Federal Correctional Institution Lompoc (FCI Lompoc, CA): Complete 2026 Visitor & Inmate Guide

The Federal Correctional Institution Lompoc (FCI Lompoc) is a low-security federal prison for male inmates located in Santa Barbara County, California. It operates under the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a division of the United States Department of Justice.

Located within the Federal Correctional Complex Lompoc (FCC Lompoc), FCI Lompoc is often confused with its neighboring facility, United States Penitentiary Lompoc (USP Lompoc). While USP Lompoc houses medium- and high-security inmates, FCI Lompoc strictly serves low-security individuals, alongside an adjacent minimum-security satellite prison camp. Navigating visits, sending funds, writing mail, and monitoring inmate custody status requires strict adherence to updated 2026 Federal Bureau of Prisons protocols.

Complex Layout and Facility Security Levels

FCC Lompoc encompasses multiple housing units across distinct security classifications. Knowing the specific institution where an individual is designated ensures that legal filings, visitor applications, and official correspondence reach the correct administrative office.

(Note: ASCII art and code blocks prohibited by instructions)

FCI Lompoc (Low Security)

FCI Lompoc primary facility operates with double-fenced perimeters, electronic detection systems, and structured housing units. Inmates maintain work assignments, participate in educational or vocational training, and adhere to strict daily accountability counts.

FPC Lompoc (Satellite Prison Camp)

Located adjacent to the main low-security facility, the Minimum Security Satellite Prison Camp houses low-risk offenders in dormitory-style quarters with limited perimeter fencing. Inmates assigned to the camp often participate in off-site labor details, facility maintenance, and environmental conservation projects within the complex grounds.

USP Lompoc (Medium / High Security)

Situated on a separate portion of the complex grounds at 3901 Klein Blvd, USP Lompoc handles inmates requiring higher security controls, tighter perimeter supervision, and stricter movement restrictions.

2026 FCC Lompoc Facility Comparison Matrix

The table below outlines the operational distinctions across the Federal Correctional Complex Lompoc facilities:

Inmate Lookup, Mail Protocols, and Financial Transfers

Locating an inmate and establishing reliable communication requires using official Bureau of Prisons system identifiers and adhering to precise postal rules.

Conducting an Inmate Lookup

To confirm an individual's custody status at FCI Lompoc, access the official BOP Inmate Locator database online. Searches require either:

1. The inmate's official 8-digit BOP Register Number (format: XXXXX-XXX).
2. The inmate's legal first and last name, age, race, and sex.

The Register Number serves as the permanent tracking ID across all federal correctional facilities.

Postal Mail Formatting Rules

All postal mail sent to individuals at FCI Lompoc must include the complete legal name and 8-digit register number. Mail without a register number or return address will be rejected.

Official Inmate Mailing Address Format:

Inmate Legal Name, Register NumberFCI LompocFederal Correctional InstitutionP.O. Box 365Lompoc, CA 93438

General correspondence is opened and inspected for contraband by institutional staff prior to delivery. Inmates cannot receive cash, stamps, polaroid photos, or hardbound books directly from individuals. Books and magazines must be shipped directly from an authorized publisher or retailer like Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Staff & Administrative Postal Address:

FCI Lompoc Executive Office3600 Guard RoadLompoc, CA 93436

Sending Money to Inmate Commissary Accounts

Inmates at FCI Lompoc cannot receive cash or personal checks directly. Funds must be deposited into their National Inmate Commissary Account using one of three approved methods:

1. Western Union Quick Collect: Funds can be sent online, via phone, or in person at any Western Union agent location. Use the account code CITY55 CA and include the inmate's 8-digit register number and full legal name.

2. MoneyGram ExpressPayment: Use receiving code 2157 (Federal BOP). Include the inmate's 8-digit register number and legal last name.

3. U.S. Postal Money Order via Lockbox: Money orders must be made payable to the inmate's full legal name and register number, then mailed directly to the central processing center:

   Federal Bureau of Prisons[Inmate Legal Name] [Inmate Register Number]P.O. Box 474701Des Moines, IA 50947-0001

Step-by-Step Guide to Inmate Visitation at FCI Lompoc

Visiting a federal correctional institution is a privilege managed strictly by federal regulations. Unauthorized individuals will be turned away at the main entrance gate on Guard Road.

Step 1: Complete the Visitor Clearance Process

Before visiting, an individual must be placed on the inmate's Approved Visitor List.

