Western Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Cumberland, Maryland. It is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates. The prison has a capacity of 1,793 inmates and is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
The Western Correctional Institution offers a variety of programs for inmates, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in religious services and other recreational activities. The goal of these programs is to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
The Western Correctional Institution has faced criticism in the past for issues such as overcrowding and inadequate medical care. However, the prison has taken steps to address these concerns, including the construction of a new medical facility. Despite these efforts, the prison continues to face challenges in providing a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,793 |
| Physical Address | 13800 McMullen Highway, S.W. Cumberland, Maryland 21502 |
| Mailing Address | 13800 McMullen Highway, S.W. Cumberland, Maryland 21502 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (301) 729-7000 (877) 286-3965 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Western Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Cumberland, Maryland. It was established in 1996 and is a male facility with a maximum capacity of 1,793 inmates. The facility is designed to accommodate inmates of different security levels, including protective custody, general population, administrative segregation, disciplinary segregation, maximum security, and specialized housing.
History
The Western Correctional Institution was established in 1996 as a state prison in Maryland. It was built to accommodate the growing number of male offenders in the state and to provide a secure and safe environment for them. Over the years, the facility has undergone several renovations to improve its infrastructure and security features.
Facility Information
The Western Correctional Institution is a medium-security state prison that houses male offenders. It is designed to provide different levels of security, including protective custody, disciplinary segregation, and maximum security. The facility has a maximum capacity of 1,793 inmates and offers a range of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
The prison has specialized housing units for inmates with substance abuse problems, and it provides substance abuse treatment programs to help them overcome their addiction. The facility also has a medical unit that provides healthcare services to inmates.
Population
The Western Correctional Institution houses male offenders of different security levels, including protective custody, general population, administrative segregation, disciplinary segregation, maximum security, and specialized housing. The prison also has a separate facility for female offenders.
As of the latest available data, the Western Correctional Institution had a total population of 1,793 inmates. This includes protective custody inmates, disciplinary segregation inmates, and inmates in the general population. The facility has a maximum amount of beds, and the number of inmates may vary depending on the security level and available space.
Overall, the Western Correctional Institution is a state prison designed to provide a secure and safe environment for male offenders in Maryland. It offers a range of programs and services to help inmates rehabilitate and reintegrate into society.
Visitation
Western Correctional Institution allows inmates to receive visits from their friends and family members. Visiting hours, rules, and procedures are strictly enforced to ensure the safety and security of all individuals involved.
Visiting Hours
- General Population.
- Every Other Saturday
- General Population from 8:30 am – 11:30 am (must register by 8:15 am)
- General Population from 12 pm – 2:30 pm (must register by 1:30 pm)
- Every Other Sunday
- General Population from 8:30 am – 11:30 am (must register by 8:15 am)
- General Population from 12 pm – 2:30 pm (must register by 1:30 pm)
- Every Other Saturday
- Specialized Housing
- Every Other Saturday
- Segregation Population from 8:30 am – 11:30 am (must register by 8:15 am)
- Housing Unit #4 workers from 12 pm – 2:30 pm (must register by 1:30 pm)
- Every Other Sunday
- Protective Custody from 8:30 am – 11:30 am (registration begins 8:15 am)
- Protective Custody from 12 pm – 2:30 pm (must register by 1:30 pm)
- Every Other Saturday
Visiting Rules and Procedures
Visitors must follow a set of rules and procedures when visiting Western Correctional Institution. These rules include:
- Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list.
- Visitors must present a valid photo ID.
- Visitors must pass a security screening, including a metal detector and a pat-down search.
- Visitors must dress appropriately, with no revealing or provocative clothing allowed.
- Visitors must not bring any items into the visiting area, except for a clear plastic bag containing a small amount of money for vending machines.
- Visitors must not engage in any physical contact with the inmate, except for a brief hug and kiss at the beginning and end of the visit.
Contact Information
To schedule an in-person visitation, visitors must email the facility using the assigned email address. For general inquiries about visiting Western Correctional Institution, visitors can call the facility’s main phone number at (301) 729-7400.
For video visits, visitors must create an account on the GTL Visitation website and schedule their visit in advance. Visitors must have a computer or smartphone with a webcam and a high-speed internet connection. The cost of video visits varies depending on the length of the visit and the type of inmate.
Overall, Western Correctional Institution strives to provide a safe and secure environment for both inmates and visitors. By following the rules and procedures outlined above, visitors can ensure a successful and enjoyable visit with their loved ones.
Inmate Communication
Inmates at Western Correctional Institution have various ways to communicate with the outside world. The following sub-sections will outline the different methods of communication available to inmates.
