Washington State Prisons

The Washington State Prison System is overseen and operated by the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC).

About Washington State Prison System

Locating a Prisoner

To locate a prisoner in the Washington state prison system, you can use the Washington State Department of Corrections offender search tool on their website.

The offender search tool allows you to search for an individual by name, DOC number, or assigned institution.

Offender Classification

By the time the prisoner is admitted to their assigned prison, they will have been given a specific security level based on factors such as the seriousness of their offense, their criminal history, and any observed or reported behavioral issues.

Common security level classifications include minimum security, medium security, close custody, and maximum security. The security level influences the type of facility and restrictions an inmate will be placed in.

Facilities and Capacity

The Washington State Prison System comprises various correctional facilities across the state. These facilities include minimum-security, medium-security, close custody, and maximum-security institutions. The system can house thousands of inmates.

Incarceration Rate

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, the incarceration rate in Washington state was approximately 376 per 100,000 people as of 2021. This rate indicates the number of incarcerated individuals per population and is subject to change over time.

Prison News

WASHINGTON STATE PRISONS END SOLITARY CONFINEMENT:

Washington State Family Visitation Policy

The Washington State Department of Corrections provides guidelines and rules for family visitation in state prisons.

The family visitation policy may vary depending on the specific institution and the rules set by the Washington State Department of Corrections. Notwithstanding, the following visitation rules and policies will likely apply:

1. Approved Visitors: Typically, family visitation is limited to approved visitors who have been added to an inmate’s visitation list. Visitors are often required to complete an application process, provide identification, and pass a background check before being approved for visitation.
2. Scheduling and Reservations: Visitation is usually scheduled in advance, and visitors may need to make reservations to secure their visitation slots. Each institution may have specific visitation days and hours, and it is important to check with the particular facility or the DOC’s website for the most up-to-date information on visitation schedules.
3. Visitation Rules and Regulations: Visitors are expected to adhere to certain rules and regulations during their visitation. These rules may include dress codes, restrictions on personal belongings, and behavioral expectations. Visitors must familiarize themselves with the specific rules of the institution they plan to visit.
4. Security Procedures: Upon arrival, visitors are typically required to go through a security screening process, which may involve metal detectors, bag checks, and identification verification. These measures are in place to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
5. Contact and Communication: During visitation, the level of physical contact between inmates and visitors may be restricted to prevent any unauthorized items from being passed. Conversations are often monitored and may take place in designated areas such as visitation rooms or through secure communication systems.

Since visitation rules change over time,  each state prison may have different visitation rules. Be sure to check the Washington State Department of Corrections website for the most current and accurate information concerning their specific visitation rules.

Classification of Prison Security Levels:

The Washington state prison system classifies its facilities into various security levels based on factors such as the type of offense, length of sentence, and the inmate’s behavior.

The classifications include minimum security, medium security, close custody, and maximum security. Each security level has different levels of supervision and restrictions. The DOC’s website provides more information on facility security levels:

Pros and Cons of the Washington State Prison System:

Discussing the pros and cons of a prison system involves subjective judgment and can vary depending on individual perspectives. Here are some potential pros and cons of the Washington state prison system:

PROS

• Rehabilitation Programs: The Washington state prison system offers various programs for inmate rehabilitation, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
• Community Reintegration: The system emphasizes community reintegration through support services and reentry programs to assist individuals in successfully transitioning back into society.
• Mental Health Services: The Washington DOC provides mental health services to inmates, including assessments, counseling, and psychiatric care.
• Reentry and Community Support:The Washington State Prison System emphasizes community reintegration. It provides support services to assist inmates in successfully transitioning back into society. It includes reentry programs, counseling, and access to resources to reduce recidivism.

CONS

• Overcrowding: Like many prison systems, the Washington State prison system has faced challenges related to overcrowding, which can impact safety, access to resources, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs.
• High Costs: Operating a prison system can be costly for the state, requiring significant financial resources to maintain facilities, staff, and programs.
• Recidivism Rates: Despite rehabilitation efforts, recidivism rates can be a concern. Some argue that more emphasis should be placed on prevention and community-based alternatives to incarceration.

Article References and Sources:

Washington State Department of Corrections

PrisonPolicy.org

Prison Policy Initiative

WASHINGTON STATE PRISONS:

Airway Heights Corrections Center

11919 W. Sprague Avenue
Airway Heights, WA 99001

Telephone:
(509)-244-6700

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
​Airway Heights Corrections Center
P.O. Box 1899
Airway Heights, WA 99001-1899

Cedar Creek Corrections Center

12200 Bordeaux Road
Littlerock, WA 98556

Telephone:
(360)-359-4100

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
​Cedar Creek Corrections Center
P.O. Box 37
Littlerock, WA 98556-0037

Clallam Bay Corrections Center

1830 Eagle Crest Way
Clallam Bay, WA 98326

Telephone:
(360)-963-2000

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
​Clallam Bay Corrections Center
1830 Eagle Crest Way
Clallam Bay, WA 98326

Coyote Ridge Corrections Center

1301 N Ephrata Ave
Connell, WA 99326

Telephone:
(509)-543-5800

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
​Coyote Ridge Corrections Center
P.O. Box 769
Connell, WA 99326

Larch Corrections Center

15314 NE Dole Valley Road
Yacolt, WA 98675-9531

Telephone:
(360)-260-6300

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
​Larch Corrections Center
15314 NE Dole Valley Road
Yacolt, WA 98675-9531

Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women

3420 NE Sand Hill Road
Belfair, WA 98528

Telephone:

(360)-277-2400

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
​Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women
3420 NE Sand Hill Road
Belfair, WA 98528

Monroe Correctional Complex

16550 177th Avenue SE
Monroe, WA 98272

Telephone:
(360)-794-2600

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Monroe Correctional Complex
P.O. Box 777
Monroe, WA 98272

Olympic Corrections Center

11235 Hoh Mainline
Forks, WA 98331

Telephone:
(360)-374-6181

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
​Olympic Corrections Center
11235 Hoh Mainline
Forks, WA 98331

Stafford Creek Corrections Center

191 Constantine Way
Aberdeen, WA 98520

Telephone:
(360)-537-1800

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
​Stafford Creek Corrections Center
191 Constantine Way
Aberdeen, WA 98520

Washington Corrections Center

2321 West Dayton Airport Road
Shelton, WA 98584

Telephone:
(360)-426-4433

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
​Washington Corrections Center
P.O. Box 900
Shelton, WA 98584

Washington Corrections Center for Women

9601 Bujacich Rd. NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98332-8300

Telephone:
(253)-858-4200

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
​Washington Corrections Center for Women
9601 Bujacich Rd. NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98332-8300

Washington State Penitentiary

1313 North 13th Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Telephone:
(509)-525-3610

Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
​Washington State Penitentiary
1313 North 13th Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362

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