Southeast State Correctional Complex: In-depth Overview

Southeast State Correctional Complex is a medium-security prison located in Kentucky. It is one of the 13 state prisons in the Commonwealth and is operated by the Department of Corrections. The prison offers evidence-based programming, including substance abuse programs and Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) to help inmates reintegrate into society.

The mission of the Southeast State Correctional Complex is to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while offering them the necessary resources to improve their lives. The prison has a capacity of 621 beds and houses male inmates. The facility is equipped with a medical unit, a mental health unit, and an education department that offers GED and vocational training programs. The prison also has a library and a chapel for religious services.

The Southeast State Correctional Complex has a staff of over 200 employees who work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the inmates. The prison is committed to providing a supportive environment that encourages positive change and personal growth. Despite the challenges of managing a prison, the staff at the Southeast State Correctional Complex continue to strive for excellence in their work.

SecurityMedium
Capacity621
Physical Address327 Correctional Drive
Wheelwright, KY 41669
Mailing Address327 Correctional Drive
P.O. Box 1600
Wheelwright, KY 41669
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursSaturdays and Sundays: 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number606-452-6300
JurisdictionState

Overview

Southeast State Correctional Complex (SSCC) is a medium-security prison located in Floyd County, Kentucky. The facility opened in 1981 and is operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections. SSCC is designed to house male and female inmates and has a capacity of 621 beds.

History

SSCC was opened in 1981 and has been in operation ever since. The facility was built to help alleviate overcrowding in other prisons in the state. The prison has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to meet the changing needs of the inmate population.

Facility Information

The SSCC is a medium-security prison that houses male and female inmates. The facility has a capacity of 621 beds and is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates. The prison has a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release, including educational and vocational training programs.

The SSCC is one of 14 correctional facilities in Kentucky that are overseen by the Division of Adult Institutions. The other facilities include the Otter Creek Correctional Center, which is a privately operated prison that houses male inmates. The Division of Adult Institutions is responsible for ensuring that all of the facilities under its jurisdiction are operated in a safe and secure manner and that the needs of the inmate population are met.

Inmate Programs

Southeast State Correctional Complex provides a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for their return to society. These programs are designed to help inmates develop skills, gain knowledge, and improve their chances of success after their release. The programs are divided into three categories: Education, Vocational Programs, and Substance Abuse Programs.

Education

Education is an important part of the rehabilitation process. The Southeast State Correctional Complex offers a variety of educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy skills, earn their GED, and even take college courses. These programs are designed to help inmates gain knowledge and skills that will be useful when they re-enter society.

Vocational Programs

Vocational training programs are designed to help inmates learn new skills that will be useful when they leave prison. The Southeast State Correctional Complex offers a variety of vocational programs, including carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. These programs help inmates develop marketable skills that can lead to employment opportunities after their release.

Substance Abuse Programs

Substance abuse is a common problem among inmates. The Southeast State Correctional Complex offers a variety of substance abuse programs to help inmates overcome their addictions. These programs include individual and group counseling, as well as educational programs that focus on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. The goal of these programs is to help inmates understand the negative impact that substance abuse can have on their lives and to help them develop the skills and strategies they need to overcome their addiction.

Overall, the Southeast State Correctional Complex provides a range of programs to help inmates prepare for their return to society. These programs are designed to help inmates develop skills, gain knowledge, and improve their chances of success after their release. By providing inmates with training programs and education, the Southeast State Correctional Complex is helping to build a culture of respect and responsibility within the prison system.

Reentry and Community Programs

Southeast State Correctional Complex offers various reentry and community programs to help offenders transition back into society. These programs aim to reduce recidivism rates and enhance public safety.

Reentry Programs

The facility’s reentry programs are designed to provide inmates with the necessary skills and resources to successfully reintegrate into the community. These programs include:

  • Job Readiness: This program helps inmates develop job skills and prepare for employment after release.
  • Substance Abuse Treatment: Southeast State Correctional Complex offers substance abuse treatment programs to help inmates overcome addiction and avoid relapse.
  • Mental Health Services: Inmates with mental health issues can receive treatment and counseling to help them manage their conditions.
  • Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program (CCTRP): This program provides eligible inmates with a structured environment to help them transition back into society.

Community Programs

Southeast State Correctional Complex also offers several community programs that aim to promote public safety and reduce recidivism rates. These programs include:

  • Community Service: Inmates can participate in community service programs to give back to the community and develop a sense of responsibility.
  • Victim Impact: This program helps inmates understand the impact of their actions on their victims and the community.
  • Family Reunification: This program provides resources and support to inmates and their families to help them maintain healthy relationships during and after incarceration.

Overall, Southeast State Correctional Complex’s reentry and community programs aim to provide inmates with the necessary tools and resources to successfully transition back into society and reduce recidivism rates.

Visitation

To schedule an appointment to visit, email [email protected] or call Kathryn Hale at (606) 452-6300, ext. 1013. You must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list. Visitation hours are on Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Visitors should arrive 30 minutes early to allow for processing and they must have ​a valid driver’s license.

For questions about visitation, contact Deputy Warden Danny McGraw at [email protected]

Controversies and Oversight

Controversies

Southeast State Correctional Complex has faced its fair share of controversies over the years. One of the most notable controversies was the decision to lease the facility to CoreCivic, a private prison company, in 2019. This decision was met with backlash from critics who argued that private prisons prioritize profits over rehabilitation and safety. However, the lease was ultimately approved and the facility is still operated by CoreCivic.

Another controversy surrounding Southeast State Correctional Complex is the treatment of incarcerated individuals. Reports have surfaced of overcrowding, lack of access to healthcare, and unsanitary living conditions. In 2020, the facility was hit with a lawsuit over allegations of inadequate medical care for female inmates.

Oversight

In response to these controversies, Southeast State Correctional Complex has faced increased oversight from various entities. The Kentucky Department of Corrections is responsible for overseeing all correctional facilities in the state, including Southeast State Correctional Complex. The Commonwealth of Kentucky also has oversight responsibilities, including the state budget and the Department for Public Health.

In addition to state oversight, Southeast State Correctional Complex is also subject to oversight from the federal government. The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is responsible for overseeing all correctional facilities in Kentucky, including Southeast State Correctional Complex.

To ensure the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals, Southeast State Correctional Complex has a maintenance crew that is responsible for maintaining the facility’s infrastructure. The facility also has administrative offices to handle day-to-day operations, and recreational areas to provide opportunities for physical activity and socialization.

Despite increased oversight and efforts to improve conditions, controversies surrounding Southeast State Correctional Complex persist. It remains to be seen what steps will be taken to address these issues and improve the lives of those who are incarcerated at the facility.

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