Wilcox State Prison: Reform and Reintegration Into Society

Wilcox State Prison is a medium-security correctional facility located in Abbeville, Georgia, operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The prison serves as a detention center for adult male felons, housing approximately 1,800 medium-security male offenders. The facility is responsible for the rehabilitation and custody of inmates, with a focus on their successful re-entry into society.

As of January 2023, Charles Mims serves as the warden of Wilcox State Prison, overseeing the facility’s staff members and ensuring the safety and well-being of the inmates. The prison has a team of approximately 265 staff members, including Joseph Burnette, who serves as the Deputy Warden of Security. Burnette is responsible for supervising and managing the facility’s security staff members and ensuring the safety of the inmates.

Wilcox State Prison is an important part of Georgia’s correctional system, helping to maintain public safety by rehabilitating offenders and preparing them for re-entry into society. The facility’s staff members work tirelessly to ensure that the inmates receive the resources and support they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities.

SecurityMedium
Capacity1,840
Physical Address470 S Broad St, Abbeville, GA 31001
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 397
Abbeville, GA 31001
Can You Send Gifts?No
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(229) 467-3000
JurisdictionState

History and Location

Wilcox State Prison is a medium-security prison located in Abbeville, Georgia. It was established in 1992 and is operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The prison is named after Wilcox County, where it is located.

Abbeville is a small town in Wilcox County, Georgia. It has a population of around 2,800 people. The town is located in the central part of the state, about 150 miles south of Atlanta. Wilcox State Prison is located on State Route 215, which runs through Abbeville.

The physical address of Wilcox State Prison is 470 South Broad Street, Abbeville, GA 31001. The prison is a law enforcement agency that is responsible for the custody and care of medium-security, general population inmates who may not be suitable for a county facility due to their offenses or physical limitations.

Wilcox State Prison is committed to ensuring public safety and effectively housing offenders while operating a safe and secure facility. The prison has undergone several changes in leadership over the years. Lawrence Whittington was promoted to Warden in 2020, and Charles Mims was promoted to Warden in 2023.

Facilities and Services

Wilcox State Prison is a medium-security facility that houses approximately 1,800 male offenders. The prison is equipped with a range of facilities and services to ensure the safety and well-being of its inmates and staff.

One of the most important services provided by the prison is its fire station. The fire station is staffed by trained professionals who are responsible for responding to any fires or emergencies that may occur within the prison or the surrounding area. This service is crucial for maintaining the safety of both the inmates and the staff.

The prison also offers a range of programs to help inmates prepare for life after their release. These programs include educational and vocational training, as well as counseling and therapy services. The goal of these programs is to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to successfully reintegrate into society and avoid reoffending.

In addition to these services, the prison also operates a farmers market on Saturdays and Sundays. This market provides inmates with the opportunity to sell produce and other goods that they have grown or made themselves. This not only helps to support the local economy but also provides inmates with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Other facilities and services provided by the prison include laundry facilities, a bridge connecting the prison to the surrounding area, and a range of recreational activities. These services are designed to promote the physical and mental well-being of the inmates and to help them maintain a sense of normalcy and routine while they are incarcerated.

Inmate Information

Wilcox State Prison is a Georgia Department of Corrections facility that houses adult male inmates. Inmates can receive mail from family and friends, but there are strict guidelines that must be followed to ensure the safety and security of the facility.

To send mail to an inmate, the sender must use the inmate’s full name and GDC number, along with the facility’s mailing address. The mailing address for Wilcox State Prison is:

Wilcox State Prison
P.O. Box 397
Abbeville, GA 31001

Inmates can also receive money from family and friends, which can be used to purchase items from the prison commissary. To send money to an inmate, the sender can use the Georgia Department of Corrections’ website or a money order.

Family and friends can use the Georgia Department of Corrections’ website to search for an inmate and find information such as their GDC number, current location, and expected release date.

It is important to note that inmates are not allowed to receive packages from family and friends. All items must be purchased through the prison commissary.

