Mississippi State Prisons

An Overview of Mississippi Prisons:

The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) is responsible for overseeing the state’s prison system, which includes several state-run facilities. As of the latest data, Mississippi has a high incarceration rate, various security levels in its prisons, and multiple programs aimed at prisoner rehabilitation.

This summary provides an in-depth look at the Mississippi State prison system, including management, incarceration rates, locating prisoners, visitation rules, parole processes, educational programs, and an analysis of the system’s pros and cons.

Management and Structure of the Prison System

• The MDOC manages three state-run prisons:
• Mississippi State Penitentiary (Parchman)
• Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF)
• South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI)

In addition to the above, there are several regional and private prisons contracted by the state.

Incarceration Rate

Mississippi has one of the highest incarceration rates in the United States. As of the latest data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the state’s incarceration rate is approximately 635 per 100,000 residents.

Locating a Prisoner

To locate a prisoner within the Mississippi prison system, one can use the MDOC Inmate Search tool available on the MDOC website. The tool allows users to search for inmates by name, ID number, or other identifying details.

Family Visitation Rules

Visitation rules in Mississippi state prisons are designed to maintain security while allowing inmates to maintain family connections:

• Visiting Days: Typically weekends and holidays.
• Visiting Hours: Vary by facility.
• Approval Process: Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list, which requires a background check.
• Conduct: Visitors must follow strict dress codes and behavior guidelines.

Classification of Prison Security Levels

Mississippi prisons are classified into different security levels based on the risk and needs of the inmates:

• Minimum Security: For inmates who pose little risk.
• Medium Security: For inmates who require more supervision.
• Maximum Security: For inmates who pose significant risks.
• Close Custody: For inmates who require the highest level of security and supervision.

Parole and Factors Considered In Early Release Decisions

Parole in Mississippi is managed by the Mississippi Parole Board. Factors considered for parole decisions include:

• Nature of the Offense: Seriousness and circumstances.
• Behavior in Prison: Disciplinary record and participation in programs.
• Rehabilitation Efforts: Engagement in educational and vocational programs.
• Risk Assessment: Likelihood of reoffending.
• Victim Impact: Statements from victims or their families.

Educational and Vocational Programs

Mississippi offers various educational and vocational programs to inmates:

• GED Preparation and Testing: To help inmates attain high school equivalency.
• Adult Basic Education: For inmates who need to improve literacy and numeracy skills.
• Vocational Training: Includes skills like welding, carpentry, and automotive repair.

Rehabilitative Programs

Substance Abuse Programs

• Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation
• Programs aimed at treating substance abuse issues
• Therapeutic Communities: In-depth substance abuse treatment programs

Mental Health Services

• Counseling and Therapy: Individual and group therapy sessions
• Psychiatric Services: For inmates with severe mental health issues

Reentry Programs

• Job Placement Assistance: Helping inmates find employment post-release
• Life Skills Training: Teaching basic skills for successful reintegration

Pros and Cons of the Mississippi State Prison System

PROS

• Comprehensive Rehabilitative Programs: A variety of educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs.
• Family Visitation: Structured visitation policies maintain family connections.
• Parole Opportunities: The parole system provides a structured way for inmates to reenter society.

CONS

• High Incarceration Rate: Reflects systemic issues within the criminal justice system.
• Overcrowding: Some facilities struggle with overcrowding, leading to poor living conditions.
• Resource Limitations: Limited funding and resources can affect the quality of rehabilitative programs and healthcare services.

Mississippi Prison News (2024)

215 Bodies Found in Police’s Secret Mass Graves

In this video, activists are demanding answers after 215 dead bodies were found buried in unmarked graves behind a prison in Hinds County, Mississippi. Rev. Keyanna Jones, a Community Organizer discusses the shocking story and the long history of racist government failure in Mississippi:

Sources References

Bureau of Justice Statistics. “Prisoners in 2021.”
Mississippi Department of Corrections. “Inmate Search.”
Mississippi Department of Corrections. “Visitation Rules.” 
Mississippi Parole Board.
Mississippi Department of Corrections. “Educational”

MISSISSIPPI STATE PRISONS:

Alcorn County Correctional Facility

Alcorn County Correctional Facility
2839 South Harper Road
Corinth, MS  38834

Telephone: (662)-745-6611

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Alcorn County Correctional Facility
2839 South Harper Road
Corinth, MS  38834

Bolivar County Correctional Facility

Bolivar County Correctional Facility
2792 Hwy 8 West
Cleveland, MS 38732

Telephone: (662)-843-7478

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Bolivar County Correctional Facility
2792 Hwy 8 West
Cleveland, MS 38732

Carroll-Montgomery County Regional Correctional Facility

Carroll-Montgomery County Regional Correctional Facility
33714 MS Highway 35
Vaiden, Mississippi 39176

Telephone: (662)-464-5440

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Carroll-Montgomery County Regional Correctional Facility
33714 MS Highway 35
Vaiden, Mississippi 39176

