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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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The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR) oversees the administration of the state’s prison system, which includes adult correctional facilities, juvenile facilities, parole services, and community corrections.
How To Locate Prisoners in West Virginia Prison Facilities
Inmate Search
To locate an inmate within the West Virginia prison system, you can use the Inmate Search feature provided by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
What is West Virginia’s Incarceration Rate
As of recent reports, West Virginia has an incarceration rate of approximately 380 per 100,000 people. This figure places it in the mid-range among U.S. states in terms of incarceration rates.
What is West Virginia’s Recidivism Rate
Recent studies and reports suggest that West Virginia has been facing challenges with recidivism, similar to many other states. Data from around 2017 indicated a recidivism rate of approximately 30% to 40%. This means that around one-third of released inmates from West Virginia prisons were likely to return to incarceration within three years.
West Virginia Prison Security Levels
The WVDCR classifies inmates into different security levels based on various factors, including the nature of their crime, behavior in custody, and assessed risk of escape or causing harm. The classifications are:
Maximum Security: For inmates who pose a high risk, including those with violent offenses or escape risks.
Medium Security: For inmates with moderate risk and less severe offense histories.
Minimum Security: This is for inmates considered low risk, often nearing the end of their sentences or incarcerated for minor offenses.
Pros and Cons of the West Virginia Prison System.
PROS:
Reform Initiatives: West Virginia has implemented several programs, such as substance abuse programs and educational opportunities, aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation.
Community Corrections: Focus on parole and probation helps reduce the prison population and reintegrate offenders into society more effectively.
CONS:
Overcrowding: Despite reforms, some facilities continue to experience issues with overcrowding, impacting conditions and access to programs.
Rural Facility Locations: Facilities located in rural areas can make it difficult for families to visit and for inmates to access certain rehabilitative services.
Funding and Resources: Financial constraints can limit the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and maintenance of facilities.
Education and Rehabilitation Programs
The prison programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills necessary to succeed outside of prison, reducing recidivism.
Programs Include:
GED and Adult Basic Education: Helping inmates achieve a basic level of education.
Vocational Training: Including skills in carpentry, electrical work, and other trades.
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs: Critical in a state heavily impacted by the opioid crisis, these programs aim to address addiction issues among inmates.
Prison Challenges:
Despite ongoing efforts and reforms, the West Virginia prison system faces several challenges:
Staffing Shortages: West Virginia needs more correctional staff, which can lead to security issues and burnout among existing staff.
Healthcare Services: Providing adequate healthcare in a correctional setting is complex and costly. There is an ongoing need to improve mental health services and medical care for inmates, particularly those with chronic conditions or substance abuse issues.
Aging Facilities: Some correctional facilities are aging and require significant upgrades to ensure safety and security. Maintaining these facilities within budget constraints is a constant challenge.
Watch Video: The History of The West Virginia State Penitentiary:
Family Visitation Rules
Visitation rules can vary slightly from one facility to another within the West Virginia prison system. Still, some standard regulations typically apply across all facilities:
Scheduling Visits: Visits must usually be scheduled in advance. This can often be done online through the facility’s website or by calling the facility directly. The number of visits an inmate can receive each month may be limited.
Visitor Approval: The facility must approve Potential visitors before they can visit. This process involves submitting a visitor application form, which the facility reviews. Approval is based on factors like the visitor’s relationship to the inmate and their criminal background.
Identification: Visitors must present valid photo identification (such as a driver’s license or a state ID) at the facility.
Dress Code: Most facilities enforce a strict dress code for visitors. This typically prohibits clothing that is revealing, offensive, or could be considered a security threat (such as camouflage or items with gang symbols).
Conduct During Visits: Visitors must follow all rules regarding interaction with inmates. Physical contact may be limited, and contraband is strictly prohibited.
Special Regulations for Minors: Children under 18 must usually be accompanied by a legal guardian or an adult approved by the inmate’s case manager. Documentation proving guardianship may be required.
Security Procedures: Visitors can expect to undergo security screenings similar to those at airports. Items like phones, bags, and other personal belongings may be left outside or stored in lockers.
Supporting References and Publications:
National Institute of Corrections
West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Vera Institute of Justice: Vera Institute
WV PRISONS
Anthony Correctional Center
HC 70
White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
Telephone:
(304)-536-3911
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Anthony Correctional Center
Box N-1
White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986
Beckley Correctional Center
111 S. Eisenhower Drive
Beckley, WV 25801
Telephone:
(304)-256-6780
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Beckley Correctional Center
111 S. Eisenhower Drive
Beckley, WV 25801
Charleston Correctional Center
1356 Hansford St.
Charleston, WV 25301
Telephone:
(304)-340-6921
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Charleston Correctional Center
1356 Hansford St.
Charleston, WV 25301
Denmar Correctional Center
4319 Denmar Road
Hillsboro, WV 24946
Telephone:
(304)-653-4201
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Denmar Correctional Center
4319 Denmar Road
Hillsboro, WV 24946
Huntington Work Release Center
1236 Fifth Avenue
Huntington, West Virginia 25701
Telephone:
(304)-529-6885
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Huntington Work Release Center
1236 Fifth Avenue
Huntington, West Virginia 25701
Huttonsville Correctional Center
U.S. 250
Huttonsville, WV 26273
Telephone:
(304)-335-2291
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Huttonsville Correctional Center
P.O. Box 1
Huttonsville, WV 26273
Lakin Correctional Center
11264 Ohio River Road
West Columbia, WV 25287
Telephone:
(304)-674-2440
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Lakin Correctional Center
11264 Ohio River Road
West Columbia, WV 25287
Martinsburg Correctional Center
38 Grapevine Road
Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401
Telephone:
(304)-267-0156
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Martinsburg Correctional Center
38 Grapevine Road
Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401
Mount Olive Correctional Complex
1 Mountainside Way
Mt. Olive, West Virginia 25185
Telephone:
(304)-442-7213
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Mount Olive Correctional Complex
1 Mountainside Way
Mt. Olive, West Virginia 25185
Northern Correctional Facility
112 Northern Regional Correctional Drive
Moundsville, WV 26041
Telephone:
(304)-843-4067
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Northern Correctional Facility
112 Northern Regional Correctional Drive
Moundsville, WV 26041
Ohio County Correctional Center
1501 Eoff Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Telephone:
(304)-238-1007
(304)-238-1008
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Ohio County Correctional Center
1501 Eoff Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
Parkersburg Correctional Center
225 Holiday Hills Drive
Parkersburg, WV 26104
Telephone:
(304)-420-2443
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Parkersburg Correctional Center
225 Holiday Hills Drive
Parkersburg, WV 26104
Pruntytown Correctional Center
2006 Trap Springs Road
Grafton, West Virginia 26354
Telephone:
(304)-265-6111
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Pruntytown Correctional Center
P.O. Box 159
Grafton, WV 26354
Saint Marys Correctional Center
2880 N. Pleasants Highway
St. Marys, WV 2617O
Telephone:
(304)-684-5500
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Saint Marys Correctional Center
2880 N. Pleasants Highway
St. Marys, WV 2617O
Salem Correctional Center
7 Industrial Blvd.
Industrial, WV 26426
Telephone:
(304)-782-2371
Inmate Mailing Address:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Salem Correctional Center
7 Industrial Blvd.
Industrial, WV 26426
