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Thomson FCI

Low

Federal Correctional Institution

Thomson FCI is a federal correctional institution in Thomson, Illinois. Below you'll find insider tips, programs, visiting hours, and preparation resources.

Last verified: March 5, 2026

FCINorth Central RegionMale

What to Expect at Thomson FCI

Location & Travel

  • •**Lodging:** AmericInn Hotel and Suites Fulton (815-589-3333), Executive Inn (815-303-6688), Sandburr Run and Resort (815-902-6063).

Visiting

  • •**Visiting:** Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays. Contact the facility directly for current hours and any updates.

Good to Know

  • •**Location & Travel:** Located less than a mile north of Thomson, Illinois, about a mile east of the Mississippi River.

Insider Information

Housing

Open bay dormitories.

Commissary

Monthly spending limit of $360. Shopping once per week on Tuesday. Commissary list must be deposited and people wait until their name is called. Sales unit closes for inventory one week in March and one week in September.

Phone Policy

300 minutes per month. 15-minute call limit with a 15-minute waiting period between calls. 30-number approved list. Hours: 6:00 AM–11:30 PM daily, excluding count times. Re-validation days based on register number.

Library

Open daily during afternoons and evenings, including weekends and holidays. Law library clerk available. Electronic Law Libraries (ELL) access. Copies 15 cents per page. Leisure library with periodicals, newspapers, fiction, non-fiction, and reference books.

Psychology/Counseling Services

The facility offers a non-residential drug treatment program, a drug education program, self-image groups, a suicide prevention program, and specialized mental health programs. The Psychology Services Department is staffed by a Chief Psychologist and Drug Abuse Program Coordinator.

Health Services

The Health Services Unit functions as an ambulatory outpatient clinic, staffed by physicians, dentists, mid-level practitioners, and medical and administrative support staff. Health services staff are available seven days a week with regular hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sick call sign-up is held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:00 to 7:20 AM. Pill line times are Monday through Friday at 6:15 to 6:30 AM (insulin only), 6:30 to 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:30 to 5:00 PM (insulin only), and 5:00 to 5:40 PM; weekends and holidays at 7:15 to 7:30 AM (insulin only), 7:30 to 8:00 AM, 4:30 to 5:00 PM (insulin only), and 5:00 to 5:30 PM. Persons under 50 may request a physical examination every two years, while those over 50 may request one annually.

Fitness & Recreation

The Recreation Department offers indoor and outdoor activities ranging from individualized arts and crafts programs to music programs and intramural team sports such as softball, basketball, and volleyball.

Religious Services

The Religious Services Department provides pastoral care and religious accommodation for individual and group beliefs and practices. Chaplains offer pastoral counseling, spiritual direction, support, and crisis intervention. They also oversee the religious diet program, ceremonial meals, and holiday observances. New programs are offered year-round as volunteers are recruited.

Commissary

See the full commissary list for Thomson FCI below, including available items and pricing.

Become Extraordinary and Compelling!

Live as the CEO of your life at Thomson FCI by posting journal entries, release plans, and book reports at PrisonProfessors.org—so others can hold you accountable while you build skills and earn freedom through merit.

Preparing for Self-Surrender at Thomson FCI

Thomson FCI is a Federal Correctional Institution. FCIs house people of varying security levels and typically offer educational, vocational, and treatment programs to support rehabilitation and reentry.

Pre-Surrender Checklist

  • •Bring your contact list and release plan
  • •Close out work and professional obligations
  • •Set up power of attorney and financial access
  • •Handle all medical preparations
  • •Choose one primary point of contact
  • •Prepare your family for phone and visitation limits
  • •Pack only what the facility allows
  • •Arrange transportation and surrender details
  • •Form a reading list before you arrive
  • •Know which programs are actually offered

Helpful Resources

Top 10 Self Surrender Checklist

Visitation Information For Families

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Programs & Services

Education Programs

  • GED
  • ESL (English as a Second Language)
  • Adult Continuing Education (ACE)
  • Parenting Classes
  • College Correspondence Courses

Health & Wellness

  • Drug Education Program
  • Self-Image Groups
  • Suicide Prevention Program
  • Specialized Mental Health Programs
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Individual Psychotherapy

Recreation

  • Softball
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Music Programs
  • Intramural Team Sports

Visiting Information

Regular Visiting Hours

  • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Federal Holidays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Important Notes

  • • Valid government-issued photo ID required
  • • All visitors subject to search
  • • Dress code enforced

Note: Visiting schedules may vary. Contact the facility directly for the most current visiting hours and procedures. For a complete breakdown of visitation rules, dress code, and how to get approved, visit our Visitation Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thomson FCI

Thomson FCI is a low-security Federal Correctional Institution. Unlike a federal prison camp, it generally has double perimeter fencing and more structured movement, though programming and work opportunities are still available.

