Fort Dix FCI in Joint Base MDL, NJ operates as a low/medium-security facility within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). It primarily houses men, with classification and placement decisions governed by BOP policy, security needs, and program availability. The institution serves the broader NJ region and the national system for transfers and designations.
Living units are typically open-bay or multi-occupancy rooms with scheduled counts, controlled movement, and access to common areas for dining, programming, and indoor recreation. Outdoor yards and fitness spaces support daily exercise, while the Education Department coordinates literacy, Adult Basic Education, GED test preparation, and ESL where needed. A law library and leisure library allow for legal research and reading materials.
Medical and mental health services cover routine care, chronic condition management, and emergency response, with referrals to Federal Medical Centers when advanced treatment is required. Substance-use treatment includes drug abuse education and, if available and appropriate, the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Counseling, reentry classes, and case management meetings help individuals plan for employment, housing, and community support.
Work assignments—ranging from food service and unit orderly to facilities maintenance and landscaping—are intended to build reliability, teamwork, and vocational skills. Where present, UNICOR provides factory-style experience and technical training that can translate to post-release opportunities. The facility’s disciplinary system and grievance process follow BOP policy, including informal resolution and formal administrative remedies.
As a low/medium-security institution, operations emphasize accountability through counts, controlled movement, screening, and clear guidelines for visits, mail, property, and communication. Local supplements implement national policy details such as visiting schedules and dress codes.
Situated in Joint Base MDL, NJ, the facility is part of the local economy through staff employment and vendor relationships. Families often travel long distances for visitation, so planning around schedules, identification requirements, and transportation is essential. As release nears, case managers coordinate halfway house placement (Residential Reentry Centers) to support the transition home.
In sum, Fort Dix FCI reflects the federal system’s emphasis on safety, structured routines, programming, and reentry preparation. While experiences vary by unit and case, the institution’s services aim to reduce recidivism and prepare people for success after incarceration.
Low/medium-security Federal Correctional Institution; adjacent camp.
- Location: Joint Base MDL, NJ
- Security level: Low/Medium
- Population served: Male