FCI Beckley family group wants inmate reports investigated

BEAVER, WV (WVNS) — Family members of those incarcerated at FCI Beckley, a medium security federal correctional institution with a minimum-security satellite camp, said that they are concerned about facility conditions.

An informal group of about 200 people have formed a support system, made up of those whose loved ones are serving time at the federal prison in Beaver, near Beckley, in Raleigh County.

A group spokesperson said on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, that violence is a growing concern for inmates, who fear retaliation from guards and other inmates for reporting violations.

She said the jail is frequently on “lockdown,” sometimes because of reported violence, including stabbings.

She also said that incarcerated loved ones often wait for months to have medical concerns addressed, that they are given food and medication in a “plastic bag” during lockdowns, and that fresh fruits and vegetables are unavailable to inmates.

She alleged that visits are discouraged through frequent “lockdowns” at the jail, dirty visiting rooms and allegedly “disrespectful” behavior towards inmates’ visitors by the guards.

She claimed that guards seemed to look for excuses to bar visits during normal operations.

She also alleged that mail to and from those incarcerated is often undelivered, which contributes to the inmates feeling further disconnected from family “on the outside” and causes distress for their families.

Those in the group reported that visits are often abruptly cancelled due to lockdowns.

The spokesperson reported that one group member spent money on airfare and a hotel room to visit a loved one at FCI Beckley but that her visit was cancelled once she had arrived. She was not reimbursed for travel costs, the spokesperson said.

The lockdowns have also resulted in inmates’ classes and programs, which can help to reduce their sentences, being cancelled, resulting in a potentially longer sentence for inmates, the spokesperson added.

She alleged some of those incarcerated have experienced racism inside the facility.

Scott Foster, a spokesperson for Federal Bureau of Prisons, said on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, that all federal regulations are followed at FCI Beckley and denied the reports of medical and nutritional neglect of those incarcerated.

He said modified operations, known as a “lockdown,” are an acceptable practice for promoting security of inmates and FCI employees.

“The FBOP, to include FCI Beckley, provides nutritionally adequate meals, prepared and served in a manner that meets established Government health and safety codes,” Foster stated in an email to 59News. “Individuals have the option to select from a regular, heart-healthy, or no flesh entrée for every meal, including vegan-friendly options.”

He said fresh fruit is made available daily, and while fresh vegetables are not available every day, they do often appear on the menu.

“The commissary provides individuals the privilege of obtaining merchandise and services either not provided by the FBOP or of a different quality than that provided by the FBOP,” he added.

Foster said “modified operations” or lockdowns, are permissible at the discretion of the warden or others.

“Ordinarily, institutions remain on modified operations in order to thoroughly investigate an incident and ensure the safety of employees and incarcerated individuals,” said Foster. “However, with respect to the day-to-day operations of the facility during modified operations, all individuals at FCI Beckley have access to unit team staff, medical care, food, water, and other programs.”

He said the facility is operating at normal staffing, with 90 percent of the positions filled.

“We remain committed to fostering a work environment where both employees and incarcerated individuals feel secure and supported,” Foster said. “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our employees and incarcerated individuals, hold offenders accountable, and uphold the highest standards of conduct within our facilities.”

Civil rights violations at FCI Beckley may be reported to the U.S. Department of Justice , by calling the Office of the U.S. Inspector General at 202-514-3435 or by contacting the Mid-Atlantic Regional Office .

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