Sussex II State Prison is a correctional facility located in Waverly, Virginia. Established in 1999, it is one of the many state prisons operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections. The prison houses adult male inmates and is designed to provide a secure and safe environment for both the inmates and the staff.
As with any correctional facility, Sussex II State Prison has its own set of unique challenges and issues. Inmates are housed in cells and are subject to strict rules and regulations. The prison provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release, including education and vocational training. However, the prison has also experienced incidents of violence and other issues related to inmate behavior.
| Security | Supermax |
| Capacity | 1,312 |
| Physical Address | 24427 Musselwhite Drive Waverly, VA 23891 |
| Mailing Address | 24427 Musselwhite Drive Waverly, VA 23891 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (804) 834-2678 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Capacity
Sussex II State Prison is a supermax-security correctional facility located in Waverly, Virginia. The prison is situated on Musselwhite Drive in Sussex County, Virginia. The facility is operated by the Virginia Department of Corrections and has a current capacity of 1,312 inmates.
The prison is located in a rural area and covers a total area of 1,200 acres. The facility is surrounded by farmland and forests, providing a secluded and secure environment for the inmates. The prison is located approximately 60 miles southeast of Richmond, the capital of Virginia.
The prison was opened in 1990 and has since undergone several expansions and renovations. The facility is designed to house male inmates who have been convicted of a variety of offenses, including violent crimes, drug offenses, and property crimes. The prison offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services.
In addition to its housing units, the prison also features a medical unit, a dining hall, a gymnasium, and a chapel. The facility also has several outdoor recreation areas, including basketball courts and a baseball field.
Overall, Sussex II State Prison is a well-maintained facility that provides a safe and secure environment for its inmates. The prison’s location in a rural area helps to minimize the risk of escapes and provides a peaceful setting for inmates to focus on their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Security Levels
Sussex II State Prison is a correctional facility that houses offenders who have long-term sentences or have demonstrated disruptive behavior at lower security levels. The facility has a total of five security levels, ranging from Level 1 to Level 5, with Level 1 being the lowest and Level 5 being the highest security level.
Offenders who are considered difficult to manage or pose a higher security risk are typically placed in higher security levels, while those who have demonstrated good behavior and pose a lower security risk are placed in lower security levels. The security level of an offender is determined based on a number of factors, including their criminal history, behavior while incarcerated, and the nature of their offense.
At Sussex II State Prison, Level 4 is the highest security level, and offenders who are placed in this level must be infraction-free for at least six months. This level is reserved for offenders who have demonstrated violent or disruptive behavior in the past, or who pose a significant risk to the safety and security of other inmates or staff members.
Before an offender can be transferred to a less-secure facility, they must pass a background check and cannot have any disruptive behavior for at least the past 24 months. This ensures that offenders who are transferred to lower security levels are less likely to pose a risk to the safety and security of others.
Overall, the security levels at Sussex II State Prison are designed to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff members, while also providing a structured environment for offenders to serve their sentences and prepare for re-entry into the community.
Visitation and Inmate Search
Sussex II State Prison allows visitation for inmates, subject to certain rules and regulations. Visitors must be on the approved list, which can be obtained by contacting the facility. Inmates are allowed a maximum of two visits per month, with each visit lasting up to two hours.
To search for an inmate at Sussex II State Prison, one can use the Virginia Department of Corrections inmate locator tool. This tool allows one to search for an inmate by name or offender ID number. The offender ID number is a unique identifier assigned to each inmate by the Virginia Department of Corrections. It is important to have this number when conducting an inmate search. For more information about visitation, check the VADOC website.
Inmates at Sussex II State Prison can receive funds through JPay, a service that allows family and friends to send money to an inmate’s account. Inmates can use these funds to purchase items from the commissary, such as snacks, hygiene products, and clothing. To send money to an inmate through JPay, one must create an account on the JPay website and follow the instructions.
It is important to note that visitors must follow certain rules and regulations when visiting an inmate at Sussex II State Prison. Visitors are subject to search and may be denied entry if they are found to be in violation of any of the rules. In addition, visitors must dress appropriately and may not bring any items into the facility, with the exception of a clear plastic bag containing a small amount of money for the vending machines.
Overall, Sussex II State Prison has specific rules and regulations in place for visitation and inmate search. It is important to follow these rules to ensure a successful visit and to locate an inmate if necessary.