Central Mississippi Correctional Facility

Central Mississippi Correctional Facility
3794 Hwy 468
Pearl, MS  39208

Telephone: (601)-932-2880

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Central Mississippi Correctional Facility
Post Office Box 88550
Pearl, MS  39208

Chickasaw County RCF

Chickasaw County RCF
120 Lancaster Circle
Houston, MS 38851

Telephone: (662)-456-3319

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, Pod Number, Bed Number
​Chickasaw County Regional Correctional Facility
120 Lancaster Circle
Houston, MS 38851

East Mississippi Correctional Facility

East Mississippi Correctional Facility
10641 Highway 80 East
Meridian, MS 39307

Telephone: (601)-485-5255

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​East Mississippi Correctional Facility
10641 Highway 80 East
Meridian, MS 39307

George-Greene County Regional Correctional Facility

George-Greene County Regional Correctional Facility
154 Industrial Park Rd.
Lucedale, MS 39452

Telephone: (601)-947-9399

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​George-Greene County Regional Correctional Facility
154 Industrial Park Rd.
Lucedale, MS 39452

Holmes-Humphreys County Regional Correctional Facility

Holmes-Humphreys County Regional Correctional Facility
23234 Hwy. 12 East
Lexington, MS 39095

Telephone: (662)-834-5016

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Holmes-Humphreys County Regional Correctional Facility
23234 Hwy. 12 East
Lexington, MS 39095

Issaquena County Correctional Facility

Issaquena County Correctional Facility
22746 Mississippi Hwy 1
Mayersville, MS 39113

Telephone: (662)-873-2153

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Current Housing Unit (if known)
​Issaquena County Correctional Facility
Post Office Box 220
Mayersville, MS 39113

Jefferson-Franklin County Correctional

Jefferson-Franklin County Correctional
279 Highway 33
Fayette, MS 39069

Telephone: (601)-786-2284

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Jefferson-Franklin County Correctional
P.O. Box 218
Fayette, MS 39069

Kemper Neshoba County Regional Correctional Facility

Kemper Neshoba County Regional Correctional Facility
374 Stennis Industrial Park Road
DeKalb, MS 39328

Telephone: (601)-743-5767

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Kemper Neshoba County Regional Correctional Facility
374 Stennis Industrial Park Road
DeKalb, MS 39328

Leake County Correctional Facility

Leake County Correctional Facility
399 C. O. Brooks Street
Carthage, MS 39051

Telephone: (601)-298-9003

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Leake County Correctional Facility
384 Goodman Rd E 217
South Haven, MS 38671

Marshall County Correctional Facility

Marshall County Correctional Facility
833 West Street
Holly Springs, MS 38635

Telephone: (662)-252-7111

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Marshall County Correctional Facility
Post Office Box 5188
Holly Springs, MS 38634-5188

Mississippi State Penitentiary

Mississippi State Penitentiary
590 Parchman Road 12
Parchman, MS 38738-3099

Telephone: (662)-745-6611

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Mississippi State Penitentiary
Post Office Box 1057
Parchman, MS 38738

South Mississippi Correctional Institution

South Mississippi Correctional Institution
22689 Hwy 63 North
Leakesville, MS 39451

Telephone: (601)-394-5600

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​South Mississippi Correctional Institution
Post Office Box 1419
Leakesville, MS 39451

Stone County Correctional Facility

Stone County Correctional Facility
1420 Industrial Park Road
Wiggins, MS 39577

Telephone: (601)-928-7042

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Stone County Correctional Facility
1420 Industrial Park Road
Wiggins, MS 39577

Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility

Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility
1650 Highway 492
Walnut Grove, MS 39189

Telephone: (601)-253-2348

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility
Post Office Box 389
Walnut Grove, MS 39189

Washington County Regional Correctional Facility

Washington County Regional Correctional Facility
60 Stokes King Rd
Greenville, MS 38701

Telephone: (662)-537-2000

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Washington County Regional Correctional Facility
60 Stokes King Rd
Greenville, MS 38701

Wilkinson County Correctional Center

Wilkinson County Correctional Center
2999 U.S. Highway 61 North
Woodville, MS 39669

Telephone: (601)-888-3199

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Wilkinson County Correctional Center
Post Office Box 1889
Woodville, MS 39669

Winston Choctaw County Regional Correctional Facility

Winston Choctaw County Regional Correctional Facility
2460 Highway 25 N
Louisville, MS 39339

Telephone: (662)-773-2528

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Winston Choctaw County Regional Correctional Facility
P.O Drawer 1437
Louisville, MS 39339

Yazoo County Correctional Facility

Yazoo County Correctional Facility
154 Roosevelt Hudson Drive
Yazoo City, MS 39194

Telephone: (662)-751-8484

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Yazoo County Correctional Facility
154 Roosevelt Hudson Drive
Yazoo City, MS 39194

More Articles and Services…