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Legal EditorHenry Dahut, J.D.
Henry Dahut, J.D.
Attorney - Legal Publisher - Educator
Henry Dahut is a licensed California trial attorney. Over the course of his 30-plus years practicing law, Henry has represented and counseled countless clients in legal trouble.
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ContributorRobert Thomas
Robert Thomas
Prison Reform Expert
Robert Thomas is a Ph.D. candidate at Northwestern University, where his doctoral research focuses on mass incarceration, restorative justice and prison reform. His expertise includes critical legal studies and the political history of the United States prison system.
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Delaware State Prison System Overview
The Delaware State prison system is managed by the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC), which is responsible for supervising adult offenders in facilities and on probation and parole.
Number of State Prisons and Management Structure
The following four prison facilities are managed by the Delaware DOC, which is structured with a Commissioner at the top, followed by multiple divisions such as Prisons, Community Corrections, and Administrative Services:
- James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) – Smyrna
- Howard R. Young Correctional Institution (HRYCI) – Wilmington
- Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI) – Georgetown
- Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution (BWCI) – New Castle
Delaware’s Incarceration Rate
As of the latest data, Delaware has an incarceration rate of approximately 590 per 100,000 people. This rate includes both state prison inmates and those in local jails.
How to Locate a Prisoner in the Delaware Prison System
To locate a prisoner in Delaware, you can use the Delaware Department of Correction’s online inmate locator. This tool allows you to search for inmates by name or ID number.
Family Visitation Rules
Family visitation in Delaware prisons involves several rules and guidelines:
- Scheduling: Visits must be scheduled in advance.
- Registration: Visitors must register upon arrival and present valid identification.
- Dress Code: There is a strict dress code that prohibits revealing or provocative clothing.
- Conduct: Visitors must adhere to specific conduct rules, including no physical contact beyond a brief hug or handshake at the beginning and end of the visit.
- Prohibited Items: Certain items, such as cell phones, weapons, and drugs, are not allowed.
- Detailed visitation guidelines can be found on the Delaware DOC visitation page.
Classification of Prison Security Levels
Delaware’s prisons are classified into different security levels:
- Maximum Security: High-risk inmates who require strict control.
- Medium Security: Inmates who pose less risk but still require significant supervision.
- Minimum Security: Low-risk inmates who are often nearing release and can participate in work-release programs.
- Community Corrections: Includes work-release centers and probation and parole supervision.
Parole and Factors in Making Parole Decisions
Parole in Delaware is managed by the Delaware Board of Parole. Factors considered in making parole decisions include:
- Inmate’s behavior and disciplinary record.
- Nature of the original offense.
- Completion of educational and rehabilitative programs.
- Risk assessment scores.
- Input from victims and their families.
- Plans for housing and employment post-release.
Types of Educational, Vocational, and Rehabilitative Programs
Educational Programs
GED and Adult Basic Education: Programs aimed at helping inmates achieve a high school equivalency diploma.
Higher Education: Limited college courses offered in partnership with local universities.
Vocational Programs:
- Carpentry
- Automotive Repair
- Culinary Arts
Rehabilitative Programs
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Programs like Key/Crest that provide intensive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction.
- Mental Health Services: Counseling and therapy for inmates with mental health issues.
- Anger Management: Courses aimed at helping inmates control aggressive behavior.
- Reentry Programs: Assistance with job placement, housing, and other resources to aid transition back into society.
Delaware Prison News – A Day That Won’t Be Forgotten
On February 2, 2017, a tense and dangerous standoff occurred at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Delaware. Prison inmates took four prison employees hostage. The prison was placed on lockdown and negotiations commenced to free the hostages. Learn More…
Pros and Cons of the Delaware Prison System
PROS
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation Programs: Delaware offers a variety of programs aimed at rehabilitating inmates and reducing recidivism.
- Inmate Locator Tool: The online inmate locator is user-friendly and accessible.
- Family Visitation: Structured visitation rules help maintain family connections, which are crucial for inmate rehabilitation.
CONS
- Overcrowding: Like many state prison systems, Delaware faces issues with overcrowding, which can impact the quality of life and programs available to inmates.
- Resource Limitations: Limited funding can restrict the availability and quality of educational and vocational programs.
- Parole System: Some argue that the parole system can be inconsistent, with decisions sometimes lacking transparency.
Sources and References
Prison Policy Initiative – Delaware
DELAWARE STATE PRISONS:
Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution
Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution
660 Baylor Boulevard
New Castle, DE 19720
Telephone: (302)-577-3004
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution
660 Baylor Boulevard
New Castle, DE 19720
Central Violation of Probation Center
Central Violation of Probation Center
875 Smyrna Landing Road
Smyrna, DE 19977
Telephone: (302)-659-6100
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Central Violation of Probation Center
P.O. Box 5003
Smyrna, DE 19977
Hazel D. Plant Women’s Treatment Facility
Hazel D. Plant Women’s Treatment Facility
620 Baylor Blvd
New Castle, DE 19720
Telephone: (302)-777-6800
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Hazel D. Plant Women’s Treatment Facility
620 Baylor Blvd
New Castle, DE 19720
Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
1301 E. 12th Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Telephone: (302)-429-7700
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Howard R. Young Correctional Institution
P.O. Box 9279
Wilmington, DE 19809
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center
1181 Paddock Road
Smyrna, DE 19977
Telephone: (302)-653-9261
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center
1181 Paddock Road
Smyrna, DE 19977
Morris Community Corrections Center
Morris Community Corrections Center
300 Water Street
Dover, DE 19904
Telephone: (302)-739-4758
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Morris Community Corrections Center
300 Water Street
Dover, DE 19904
Plummer Community Corrections Center
Plummer Community Corrections Center
38 Todds Lane
Wilmington, DE 19805
Telephone: (302)-761-2800
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Plummer Community Corrections Center
38 Todds Lane
Wilmington, DE 19805
Sussex Boot Camp
Sussex Boot Camp
23207 Dupont Blvd
Georgetown, DE 19947
Telephone: (302)-856-5280
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Sussex Boot Camp
P.O. Box 500
Georgetown, DE 19947
Sussex Community Corrections Center
Sussex Community Corrections Center
23207 Dupont Blvd.
Georgetown, DE 19947
Telephone: (302)-856-5790
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Sussex Community Corrections Center
23207 Dupont Blvd.
Georgetown, DE 19947
Sussex Correctional Institution
Sussex Correctional Institution
23203 Dupont Blvd
Georgetown, DE 19947
Telephone: (302)-856-5280
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Sussex Correctional Institution
Building & Tier of housing
PO Box 500
Georgetown, DE 19947
Webb Community Correctional Facility
Webb Community Correctional Facility
200 Greenbank Road
Wilmington, DE 19808
Telephone: (302)-995-6129
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Webb Community Correctional Facility
200 Greenbank Road
Wilmington, DE 19808
