Virginia State Prison is part of a large network of correctional facilities managed by the Virginia Department of Corrections. This system includes 44 state-run prisons that house inmates serving felony sentences. People search for information about these prisons for many reasons. Some want to apply for jobs as corrections officers. Others need to visit family members or find inmate records. The system serves three regions—Eastern, Central, and Western—with each facility offering different programs and security levels. Knowing how to access official resources helps users get accurate, up-to-date details quickly.
Virginia Department of Corrections – Official Website
The Virginia Department of Corrections runs the official website at vadoc.virginia.gov. This site is the main source for job applications, video visitation rules, and current openings. A recent hiring event in the Central Region offered a $6,000 sign-on bonus for qualified Corrections Officers. Positions were available at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women, State Farm Complex, Beaumont Adult Correctional Center, Central Virginia Correctional Unit #13, and the Charles City facility. Applicants must upload a resume, pass a background check, and attend quarterly orientation sessions. Entry-level pay starts at $42,000 per year. Overtime and hazard pay may be added based on assignment. The site also includes FAQs about certification, training, and the hiring timeline.
List of Virginia State Prisons
Virginia operates 44 state prisons across its three regions. These facilities range from large complexes to smaller units. Augusta Correctional Center opened in 1971 and holds up to 1,097 inmates. Appalachian Detention Center, built in 2019, has a 400-person capacity. Baskerville Correctional Center holds 488 people, while Bland Correctional Center holds 621. Each prison has a specific security level—minimum, medium, or maximum—and offers different programs. Some focus on vocational training, while others provide mental health services. The list excludes federal prisons and local jails. It only includes facilities run by the state.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Virginia_state_prisons 
Contact Information for Virginia Prisons
Each Virginia State Prison has a public phone number and mailing address. Pocahontas State Correctional Center is at 317 Old Mountain Road, Pocahontas, VA 24635. Call (276) 945-9173 for inmate mail or visitation. Red Onion State Prison, a high-security site, is at 10800 H. Jack Rose Highway, Pound, VA 24279. Its phone number is (276) 796-7510. River North Correctional Center in Independence uses (276) 773-2518. Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Island can be reached at (276) 523-3310. These numbers connect to visitor services, legal mail, and emergency contacts. Each site lists hours for the visitor lobby and fax numbers for legal documents.
https://virginia.staterecords.org/prison
Virginia Department of Corrections – Agency Overview
The Virginia Department of Corrections is based in Richmond. Its main phone number is (804) 674-3000. The mailing address is P.O. Box 26963, Richmond, VA 23261. The agency is divided into three regions. The Eastern Region office is in Richmond. The Central Region is in Charlottesville. The Western Region hub is in Roanoke. Each region manages prisons in its area. The department publishes annual reports with statistics on inmate populations, recidivism, and staff training. These reports are available as PDF downloads. The site also lists legislative updates and policy changes.
https://www.virginia.gov/agencies/department-of-corrections/
Virginia State Prison – Jarratt Facility
The Virginia State Prison in Jarratt is located at 901 Correction Way, Jarratt, VA 23870. Call (434) 535-7020 for intake, work-release programs, or transportation. The campus covers 42 acres and includes a medical clinic, classification unit, and agricultural program. Inmates grow fresh produce for local food banks. Visitors must bring a government-issued photo ID. All visitors must complete a background check online before arrival. From Interstate 95, take Exit 37 onto State Route 636. Turn left onto Correction Way. The gate is 0.3 miles ahead. Signs mark the entrance clearly.
https://www.countyoffice.org/virginia-state-prison-jarratt-va-74d/
Virginia State Penitentiary – Historical Background
Virginia State Penitentiary operated in Richmond from 1804 to 1999. It was built during early penal reform efforts. The design used solitary cells and a central guard hall. By 1865, it held over 1,200 inmates. Many were convicted during the Civil War. The prison saw several riots, including a major uprising in 1975. This led to new grievance procedures across the state. After closing, the site was redeveloped. Today, it includes a museum, conference center, and affordable housing. The old brick walls remain as a reminder of Virginia’s correctional history.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_State_Penitentiary
Inmate Search and Facility Data
StateCourts.org offers a search tool for all 44 Virginia prisons. Users can find real-time inmate rosters with name, age, offense, sentence length, and release date. The database covers long-term state facilities and short-term county jails. Filters allow sorting by region, security level, or admission date. Each entry shows which facility holds the inmate. The site also provides downloadable reports on incarceration trends, demographics, and recidivism rates. This helps researchers, families, and legal professionals track inmate status and system performance.
