If you’re reading this, you’re likely facing one of the most overwhelming and frightening experiences of your life. When you’re headed to prison in Rhode Island, the uncertainty can be paralyzing. What will daily life really be like? How do you stay connected with family? What rights do you have?
I’m S. Joshua Macktaz, and in my 30+ years as a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney—including my time as a former Rhode Island State Prosecutor—I’ve guided thousands of people through this exact situation. I know the system inside and out, and I’m here to give you the honest, practical information you need.
While every situation is unique, understanding the process can help reduce some of the fear and uncertainty you’re feeling right now. Let’s walk through exactly what you can expect.
The Rhode Island Prison System Overview
Rhode Island operates what’s called a unified corrections system, meaning the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) manages both sentenced prisoners and pre-trial detainees in the same facilities. The main complex is the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) in Cranston, but the system is more complex than many people realize.
The ACI consists of several different facilities with varying security levels:
- Maximum Security for the most serious offenders
- Medium Security for inmates with moderate risk classifications
- Minimum Security for lower-risk individuals
- Intake Service Center where everyone begins their incarceration
Here’s what most people don’t understand: where someone ends up isn’t strictly about their crime, but their classification score.
This score considers factors like criminal history, the current offense, age, education level, and perceived risk of escape or violence. This classification process is crucial and can significantly impact someone’s entire incarceration experience.
The good news? Unlike many states, Rhode Island’s smaller size means inmates are generally housed relatively close to their families, making visitation more manageable.
What Happens During Intake at the ACI
The intake process at the ACI Intake Service Center is your first real introduction to how the system works. It’s designed to be thorough, and frankly, it can be intimidating if you don’t know what to expect.
Here’s the step-by-step reality:
Initial processing begins immediately upon arrival. Correctional officers will take photographs, fingerprints, and collect basic demographic information. You’ll be asked about medical conditions, medications, and mental health history. Be honest here—this isn’t the time to hide medical issues.
Property inventory happens next. Personal belongings are catalogued and either stored or returned to family. Most personal items aren’t allowed inside, but the facility will provide basic necessities like clothing and hygiene items.
Medical and mental health screening is mandatory for everyone. A medical professional will assess immediate health needs and determine if specialized housing or medical attention is required. If you take prescription medications, this is when arrangements are made to continue them.
Classification assessment determines your security level and housing assignment. Officers will review your criminal history, current charges, and conduct a risk assessment. This process can take several days, during which you’ll likely be housed in a temporary holding area.
Housing assignment comes after classification is complete. Your security level determines which facility within the ACI complex you’ll call home.
The key is to remain calm, be truthful with medical staff, and understand that this initial period is temporary.
While the intake assessment itself may take several days, most individuals remain housed at the Intake Service Center (ISC) for an average of about 27 days. This time includes both processing and waiting for housing assignment, depending on classification and available space.
What Is a Typical Day Like in a Rhode Island Prison?
The answer to this question depends heavily on your security level and housing assignment. But let me paint you a realistic picture of what daily life actually looks like.
Morning begins early—typically around 6:00 AM with the first count of the day. “Count time” happens multiple times daily when all inmates must be accounted for in their cells or assigned locations. These are non-negotiable, and the entire facility stops until count is cleared.
Meals follow a strict schedule: breakfast at approximately 6:30 AM, lunch at 11:30 AM, and dinner at 4:30 PM. The food is institutional—think cafeteria-style with limited choices. Inmates with dietary restrictions (medical, religious, or vegetarian) can request special meals, but this requires prior approval.
Work assignments or programs typically begin after breakfast. Most inmates are assigned jobs within the facility—kitchen work, laundry, maintenance, or administrative tasks. These positions pay a small wage (up to three dollars per day) that can be used for commissary purchases.
Recreation time varies by security level. Minimum security inmates might have several hours of outdoor time, while maximum security inmates may only get one hour in a small exercise area. Indoor recreation typically includes television, reading, and sometimes educational programs.