• The inmate sends a Visitor Information Form (Form BP-A0608) to the prospective visitor.
• The prospective visitor completes the form, signs the background check authorization, and mails it directly back to the inmate's assigned Correctional Counselor.
• Background checks evaluate criminal history, active warrants, and security risks. Approval typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Step 2: Review Dress Code Guidelines

FCI Lompoc enforces a strict dress code. Visitors who fail to meet standards will be denied access without exception.

• Prohibited Clothing: Sleeveless shirts, halter tops, crop tops, low-cut blouses, sheer or see-through materials, miniskirts, shorts ending above mid-thigh, spandex, leggings worn as pants, military camouflage attire, and open-toed shoes.
• Colors to Avoid: Khaki, tan, olive green, and orange clothing items are strictly banned, as these colors mimic inmate uniforms.

Step 3: Clear Security Screening

Upon arrival at the 3600 Guard Road entrance:

• Present valid, unexpired government-issued photo identification (Driver's License, State ID, U.S. Passport, or Military ID).
• Store personal belongings (cell phones, smartwatches, purses, keys, electronics, tobacco) inside vehicle trunks or lockboxes provided in the visitor waiting room.
• Clear ion spectrometry drug testing, metal detectors, and potential search procedures.

Step 4: Follow Visiting Room Rules

Visiting hours at FCI Lompoc typically operate on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and recognized Federal Holidays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (subject to institutional adjustments).

• Allowed Items: A small clear plastic bag containing up to $20.00 in small bills or coins for vending machines, factory-sealed baby formula or clear baby bottles (if visiting with infants), and essential medication (e.g., asthma inhalers) approved by the visiting officer.
• Conduct Rules: Handshakes, brief hugs, and kiss greetings are permitted only at the start and end of the visit. Excessive physical affection is prohibited and results in immediate visit termination.

Phone, Messaging, and Electronic Communication Rules

Inmates at FCI Lompoc maintain contact with family and legal counsel through controlled communication networks managed by the BOP.

TRULINCS & CorrLinks Email System

Inmates can exchange electronic messages with approved contacts using the Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System (TRULINCS).

• The contact must accept an email invitation generated by the inmate.
• Email messages are text-only (no photos, attachments, or hyperlinks) and limited to 13,000 characters.
• All electronic correspondence is monitored by staff for security compliance.

Telephone Access (TRU-Phone System)

Inmates can make outgoing phone calls to approved numbers on their telephone list.

• Direct incoming calls to inmates are strictly prohibited.
• Calls are capped at 15 minutes and automatically disconnect when the limit is reached.
• Outgoing calls are funded through the inmate's commissary account or made as collect calls.
• Unmonitored attorney-client calls require advance authorization from the inmate's Case Manager.

Frequently Asked Questions About FCI Lompoc

How do I locate an inmate currently held at FCI Lompoc?

Search the online Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator using the individual's legal name or official 8-digit BOP Register Number.

The official online database displays the individual's current facility assignment, register number, age, and scheduled release date.

What are the main visiting days and hours at FCI Lompoc?

Visits are generally conducted on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM.

Visitors must be fully processed into the waiting area before cutoff times, typically around 1:30 PM, to enter the visitation room.

How do I send funds to an inmate housed in Lompoc, CA?

Deposit funds using Western Union Quick Collect, MoneyGram ExpressPayment, or by mailing a U.S. Postal Money Order to the central BOP Lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa.

Direct cash payments or personal checks mailed to the physical facility address in Lompoc are strictly rejected and returned.

What is the correct mailing address for sending letters to an inmate?

Address mail to: Inmate Name, Register Number, FCI Lompoc, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 365, Lompoc, CA 93438.

Always include a complete return address with a full sender name on the top left corner of the envelope.

Can children visit an inmate at FCI Lompoc?

Yes, minor children may visit if accompanied by an approved adult parent or legal guardian.

Minors under age 16 do not require government photo ID, but birth certificates may be requested to establish legal guardianship or identity during initial security clearance.

Navigating Correctional Procedures Effectively

Maintaining contact with incarcerated family members or clients requires strict compliance with Department of Justice directives. Before traveling to Lompoc, California, confirm facility operational status and visiting schedules directly by calling FCI Lompoc administrative offices at (805) 736-4154 or checking official updates on the Bureau of Prisons website. Proper preparation ensures smooth processing and protects visitation privileges.