Valdosta State Prison is a close-security prison located in Valdosta, Georgia. It is operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections and houses male offenders. The prison consists of 10 General Population units, six Mental Health units, 25 Isolation beds, and four Crisis Stabilization Unit beds. In addition, the Annex contains 554 General Population beds, of which 100 are designated as Residential Substance Abuse Center beds.
Recently, there have been some changes in the leadership at Valdosta State Prison. Ralph Shropshire was promoted to Warden effective March 1, 2023, and he is now responsible for overseeing 416 staff and 1,184 close security offenders. Heather Davis was also promoted to Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment effective April 1, 2022. As Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment, Davis oversees the supervision of educational programs, health services, library services, counseling programs, recreational services, and more. These leadership changes will likely have an impact on the operations and management of the prison.
| Security | Close |
| Capacity | 1,184 |
| Physical Address | 3259 Val Tech Rd, Valdosta, GA 31602 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 5368 Valdosta, GA 31603 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 229-333-7900 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Valdosta State Prison is a state-run correctional facility located in Valdosta, Georgia. The prison was opened in 1983, and it was originally designed to hold 1,000 inmates. However, due to overcrowding, the prison has since been expanded to hold over 1,100 inmates.
In 2009, the prison underwent a major renovation to improve the living conditions for the inmates and the working conditions for the staff. The renovation included the installation of new security cameras, the replacement of old plumbing and electrical systems, and the construction of new housing units.
Over the years, Valdosta State Prison has faced several challenges, including allegations of mistreatment of inmates and staff shortages. In 2014, the prison was placed on lockdown after a series of violent incidents involving inmates. In response, the Georgia Department of Corrections implemented several measures to improve security and reduce violence at the prison.
Despite these challenges, Valdosta State Prison remains an important part of the Georgia Department of Corrections’ efforts to maintain public safety and provide rehabilitation for offenders. The prison continues to offer a range of programs and services designed to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reintegration into society.
Location and Facilities
Valdosta State Prison is a state prison located in Valdosta, Georgia, United States. The facility is situated at 3259 Valtech Road in Lowndes County. The facility is responsible for housing medium and close-security offenders.
Valdosta State Prison is equipped with modern facilities to ensure efficient and effective operations. The facility has a fully equipped medical unit that provides medical, dental, and mental health services to offenders. The prison also has a library, educational programs, and recreational facilities to help offenders develop necessary skills and engage in positive activities.
The prison has a staff of 399 employees who are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the offenders and the public. The staff includes correctional officers, administrative staff, and medical personnel. The facility also has a leadership team responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the prison.
In terms of physical address, Valdosta State Prison is located in a rural area with limited access to public transportation. However, the facility is easily accessible by car and has ample parking. The mailing address for the prison is P.O. Box 5368, Valdosta, GA 31603.
Inmate Population
Valdosta State Prison has a total capacity of 1,184 inmates, including 100 Residential Substance Abuse Center beds.
The prison consists of 10 General Population units with 500 beds, six Mental Health units with 264 beds, 25 Isolation beds plus 12 Acute Care Unit beds, and four Crisis Stabilization Unit beds. The Annex contains 554 General Population beds. This variety of units shows that the prison can accommodate different types of inmates with varying needs.
It is worth noting that the majority of inmates in the US prison system are male. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, at midyear 2020, males accounted for 87% of the total prison population. Inmates ages 18 to 34 accounted for 53% of the jail population, while inmates age 55 or older made up 7%. Black U.S. residents were incarcerated at 3.5 times the rate of white U.S. residents at midyear 2020.
In conclusion, Valdosta State Prison has a significant inmate population, with a capacity of 1,830 beds. The prison is equipped with various units to accommodate different types of inmates with varying needs.
Visitation Information
Visiting an inmate at Valdosta State Prison is a privilege, and visitors are expected to follow all rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the facility. Here is some important information regarding visitation at Valdosta State Prison:
Visitation Hours
Visitation hours at Valdosta State Prison are based on a tier system, and visitors must schedule their visits at least 24 hours in advance. Tier visitation hours are determined by the inmate’s housing unit and can be found on the Georgia Department of Corrections website. It is important to note that visitation hours may be subject to change without notice, so visitors should always check the website before visiting.
