Prison Professors
Aerial view of FCI Lompoc I
Low SecurityFCIMale

FCI Lompoc I

Lompoc, CA· WXR Region

Population862
BOP RegionWXR

About FCI Lompoc I

Federal Correctional Institution Lompoc I (FCI Lompoc I) is a low-security federal prison facility located in Lompoc, California, in Santa Barbara County. This male-only institution houses approximately 862 inmates and operates under the Bureau of Prisons' Western Region (WXR). As a low-security facility, FCI Lompoc I provides a structured environment with more freedom of movement compared to higher-security institutions.

One of the notable programs available at FCI Lompoc I is the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), a voluntary, intensive 9-month residential 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 participants. The facility follows standard BOP protocols for medical care, educational programs, and vocational training to help prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society.

Located in Santa Barbara County, FCI Lompoc I is accessible for families visiting from the greater California area. The facility follows standard BOP visiting procedures and maintains communication systems including monitored phone calls and email through the TRULINCS system. Prison Professors can help individuals and families prepare for their time at FCI Lompoc I by providing guidance on what to expect, how to make the most of available programs, and strategies for maintaining family connections during incarceration.

Contact & Location

Mailing Address (Inmates)

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBERLompoc I3600 GUARD ROADLompoc, CA 93436

Mailing Address (Staff)

Lompoc I3600 GUARD ROADLompoc, CA 93436

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: 34.677529, -120.497071

Population & Housing

Total population: 862

Programs & Education

Program information for this facility is being compiled.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

RDAP Available

FCI Lompoc I 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

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 Lompoc I? Share your experience on your Prison Professors profile to help others prepare.

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Recreation

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

Work Assignments & UNICOR

Work Assignments

All medically able inmates at FCI Lompoc I 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 Lompoc I 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 Lompoc I 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

Commissary information for this facility is being compiled.

Communication

Staying connected with a loved one at FCI Lompoc I 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 Lompoc I 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 Lompoc I 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 Lompoc I. 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 NUMBER3600 GUARD ROADLompoc, CA 93436

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

FCI Lompoc I is a low-security federal prison facility. This means inmates have more freedom of movement within the compound compared to medium or high-security facilities, typically live in dormitory-style housing, and may have access to work details outside the secure perimeter with supervision.
FCI Lompoc I currently houses approximately 862 male inmates. This population size can fluctuate based on transfers, releases, and new arrivals to the facility.
Yes, FCI Lompoc I offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). This is a voluntary, intensive 9-month residential treatment program for inmates with substance use disorders. Successful completion may result in up to a 12-month sentence reduction and increased eligibility for community-based programs.
To apply for RDAP, you must meet eligibility criteria including having a documented substance abuse history that contributed to your offense. Contact the Psychology Services department at the facility to begin the screening process. It's recommended to apply as early as possible in your sentence as there may be waiting lists.
Visiting hours vary and can change based on facility operations and security needs. Visitors should check the facility's current visiting schedule by calling 805-736-4154 or reviewing the visiting policy on the BOP website at www.bop.gov before planning their visit.
Families can send money through several methods including online at www.moneygram.com, by phone, or through postal money orders. All deposits must include the inmate's full name and registration number. There are limits on how much can be deposited per month based on the inmate's security level and status.
Inmates can communicate through monitored phone calls, the TRULINCS email system, and regular mail. Phone calls are typically limited in duration and frequency, while TRULINCS allows for electronic messaging with approved contacts. All communication is subject to monitoring except for privileged attorney communications.
Generally, only books, magazines, and newspapers can be mailed directly to inmates, and these must come from approved vendors or publishers. Personal items, clothing, and food cannot be sent through the mail. Inmates can purchase approved items through the commissary using funds from their account.
FCI Lompoc I offers various work assignments including facility maintenance, food service, and potentially UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries) programs. Educational opportunities typically include GED preparation, adult literacy programs, and vocational training. Specific programs may vary based on facility needs and funding.
Medical care is provided on-site through BOP Health Services, including routine medical care, dental services, and mental health services. More specialized care may require transfer to a medical facility or treatment at outside hospitals under guard. Inmates can request medical attention through the appropriate procedures.
Yes, inmates can be transferred for various reasons including security classification changes, program participation, medical needs, or proximity to family. Transfer decisions are made by the BOP based on multiple factors including security level, sentence length, and available bed space.
During intake, inmates undergo medical screening, security classification, and orientation to facility rules and procedures. This process can take several days to complete. Families should be patient as new inmates may have limited communication access during this initial period.
Prison Professors can provide guidance on preparing for federal prison, understanding facility-specific procedures, and developing strategies for making productive use of time while incarcerated. They offer resources for both inmates and families to help navigate the federal prison system successfully.
As release approaches, inmates work with case managers to develop release plans, which may include halfway house placement or home confinement. The Residential Reentry Center (halfway house) placement typically occurs in the final 12 months of the sentence, though this can vary based on individual circumstances and available programs.

Have more questions about FCI Lompoc I? Contact us and we'll do our best to help.