The Western Kentucky Correctional Complex (WKCC) is a medium-security prison located in Fredonia, Kentucky. The facility was originally constructed in 1968 as the Kentucky State Penitentiary Annex, but it was later renamed and converted into a medium-security facility with a minimum-security inmate unit remaining.
The facility underwent a transition in 2010 when its population was changed from adult males to adult females. In 2015, responding to an ever-changing corrections population, WKCC became a male-only facility again.
WKCC is managed by the Kentucky Department of Corrections and is responsible for housing and rehabilitating convicted felons who have been sentenced to serve time in the state’s prison system. The prison facility has a capacity of 693 inmates and is staffed by more than 300 correctional officers and other personnel.
WKCC offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reentry into society, including vocational training, educational programs, and substance abuse treatment.
Visitation at WKCC is held on Saturdays or Sundays and rotates each month between the WKCC Compound (Male Population) and Ross-Cash Center (Female Population). All visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list, and visits are four hours in duration beginning at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 11:00 a.m.
The facility also offers a variety of other services and resources to help inmates maintain contact with their families and loved ones, including mail and telephone privileges.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 693 |
| Physical Address | 374 New Bethel Church Road Fredonia, KY 42411 |
| Mailing Address | 374 New Bethel Church Road Fredonia, KY 42411 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday or Sunday: 7:00 am – 11:00 am |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (270) 388-9781 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Western Kentucky Correctional Complex is a state-level co-ed facility located in Fredonia, Kentucky. It is one of the 14 correctional facilities overseen by the Department of Corrections in Kentucky. The facility is accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA), which is recognized throughout the nation as the accrediting body of correctional agencies.
Location
WKCC is located in Lyon County, Kentucky, and covers an area of 45 acres. The facility is situated on New Bethel Church Road, Fredonia, KY 42411. The prison is located near the Kentucky State Penitentiary and Ross-Cash Center.
History
WKCC opened its doors in 1988 and has since then been accredited by the ACA. The facility has a capacity of 693 inmates and houses both male and female offenders. The prison also has a specialized unit for the treatment of sex offenders.
Facilities
The Western Kentucky Correctional Complex houses 693 beds within a fenced perimeter. The facility has several buildings that include housing units, administrative offices, medical facilities, and a dining hall. The prison also has a chapel, a gym, and a library.
The prison offers several programs to inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The facility also has a farm center, which provides vocational training in agriculture and animal husbandry.
In conclusion, WKCC is a state-level co-ed facility located in Fredonia, Kentucky. The prison is accredited by the ACA and has a capacity of 693 inmates. It offers several programs to inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. The facility also has a specialized unit for the treatment of sex offenders and a farm center that provides vocational training in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Inmate Life
Population
As of May 2023, Western Kentucky Correctional Complex houses a population of 693 inmates, both male and female. The facility is designed to accommodate both minimum and medium-security inmates. The majority of the inmates at WKCC are male, but the facility also houses a significant number of female inmates.
Housing
Inmates at WKCC are housed in cells that are designed to accommodate two people. The cells are equipped with bunk beds, a toilet, and a sink. Inmates are responsible for keeping their cells clean and tidy. The facility also has dormitory-style housing for inmates who are eligible for minimum security.
Services
WKCC provides a range of services to inmates, including medical and dental care, mental health services, and educational programs. Inmates also have access to religious services and substance abuse treatment programs. The facility has a library where inmates can borrow books, and there are recreational facilities where inmates can participate in sports and other activities.
Programs
WKCC offers a variety of programs to help inmates prepare for their release and re-entry into society. These programs include substance abuse treatment, anger management, and parenting classes. Inmates can also participate in vocational training programs that teach job skills such as welding, carpentry, and automotive repair.
Overall, WKCC provides a range of services and programs to help inmates lead productive lives while they are incarcerated. The facility’s focus on rehabilitation and re-entry into society is designed to help inmates successfully transition back into their communities after their release.
Visitation
Western Kentucky Correctional Complex allows inmates to receive visitors as a way to maintain family and community ties. However, visitors must follow strict rules and regulations set forth by the facility to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved.
