USP Tucson Federal Prison: Visiting Hours, Address and Sending Money

Tucson at a glance

Tucson is a high-security federal penitentiary (USP) for men, with a minimum-security satellite camp beside it. It is part of a federal prison complex south of Tucson, Arizona, on South Wilmot Road. The handbook says USP Tucson is a Sex Offender Management Program (SOMP) institution. That means it holds a higher share of people with sex offenses, and it has extra limits on property, mail, phone calls and visits for everyone.

How many people: 1,101 in the USP and 123 at the camp (BOP, October 29, 2026).
Medical care level 3: Outpatients with complex, usually chronic, medical or mental health conditions who need frequent clinical contacts and may sometimes need a hospital stay. Examples the BOP gives: cancer in partial remission, advanced HIV disease, end-stage liver disease. The BOP list gives the Tucson USP level 3. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗
Mental health care level 3: Weekly mental health care (enhanced outpatient care), or a residential psychology treatment program. The mental health list gives the satellite camp level 2. The BOP does not post care levels on its website. This list is dated February 13, 2024 and came out through a public records request. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗
Who is there: Men. On the first day of the 2026 audit, ages ran from 22 to 80 at the USP and 19 to 81 at the camp. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FCC Tucson (onsite January 13 to 15, 2026) ↗
Built for: 972 people at the USP and 128 at the camp. The audit says the complex was over capacity at some point in the 12 months before January 2026. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FCC Tucson (onsite January 13 to 15, 2026) ↗
Average stay: 1521 days at the USP and 324.8 days at the camp. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FCC Tucson (onsite January 13 to 15, 2026) ↗
Counts: Official counts are ordinarily at 12:00 midnight, 3:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. They must stand at their bed for the 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. counts on weekdays, and for the 10:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. counts on weekends and holidays. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Sex Offender Management Program: The handbook says the program is built to lower the need to put people with sex offenses in protective custody, and to make it safer for them to volunteer for treatment. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗

The BOP's own page for USP Tucson.

How far is it from you?

Driving directions (Google Maps) → Bus or train (Google Maps) →

Plan your drive around this: On weekends and holidays, visitors are not processed before 8:15 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. Visits end at 3:00 p.m. The rules give no processing cutoff for the Friday evening visit, so arrive early.

Our miles and time are an estimate from your ZIP code's center. Google Maps gives the exact route. Your ZIP code never leaves your phone unless you tap a Google Maps button.

Visiting hours and days

Who	Days	Hours
USP (main prison)	Friday	5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
USP (main prison)	Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays	8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Satellite camp	Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays	8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Special Housing Unit (SHU)	The same days and hours as general population, but only one day a week, for two hours. Non-contact.	Same hours as above

On weekends and holidays, visitors are not processed before 8:15 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. Visits end at 3:00 p.m. The rules give no processing cutoff for the Friday evening visit, so arrive early.

The visiting rules give no regular general-population visiting days other than Friday evening, Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays. (Monday and Tuesday evening hours are for pre-trial and holdover inmates only.) Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗

The BOP's own papers disagree. The handbook is from January 2017 and the visiting rules are from September 8, 2020. They disagree on some points. The handbook says visitors may not be in the parking lots before 8:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays; the rules say visitors are not processed before 8:15 a.m. The handbook says an inmate may have up to 12 visitors on the approved list; the rules say up to 30 visitors, no more than 10 of them friends. Go by the newer rules and call 520-663-5000 before you drive.

