Little Sandy Correctional Complex is a medium-security institution located in Elliott County, Kentucky.
It is the state’s newest and most technologically advanced institution, having begun receiving its first female inmates in May 2005.
The facility is operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections and has a capacity of 976 inmates.
The prison expansion project of Little Sandy Correctional Complex is aimed at creating more than 160 new jobs in Elliott County and transitioning inmates out of a reformatory with aging infrastructure. The expansion project is part of the Department of Corrections’ efforts to create a safer Kentucky.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion project was held in November 2022 and was attended by the Governor’s senior advisor, Rocky Adkins, and local officials.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 976 |
| Physical Address | 505 Prison Connector Sandy Hook, Kentucky 41171 |
| Mailing Address | 505 Prison Connector Sandy Hook, Kentucky 41171 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone number | (606) 738-6133 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location
Little Sandy Correctional Complex is located in Sandy Hook, Kentucky. The facility is situated at 505 Prison Connector, Sandy Hook, Kentucky 41171. The correctional complex is a medium-security prison that houses male inmates.
The facility is located on a 1,200-acre site in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The site was originally used as a training ground for the National Guard during World War II. The prison was established in 2005 and has since been providing services to the state of Kentucky.
Little Sandy Correctional Complex is located in the northeastern part of Kentucky, approximately 120 miles east of Lexington. The prison is easily accessible by car and is located near the intersection of US Route 60 and KY Route 7.
The facility is situated in a rural area, surrounded by farmland and forested hills. The location provides a peaceful and secure environment for the inmates and staff. However, the remoteness of the location also presents some challenges, such as limited access to medical facilities and other services.
Facilities
Little Sandy Correctional Complex is Kentucky’s newest and most technologically advanced institution.
It is designed to house up to 976 male inmates in a variety of living units, including minimum security and special management units.
Living Units
The living units at Little Sandy Correctional Complex are designed to provide inmates with a safe and secure environment.
The minimum security unit is designed for inmates who have demonstrated good behavior and are nearing the end of their sentence.
The special management unit is designed for inmates who require a more secure environment due to their behavior or the nature of their offense.
Support Buildings
In addition to the living units, Little Sandy Correctional Complex has a number of support buildings. These include a gym, dining facility, maintenance area, medical unit, and inmate canteen.
The gym provides inmates with an opportunity to exercise and stay physically fit, and the dining facility serves three meals a day and is designed to provide inmates with a nutritious diet.
The maintenance area is responsible for the upkeep of the facility, while the medical unit provides healthcare services to inmates.
The inmate canteen is where inmates can purchase personal items and snacks.
Educational Programs
Little Sandy Correctional Complex offers a variety of educational programs to inmates. These programs include adult basic education, educational good time, carpentry, horticulture, construction management, and small engine repair.
These programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed once they are released from prison.
Visitation
Visitation at Little Sandy Correctional Complex is an important part of the rehabilitation process.
Visitation hours are:
- General Population: Monday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Minimum Security Unit (MSU): Monday and Friday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Administrative SMU – Monday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Disciplinary SMU – Friday, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Visitation must be scheduled in advance by contacting the prison. To schedule an appointment to visit, contact the following:
- Visitors of inmates living in GA or MSU Housing Units should contact Unit Secretary Lewis at (606) 738-6133, ext. 1614, or email [email protected]
- Visitors of inmates living in GB or SMU Housing Units should contact Unit Secretary Dennis at (606) 738-6133, ext. 1602, or email [email protected]
Inmates are assigned an ID number that must be used when scheduling visits. Visitors must follow the visitation protocol and be on the inmate’s visitation list.
Correctional Programs
Little Sandy Correctional Complex offers a variety of correctional programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society.
These programs aim to provide inmates with the necessary skills and education to become productive citizens once they leave prison.
Education Programs
One of the primary programs offered at Little Sandy Correctional Complex is the General Education Development (GED) program.
This program allows inmates to earn their high school equivalency diploma, which can greatly increase their chances of finding employment upon release.
Minimum Security
Little Sandy Correctional Complex is classified as a medium-security institution, but it also has a minimum-security unit.
This unit is designed for inmates who have demonstrated good behavior and are nearing their release date. Inmates in the minimum-security unit are given more freedom and responsibility, which can help them transition back into society more smoothly.
Parole Programs
Little Sandy Correctional Complex offers several parole programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release.
These programs provide inmates with counseling and support to help them adjust to life outside of prison.
Inmates are also given assistance with finding housing and employment upon release.
Productive Citizens
The ultimate goal of Little Sandy Correctional Complex’s correctional programs is to help inmates become productive citizens once they leave prison. This means providing them with the education, skills, and support they need to succeed in the outside world.
By doing so, Little Sandy Correctional Complex hopes to reduce recidivism and help inmates lead successful, fulfilling lives after their release.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Little Sandy Correctional Complex offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates with treatment and rehabilitation.
The Kentucky Department of Corrections maintains a catalogue of evidence-based, life skills, promising practice, and substance abuse programs to address a wide range of reentry, supervision, and incarceration needs. Program offerings vary based on available resources and the needs of the offender population.
One of the programs offered at Little Sandy Correctional Complex is the Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP). The SOTP provides sexual offenders, who are amenable to treatment, with resources to prevent further sexual offenses. Luther Luckett Correctional Complex (LLCC) is one of four institutions in Kentucky that offers SOTP.
Another program offered at Little Sandy Correctional Complex is the ASK Treatment Modalities. This program is available for male inmates and is also offered at other institutions in Kentucky, such as Northpoint Training Center (NTC) and Roederer Correctional Complex (RCC).
The program provides evidence-based substance abuse treatment and cognitive-behavioral interventions to help inmates overcome addiction and develop the skills necessary for successful reentry into society.
Additionally, Little Sandy Correctional Complex offers Chrysalis House, a residential treatment program for pregnant and parenting women diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder.
They also offer treatment for women with co-occurring substance use and one or more mental health disorders. The program is designed to help women overcome addiction and develop the skills necessary for successful reentry into society.