Prison Professors
Donar
Vista aérea de FCI Thomson
Bajo SeguridadFCIMale+ Campamento Satélite

FCI Thomson

Thomson, IL· Región NCR

Población2,079
Región BOPNCR

About FCI Thomson

FCI Thomson es una institución correccional federal de baja seguridad ubicada en Thomson, Illinois, en el condado de Carroll. Esta instalación para hombres alberga una población total de 2068 reclusos, de los cuales 1917 se encuentran en la institución principal y otros 151 en el campamento adyacente de mínima seguridad. La instalación opera bajo la jurisdicción de la Región Centro-Norte de la Oficina de Prisiones y es una importante institución correccional del sistema penitenciario de Illinois.

Aunque la FCI Thomson no ofrece el Programa Residencial contra el Abuso de Drogas (RDAP), el centro ofrece diversos programas educativos, vocacionales y recreativos típicos de las instituciones federales de baja seguridad. El nivel de atención médica no se ha especificado en los datos disponibles, pero el centro sigue los protocolos médicos estándar de la BOP para atender las necesidades sanitarias de los reclusos. Al ser una institución de baja seguridad, Thomson ofrece más libertad de movimiento y oportunidades de programación en comparación con los centros de mayor seguridad.

Las visitas a la FCI Thomson siguen los procedimientos estándar de la BOP, con horarios y políticas específicos disponibles en el sitio web de la BOP. La ubicación de la institución en la zona rural de Illinois proporciona un entorno relativamente tranquilo, aunque puede requerir tiempos de viaje más largos para las familias que visitan desde las principales áreas metropolitanas. Prison Professors puede ayudar a las personas y a las familias a prepararse para el encarcelamiento en la FCI Thomson, proporcionando orientación sobre las políticas de la institución, estrategias de preparación y cómo mantener las conexiones familiares durante el encarcelamiento.

Contact & Location

Mailing Address (Inmates)

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBERThomsonPO BOX 1002Thomson, IL 61285

Mailing Address (Staff)

ThomsonP.O. BOX 1001Thomson, IL 61285
815-259-1000
815-259-0186(Fax)
TOM-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: 41.969953, -90.104878

Población y alojamiento

Población total: 2,079

Programas y educación

La información de programas para esta instalación está siendo recopilada.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

RDAP Not Available

FCI Thomson 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 Thomson? Share your experience on your Prison Professors profile to help others prepare.

Share Your Experience

Recreation

Standard BOP recreation information for a low-security facility. Actual offerings at FCI Thomson 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 Thomson's Recreation Department for the current schedule.

Work Assignments & UNICOR

Work Assignments

All medically able inmates at FCI Thomson 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 Thomson 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 Thomson 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

Los medicamentos de venta libre y los sellos de correos no cuentan para el límite de gasto mensual.

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 Thomson 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 Thomson 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 Thomson 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 Thomson. 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 NUMBERPO BOX 1002Thomson, IL 61285

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

BOP Communication InfoCorrLinks (TRULINCS Email)

Stories from FCI Thomson

No journal entries yet from FCI Thomson. Have you been here? Start your profile and share your experience.