The rules at the door: ID, points, what you can bring

How many people: At the USP: no more than 3 adults (16 and older) and 3 children (babies not counted), 6 people in all, at one time. At the camp: no more than 3 visitors, babies not counted. More people need approval from Unit Management first. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
ID: Everyone 18 or older needs valid government photo ID: a driver's license, military ID, passport, tribal ID from a federally recognized tribe, or state or local ID card. Mexican consulate matricula cards are not accepted. A birth certificate is accepted as ID for ages 16 to 18. Expired or altered ID is refused. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
Screening: Everyone walks through the metal detector. Visitors can be chosen at random for a drug-detection (ION) scan of pants pockets, waist, cuffs and shoes, not hands. A positive reading does not always mean you are turned away; the Warden or a designee decides. You get a hand stamp, checked under black light when you go in and out. Metal plates, pins or a pacemaker: bring a doctor's paper. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
Money for vending machines: No more than $25.00, in bills of $5.00 or less. You may buy food for them, but you may never give them money. All food must be eaten before you leave the room, and you may not share food or drinks with them. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
What you can carry: A clear change purse (8 inches or less high and wide), the vending money, photo ID and essential medication (staff hold it and give only the dose needed for the visit). Car keys go in a lock box at the front lobby, and you get a numbered chit. Lockers are provided for coats, hats and wallets. No phones, cameras or electronics of any kind. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
For a baby: Per child: one clear diaper bag (no bigger than 17 x 13 x 7 inches) with 4 diapers, 1 clear zip bag (6 x 9 inches) of wipes, 1 change of clothes, 2 clear bottles (3/4 full, liquids only), 2 small unopened jars of baby food, 1 receiving blanket, 1 clear cup and 1 plastic serving spoon. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
What not to wear: Dress must be business appropriate. No camouflage, plain T-shirts, khaki, orange or green, hospital scrubs, shorts or Capri pants, low-cut, sleeveless, see-through, tube, tank, halter or crop tops, backless clothes, swimsuits, sweat suits, open-toe shoes, hats (except religious headwear), or watches and sports bands. Dresses must not be shorter than the back of the knee, slits included. Underwear is required, and underwire bras are not allowed. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
Touching: An embrace and a kiss when the visit starts and again when it ends. No open-mouth kissing. No sitting on laps. They may hold their own children aged 2 and under. Children under 12 may sit next to them. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
Who supervises children: They are responsible for how their children behave. If they do not supervise their children, the visit can be ended. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
Visits can be limited: The handbook says a person may be kept from visiting prior victims of sex offenses by the inmate, children who are not adequately supervised, and others the sex offender management coordinator considers inappropriate. For people with a Walsh Act sex-offense assignment involving a minor, the Case Manager approves visits, they sit close to the officer's station, and they are seated away from children. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
When it gets crowded: The USP visiting room holds 196 people and the camp room holds 100. When it is full, visits are ended based on how far the visitor drove and how long they have been in the room. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
Parking: No campers, RVs or tractor trailers in the lot without the Warden's written approval. They may be towed at the owner's expense. Once you are checked in, you cannot go back to your car or the visit is ended. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗
What they wear: At the USP, they are visually searched going in and out, and change into a jumpsuit and footwear that staff give them. At the camp, they wear issued clothing and are pat searched. Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗

How to get on the visiting list

Your loved one gets a Visitor Information Questionnaire (the rules call it BPS-629.052; the same paper is called BP-A0629 elsewhere in the rules) and a Visitor Information Handout. They mail it to you. If they have no money, the counselor mails it at government cost.
Fill it out, sign the release authorization, and send it back to their Unit Counselor with a copy of your valid photo ID. Nothing happens until the counselor has all of it. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign.
The counselor runs a criminal background check (NCIC). If you have a conviction, the Unit Manager reviews it. For former federal inmates, the Warden decides.
The counselor tells them who was approved. They tell you. Do not drive until you are approved.
The list holds up to 30 visitors, no more than 10 of them friends or associates (the handbook says 12; see above). Friends must have known them before prison unless the Warden approves an exception.
They can change the list once every three months. Visitors approved at another prison must apply again.
If they are only passing through (holdover), approval can take 15 working days.

Fill out the visiting form for Tucson →

Click here to read the source: TCX 5267.09, Visiting Regulations, Complex Supplement (September 8, 2020) ↗

Driving directions (from the BOP)

From I-10: Take I-10 exit 269 south onto Wilmot Road. The complex's FCI is about 1-1/2 miles south of I-10 on the east side of the road. The USP and the satellite camp are about one mile further south, on the west side. The USP and camp address is 9300 S. Wilmot Road, Tucson, Arizona 85756, phone (520) 663-5000.
Air, taxi (2020 list): Tucson International Airport is about seven miles west. Taxis and shuttles listed in the rules: Allstate Cab (520) 798-1111, Yellow Cab (520) 624-6611, Airport Shuttle (520) 889-1000. These phone numbers are from the 2020 rules and may have changed.

