Massachusetts Correctional Institution Shirley is a medium security prison that houses up to 1,019 male inmates of medium and minimum custody levels. Medium custody residents are housed in twelve units, two in each building, and are primarily double bunked, although some are designated as single cell and can be earned through time served and good behavior. Restrictive housing is comprised of two units that have two tiers in each, with single cells. The minimum custody unit, was once operated as a youth detention facility, but currently houses inmates in two man rooms and multiple occupancy rooms.
Inmates at MCI Shirley have access to the Correctional Recovery Academy which is a six month substance abuse treatment program. Vocational studies include barbering and culinary arts. Additionally, there are work opportunities in a sewing shop, wood working shop, and providing supervised inmate companionship in the nursing care unit.
In order to visit an inmate in Massachusetts you must do the following: