How to Report Criminal Activity or Safety Concerns at Union Correctional Institution (Prison TIPS)

Prison TIPS collects intelligence about criminal activity and safety concerns connected to Florida's state prison system. If you have information related to Union CI, you can report it through this line - and you don't have to give your name. The program keeps caller identities confidential, which matters if you're worried about retaliation or simply want to stay out of it.

Prison TIPS handles reports about criminal activity both inside and outside Florida's state prison system. That means you can use it to report safety concerns at Union CI itself, or activity tied to people connected to the facility on the outside.

1. From inside Union CI, dial TIPS - Inmates can report a tip by dialing TIPS (Star 8477) and following the prompts.
2. Follow the prompts carefully - Give the information you have as clearly as you can, and listen for any options that apply to your situation (including language options).

1. Call the Prison TIPS public hotline - Members of the public can call 1-877-660-6850 and follow the prompts.
2. Stay focused on the key facts - Share what you know, then follow the prompt instructions to complete the report (including language options if you need them).

Spanish-language information is available for Prison TIPS, including instructions for reporting concerns about Union CI. The Spanish version states: "Las personas que llaman no están obligadas a identificarse y la identidad de la persona que llama se mantendrá confidencial." Translation: you don't have to give your name, and caller identity stays confidential.

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• ✓ The person’s name (and any nicknames) and anything that helps identify them
• ✓ Where the issue is happening (as specifically as you can describe)
• ✓ What you believe is happening (stick to clear observations and details)
• ✓ Dates and times (even an estimated timeframe helps)
• ✓ Names or descriptions of anyone else involved (if known)
• ✓ Any pattern you’ve noticed (for example, repeated threats or repeated incidents)
• ✓ Any supporting details you have (messages, notes, or what you personally saw/heard - summarized clearly)
• ✓ The safest way to describe the situation if you’re worried about retaliation

You probably won't hear anything back after you call - frustrating when you're worried about someone. The Prison TIPS materials explain confidentiality and purpose, but they don't detail what happens next: no investigation timelines, no updates. Keep your own notes about when you called and what you said, especially if you might need to follow up later.

If someone's life or safety is in immediate danger, call local emergency services - don't wait. For non-urgent concerns about Union CI, Prison TIPS is the designated channel for reporting criminal activity and safety issues. The public materials don't list any Union CI–specific escalation contacts beyond the TIPS options.