Street address for your GPS: 9300 South Wilmot Road, Tucson, Az 85756. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗

The BOP beats to its own drum. The front desk has the final say. Keep a spare outfit in the car.

USP Tucson

Rules dated 9/8/2020 (6 years old)

Official rules (PDF) No Spanish version posted

6 years old. Ask your loved one to check the copy posted in the unit before you drive.

Skirts and dresses	Dresses must reach back of knee incl. slits (0 inches above knee).
Shorts	No shorts except children under 12.
Colors to avoid	No khaki-colored clothing. No green-colored clothing. No orange-colored clothing.
Leggings, spandex	No skin-tight clothing.
Bras and metal	No underwire bras, garter belts, or large metal buttons.
Camouflage, military	No camouflage clothing. No officer uniforms with patches resembling BOP insignia.
Shoes	No open-toe shoes; shoes need heel or strap. No slipper-type shoes, shower shoes, or flip-flops.
Children	Children under 12 may wear shorts.

All 31 rules, in the BOP's own words

Length and fit

Dresses must reach back of knee incl. slits (0 inches above knee).If the visitor chooses to wear a dress, the length of the
No shorts except children under 12.Shorts will not be permitted unless on a
No sleeveless clothing, tank tops, or cap sleeves.Low cut (e.g., V-neck) shirts or dresses, sleeveless,
No low-cut or V-neck shirts or dresses.Low cut (e.g., V-neck) shirts or dresses, sleeveless,
No crop tops.see-through clothing, tube tops, tank tops, halter tops, crop
No tube tops, halter tops, or backless clothing.see-through clothing, tube tops, tank tops, halter tops, crop
No see-through clothing.see-through clothing, tube tops, tank tops, halter tops, crop
No skin-tight clothing.suggestive or revealing nature (e.g., skin-tight clothing etc.)
No swim suits.tops, cap sleeves, backless clothing, swim suits, sweat suits,
No sweat suits.tops, cap sleeves, backless clothing, swim suits, sweat suits,

Colors and uniforms

No khaki-colored clothing.plain T-shirts, khaki, orange or green colored clothing,
No green-colored clothing.plain T-shirts, khaki, orange or green colored clothing,
No orange-colored clothing.plain T-shirts, khaki, orange or green colored clothing,
No camouflage clothing.visitors are prohibited against wearing camouflage clothing,
No officer uniforms with patches resembling BOP insignia.officer uniforms (patches in similarity to Bureau of Prisons

Bras, underwear and metal

Undergarments are required for admission.HOWEVER UNDERGARMENTS ARE REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION.
No underwire bras, garter belts, or large metal buttons.Undergarments containing metal (i.e. underwire bra) are not
No excessive jewelry; no watches or electronic sports bands.Wrist watches/timepieces/electronic sports bands of any sort are not authorized.

Shoes

No open-toe shoes; shoes need heel or strap.Shoes must have a heel or be able to strap to the foot.
No slipper-type shoes, shower shoes, or flip-flops.open toe shoes, shower shoes or flip-flops are not permitted.

Hats, hoods and coats

No hats, bandanas or scarves.With the exception of religious headgear, hats,
Religious headgear allowed.Only religious head wear may be worn.
No overcoats.Sundresses, overcoats and excessive jewelry are

Children

Children under 12 may wear shorts.child under the age of twelve (12).

Everything else

No gang-related attire, including sagging pants.No gang related attire or fashions will be
No plain T-shirts.plain T-shirts, khaki, orange or green colored clothing,
No hospital scrubs, bib overalls, Capri pants, or break-away pants.hospital scrubs, shorts or Capri style pants, bib overalls,
No sundresses.Sundresses, overcoats and excessive jewelry are
Attire must be business appropriate, conservative and professional.The attire worn must be business appropriate (i.e.

