The Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) is a state prison facility located in Gig Harbor, Washington. It is the only state prison for women in the state of Washington and is one of the largest women’s prisons in the United States. The facility has a capacity of 738 inmates and provides a range of services, including educational programs, vocational training, and mental health services.
The WCCW has a mission to provide a safe and secure environment for female inmates while also offering opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The facility is managed by the Washington State Department of Corrections and has a staff of approximately 400 employees. The WCCW offers a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for life after release, including parenting classes, job training, and substance abuse treatment.
Despite its efforts to provide a safe and rehabilitative environment, the WCCW has faced criticism over the years for issues such as overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and allegations of mistreatment of inmates. However, the facility has also been praised for its commitment to gender-responsive programming and efforts to address the unique needs of female inmates.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 738 |
| Physical Address | 9601 Bujacich Rd. NW Gig Harbor, WA 98332-8300 |
| Mailing Address | 9601 Bujacich Rd. NW Gig Harbor, WA 98332-8300 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (253) 858-4200 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The Washington Corrections Center for Women is a state prison facility located in Gig Harbor, Washington. It was established in 1966 and is the only women’s prison in the state. The facility was initially designed to accommodate 200 inmates, but over the years, it has undergone several expansions to meet the growing demand for women’s incarceration in the state.
Notable Events:
- In 1993, WCCW was the site of a high-profile prison riot. The riot was sparked by allegations of mistreatment of inmates by prison staff. The riot lasted for several hours and resulted in significant damage to the facility. Several inmates and staff members were injured during the riot.
- In 2001, WCCW was the first prison in the state to offer a parenting program for incarcerated mothers. The program provides resources and support to help mothers maintain relationships with their children while incarcerated.
- In 2011, WCCW was the site of a controversial decision to remove all mirrors from the facility. The decision was made in response to concerns about the use of mirrors by inmates to engage in self-harm. However, the decision was met with criticism by some who argued that it was an invasion of privacy and could have negative psychological effects on inmates.
- In 2019, WCCW was the site of a lawsuit filed by a transgender inmate who alleged that she was being denied medical care and subjected to discrimination based on her gender identity. The lawsuit was settled in 2020, with the prison agreeing to provide appropriate medical care and implement policies to prevent discrimination against transgender inmates.
Over the years, WCCW has been the subject of several controversies and criticisms, including allegations of mistreatment of inmates, inadequate medical care, and overcrowding. However, the facility has also implemented several programs and initiatives aimed at providing support and rehabilitation to incarcerated women.
Facility Description
The Washington Corrections Center for Women is a state prison facility located at 9601 Bujacich Road NW, Gig Harbor, Pierce County, Washington. It is the only state correctional facility for women in Washington state.
Physical Address
WCCW is situated on a 62-acre site and has a capacity of 738 beds. The facility consists of four main housing units: Minimum Security, Medium Security, Intensive Management Unit, and Close Custody Unit. Each unit is designed to meet the specific needs of the inmates housed there. The facility also has a number of support buildings, including a medical center, a gymnasium, and an education building.
Security Levels
WCCW is a multi-level security facility, with each housing unit designed to meet the specific security needs of the inmates housed there. The Minimum Security unit houses inmates who are considered low-risk and have demonstrated good behavior while in prison. The Medium Security unit houses inmates who have been convicted of more serious crimes but are not considered to be a high risk to the community. The Intensive Management Unit (IMU) houses inmates who have been classified as high-risk due to their behavior while in prison or their criminal history. The Close Custody Unit houses inmates who require the highest level of security due to the nature of their crimes or their behavior while in prison.
Overall, the Washington Corrections Center for Women is a secure and well-maintained facility that is designed to meet the needs of the female inmate population in Washington state.
Inmate Information
Inmate Search
The Washington State Department of Corrections manages all state-operated adult prisons and supervises adult inmates who live in the community. The Department of Corrections publishes information about currently incarcerated individuals on their website. Inmates can be searched by their last name, first name, and DOC number. The search results will show the inmate’s full name, date of birth, race, gender, and DOC number.
Female offenders who are incarcerated in Washington State can be found at the Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor. The WCCW is a multi-custody facility that houses minimum, medium, and close security inmates. The facility has a capacity of 738 beds and is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for female offenders.
Inmate Services
The Washington Corrections Center for Women offers a variety of programs and services to help incarcerated individuals prepare for their release and successfully reintegrate into society. These services include educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and more.
Inmates at the WCCW can participate in educational programs to earn their GED or take college courses through partnerships with local community colleges. The facility also offers vocational training programs in fields such as horticulture, culinary arts, and cosmetology.
In addition to educational and vocational programs, the WCCW offers a range of mental health services to help inmates cope with the stresses of incarceration. These services include individual and group therapy, medication management, and crisis intervention.
Overall, the Washington Corrections Center for Women is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for incarcerated individuals while also offering programs and services to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
Visitation Guidelines
Visitation at Washington Corrections Center for Women is an important aspect of the rehabilitation process for incarcerated individuals. Visitors are required to follow strict guidelines to ensure the safety and security of both the visitors and the incarcerated individuals. This section will provide information on the visitor application process, visiting hours, and video visits.
