Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility Overview

Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility (AVCF) is a medium-security prison for men, located in Ordway, Colorado. Opened in 1987, the facility is managed by the Colorado Department of Corrections and houses up to 1,007 inmates. AVCF accommodates offenders convicted of various crimes, including violent offenses, with many inmates serving long-term sentences. It also features specialized units, such as protective custody and re-entry pods, to address different needs within its population.

Programs offered at the facility focus on education, vocational training, and rehabilitation, helping inmates transition to life outside prison. AVCF faces challenges such as overcrowding and staffing shortages but remains a crucial institution for Colorado’s prison system.

Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility in Ordway, Colorado

Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility Contact Information

Address:
Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility
12750 Highway 96
Ordway, CO 81034

Phone: (719) 267-3520
Visiting Email: doc_avcf_visiting@state.co.us
Warden: Sean Foster

Visiting Information for Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility

Visiting inmates at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility requires pre-approval. All visitors must submit an application and adhere to strict guidelines, including a dress code and a clear list of allowed items. Visits are monitored, and depending on the inmate’s custody level, visitors may interact through a glass partition or in a more relaxed setting.

  • Visiting Hours:
    • General Population:
      • Friday: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
      • Saturday & Sunday: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
    • Protective Custody (PC):
      • Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
      • First Saturday of the month: 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

How to Book a Visit at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility

To book a visit at AVCF, you must submit a visitation form available on the Colorado Department of Corrections website. After approval, you will receive an email confirmation. When booking a visit, you must provide the inmate’s full name and DOC number. Up to three adults may visit an inmate at one time, and children are allowed if accompanied by an adult.

Required documents include a valid ID for all visitors, and everyone must pass a security check upon arrival.

How to Get to Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility

Driving Directions:
Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility is located at 12750 Highway 96, just four miles west of Ordway, Colorado, and about 50 miles east of Pueblo. Visitors coming from Denver can take I-25 South to Pueblo, then Highway 96 East towards Ordway.

Parking:
The facility has on-site parking for visitors. Be sure to arrive early as parking can fill up quickly on busy visitation days.

What is Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility Like for a Prisoner?

Life inside Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility can be highly structured, with inmates housed in single or double cells based on their custody level. The facility operates under a strict security regimen, including restricted movement, and is known for housing offenders serving long sentences, including those with histories of violent behavior.

Despite these conditions, AVCF offers programs to aid rehabilitation, such as vocational training in trades like welding and construction, along with treatment programs for substance abuse and behavioral therapy. These services aim to reduce recidivism and help inmates reintegrate into society once released.

Recent news highlights issues like staffing shortages and the ongoing challenges of managing overcrowded conditions, but the facility remains committed to its correctional and rehabilitation goals.

Famous Prisoners at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility

Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility has housed several notable inmates over the years, including:

  • Steven Dana Pankey: Convicted for the kidnapping and murder of Jonelle Matthews, he is serving a life sentence.
  • Rogel Lazaro Aguilera-Mederos: The driver involved in the 2019 Lakewood semi-truck crash, serving a 10-year sentence with parole eligibility in 2026.

FAQs About Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility

  1. What is the capacity of Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility?
    The facility has a maximum capacity of 1,007 inmates.

  2. How do I send mail to an inmate at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility?
    Address mail to the inmate’s full name and DOC number at 12750 Highway 96, Ordway, CO 81034.

  3. What security level is Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility?
    AVCF is a medium-security facility but manages inmates requiring various security levels, including protective custody.

  4. Can I send money to an inmate at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility?
    Yes, you can send money through services like JPay or ConnectNetwork.

  5. How do I contact the prison for inmate information?
    Call (719) 267-3520 or use the DOC inmate locator online.

  6. Are there specific visiting hours for protective custody inmates?
    Yes, PC inmates can receive visitors on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and on the first Saturday of each month from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

  7. What programs are available for inmates at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility?
    Inmates can participate in educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and behavioral therapy.

  8. How long is a visit at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility?
    Visits typically last 2 to 3 hours, depending on the day and the inmate’s custody level.

  9. What is the facility’s mailing address?
    12750 Highway 96, Ordway, CO 81034.

  10. Are there restrictions on what I can bring to a visit?
    Yes, there is a strict dress code, and visitors are not allowed to bring personal items into the facility.

Conclusion:

Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility plays a critical role in Colorado’s correctional system, providing structured confinement for offenders while offering rehabilitation programs. Despite challenges like overcrowding, the facility remains focused on improving inmate outcomes through education and vocational training.

For more information, visit the official Colorado Department of Corrections website.

Visit Anchorage Correctional Complex