Contracted Secure Facilites

How many Montana DOC inmates are located at out-of-state facilities and why?

There are approximiately 600 Montana DOC inmates located at out-of-state facilities. DOC prisons are over capacity. Placing a portion of Montana inmates at out-of-state facilities allows the department to better manage its prison population including inmates who are waiting for transfer to prison from local detention centers. The DOC continues to work with the Governor’s Office and legislators to find a long-term solution.

How were inmates selected to be transferred to Saguaro or Tallahatchie?

Saguaro Correctional Facility: 

Inmates were transferred based on numerous factors including: 

• Whether they wanted to volunteer
• Custody level
• Proximity to parole eligibility
• Active participation in treatment, other programming
• Medical, mental health, and dental treatment in process

Tallahatchie County Correctional: 

Inmates were transferred based on numerous factors including: 

• Custody level
• Proximity to parole eligibility
• Active participation in treatment, other programming
• Medical, mental health, and dental treatment in process

Are inmates still under the supervision of the Montana DOC even though they were transferred out of state?

Yes, they are still under the supervision of the Montana DOC, similar to inmates at Dawson County Correctional Center and Crossroads Correctional Center in Shelby, Mont.

Will inmates receive health care and prescriptions as they did at MSP?

Saguaro Correctional Facility: 

Yes, Saguaro meets all National Commission on Correctional Healthcare (NCCHC) standards for correctional facilities. The facility provides on-site health care, dental, audiology, pharmaceutical and mental health care services. Each transferring inmate is provided with a 7-day supply of their prescription. Those prescriptions are renewed upon arrival at Saguaro as appropriate.

Tallahatchie County Correctional: 

Yes, Tallahatchie meets all National Commission on Correctional Healthcare (NCCHC) standards for correctional facilities. The facility provides on-site health care: medical, mental health, dental, optometry, pharmaceutical and radiology (x-ray only). Each transferring inmate is provided with a 10-day supply of their prescription. Those prescriptions are renewed upon arrival at Tallahatchie as appropriate.

What will happen to inmates' property when they are transferred to Saguaro or Tallahatchie?

As is the case at all correctional facilities, inmates have a limited amount of space for personal items. Upon departure, inmates pack their property into 4-cubic-foot boxes. Excess property can be shipped to family or friends.

Can friends and family send funds to inmates to buy commissary and other items?

Yes. Family and friends may send funds to their loved ones if they have been approved to do so by Montana DOC as is the case at all Montana DOC facilities. Initial transfers to inmates may take a few days for funds to be delivered to inmate accounts. 

Saguaro Money Transfer Information

Tallahatchie Money Transfer Information

Are commissary items and their prices at Saguaro and Tallahatchie similar to MSP?

Saguaro Correctional Facility: 

For the most part, commissary items at Saguaro are the same as at MSP. However, because Arizona has local and state sales taxes, items may cost more.

Tallahatchie County Correctional: 

For the most part, commissary items at Tallahatchie are simliar as at MSP. The commissary prices at Tallahatchie include all additional taxes.

How can friends and family stay connected to inmates at Saguaro and Tallahatchie?

Electronic Communication: 

Inmates may make phone calls (6 cents/minute), send messages (25 cents/minute or message), and participate in video visits through tablets (25 cents/minute) at the same rates as other Montana DOC-run facilities. To initiate contact with family and friends from Saguaro or Tallahatchie, inmates must send new invitations to connect.

In-person Visitation: 

Family and friends must be on the Montana DOC’s approved visitor list to visit a loved one at the Saguaro or Tallahatchie facilities. Additional information about visiting days, times, and procedures can be found below:

Saguaro Visitation Information

Tallahatchie Visitation Information

Mail:

Family and friends may send mail to their loved ones. 

Saguaro Mail Information

Tallahatchie Mail Information

I am an attorney and need to connect with my client at the Saguaro or Tallahatchie facilities. How do I do that?

Saguaro Correctional Facility: 

Legal visits may be arranged by contacting the main switchboard at the facility (520) 464-0500.

Tallahatchie County Correctional: 

To schedule a legal call or visit email:

• shikavaious.williams@corecivic.com
• shirquita.walker@corecivic.com

What educational and vocational opportunities are available to inmates?

Saguaro Correctional Facility: 

Saguaro Correctional Center offers inmates an opportunity to earn their HiSET and participate in training including:

• National Center for Construction and Education and Research classes – plumbing and carpentry
• Technimedia – Microsoft skills
• Serve Safe Certification
• Braille Translator
• Escape the Odds – box truck entrepreneurial program

Tallahatchie County Correctional: 

Tallahatchie County Correctional offers inmates an opportunity to earn their HiSET and participate in training including:

• National Center for Construction and Education and Research classes – carpentry
• Serve Safe Certification
• Reentry and Behavior Change Classes - Go Further Program, Freedom From Drugs
• Computer education classes in Microsoft programs

What work assignments are available to inmates?

Saguaro Correctional Facility: 

The Saguaro facility provides work assignments in areas including janitorial, food service, and more. All inmates are offered work assignments.

Tallahatchie County Correctional: 

The Tallahatchie facility provides work assignments in areas including janitorial, food service, and more. All inmates in general population are offered work assignments.

What religious opportunities are available to inmates?

Saguaro Correctional Facility: 

Inmates are offered 13 different religious services each week. The facility complies with requirements set forth in the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA).

Tallahatchie County Correctional: 

Inmates are offered seven different religious services each week. The facility complies with requirements set forth in the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA).

What types of recreational opportunities are available to inmates?

Saguaro Correctional Facility: 

The Saguaro facility offers a music program and other indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Tallahatchie County Correctional: 

The Tallahatchie facility offers indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities, hobby crafts, Wheels for the World, and the Eyeglass Program.

How does the DOC monitor contract compliance at the Saguaro and Tallahatchie facilities?

The DOC’s Secure Contracts Bureau works diligently to ensure contract compliance at the department’s secure contract facilities, including Saguaro and Tallahatchie. This includes regular on-site visits, audits, and more. Technical experts from various areas and functions from throughout the DOC will also make regular on-site visits to the facilities, in addition to engaging in regular communication with staff members.

Who do family and friends contact if they have questions or concerns about their loved one at Saguaro or Tallahatchie?

DOC Secure Contract Facilities Bureau - (406) 415-6518

DOC Constituent Services Manager - (406) 444-1680