ADOC-Donaldson Correctional Facility

State Prison

Last Updated: March 08, 2024
Address
100 Warrior Ln, Bessemer, AL 35023-7299
Beds
1760
County
Jefferson
Phone
205-436-3681

Donaldson Correctional is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - maximum facility.

The phone carrier is Securus Tech®, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is AccessCorrections. There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of ADOC-Donaldson Correctional Facility

You can support your loved ones at Donaldson Correctional on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 205-436-3681.

Located at 100 Warrior Ln in Bessemer, AL, Donaldson Correctional carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Donaldson Correctional offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

Donaldson Correctional Facility, formerly known as West Jefferson Correctional Facility, is a maximum-security state prison operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC). Renamed in the 1990s after correctional officer William Donaldson, who was tragically killed by an inmate, the facility incarcerates approximately 1500 inmates, including death row inmates and those with multiple or repeated violent offenses.

The prison plays a crucial role in housing inmates deemed difficult to manage due to their violent behavior or extensive criminal histories. With a focus on controlling repeat and/or multiple violent offenders, Donaldson Correctional Facility houses hundreds of inmates with life without parole sentences. The facility includes a segregation unit, the largest in Alabama, capable of holding up to 300 inmates. Solitary confinement, often referred to as segregation, is utilized as a behavioral deterrent and disciplinary measure within the prison system.

In addition to its close supervision units, Donaldson offers various vocational, educational, and rehabilitative programs to eligible inmates. These programs aim to provide inmates with opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and ultimately, successful reintegration into society. Vocational programs offered at Donaldson include carpentry, electrical, barbering, and HVAC training, provided through Ingram State Technical College.

Furthermore, Donaldson Correctional Facility houses a death row unit with a capacity for 24 inmates who are to be incarcerated in the Birmingham judicial area. This unit serves as a secure and controlled environment for those awaiting execution.

The prison's significance extends beyond its operations, as it was featured prominently in the documentary film "The Dhamma Brothers." The film chronicles the establishment of a Vipassana meditation program for prisoners within Donaldson, highlighting efforts to promote rehabilitation and inner transformation among inmates. This documentary has provided insight into innovative approaches to inmate rehabilitation and has garnered attention worldwide.

In summary, Donaldson Correctional Facility serves as a critical institution within the Alabama corrections system, providing secure housing for inmates with extensive criminal histories and offering programs aimed at rehabilitation and personal growth. Through its operations and initiatives like the meditation program depicted in "The Dhamma Brothers," Donaldson strives to address the complex needs of its inmate population and promote positive change within the correctional system.

Inmate Locator

Donaldson Correctional maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Visiting hours for Donaldson Correctional are subject to change, so it's crucial to confirm them by contacting the facility directly by phone. Please reach out to 205-436-3681, on visitation procedures, applications, or directions to the facility in Bessemer. Please note that visitors will undergo a thorough search before entering the premises, and personal belongings, including cell phones, are strictly prohibited. Individuals under probation, parole, or community corrections supervision must obtain approval from both their supervising officer and the superintendent before visiting, although such visits are not typically approved.

Ask The Inmate

Ask a former inmate questions at no charge. The inmate answering has spent considerable time in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and in a prison that was run by the private prison entity CCA. Ask your question or browse previous questions in response to comments or further questions of members of the InmateAid community.