Ware State Prison is a state prison facility located in Waycross, Georgia. The prison was constructed in 1989 and serves as a close-security prison for adult male felons. It is responsible for overseeing approximately 1,530 close-security male offenders.
Over the years, Ware State Prison has undergone several changes in leadership. In 2017, James Deal was promoted to Warden, and in 2018, Jeff Coleman took over the position. Most recently, in 2021, Roy Odum was promoted to the role of Warden. As the Warden, Odum is responsible for overseeing approximately 365 staff members and ensuring the safety and security of the prisoners under his watch.
Ware State Prison has been the subject of controversy over the years, with reports of inmate abuse and inadequate living conditions. Despite these issues, the prison continues to operate and provide a secure environment for the inmates it houses. This article will explore the history and current state of Ware State Prison, as well as the challenges it faces as a correctional facility in the state of Georgia.
| Security | Close |
| Capacity | 1,546 |
| Physical Address | 3620 Harris Road Waycross, GA 31503 |
| Mailing Address | 3620 Harris Road Waycross, GA 31503 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | General Population: Saturday, Sunday, and State Holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tier II: Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (912) 285-6400 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Ware State Prison is a close-security prison located in Waycross, Georgia. The facility was opened in 1990 and has since been operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The prison has a capacity of approximately 1,500 inmates and employs around 400 staff members.
In its early years, Ware State Prison was known for its innovative programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates among inmates. These programs included vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and educational opportunities. However, the facility has also faced criticism for its high rates of violence and poor prison conditions.
In 2017, a prison riot broke out at Ware State, resulting in injuries to several inmates and staff members. The incident highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the prison system in Georgia and led to calls for reform.
Despite these challenges, Ware State Prison continues to play an important role in the state’s corrections system. The prison is currently led by Warden Roy Odum, who was appointed to the position in 2021.
Location
Ware State Prison is a correctional facility located in Waycross, Georgia. Waycross is a city in Ware County, which is located in the southeastern part of Georgia. The city has a population of approximately 14,000 people and is known for its historic downtown area and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Ware State Prison is situated on a 500-acre property and is located approximately 4 miles east of downtown Waycross. The facility is easily accessible from U.S. Route 1 and Georgia State Route 82.
The prison’s location in Waycross, Georgia, provides a rural setting that is conducive to the secure and safe operation of the facility. The area is characterized by its pine forests, wetlands, and wildlife, which provide a natural barrier to escape attempts.
Overall, the location of Ware State Prison in Waycross, Georgia, allows for the effective management of the facility and the safe and secure housing of its inmates.
Directions and Physical Address
Ware State Prison is located in Waycross, Georgia. The physical address of the facility is 3620 Harris Road, Waycross, Georgia – 31503. Visitors can use the following directions to reach the prison:
- From the north, take I-75 S to exit 62 for GA-82 toward Tifton/Alma.
- Turn right onto GA-82 W and follow for approximately 38 miles.
- Turn left onto US-1 S/US-23 S/US-301 S and follow for approximately 26 miles.
- Turn right onto Harris Road and follow for approximately 1 mile.
- The prison will be on the left.
Visitors are encouraged to use GPS or online mapping services for additional directions.
It is important to note that visitors must schedule an appointment at least one day prior to their visit. Appointments can be made by calling Ms. Thrift at 912-285-6434. Visitors who arrive without an appointment will not be allowed to enter the facility.
Upon arrival, visitors should park in the designated visitor parking area and proceed to the main entrance. Visitors will be required to show a valid photo ID and undergo a security screening before entering the facility.
Visitors should also be aware that certain items are prohibited from being brought into the facility, including weapons, drugs, and electronic devices. Visitors should check with the prison for a complete list of prohibited items before their visit.
Facilities
Ware State Prison is a secure facility operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The prison is designed to house male offenders in a close security environment. The facility is located in Waycross, Georgia, and is spread over a large area. The prison has a total capacity of 1,546 inmates and is divided into several housing units.
The prison has a variety of facilities to meet the needs of the inmates. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the inmates. The cells are designed to provide privacy for the inmates while also ensuring their safety. The prison also has an infirmary to provide medical care to the inmates.
The prison has a variety of programs to help the inmates prepare for their release. The prison offers educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The prison also has a work program that allows inmates to earn money while they are incarcerated.
The prison has a dedicated staff that is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the inmates. The staff includes correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative staff. The staff is trained to handle a variety of situations and is committed to ensuring the safety of the prison inmates.
Overall, Ware State Prison is a well-designed facility that provides a safe and secure environment for the inmates. The prison has a variety of facilities to meet the needs of the inmates and has a dedicated staff that is committed to ensuring their safety.
Inmate Population
As of August 15, 2023, Ware State Prison has a total inmate population of 1,200. The prison is a male-only facility and is designed to house close-security inmates. The inmates are convicted of various crimes, including drug offenses, property offenses, and violent crimes.
The general population of Ware State Prison is diverse, including individuals from different races and ethnicities. The prison staff works to ensure that all inmates are treated equally and with respect.
Inmates at Ware State Prison are incarcerated for various lengths of time, depending on their convictions. The prison offers various programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational opportunities, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
The prison is staffed by trained professionals who work to maintain a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff. The staff is responsible for ensuring that all inmates are properly housed, fed, and cared for.
Overall, the inmate population at Ware State Prison is carefully managed to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. The prison staff works tirelessly to provide a rehabilitative environment that helps inmates prepare for their eventual release back into society.
Inmate Contact Information
Inmates at Ware State Prison are allowed to communicate with their friends and families through various means. This section provides information on the different ways to contact an inmate at the facility.
Phone Calls
Inmates are allowed to make phone calls from the facility during designated hours. They can only make collect calls, and the recipient of the call will be responsible for the charges. Friends and family members can receive calls from inmates by setting up an account with the phone service provider used by the facility. The phone service provider for Ware State Prison is GTL.
Mailing Address
Friends and family members can send letters and packages to inmates at Ware State Prison. Inmates are allowed to receive mail, but there are restrictions on the type of items that can be sent. The mailing address for the facility is:
Inmate Name, GDC ID Number
Ware State Prison
3620 Harris Road
Waycross, GA 31503Visitation
Friends and family members can visit inmates at Ware State Prison. Inmate visitation is by appointment only, and visitors must follow certain rules and regulations. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list, and they must provide valid identification before entering the facility. Visitors are also subject to a search before entering the facility.
Conclusion
Inmates at Ware State Prison have various ways to communicate with their friends and family members. Phone calls, mail, and visitation are the primary means of communication. While email services are not provided by the facility, third-party vendors can be used to send messages to inmates.
Visitation Rules
Visitation is an important part of an incarcerated individual’s life. Ware State Prison allows visits on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays. Visitors must check in by 8:30 a.m. and visiting hours for general population are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visitation hours for Tier II are Monday through Friday: from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Visitors must call at least one day prior to the visit to schedule an appointment.
The prison has specific rules for visitation to ensure the safety and security of all individuals. Visitors must follow the dress code, which prohibits see-through clothing, bare midriffs or backs, plunging necklines, short shorts or athletic shorts, low tops or backless tops or dresses, bathing suits, and attire displaying obscene/offensive, derogatory language or drawings. Shorts or skirts shorter than mid-thigh are also not allowed. Visitors who arrive in inappropriate attire will not be allowed to visit.
Visitors must also bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, and must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list. The prison staff will verify the visitor’s identity and check their name against the approved list before allowing them to visit. Visitors who violate the rules may be prosecuted and/or lose visiting privileges.
It is important for visitors to arrive on time for their scheduled appointment. Late arrivals may result in a shortened visit. Visitors who arrive after 2:00 p.m. will not be allowed to visit. Visitors must also follow all instructions given by the prison staff, including any special instructions for the specific housing unit or cell block.
Overall, Ware State Prison values the importance of visitation for both the incarcerated individual and their loved ones. By following the visitation rules, visitors can ensure a positive and safe visiting experience.
Sending Money
Sending money to an inmate at Ware State Prison is a straightforward process. There are three approved vendors for sending money to inmates at Ware State Prison: JPay, ICS Corrections (which uses the vendor Access Corrections for Trust deposits), and Telmate. Each of these companies accepts electronic payments from the public through their website, by telephone, and at walk-up locations. To send money to an inmate, one must create an account with the vendor, add the inmate to their account, and then make a deposit.
It is important to note that cash and personal checks are not accepted. Instead, money orders made payable to the specific vendor must be used. The money order must include the inmate’s full name and ID number. It is also recommended that the sender includes their name and return address on the money order. The maximum amount of money that can be sent to an inmate is $300 per transaction.
Once the money has been deposited, it will be credited to the inmate’s account within 24-48 hours. The inmate can use the money to purchase items from the commissary, pay for phone calls, or pay for other approved expenses.
If there are any issues with sending money to an inmate, the sender can contact the vendor’s customer service department for assistance. It is important to keep in mind that any attempts to send money to an inmate for illegal purposes, such as bribery or extortion, can result in criminal charges.
Overall, sending money to an inmate at Ware State Prison is a simple process that can be completed through one of the approved vendors. By following the guidelines and restrictions set forth by the prison, individuals can ensure that their loved ones have access to the funds they need while incarcerated.
Educational and Rehabilitation Programs
Ware State Prison offers a variety of educational and rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for life after release. These programs include GED classes, vocational training in carpentry, culinary arts, upholstery, electronics, and CADD.
The prison also provides counseling services for inmates struggling with substance abuse, family violence, and re-entry into society. Additionally, there is a Fast Track Unit for inmates who have demonstrated good behavior and are close to their release date. This program is designed to help inmates transition back into society by providing them with job training, counseling, and other resources.
One of the primary goals of these programs is to reduce recidivism rates by providing inmates with the skills and resources they need to succeed once they are released. By offering education and job training, the prison hopes to help inmates find employment and avoid returning to a life of crime.
Overall, the educational and rehabilitation programs at Ware State Prison are an important part of the prison’s mission to promote public safety and help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.