James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) is the largest adult, male correctional facility in the state of Delaware. Located in Smyrna, the facility houses approximately 2,000 prisoners of minimum, medium, and maximum security levels, including those sentenced to the death penalty. The center opened in 1971 with a capacity of 500 inmates, which has since been expanded to meet the demands of the state’s growing prison population.
As with any correctional facility, JTVCC has faced its share of challenges over the years. In 2017, the center was the site of a deadly inmate uprising that left one correctional officer dead and several others injured. The incident led to a review of the state’s prison system and calls for reform. In response, the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) has implemented changes to improve safety and security at JTVCC and other facilities in the state.
Despite its challenges, JTVCC remains an important part of Delaware’s criminal justice system. The center provides housing, medical care, and rehabilitation services to prison inmates, as well as education and job training programs to help prepare them for reentry into society. The DOC continues to work to improve conditions at JTVCC and other facilities, with a focus on reducing recidivism and promoting public safety.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,952 |
| Physical Address | 1181 Paddock Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 96777 Las Vegas, NV 89193 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Monday – Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (302) 653-9261 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Location
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center is a state-run correctional facility located in Smyrna, Delaware. It is the largest adult male correctional facility in the state, with a capacity of approximately 2,000 inmates. The facility opened in 1971 with a capacity of 500 inmates and has since undergone several expansions to meet the growing demand for correctional services in the state.
The facility is named after James T. Vaughn, a former Delaware Department of Correction commissioner who was instrumental in the development of the state’s correctional system. The facility is located on a 126-acre site in New Castle County, just outside the town of Smyrna.
JTVCC houses minimum, medium, and maximum-security inmates, as well as inmates sentenced to the death penalty. The facility also houses pre-trial detainees. The male-only population is housed in separate units to ensure their safety and security.
Over the years, JTVCC has been the site of several high-profile incidents, including a hostage situation in February 2017 that resulted in the death of one correctional officer. As a result, the facility has undergone several security upgrades and reforms to improve safety for both staff and inmates.
Despite its troubled history, JTVCC remains a critical component of Delaware’s correctional system, providing essential services to the state’s inmate population.
Facility Description
The James T. Vaughn Correctional Center is the largest adult male correctional facility in the state of Delaware. It is located near Smyrna, Delaware, and was opened in 1971 with a capacity of 1,500 inmates. Currently, JTVCC houses approximately 2,000 inmates in minimum, medium, and maximum security units.
The facility is surrounded by a security fence and razor wire to ensure maximum security. In addition, security cameras are installed throughout the facility to monitor inmate activity and ensure the safety of both inmates and staff. The Security Housing Unit (SHU) is a maximum-security area within the facility that houses inmates who pose a high risk to the community or are a danger to themselves or others.
JTVCC also houses inmates sentenced to the death penalty, and executions are carried out at the facility. The facility has a staff of approximately 1,200 employees, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel.
In terms of facilities, JTVCC has a variety of amenities for inmates, including a library, gymnasium, and chapel. The facility also offers vocational training programs, educational programs, and substance abuse treatment programs to help inmates prepare for reentry into society.
Overall, JTVCC is a secure and well-maintained correctional facility that provides a range of services and programs to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for their eventual release.
Inmate Population
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center is the largest adult male correctional facility in the state of Delaware, with a current capacity of approximately 2,000 inmates. The facility houses minimum, medium, and maximum security inmates, including those sentenced to the death penalty, with executions carried out at JTVCC.
Inmates at JTVCC come from a variety of backgrounds and have varying levels of criminal history. The facility houses inmates with different quality of life levels, ranging from those who have committed minor offenses to those who have committed serious crimes. The facility also houses inmates with varying levels of institutional behavior, including those who are compliant and those who are non-compliant.
JTVCC is home to a medium-high housing unit, which houses inmates who require a higher level of supervision due to their threat to public safety or their program needs. The facility also houses maximum security inmates in a separate housing unit, which is designed to provide additional security measures to prevent escape or violence.
Inmates at JTVCC have access to a variety of programs designed to help them rehabilitate and prepare for reentry into society. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Overall, the inmate population at JTVCC is diverse, with a range of needs and backgrounds. The facility strives to provide a safe and secure environment for all inmates while also offering opportunities for rehabilitation and personal growth.
Programs and Services
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for their eventual re-entry into society. These programs and services include educational opportunities, vocational training, work assignments, and spiritual/religious programs.
Educational opportunities are available to inmates through partnerships with local colleges and universities. These programs offer courses in subjects such as math, English, and computer skills. Inmates can also earn their GED while incarcerated.
Vocational training programs are designed to help inmates learn new skills that can lead to employment after release. These programs include welding, carpentry, and culinary arts. Inmates can also participate in apprenticeships with local businesses to gain hands-on experience.
Work assignments are an important part of the rehabilitation process. Inmates are assigned to work in various areas of the facility, including food service, maintenance, and laundry. These work assignments help inmates develop a strong work ethic and learn valuable job skills.
Spiritual/religious programs are available to inmates of all faiths. These programs include religious services, Bible studies, and counseling. Inmates can also participate in meditation and yoga classes to help them manage stress and improve their mental health.
Overall, James T. Vaughn Correctional Center is committed to providing inmates with the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into society. By offering a variety of programs and services, the facility is helping inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to lead productive lives after release.
Visitation and Communication
Family members and friends of inmates at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center are permitted to visit their loved ones during designated visiting hours. To schedule a visit, individuals must call the Visitation phone line, which is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inmate visitors must submit a Visitation Application and be approved before they can visit an inmate.
Inmates at JTVCC are permitted to make collect calls following the policy of the institution in which they are located. Family members and friends can establish a pre-paid phone account for an inmate. However, no phone calls by the public can be made to an offender.
Incoming inmate mail is processed according to the updated policy at JTVCC. Friends and family members of inmates should refer to the updated policy to ensure their mail is processed correctly.
JTVCC also offers a commissary, where inmates can purchase items such as hygiene products, snacks, and writing supplies. Family members and friends can deposit money into an inmate’s account, which can be used to make purchases at the commissary.
Visiting hours are scheduled for Monday through Sunday at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled visit and present a valid photo ID. Visitors are subject to a search before they are permitted to enter the facility.
Overall, JTVCC has policies and procedures in place to ensure that inmates can communicate with their loved ones while serving their sentences. Family members and friends of inmates should familiarize themselves with the policies and procedures to ensure that their communication with their loved ones is not interrupted.
Contact Information
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center is a state-run adult male correctional facility located in Smyrna, Delaware. The facility is responsible for the custody and care of inmates who have been sentenced to prison by the Delaware courts. If you need to contact the facility, you can use the following information.
Address
The address for James T. Vaughn Correctional Center is:
- 1181 Paddock Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977
Phone Number
If you need to contact James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, you can call the facility at (302) 653-9261. The main phone line for the Delaware Department of Correction is (302) 739-5601.
Type
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center is a state-run adult male correctional facility.
Mailing Address
If you need to send mail to an inmate at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, you can use the following mailing address:
- For non-legal inmate mail:
Inmate Name – SBI Number
Delaware DOC – 1101
PO Box 96777
Las Vegas, NV 89193 - For legal and pre-approved inmate mail:
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC)
Inmate Name
SBI Number
James T. Vaughn Correctional Center
1181 Paddock Road
Smyrna, DE 19977
Physical Address
The physical address for James T. Vaughn Correctional Center is:
- 1181 Paddock Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977