So You Want the Inside Scoop on Washington Prisons? (Not Literally, That Would Be Frowned Upon)
Let's face it, nobody aspires to spend their days in the joint. But if you're a curious citizen, a writer of thrilling prison escapes (emphasis on fiction!), or maybe you just have a friend who's gone MIA and you need a starting point in your search (hey, it happens!), then you might be wondering: what prisons are there in Washington state?
Washington's Correctional Lineup: From Walla Walla to Beyond
Washington doesn't mess around when it comes to corrections. The state Department of Corrections runs a network of 12 adult prisons, spread out across the beautiful (but hopefully not from the inside of a cell) state. These facilities house nearly 13,000 individuals, each with their own stories and sentences.
What Prisons Are In Washington State |
For the Gents:
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
- Washington State Penitentiary (Walla Walla): This granddaddy of prisons is the biggest and baddest (well, used to be the baddest – it housed death row until 2018) with a capacity of over 2,200 inmates. Fun fact: it's surrounded by wheat fields, so if you're assigned kitchen duty, you might get some farm-to-table action (minus the freedom, of course).
- Other Men's Prisons: Don't worry, Walla Walla isn't the only game in town. There are correctional centers in Airway Heights, Cedar Creek, Clallam Bay, Coyote Ridge, Monroe, Olympic, Stafford Creek, and Washington Corrections Center.
For the Ladies:
- Special Housing Unit for Women: Located within the Monroe Correctional Complex, this unit caters specifically to the needs of female inmates.
- Washington Corrections Center for Women (Gig Harbor): This prison offers various programs and services specifically designed for women.
Thinking of a Prison Pen Pal? Hold on There...
While this post might have you feeling like a prison tourist, it's important to remember that these facilities are for housing inmates, not hosting social gatherings (unless you count cafeteria food fights). So, contacting inmates directly is generally a no-go.
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
## Frequently Asked Questions (Not-So-Criminal Edition):
How to find out if someone is in a Washington prison?
The Washington State Department of Corrections website allows you to search for inmates https://www.doc.wa.gov/information/inmate-search/.
How to contact someone in a Washington prison?
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
Inmates typically receive mail. You can find contact information for specific facilities on the WA Department of Corrections website https://www.doc.wa.gov/information/inmate-search/.
How to avoid ending up in a Washington prison?
This might be the most important question! Generally, following the law and avoiding criminal activity is a good start.
How to help someone who has been incarcerated?
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
There are many organizations that offer support to inmates and their families. A quick web search can help you find resources in your area.
How to get a job working in a Washington prison?
The Washington State Department of Corrections website has information on job openings https://www.doc.wa.gov/about/jobs/default.htm. But beware, it's not all about catching shifty characters – there are administrative jobs too!