If they say no

Provocative or scantily clad attire is reason to deny visiting.Excessively provocative or scantily clad attire is reason to deny and/or preclude visiting.
Operations Lieutenant makes final determination.The front lobby officer will contact the Operations

Inmate mailing address

Use their committed name exactly as the BOP Inmate Locator shows it. The name and number below are examples (JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES, 12345-678).

JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
Reg. No. 12345-678
USP Tucson
P.O. Box 24550
Tucson, Az 85734

The handbook asks that the register number and housing unit be on the envelope so mail gets to them faster. Ask your loved one for their unit. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗

Use the P.O. Box only. Never mail to the street address (9300 South Wilmot Road, Tucson, Az 85756).

Mail days: First-class mail is handed out Monday through Friday, except holidays, by the evening officer in each housing unit. No weekend or holiday mail service. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Their letters to you: At a high-security prison they may not seal outgoing letters, and staff may read them. Their return address must show their committed name, register number and the prison address. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Books and magazines: Hardcover books and newspapers only from the publisher, a book club or a bookstore. At a high-security prison, softcover books also only from the publisher, a book club or a bookstore. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Packages: Every package needs approval before it is sent. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Legal mail: Opened in front of them. It must show the sender's name, title and address, and say "Special Mail - Open only in the presence of the inmate" or similar. Without that, staff may open and read it as ordinary mail. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Sex offender program limits: Because this is a Sex Offender Management Program prison, the handbook says there are limits on property, mail and correspondence for all inmates. They may also be barred from writing to victims, children being groomed, or other sex offenders. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Money: Never put money in a letter. It goes to the BOP lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa (see the Money tab). Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗

Books and magazines: at a high security prison, books and magazines must come straight from a publisher, book club or bookstore (Amazon, for example), never from home.

How to send money to an inmate here

Use their committed name exactly as the BOP Inmate Locator shows it. The name and number below are examples (JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES, 12345-678).

Money never goes to Tucson. It goes to the BOP, and the BOP puts it on their account. There are 3 ways. Each one below shows you the actual form and exactly what to write in each box, already filled in with their name and number.

First, they must sign the power-of-attorney form (BP-A0407) when they arrive. Until they do, MoneyGram and Western Union money cannot post. Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗

1. Postal money order Our pick

"Postal" means the U.S. Post Office. A postal money order is one you buy at the counter of a U.S. Post Office, from the United States Postal Service. Money orders sold at Walmart, a grocery store, a bank, Western Union, MoneyGram or a check-cashing store are not postal money orders.

Why it matters: a postal money order has no hold. Once the BOP's lockbox in Des Moines gets it, it goes on their account. Every other money order and every personal or company check is put on a 15-day hold first, and the 15 days only start when the lockbox receives the envelope. Add the days it spends in the mail, and it can be close to three weeks before they can spend it.Click here to read the source: BOP, Sending money by U.S. mail ↗ Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗ Foreign money orders and checks are held 45 days. The postal money order is also the cheapest way.

The Post Office's own steps

Decide the amount. Up to $1,000 in one money order.
Go to any Post Office.
Bring cash or a debit card. The Post Office does not take credit cards for money orders.
Fill it out at the counter with the clerk. Use the boxes below.
Pay the amount plus the fee: $2.65 for up to $500, $3.75 for $500.01 to $1,000.
Keep your receipt. You need it to track the money order or replace it if it is lost.Click here to read the source: U.S. Postal Service, Money Orders ↗

A U.S. Postal Service money order, the red and blue design, with the 5 boxes you fill in marked and numbered — The Postal Service's own sample of the new red-and-blue money order, with our example filled in. The clerk prints the amount, date and serial number. Tap to enlarge. Click here to read the source: U.S. Postal Service, Money Orders (sample images) ↗

Pay toJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONEStheir committed name, exactly as the BOP Inmate Locator shows it
Address (under Pay to)Federal Bureau of Prisons, P.O. Box 474701, Des Moines, IA 50947-0001
FromMARIA SMITH-JONESyour name
Address (under From)123 Main Street, Trenton, NJ 08608your address
MemoReg. No. 12345678their 8-digit register number, no dash

The older green U.S. Postal Service money order — The older green design is still in use until the Post Office runs out of it. The boxes are the same. Click here to read the source: U.S. Postal Service, Money Orders (sample images) ↗

Unconfirmed: the BOP does not say in writing what goes on the "Pay to" line. Their name is what families use. The name and number on the envelope are what the BOP requires.

