North Branch Correctional Institution

North Branch Correctional Institution (NBCI) is a high-tech, maximum security prison or “hyper-max prison” operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) in Cresaptown, unincorporated Allegany County, Maryland, near Cumberland.

NBCI has housed the most serious offenders within the state of Maryland, including death row inmates. At the time of its construction, NBCI was one of the most technologically advanced prisons in the world.

The prison was constructed using an “inverted fortress” style of building placement, with a master control tower sitting in the middle of a complex that is ringed with housing units and support structures. The control tower is designed for maximum oversight with minimum staffing, requiring only two officers to maintain the entire security system. It has an unobstructed view of the entire grounds, as well as a complete surveillance of every area accessed by inmates. Additionally, the tower has control over all security doors, cameras, and even the flow of water into individual cells. Instead of one large cell block, the prison features separate housing blocks all zoned and protected so the movement of inmates is eased reducing the risk of riots and violence.

Four units of 256 cells house the inmate population. Each cell is just over 60 square feet and is constructed of cast concrete that prevents seams in construction in which to hide contraband. The walls of the cells are coated with a high grade epoxy paint resistant to scratching, chipping and even acid. The perimeter consists of fifteen miles of inwardly-curved razor wire and motion sensors, as well as regular patrols and fence inspections. Trained dogs are used to find illicit materials, including cell phones.

Address:
14100 McMullen Highway, S.W.
Cumberland, Maryland 21502

Phone: (301) 729-7400

Fax: (301) 729-1259

Warden:
Frank Bishop

Assistant Warden:
Jeffrey Nines

Chief of Security: 
Gregory Werner

Security Level:
Maximum

Year Opened: 2003 as part of WCI; 2008 independent operation