Overall, it is important for family and friends to follow the guidelines set by the Georgia Department of Corrections when communicating with inmates at Wilcox State Prison. By doing so, they can help ensure the safety and security of the facility while maintaining contact with their loved ones.

Contact and Visitation

Wilcox State Prison offers visitation hours for family and friends to visit their loved ones who are incarcerated. To schedule an in-person visit, visitors must complete a visitation request form at least seven days in advance, using the official web form. Visits may be scheduled up to four weeks from the date of the request. Four adults and a reasonable number of children are allowed at each visit. If additional adults are attending the same visitation session, only one registration form needs to be completed.

Visitors must bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID, to be allowed entry into the facility. All visitors are required to follow the dress code policy, which prohibits revealing clothing, shorts, skirts, and sleeveless shirts. Visitors who fail to comply with the dress code policy will not be allowed to enter the facility.

To send money to an inmate, visitors can use JPay, a secure online service that allows users to send money, email, and video visitation to inmates. Visitors can also deposit cash into an inmate’s account at the facility’s kiosk during visitation hours.

For those who cannot visit in person, Wilcox State Prison offers telephone and video visitation options. Inmates can make collect calls to approved phone numbers, or visitors can set up a prepaid account through GTL, the facility’s phone service provider.

Visitation hours are subject to change, so visitors are encouraged to check the visitation schedule before arriving at the facility. For more information on visitation and other services, visitors can contact the facility directly by phone or email.

Sending Mail and Money

Sending mail and money to an inmate at Wilcox State Prison is a straightforward process, but there are some guidelines that must be followed to ensure that your mail and funds are delivered properly.

To send mail to an inmate, you can use the following address:

  • Wilcox State Prison
  • P.O. Box 397
  • Abbeville, GA 31001

All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband, so it is important to follow the guidelines for acceptable mail. In general, mail should be addressed to the inmate’s full name and include the inmate’s identification number. Letters should be written on plain white paper and must not contain any stickers, glitter, or other embellishments. Photos are allowed, but they must not be larger than 4×6 inches.

To send money to an inmate, you have a few options. You can send a money order through the mail, or you can use a service like MoneyGram. If you choose to send a money order, it should be made payable to the inmate and include the inmate’s identification number.

If you prefer to use MoneyGram, you can do so by visiting a MoneyGram location or by using the MoneyGram website. To send funds to an inmate, you will need to provide the inmate’s name and identification number, as well as the name and location of the correctional facility. Funds sent through MoneyGram are typically available within 24 hours.

Inmates at Wilcox State Prison have access to a commissary, which is a store where they can purchase items like food, personal hygiene products, and clothing. Inmates can use funds in their commissary account to make purchases.

If you have any questions or concerns about sending mail or money to an inmate at Wilcox State Prison, you can contact the facility directly at (404) 656-4661.

Education and Rehabilitation Programs

Wilcox State Prison offers a variety of education and rehabilitation programs to its inmates. These programs aim to help inmates develop skills that will enable them to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.

The prison provides academic programs, including General Education Diploma (GED) classes, Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and literacy and remedial reading courses. Inmates can also participate in vocational training programs, such as the Matrix Early Recovery Skills program, which focuses on developing skills for substance abuse treatment and recovery.

Wilcox State Prison also provides counseling programs to help inmates address issues that may have contributed to their incarceration. These programs include Motivation for Change, Thinking for a Change, Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous, Moral Reconation Therapy, and the Sex Offender Psycho-Educational Program (SOPP). Inmates can also participate in re-entry programs to help them prepare for life outside of prison.

In addition to these programs, Wilcox State Prison offers recreational activities and religious services to inmates. These activities and services provide inmates with opportunities to engage in positive social interactions and develop a sense of community within the prison.

Overall, Wilcox State Prison’s education and rehabilitation programs aim to provide inmates with the skills and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society and lead productive lives upon their release.

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