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Nov. 12, 2015
Earlier this week, US News and World Report released their annual rankings of the nation’s most prestigious prisons. The 5 top top 5 ranked prisons have been printed below.
Via US News and World Report
5. St. Joseph County Jail
Clocking in at number five on the list is St. Joseph, one of the most sought– after jails in its home state of Indiana. Inmates cited its small size and high correctional officer to inmate ratios as the prison’s biggest draws. “I really wanted the small prison experience,” says inmate Jacob Watts said. “When I did my prison tours in high school, I realized that the large, federal prisons just weren’t for me. I wanted a more intimate prison atmosphere.””. Don’t let its small size fool you, though; St. Joseph is still regarded as one of the powerhouses of the american institutional correction system. Inmates there can expect all the same resources that they would find at a state penitentiary.
4. Petersburg Federal Correctional Institution
Nestled in scenic southern Virginia, Petersburg Federal Correctional Institution is a great choice for anyone looking to get in touch with the Ssouth during their time in prison. Located in a classic prison town, inmates at Petersburg allows its inmates to spend their days soaking up all that it’s southern location has to offer (while confined to the prison grounds, of course). “There’s definitely a southern jock vibe here,” says inmate James Van Dyke said. “We go pretty hard during recreation time. This prison yard is no place for sissies.”. Despite its competitive athletics, prisoners of all types can find a home at Petersburg. “There’s a great prison culture here” says CO James Howe. “I can’t think of any prison I would rather be at”.
3. Louisiana State Penitentiary
Louisiana State Penitentiary is the quintessential large, state prison:; with over 5,000 inmates, it’s the biggest prison in the United States, and it has and has thean attitude to match. “With such a large size, you can definitely get lost, especially during your first year,” says inmate Aaron Rierson said. “But if you’re a self– advocate, you can get all the attention you need from Correctional Officers and other prison personnel. Plus, with that many other people, there’s always somethingsomething’s always going on.””.
2. Rikers Island Jail Complex
For those looking for an urban prison experience, it’s hard to beat Rikersr’s Island. Located in New York City between Queens and the Bronx, inmates at Rikers Rikers offers its inmateshave a deep sense of New York culture. “Just about everybody here is from New York,” says inmate Joey Falcone said. “If you’re looking for a prison in the big city, right in the center of the action, Rikers could be the place for you.”. In addition to its unbeatable location, Rikers also sports a host of notable alumni, including Sid Vicious and David “Son of Sam” Berkowitz.
1. ADX Florence Penitentiary
Once again, the number one spot in this year’s prison ranking goes to ADX Florence Penitentiary. There are many excellent prisons in the US, but for those who truly want the most rigorous prison experience available, ADX Florence is the only choice. Located in unincorporated Florence, Colorado, ADX Florence is the only US prison that can boast super maximum security status, a title that it takes very seriously. “I honestly still can’t believe that I made it into a SuperMax penitentiary,” says inmate David Harper said. “When I learned that I got into Florence, all I could think was, ‘Wow! I’m going to the best prison in the world!’” Inmates at this penitentiary are truly blessedthrilled to have beaten the odds and made it to the very top of the US institutional correctional system.l
