WV DOC-Charleston Correctional Center (CCC)

State Prison

Last Updated: October 22, 2024
Address
1356 Hansford St, Charleston, WV 25301
Beds
128
County
Kanawha
Phone
304-340-6921
Fax
304-558-1537

Charleston Correctional 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 - low 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 seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is JailATM™ There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

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

Satellite View of WV DOC-Charleston Correctional Center (CCC)

You can support your loved ones at Charleston Correctional on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 304-340-6921.

Located at 1356 Hansford St in Charleston, WV, Charleston Correctional carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Charleston Correctional 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 WV DOC-Charleston Correctional Center (CCC) 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 CCC stands as one of West Virginia's latest facilities, taking over the Charleston Work Release Center's role. This coed establishment features a residential substance abuse treatment program for up to 32 women and a 96-bed coed work release unit. Inmates in the work release unit engage in community employment, returning to the facility after their shifts. Their wages help defray incarceration costs, taxes, and any financial obligations they may owe.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail 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. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. 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.

Books and magazines 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. The Jail enforces 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.

Residents of the work release unit must be low risk, within eighteen months of release, and fit for employment, participating in community service alongside their jobs. The facility also houses a 32-bed female Residential Substance Abuse Unit (RSAT) addressing substance abuse through various classes and training sessions.

The Alcohol and Drug Education, Treatment, and Relapse Prevention program (ALADRUE) caters to offenders at different stages of substance abuse. With a three-tiered approach, ALADRUE focuses on psychoeducation, recovery, and relapse prevention. Additionally, Long-term Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Units, based on therapeutic community models, operate within the correctional system, promoting recovery and lower recidivism rates.

The center also emphasizes Anger Management, designed to cultivate healthy emotional responses and communication skills in offenders. Furthermore, WV Correctional Industries, established in 1939, furnishes necessities to government and nonprofit organizations in West Virginia, excluding Braille materials. This initiative aims to provide skills training to inmates and reduce recidivism. For inquiries, the contact phone number is (304) 558-6054, and more information is available at http://www.wvcorrectionalindustries.com/.

Daily Incarcerations

The West Virginia Regional Jails updates offender information regularly, but due to rapid changes, the data may not always reflect the current location, release date, or status of an inmate. While the information is believed to be accurate, no warranties are made regarding its accuracy or completeness. The latest or most complete information may not always be available due to data conversion issues. The sentencing information provided is not intended to reflect the full details of the criminal case, and it is recommended to consult court records for definitive information. Anyone who reuses or republishes this data is solely responsible for any claims or liabilities, including defamation or invasion of privacy, arising from improper disclosure.

The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR) and the West Virginia Regional Jail Authority (WVRJA), while now part of the same overarching system, serve distinct functions within the state’s correctional structure.

The WVDCR manages state prisons and correctional facilities that house individuals convicted of serious crimes and serve longer-term sentences. Its focus is on rehabilitation, reentry programs, and managing inmates who are sentenced to long-term incarceration.

In contrast, the WVRJA traditionally oversaw the regional jail system, which primarily houses individuals awaiting trial or those serving short-term sentences for lesser offenses, like misdemeanors. These regional jails consolidated county jails to streamline operations and reduce costs for local governments.

In 2018, these entities were combined under the WVDCR as part of a broader reorganization aimed at improving efficiency and coordination across West Virginia's correctional system. Despite this merger, the distinction between the types of inmates they manage remains: regional jails focus on pre-trial detainees and short-term sentences, while state prisons manage long-term incarceration​

Inmate Locator

Charleston Correctional 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

Charleston Correctional Center (CCC) - Visitation

  • Visiting hours are from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends only. All visitors must be on an approved visitor list and have two forms of positive identification, one of which must contain a photograph. Acceptable forms of identification are:
    • Valid driver’s license
    • State issued identification
    • Birth certificate
  • Visitors are required to wear appropriate attire before admittance to the facility. No revealing clothing is permitted in the facility. If clothing is determined to be unsuitable for wear into the facility, entrance may be denied.
  • Minor children do not require identification but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or member of their immediate family at all times. Adult members of the immediate family must present a notarized statement from the parent or legal guardian verifying that they have permission for the minor child to be in that adult’s company in the facility to visit the inmate.
  • All visitors are subject to search of person and property. Refusal to consent to search may result in denial of entry to the facility.
  • Any articles of clothing, food, etc. must be turned in to the Correctional Officer in charge upon entry to the facility. No home-made food is allowed. Only food purchased from a store, restaurant, delicatessen, or fast food establishment is permitted. Cash, checks, gift cards, pre-paid debit cards, money orders or any other type of financial instrument will not be accepted for inmate or for placement on inmate account.
  • Visitors suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be denied entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

WV DOC-Charleston Correctional Center (CCC) – FAQs

  1. What is a state prison?
      A state prison is a correctional facility operated by the West 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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, JailCanteeniCareGifts, MyCarePack or Union Supply Group.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

Ask The Inmate

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