Create Your Profile

Preguntas frecuentes

El horario de visitas en FCI Thomson sigue las políticas estándar de la BOP, pero los horarios específicos pueden variar. Las familias deben consultar el documento sobre la política de visitas de la institución, disponible en el sitio web de la BOP, www.bop.gov, para conocer el horario y los procedimientos actuales. Se recomienda llamar a la institución al 815-259-1000 para confirmar el horario de visitas antes de viajar.
Se puede enviar dinero a los reclusos de la FCI Thomson a través de los métodos aprobados por la BOP: en línea en www.moneygram.com, por teléfono o mediante giros postales. Todos los depósitos deben incluir el nombre completo y el número de registro del recluso. Los servicios de Western Union y MoneyGram suelen estar disponibles para las transferencias electrónicas.
Los visitantes de FCI Thomson suelen poder llevar una bolsa transparente con las llaves del coche, una pequeña cantidad de dinero en efectivo para las máquinas expendedoras y los medicamentos necesarios. Todos los artículos deben cumplir con las normas de seguridad de la BOP. Entre los artículos prohibidos se incluyen teléfonos móviles, cámaras, productos de tabaco y cualquier dispositivo electrónico.
La tienda de la prisión federal FCI Thomson funciona según un horario establecido, que normalmente permite a los reclusos comprar una o dos veces por semana. Los reclusos pueden adquirir alimentos autorizados, productos de higiene, ropa y aparatos electrónicos. Los límites de gasto se determinan en función del nivel de seguridad del recluso y del saldo de su cuenta.
FCI Thomson ofrece programas educativos que cumplen con los estándares de la BOP, incluyendo preparación para el GED, educación continua para adultos y clases de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL). El centro también ofrece programas de formación profesional para ayudar a los reclusos a desarrollar habilidades laborales para su reinserción. La disponibilidad de programas específicos puede variar en función de las necesidades de personal y de las instalaciones.
Aunque FCI Thomson no ofrece el Programa Residencial Intensivo contra el Abuso de Drogas (RDAP), el centro proporciona otras opciones de tratamiento contra el abuso de sustancias. Estas pueden incluir clases de educación sobre drogas, asesoramiento no residencial y grupos de apoyo. Los reclusos pueden trabajar con los gestores de casos para identificar los recursos de tratamiento adecuados.
Las familias pueden ponerse en contacto con los reclusos de la FCI Thomson a través de llamadas telefónicas autorizadas, correo electrónico mediante el sistema TRULINCS y correo postal tradicional. Las llamadas telefónicas suelen programarse durante horarios determinados y están supervisadas. Todo el correo está sujeto a inspección, y las comunicaciones por correo electrónico requieren una lista de contactos autorizados.
La rutina diaria en FCI Thomson sigue los horarios estándar de baja seguridad de la Oficina de Prisiones (BOP), con recuentos, asignaciones de trabajo, comidas y períodos de programación. Los reclusos suelen tener más libertad de movimiento dentro del recinto en comparación con las instalaciones de mayor seguridad. El tiempo de recreo, los programas educativos y los servicios religiosos se integran en el horario diario.
Sí, a los reclusos de la FCI Thomson se les asignan tareas laborales como parte de su rutina diaria. Las tareas asignadas pueden incluir el servicio de comidas, el mantenimiento, la lavandería, el apoyo educativo y diversas funciones administrativas. Las tareas asignadas ayudan a los reclusos a desarrollar habilidades, al tiempo que mantienen el funcionamiento de las instalaciones y, por lo general, proporcionan una modesta remuneración.
FCI Thomson proporciona atención médica siguiendo los estándares de la BOP, incluyendo atención médica rutinaria, gestión de enfermedades crónicas y servicios de emergencia. El centro cuenta con personal médico in situ y protocolos establecidos para necesidades médicas graves. La atención especializada puede requerir el traslado a centros médicos externos cuando sea necesario.
Las transferencias desde FCI Thomson son gestionadas por el personal designado por la BOP en función de factores como el nivel de seguridad, las necesidades del programa y la proximidad al lugar de liberación. Por lo general, los reclusos y sus familias no pueden solicitar transferencias específicas, pero los gestores de casos pueden proporcionar información sobre el proceso de designación. Los profesores de prisiones pueden ayudar a explicar los procedimientos de transferencia y las estrategias de preparación.
La preparación para la puesta en libertad en FCI Thomson comienza meses antes de la fecha prevista y incluye la planificación del reingreso, la coordinación con los centros de reinserción social y la asistencia con la documentación. Los gestores de casos trabajan con los reclusos para desarrollar planes de puesta en libertad que incluyen requisitos de vivienda, empleo y supervisión. Se fomenta y se considera beneficiosa la participación de la familia en la planificación de la puesta en libertad.
FCI Thomson ofrece servicios religiosos y programas espirituales acordes con la política de la BOP, que da cabida a diversas tradiciones religiosas. Por lo general, el centro ofrece servicios religiosos en la capilla, grupos de estudio religioso y asesoramiento pastoral. Los reclusos pueden solicitar hablar con los capellanes y participar en programas religiosos como parte de su rehabilitación.
Las actividades recreativas en FCI Thomson incluyen deportes al aire libre, programas de acondicionamiento físico, actividades de manualidades y ligas recreativas. Las instalaciones ofrecen acceso al gimnasio, áreas recreativas al aire libre y torneos organizados. Estos programas promueven el acondicionamiento físico, la reducción del estrés y la interacción social positiva entre los reclusos.
Los profesores de prisiones pueden ayudar a las personas y a las familias a prepararse para el encarcelamiento en la FCI Thomson mediante cursos de preparación integrales, orientación específica sobre las instalaciones y apoyo continuo. Nuestros programas abarcan lo que se puede esperar en las instalaciones de baja seguridad, el mantenimiento de las relaciones familiares y el desarrollo de estrategias de éxito para el encarcelamiento y la reinserción.

¿Tienes más preguntas sobre FCI Thomson? Contáctanos and we'll do our best to help.

Take the Next Step

Prepare for Success—Starting Today

Whether you or a loved one is heading to FCI Thomson, the right preparation can change everything. These free tools will help.

Start Your Free Profile

Build a release plan, track milestones, and show decision-makers you're prepared.

Visit site

Explore Free Resources

Self-paced courses on reentry, sentence reduction, and building a strong record.

Learn more

Federal Sentence Calculator

Estimate good-time credit, projected release dates, and halfway-house eligibility.

Learn more

Need One-on-One Help?

Work directly with a strategist to build your case for the best possible outcome.

Visit site
Sponsor

Join our newsletter for weekly tips on sentence reduction, reentry, and advocacy.