Inmates can send and receive mail at Western Correctional Institution. The institution has established at least one mail depository within the institution for an inmate to place outgoing correspondence. Inmates can receive mail from anyone as long as it meets the institution’s guidelines.
The guidelines prohibit mail that contains any of the following:
- Threats of physical harm or property damage
- Obscene or pornographic material
- Material that incites or describes how to conduct a criminal activity
- Material that may be detrimental to the security, good order, or discipline of the institution
Phone Calls
Inmates can make phone calls from Western Correctional Institution using the offender phone system. For institutional security purposes, inmates must place all personal telephone calls over the inmate telephone system. Staff are not to place telephone calls for inmates over the institution’s telephone system, other than in situations as indicated in the institution’s telephone regulations.
Inmates can also set up prepaid telephone accounts through the ConnectNetwork system. This system allows inmates to place calls to approved numbers without having to collect call charges.
Debit Accounts
Western Correctional Institution offers two types of debit accounts for inmates: AdvancePay and Pin Debit.
AdvancePay is a prepaid telephone account that allows inmates to make calls to approved numbers without having to collect call charges. The account is funded by friends and family members of the inmate.
Pin Debit is a prepaid account that allows inmates to purchase phone time and other approved items from the commissary. The account is funded by friends and family members of the inmate.
In conclusion, Western Correctional Institution offers inmates various ways to communicate with the outside world, including mail, phone calls, and debit accounts. It is important to follow the institution’s guidelines and regulations when using these methods of communication.
Education and Vocational Programs
Western Correctional Institution offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help inmates gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed upon release. These programs include GED and education programs, vocational programs, substance abuse treatment programs, and anger management.
GED and Education Programs
The GED program is designed to help inmates earn their high school equivalency diploma. The program provides instruction in math, science, social studies, and language arts. Inmates who complete the program are better prepared to pursue further education or employment opportunities.
In addition to the GED program, Western Correctional Institution also offers a range of education programs, including basic literacy, adult basic education, and life skills classes. These programs are designed to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills, as well as develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Vocational Programs
Western Correctional Institution offers a variety of vocational programs to help inmates gain the skills and knowledge they need to pursue employment opportunities upon release. These programs include welding, cabinetmaking, millwork, and graphic arts/printing.
The welding program provides inmates with the skills and knowledge needed to become certified welders. The cabinetmaking and millwork programs teach inmates how to build and repair furniture and other wooden items. The graphic arts/printing program provides instruction in graphic design, printing, and other related skills.
Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
Western Correctional Institution offers substance abuse treatment programs to help inmates overcome addiction and develop the skills and strategies needed to maintain sobriety upon release. These programs include individual and group counseling, as well as education on the nature of addiction and the effects of substance abuse.
Anger Management
The anger management program at Western Correctional Institution is designed to help inmates learn how to manage their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. The program provides instruction on identifying triggers, developing communication skills, and resolving conflicts in a positive manner.
Overall, Western Correctional Institution’s education and vocational programs are an important part of the facility’s efforts to help inmates succeed upon release. By providing inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue employment opportunities and maintain sobriety, these programs play a vital role in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration into society.
Security and Disciplinary Segregation
Western Correctional Institution prioritizes the safety and security of its staff, inmates, and visitors. To maintain a secure environment, the institution enforces strict rules and regulations, and inmates who violate these rules may face disciplinary segregation, criminal charges, or both.
Search and Contraband
To prevent the entry of contraband into the institution, all inmates are subject to routine searches. These searches may be conducted randomly or following a specific incident. During searches, correctional officers use various techniques such as pat-downs, metal detectors, and drug-sniffing dogs. Inmates’ cells and personal belongings are also subject to search, and any contraband found is confiscated.
Protective Custody Inmates
Protective custody inmates are those who require special protection due to their vulnerability or risk of harm from other inmates. These inmates may include those who are LGBTQ, informants, or have a history of violence. Protective custody inmates are housed separately from the general population to ensure their safety.
Disciplinary Segregation Inmates
Disciplinary segregation is used as a form of punishment for inmates who violate rules and regulations. Inmates placed in disciplinary segregation are housed separately from the general population and have limited privileges, such as access to recreation and visitation. The duration of disciplinary segregation varies depending on the severity of the offense.
Criminal Violations and Maryland’s Criminal Law Article
Inmates who commit criminal violations while incarcerated may face criminal charges in addition to disciplinary segregation. The Maryland Criminal Law Article outlines the criminal offenses that can be committed by inmates, such as assault, drug possession, and escape. Inmates convicted of criminal offenses may face additional time in prison or other penalties.
Overall, Western Correctional Institution takes security and disciplinary segregation seriously to ensure the safety of all individuals within the institution.