The Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex is a correctional facility located in Washington County, Florida. It is designed to house adult male inmates who are newly sentenced or in the process of being transferred to a permanent facility. The facility is operated by the Florida Department of Corrections and has a capacity of approximately 2,615 inmates.
Over the years, the Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex has undergone several on-site corrective action plan assessments by the Correctional Medical Authority (CMA) to ensure that the physical and mental health needs of its inmates are being met. The most recent assessment was conducted in June 2018, and the CMA reported that all mental health findings in the Annex unit were corrected. However, some physical health findings are still being addressed.
The facility has been the subject of some controversy in recent years, with allegations of mistreatment and abuse of inmates. In 2019, a lawsuit was filed against the facility by the Southern Poverty Law Center, alleging that the facility had violated the constitutional rights of its inmates. The lawsuit is ongoing, and the facility has denied the allegations.
Despite these challenges, the Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex remains an important part of the state’s correctional system, providing a critical first step in the rehabilitation of many inmates.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,615 |
| Physical Address | 4455 Sam Mitchell Drive Chipley, Florida 32428-3597 |
| Mailing Address | PO Box 23608 Tampa, FL 33623 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (850) 773-6500 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Contact
Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex is located at 4455 Sam Mitchell Drive, Chipley, Florida. The facility is easily accessible by car, and visitors can use the nearby parking lot. The center is situated in a quiet, rural area, which provides a serene environment for the inmates.
For those who wish to contact the facility, the phone number is (850) 773-6500. The phone lines are open during business hours, and callers can expect a prompt response from the staff. Alternatively, visitors can visit the facility in person and speak to the staff at the reception desk.
The physical address of the facility is 4455 Sam Mitchell Drive, Chipley, Florida.
The facility has a website that provides information on the center, including visiting hours, mail guidelines, and other relevant information. Visitors can access the website at flcma.gov. The website is updated regularly to reflect any changes in the facility’s policies or procedures.
In summary, Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex is located at 4455 Sam Mitchell Drive, Chipley, Florida. Visitors can contact the facility by phone at (850) 773-6500 or visit the facility in person. The physical address is 4455 Sam Mitchell Drive, Chipley, Florida, and visitors can access the facility’s website at flcma.gov for more information.
Inmate Information
Northwest Florida Reception Center (NWFRC) is a correctional facility that houses male inmates of minimum, medium, and close custody levels. The facility has a Main Unit and an Annex, which is responsible for the reception and orientation of inmates newly sanctioned to the state and houses new inmates until they are classified and transferred to other facilities.
Inmates at NWFRC are identified by their committed name and DC number. The facility provides an inmate search service on its website, which allows the public to search for inmates by their name or DC number. The search results provide the inmate’s name, DC number, race, sex, and date of birth.
Inmates at NWFRC are allowed to receive money from their family and friends. The facility has specific rules and regulations regarding how much money an inmate can receive, how the money should be sent, and how the money can be used. Inmates can use the money to purchase items from the facility’s commissary or to pay for services such as phone calls.
Inmates at NWFRC are also allowed to have an approved visiting list. The list should be submitted by the inmate’s family or friends and should include the names of people who are authorized to visit the inmate. The facility has specific rules and regulations regarding visitation, including the dress code and the items that visitors are allowed to bring.
Overall, NWFRC provides essential services and support to inmates. The facility ensures that inmates receive the necessary care and services while serving their sentences.
Educational Programs
The Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex offers a variety of educational programs to inmates to help them acquire new skills and knowledge that can help them succeed in their lives after release. These programs include GED, Adult Basic Education, Library Program, Law Library Program, and 100-hour Transition Program.
During Fiscal Year 2020-21, 14,877 inmates participated in academic education programs, and 5,308 participated in career and technical programs. As a result, 1,057 inmates earned general equivalency diplomas (GED), 1,166 inmates were awarded vocational certificates, and 3,275 inmates were awarded industry certificates while in the Florida prison system.
The GED program is a high school equivalency program that helps inmates acquire a high school diploma. The Adult Basic Education program is designed to help inmates improve their basic reading, writing, and math skills. The Library Program provides inmates with access to a variety of books, magazines, and other reading materials to help them improve their literacy skills. The Law Library Program provides inmates with access to legal materials to help them understand their legal rights and responsibilities.
The 100-hour Transition Program is a program that helps inmates transition back into society after their release from prison. This program includes vocational training, job search assistance, and other services designed to help inmates find employment and reintegrate into their communities.
Overall, the educational programs at the Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex are designed to help inmates acquire new skills and knowledge that can help them succeed in their lives after release. These programs are an essential component of the Florida Department of Corrections’ efforts to reduce recidivism and help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
Visitation Details
Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex allow visitation for inmates, subject to certain rules and regulations. Visitors are expected to follow all guidelines to ensure a smooth and safe visitation experience.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex are on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors are advised to arrive early to allow sufficient time for processing and screening.
