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VA DOC - Keen Mountain Correctional Center

State Prison

Last Updated: March 17, 2025

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Address

3402 Kennel Gap Rd, Oakwood, VA 24631

Beds

1199

County

Buchanan

Phone

276-498-7411

Mailing Address

PO Box 860, Oakwood, VA 24631

KMCC is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - maximum facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules

Satellite View of VA DOC - Keen Mountain Correctional Center

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You can support your loved ones at KMCC on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 276-498-7411.

Located at 3402 Kennel Gap Rd in Oakwood, VA, KMCC carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. KMCC 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 VA DOC - Keen Mountain Correctional Center 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.

KMCC is a close custody facility operating at level 4 high security, accommodating up to 900 adult male inmates. The center comprises three housing units along with a support building housing various essential facilities such as a gym, educational and vocational classrooms, medical services, security offices, a dining hall, a commissary, and a chapel.

The inmate population at KMCC is categorized into six distinct groups, including general population incentive pods, general population re-entry, special housing for segregation inmates, STAR, and Cadres, the latter consisting of minimum security inmates working in the commissary. Security measures include multiple razor wire fences, electronic detection systems, canines, and four guard towers.

Notably, Keen Mountain allows staff to possess non-lethal weapons within the security perimeter, with built-in gun ports in the housing unit control room. Due to the prevalence of violence among inmates, programming primarily occurs via video, mail, or small groups. However, inmates still have access to essential services such as anger management counseling, adult basic education classes, mental health services, parenting classes, and alcohol and substance abuse programs.

Vocational training opportunities are also provided in fields like electrical wiring, custodial maintenance, and masonry, aiming to equip offenders with practical skills for reintegration into society.

The assignment criteria for security levels range from 2 to 4, with considerations given to the length of the sentence and the absence of disruptive behavior for a specified period preceding any transfer to less secure facilities.

Table of Contents for KMCC

Inmate Locator

KMCC maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

VA DOC - Keen Mountain Correctional Center - Visitation

All new applicants and any visitor renewing their application must submit a visitation application online. Paper applications for visitation will not be accepted. If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, you may visit your local public library. To access the Virginia Public Library Directory, please visit the Library of Virginia’s Website.

Visitors will only be approved to visit multiple offenders if the offenders are immediate family members. Visitors are limited to visiting only one offender that is not an immediate family member. Members who are not immediate family include, but are not limited to:

Fiancees/fiances
Girlfriends
Boyfriends
Neighbors
Cousins
Friends

All visitor applications (new or previously approved) expire 36 months (three years) after the date of approval. A new, updated visitor application must be submitted online at least 30 days before expiration to continue uninterrupted visitation. The Virginia Department of Corrections may conduct an annual record check on each visitor. Prior visitation approval does not guarantee approval continuation. Applicants should allow 30 days for online applications to be processed. Out-of-state applicants should allow up to 90 days for processing. To avoid delays in processing, all information requested on the application must be accurate and complete. A response will be sent to the email address provided by the applicant. Approved visitors must still bring valid picture identification that matches the information provided on the application.

Family and friends who have a visual impairment or are 65 years of age or older may contact AFOI for assistance with completing an application. AFOI does not have access to application status information. For that information, please contact the VADOC Visitor Registration at (804) 887-8341.

All institutions allow visiting on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays, but visitors should verify with the institution to find out which day(s) the offender can have visitors. To reduce crowding in the visiting room, many institutions alternate days that offenders can be visited based on the alphabet or offender ID number. Offenders are allowed a minimum of one hour per visiting day with visitors. It is possible that the length of a visit may be determined by activity in the visiting area, the number of visitors on a given day, available space, or institutional staff resources.

Visitation procedures at individual institutions may vary and can be changed at any time without prior notice. Please contact the facility before planning a visit to obtain further information on their visiting program.

Dress Regulations

All visitors, including children, must dress appropriately for visitation. Visitor clothing must cover from the neck to the kneecaps, and all visitors must wear appropriate underwear. Footwear must be worn at all times; no bare feet are allowed. Watches and all wearable technology devices (i.e. Google Glasses) are prohibited.

The following types of clothing are not allowed to be worn:

Tube tops, tank tops, or halter tops
Clothes that expose a person’s midriff, side, or back
Mini-skirts, mini-dresses, shorts, skorts, or culottes (at or above the kneecap)
Form-fitting clothes such as leotards, spandex, and leggings
See-through clothing
Tops or dresses that have revealing necklines and/or excessive splits
Clothing that contains symbols or signs with inappropriate language or graphics, including gang symbols, racist comments, inflammatory communications, etc.
Clothing resembling offender clothing

Any visitor whose dress is considered inappropriate will be referred to the Administrative Duty Officer, who will then make the final decision on admittance to the visiting room.

