William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility: A Comprehensive Overview
William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Bessemer, Alabama. It was opened in 1991 and is named after William E. Donaldson, a former commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections. The facility is designed to hold male inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes, including capital murder, and those who have exhibited disruptive behavior in other prisons. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, including its history, facilities, security measures, and programs.
Visiting Hours and Logistics
For loved ones and family members of inmates at Donaldson Correctional Facility, visitation is possible on Saturdays from 8 am to 12:40 pm. Inmates are allowed one visitation per month, and specific visitation dates are pre-arranged. To plan a visit, you’ll need to contact the inmate directly to coordinate the visitation day and time.
Contact Information
If you need to reach out to Donaldson Correctional Facility for any reason, here is the essential contact information:
- Physical Address: Donaldson Correctional Facility 100 Warrior Lane Bessemer, AL 35023-7299
- Telephone: (205) 436-3681
- Inmate Mailing Address: Inmate Name, ID Number Dorm, Bed Number Donaldson Correctional Facility 100 Warrior Lane Bessemer, AL 35023-7299
History of William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility
The idea of building a maximum-security prison in Alabama was first proposed in the late 1970s. The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) was facing severe overcrowding in its existing prisons, and the state needed a new facility to house its most dangerous inmates. After several years of planning and construction, the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility was opened in 1991.
Facilities at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility
The William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is spread over 1,500 acres and has a capacity of 1,500 inmates. The facility has six housing units, each of which has 200 beds. The cells in each unit are arranged in a pod configuration, with each pod having a common area and a control center. The facility also has a segregation unit, which is used to house inmates who pose a threat to others or to the security of the facility.
The facility has a medical unit, which provides healthcare services to the inmates. The medical staff includes physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The facility also has a dental clinic, which provides dental care to the inmates. The dental staff includes dentists and dental assistants.
Security Measures at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility
The William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison, and security is a top priority at the facility. The facility has a 24-hour security staff, which includes correctional officers, supervisors, and other staff members. The facility also has a perimeter fence, which is electrified and has motion detectors. The facility is equipped with surveillance cameras, which are monitored by the security staff.
The facility also has a strict visitation policy. Visitors must be approved in advance, and they are subject to a background check before they are allowed to enter the facility. Visitors are also required to follow strict rules and regulations while they are inside the facility.
Programs at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility
The William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility offers a variety of programs to its inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to be successful after they are released from prison. The facility offers educational programs, vocational training programs, and substance abuse treatment programs.
The educational programs at the facility include adult basic education, high school equivalency programs, and college courses. The vocational training programs include courses in welding, automotive repair, and building trades. The substance abuse treatment programs include individual and group counseling, as well as support groups for inmates who are in recovery.
Conclusion
The William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison that is designed to house the most dangerous inmates in Alabama. The facility has a capacity of 1,500 inmates and offers a variety of programs to help inmates develop the skills they need to be successful after they are released from prison. The facility has a strict security policy, and security is a top priority at the facility.
FAQs
- Who is William E. Donaldson?
William E. Donaldson was a former commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections. The William E. Donaldson
- What types of inmates are housed at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
The facility is designed to hold male inmates who have been convicted of serious crimes, including capital murder, and those who have exhibited disruptive behavior in other prisons.
- How does the facility ensure security?
The facility has a 24-hour security staff, electrified perimeter fence with motion detectors, and surveillance cameras that are monitored by the security staff.
- What types of programs are offered at the facility?
The facility offers educational programs, vocational training programs, and substance abuse treatment programs to help inmates develop skills for their future success.
- How does the visitation policy work at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
Visitors must be approved in advance and are subject to a background check before they are allowed to enter the facility. Visitors must also follow strict rules and regulations while they are inside the facility.