Holman Correctional Facility Overview

Holman Correctional Facility, located in Atmore, Alabama, is one of the most notorious maximum-security prisons in the state. It is well-known for housing Alabama’s death row inmates and conducting executions, primarily by lethal injection. Opened in 1969, the facility was initially designed to hold around 581 inmates but has faced severe overcrowding issues throughout its history. Today, the prison holds about 1,000 inmates, including 170 on death row. The conditions within Holman Correctional Facility have drawn significant criticism due to violence, understaffing, and deteriorating infrastructure, leading to a partial shutdown in 2020.

Holman primarily incarcerates male inmates and has a reputation for housing some of the state’s most dangerous offenders. Though it provides some rehabilitative programs, the prison’s focus is on high-security needs, including controlling violent behavior and managing the death row population.

Holman Correctional Facility

Holman Correctional Facility Contact Information

Address:
Holman Correctional Facility
866 Ross Road
Atmore, AL 36503

Phone Number: (251) 368-8173
Email: Contact the Alabama Department of Corrections for specific inquiries.

Visiting Holman Correctional Facility

Visits at Holman Correctional Facility are tightly controlled due to its high-security nature. Visitors must apply in advance and be on the approved visitation list.

  • Visiting Days: Typically, visits occur on weekends. Specific visitation schedules should be verified with the prison, as changes occur regularly.
  • Duration: Visits usually last around two hours, depending on the prisoner’s security status.
  • What to Bring: Visitors must present a valid ID and may only bring limited personal items. All items must adhere to the facility’s strict rules, including dress codes and restrictions on personal belongings.

Booking a Visit to Holman Correctional Facility

To book a visit at Holman Correctional Facility, you must be on the inmate’s pre-approved list, and you can schedule visits through the Alabama Department of Corrections’ online platform or by calling the facility directly. You’ll need the inmate’s full name and ADOC number to complete the booking process.

Visitors can typically bring up to two adults and one child. Be prepared to undergo a security screening, and only items explicitly allowed by the prison can be brought into the visitation room. The atmosphere during visits can be tense due to the nature of the inmates held at Holman, but the experience allows families and friends to maintain important connections.

Directions and Parking at Holman Correctional Facility

Holman Correctional Facility is located in rural Atmore, Alabama, off Ross Road. The nearest major city is Mobile, approximately 60 miles away.

  • Directions:
    From I-65, take Exit 57 onto AL-21 toward Atmore. Follow AL-21 south until you reach Ross Road. The facility is well-marked from this route.
  • Parking:
    Visitors can park in the designated areas at the prison, with ample space for personal vehicles. There is no charge for parking, but be mindful of posted signs and restricted areas.

Life Inside Holman Correctional Facility

Life inside Holman Correctional Facility is often described as harsh and violent. Overcrowding has been a significant issue, with the prison population exceeding capacity by up to 170%. In recent years, the infrastructure of the prison has deteriorated, leading to serious problems with sanitation, electrical systems, and general maintenance. The Alabama Department of Corrections has struggled to keep up with these issues, culminating in the partial decommissioning of the main facility in 2020.

Prisoners face strict conditions, with limited access to rehabilitative programs due to the high-security focus of the facility. Violence between inmates has been frequent, and there have been multiple reports of stabbings and assaults on both prisoners and correctional officers.

Famous Prisoners at Holman Correctional Facility

Holman Correctional Facility has housed several infamous inmates, particularly on death row:

  • Anthony Ray Hinton: Wrongly convicted of two murders and later exonerated after spending nearly 30 years on death row.
  • Walter McMillian: Another wrongful conviction case, McMillian’s story was famously covered in the book and film Just Mercy.
  • Henry Francis Hays: A member of the Ku Klux Klan, convicted of the murder of a young Black man, Michael Donald, in 1981.
  • Joe Nathan James Jr.: Convicted of a 1994 murder, James was executed in 2022.
  • Nathaniel Woods: His controversial execution in 2020 drew widespread media attention due to skepticism over his guilty verdict.

FAQs About Holman Correctional Facility

  • What type of prison is Holman Correctional Facility?
    Holman Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison in Alabama, primarily housing violent offenders and death row inmates.

  • How do I contact Holman Correctional Facility?
    You can contact the facility by phone at (251) 368-8173 or through the Alabama Department of Corrections’ website.

  • What are the visiting hours at Holman Correctional Facility?
    Visiting hours are typically on weekends, but you should check with the prison directly as schedules can change.

  • How do I book a visit at Holman Correctional Facility?
    You can book a visit by being placed on an inmate’s pre-approved list and scheduling through the ADOC’s visitation system.

  • Is there parking available at Holman Correctional Facility?
    Yes, there is free parking available for visitors at the facility.

  • Who was the most famous prisoner at Holman Correctional Facility?
    Anthony Ray Hinton and Walter McMillian are among the most famous due to their wrongful convictions.

  • Has Holman Correctional Facility been decommissioned?
    Parts of the facility were decommissioned in 2020 due to severe infrastructure problems, but it remains operational for death row inmates and executions.

  • What should I bring for a prison visit?
    A valid ID, and only items allowed by the prison, which you should confirm prior to your visit.

  • What is life like for prisoners at Holman?
    Life is extremely difficult due to overcrowding, violence, and poor conditions.

  • How many prisoners are on death row at Holman Correctional Facility?
    Holman currently houses around 170 death row inmates.

Conclusion

Holman Correctional Facility, a key part of Alabama’s prison system, is infamous for its violent history and harsh conditions. With significant overcrowding and infrastructure issues, the prison has been partly decommissioned, though it remains active for death row inmates. The facility has held several notable prisoners, including those later exonerated for their crimes.

For further reading on the history and recent news of Holman Correctional Facility, you can visit the Alabama Department of Corrections or news coverage on its ongoing issues.

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