Ely State Prison is a maximum-security prison located in White Pine County, Nevada. It was opened in 1989 and is operated by the Nevada Department of Corrections. The prison is designed to house some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in the state, and it has a reputation for being one of the toughest correctional facilities in the country.
Ely State Prison has a capacity of 1,183 inmates and is home to some of the most notorious criminals in Nevada’s history. The prison is known for its strict security measures and its use of solitary confinement to control violent or disruptive inmates. Visitors to the prison are subject to a thorough screening process, and inmates are closely monitored at all times to prevent escape attempts or other security breaches.
Despite its reputation for being a tough and unforgiving place, Ely State Prison is also home to a number of rehabilitation programs designed to help inmates prepare for life after release. These programs include educational courses, vocational training, and counseling services. While the prison’s primary focus is on punishment and security, it also recognizes the importance of preparing inmates for a successful re-entry into society.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,183 |
| Physical Address | 4569 North State Route 490 Ely, Nevada 89301 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1989 4569 North State Route 490 Ely, Nevada 89301 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (775) 977-5348 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location
Ely State Prison is located in White Pine County, Nevada, approximately nine miles north of the city of Ely. The facility is situated in a remote desert area, surrounded by vast expanses of arid land. The prison is accessible via US Route 93, which connects Ely to Las Vegas to the south and Jackpot to the north.
The location of Ely State Prison was chosen due to its isolation and distance from urban areas. The prison’s remote location makes it easier to maintain security and control over the inmates. The surrounding landscape is rugged and inhospitable, which further enhances the prison’s security.
The city of Ely is the largest settlement in White Pine County and serves as the county seat. Ely has a population of approximately 4,000 people and is located in the eastern part of the state, near the border with Utah. The city was founded in the late 19th century as a mining town and has a rich history.
White Pine County is the second-largest county in Nevada, covering an area of over 8,800 square miles. The county is sparsely populated, with a total population of around 10,000 people. The economy of White Pine County is primarily based on mining, ranching, and tourism.
Overall, the location of Ely State Prison is well-suited for its purpose as a maximum-security prison. Its remote location and proximity to the city of Ely provide a balance between security and accessibility.
Facilities
The facility was built in two phases, with Phase I completed and opened in August 1989, and Phase II completed in November 1990. The prison was designed to be a secure facility, with multiple layers of fencing and other security measures to prevent escapes and unauthorized access.
Capacity
The prison has a capacity of 1,183 inmates and is designated as a male-only facility. The majority of the inmates housed at Ely State Prison are classified as maximum-security, and the facility also houses death row for men. The prison has an execution chamber, which is used for carrying out the death penalty in the state of Nevada.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Ely State Prison are:
- Monday:
- 8:30 am – 2:45 pm – Minimum Custody
- Tuesday:
- 8:30 am – 2:45 pm – Maximum Custody
- Wednesday:
- 8:30 am – 2:45 pm – Protective Custody Level – 3
- Thursday:
- 8:30 am – 2:45 pm – General Population Level – 2
- Friday:
- 8:30 am – 2:45 pm – Protective Custody Level – 2
- Saturday
- 8:30 am – 2:45 pm – General Population Level – 1
- Sunday:
- 8:30 am – 2:45 pm – Protective Custody Level – 1
- Saturday and Sunday:
- 4:30 pm – 8:45 pm – Minimum Custody
Visitors are required to follow strict guidelines and dress codes, and all visits are subject to search.
In conclusion, Ely State Prison is a secure facility that houses maximum-security male inmates, including death row inmates. The prison has a capacity of 1,183 inmates and an execution chamber for carrying out the death penalty. Visitors are allowed on weekends and state holidays, subject to strict guidelines and dress codes.
Inmate Services
Ely State Prison offers a range of inmate services to help improve the lives of its incarcerated population. These services include educational opportunities and treatment services.
Educational Opportunities
The Nevada State Department of Corrections provides educational opportunities to inmates to help them develop skills and knowledge that will help them succeed in life after prison. Inmates can earn their high school diploma or take vocational training courses in fields such as culinary arts and construction.
Treatment Services
Ely State Prison offers a range of treatment services to inmates to help them address issues such as anger management, criminal thinking, and domestic violence prevention. These programs include:
- Anger Management II
- Criminal Thinking/Criminal Behavior
- Victim Awareness (Empathy)
- Starting Over Life Skills Series
- Nine to Five Beats Ten to Life
- Try: Treatment Readiness for You
- The Con Game
- Values for Responsible Living
- Learning to Live Without Violence
- The Adult Relapse Prevention Workbook
- Domestic Violence Awareness
- Domestic Violence Prevention
- Financial Literacy
Inmates who participate in these programs can learn valuable skills that will help them reintegrate into society and lead productive lives after their release.
Overall, Ely State Prison is dedicated to providing inmates with the tools and resources they need to succeed both during and after their incarceration.
Visiting
Ely State Prison allows visitors to see their incarcerated loved ones. However, visitors must follow strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.
Metal Detector
All visitors must pass through a metal detector before entering the prison. Visitors are not allowed to bring any electronic devices, such as cell phones, into the prison. Visitors must also pass through a pat-down search.
Visiting Rules
Visitors must follow strict rules and regulations while visiting Ely State Prison. These rules include:
- Visitors must wear appropriate clothing. Clothing that is too revealing or provocative is not allowed.
- Visitors must not bring any gifts or food for the inmates.
- Visitors must not bring any tobacco products or lighters into the prison.
- Visitors must not bring any weapons or contraband into the prison.
Inmate Mailing Address
Visitors who wish to send mail to an inmate at Ely State Prison can do so by addressing the envelope to the inmate’s full name and ID number, followed by the address of the prison:
Inmate's Full Name and ID Number
Ely State Prison
P.O. Box 1989
4569 North State Route 490
Ely, Nevada 89301It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure that mail is delivered to the correct inmate.