Holman Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Atmore, Alabama, and is operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections. It is the primary correctional facility in the state for housing death row inmates and is the only facility in Alabama that carries out executions. The prison was opened in December 1969 and has a capacity of 306 inmates.
The facility is located 10 miles north of Atmore on Highway 21 on Ross Road. Originally built to house 581 inmates, Holman held as many as one thousand prisoners. It currently houses inmates of all custody levels, from minimum security to closed custody (maximum) status. Holman Correctional Facility is well-known for its strict security measures and has a reputation for being one of the toughest prisons in the country.
Despite its reputation, Holman Correctional Facility has been the subject of controversy and criticism over the years. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into the facility after allegations of excessive use of force and other civil rights violations. The investigation resulted in a consent decree that required the Alabama Department of Corrections to make significant changes to the way the facility is run.
| Security Level | Maximum |
| Max Capacity | 306 |
| Physical Address | 866 Ross Road Atmore, AL 36503 |
| Mailing Address | 866 Ross Road Atmore, AL 36503 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | Yes |
| Phone | (251) 368-8173 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The William C. Holman Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Atmore, Alabama. It was opened in December 1969 with a basic capacity of 520 medium-custody inmates, including a death row cellblock with a capacity of 20. The facility was constructed for $5,000,000 during the administration of Governor Lurleen Wallace and Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner James T. Hagan.
Commissioner Jeff Dunn’s Administration
In 2015, Commissioner Jeff Dunn took over the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) and began a series of reforms aimed at improving conditions and reducing violence in the state’s prisons. One of the major issues he faced was the overcrowding of the state’s prisons, including Holman, which was designed to house 581 inmates but held as many as one thousand prisoners.
Under Dunn’s leadership, the ADOC began a program to reduce the number of inmates in the state’s prisons by releasing non-violent offenders and diverting others to community corrections programs. The program has been successful, with the state’s prison population dropping from a high of over 31,000 in 2012 to around 20,000 in 2023.
In addition to reducing the prison population, Dunn has also focused on improving conditions for inmates, including increasing staffing levels, improving medical care, and reducing the use of solitary confinement. These efforts have led to a decrease in violence in the state’s prisons, including Holman.
Overall, while the Holman Correctional Facility has a troubled history, efforts by the ADOC under Commissioner Jeff Dunn’s administration have been successful in reducing overcrowding and improving conditions for inmates.
Facility
Holman Correctional Facility is the primary facility for housing death row inmates and is the only prison in Alabama that carries out executions.
Custody Levels
Holman Correctional Facility houses inmates of all custody levels, from minimum-security to closed custody (maximum) status. The facility has a closed custody unit known as E Dorm, which houses some of the most violent and dangerous inmates in the state.
General Population
The general population of Holman Correctional Facility is housed in various dormitories, including A, B, C, and D Dorms. Inmates in the general population have access to a range of programs and activities, including GED courses, vocational training, and religious services. The facility also has a Tag Plant and Sewing Factory, where inmates can work and earn money.
Death Row
Holman Correctional Facility is the primary facility for housing death row inmates in Alabama. The facility has an execution chamber where executions are carried out. Inmates on death row are housed in a separate unit from the general population and have limited access to programs and activities.
Conditions
Holman Correctional Facility has been the subject of controversy over the years. The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed lawsuits against the facility, alleging that inmates are subjected to inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and excessive use of force by staff. In 2020, it was announced that Holman Correctional Facility would be largely decommissioned, with more than 600 inmates being transferred to other facilities in the state.
Visitation
Visitation days and hours at Holman Correctional Facility are on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. All visitors are subject to a metal detector and pat search before entering the facility. Inmates can purchase items from the commissary, including food, hygiene products, and clothing.
Overall, Holman Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison that houses some of the most dangerous inmates in Alabama. It has a history of controversy and has been the subject of a documentary by MSNBC. Despite efforts to improve conditions at the facility, it remains a challenging and difficult environment for both staff and inmates.
Issues
Holman Correctional Facility has faced several issues over the years, including overcrowding, understaffing, violence levels and riots, and executions.
Overcrowding and Understaffing
Holman Correctional Facility has been plagued by overcrowding and understaffing for years. According to a report by NPR, the staffing at correctional facilities in Alabama was found to hover at just a third of its authorized level, which raises concerns that, as bad as conditions are now, they could get even worse.
The overcrowding has led to a lack of space for inmates, which has resulted in the use of makeshift beds and overcrowded cells. The understaffing has resulted in a lack of security and supervision, which has made the prison more dangerous for both inmates and staff.
Violence and Riots
Holman Correctional Facility is known as one of the most violent prisons in the South. The prison has seen numerous violent incidents, including stabbings, riots, and assaults. In 2016, two correctional officers were stabbed by an inmate, which led to a lockdown of the prison.
The violence at Holman Correctional Facility has been attributed to overcrowding, understaffing, and lack of resources. Inmates are often left to fend for themselves, and the lack of supervision has led to an increase in gang activity.
Executions
Holman Correctional Facility is also known for its use of the death penalty. The prison has executed several inmates over the years, including Carter Davenport, who was executed in 2017.
The use of the death penalty has been controversial, with many arguing that it is inhumane and violates human rights. Others argue that it is necessary for justice to be served.
Despite the controversy, the Alabama Department of Corrections continues to use the death penalty as a means of punishment.
In conclusion, Holman Correctional Facility has faced several issues over the years, including overcrowding, understaffing, violence and riots, and executions. These issues have made the prison a dangerous and violent place, and have led to calls for reform and better conditions for inmates.
Rehabilitation
Holman Correctional Facility, like many other prisons, aims to rehabilitate its inmates and prepare them for reintegration into society. The Alabama Department of Corrections offers various programs to help inmates improve their skills and knowledge, including education, vocational training, and counseling.
The facility provides academic and vocational courses to inmates, including GED preparation, adult basic education, and vocational training in fields such as welding, plumbing, and carpentry. These courses are designed to help inmates develop marketable skills that can increase their chances of finding employment after their release. Additionally, counseling services are available for inmates who need help with substance abuse, anger management, or other issues.
Probation is also an option for inmates who have served part of their sentence and have demonstrated good behavior. Probation allows inmates to serve the remainder of their sentence outside of prison, under certain conditions such as regular check-ins with a probation officer and maintaining employment.
Family and friends can send money to inmates through the Alabama Department of Corrections website or by phone. Inmates can use this money to purchase items from the commissary, such as snacks, hygiene products, and writing supplies.
It is important to note that not all inmates are eligible for rehabilitation programs, and some may not be interested in participating. Additionally, not all inmates will be released from prison, as some are serving life sentences or have warrants for their arrest in other states.