Prison Professors
Aerial view of USP Florence - High
High SecurityUSPMale

USP Florence - High

Florence, CO· NCR Region

Population767
BOP RegionNCR

About USP Florence - High

USP Florence - High is a high-security United States Penitentiary located in Florence, Colorado, in Fremont County. This male-only federal facility currently houses 767 inmates and operates under the Federal Bureau of Prisons' North Central Region. As a high-security institution, Florence - High serves individuals who require a more controlled environment due to the nature of their offenses or security classification.

The facility does not offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), which is important for individuals seeking sentence reduction opportunities through substance abuse treatment. While specific program details are not available in the current data, high-security USPs typically offer educational programs, vocational training, and religious services according to Bureau of Prisons standards. Medical care is provided on-site, though the specific care level designation is not specified for this facility.

Located in Florence, Colorado, the facility is accessible to families traveling from various regions, though visitors should plan accordingly given the high-security nature of the institution. Visiting procedures follow strict federal guidelines, and families should familiarize themselves with BOP visiting policies before planning trips. Prison Professors can provide valuable guidance to individuals and families navigating the federal prison system, offering resources and support to help prepare for life at Florence - High and maintain family connections during incarceration.

Contact & Location

Mailing Address (Inmates)

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBERFlorence - HighP.O. BOX 7000Florence, CO 81226

Mailing Address (Staff)

Florence - HighPO BOX 7500Florence, CO 81226

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: 38.361487, -105.107129

Population & Housing

Total population: 767

Programs & Education

Program information for this facility is being compiled.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

RDAP Not Available

USP Florence - High 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

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 USP Florence - High? Share your experience on your Prison Professors profile to help others prepare.

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Recreation

Standard BOP recreation information for a high-security facility. Actual offerings at USP Florence - High may vary.

Outdoor Recreation

High-security facilities have smaller, enclosed recreation yards with controlled movement. Outdoor recreation time is limited to designated periods, and the yard may be closed during counts, inclement weather, or institutional lockdowns. Men are typically released to the yard by housing unit on a rotating schedule.

  • Walking track (within enclosed yard)
  • Basketball court
  • Handball wall
  • Limited pull-up/dip stations

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

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)

Leisure programming at high-security facilities is more limited and closely supervised. Participation typically requires clear conduct records.

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 USP Florence - High's Recreation Department for the current schedule.

Work Assignments & UNICOR

Work Assignments

All medically able inmates at USP Florence - High 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.

Due to the higher security level, all work at USP Florence - High is performed within the secure facility perimeter under direct staff supervision.

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 USP Florence - High 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

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 USP Florence - High 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 USP Florence - High 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 USP Florence - High 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 USP Florence - High. 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 7000Florence, CO 81226

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 USP Florence - High. 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 USP Florence - High directly to confirm whether video visiting is currently offered and how to schedule a session.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting hours at USP Florence - High follow Federal Bureau of Prisons guidelines for high-security facilities. Specific visiting days and times vary, so families should contact the facility directly at 719-784-9454 or check the BOP website for current schedules. All visitors must be approved through the visitor application process before their first visit.
Potential visitors must complete a visitor application form and submit it for approval by the facility's staff. The approval process includes a background check and can take several weeks. Inmates can assist by providing visitor information forms, and all visitors must appear on the inmate's approved visiting list before being permitted entry.
Inmates at Florence - High can make phone calls during designated hours using the facility's monitored phone system. All calls are limited in duration and frequency according to BOP policy. Families should set up phone accounts in advance and provide their phone numbers to inmates so they can be added to approved calling lists.
Yes, inmates can use the TRULINCS email system to communicate with approved contacts. This electronic messaging service allows text-only communication and requires recipients to register and pay a small fee per message. All electronic communications are monitored by facility staff as part of security protocols.
Money can be sent to inmates through the BOP's online system, Western Union, MoneyGram, or by mailing a money order to the facility. Electronic transfers are processed faster than mailed money orders. Always include the inmate's full name and registration number when sending funds to ensure proper crediting to their account.
High-security facilities have strict limitations on items visitors can bring inside. Typically, only clear bags, necessary medications, and small amounts of money for vending machines are permitted. Visitors should review the facility's specific visiting guidelines and avoid bringing prohibited items to prevent delays or denial of entry.
No, USP Florence - High does not offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Inmates seeking RDAP participation may need to request transfer to a facility that offers this program. RDAP completion can provide up to 12 months of sentence reduction and priority consideration for halfway house placement.
While specific program details are not available, high-security federal facilities typically offer GED classes, adult continuing education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and some vocational training programs. Inmates should speak with their case managers about available educational opportunities and enrollment requirements.
Medical care is provided on-site by BOP medical staff, including routine healthcare, emergency treatment, and management of chronic conditions. Inmates can request medical attention through the standard sick call process. For specialized care, inmates may be transported to outside medical facilities when necessary.
Daily schedules at high-security facilities are highly structured and include count times, meal periods, work assignments, and limited recreation time. Movement within the facility is controlled and supervised. Inmates typically spend significant time in their housing units due to the security level restrictions.
Yes, inmates are typically assigned work details within the facility such as food service, maintenance, or facility operations. Work assignments help maintain facility operations and provide inmates with small wages and work experience. Job assignments are made based on security level, skills, and facility needs.
Commissary shopping is typically available on designated days based on housing unit assignments. Inmates can purchase approved food items, hygiene products, clothing, and other authorized goods using funds from their inmate accounts. Shopping limits and available items are determined by BOP policy and facility security requirements.
Transfers are processed through the BOP's designation and sentence computation center based on factors like security level changes, program needs, or family proximity requests. Inmates can request transfers through their case managers, though approval depends on available space and security considerations. The process can take several months.
Families should plan visits well in advance due to the approval process and potential scheduling limitations at high-security facilities. First-time visitors need additional time for the visitor application approval process. It's recommended to contact the facility or check visiting schedules at least two weeks before planning travel to Florence, Colorado.
Release preparation should begin early in the sentence through discussions with case managers about halfway house placement, pre-release programs, and reentry planning. Families can support this process by maintaining connections, exploring housing and employment options, and utilizing resources like Prison Professors to prepare for successful reintegration into the community.

Have more questions about USP Florence - High? Contact us and we'll do our best to help.