Denver Women’s Correctional Facility: A Look Inside the Colorado Women’s Prison System
Visiting Hours and Guidelines
Visitation Application and Approval
Visiting loved ones at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility requires careful planning. To initiate the process, individuals must submit a visitation application, which must be approved before scheduling a visit.
Visiting Schedule
Visitation days at the facility are limited to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Morning visits commence at 8:30 am and conclude at 3:00 pm, while afternoon visits begin at 1:15 pm. It is crucial to arrive before 10:00 am for morning visits and before 1:15 pm for afternoon visits to ensure entry. Notably, no visitors are processed between 10:00 am and 11:30 am. Inmates can receive visitors on two days each week, with one of those days being a Friday.
Non-Contact Visits
For cases where non-contact visits are allowed, appointments must be scheduled by calling (303)-307-2544. Ensuring that these visits run smoothly and according to regulations is vital to maintaining the safety and security of the facility.
Contact Information
Physical Address
For those planning to visit the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility, it is located at:
Denver Women’s Correctional Facility 3600 Havana Street Denver, CO 80239
Telephone
To inquire about visitation or for general inquiries, you can contact the facility at (303) 371-4804.
Inmate Mailing Address
When corresponding with inmates, it’s essential to use the correct mailing address format:
Inmate Name, ID Number Denver Women’s Correctional Facility P.O. Box 392005 Denver, CO, 80239
Introduction
Denver Women’s Correctional Facility (DWCF) is a state-run prison located in Denver, Colorado. It is the largest women’s prison in the state, with a capacity of 950 inmates. DWCF serves as the main reception center for all women entering the Colorado prison system, and it also houses maximum, medium, and minimum-security inmates.
History of DWCF
DWCF was built in 1962 as a men’s prison, but it was converted to a women’s prison in 1987 due to the increasing number of female offenders in Colorado. Since then, the prison has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of female inmates.
Inmate Population
As of 2021, DWCF houses around 800 female inmates, with a mix of maximum, medium, and minimum-security levels. The majority of inmates are serving time for drug-related offenses, but there are also inmates serving time for violent crimes such as assault, homicide, and manslaughter.
Prison Programs
DWCF offers several programs to help inmates prepare for life after release. These programs include education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and parenting classes. Inmates can also participate in a pre-release program that helps them transition back into society.
Challenges Faced by Female Inmates
Female inmates face several unique challenges while incarcerated. Many have children and must navigate the difficult task of maintaining relationships with their children while behind bars. Others struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse problems, which can be exacerbated by the stress of incarceration. Additionally, female inmates are at a higher risk of being victimized while in prison.
Staffing and Security
DWCF is staffed by over 200 employees, including correctional officers, counselors, medical staff, and administrative personnel. The prison has several security measures in place to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff, including perimeter fencing, security cameras, and regular cell searches.
Controversies
Like many prisons, DWCF has faced several controversies over the years. In 2019, a report by the Colorado Department of Public Safety found that female inmates at DWCF were more likely to experience sexual harassment and assault than male inmates in the state’s prison system. In 2020, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of female inmates who alleged that they were subjected to invasive strip searches.
Conclusion
Denver Women’s Correctional Facility is an important part of the Colorado prison system, providing rehabilitation and services to female inmates. However, the challenges faced by female inmates and the controversies surrounding the prison highlight the need for ongoing reform and improvement.
FAQs
- What is the average sentence length for female inmates at DWCF?
- The average sentence length varies but is generally between 1-10 years.
- What types of vocational training are offered to inmates?
- Inmates can participate in vocational training programs such as cosmetology, culinary arts, and horticulture.
- How often are inmates allowed to see their families?
- Inmates are allowed visits from family and friends on weekends and holidays, with restrictions due to COVID-19.
- How is mental health treatment provided to inmates?
- Inmates can receive mental health treatment through individual and group therapy sessions, medication management, and other services.
- Are there any plans to reform the Colorado prison system?
- Yes, the state of Colorado has implemented several reforms in recent years, including reducing the use of solitary confinement and increasing funding for education and job training programs for inmates.