Visitor Application Process
All visitors must complete a visitor application process before they can visit an inmate. The incarcerated individual will provide the visitor with the necessary forms. The visitor must complete the forms and return them to the facility. The facility will then review the application and approve or deny the visitor. Visitors must be on the incarcerated individual’s approved visitor list to visit.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at WCCW vary depending on the housing unit:
- J Unit, MSU-A, TEC Residential, (TEC Acute – Immediate family only)
- Friday and Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 4:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- K & L Units, MSU-B Unit
- Friday and Monday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 4:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Closed Custody Unit (CCU)
- Friday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Saturday and Monday: 4:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Reception & Diagnostic Center (RDC) – Immediate family only
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Monday: 4:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Segregation (SEG) – Immediate family only
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Sunday and Monday: 4:15 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before the end of the visiting hours to ensure they have enough time to complete the check-in process.
Video Visits
WCCW offers video visits as an alternative to in-person visits. Video visits are conducted through the Securus system. To participate in a video visit, visitors must create an account on the Securus website and schedule a visit. The incarcerated individual must also schedule the visit and provide the visitor with the necessary information. Video visits have the same rules and expectations as in-person visits.
Daily video visitation hours are:
- Closed Custody Unit (CCU), Medium Security Unit (MSU), and TEC Unit
- 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- J and K Units
- 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- 10:00 p.m. – 11:50 p.m.
Visitors should review the visiting rules and expectations before visiting an incarcerated individual. The rules and expectations are designed to ensure the safety and security of the facility. Visitors should also be aware of any family-friendly events that may be taking place during their visit. Finally, visitors should ensure they are on the incarcerated individual’s approved visitor list and follow the visitation guidelines to avoid being denied entry into the facility.
Programs and Services
The Washington Corrections Center for Women offers a variety of programs and services aimed at helping incarcerated women gain the skills and knowledge they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These programs and services cover a wide range of areas, including education, vocational training, community involvement, and more.
Educational Programs
WCCW provides a number of educational programs to help women improve their literacy and basic education levels. These programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, and college-level courses. In addition, the facility offers creative writing and meditation classes to help women express themselves and manage stress.
Vocational Programs
WCCW offers a range of vocational programs to help women gain the skills they need to find employment upon release. These programs include horticulture, construction trades, food service, and embroidery. Additionally, the facility has a Correctional Industries program that provides women with job training and work experience in areas such as manufacturing, printing, and furniture production.
Community Involvement
WCCW is committed to giving back to the community and encourages women to participate in volunteer programs that allow them to make a positive impact on society. These programs include Bridges to Life, a restorative justice program that brings together incarcerated women and community volunteers to discuss crime, victimization, and accountability.
In addition, the facility has a number of resources available to help women prepare for reentry into society, including job placement assistance, financial planning, and counseling services. Women are also encouraged to participate in family reunification programs to help them maintain strong ties with their families and loved ones while incarcerated.
Health and Wellness
Washington Corrections Center for Women offers a range of health and wellness services to its residents. These services are designed to support the physical and mental well-being of the women incarcerated at the facility.
Mental Health Services
Mental health services at WCCW are provided by a team of licensed mental health professionals. These professionals offer individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention and medication management. In addition, the facility has a specialized unit for women with severe mental illness.
The mental health team at WCCW is committed to providing trauma-informed care. This means that they understand the impact of trauma on mental health and work to create a safe and supportive environment for residents. The team also works closely with other departments at the facility to ensure that the mental health needs of all residents are addressed.
Substance Abuse Programs
Substance abuse is a significant issue for many women who are incarcerated at WCCW. To address this issue, the facility offers a range of substance abuse programs. These programs include individual and group counseling, as well as education on addiction and recovery.
One of the most popular substance abuse programs at WCCW is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). AA is a 12-step program that provides support and guidance to individuals who are struggling with alcohol addiction. The program is facilitated by trained volunteers and is open to all residents who are interested in participating.
Another popular substance abuse program at WCCW is Narcotics Anonymous (NA). NA is a 12-step program that provides support and guidance to individuals who are struggling with drug addiction. The program is also facilitated by trained volunteers and is open to all residents who are interested in participating.
In conclusion, WCCW offers a range of health and wellness services to its residents, including mental health services and substance abuse programs. These programs are designed to support the physical and mental well-being of the women incarcerated at the facility. The mental health team at WCCW is committed to providing trauma-informed care, while the substance abuse programs include AA and NA.
Security and Conduct
The Washington Corrections Center for Women is a multi-custody facility that houses female offenders with various security levels. The facility is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of both staff and inmates. The center has a zero-tolerance policy for violence, and any instances of misconduct are dealt with swiftly and firmly.
Court Proceedings
Inmates at WCCW have access to the courts and are allowed to participate in court proceedings. The facility has a courtroom where inmates can attend hearings and trials. The facility also provides legal resources to assist inmates with their legal matters.
Death Row
WCCW is the only facility in Washington State that houses female inmates on death row. The facility has a special housing unit that is used to house these inmates. Inmates on death row are kept in a separate area from the general population and are subject to strict security measures.
The facility has a comprehensive security plan in place that includes regular security checks, surveillance cameras, and a strict visitation policy. Inmates are required to follow a strict code of conduct and are subject to disciplinary action if they violate any of the rules. The center also provides counseling and other services to help inmates manage their behavior and make positive changes.
Overall, WCCW is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. The facility has a comprehensive security plan in place that is designed to prevent violence and ensure the safety of everyone in the facility.