DEER LODGE – The high security compound at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge is in lockdown due to security issues.
Warden Lynn Guyer announced Friday that the High Side, or high security, compound was locked down and all inmates and staff are safe.
The lockdown was implemented for safety to complete investigations into the security issues, according to Amy Barton, the MSP public information officer.
No other details about the security issues have been released.
No one has been injured, however, visitation for High Side is canceled for this weekend.
Barton said the High Side’s lockdown does not affect the rest of the prison. All other inmates will have visitation at regular times on Saturday and Sunday.
“We are hoping that by getting the word out ahead of time, family and friends are able to plan accordingly,” Guyer stated in a press release. “The safety and security of the inmates, staff, and visitors are top priorities at Montana State Prison.”
Barton stated prison officials hope to resume normal activities following the weekend.
The Montana State Prison houses all custody levels of inmates including high security, low security, and max security compounds. High Side consists of two housing units that house about 330 inmates combined.
The Montana State Prison is the largest correctional facility in the state and houses almost 1,600 inmates in a 68-acre compound.
It is approximately 3.5 miles west of Deer Lodge and has about 640 uniformed and non-uniformed employees.