Frequently Asked Questions

VA DOC - Keen Mountain Correctional Center – FAQs

What is a state prison?
A state prison is a correctional facility operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections, housing individuals convicted of state crimes. Inmates typically serve sentences longer than one year. State prisons have different security levels and provide rehabilitation, education, and work programs.
How do state prisons differ from federal prisons?
State prisons hold offenders convicted of crimes under state laws, while federal prisons house those convicted of federal offenses. State prisons are managed by state DOCs and vary in policies, security levels, and resources. Federal prisons, run by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), often have more structured programs and uniform policies nationwide.
What are the different security levels in state prisons?
State prisons are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security, based on inmate risk assessments. Minimum-security facilities house non-violent offenders with lower risks. Medium-security prisons have higher security protocols and structured daily routines. Maximum-security prisons, or supermax facilities, house the most dangerous offenders with strict confinement measures.
How are inmates classified in state prisons?
Classification is based on criminal history, sentence length, behavior, and medical or mental health needs. The DOC assesses inmates upon intake to determine their housing assignment, work eligibility, and rehabilitative program access. Inmates may be reclassified based on behavior or security concerns.
What types of programs are offered in state prisons?
State prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, religious programs, and work release opportunities. Many prisons collaborate with colleges and trade schools to provide certificates in fields such as welding, plumbing, and computer technology.
Can inmates earn early release from state prisons?
Some inmates qualify for parole, good behavior credits, or sentence reduction programs. State laws determine eligibility based on offense type, institutional behavior, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Some states offer compassionate release for elderly or terminally ill inmates.
How do state prisons handle medical care for inmates?
Inmates receive basic medical, dental, and mental health care inside the facility. For specialized care, they may be transported to hospitals under security escort. State DOCs often contract with private healthcare providers such as Corizon Health, Wellpath, and Centurion Health.
Are state prison inmates allowed to work?
Yes, inmates can work within the prison (kitchen, janitorial, maintenance) or in prison industries (manufacturing, farming, sewing, furniture-making). Some states allow inmates to participate in work-release programs, where they work outside the prison and return at night. Inmate workers may earn small wages (often $0.10 to $2.00 per hour) depending on the job.
What are the visitation rules for state prisons?
Visitation varies by facility but generally requires pre-approval of visitors, background checks, dress codes, and scheduled visiting hours. Some prisons allow contact visits (where inmates and visitors can hug or hold hands), while others allow only non-contact visits (separated by glass). Video visitation services are provided by companies like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions.
Can inmates receive mail and packages?
Yes, inmates can receive letters, photos, and books, but all mail is screened for contraband. Some state prisons require mail to be sent through third-party processors, which convert letters into digital copies. Packages with clothing or hygiene items must often be ordered through approved vendors like Access Securepak, InmateCanteen, JailCanteen, iCareGifts, MyCarePack or Union Supply Group.
How do phone calls work in state prisons?
Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers through prison phone services, but cannot receive calls. Calls are typically monitored and recorded. Services like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions provide prepaid accounts for families to deposit funds for calls. Some states offer tablet-based calls with limited messaging services.
What are the disciplinary rules in state prisons?
Inmates must follow prison regulations regarding behavior, movement, and interactions with staff and other inmates. Infractions like fighting, possession of contraband, or rule violations can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, or additional time added to their sentence.
Do state prisons offer religious services?
Yes, state prisons have chaplains and religious volunteers who provide services for various faiths. Many facilities offer Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and religious dietary accommodations for inmates who follow specific religious beliefs.
How does parole work in state prisons?
Inmates eligible for parole must appear before a parole board, which reviews their behavior, program participation, and risk to society. If granted parole, inmates serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community, following specific rules such as curfews and employment requirements.
Can inmates transfer between state prisons?
Yes, inmates may be transferred for medical needs, security risks, disciplinary actions, or administrative reasons. Some may request transfers to be closer to family, but approvals depend on facility capacity and eligibility requirements.
What happens when an inmate finishes their sentence?
Inmates released from state prison may receive reentry services, such as job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. Some states require certain inmates to remain under supervision (such as parole or probation) after release.
Are state prisons overcrowded?
Many states struggle with overcrowding due to high incarceration rates. Solutions include alternative sentencing programs, early release initiatives, and building new facilities to accommodate growing populations.
How can family members send money to an inmate?
Families can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account through services like JPay, ConnectNetwork, or Access Corrections. Money is used for purchasing snacks, hygiene items, and phone calls. Some states have limits on how much an inmate can receive per month.
Do state prisons offer educational opportunities?
Yes, many prisons provide GED classes, college courses, and vocational training programs. Some offer Pell Grants for inmates to take college-level courses. Popular vocational programs include auto repair, HVAC, and culinary arts.
Can inmates be placed in protective custody?
Yes, inmates who are at risk of harm due to gang conflicts, former law enforcement ties, or other safety concerns can be placed in protective custody (PC). These inmates are housed separately from the general population, often with limited movement and privileges for their safety.

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