Telfair State Prison is a state prison located in Helena, Georgia, that serves adult male felons. The prison is a close-security facility that houses approximately 1,420 offenders. Telfair State Prison has been recognized for its exceptional performance and has received several awards for its outstanding services.
In June 2014, Telfair State Prison was honored as the Facility of the Year at the Tenth Annual GDC Awards ceremony. Warden William Danforth and his staff accepted the award on behalf of the prison. The prison has also been recognized for its efforts to prevent contraband from entering the facility. In April 2023, former offender Ronnie Anderson and civilian Kiera Favors were arrested near the prison for attempting to smuggle in cell phones, marijuana, methamphetamine, tobacco, wire cutters, green paint, and wet grass.
Recently, Telfair State Prison has undergone a change in leadership. In July 2023, Andrew McFarlane was promoted to the position of Warden. As the new Warden, McFarlane will be responsible for overseeing prison staff members and ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of the offenders. Nathan Brooks, the previous warden, was reassigned to another position within the Georgia Department of Corrections.
| Security | Close |
| Capacity | 1,420 |
| Physical Address | 170 Longbridge Road Helena, GA 31037 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 549 Helena, GA 31037 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (229) 868-7721 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History of Telfair State Prison
Telfair State Prison is a correctional facility located in Helena, Georgia, United States. It was established in 1992 and is operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The prison serves as a close security facility for adult male felons.
Before Telfair State Prison was built, the site was home to the Helena Chemical Company. The company donated the land to the state of Georgia to build the prison. The facility was constructed at a cost of $50 million and opened in 1992.
Telfair State Prison has a capacity of 1,420 inmates and is responsible for the supervision, care, and custody of male offenders. The prison offers a variety of programs for inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services.
Over the years, Telfair State Prison has received several awards for its outstanding performance. In 2014, the Georgia Department of Corrections honored Telfair State Prison as Facility of the Year at the Tenth Annual GDC Awards ceremony.
In July 2023, Andrew McFarlane was promoted to Warden at Telfair State Prison, taking over from William Danforth. As Warden, McFarlane is responsible for overseeing staff members and the management of the prison.
Telfair State Prison is located in Telfair County, which has a rich history and is known for its outdoor splendor and adventure. Despite being labeled as a “poor” county, Telfair County offers a high quality of life for its residents.
Location and Directions
Telfair State Prison is located in Helena, Georgia, United States. The prison is situated at 170 Longbridge Road, which is easily accessible by road. Visitors can reach the prison by taking I-75S to I-16E and exiting at Exit 51 in Dublin. Then, they can turn right onto Highway 319/441 to McRae. At McRae, they can turn right onto Highway 23/341, which leads directly to the prison.
The prison is located in Telfair County, which is known for its rich history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the many attractions in the area, including the Telfair County Museum of History and the Ocmulgee River.
The prison is easily accessible by car, and visitors can park in the designated parking area near the entrance. The prison is located on Irwin Street, which is a quiet and peaceful area.
Overall, Telfair State Prison is located in a convenient and accessible location, making it easy for visitors to reach. Whether visitors are coming from nearby or from out of town, they can easily find their way to the prison using the directions provided.
Prison Facilities and Housing Units
There are a total of eight housing units in Telfair State Prison. Five housing units consist of double-bunked cells and two open dormitories, and the isolation/segregation unit consists of 40 single cells. The prison has 11 multiple occupancy cell housing units, 9 open dorm housing units, and 150 inmate administrative and disciplinary cells. The remaining housing units operate as a Sensitive Needs Yard.
The prison’s housing units are designed to accommodate different types of inmates, including those with mental health issues, sensitive needs, and those who need to be isolated from the general population. Each housing unit has a capacity of 128 inmates.
The prison also has an inmate fire department that provides housing for eight inmates. The fire department is responsible for responding to any fire emergencies within the prison and the surrounding community.
Overall, Telfair State Prison has a well-designed and structured housing system that provides different types of accommodations for the inmates. The prison’s housing units are designed to ensure the safety and security of both the inmates and the staff.
Visitation Information
Visiting an inmate at Telfair State Prison is an important way to maintain family ties and support for those incarcerated. All visitors must be pre-approved and added to the inmate’s visitation list. Visitors must also follow all visitation rules, including parking, security screening, and dress code.
Telfair State Prison allows visitation on Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitors are advised to arrive at the facility at their scheduled time to avoid delays.
It is important to note that the visiting days and hours may vary based on the security level of the inmate. Telfair State Prison serves adult male felons and close security inmates. Visitors are encouraged to contact the facility directly to confirm the visitation schedule for their specific inmate.
To apply for visitation, visitors must complete a visitation application and submit it to the facility. The application can be obtained from the Telfair State Prison website or by contacting the facility directly. The application process may take up to 30 days to complete, so visitors are encouraged to apply well in advance of their planned visit.
Friends and family members are allowed to visit an inmate at Telfair State Prison. However, visitors must be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued photo ID. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must also have a valid government-issued photo ID.
In conclusion, visitation is an important way to maintain family ties and support for those incarcerated at Telfair State Prison. Visitors must follow all visitation rules and apply for visitation in advance. Contact the facility directly for more information on visitation days, hours, and application requirements.
Inmate Communication
Inmates at Telfair State Prison have access to various forms of communication to stay in touch with their loved ones and the outside world. These communication methods include phone calls, mail, and visitation.
Phone Calls
Prison inmates can make phone calls to approved numbers during designated hours. They must have funds in their account to make calls, which can be added through the commissary. The phone number for Telfair State Prison is (229) 868-7721.
Inmates can send and receive mail, including letters and packages. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection, and certain items may be prohibited. Inmates must use their assigned inmate number and the correct address when sending and receiving mail. The address for Telfair State Prison is P.O. Box 549 Helena, GA 31037.
Visitation
Inmates can receive visits from approved visitors during designated hours. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list and follow the prison’s dress code and rules. Visitors may be subject to a search before entering the facility.
Inmate Search
Friends and family members can use the Georgia Department of Corrections website to search for inmates at Telfair State Prison. The website provides information on the inmate’s location, sentence, and release date.
Telephone
The phone system for Telfair State Prison is provided by GTL. Inmates can purchase phone time through the commissary, and calls are monitored and recorded. Friends and family members can set up an account to receive calls from inmates.
Overall, Telfair State Prison provides inmates with various communication methods to stay connected with the outside world while maintaining safety and security within the facility.
Education and Vocational Training
Telfair State Prison offers a variety of education and vocational training programs to help inmates gain skills and knowledge that can assist them in finding employment upon release. These programs include General Education Diploma (GED), Academic, and Adult Basic Education, as well as Literacy Remedial courses.
In addition to academic programs, Telfair State Prison also provides vocational training opportunities to inmates. Vocational and occupational training programs are based on the needs of the inmates, general labor market conditions, and institution labor force needs. An important component is on-the-job training, which inmates receive through institutional job assignments and allows them to work in Federal Prison Industries.
Some examples of vocational training programs offered at Telfair State Prison include Basic Computer, Computer Labs, Auto Mechanics Helper, Landscaping, Computers, Clerical, Automotive Repair, and Baking. These programs can help inmates develop skills in a variety of fields and prepare them for careers upon release.
Overall, Telfair State Prison’s education and vocational training programs are designed to help inmates gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison. By providing these opportunities, Telfair State Prison is helping to reduce recidivism rates and promote successful reentry into society.