Compound Visitation
Visitation takes place in the compound area of the facility. Visitors are not allowed to enter the housing units or other restricted areas. Inmates are allowed two visits per month, with each visit lasting up to two hours.
Visitor Application and Valid Photo ID
All visitors must complete a visitor application and submit it for approval before visiting an inmate. The application can be obtained from the facility’s website or by contacting the facility directly. Visitors must also present a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, at the time of the visit.
Video Visitation
Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex also offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visitation. Visitors can schedule a video visitation session through the facility’s website or by contacting the facility directly.
Property Search and Magneto Static Detector
Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items into the facility during visitation. All personal belongings, including car keys and electronic devices, must be stored in a locker provided by the facility. Visitors are also subject to a property search and a magneto static detector scan before entering the compound area.
Vending Machines
Vending machines are available in the visitation area for visitors to purchase snacks and beverages. Visitors should bring cash as vending machines do not accept credit or debit cards.
Medication
Visitors are not allowed to bring any medication into the facility during visitation. Inmates requiring medication during visitation must make prior arrangements with the facility’s medical staff.
Overall, Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex have strict guidelines in place to ensure the safety and security of all visitors, staff, and inmates. Visitors are expected to follow all rules and regulations to ensure a positive visitation experience.
Communication With Inmates
Effective communication is essential in any correctional facility, and Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex are no exception. Inmates at the facility have several options to communicate with the outside world, including telephone, mail, and email.
Inmates can make collect calls to approved numbers, including landline and cell phone numbers. The Florida Department of Corrections has partnered with JPay to provide an electronic messaging system that allows inmates to send and receive emails. Inmates can also receive mail from family and friends, and they are allowed to send mail as well. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection and searches for contraband.
When sending mail to an inmate at Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex, it is important to include the inmate’s full name, DC number, and the mailing address of the facility:
- Inmate’s last name, first name, DC#
- PO Box 23608
- Tampa, FL 33623
First-class stamps are required for all outgoing mail, and greeting cards must be plain with no musical devices or pop-up features.
Inmates are not allowed to receive packages from family and friends, but they can order items through the facility’s commissary. The commissary offers a variety of items, including hygiene products, snacks, and electronics.
While communication is encouraged, it is important to note that all communication is monitored and recorded. Inmates are not allowed to use communication methods to engage in illegal activities or harass others. Any violation of communication rules can result in disciplinary action.
Overall, Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex strive to provide inmates with several communication options while maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.
Inmate Services and Programs
Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex offers a variety of inmate services and programs aimed at personal growth, rehabilitation, and institutional betterment. These programs include educational classes, vocational training, and counseling services.
Inmates can participate in personal growth programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous to help overcome addiction. These programs provide a supportive environment where inmates can share their experiences and receive guidance from trained professionals.
The volunteer program at Northwest Florida Reception Center provides opportunities for inmates to give back to the community. Inmates can participate in community service projects such as cleaning up local parks and assisting with disaster relief efforts.
The institution also offers institutional betterment programs, which aim to improve the overall quality of life for inmates. These programs include the Gavel Club, which provides public speaking and leadership training, and vocational programs that teach inmates valuable job skills.
Overall, the Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex provide a range of services and programs to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison.
Security Measures
Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex maintain a high level of security to ensure the safety of the staff, prisoners, and visitors. The facility has a custody level of close, which means that the prisoners are closely monitored and have limited privileges. The security measures include the following:
- Metal Detectors: All visitors are required to pass through metal detectors before entering the facility. This is to ensure that no weapons or contraband are brought inside.
- Pat Search: Visitors are also subject to a pat search by the correctional officers. This is to ensure that no prohibited items are brought inside the facility.
- Barrier Search: Visitors must also pass through a barrier search before entering the facility. This is to ensure that no prohibited items are passed through the barrier.
- Cell Phone: Visitors are not allowed to bring cell phones inside the facility. This is to prevent prisoners from communicating with the outside world.
- Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately when visiting the facility. This means no revealing clothing, no shorts, and no sleeveless shirts.
- Pictures: Visitors are not allowed to take pictures inside the facility. This is to protect the privacy of the prisoners.
- Custody Level: The facility has a custody level of close, which means that the prisoners are closely monitored and have limited privileges.
- Telephone Account: Prisoners are allowed to make phone calls to approved numbers. They must have a telephone account in order to make calls.
- Personal Identification Number (PIN): Prisoners are assigned a personal identification number (PIN) that they use to make phone calls.
- Call List: Prisoners are only allowed to call numbers that are on their approved call list.
Overall, Northwest Florida Reception Center and Annex take security very seriously and have implemented strict measures to ensure the safety of everyone inside the facility.