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WRSP 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
Located at 272 Dogwood Dr in Big Stone, VA, WRSP carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. WRSP 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 - Wallens Ridge 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.
Wallens Ridge State Prison (WRSP) stands as the toughest compound within the Virginia Department of Corrections System, situated on a natural ridge in Big Stone Gap, VA. This SuperMax facility houses approximately 1,200 male inmates, many serving long sentences, including life and multiple life terms. Inmates endure stringent conditions, spending 23 hours a day in their cells, with limited movement even during the one hour of daily freedom, which requires restraints and supervision by armed guards.
The severity of restrictions at WRSP is justified by Virginia prison officials as necessary to manage the "worst of the worst" inmates, focusing more on containment than rehabilitation. This approach has drawn criticism from human rights groups, particularly concerning the practice of housing inmates from distant states, hindering family visitation and community ties. The prison gained attention through documentaries like "Up the Ridge" (2006), shedding light on these issues.
In 2014, a corrections officer from WRSP was arrested for drug trafficking, adding to the facility's controversial reputation. Despite these challenges, the Virginia state prison system offers various programs and services to inmates, aiming to occupy idle time constructively and facilitate positive growth. These programs are tailored to inmates' needs based on their sentences or behavioral history, with a focus on promoting positive prison adjustment or reducing recidivism.
Treatment planning involves assessing inmates' security and programming needs upon reception into the system, with annual evaluations and updates to their treatment plans. Core programs encompass inmate work activities, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and life skills programming. Substance abuse treatment, such as Therapeutic Community (TC) programs, is recognized for its effectiveness in addressing inmates' substance abuse and criminal behavior.
Additionally, educational initiatives, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and counseling sessions are available to inmates across prison facilities. Each facility also offers specialized programs to meet specific inmate needs, including behavior management, women offender programs, and geriatric care. These efforts contribute to the comprehensive approach to inmate rehabilitation within the Virginia correctional system.
WRSP 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.
Apply for Visitation - Submit a visitation application online if you are a new visitor or renewing your visitation privileges.
Schedule a Visit - Once you receive approval to visit an inmate in a VADOC facility, you must schedule your visit online using the Visitation Scheduler. If you are a new user, you must first register using the “Register Today” option.
Prepare for Your Scheduled Visit - Once you have both applied for visitation and scheduled your visit, please review the following information to help you prepare for your in-person visit.
Plan - Please arrive at the facility one hour before your visit for security screening. No food or drinks will be allowed in the facility, and there will be no access to vending machines.
Visiting with Minor Children - The VADOC has developed a child-friendly short video to help prepare families for a productive visit. If you are visiting with a minor child, the following video will help prepare your child for what to expect during the visit – VADOC Visitation Reminders.
