Bledsoe County Correctional Complex: A Comprehensive Guide

Bledsoe County Correctional Complex (formerly known as Southeastern Tennessee Regional Correctional Facility) is a state prison situated in Pikeville, Tennessee. As an esteemed correctional institution, it caters to the housing and rehabilitation needs of male inmates with minimum and medium custody levels. The facility comprises various sections, including a male annex accommodating 150 offenders and a female unit capable of housing up to 300 inmates. Additionally, Bledsoe County Correctional Complex serves as the intake and classification center for all male inmates across the state.

Intake and Classification Process: Assessing Inmate Needs

Upon admission to Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, inmates undergo a comprehensive intake and classification process. During this stage, several procedures are conducted to gather essential information and determine the individual’s programming, mental health, and medical requirements. The process includes fingerprinting, photography, physical examinations, and multiple assessments. By meticulously assessing each inmate, the facility’s staff can effectively address their needs and devise appropriate intervention strategies. Based on the outcomes of these assessments, inmates are assigned a security classification and transferred to a more suitable long-term facility.

Vocational Training: Equipping Inmates with Valuable Skills

One of the key components of rehabilitation at Bledsoe County Correctional Complex is vocational training. The facility offers a wide array of vocational programs aimed at teaching inmates valuable skills they can utilize upon their release. Through these programs, inmates can acquire expertise in various disciplines, such as food preparation, woodworking/carpentry, barbering, electronics, auto body repair, cosmetology, and small engine repair. By participating in these vocational initiatives, inmates gain practical knowledge and increase their employability prospects, ultimately contributing to their successful reintegration into society.

TRICOR Partnership and Agricultural Work:

Bledsoe County Correctional Complex actively collaborates with the Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR), further enhancing the opportunities for inmate rehabilitation. One such initiative involves allowing inmates to engage in agricultural work on a designated farm within the facility. Inmates involved in this program participate in cultivating and harvesting crops while also contributing to milk production. By involving themselves in meaningful agricultural activities, inmates develop a sense of responsibility, acquire agricultural skills, and experience the therapeutic benefits of working closely with nature.

Visiting Hours: Connecting Inmates with their Loved Ones

Bledsoe County Correctional Complex recognizes the importance of maintaining connections between inmates and their loved ones. To facilitate these vital interactions, the facility has established visiting hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and state-recognized holidays, from 8 am to 3 pm. Additionally, visitors can also schedule appointments for Wednesday visits from 6 pm to 8 pm. To ensure a smooth visitation experience, individuals planning to visit must schedule an appointment no later than noon on Tuesday. Appointments can be made by contacting (423)-881-3251 ext. 2010.

Contact Information:

For any inquiries or correspondence, please use the following contact details:

Physical Address: Bledsoe County Correctional Complex 1045 Horsehead Road Pikeville, Tennessee 37367

Telephone: (423)-881-3251

Inmate Mailing Address: Inmate Name, ID Number Bledsoe County Correctional Complex 1045 Horsehead Road Pikeville, Tennessee 37367

History of Bledsoe County Correctional Complex

Establishment

The BCCC was initially established in 1992 to address overcrowding in the Tennessee prison system. Since then, it has undergone several expansions and improvements to accommodate the growing inmate population and enhance its programs and services.

Expansion and Improvements

Over the years, the BCCC has expanded its capacity and facilities to better serve its inmates and the community. In 2012, a major expansion project was completed, adding over 1,400 new beds and modernizing the facility’s infrastructure. This expansion allowed for the consolidation of several smaller facilities in the state and improved efficiency in the overall operation of the prison.

Facility Description

Physical Layout

The BCCC is situated on a sprawling 2,500-acre property in the rural outskirts of Pikeville. The complex is composed of multiple buildings, including housing units, administrative offices, program spaces, and support facilities. The facility is surrounded by secure perimeter fencing, and advanced security measures are in place to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and the community.

Capacity and Inmate Population

With the completion of the expansion project, the BCCC now has a capacity of approximately 2,800 inmates. The inmate population consists of adult male offenders of various security levels, ranging from minimum to maximum security.

Security Levels

The BCCC houses inmates classified under different security levels, including minimum, medium, close, and maximum-security prisoners. The facility’s design and management practices ensure that inmates are securely segregated based on their security classifications.

Inmate Programs and Services

Education and Vocational Training

The BCCC offers a variety of educational and vocational training programs to help inmates develop skills that can be utilized upon their release. Inmates can pursue their GED, participate in vocational training courses such as carpentry or automotive repair, and even earn college credits through partnerships with local educational institutions.

Substance Abuse Treatment

Recognizing the role substance abuse plays in criminal behavior, the BCCC provides comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs. These programs aim to help inmates address their addiction issues and develop coping strategies to maintain sobriety upon reentering society.

Mental Health Services

The BCCC offers mental health services to inmates struggling with various mental health disorders. Through individual counseling, group therapy, and psychiatric care, inmates can receive the support they need to manage their mental health challenges and better prepare for life after incarceration.

Reentry Preparation

To facilitate successful reintegration into society, the BCCC offers a range of reentry preparation programs. These include life skills courses, anger management, and financial management classes, which equip inmates with the tools necessary to navigate the challenges they may face upon release.

Staff and Administration

The BCCC is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals, including correctional officers, administrative personnel, healthcare providers, and educators. These staff members work together to ensure the safety, security, and rehabilitation of the inmates housed within the facility.

Visitation Information

Family and friends can visit inmates at the BCCC during designated visitation hours, which vary depending on the inmate’s security level and housing unit. Visitors must adhere to strict rules and guidelines, including passing through security screenings and abiding by the facility’s dress code.

Inmate Communication

In addition to visitation, inmates at the BCCC can communicate with loved ones through mail, telephone calls, and electronic messaging. Access to these communication methods is subject to certain restrictions and monitoring, as per the facility’s security protocols.

Notable Incidents and Controversies

While the BCCC has experienced its share of incidents and controversies over the years, it remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff. The facility continually works to address any issues that arise and improve its policies and procedures accordingly.

Community Impact and Relations

The BCCC has a significant impact on the local community, providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy. The facility also engages in community outreach programs and partnerships with local organizations to promote positive relations and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

Conclusion

The Bledsoe County Correctional Complex plays a vital role in the Tennessee prison system, providing a secure environment for inmates and offering a range of programs and services designed to support their rehabilitation. By maintaining a focus on safety, security, and the well-being of both inmates and staff, the BCCC strives to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those it serves and the community at large.

FAQs

1. What is the primary purpose of the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex?The primary purpose of the BCCC is to provide a secure and structured environment for male inmates of varying security levels while offering rehabilitation programs and services.
2. What types of programs and services are offered to inmates at the BCCC?The BCCC offers educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and reentry preparation programs to support inmates’ rehabilitation.
3. How can family and friends visit inmates at the BCCC?Visits can be scheduled during designated visitation hours, which vary depending on the inmate’s security level and housing unit. Visitors must follow the facility’s rules and guidelines.
4. What security measures are in place at the BCCC?The BCCC features secure perimeter fencing, advanced surveillance technology, and strict security protocols to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and the surrounding community.
5. How does the BCCC contribute to the local community?The BCCC provides employment opportunities, contributes to the local economy, and engages in community outreach programs and partnerships with local organizations.