Schedule
Visitation at WKCC is held on Saturdays or Sundays, with the visitation schedule rotating each month between the male population at the WKCC compound and the female population at the Ross-Cash Center. Each visit lasts for four hours, beginning at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 11:00 a.m. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list, and each inmate is allowed up to four visits per month.
Registration
To be approved for visitation, visitors must complete the visitor registration process. This process involves filling out a form and submitting it to the facility at least 14 days before the requested visit. The form requires personal information, such as name, address, and date of birth, and visitors must also provide a valid government-issued ID.
For a detailed schedule visit the facility website.
Rules
Visitors must adhere to a strict set of rules and regulations during their visit. These rules include:
- Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of their visit to allow time for processing.
- Visitors must wear appropriate clothing, such as modest and non-revealing attire.
- Visitors must not bring any items with them, except for a valid ID and a small amount of cash for vending machines.
- Visitors must not bring any gifts or packages for the inmate.
- Visitors must not use any electronic devices, including cell phones, during the visit.
- 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.
Overall, Western Kentucky Correctional Complex has strict but necessary rules for visitation to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved. By following these rules, visitors can maintain a connection with their loved ones while also respecting the facility’s regulations.
Safety and Security
The Western Kentucky Correctional Complex takes safety and security very seriously. The facility has implemented various measures to ensure that the staff and inmates are safe and secure.
Fenced Perimeter
The WKCC has a fenced perimeter that surrounds the facility. The fence is designed to prevent unauthorized entry into the facility and to keep inmates from escaping. The fence is made of high-quality material and is regularly inspected to ensure that it is in good condition.
Clear Conduct
The WKCC has a clear conduct policy that all staff and inmates must follow. The policy outlines the behavior that is expected of everyone in the facility. This policy helps to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone.
Pat Search
All visitors to the WKCC are subjected to a pat search before entering the facility. This search is designed to prevent the entry of contraband into the facility. The pat search is conducted by trained staff who are thorough and professional.
Metal Detector
The WKCC has a metal detector that all visitors must pass through before entering the facility. The metal detector is designed to detect any metal objects that visitors may be carrying. This measure helps to prevent the entry of weapons into the facility.
Close Circuit Television
The WKCC has a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system that monitors all areas of the facility. The CCTV system is designed to detect any suspicious behavior and to help prevent incidents from occurring. The system is monitored by trained staff who are vigilant and responsive.
Contraband
The WKCC has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to contraband. The facility has implemented various measures to prevent the entry of contraband into the facility. These measures include pat searches, metal detectors, and closed-circuit television. The staff also conducts regular searches of the facility to detect and remove any contraband that may be present.
Overall, the WKCC is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its staff and inmates. The facility has implemented various measures to prevent incidents from occurring and to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Resources
Western Kentucky Correctional Complex provides resources for inmates and their families to stay informed and connected during their time at the facility. Here are some of the resources available:
Release Date
Inmates and their families can find out an inmate’s release date by contacting the facility. The release date can also be found on the Kentucky Department of Corrections website. Inmates may be eligible for early release through parole or other programs, which can be discussed with their case manager.
Inmate Search
The Kentucky Department of Corrections website has an online inmate locator tool that allows users to search for inmates by name or offender number. This tool provides information such as the inmate’s location, sentence length, and release date.
Collect Calls
Inmates at Western Kentucky Correctional Complex can make collect calls to approved numbers. To receive calls from an inmate, the recipient must set up an account with the phone provider used by the facility. The account must have a positive balance to receive calls.
Commissary
Inmates at Western Kentucky Correctional Complex can purchase items from the commissary, such as snacks, hygiene products, and writing materials. The commissary is operated by a third-party vendor, and prices may vary. Inmates must have money in their accounts to make purchases.
Overall, Western Kentucky Correctional Complex provides resources to help inmates and their families stay connected and informed during their time at the facility. These resources include information on release dates, an inmate search tool, collect calls and a commissary.