Life Sentences and Mental Health Services
Sussex II State Prison is one of the facilities in Virginia that houses inmates serving life sentences. Inmates serving life sentences have unique mental health needs that require attention and care from mental health professionals. The prison system offers a range of programs and services to support the mental health of inmates, including counseling, therapy, and medication management.
Long sentences and multiple life sentences can have a significant impact on an inmate’s mental health. The psychological effects of incarceration can be severe and long-lasting, leading to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Inmates serving life sentences may also feel hopeless and helpless, which can exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
To address these mental health challenges, Sussex II State Prison provides mental health services to incarcerated individuals. These services include individual and group therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention. Mental health professionals work with inmates to develop coping skills and strategies to manage their mental health conditions.
In addition to mental health services, Sussex II State Prison offers educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for life after incarceration. These programs can help inmates develop skills and improve their mental health by providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Overall, the mental health needs of inmates serving life sentences are complex and require specialized attention. Sussex II State Prison recognizes the importance of mental health services and is committed to providing the necessary resources to support the mental health of its incarcerated population.
Facilities and Programs
Sussex II State Prison is a supermax-security correctional facility located in Waverly, Virginia. The prison has a capacity of 1312 inmates and is staffed by approximately 400 employees. In addition to its primary function of incarceration, the facility offers a variety of programs and services to inmates to help them prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society.
One of the programs offered at Sussex II State Prison is the Cognitive Community Program. This program is designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society. Through a combination of group therapy, individual counseling, and educational classes, participants learn to identify and manage their emotions, develop effective communication skills, and make positive life choices.
In addition to the Cognitive Community Program, Sussex II State Prison also offers a number of vocational and technical programs. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a variety of industries. Some of the programs offered include basic medical and dental training, as well as courses in computer repair, welding, and carpentry.
Sussex II State Prison also offers a number of re-entry programs to help inmates successfully transition back into society. These programs include job training, educational courses, and counseling services. Inmates who participate in these programs are more likely to find employment and avoid recidivism upon their release.
Overall, Sussex II State Prison is committed to providing its inmates with the tools and resources they need to succeed both during and after their incarceration. Through a combination of educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs, the facility helps inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Security Features
Sussex II State Prison is a supermaximum-security facility that houses some of the most dangerous offenders in Virginia. The prison is equipped with a variety of security features designed to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the public.
One of the most noticeable security features of the prison is the security fence. The perimeter fence is made of chain-link and topped with razor ribbon wire. The fence is designed to prevent inmates from escaping and deter outsiders from attempting to enter the facility. The fence is monitored by armed guards in towers, who have a clear view of the entire perimeter.
In addition to the fence, the prison also has an electronic detection system that alerts guards to any attempts to breach the perimeter. The system includes motion sensors, infrared cameras, and other advanced technology that can detect even the slightest movement or sound.
The prison also has armed guard towers strategically placed around the perimeter. The towers provide a clear view of the entire facility and are equipped with high-powered rifles and other weapons to deter any attempts to breach the perimeter.
Overall, the security features at Sussex II State Prison are designed to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the public. The prison takes security very seriously and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.
Challenges and Controversies
Sussex II State Prison has faced several challenges and controversies over the years, ranging from inmate-on-inmate violence to concerns about the overall prison system.
One of the most significant challenges at Sussex II has been inmate-on-inmate violence. In 2014, an inmate was killed during a fight with another prisoner, leading to a lawsuit against the prison. The lawsuit alleged that the prison failed to protect the victim from harm and that the prison’s policies and procedures were inadequate to prevent such incidents from occurring. The case was settled out of court, but it highlighted the need for better safety measures at Sussex II.
In addition to violence between inmates, there have also been concerns about the overall prison system at Sussex II. In 2022, the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) conducted a PREA audit of the prison and found several areas of concern, including inadequate staffing levels and a lack of mental health services. The audit also noted that the prison had failed to implement several of the PREA standards, which are designed to prevent sexual abuse and harassment in prisons.
Another controversy at Sussex II has been the use of temporary locking arrangements. In 2023, the VADOC installed temporary locks at Sussex I and Sussex II State Prisons, which were designed to improve safety and security. However, some critics have raised concerns about the use of these locks, arguing that they could be dangerous in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Despite these challenges and controversies, Sussex II State Prison remains an important part of Virginia’s correctional system. The prison continues to work to improve safety and security for both inmates and staff and to provide necessary services and programs to help inmates successfully re-enter society upon release.