CUMBERLAND — All visitation at FCI Cumberland has been suspended until further notice, however officials for the facility did not provide a reason.
In response to a Cumberland Times-News request for information about a report of a lockdown at the prison, the Federal Bureau of Prisons said “for privacy, safety, and security reasons,” it does not comment on conditions of confinement for any incarcerated individual.
However, the BOP confirmed FCI Cumberland initiated a modified operations status on Aug. 16.
“Modified operations refer to a temporary change to some institution operations that may include movement, programs and/or services,” said Emery Nelson at BOP’s public affairs office.
“Wardens may establish controls or implement temporary security measures to ensure the good order and security of their institution,” he said. “Ordinarily, institutions remain on modified operations to thoroughly investigate an incident and ensure the safety of employees and individuals in our custody.”
BOP does not discuss internal guidance or security practices such as reasons for suspending visitation or making changes to movement schedules at any specific facility, Nelson said.
“We can say the decision to limit or suspend visitation for a variety of reasons is made by the warden at each institution on a case-by-case basis,” he said. “The institution will return to normal operations, including visitation, as soon as possible.”
The telephones at the facility are answered by the front entrance officer who performs multiple duties during their shift, including the responsibility of appropriately processing individuals into and out of the front entrance of the prison, Nelson said.
“Family members may communicate with loved ones via the U.S. Postal Service,” he said. “Mail is collected and delivered to individuals every day, Monday through Friday.”
To communicate with inmates, as well as their families during a lockdown, the prison system publishes a notification on FCI Cumberland’s public website to inform the public visitation at the facility has been suspended until further notice, Nelson said.
He recommended visitors check the local institution’s public website at https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/cum/ for updates.
“Additionally, incarcerated individuals have maintained continued access to communicate with loved ones by sending and receiving mail via the U.S. Postal Service,” Nelson said.