VA DOC - Red Onion State Prison

You can support your loved ones at Red Onion State Prison on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 276-796-7510.

Located at 10800 H. Jack Rose Hwy in Pound, VA, Red Onion State Prison carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Red Onion State Prison 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 - Red Onion State Prison 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.

Red Onion State Prison houses approximately 848 male inmates, including some of the most violent and dangerous criminals in the state. Many inmates at Red Onion have proven difficult to manage and pose disciplinary challenges, leading to their transfer to this high-security facility. With over two-thirds of offenders held in isolation, inmates endure 23 hours of lockdown per day, with meals served through a slot in the door and only one hour of exercise permitted daily. Programming is limited, often delivered via video on closed-circuit television due to safety concerns.

Despite its restrictive environment, Red Onion State Prison does offer educational opportunities such as GED classes and literacy programs. Select inmates may also work as custodians within the facility. However, the prison has faced criticism from human rights groups for its solitary confinement practices, with some alleging they constitute cruel and unusual punishment.

Inmates seeking transfer to another facility from Red Onion must complete the 'Progressive Housing Phase Program' and demonstrate high levels of compliance and good behavior. Notably, Red Onion is home to Lee Boyd Malvo, infamous as the 'Beltway Sniper.'

As part of the Virginia state prison system, Red Onion aligns with broader departmental goals by offering programs and services aimed at occupying inmate time constructively and reducing unrest. These include core programs like inmate work activities, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and life skills programming, tailored to address diverse inmate needs and promote positive prison adjustment and rehabilitation. Additionally, the facility provides education on substance abuse consequences, supports group counseling, and offers various specialized services to meet unique inmate requirements.