FPC Duluth
Duluth, MN· NCR Region
About FPC Duluth
FPC Duluth, officially known as the Federal Prison Camp Duluth, is a minimum-security federal correctional facility located in Duluth, Minnesota, in Saint Louis County. This facility houses 181 male inmates and operates as a prison camp (FPC), which represents the lowest security level in the federal prison system. The facility is part of the Bureau of Prisons' North Central Region and serves inmates who pose minimal security risks.
One of the key features of FPC Duluth is its Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), a voluntary 9-month intensive treatment program that provides 500 hours of substance abuse treatment. Inmates who successfully complete RDAP may be eligible for up to a 12-month sentence reduction, making this program particularly valuable for those struggling with addiction. As a minimum-security facility, FPC Duluth typically offers more movement freedom and programming opportunities compared to higher-security institutions, though specific program details beyond RDAP are not specified in available data.
Located in northeastern Minnesota near Lake Superior, FPC Duluth provides visiting opportunities for families, though visitors should review the current visiting policy on the BOP website at www.bop.gov for the most up-to-date schedules and procedures. The facility can be reached at 218-722-8634 for general inquiries. Prison Professors can help individuals and families prepare for their experience at FPC Duluth by providing guidance on self-surrender procedures, understanding facility operations, and developing strategies to make the most of available programs and resources during incarceration.
Contact & Location
Mailing Address (Inmates)
INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBERDuluthP.O. BOX 1000Duluth, MN 55814Mailing Address (Staff)
DuluthP.O. BOX 1400Duluth, MN 55814Do 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: 181
Programs & Education
Program information for this facility is being compiled.
Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)
RDAP Available
FPC Duluth 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.
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 FPC Duluth? Share your experience on your Prison Professors profile to help others prepare.
Share Your ExperienceSelf-Surrender Guide for FPC Duluth
Minimum security · Federal Prison Camp · Duluth, MN
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 FPC Duluth
Before Surrender Day
Contact FPC Duluth at 218-722-8634 to confirm your surrender date, time, and any specific instructions. Arrive early in the day (typically between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM) as processing can take several hours. Arrange transportation and say your goodbyes beforehand, as family members cannot accompany you through the intake process.
What to Bring
Bring your surrender paperwork, valid government-issued photo ID, and any court-ordered documents. You may bring a small amount of cash (typically under $300) for your commissary account. Wear simple, appropriate clothing without logos, brands, or anything resembling gang colors. Wedding rings and religious medallions may be permitted but will be inspected.
What NOT to Bring
Do not bring cell phones, electronics, jewelry (except wedding ring), medications, food, tobacco products, or any personal items. The facility will provide all necessary clothing, toiletries, and basic supplies. Any prohibited items will be confiscated and may not be returned.
Initial Processing and First 48 Hours
Expect a thorough intake process including paperwork, medical screening, fingerprinting, and photographing. You'll receive facility clothing, bedding, and basic hygiene items. During your first few days, you'll attend orientation sessions covering facility rules, programs, and daily schedules. As a minimum-security facility, FPC Duluth typically allows more freedom of movement once you're settled.
Prison Professors Preparation Tips
Prison Professors recommends arriving mentally prepared for the intake process and understanding that the first few weeks are an adjustment period. Use this time to identify programming opportunities, especially RDAP if applicable to your situation. Establish communication plans with family members and begin thinking about how to use your time productively. Consider how participating in available programs can benefit your reentry preparation.
Emotional Preparation
The surrender process can be emotionally challenging for both inmates and families. Accept that the first few weeks will involve significant adjustment as you learn facility routines and establish your daily schedule. Stay focused on your goals, maintain regular communication with loved ones within facility guidelines, and remember that minimum-security facilities like FPC Duluth offer more opportunities for personal growth and program participation than higher-security institutions.
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 FPC Duluth? 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 FPC Duluth may vary.
Outdoor Recreation
Federal Prison Camps offer the most open recreation environment in the BOP. Men at camps generally have access to large outdoor recreation areas throughout the day during non-work hours, with minimal restrictions on movement between recreation spaces.
- 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)
- Outdoor cookouts during holiday weekends (at some camps)
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 FPC Duluth's Recreation Department for the current schedule.
Work Assignments & UNICOR
Work Assignments
All medically able inmates at FPC Duluth 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.
Camp Work Details
As a minimum-security camp, FPC Duluth may assign inmates to work details outside the facility boundary, including grounds maintenance on an adjacent military base, community service projects, and other off-site details not available at higher-security institutions.
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 FPC Duluth 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
$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 FPC Duluth 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 FPC Duluth 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 FPC Duluth 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 FPC Duluth. 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 1000Duluth, MN 55814What 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 FPC Duluth. 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 FPC Duluth directly to confirm whether video visiting is currently offered and how to schedule a session.
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