Kentucky State Prisons

Overview of the Kentucky State Prison System

Number of State Prisons and Management Structure

Kentucky operates a network of state prisons under the administration of the Kentucky Department of Corrections (KY DOC). As of the latest data, there are 13 state prisons in Kentucky, each classified under different security levels.

The KY DOC is responsible for the management and oversight of these facilities, including the implementation of policies and inmate rehabilitation programs and maintaining security and order within the institutions.

Incarceration Rate

As of recent statistics, Kentucky has an incarceration rate of approximately 927 per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average. This includes both state prisons and local jails.

Locating a Prisoner

You can use the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup (KOOL) system to locate a prisoner within the Kentucky state prison system. This online tool allows you to search for inmates by their name or offender ID number. The KOOL system can be accessed here.

Family Visitation Rules

Family visitation is an essential aspect of inmate rehabilitation and maintaining family bonds.

The visitation rules in Kentucky state prisons generally include:

• Visitation Schedule: Visits are typically allowed on weekends and holidays. Each facility may have its specific schedule.
• Approval Process: Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list. This involves a background check.
• Identification: Visitors must present a valid government-issued ID.
• Dress Code: Modest and appropriate attire is required.
• Conduct: Visitors and inmates must adhere to conduct rules to ensure safety and order.

Classification of Prison Security Levels

Kentucky state prisons are classified into different security levels to manage inmates based on their risk and needs:

• Minimum Security: For inmates who pose the least risk and are nearing the end of their sentence.
• Medium Security: For inmates with a moderate risk level.
• Maximum Security: For high-risk inmates who require the highest level of security and control.
• Supermax: For the most dangerous inmates who need strict isolation and monitoring.

Parole and Factors in Parole Decisions

Parole in Kentucky is granted by the Kentucky Parole Board. Several factors are considered in making parole decisions:

• Inmate Behavior: Disciplinary record and behavior while incarcerated.
• Rehabilitation Efforts: Participation in educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs.
• Risk Assessment: Assessment of the inmate’s risk to the community.
• Victim Impact Statements: Input from victims or their families.
• Release Plan: The inmate’s plan for housing, employment, and support upon release.

Educational Vocational & Rehabilitation Programs

Educational Programs

• Adult Basic Education: Courses to help inmates achieve literacy and basic educational skills.
• GED Preparation: Programs to help inmates earn their General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
• College Courses: Some facilities offer college-level courses in partnership with local colleges and universities.

Vocational Training

• Carpentry
• Plumbing
• Electrical Work
• Computer Skills

Rehabilitative Programs

• Substance Abuse Treatment: Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
• Mental Health Services: Counseling and therapy for inmates with mental health issues.
• Anger Management: Programs to help inmates control anger and improve interpersonal skills.
• Life Skills Training: Courses on financial management, parenting, and other essential life skills.

Pros and Cons of the Kentucky State Prison System

PROS

• Rehabilitation Programs: A wide range of educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs aimed at reducing recidivism.
• Family Visitation: Structured visitation policies that help maintain family connections.
• Parole System: A structured parole process that considers multiple factors to ensure public safety and support inmate reintegration.

CONS

• High Incarceration Rate: Kentucky’s incarceration rate is significantly above the national average, indicating potential issues with sentencing policies or alternatives to incarceration.
• Overcrowding: Some facilities may face overcrowding, impacting the quality of life and rehabilitation services for inmates.
• Resource Limitations: Limited funding and resources can affect the availability and quality of programs and services.

Kentucky State Prison News (WDRB News)

Kentucky prison officers fired for tasing inmates who failed drug tests:

Three employees at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex were fired, and one was suspended for 30 days for tasing inmates who failed a drug test while in custody.

Sources and References

Kentucky Department of Corrections.
Kentucky Online Offender Lookup
Prison Policy Initiative.

KENTUCKY STATE PRISONS:

Bell County Forestry Camp

Bell County Forestry Camp
560 Correctional Drive
Pineville, KY  40977

Telephone: (606)-337-7065

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Bell County Forestry Camp
560 Correctional Drive
Pineville, KY  40977

Blackburn Correctional Complex

Blackburn Correctional Complex
3111 Spurr Road
Lexington, Kentucky 40511

Telephone: (859)-246-2366

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Blackburn Correctional Complex
3111 Spurr Road
Lexington, Kentucky 40511

Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex

Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex
200 Road to Justice
West Liberty, Kentucky 41472

Telephone: (606)-743-2800

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex
200 Road to Justice
West Liberty, Kentucky 41472

Green River Correctional Complex

Green River Correctional Complex
1200 River Road
Central City, Kentucky 42330

Telephone: (270)-754-5415

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Green River Correctional Complex
P. O. Box 9300
Central City, Kentucky 42330

Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women

Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women
3000 Ash Ave.
Pewee Valley, Kentucky 40056

Telephone: (502)-241-8454

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women
P.O. Box 337
Pewee Valley, KY  40056

Kentucky State Penitentiary266 Water Street

Kentucky State Penitentiary266 Water Street

Eddyville, Kentucky 42038

Telephone: (270)-388-2211

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Kentucky State Penitentiary
266 Water Street
Eddyville, Kentucky 42038

Kentucky State Reformatory

Kentucky State Reformatory
3001 W Hwy 146
LaGrange, Kentucky 40032

Telephone: (502)-222-9441

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Kentucky State Reformatory
3001 W Hwy 146
LaGrange, Kentucky 40032

Little Sandy Correctional Complex

Little Sandy Correctional Complex
505 Prison Connector
Sandy Hook, Kentucky 41171

Telephone: (606)-738-6133

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Little Sandy Correctional Complex
Route 5 Box 1000
Sandy Hook, Ky 41171

Luther Luckett Correctional Complex

Luther Luckett Correctional Complex
Dawkins Road
LaGrange, Kentucky 40031

Telephone:

(502)-222-0363
(502)-222-0365

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Luther Luckett Correctional Complex
P. O. Box 6
LaGrange, Kentucky 40031

Northpoint Training Center

Northpoint Training Center
710 Walter Reed Road
Burgin, Kentucky 40310

Telephone: (859)-239-7012

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Northpoint Training Center
P.O. Box 479
Burgin, KY  40310

Roederer Correctional Complex

Roederer Correctional Complex
4000 Morgan Road
La Grange, KY 40031

Telephone:

(502)-222-0170
(502)-222-0173

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Roederer Correctional Complex
P.O. Box 69
LaGrange, Kentucky 40031

Western Kentucky Correctional Complex

Western Kentucky Correctional Complex
374 New Bethel Church Road
Fredonia, KY 42411

Telephone: (270)-388-9781

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Western Kentucky Correctional Complex
374 New Bethel Church Road
Fredonia, KY 42411

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