Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution is a medium and special needs facility located in Columbia, South Carolina. The institution was opened in 1973 and is managed by the South Carolina Department of Corrections. It is named after Camille Griffin, a former state senator who was known for her advocacy on behalf of women in prison.
The facility houses special needs women who are 17 years of age and older. It is one of the 21 institutions managed by the South Carolina Department of Corrections, which are categorized into four distinct custody levels: close security, medium security, minimum security, and community-based pre-release/work centers for those with Minimum-Out Custody classification. Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution is unique in that it is one of the few facilities in the state that caters to the needs of female inmates with special requirements.
The institution has a capacity of 916 inmates and is managed by Warden Devin Gadson. It is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for the inmates, as well as offering programs and services that aim to promote rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 916 |
| Physical Address | 4450 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29210-4096 |
| Mailing Address | 4450 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29210-4096 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (803) 896-8590 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution is a women’s prison located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is managed by the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) and has a capacity of 916 inmates. The prison is named after Camille Griffin, the first female African-American legislator in South Carolina.
Location
Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution is located at 4450 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina, 29210-4096. The prison is situated in the northwest part of Columbia, approximately four miles from the city center. The prison is easily accessible from Interstate 20 and Interstate 26.
Facilities
The prison has several facilities, including housing units, medical facilities, and administrative buildings. The housing units are divided into several sections, including general population, maximum security, and special needs. The medical facilities are staffed by medical professionals and provide a range of services, including routine medical care, emergency care, and mental health services.
The prison also has a Reception and Evaluation (R&E) Center. The R&E Center is responsible for processing newly arrived inmates and determining their security classification level. Inmates are evaluated based on their criminal history, behavior, and other factors. The R&E Center also provides medical and mental health screenings.
Overall, Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution is a well-maintained facility that provides a safe and secure environment for female inmates. The prison has a range of programs and services designed to help inmates prepare for their release and successfully reintegrate into society.
Inmate Services
Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution offers a variety of inmate services to help individuals with their physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Inmates have access to medical and dental care, education and vocational training, religious and volunteer services, and pre-release and habilitation services.
Medical and Dental Care
The institution provides medical and dental care to inmates through on-site medical clinics. Inmates with debilitating conditions receive specialized care, while HIV-positive inmates are provided with support groups and medical treatment. Dental care includes routine cleanings, fillings, and extractions.
Education and Vocational Training
GED preparation and high school courses are available to inmates who have not completed their education. Vocational training programs, such as welding and office skills, are also offered to help inmates acquire job skills that can be used upon release. The apparel plant provides inmates with the opportunity to learn sewing and other textile-related skills.
Religious and Volunteer Services
Religious services are available to inmates of all faiths, including Catholic, Protestant, and Islamic. Volunteer services, such as Sistercare and Friends of Corrections Clothing Program, offer inmates the opportunity to give back to the community and gain valuable social skills.
Pre-Release and Habilitation Services
Pre-release classes, such as Impact of Crime Classes and Parenting Education, are available to help inmates prepare for life outside of prison. Habilitation services, such as Addictions Treatment Unit and Behavioral Problems, are offered to help inmates overcome personal challenges and develop positive coping skills.
Overall, Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution strives to provide a range of inmate services to help individuals better themselves and prepare for a successful re-entry into society.
Death Row
Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution houses the State of South Carolina’s death row for women. The prison has a designated area for death row inmates, where they are held in single cells.
State of South Carolina Death Row for Women
Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution is the only facility in South Carolina that houses female death row inmates. The state’s death row for women was established in 1912 and has been located at various facilities over the years. The current location at Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution has been in use since 2002.
Female death row inmates in South Carolina are housed separately from male death row inmates. They are held in single cells and are subject to stricter rules and regulations. The state’s death row for women currently houses a small number of inmates.
Overall, the death row section at Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution is designed to keep inmates separate from the general population and maintain a secure environment. Death row inmates are held under strict supervision and are subject to regular monitoring. The facility is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all inmates, staff, and visitors.
Security
Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution is a secure facility that has implemented a variety of measures to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and visitors. The facility has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of violence, and all incidents are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
Electronic Surveillance
One of the key security measures at Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution is electronic surveillance. The facility is equipped with a comprehensive system of cameras and other monitoring equipment that is used to keep an eye on inmates and detect any potential security threats. The cameras are strategically placed throughout the facility to provide complete coverage of all areas, including housing units, common areas, and outdoor spaces.
Investigation
In the event that an incident occurs, the facility has a team of trained investigators who are responsible for conducting a thorough investigation. These investigators are specially trained to handle all types of incidents, including assaults, fights, and other types of violence. They work closely with other staff members to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine the cause of the incident.
Inmate Abuse
Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of inmate abuse. The facility takes all allegations of abuse seriously and investigates them thoroughly. Inmates who are found to have engaged in abusive behavior towards other inmates or staff members may face disciplinary action, including loss of privileges or even criminal charges.
Overall, the security measures at Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution are designed to ensure the safety of all individuals within the facility. The facility takes a proactive approach to security, and staff members work diligently to prevent incidents from occurring in the first place.
Visitation
Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution allows visitation for inmates, subject to certain rules and restrictions. Visitors must follow all the rules and regulations set forth by the institution to ensure the safety and security of the inmates, staff, and visitors.
Visiting Rules
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list, which can be updated by the inmate. Visitors must bring a valid photo ID and be dressed appropriately. The following items are not allowed inside the institution: weapons, drugs, tobacco products, cell phones, cameras, and any other items deemed inappropriate by the staff.
Visitors are required to pass through a metal detector and may be subject to a pat-down search. In addition, visitors are not allowed to bring any items for the inmate, except for money orders or cashier’s checks. Visitors must also follow all instructions given by the staff during the visitation.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution may receive mail from family and friends. All incoming mail must be addressed to the inmate’s full name and SCDC number, followed by the institution’s address. The mailing address for the institution is:
Inmate Name and SCDC #
Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution
4450 Broad River Road
Columbia, SC 29210-4096All incoming mail will be opened and inspected for contraband. Inmates may also send and receive mail through the U.S. Postal Service. However, inmates are not allowed to receive packages from family or friends.
Overall, visitors and inmates must follow the rules and regulations set forth by the institution to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.
Notable Figures
Warden
The Warden of Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the facility. As of 2023, the current warden is Devin Gadson. Gadson has been with the South Carolina Department of Corrections since 2003 and has served as a Warden since 2015. He has held various positions within the SCDC, including Correctional Officer, Sergeant, and Captain. Under his leadership, the facility has implemented several programs to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society after their release.
Marian Boulware
Marian Boulware was the first female warden at Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution. She began her career in corrections in 1985 as a Correctional Officer and worked her way up the ranks. In 2002, she was appointed as the Warden of the Women’s Correctional Institution, which was later renamed Camille Griffin Graham Correctional. Boulware retired in 2013 after 28 years of service with the SCDC.
Devin Gadson
Devin Gadson is the current Warden of Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution. He has been with the SCDC since 2003 and has held various positions within the department. As a Warden, Gadson is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the facility, as well as overseeing the rehabilitation and reentry programs for inmates. Under his leadership, the facility has implemented several programs to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society after their release.
Overall, the Warden and other notable figures at Graham (Camille Griffin) Correctional Institution play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of the facility, as well as providing inmates with the necessary resources to successfully reintegrate into society.