Afternoons and evenings often include additional programs such as GED classes, substance abuse counseling, or vocational training. These programs are voluntary but highly recommended—they can positively impact both your daily routine and future parole considerations.
Lights out is typically between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, though you can continue reading or writing with a small personal light.
The reality is that prison life is highly regimented and can feel monotonous. However, those who adapt best are those who create structure through programs, reading, exercise, and maintaining connections with family.
How Can Inmates Call Family in Rhode Island?
Staying connected with family is crucial for both emotional well-being and successful reentry, but the phone system can be confusing and expensive if you don’t understand how it works.
Rhode Island prisons use the Securus Technologies phone system for all inmate calls. Here’s what families need to know:
Setting up an account must be done by someone outside the facility. Family members can create a Securus account online. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and ID number to add them to your account.
Call costs have decreased significantly over the past few years. As of 2025, local and long-distance inmate calls from Rhode Island facilities average around $0.04 per minute, thanks to recently implemented federal caps. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and will automatically disconnect when time expires. There’s also a daily limit on total call time.
Funding the account can be done online, by phone, or by sending a money order to Securus Technologies. I always advise families to set up automatic payments to avoid missed calls due to insufficient funds.
Call scheduling varies by housing unit, but most inmates can make calls during designated hours, typically in the evening and on weekends. Calls to attorneys are handled differently and aren’t subject to the same time restrictions.
Here’s something many families don’t realize: all calls are recorded and monitored except those to attorneys. Never discuss case details or anything that could be harmful to pending legal matters during regular phone calls.
My advice? Set up the account early, keep it funded, and establish a regular calling schedule that works for everyone. These connections are lifelines for inmates and their families.
Communication and Visitation
Beyond phone calls, Rhode Island offers several ways for inmates to maintain contact with loved ones, each with its own rules and limitations.
In-person visitation at the ACI requires advance scheduling through the RIDOC website or by calling the facility directly. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list and pass a background check. Visits typically last 1-2 hours and occur in a supervised setting. Dress codes are strictly enforced—no revealing clothing is allowed, and certain colors may be prohibited.
Video visits have become increasingly popular, especially since they don’t count against your in-person visitation allotment. These 25-minute sessions can be scheduled through Securus and allow face-to-face contact from home. These typically cost between $10 and $20 for a 20- to 30-minute session, depending on the time and day.
Mail service is available for both incoming and outgoing correspondence. Letters are inspected but not read (unless there are security concerns). Photos are allowed but must meet specific guidelines—no Polaroids, no inappropriate content, and usually limited to a certain number per letter.
Email messaging through Securus eMessaging allows families to send electronic messages that are printed and delivered to inmates. Responses must be handwritten and mailed traditionally, making this somewhat one-sided but still valuable for maintaining contact.
Remember that all forms of communication except attorney correspondence are subject to monitoring and can be restricted or suspended for rule violations.
What Are an Inmate’s Rights Regarding Medical Care?
Medical care in prison is a constitutional right, but understanding how to access it can be the difference between getting needed treatment and suffering unnecessarily.
Healthcare services at the ACI include basic medical care, dental services, mental health treatment, and emergency care. The facility has medical staff on-site, including doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals.
Requesting medical attention requires submitting a written sick call request. These are typically collected daily, and non-emergency issues are addressed within 24-48 hours. Emergency situations receive immediate attention.
Prescription medications continue for those who were taking them before incarceration, but the facility may substitute generic equivalents or similar medications. All medications are dispensed by medical staff at scheduled times—inmates cannot keep medications in their cells.
Mental health services include counseling, psychiatric care, and crisis intervention. Given that a significant percentage of inmates have mental health issues, these services are particularly important. Don’t hesitate to request help if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.
Specialized medical needs like diabetes management, heart conditions, or other chronic illnesses receive ongoing care, though the level of service may differ from what someone received on the outside.