Maria Smith-Jones
123 Main Street
Trenton, NJ 08608

STAMP

Federal Bureau of Prisons
JOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
12345678
Post Office Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001

The envelope. Nothing else inside: no letters, no photos.

Lost it? Tracking and replacing a money order

Keep the receipt. You need the serial number, post office number and amount to track it at tools.usps.com/money-orders.htm.
Lost or stolen: take the receipt to any post office and ask for a Money Order Inquiry. It costs $23 and can take up to 60 days.

2. MoneyGram

Posts in about 2 to 4 hours if sent 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, any day. Up to $300 per payment. In a store, you fill out the blue ExpressPayment form. This is the BOP's own filled-in sample:

The MoneyGram blue ExpressPayment form, filled in by the BOP, with the 6 boxes you fill in marked 1 to 6 — The BOP's sample (2012). Fill in only the left "Pay a Bill" side. Tap to enlarge. Click here to read the source: the BOP's MoneyGram sample form ↗

Company NameFederal Bureau of Prisons
City & StateWashington, DC
Receive Code7932always the same
Account Number of the Bill to Pay12345678SMITHJONESone letter or number per box
Amount to Payup to $300
Message to Biller or Beneficiary NameJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES

Top section: your own name, address, phone and signature. Pay cash. Keep the receipt with the reference number.

Unconfirmed: some stores now type it into a screen instead of using the paper form. The boxes are the same.

Doing it online or in the MoneyGram app instead

Go to moneygram.com (Pay Bills) or the MoneyGram app and log in or sign up.
Search the biller 7932 or "Federal Bureau of Prisons."
Enter the amount (up to $300) and the account number 12345678SMITHJONES.
Pay with a debit or credit card. A credit card can charge a cash-advance fee.

3. Western Union

Posts in about 2 to 4 hours. In a store, ask for the Quick Collect form ("To Send Money Form for Bill Payments"). Do not ask for a regular money transfer. This is a real Quick Collect form filled in with the BOP's values:

A Western Union Quick Collect payment form filled in for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, with the 5 boxes you fill in marked 1 to 5 — A 2008 version of the form, posted by a family-help site. The form in your store may look different, but the box names are the same. Tap to enlarge.

Dollar Amountyour amount
Pay toFederal Bureau of Prisons
Code CityFBOP, DC
AttentionJOHN ANTHONY SMITH-JONES
Account # with Company (in the SENDER section: this is where people get lost)12345678SMITHJONES

Leave Promo Code blank. Put your own name, phone and address in the rest of the Sender section and sign at 3. Pay cash (some stores take debit). You get a 10-digit tracking number (MTCN). Keep it.

Unconfirmed: some stores have the blue Quick Collect form, some a "Pay a Bill" section, and some a phone to an agent.

Doing it online (Send2Corrections), screen by screen

You need a photo ID to set up the account: your name must match your ID exactly.

Go to send2corrections.com or the Send2Corrections app. Log in or register.
"Who are you sending to?" Choose the facility Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP DC).
Receiver first name, middle name (optional), last name: exactly as the BOP has it.
Commissary number: type only the 8 digits, 12345678. No dash, no name. The site adds the last name itself and shows the full account number in a grey box you cannot type in.
Ignore the pop-up that says "BOP number will not work." That text shows for every prison. The register number is what works.
Amount: $1 to $300. Pay by card, or choose "Pay Cash (in-store)" and pay at a Western Union counter within 12 hours, or it cancels.

Hyphenated last name? The site drops the hyphen: Smith-Jones becomes 12345678SMITHJONES.

Money sent to the wrong person is not returned by Western Union. Western Union payments cannot be changed after they are sent.

