Kentucky State Penitentiary is the oldest and only maximum-security facility in Kentucky. Located near Eddyville in Lyon County, it is the home of Kentucky’s death row inmates. The penitentiary was established in 1884 and has since been a significant part of the state’s correctional system.
The facility is known for its strict security measures and high level of surveillance. The inmates at Kentucky State Penitentiary are among the most dangerous in the state, and the facility is equipped to handle them. The prison’s security measures include high walls, razor wire, and armed guards, making it nearly impossible to escape.
Despite its reputation as a high-security prison, Kentucky State Penitentiary offers various programs and services to inmates. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The facility also has a visitation program that allows inmates to maintain contact with their families and loved ones.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 856 |
| Physical Address | 266 Water Street Eddyville, Kentucky 42038 |
| Mailing Address | 266 Water Street Eddyville, Kentucky 42038 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (270) 388-2211 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The Kentucky State Penitentiary, located in Eddyville, Kentucky, is the state’s oldest and only maximum-security facility. The construction of the penitentiary began in 1884 and was completed in 1889 by Italian stonemasons. The facility was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Construction
The construction of the Kentucky State Penitentiary was a response to the overcrowding of the Kentucky State Reformatory in Frankfort. The Kentucky Legislature passed a law in 1880 to reorganize the penitentiary system, and the construction of the new facility in Eddyville was part of this reorganization. The penitentiary was designed to house 500 prisoners, but by the end of the first year, it had already exceeded its capacity.
The construction of the penitentiary was a massive undertaking that involved the use of Italian stonemasons. The facility was constructed using limestone quarried from nearby locations. The stonemasons used their skills to create intricate carvings and designs on the limestone walls, which can still be seen today.
The penitentiary has undergone several changes and renovations over the years. In 1958, the electric chair was installed at the facility, and it was used to execute 163 inmates until the practice was abolished in 2008. In 1981, the Western Kentucky Correctional Complex was opened, and it took over the housing of death row inmates from the Kentucky State Penitentiary.
Phil Tkacz served as the warden of the Kentucky State Penitentiary from 2009 to 2016. Shawn Logan became the warden in 2016 and continues to serve in that role.
The Kentucky State Penitentiary has a long and complex history that reflects the evolution of the state’s correctional system.
Facilities
The penitentiary has a number of buildings and grounds that are designed to provide a secure environment.
Buildings
The Kentucky State Penitentiary has several buildings that house inmates and staff. The buildings include cell blocks, administrative offices, and support facilities. The cell blocks are designed to house the inmates and are equipped with basic amenities such as beds, toilets, and showers. The administrative offices are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the penitentiary, while the support facilities provide services such as food, medical care, and education.
Grounds
The Kentucky State Penitentiary has a large outside wall that surrounds the entire facility. The wall is designed to prevent the inmates from escaping and to keep unauthorized visitors out. The penitentiary also has several exercise yards where the inmates can spend time outside. The exercise yards are equipped with basketball courts, weightlifting equipment, and other recreational facilities.
Security
The Kentucky State Penitentiary is a maximum security facility that is designed to provide a high level of control and security. The penitentiary has supermax units that are designed to house the most dangerous inmates. The cells in the supermax units are small and are equipped with only a bed, a toilet, and a sink. The penitentiary also has protective custody units that are designed to house inmates who are at risk of being harmed by other inmates.
The physical address of the Kentucky State Penitentiary is 266 Water Street, Eddyville, Kentucky 42038. The inmate mailing address is the same as the physical address. The penitentiary is one of several correctional facilities overseen by the Department of Corrections in Kentucky. The Department of Corrections is responsible for ensuring public safety and is overseen by the commissioners.
Visiting hours at the Kentucky State Penitentiary are subject to change and visitors are encouraged to check the website for updated information. Visitors can also send money to inmates using JPay or by calling the phone number provided on the website.
Inmate Care and Custody
Kentucky State Penitentiary is responsible for the care and custody of all inmates in its population. This includes providing healthcare, rehabilitation, programs, and visitation for all prisoners. The warden and staff at Kentucky State Penitentiary strive to ensure that all inmates are safe and secure while in their custody.
Healthcare
Healthcare is a crucial aspect of inmate care at Kentucky State Penitentiary. The prison has a medical staff that provides medical and dental care to all inmates. The medical staff also provides mental health services, including individual counseling and sex offender treatment. Inmates can request medical attention by submitting a sick call request to the medical staff.
Rehabilitation
Kentucky State Penitentiary offers various rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for life after their release. The prison provides GED courses, adult basic education, and work programs to help inmates develop the skills they need to find employment upon their release. The prison also offers sex offender treatment and individual counseling to help inmates address their personal issues.
Programs
Kentucky State Penitentiary offers a variety of programs to help inmates pass the time and stay engaged. Inmates can participate in correctional industries, such as the bag plant and landscaping, to learn new skills and earn money. The prison also offers work assignments, such as custodial work and kitchen duty, to help inmates stay busy and productive.
Visitation
Kentucky State Penitentiary allows visitation for all inmates in its population. Inmates can receive visits from family and friends, subject to certain rules and regulations. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must follow the prison’s dress code and conduct rules. Inmates can also communicate with family and friends by mail and phone.
- In-Person:
- 5CH – First Tuesday and Wednesday of the month: 8 am – 12 pm
- 4CH – Second Tuesday and Wednesday of the month: 8 am – 12 pm
- 6CH GP – Third Tuesday and Wednesday of the month: 8 am – 12 pm
- SSU (Death Row) – Fourth Tuesday and Wednesday of the month; In-person or Video: 8:00 – 10:30 am
- PC – Fourth Tuesday and Wednesday of the month; In-person or Video: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- OSQ – Fourth Tuesday and Wednesday of the month; In-person or Video: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
- Video Visits:
- Outside Quarters – Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: 1 pm – 2:30 pm
- Protective Custody – Sunday, Tuesday: 7:30 am – 8:30 am
- Unassigned – Sunday, Tuesday: 9:20 am – 10:20 am
- Death Row – Sunday, Tuesday: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
- General Population – Sunday, Tuesday: 12:15 pm – 2:15 pm
- TU – Sunday, Tuesday: 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm
- Merit Schedule – Tuesday: 4 pm – 5 pm
In conclusion, Kentucky State Penitentiary is committed to providing quality care and custody to all inmates in its population. The prison’s healthcare, rehabilitation, programs, and visitation services are designed to help inmates prepare for life after their release. The warden and staff at Kentucky State Penitentiary work hard to ensure that all inmates are safe and secure while in their custody.