https://www.statecourts.org/inmate-search/virginia/
Virginia Prison Directory – Facility Details
Prison Insight lists every state-run prison in Virginia with key facts. The Virginia Correctional Center for Women near Louisa houses about 900 female inmates. It offers counseling and parenting programs. Wallens Ridge State Prison in Big Island holds around 1,400 male inmates. It includes an industrial workshop for vocational training. Wise Correctional Unit, opened in 1998, focuses on low-risk offenders. Inmates learn carpentry and horticulture. Each listing links to the Department of Corrections’ “Insights” page. There, users can view security levels, program details, and inspection reports.
https://prisoninsight.com/correctional-facilities/state/virginia/
Contact Directory for Virginia Prisons
GoLookUp compiles contact details for all Virginia prisons. In the Eastern Region, Brunswick Women’s Work Center is at 1147 Planters Road, Lawrenceville, VA 23868. Call (434) 848-4131. Warden Tommy Brown leads the facility. The Greensville complex at 901 Corrections Way, Jarratt, VA 23870, uses (434) 535-7000. Warden Tracy S. Ray manages operations there. The directory includes fax numbers for legal mail, email addresses for victim services, and visitor hours. This helps families, lawyers, and advocates reach the right office quickly.
https://golookup.com/prison/virginia-state-prisons
Virginia Prison List – Facility Status and History
LiquiSearch tracks every state prison in Virginia. It notes Augusta Correctional Center (1971, 1,097 beds), Baskerville (1995, 488 beds), and Bland (1990, 621 beds). It also lists closures. Botetourt Correctional Center closed by November 2009. Brunswick Correctional Center shut down in late 2009 due to consolidation. Each entry shows the address, opening year, and security level. This helps users see how Virginia’s prison system has changed over time. It also shows which facilities are active or retired.
https://www.liquisearch.com/list_of_virginia_state_prisons
How to Apply for a Job at a Virginia State Prison
Jobs at Virginia State Prison facilities are posted on the official VADOC website. The most common role is Corrections Officer. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and pass a background check. Some positions require prior experience or college credits. The Central Region recently held a hiring event with a $6,000 sign-on bonus. New officers attend a training academy that covers safety, communication, and emergency response. Training lasts several weeks and includes both classroom and hands-on practice. After graduation, officers are assigned to a facility based on need.
Video Visitation Rules and Schedules
Video visitation is available at most Virginia State Prison facilities. Families can schedule sessions online through the VADOC portal. Each inmate is allowed a set number of visits per month. Sessions last up to 30 minutes and are monitored for safety. Visitors must register in advance and provide ID. Some facilities offer kiosks inside the prison for private calls. Others use secure video platforms from home. Rules prohibit inappropriate language, clothing, or behavior. Violations can result in suspended privileges. Check the specific facility’s page for exact hours and tech requirements.
Inmate Programs and Services
Virginia State Prison facilities offer many programs to help inmates prepare for life after release. Educational classes include GED prep, adult basic education, and college courses. Vocational training covers carpentry, welding, food service, and landscaping. Mental health services provide counseling for addiction, trauma, and anger management. Religious programs support faith-based growth. Work-release programs let eligible inmates hold jobs in the community. These services aim to reduce recidivism and support successful reentry.
Security Levels and Facility Types
Virginia State Prison facilities are classified by security level. Minimum-security prisons have dorm-style housing and fewer restrictions. Medium-security sites use cell blocks and controlled movement. Maximum-security prisons have strict routines, armed guards, and limited contact. Some facilities are mixed-security, housing inmates of different levels. Women are housed separately at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women. Juveniles are not held in state prisons; they go to youth detention centers. Each facility posts its security level and capacity online.
How to Send Mail to an Inmate
To send mail to an inmate at a Virginia State Prison, use the full name, inmate ID, facility name, and complete address. Do not include cash, stamps, or contraband. Letters are opened and inspected. Legal mail from attorneys is handled separately and not read. Packages must be sent through approved vendors. Books and magazines can only come directly from publishers. Check the facility’s website for specific mailing rules. Incorrect addresses or banned items will cause delays or rejections.
