Federal Prison Question

[Ensnared]

Recently, I stayed in Bastrop, Texas. On a whim, I decided to program the Federal Prison Facility in Bastrop. Surprisingly, I actually heard transmissions.

On the other hand, when I've visited family in Big Spring, Texas, I've had no success. When I've programmed with a Wildcard, nothing was heard.

I don't know the whether both prison camps have the same custody level. Anyone have an idea?

 

[APTN]

They are both Low Security Male facilities.
BOP: Maps of Facilities - South Central Region

 

[texasemt13]

I've heard Bastrop also, and it seems to have more traffic than I've heard at other federal prison facilities as well.

The federal prison facilities are classified by their name (from the List of Federal Prisons in the US Wiki):

Federal Correctional Complexes (FCC) are institutions with different missions and security levels located in proximity to one another.
Federal Correctional Institutions (FCI) are Low and Medium Security facilities.
Federal Detention Centers (FDC) are inmate reception and transfer centers.
Federal Medical Centers (FMC) handle inmates requiring medical or psychiatric care.
Federal Prison Camps (FPC) are for minimum security inmates.
Federal Transfer Center
Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC)
Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC)
U.S. Penitentiaries (USP) are for inmates classified for High (Maximum) Security.

 

[Ensnared]

Having worked in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for extended years, I know about various custody levels within the state; however, I am quite unfamiliar with federal guidelines.

Previously, I knew the former Federal Warden at the Big Spring facility. Initially, the Big Spring facility had no razor wire. According to the Warden, offenders were expected to make their way to this minimum security facility within a specified amount of time without supervision. Once admitted, they were disallowed from going beyond the perimeter.

However, some years later, this facility erected double fence razor wire with rounded-looking rock-like structures in place. Hence, if one made it over the razor wire, the likelihood of breaking a leg or foot was increased upon landing.

At one time, Cheech was at this facility. Rex Cauble, the Marijuana Cowboy was there as well. I think Billy Sol Estes spent some time here as well. Finally, I believe Mr. Howell of Bell & Howell stayed within these walls.

Thanks for the responses.

 

[jhooten]

FYI Bastrop has two systems running now. The burn in process for the new system has about two more weeks left then final testing. If all goes well in the testing the systems should be cut over at the end of April and the old system (The one I installed 10 years ago) will be decommissioned.

Next time your out in west texas scan for new cc. Big Spring got their system just before I did and my have all ready been upgraded.

 

[Ensnared]

Ok, thanks. I noticed that there are no TG's available for Big Spring. So, I will attempt to monitor them the next time I visit my father.