Commissary: what they can spend

Tucson's handbook (January 2017) says the national limit is $320.00 a month, and that the whole population is revalidated on the 1st and 15th of each month with $160.00. National BOP policy (PS 4500.13, May 7, 2026) is now $460 a month, plus $50 more in November and December. The handbook has not caught up. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗ Click here to read the source: Program Statement 4500.13, Trust Fund/Deposit Fund Manual (May 7, 2026) ↗

How shopping works at Tucson

The commissary and validation schedules are posted on the inmate bulletin boards.
They pay by showing their commissary card or by fingerprint. They must keep the card with them at all times.
They can check their balance on TRULINCS or on the inmate phone.
The only commissary list we found is dated November 8, 2016, so prices and items have probably changed.

The price list: Tucson's official list is a scan or an older layout we could not turn into a reliable searchable list, so we don't retype prices we can't be sure of. Click here to read the source: FCC Tucson Complex Commissary List (signed November 8, 2016) ↗

Phone calls and email

Minutes: 300 minutes a month. Each call is limited to 15 minutes, and a wait between calls may be set. The handbook says they ordinarily get 100 extra minutes in November and December. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Contacts: Up to 30 approved phone numbers. No three-way calls, call forwarding, or credit card, 800, 888 or 900 numbers. All calls can be monitored and recorded. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Paying: Phone money moves from their commissary account to their phone account. They use a secret nine-digit PAC number; sharing it is punished. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Email: TRULINCS text-only messages, no attachments, up to 13,000 characters, at $.05 per minute. You must accept their request at www.corrlinks.com before you can exchange messages. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Not everyone gets email: The handbook says people with a Walsh Act assignment (certified, with conviction, or no conviction) do not get TRULINCS access, even if they had it before. A person with a Walsh "no conviction" assignment may get a waiver, case by case. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗

They have to add your number and email to their list first. Emails come through CorrLinks: you get an invitation by email once they add you.

Health care at Tucson

Medical care level 3 and mental health care level 3 (of 4). Outpatients with complex, usually chronic, medical or mental health conditions who need frequent clinical contacts and may sometimes need a hospital stay. Examples the BOP gives: cancer in partial remission, advanced HIV disease, end-stage liver disease. The BOP list gives the Tucson USP level 3. Click here to read the source: BOP "Institution Care Levels for Medical Assignment," February 13, 2024 (released under FOIA 2024-03455) ↗

Sick call: At the USP, sign up in person at sick-call triage in Health Services Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6:00 to 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 to 7:00 a.m., when their unit is called for the breakfast meal. Staff give an appointment that fits the problem. Some are seen right away; most are scheduled for later. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
If they get sick later: They tell their work supervisor or unit officer, who calls Health Services. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
In the SHU: Medical staff make rounds every morning. They can hand in a written sick call request on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Emergencies: Emergency care is available on site 16 hours a day. When BOP clinical staff are not there, community emergency crews respond. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Dental: Routine dental care is requested in writing with an Inmate Request to Staff addressed to Dental Services. New arrivals get a dental exam within 30 days. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Chronic care: Their doctor decides soon after arrival whether to put them in a chronic care clinic (for example high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, diabetes). Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Co-pay: $2.00 for care they ask for themselves. No fee for staff referrals, follow-up for a chronic condition, emergencies, mental health care, or substance abuse treatment. The fee is not taken if they are indigent. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗

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Programs

RDAP (drug program; can mean up to a year off for those eligible): The handbook says RDAP is NOT available at Tucson. The BOP's RDAP list (updated June 4, 2026) does not list it either. They can still ask for an interview by sending an Inmate Request to Staff ("cop-out"). Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Challenge Program: A residential program, typically 9 months, for drug and mental health problems, offered at all BOP penitentiaries. They can volunteer any time by sending an Inmate Request to Staff to ask for an interview. The BOP's First Step Act guide lists USP Tucson (TCP) among the sites that deliver it. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Sex offender treatment: The handbook says all Sex Offender Management Program prisons offer the non-residential treatment program (SOTP-NR), for low to moderate risk. They can apply any time; people ordinarily start with 24 to 42 months left. Ask Psychology Services about eligibility. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Other drug programs: Non-residential drug treatment is offered in every BOP prison. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Education: GED and English as a second language. Without a high school diploma or GED, they must attend at least 240 instructional hours or get the GED, whichever comes first. College and correspondence courses they pay for. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗
Release preparation: Release preparation starts the first day. Each time they go to team, they get a progress update and new recommendations. The Career Resource Center helps with ID, benefits and jobs. Click here to read the source: USP Tucson Admission and Orientation Handbook (updated January 2017) ↗