Visiting Hours and Requirements
Visiting hours vary by facility but usually run on weekends and holidays. Most prisons allow visits from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors must arrive early to complete screening. Valid photo ID is required for everyone over 18. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Dress codes ban revealing clothing, hats, or gang-related symbols. No cell phones, bags, or food are allowed inside. All visitors go through metal detectors and pat-downs. Approved items include car keys and small wallets. Check the facility’s visitor page before traveling.
Emergency Contacts and Reporting Issues
If you see unsafe conditions or need to report abuse at a Virginia State Prison, contact the facility warden first. For urgent matters, call the main prison number. The Virginia Department of Corrections also has a hotline for complaints. Use (804) 674-3000 to reach the central office. You can submit anonymous tips online. The Office of the Inspector General investigates serious allegations. Keep records of dates, names, and events when reporting. This helps ensure a proper review.
Recent Changes and Updates
In 2024, Virginia added new mental health units at three prisons. These units provide 24/7 care for inmates with severe conditions. The state also expanded video visitation to all facilities. A new policy allows inmates to earn phone time through good behavior. The hiring bonus for Corrections Officers was increased to attract more applicants. Several older facilities are being upgraded with better lighting, cameras, and medical equipment. These changes aim to improve safety and rehabilitation outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how to find an inmate, apply for jobs, or visit a loved one. Others want to know about prison conditions or program availability. Below are common questions with clear, direct answers based on official sources.
How do I find out if someone is in a Virginia State Prison?
Use the inmate search tool on StateCourts.org or the VADOC website. Enter the person’s full name or inmate ID number. The result will show the facility, security level, and sentence details. If the person is in a county jail, the search may not appear. In that case, contact the local sheriff’s office. Always double-check spelling and use middle names if needed. The database updates daily, so recent arrests should appear within 24 hours.
Can I visit an inmate without being on the approved list?
No. All visitors must be added to the inmate’s approved visitor list before scheduling a visit. The inmate submits names through their case manager. Each visitor must pass a background check. Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian to approve their visit. Once approved, visitors receive a confirmation number. Bring this and your ID on visit day. Walk-in visits are not allowed at most facilities.
What jobs are available at Virginia State Prison facilities?
The most common job is Corrections Officer, with starting pay at $42,000 per year. Other roles include medical staff, counselors, maintenance workers, and administrative assistants. Some positions require licenses or certifications. The VADOC website posts all openings and application steps. Sign up for email alerts to get notified of new jobs. Training is provided for entry-level roles. Experienced applicants may qualify for higher pay grades.
How do I send money to an inmate?
Use the JPay system or the VADOC online portal. Create an account and link it to the inmate’s ID number. You can add funds via debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. Money appears in the inmate’s commissary account within hours. Some facilities also accept money orders by mail. Do not send cash. Fees may apply for certain transactions. Check the facility’s rules for limits on deposit amounts.
Are there educational programs for inmates in Virginia prisons?
Yes. Most Virginia State Prison facilities offer GED classes, adult education, and vocational training. Programs include carpentry, welding, computer skills, and horticulture. Some inmates can take college courses through partnerships with local schools. Completion certificates help with job placement after release. Participation is voluntary and based on behavior and eligibility. Instructors are certified teachers or trained staff.
What happens if an inmate gets sick or injured?
All Virginia State Prison facilities have medical clinics staffed by nurses and doctors. Inmates can request care through their housing unit officer. Serious cases are sent to outside hospitals. Emergency treatment is provided immediately. Mental health services are also available. Inmates receive medications as prescribed. Family members are notified in life-threatening situations. Medical records are kept confidential under state law.
How can I report abuse or misconduct at a Virginia prison?
Contact the facility warden or call the VADOC hotline at (804) 674-3000. You can also submit a complaint online through the department’s website. The Office of the Inspector General reviews all reports. Anonymous tips are accepted. Provide as much detail as possible, including dates, names, and locations. False reports are taken seriously and may lead to legal action. Retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited.
For official information, visit the Virginia Department of Corrections website at https://vadoc.virginia.gov/. Call (804) 674-3000 for general inquiries. Mailing address: P.O. Box 26963, Richmond, VA 23261. Visiting hours vary by facility; check the specific prison’s page before traveling.