WV DOC-Lakin Correctional Center (LCC)

You can support your loved ones at Lakin Correctional Center on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 304-674-2440.

Located at 11264 Ohio River Rd in West Columbia, WV, Lakin Correctional Center carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Lakin Correctional Center 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-Lakin Correctional Center (LCC) 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.

Lakin Correctional Center (LCC) is a maximum-security state correctional facility in West Virginia that accommodates female inmates across all custody levels, from minimum to maximum security. It is the only all-female prison in the state and has a current capacity of 543 inmates.

The land on which LCC stands was donated to the state in the early 1920s by a local family, whose cemetery is located behind the facility. In 1926, Lakin State Hospital was built on this land. To construct LCC, most of the hospital buildings were demolished, except for the activities building, which was repurposed as the prison gymnasium. Phase I construction of LCC began in February 1999 and was completed in August 2002, with the main facility being dedicated on September 25, 2002, and receiving its first inmates on January 29, 2003. Phase II construction, which included a 124-bed dormitory-style housing unit, a 36-bed modular-style housing unit, and a Correctional Industries Building, began in June 2005 and was completed in October 2006. Phase II was dedicated on November 16, 2006, and began housing inmates on January 9, 2007.

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.

The Department of Education provides a variety of educational and vocational programs for the inmate population at LCC. These programs include Adult Basic Education (ABE)/GED, Life Skills, Business Education, Culinary Arts, Facilities Maintenance, and Horticulture/Landscaping. Correctional Industries operates a garment, sewing, and embroidery factory at LCC, which manufactures inmate clothing, linens, and office chairs.

Inmates at LCC who hold an appropriate security classification also provide community service to various agencies and charitable organizations throughout Mason County, contributing positively to the local community.

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​