No. Thomson FCI does not currently offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program. Individuals seeking RDAP placement must be designated to an institution that provides the program.

Individuals reporting to Thomson FCI typically undergo intake processing including identification verification, medical screening, housing assignment, and orientation specific to this institution's low-security level and cell-based housing structure.

Visiting at Thomson FCI typically takes place on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. All visitors must be on the approved visiting list and present a valid government-issued photo ID upon arrival. Visitors should follow the BOP dress code: no revealing clothing, no clothing that resembles prisoner uniforms (typically khaki or orange), and no open-toed shoes at some facilities. Contact Thomson FCI directly or check the BOP website for the most current schedule and any facility-specific restrictions.

Funds for individuals at Thomson FCI should be sent through BOP-approved methods: MoneyGram, Western Union, or U.S. Postal Money Orders. All funds are processed through the Federal Bureau of Prisons' centralized National Finance Center in Des Moines, Iowa — not sent directly to Thomson FCI. Money orders should be made payable to the individual's committed name and include their BOP register number. Allow 7–10 business days for processing.

Individuals at Thomson FCI have access to three primary communication channels. Phone: you receive 300 free phone minutes per month if you are First Step Act eligible, then you pay six cents a minute for up to 210 additional minutes. Calls cut off after 15 minutes, and calls will come from a 202 number or private caller. Phone access is seven days a week. Email: the TRULINCS system allows electronic messaging for a small per-minute fee. Regular mail: letters and cards can be sent and received through the U.S. Postal Service. Mail can be sent to: INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER\nFCI Thomson\nFederal Correctional Institution\nP.O. Box 1002\nThomson, IL 61285.

The commissary at Thomson FCI operates on a set schedule and offers snacks, beverages, hygiene products, over-the-counter medications, writing materials, stamps, and limited clothing items. The standard monthly spending limit is $360 (excluding telephone credits, stamps, and OTC medications). Some facilities implement this as a bi-weekly $180 cap. A current commissary list is typically available through the unit team.

Length of stay at Thomson FCI varies based on sentence length, offense type, and good conduct time calculations. Individuals at low-security facilities typically serve sentences ranging from one year to well over a decade, depending on circumstances.

The Bureau of Prisons requires all facilities to offer literacy and GED programs for individuals without a high school diploma. Thomson FCI provides educational programming that may include GED preparation, English as a Second Language (ESL), and post-secondary education opportunities through correspondence or partnerships. Current offerings include: GED, ESL (English as a Second Language), Adult Continuing Education (ACE), Parenting Classes, College Correspondence Courses. Availability may change based on staffing and enrollment.

The BOP enforces a dress code for all visitors. Clothing must not be revealing — no low-cut tops, shorts above the knee, or see-through materials. Visitors should avoid wearing colors that match prisoner uniforms (typically khaki, orange, or olive drab). Open-toed shoes may be prohibited at some facilities. Undergarments are required. Visitors who do not meet dress code standards may be turned away. Contact Thomson FCI in advance if you have questions about specific items.

Yes, but publications must be sent directly from the publisher, a bookstore, or a book club — not from an individual. Hardcover and softcover books, newspapers, and magazines are generally permitted as long as they do not contain content deemed a security threat. Used books are typically not accepted. All incoming publications are subject to inspection by mailroom staff at Thomson FCI.

Thomson FCI is located in Thomson, Illinois, within the North Central Region of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Contact the facility directly for driving directions and nearby lodging options.

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How Long Will You Actually Serve?

Federal sentences are not always served in full. Good time credit, the First Step Act, and RDAP can significantly reduce your time served.

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Contact Information

1100 One Mile Road, Thomson, IL 61285

Thomson, Illinois 61285

815-259-1000

Mailing Address

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER

FCI Thomson

Federal Correctional Institution

P.O. Box 1002

Thomson, IL 61285

Questions? Call us now: 949-799-3277

Facility Details

Security Level
Low
Facility Type
FCI
Region
North Central
Gender
Male
Year Opened
2017
Updated: Mar 5, 2026

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Security Notice

All phone calls are recorded. All emails are saved. Mail can be read by staff.