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Aerial view of FMC Devens
Administrative SecurityFMCMale+ Satellite Camp

FMC Devens

Ayer, MA· NER Region

Population1,119
BOP RegionNER

About FMC Devens

FMC Devens is a Federal Medical Center located in Ayer, Massachusetts, serving as an administrative-level facility for male inmates. With a total population of 1,119 inmates, the facility houses 1,033 inmates in the main institution and an additional 86 inmates in its adjacent minimum-security camp. As part of the Bureau of Prisons' Northeast Region, FMC Devens provides specialized medical and administrative services to its inmate population.

The facility offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), a comprehensive 9-month, 500-hour intensive treatment program for inmates with substance use disorders. Successful completion of RDAP can result in up to a 12-month sentence reduction, making it a valuable opportunity for eligible inmates. As a Federal Medical Center, Devens is equipped to provide medical care and specialized services, though the specific medical care level designation is not specified in available records.

Located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, FMC Devens is accessible to families in the New England region for visiting and support. The facility operates under standard BOP visiting policies, and families can contact the institution at 978-796-1000 for specific information about visiting procedures and scheduling. Prison Professors can help individuals and their families understand what to expect at FMC Devens, navigate the facility's programs and policies, and develop strategies for making the most of their time at this administrative facility.

Contact & Location

Mailing Address (Inmates)

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBERDevensP.O. BOX 879Ayer, MA 01432

Mailing Address (Staff)

DevensP.O. BOX 880Ayer, MA 01432
978-796-1000
978-796-1118(Fax)
DEV-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: 42.528796, -71.626278

Population & Housing

Total population: 1,119

Programs & Education

Program information for this facility is being compiled.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

RDAP Available

FMC Devens offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program.

Program Details

A voluntary, intensive 9-month (500-hour) residential treatment program for inmates with substance use disorders. Successful completion may result in up to a 12-month sentence reduction.

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.

Federal Medical Center

As a Federal Medical Center, FMC Devens provides specialized medical and surgical services that go beyond its designated care level. FMCs serve as referral institutions for inmates throughout the BOP system who require advanced or long-term medical care.

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.

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Recreation

Standard BOP recreation information for a administrative-security facility. Actual offerings at FMC Devens may vary.

Outdoor Recreation

Medical facilities adapt outdoor recreation to accommodate the needs of men with chronic conditions, disabilities, or ongoing medical treatment. Accessible pathways and shaded seating areas are typically available. Staff may modify activities or schedules based on individual medical profiles.

  • Walking and jogging track
  • Basketball courts
  • Handball/racquetball courts
  • Accessible walking paths
  • Horseshoe pits

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.

Equipment at medical facilities may include adaptive machines and physical therapy resources for inmates recovering from surgery or managing chronic conditions.

Activities

  • Table tennis
  • Card and board games
  • Pick-up basketball

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 FMC Devens's Recreation Department for the current schedule.

Work Assignments & UNICOR

Work Assignments

All medically able inmates at FMC Devens 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 FMC Devens 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 FMC Devens 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 FMC Devens 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 FMC Devens 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 FMC Devens 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 FMC Devens. 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 879Ayer, MA 01432

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 FMC Devens. 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 FMC Devens directly to confirm whether video visiting is currently offered and how to schedule a session.

BOP Communication InfoCorrLinks (TRULINCS Email)

Stories from FMC Devens

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Frequently Asked Questions

FMC Devens is a Federal Medical Center with an administrative security level that houses male inmates. The facility has a total population of 1,119 inmates, with 1,033 in the main institution and 86 in the adjacent minimum-security camp. As an administrative facility, it serves inmates with specialized medical, security, or administrative needs.
Visiting at FMC Devens follows standard BOP procedures, requiring visitors to be on the inmate's approved visiting list. You must complete a visiting application and undergo a background check before being approved. Contact the facility at 978-796-1000 for specific visiting hours and procedures, as these can vary and may change.
Visiting hours at FMC Devens may vary and should be confirmed by contacting the facility directly at 978-796-1000. The BOP website also provides current visiting policies and schedules that families should review. It's important to check for any facility-specific restrictions or holiday schedule changes before planning your visit.
Inmates at FMC Devens can communicate through phone calls, email via the TRULINCS system, and regular mail. Phone calls are typically limited in duration and frequency, and all communications are monitored. Families can send money for phone accounts and email usage through the BOP's approved payment systems.
RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program) is an intensive 9-month, 500-hour residential treatment program available at FMC Devens for inmates with substance use disorders. The program is voluntary and requires screening and acceptance. Successful completion can result in up to a 12-month sentence reduction and priority consideration for community-based treatment during the final months of incarceration.
As a Federal Medical Center, FMC Devens provides medical care to its inmate population. Inmates can request medical attention through the standard BOP sick call procedures. The facility is equipped to handle various medical needs, though specific medical care levels are determined on a case-by-case basis.
FMC Devens operates a commissary where inmates can purchase approved items such as food, hygiene products, clothing, and electronics. Inmates need money in their commissary accounts to make purchases, which families can deposit through the BOP's approved payment methods. Commissary schedules and spending limits follow standard BOP guidelines.
Families can send money to inmates at FMC Devens through several BOP-approved methods including online payments, phone payments, MoneyGram, or postal money orders. All deposits require the inmate's full name and registration number. The facility's information and specific deposit instructions are available on the BOP website.
While specific program details aren't specified in available records, federal facilities typically offer GED preparation, adult literacy programs, and various vocational training opportunities. Inmates should speak with their case managers about available programs and eligibility requirements. Educational participation can be beneficial for custody level classification and release preparation.
FMC Devens has an adjacent minimum-security camp that houses 86 inmates. Transfers to the camp are based on security classification, time remaining on sentence, and other BOP criteria. Inmates interested in camp placement should discuss options with their case managers and maintain clear conduct records.
Mail at FMC Devens is subject to BOP regulations, including inspection of incoming and outgoing correspondence. Prohibited items include cash, personal checks, and certain types of materials or publications. All mail should include the sender's complete return address and the inmate's full name and registration number.
Transfers from FMC Devens are determined by the BOP based on factors including security level, program needs, medical requirements, and release preparation. Inmates approaching release may be transferred to halfway houses or home confinement. Case managers handle transfer requests and provide updates on transfer decisions.
Daily life at FMC Devens follows structured schedules including work assignments, meals, recreation periods, and programs. As an administrative facility, schedules may vary based on individual custody levels and medical needs. Inmates are expected to participate in assigned programs and maintain facility rules and regulations.
Families should work with the inmate's case manager to develop release plans including housing, employment, and community support. The facility may offer pre-release programming and can coordinate with halfway houses or home confinement when appropriate. Early planning is essential for successful reintegration into the community.
Families can contact FMC Devens at 978-796-1000 for general information and visiting procedures. For administrative matters, the executive assistant can be reached at DEV-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov. Always have the inmate's full name and registration number available when contacting the facility.

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