Prison Professors
Aerial view of MCFP Springfield
Administrative SecurityMCFPMale

MCFP Springfield

Springfield, MO· NCR Region

Population1,055
BOP RegionNCR

About MCFP Springfield

MCFP Springfield, officially known as the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners Springfield, is an administrative-security federal prison facility located in Springfield, Missouri. As a specialized medical center, this facility houses male inmates who require comprehensive medical care that cannot be provided at standard Bureau of Prisons institutions. With a total population of 1,055 inmates, MCFP Springfield serves as one of the BOP's primary medical facilities in the North Central Region.

As a Medical Center for Federal Prisoners, Springfield focuses primarily on providing specialized medical and psychiatric care rather than traditional rehabilitative programming. The facility does not offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), as its mission centers on addressing serious medical conditions and mental health needs. The administrative security level allows the facility to house inmates from various security classifications who require the specialized medical services available at this location.

MCFP Springfield is located in Greene County, Missouri, making it accessible to families traveling from across the Midwest region. The facility operates under standard BOP visiting policies, though medical considerations may affect visiting schedules and procedures. Prison Professors can help individuals and their families understand what to expect at a medical facility like Springfield, including how the focus on medical care affects daily routines, programming opportunities, and preparation for eventual transfer to other institutions once medical needs are stabilized.

Contact & Location

Mailing Address (Inmates)

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBERSpringfieldP.O. BOX 4000Springfield, MO 65801

Mailing Address (Staff)

SpringfieldP.O. BOX 4000Springfield, MO 65801

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: 37.177578, -93.321251

Population & Housing

Total population: 1,055

Programs & Education

Program information for this facility is being compiled.

Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)

RDAP Not Available

MCFP Springfield 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.

Federal Medical Center

As a Federal Medical Center, MCFP Springfield 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.

Have questions about medical care at MCFP Springfield? Share your experience on your Prison Professors profile to help others prepare.

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Recreation

Standard BOP recreation information for a administrative-security facility. Actual offerings at MCFP Springfield 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 MCFP Springfield's Recreation Department for the current schedule.

Work Assignments & UNICOR

Work Assignments

All medically able inmates at MCFP Springfield 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 MCFP Springfield 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 MCFP Springfield 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 MCFP Springfield 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 MCFP Springfield 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 MCFP Springfield 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 MCFP Springfield. 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 4000Springfield, MO 65801

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

MCFP Springfield houses male federal inmates who require specialized medical or psychiatric care that cannot be provided at standard BOP facilities. The facility serves inmates from various security levels who need comprehensive medical treatment. As an administrative facility, it can accommodate inmates regardless of their original security classification when medical needs require specialized care.
As a Medical Center for Federal Prisoners, Springfield provides comprehensive medical care including specialized treatments, psychiatric services, and long-term medical care. The facility is equipped to handle serious medical conditions that require ongoing professional medical supervision. Specific medical services and specialties available would depend on current staffing and facility capabilities.
Visiting at MCFP Springfield follows standard BOP policies, but medical considerations may affect scheduling and procedures. Visitors should check the facility's current visiting schedule and any medical-related restrictions before traveling. Contact the facility at 417-862-7041 for specific visiting information and any special procedures related to medical units.
Program availability at MCFP Springfield may be limited compared to standard institutions due to its medical focus. Educational opportunities typically include basic literacy and GED programs where medically appropriate. The facility's primary mission is medical care, so programming is generally secondary to medical treatment needs.
No, MCFP Springfield does not offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). As a medical facility, Springfield focuses on providing medical and psychiatric care rather than traditional rehabilitative programming. Inmates needing RDAP would typically be transferred to appropriate facilities once their medical needs are stabilized.
Families can send money through MoneyGram, Western Union, or the BOP's online system at www.bop.gov. Money can also be sent via postal money orders made payable to the inmate's full name and register number. All money transfers must follow BOP guidelines and may be subject to limits and monitoring procedures.
Inmates at Springfield can make phone calls during designated hours using the institutional phone system. Email communication is available through the BOP's TRULINCS system for approved contacts. Phone and email privileges may be affected by medical treatment schedules and facility security requirements.
Mail procedures at MCFP Springfield follow standard BOP policies with potential modifications due to medical considerations. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection per BOP regulations. Inmates in medical units may have mail delivery affected by their treatment schedules or medical isolation requirements.
Commissary operations at Springfield follow BOP standards, allowing inmates to purchase approved items on designated days. Medical patients may have modified commissary access depending on their treatment status and mobility. Families can check current commissary lists and procedures through the BOP website or by contacting the facility.
Length of stay at MCFP Springfield varies greatly depending on individual medical needs and treatment requirements. Some inmates may stay for short-term medical treatment before transfer, while others with chronic conditions may remain longer. Transfer decisions are based on medical stability and treatment completion rather than fixed timeframes.
Once an inmate's medical condition is stabilized or treatment is completed, they are typically transferred to an appropriate facility based on their original security level and sentence requirements. The medical team coordinates with classification staff to determine the most suitable placement. This process can take time depending on bed availability and continued medical needs.
Medical information is protected by privacy laws, and the facility cannot share specific medical details with families without proper authorization. Inmates can authorize family members to receive medical information through appropriate consent forms. Families should work directly with the inmate and medical staff regarding any medical information sharing.
Visiting procedures may include additional health screenings or restrictions depending on the inmate's medical condition and treatment status. Some medical units may have modified visiting schedules or special procedures. Visitors should contact the facility in advance to understand any special requirements or restrictions that may apply.
New arrivals at Springfield undergo comprehensive medical evaluation and assessment to determine appropriate treatment placement. The intake process focuses heavily on medical needs rather than traditional prison orientation. Inmates should expect medical examinations, treatment planning, and assignment to appropriate medical units based on their conditions.
Prison Professors can help individuals and families understand what to expect at a medical facility, including how medical care affects daily routines and long-term planning. We provide guidance on maintaining family connections during medical treatment and preparing for eventual transfer to other facilities. Our resources help families navigate the unique aspects of having a loved one in a medical facility.

Have more questions about MCFP Springfield? Contact us and we'll do our best to help.