Downeast Correctional Facility
Director C. Mark Caton
64 Base Road
Machiasport ME 04655
(207) 255-1100
The Downeast Correctional Facility, located at the former Bucks
Harbor Air Force Station, was established by the Legislature
in September 1984. Funds were appropriated to purchase the facility
for the confinement and rehabilitation of persons who have been
duly sentenced and committed to the Department of Corrections
and began receiving inmates in June 1985. The facility is a medium/minimum
security institution with a prisoner count of 148.
The Classification
Committee has a direct impact on the prisoner for its primary
responsibility is to orient each new prisoner to the facility,
its housing, care and/or treatment programs. The committee is responsible
for the safety and well being of each prisoner assigned to the
Downeast Correctional Facility. The committee analyzes all input
to determine the initial anniversary and/or required changes to
the security status of the prisoners housed at the facility. A
caseworker assists prisoners and their families in making recommendations
for treatment programs within the community and in the therapeutic
and rehabilitative settings.
The Medical Department is staffed 12 hours a day by a Registered
Nurse (RN) with visiting Doctors, PAs, LPNs, Dental and Optical
staff as needed.
PROGRAMS
The Educational Program is geared for a high school diploma and/or
a G.E.D. There is a NovaNET program, which allows prisoners to
increase their skills in grades 6 through 12. The NovaNET also
offers several college courses via a closed circuit with the Southern
Maine Vocational College.
The Vocational Programs are staffed by degreed instructors in
the following fields; Upholstery, Welding, and Building Trades.
An Industries program was instituted in July 2001, for the manufacture
of denim jeans for the entire Department of Corrections prisoner
population.
The Community Restitution Program provides other State Agencies,
Local Municipalities, and non-profit organizations with assistance
in maintaining their facilities. The "Hot Shot" Firefighting
crew travels throughout the state assisting the State of Maine
Forestry Departments. This group has been active for well over
ten years and is highly acclaimed for its firefighting efforts.
The Treatment Program consists of psychological
treatment with counselors in Substance Abuse Education, Relapse
Prevention and Individual Substance Counseling, and Crisis Intervention
groups.
Web Page by: Jim Raymond, DCF
