication InfoCorrLinks (TRULINCS Email)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting hours follow standard BOP policies for medium-security facilities, typically occurring on weekends and federal holidays. Specific visiting days and times may vary, so families should check the current visiting schedule on the BOP website or contact the facility directly at 919-575-8000. All visitors must be approved through the visiting application process before their first visit.
Money can be sent to inmates through the BOP's approved methods including Western Union, MoneyGram, or the BOP's online commissary deposit system. Inmates can use these funds for commissary purchases, phone calls, and other approved expenses. Processing times may vary depending on the method used, with electronic transfers typically being faster than money orders.
Inmates can communicate through monitored phone calls, the BOP's TRULINCS email system, and traditional mail. Phone calls are typically limited in duration and frequency according to BOP policy. Email through TRULINCS allows for more frequent communication, though all electronic communications are monitored for security purposes.
No, FCI Butner Medium II does not currently offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Inmates seeking RDAP to potentially reduce their sentence would need to request a transfer to a facility that offers this program. The transfer process should be initiated as early as possible in the sentence to allow adequate time for completion.
Visitors should bring valid government-issued photo identification and may bring a small amount of money for vending machines (typically $20-30 in small bills). Personal items, electronics, and outside food are generally not permitted. Visitors should dress according to the facility's dress code, avoiding clothing that could be considered inappropriate or that resembles inmate uniforms.
The facility can be reached by phone at 919-575-8000 for general inquiries. For administrative matters, you can email the executive assistant at BUX-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov. When calling, be prepared to provide specific information about the inmate you're inquiring about, including their full name and register number.
Daily life follows a structured schedule typical of medium-security facilities, including regular counts, work assignments, meals, and recreation time. Inmates are expected to participate in work programs and may have access to educational opportunities, religious services, and recreational activities. The facility maintains security protocols appropriate for medium-security classification while allowing for programming and social interaction.
Yes, inmates at medium-security facilities are typically required to work if medically able. Work assignments may include facility maintenance, food service, laundry, or other institutional operations. These work programs provide structure, skills development, and a small income that can be used for commissary purchases and other expenses.
The facility provides basic medical care through BOP health services, including routine medical visits, emergency care, and management of chronic conditions. For specialized medical needs that cannot be addressed at the facility, inmates may be transferred to medical facilities within the BOP system. Mental health services are also available as part of standard BOP healthcare.
While specific advance notice requirements may vary, it's generally recommended to plan visits at least a week in advance, especially during peak visiting times. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visiting list before arriving at the facility. During holidays or special events, visiting may be more limited, so early planning is essential.
The intake process includes medical and mental health screening, classification assessment, orientation to facility rules and procedures, and assignment of housing and work details. New arrivals will receive information about available programs, visiting procedures, and facility operations. This process typically takes several days to complete.
Generally, inmates cannot receive packages from outside sources except in very limited circumstances such as approved religious items or legal materials. Most personal items must be purchased through the commissary or approved vendors. Any packages sent to the facility without prior approval will typically be returned to the sender.
While specific program details aren't available for Butner Medium II, medium-security facilities typically offer GED preparation, adult continuing education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and various vocational training programs. Inmates are encouraged to participate in educational programming to improve their prospects for successful reentry.
The commissary operates on a scheduled basis, typically allowing inmates to shop once or twice per week based on their housing unit. Inmates can purchase food items, hygiene products, clothing, and other approved personal items using funds from their inmate account. Commissary lists and spending limits follow standard BOP guidelines.
Families should begin release planning well in advance, including arranging housing, employment opportunities, and transportation from the facility. The facility's case management team can provide guidance on halfway house placements and supervised release requirements. Prison Professors offers resources to help inmates and families prepare for successful reentry and navigate the transition process.

Have more questions about FCI Butner Medium II? Contact us and we'll do our best to help.

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