FCI Lompoc II (low-security)
Federal Correctional Institution, Lompoc II (FCI Lompoc II) is a low-security United States federal prison for male inmates located in Lompoc, California. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the United States Department of Justice. The facility is part of the Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Lompoc), located approximately 175 miles northwest of Los Angeles, adjacent to Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Overview
FCI Lompoc II operates as a low-security facility housing adult male offenders in dormitory-style accommodations. As of 2025, the main institution houses approximately 1,752 inmates. The facility also has an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp housing approximately 190 lower-risk inmates.
The facility has undergone several security level changes throughout its history, operating at various times as high, medium, and now low security. Inmates are housed in dormitory-style accommodations which facilitate communal living and access to work and educational programs.
Security features include a double-fenced perimeter with electronic detection systems, motion sensors, and surveillance cameras.
History
The facility originated from Army disciplinary barracks established during World War II on the grounds of Camp Cooke, a military training installation near Lompoc. The Federal Bureau of Prisons assumed control of the Army's facility in the 1950s as part of broader efforts to repurpose closed or underutilized military installations for federal incarceration.
FCI Lompoc originally opened in 1970 as Federal Prison Camp Lompoc. In 1990, it converted into the low-security federal prison it is today.
Programs and Services
Drug Treatment Programs
FCI Lompoc II offers comprehensive substance abuse treatment:
- Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) - a 500-hour, 9- to 12-month program using cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques; completers may be eligible for up to one year sentence reduction
- Drug Abuse Education Course
- Non-Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (NR-DAP)
Educational Programs
The facility provides educational opportunities including:
- Literacy programs
- GED preparation
- English-as-a-Second Language (ESL)
- Adult Continuing Education (ACE) courses
- Post-secondary education through correspondence programs
Health Services
Health services include routine medical and dental care, physical examinations, emergency treatment, and medication distribution. Emergency medical care is available 24 hours a day.
Notable Inmates (Historical)
The Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex has housed several notable inmates:
- H.R. Haldeman - White House Chief of Staff under President Nixon, served 18 months for conspiracy and corruption charges related to Watergate
- Reed Slatkin - Co-founder of EarthLink, served 14 years for mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy
- Demetrius Flenory - Co-founder of the Black Mafia Family, served 30 years for leading a national drug trafficking operation
- Chi Mak - Former Boeing engineer, serving 24 years for conspiracy to commit economic espionage
Christopher Boyce Escape (1980)
FCI Lompoc witnessed a notorious escape in 1980. Christopher Boyce, serving a 40-year sentence for spying for the Soviet Union, escaped by exploiting a hidden drainage hole, constructing a makeshift ladder, and using small scissors to breach the security perimeter. The escape sparked a nationwide manhunt lasting 20 months before his recapture by U.S. Marshals and FBI agents.
Notes from Alumni
We have not yet heard any notes or tips from alumni of FCI Lompoc II. Have something you'd like to contribute? Log in above and then tap Edit at the top of this page to get started.
Please remember that experiences are unique and may not reflect today's experience.
Location & Visitation
Location
Physical address: 3901 Klein Blvd, Lompoc, CA 93436
FCI Lompoc II is located approximately 175 miles northwest of Los Angeles, adjacent to Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Contact
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 805-735-2771
Visitation
There are many specific rules and procedures to be aware of when you're considering visiting the institution. Read more on our Visitation Guide.
For full, current visiting rules and scheduling, always check the institution's official page on the Bureau of Prisons website: Official BOP Page.
See also
- Index of Federal Prison Facilities
- Bureau of Prisons Classification Methods
- Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)