Application Process
Before visiting an inmate at Valdosta State Prison, visitors must first fill out a Visitation Request Form and submit it to the facility where their loved one is incarcerated. The form can be found on the Georgia Department of Corrections website and must be completed in its entirety. Visitors should also be aware that they will be searched prior to entering the facility.
Dress Code
Visitors are expected to dress appropriately for their visit to Valdosta State Prison. The dress code is strictly enforced, and visitors who do not comply may be denied entry. The dress code includes:
- No revealing clothing
- No shorts or skirts above the knee
- No sleeveless shirts
- No hats or head coverings (except for religious purposes)
- No sunglasses
State Holidays
Visitation at Valdosta State Prison may be affected by state holidays. Visitors should check the Georgia Department of Corrections website for a list of state holidays and any changes to visitation hours or procedures.
Overall, visitors should be prepared to follow all rules and regulations when visiting an inmate at Valdosta State Prison. By doing so, they can ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone involved.
Communication with Inmates
Communication with inmates at Valdosta State Prison is possible through various means, including mail, phone calls, and JPay. Inmates are allowed to receive and send letters as a way to keep in touch with their loved ones. However, there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed when sending and receiving mail.
Inmates are allowed to receive letters and photographs, but there are restrictions on the type of content that can be sent. For instance, mail must not contain any illegal substances or contraband, and it must not be written in code. Additionally, inmates are not allowed to receive packages or money through the mail.
Inmates can also make phone calls to their loved ones. However, they must first obtain permission from the prison authorities. Phone calls are monitored, and there are restrictions on the times when calls can be made. Inmates can also use JPay, a service that allows them to send and receive electronic messages.
Valdosta State Prison also offers monthly correspondence course work substance abuse programs to inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates overcome substance abuse issues and develop new skills. Inmates can enroll in these programs by filling out an application and meeting the eligibility criteria.
Finally, family and friends can also send money to inmates. This can be done through JPay or by sending a money order to the prison. Inmates can use the money to purchase items from the prison commissary, such as toiletries and snacks.
Overall, communication with inmates at Valdosta State Prison is possible through various means, but there are rules and regulations that must be followed. It is important for family and friends of inmates to be aware of these rules to ensure that their communication is not disrupted.
Educational and Vocational Programs
Valdosta State Prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to its inmates. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed both inside and outside of the prison walls.
The educational programs offered at Valdosta State Prison include GED preparation courses, academic courses, adult basic education, special education, and literacy remedial programs. These programs are designed to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills, as well as prepare them for college-level coursework.
In addition to the educational programs, Valdosta State Prison also offers a variety of vocational programs. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and training they need to find employment once they are released from prison. Vocational programs offered at Valdosta State Prison include welding, automotive repair, carpentry, and cosmetology.
Overall, the educational and vocational programs offered at Valdosta State Prison are designed to help inmates become productive members of society once they are released from prison. By providing inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, these programs help reduce recidivism rates and improve public safety.
Financial Information
Valdosta State Prison is a state-run correctional facility that operates under the Georgia Department of Corrections. As such, it is funded by the state government. The exact budget allocation for the prison is not publicly available, but it is known that the Georgia Department of Corrections has an annual budget of approximately $1.1 billion.
Inmates at Valdosta State Prison are not provided with any form of compensation or payment for their work. However, they are allowed to receive money from outside sources, such as family and friends. These funds can be used to purchase items from the prison commissary, which sells a variety of goods including food, hygiene products, and electronics.
In addition to money, inmates can also receive packages from approved vendors. These packages typically contain items such as clothing, shoes, and personal care products. However, there are strict guidelines regarding what can be included in these packages, and any items that are not allowed will be confiscated.
Overall, the financial operations of Valdosta State Prison are closely regulated by the state government and the Georgia Department of Corrections. While inmates do not receive any form of compensation for their work, they are allowed to receive money and packages from outside sources, subject to strict guidelines and regulations.