VA DOC - Wallens Ridge State Prison

State Prison

Last Updated: March 01, 2024
Address
272 Dogwood Dr, Big Stone, VA 24219
Beds
1200
County
Wise
Phone
276-523-3310
Mailing Address
PO Box 759, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

WRSP 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 Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

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 VA DOC - Wallens Ridge State Prison

You can support your loved ones at WRSP on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 276-523-3310.

Located at 272 Dogwood Dr in Big Stone, VA, WRSP carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. WRSP 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.

Wallens Ridge State Prison (WRSP) stands as the toughest compound within the Virginia Department of Corrections System, situated on a natural ridge in Big Stone Gap, VA. This SuperMax facility houses approximately 1,200 male inmates, many serving long sentences, including life and multiple life terms. Inmates endure stringent conditions, spending 23 hours a day in their cells, with limited movement even during the one hour of daily freedom, which requires restraints and supervision by armed guards.

The severity of restrictions at WRSP is justified by Virginia prison officials as necessary to manage the "worst of the worst" inmates, focusing more on containment than rehabilitation. This approach has drawn criticism from human rights groups, particularly concerning the practice of housing inmates from distant states, hindering family visitation and community ties. The prison gained attention through documentaries like "Up the Ridge" (2006), shedding light on these issues.

In 2014, a corrections officer from WRSP was arrested for drug trafficking, adding to the facility's controversial reputation. Despite these challenges, the Virginia state prison system offers various programs and services to inmates, aiming to occupy idle time constructively and facilitate positive growth. These programs are tailored to inmates' needs based on their sentences or behavioral history, with a focus on promoting positive prison adjustment or reducing recidivism.

Treatment planning involves assessing inmates' security and programming needs upon reception into the system, with annual evaluations and updates to their treatment plans. Core programs encompass inmate work activities, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and life skills programming. Substance abuse treatment, such as Therapeutic Community (TC) programs, is recognized for its effectiveness in addressing inmates' substance abuse and criminal behavior.

Additionally, educational initiatives, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and counseling sessions are available to inmates across prison facilities. Each facility also offers specialized programs to meet specific inmate needs, including behavior management, women offender programs, and geriatric care. These efforts contribute to the comprehensive approach to inmate rehabilitation within the Virginia correctional system.

Inmate Locator

WRSP 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

VA DOC - Wallens Ridge State Prison - Visitation

Apply for Visitation - Submit a visitation application online if you are a new visitor or renewing your visitation privileges.

Schedule a Visit - Once you receive approval to visit an inmate in a VADOC facility, you must schedule your visit online using the Visitation Scheduler. If you are a new user, you must first register using the “Register Today” option.

Prepare for Your Scheduled Visit - Once you have both applied for visitation and scheduled your visit, please review the following information to help you prepare for your in-person visit.

Plan - Please arrive at the facility one hour before your visit for security screening. No food or drinks will be allowed in the facility, and there will be no access to vending machines.

Visiting with Minor Children - The VADOC has developed a child-friendly short video to help prepare families for a productive visit. If you are visiting with a minor child, the following video will help prepare your child for what to expect during the visit – VADOC Visitation Reminders.

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.