William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison for men located in Bessemer, Alabama. It was opened in 1982 as the West Jefferson Correctional Facility and was renamed after Officer William E. Donaldson was killed by an inmate in 1990. The facility is operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections and has a capacity of 1348 inmates.
As a maximum-security prison, William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility houses some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in the state of Alabama. The facility is designed to provide a secure environment for both staff and inmates and is equipped with state-of-the-art security systems and technology. The prison has a staff of over 400 employees, including correctional officers, medical staff, and administrative personnel.
The Alabama Department of Corrections is responsible for the management and operation of William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility. The department is tasked with ensuring the safety and security of inmates, staff, and the public. It is also responsible for providing inmates with access to education, vocational training, and other programs designed to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
| Security Level | Maximum |
| Max Capacity | 1348 |
| Physical Address | 100 Warrior Lane Bessemer, AL 35023-7299 |
| Mailing Address | 100 Warrior Lane Bessemer, AL 35023-7299 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | Yes |
| Phone | (205) 436-3681 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, formerly known as West Jefferson Correctional Facility, is an Alabama Department of Corrections prison for men located in unincorporated Jefferson County, Alabama, near Bessemer. The prison has a storied history that includes several notable events.
Establishment
The prison first opened in 1982 as the West Jefferson Correctional Facility. It was designed to house medium-security prisoners, but it was later converted into a maximum-security prison. In January 1990, the prison was the site of a tragic incident when a corrections officer named William E. Donaldson was stabbed and killed by an inmate. In honor of the fallen officer, the prison was later renamed the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility.
Expansion
Over the years, the prison has undergone several expansions to accommodate the growing number of inmates. In 1999, a new 300-inmate segregation unit was added, making it the largest unit in the state of Alabama. In 2004, a new medical facility was built to provide better healthcare services to inmates.
The prison has also been the site of several escapes over the years. One of the most notable was the Casey White prison escape in 2001. White, who was serving a life sentence for murder, managed to escape from the prison by hiding in a garbage truck. He was later recaptured and is now serving his sentence at another facility.
Despite its troubled history, the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility remains an important part of Alabama’s correctional system, providing a secure and controlled environment for some of the state’s most dangerous criminals.
Facility
Location
The physical address of the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is 100 Warrior Lane, Bessemer, AL 35023-7299. The facility is located in unincorporated Jefferson County, Alabama, near Bessemer. It is situated on a 1,500-acre property that includes farmland and a quarry.
Layout
The William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a sprawling complex that consists of several buildings and structures. The facility is divided into several housing units, each of which is designed to house a specific type of inmate. The housing units are arranged in a circular pattern around a central control room, which is staffed by correctional officers 24 hours a day.
Visiting Hours
The visiting hours at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility vary depending on the housing unit and the day of the week. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list and must present a valid photo ID. The facility also has strict dress code requirements for visitors, which include no revealing clothing, no gang-related clothing, and no clothing with offensive language or images.
Educational and Vocational Programs
The William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility offers a range of educational and vocational programs to its inmates. These programs include adult basic education, GED preparation, vocational training, and college courses. The facility also offers a VIPASSANA meditation program, which teaches inmates mindfulness and meditation techniques to help them manage stress and overcome negative emotions.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility can receive mail at the following address:
Inmate Name, AIS #, William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, 100 Warrior Lane, Bessemer, AL 35023-7299
All incoming mail is subject to inspection by correctional staff, and inmates are not allowed to receive certain types of items, such as cash, checks, or sexually explicit materials.
In summary, the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison for men located in unincorporated Jefferson County, Alabama, near Bessemer. The facility offers a range of educational and vocational programs to its inmates. Visitors must follow strict dress code requirements, and all incoming mail is subject to inspection by correctional staff.
Inmates
Inmate Population
William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison for men located in Jefferson County, Alabama. As of May 2023, the facility houses approximately 1345 inmates. The inmates at the facility have been convicted of various violent offenses, including murder and rape.
The prison has a variety of housing options for its inmates, including dormitory-style housing and individual cells. The inmates are housed based on their security level and behavior. The facility also has a segregation unit for inmates who require additional security measures.
Segregation Unit
The segregation unit at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is the largest in the State of Alabama, with a capacity of 300 inmates. The unit is used to house inmates who are considered a danger to themselves or others, or who have violated prison rules. Inmates in the segregation unit are housed in individual cells and have limited access to recreational activities and other privileges.
Death Row
William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is one of two prisons in Alabama that houses death row inmates. As of May 2023, the facility houses 40 death row inmates. Inmates on death row are housed in individual cells and have limited access to recreational activities and other privileges. Inmates on death row are allowed one hour of exercise per day.
Inmate Assessment
Upon arrival at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, each inmate undergoes an assessment to determine their security level and housing assignment. The assessment takes into account the inmate’s criminal history, behavior, and other factors. Inmates are then assigned to a housing unit based on their security level and behavior.
Inmates at the facility are also provided with educational and vocational programs to help them prepare for reentry into society. The facility offers classes in basic education, adult basic education, and vocational training in areas such as welding, carpentry, and automotive technology.
Overall, William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison that houses a diverse population of inmates convicted of violent offenses. The facility provides a variety of housing options and programs to help inmates prepare for reentry into society.
Incidents
William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility has experienced several incidents in the recent past. This section will cover some of the most notable ones.
Escape
In 2021, two inmates escaped from the facility. According to the Alabama Department of Corrections, the inmates escaped by cutting through a fence. The authorities launched a manhunt, and the inmates were eventually recaptured. The incident raised concerns about the security of the facility.
Murder
There have been several murders at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility in recent years. In 2022, homicides tripled, and six people died at the state prison that year. According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, most of the deaths were due to homicide. The increase in homicides has raised questions about the safety of the inmates and the effectiveness of the prison system.
Unresponsive Inmate
In 2022, an inmate at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility died after being found unresponsive in his cell. The inmate was serving a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute marijuana. The cause of death was not immediately clear, and an investigation was launched. The incident raised concerns about the quality of medical care provided to the inmates.
In conclusion, the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility has experienced several incidents in recent years, including escapes, murders, and unresponsive inmates. These incidents raise questions about the safety of the inmates and the effectiveness of the prison system.
Conclusion
William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison that has been in operation since 1982. Over the years, the facility has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of inmates. Despite the efforts of the Alabama Department of Corrections, the prison has faced several challenges, including contraband, violence, and overcrowding.
The issue of contraband has been a persistent problem at the facility. Inmates have been caught with drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has been working with the prison to crack down on contraband and keep the facility safe.
Holidays can be a difficult time for inmates, as they are away from their families and loved ones. However, the prison has made efforts to make the holidays a little brighter for the inmates. In the past, the prison has organized events such as Christmas parties and gift exchanges.
Email communication is an important way for inmates to stay in touch with their loved ones. The prison has a system in place that allows inmates to send and receive emails. However, there are strict rules and guidelines that must be followed to ensure that the emails are appropriate and do not contain any prohibited content.
Parole is an important part of the criminal justice system, and many inmates at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility are eligible for parole. The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles reviews each case individually and makes a decision based on several factors, including the inmate’s behavior while in prison and their likelihood of reoffending.
In conclusion, William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a complex institution that faces many challenges. Despite these challenges, the prison is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its inmates while also helping them prepare for life after their release. The facility continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its inmates and the criminal justice system as a whole.