The Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center (DRDC) is a state-operated facility that serves to assess and classify incoming inmates to ensure proper placement in any of the country’s correction systems. Thus, the offenders will not be placed in this facility permanently, but they will be transferred into a correctional facility based on a number of factors.
Even though DRDC works as a facility for receiving and classifying inmates, they still provide adequate facilities and a number of programs that inmates can get involved in. Okay, here’s everything you can know about the Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center (DRDC)!
What Does the DRDC Do?
Located in Denver, Colorado, the Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center (DRDC) operates under the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC). This facility was built in 1991 with a total bed capacity of 570.
Built in 1991, the DRDC facility has a 62-bed transition unit, a 12-bed Special Medical Needs Unit (SMNU), a 36-bed infirmary, and around 96 permanently assigned inmates in general population housing. This is where all inmates start their correctional experience.
Inmates who are received at DRDC will be evaluated both physically and mentally. At this moment, the facility staff will determine what programs inmates may benefit from. Before classifying the offender’s needs, educational and skill testing will take place. From this assessment, staff will begin to determine which facility is best suited to accommodate inmates permanently.
The assessments can help the staff determine factors such as medical and mental health needs, security level, educational and vocational programs, and other treatment requirements. Other information gathered during this process is helpful in making decisions about housing assignments and programs for inmates in the Colorado prison system.
At DRDC, all offenders are in different levels of custody since they have not yet been classified. Since inmates will be at the facility only for a short period of time, there are some programs offered to inmates, such as GED, anger management, basic education, substance abuse, and parenting courses.
Visiting Hours at DRDC
Before you can visit an inmate at DRDC, you will have to submit a visiting application form that can be found here. (https://cdoc.colorado.gov/resources/visitation/visiting-applications) After filling out the form, you can send it to:
By mail:
Denver Reception and Diagnostic Center
P.O. Box 392004
Denver, CO 80239
By email: doc_drdc_visiting@state.co.us
In addition, you can also make an appointment for a visit by calling (303) 307-2362. The appointment cannot be made more than seven days in advance. Your emails will be received after the designated scheduling hours and processed the next business day. A reply confirmation email will be delivered to you after the visit has been approved or denied.
Here are the visiting hours at DRDC you can take:
| Days | Time |
| Saturdays | 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Sundays |
The visitation will be processed anytime between 8:15 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Well, the visitors are not allowed to visit an inmate in the time between these. The number of visitors allowed per session is up to five, including adults and kids.
Note: If your visiting application is denied, you can contact the DRDC’s visiting staff via:
- Visiting Phone: (303) 307-2362
- Record Information: (303) 371-4804 option 7
- Visiting Email: doc_drdc_visiting@state.co.us
Rules for Visiting Inmates at DRDC
Before visiting an inmate at DRDC, you have to meet the visiting rules. To make it easier for you to know what you can do and can’t do, we’ll show them for you below. Here they are:
Do’s
- Bring your photo ID.
- Bring a set of car keys.
- Bring a maximum of $20 in coins for vending machines.
- Wear shoes and appropriate clothes.
Don’ts
- Bring food and drinks from the outside.
- Bring items that you will give to an inmate.
- Wear dresses, skirts, and other clothes that are more than two inches above the knees.
- Wear dresses, tops, or other clothes that expose the shoulders or chest area and reveal the midriff area.
- Wear jeggings, leggings, or any tight pants.
- Wear clothes that are made of net, mesh, sheer, or transparent material.
DRDC Contact Information
You can reach DRDC representatives via:
- Phone: (303) 371-4804
- Website: https://cdoc.colorado.gov/facilities/denver-complex/denver-reception-diagnostic-center
Physical Address
You can visit DRDC to meet your loved one at:
Denver Reception & Diagnostic Center
10900 Smith Road
Denver, CO 80239-8004
Inmate Mailing Address
You can also send them an email at:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Denver Reception & Diagnostic Center
P.O. Box 392004
Denver, CO 80239-8004
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
