TN DOC - West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP)

You can support your loved ones at WTSP on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 731-738-5044.

Located at 480 Green Chapel Rd in Henning, TN, WTSP carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. WTSP offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on TN DOC - West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP) so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

The WTSP functions as a time-building correctional facility catering to male inmates across custody levels ranging from minimum to maximum security. With an operational capacity of 980 inmates, WTSP offers a range of evidence-based programs aimed at addressing the rehabilitative needs of its population.

Originally named the West Tennessee High-Security Facility, WTSP underwent a structural reorganization in 1999, coinciding with the construction of a new 1,500-bed unit and the Cold Creek annex, leading to its current designation. Inmates at WTSP have access to educational opportunities such as Adult Basic Education (ABE) and vocational training in areas like Career Management, Computer Aided Drafting, and Core HVAC & Refrigeration. Moreover, the facility prioritizes addressing behavioral health concerns through specialized programs including cognitive behavior intervention, substance use therapy, and veterans' support communities.

Through collaborative efforts with the community, WTSP extends its educational and vocational offerings. Partnerships with institutions like Dyersburg State Community College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology provide avenues for earning associate degrees and certifications in various fields. Additionally, programs facilitated by organizations like the Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR) and Persevere offer vocational training in agriculture, construction, and computer programming.

Inmates not engaged in academic or vocational pursuits are assigned support service roles within the prison, contributing to operations in areas such as landscaping, janitorial services, and food preparation. Notably, the Women’s Therapeutic Residential Center (WTRC) is also housed within the grounds of WTSP, providing further opportunities for rehabilitation and support for female offenders.