INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) recently announced the agency will close its Indianapolis Re-Entry Education Facility (IREF), located at the corner of New York and Randolph streets on the east side of Indianapolis. IREF is a minimum-custody level facililty with a 420 bed capacity, but currentlyh the facility holds 183 inmates. Previously, IREF operated as the Indiana Women’s Prison, and has been operating continually as a correctional facility since 1873. The closure is expected to occur on or before July 31, 2017 and would reduce the overall cost of state prison operations.
The closure will affect 183 offenders and 107 staff members. Every employee at IREF will be provided an employment opportunity at one of IDOC’s other facilities in Central Indiana. Offenders will be relocated to Heritage Trails, Edinburgh, or Pendleton correctional facilities.
IDOC is currently working with the Indiana Department of Administration to finalize the best use for the property. Until another use is found, it will be maintained by assigned staff to ensure the safety and security of the facility.