The BOP's First Step Act guide lists USP Tucson as a site for the Challenge Program. The handbook is from 2017, so check which programs run today. Click here to read the source: First Step Act Approved Programs Guide (May 2026) ↗

Safety record

Criminal cases at Tucson

September 2026A man was found missing from the satellite camp on September 2, 2026. The headline of the KGUN 9 report says the person was back in custody. (KGUN 9)
September 2, 2026The BOP announced that a man was discovered missing from the satellite camp that morning. The U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI were notified. (BOP press release)

Deaths announced by the BOP

January 10, 2026A 35-year-old man was found unresponsive on January 9, 2026, taken to a hospital by EMS and pronounced dead there. The FBI was notified. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Death at USP Tucson," January 10, 2026 ↗
July 6, 2022A 58-year-old man who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, and had been cleared as recovered, was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," July 6, 2022 ↗
February 24, 2022A 54-year-old man who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, and had been cleared as recovered, was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," February 24, 2022 ↗
April 20, 2021A 61-year-old man who had earlier tested positive for COVID-19, and had been cleared as recovered, was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," April 20, 2021 ↗
February 3, 2021A 70-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," February 3, 2021 ↗
January 29, 2021A 64-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," January 29, 2021 ↗
December 16, 2020A 65-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," December 16, 2020 ↗
December 16, 2020A 73-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," December 16, 2020 ↗
December 16, 2020A 78-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," December 16, 2020 ↗
December 14, 2020A 71-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," December 14, 2020 ↗
December 3, 2020A 51-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," December 3, 2020 ↗
December 3, 2020A 66-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," December 3, 2020 ↗
November 23, 2020A 48-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," November 23, 2020 ↗
November 10, 2020A 60-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 was pronounced dead. Click here to read the source: BOP press release, "Inmate Death at USP Tucson," November 10, 2020 ↗

These are deaths the BOP announced in a press release. The date shown is the date of the release. The BOP does not publish a full count of deaths at each prison, so this is not a total. Most of the 2020 to 2022 releases are about COVID-19.

Sexual abuse audit (PREA)

The last federal sexual-abuse (PREA) audit visited the Tucson complex January 13 to 15, 2026. Result: 1 standard exceeded, 44 met, 0 not met. The audit covers the USP, the FCI and the camp together. In the 12 months before the audit, the complex recorded 35 sexual-abuse allegations (23 against other inmates, 12 against staff) and 7 sexual-harassment allegations (4 against other inmates, 3 against staff). These counts cover all three Tucson prisons, not only the USP. Click here to read the source: PREA audit report, FCC Tucson (onsite January 13 to 15, 2026) ↗

An allegation is a report, not a finding. The audit counts reports made, not what investigators concluded.

News about Tucson

Inmate who escaped federal prison in Tucson is capturedKTAR News 92.3 FM · Sep 3, 2026
Inmate walks away from USP Tucson camp; public asked to helpKVOA · Sep 3, 2026
Inmate discovered missing from Tucson prison12News · Sep 2, 2026
Violent inmate escapes from federal prison in TucsonKOLD · Sep 2, 2026
Inmate charged in Tucson prison killings could face death penaltyazcentral.com and The Arizona Republic · May 13, 2026
Prosecutors seek death penalty against man who confessed to killing 3 at Tucson prisonArizona Mirror · May 11, 2026

Stories from news outlets that name USP Tucson, checked every day. Last updated Nov 3, 2026, 3:27 pm ET. We link to the original story; we did not write these.

Intel from the Inside

Intel last checked: November 3, 2026

Reports from people inside, in their own words. It is how the place really runs, not official policy, and it can change. We never publish names.

No Intel reported for Tucson yet.

Know something about Tucson that families should know? Tell Scooter. Our team checks every report before it goes up, and we never publish names.