Strict rules for Blagojevich’s prison stint

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Updated: January 15, 2012 8:20AM

The Admission and Orientation Handbook for the federal prison in Littleton, Colo., provides a taste of what Rod Blagojevich has ahead of him if the U.S. Bureau of Prisons agrees to his request — and a federal judge’s recommendation — to begin serving his 14-year sentence there.

Officially known as Federal Correctional Institution Englewood, the low security facility is located along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Denver’s southwestern suburbs.

Built in 1938, the prison covers approximately 320 acres with 40 of those inside the double fence security perimeter.

The handbook says there are two living units housing about 700 inmates, although the most recent Bureau of Prisons weekly population report puts the headcount at 979.

More than anything, though, it’s the rules that let you know there is serious business in store for Blagojevich, who has not always been comfortable playing by the rules.

“If you are a new commitment, you are not permitted to bring clothing, toilet articles, a watch or smoking material into the institution,” warns the handbook. “They will be mailed home or destroyed. If married, you may keep in your possession one plain wedding band with no stones.”

Visiting is encouraged, states the handbook. But there are plenty of rules governing visits.

“You are not allowed to receive letters, packages, chewing gum, tobacco products, gifts, etc., during a visit... You may share only food and drink items your visitor purchases from the vending machines in the visiting room.”

“Physical contact between inmates and visitors will be limited to an embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of each visit and holding hands during the visit. No other contact is permitted. Violations will cause the visit to be terminated and/or disciplinary action.”

Blagojevich would be limited to spending $290 a month in the prison commissary, the handbook states. All funds sent to him must go through the Bureau of Prisons National Lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa, or through Western Union’s Quick Collect Program.

A separate commissary shopping list informs the inmate that: “NO ADDITIONS WILL BE MADE ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR ORDER LIST. It is your responsibility to check the commissary window/bulletin board for item availability and limiting status.”

Sweat pants, size large, will cost him $15.75. A thermal shirt goes for $7.80. Boxer briefs will set him back $7.25 for a two-pair package. Shower shoes are $4.45. Tennis balls are $3.65 each. Batting gloves are $10.40 for the right hand or $21.85 for a pair.

Iced oatmeal cookies 65 cents. Limit ten. Butterscotch pudding $1.35. Limit two. Tuna fish $2. Limit 10.

A Sony Walkman AM-FM radio costs $37.05. It’s the only such device offered. Throw in Koss headphones for $18.85 more.

Hair care products will be few and far between for the hair-conscious former governor, no hair coloring at all, although Blagojevich may want to try a package of Dark & Lovely at $9.05 to help protect what he’s got.

Official counts are held at 12 a.m., 3 a.m., 5 a.m., 4:15 p.m. and 10 p.m. When count is called, inmates must be in their assigned area. They must remain in their area until they are told count has been cleared.

Breakfast is 6 to 7 a.m. Lunch is when called by the operations lieutenant, starting at 10:30 a.m. Dinner follows the 4:15 p.m. count.

If Blagojevich is assigned to the East Unit, he’ll get two orange laundry bags on arrival, which he can turn in Monday and Wednesday between 6:15 and 7:30 a.m. and pick up the next day. If he’s assigned to the West Unit, he gets two white laundry bags and drops them off on Tuesday and Thursday.

Individual preferences on haircuts are permitted.

There are four inmate organizations approved to operate at FCI Englewood: Rocky Mountain Club, NAACP, Native American Indian and Toastmasters.

The prison has a recreation yard, gymnasium, weight room, hobby shop, music room and wellness center. The gymnasium is normally closed during the spring and summer.

All inmates are required to work unless they are medically exempt.

Judge James Zagel delayed Blagojevich’s surrender date Tuesday to March 15 to allow him to help his family move to a new home.

There’s no hurry. The prison will still be there.