If medical care is inadequate or denied, this can become a serious legal issue. The Eighth Amendment protects against “deliberate indifference” to serious medical needs. If you or a loved one faces medical neglect, document everything and contact an attorney immediately.
Inmates have the right to request outside medical opinions for serious conditions, though approval isn’t guaranteed. The key is to document all medical requests and any inadequate responses.
Money, Commissary, and Personal Items
Understanding the financial aspects of incarceration helps families provide appropriate support while avoiding common pitfalls.
Sending money to inmates must be done through approved methods. JPay is the primary system used by RIDOC, allowing deposits to be made through their website, mobile app, or by phone. Money orders can also be mailed directly to the facility. Never send cash—it will be returned and could result in penalties.
Commissary shopping happens weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the housing unit. Inmates can purchase snacks, hygiene items, writing supplies, stamps, and other approved goods. Spending limits for commissary purchases are generally $200–300 per month, though limits may vary by facility and specific housing unit.
Approved personal items are extremely limited. The facility provides basic clothing, but inmates can often purchase additional items like sweatshirts or shoes through commissary. Religious items, reading glasses, and wedding rings are typically allowed with proper approval.
Money management inside is crucial. Funds are also needed for phone calls, medical co-pays (usually $5 per visit), and other services. I advise families to send reasonable amounts regularly rather than large sums infrequently.
Property that arrives by mail must meet strict guidelines. Books can be sent directly from publishers, but used books from individuals are often prohibited. Always check current RIDOC policies before sending anything.
Legal Rights and Support
Even while incarcerated, individuals retain essential legal rights, and knowing how to exercise them can be crucial for both current conditions and future legal proceedings.
Access to legal representation continues during incarceration. Attorney visits are private and not monitored, unlike other visits.
Law library access is guaranteed, though hours may be limited. Inmates can research their cases, file appeals, and prepare legal documents. Legal materials and case law are available, and some facilities provide computers for legal research.
Grievance procedures are in place for addressing complaints about conditions, treatment, or violations of rights. These must typically be filed within specific timeframes and follow a formal process. Document everything and keep copies of all submissions.
Classification appeals can be filed if you believe your security level is too high or your housing assignment is inappropriate. The classification review process considers factors like good behavior, program participation, and time served.
Disciplinary hearings are required when inmates are accused of rule violations. You have the right to know the charges, present evidence, and have a hearing before punishment is imposed. Serious violations can affect good time credits and parole eligibility.
The most important thing is to document everything. Keep records of medical requests, grievances, and any problems you encounter. This documentation can be crucial if legal action becomes necessary.
The Key Details to Remember When Facing Incarceration in Rhode Island
Facing incarceration in Rhode Island is overwhelming, but it’s not insurmountable. Understanding what to expect—from the intake process through daily life, communication options, medical care, and your legal rights—can help you navigate this challenging time more successfully.
The key points to remember:
- Staying connected with family is crucial and possible through multiple channels
- Program participation benefits both daily life and future opportunities
- The classification process determines much of your experience
- Medical care is a right, but you must advocate for yourself
- Your legal rights continue even while incarcerated
While this information helps you understand the system, every situation is unique. If you’re facing incarceration or have a loved one in the system, don’t try to navigate these challenges alone.
I’ve spent 30+ years helping Rhode Island families through exactly these circumstances. Whether you need guidance on protecting rights during incarceration, preparing for parole hearings, or planning for successful reentry, I’m here to help.
My goal in every case is dismissal and expungement, but when incarceration is unavoidable, I’ll focus on making sure your rights are protected and you’re prepared.
Call me, S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq., now at (401) 861-1155 for a free consultation. I’m available 24/7/365 because I know these situations don’t wait for business hours. Together, we can work toward the best possible outcome and plan for a successful future. Remember, this is a difficult chapter, but it’s not the end of your story.
