Ripley Correctional Facility Overview

Ripley Correctional Facility, officially known as West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP), is located in Henning, Tennessee, and operates under the Tennessee Department of Correction. Originally established in 1990 as the West Tennessee High-Security Facility, it was renamed after structural expansions in 1999, which included the construction of a 1,500-bed unit and the Cold Creek annex. The prison holds male inmates with security classifications ranging from minimum to maximum, including offenders serving sentences of life without parole.

WTSP has a capacity of 2,505 inmates and offers a variety of educational and vocational programs aimed at rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. These include Adult Basic Education (ABE), vocational certifications in HVAC, construction, and computer programming, as well as behavioral health programs focusing on cognitive-behavioral therapy and substance use recovery. WTSP also partners with local colleges to offer higher education opportunities to inmates.

Ripley Correctional Facility entrance in Henning, Tennessee

Contact Information for Ripley Correctional Facility

Visiting Information for Ripley Correctional Facility

Visitation at Ripley Correctional Facility is available from Saturday through Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., but all visits must be scheduled in advance. To visit, you must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list, and visitors need to provide valid identification, along with a completed visitor application. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and some documents (like a birth certificate) may be required for minors.

When visiting, you should be aware of the prison’s dress code, which prohibits revealing or inappropriate clothing. Visits typically last about two hours and may include contact visits depending on the inmate’s security level. For those who cannot visit in person, video visitation is also available through platforms like JPay.

How to Book a Visit at Ripley Correctional Facility

To schedule a visit, you must first complete the visitation application process, which includes submitting personal information and, for minors, a notarized parental consent form. Once approved, you can book a visit online or by calling the facility. You are allowed to bring up to three visitors per inmate visit, and personal belongings are restricted to essentials like identification, keys, and small amounts of cash.

 

Directions and Parking for Ripley Correctional Facility

Ripley Correctional Facility is located at 480 Green Chapel Road, in rural Lauderdale County, Tennessee, near the town of Henning. For visitors driving to the prison, parking is available on-site, but it’s important to arrive early, as parking can fill up quickly during busy visitation days. The prison is about an hour’s drive from Memphis, making it accessible for visitors from the surrounding areas.

 

Life Inside Ripley Correctional Facility

Life inside Ripley Correctional Facility (WTSP) involves a structured routine designed to provide inmates with opportunities for personal growth and skill development. Inmates are encouraged to participate in educational and vocational training programs. Those not enrolled in classes are typically assigned jobs within the facility, such as maintenance, landscaping, or food service.

WTSP places a strong emphasis on rehabilitation, offering programs that address substance abuse, behavioral therapy, and mental health challenges. Through partnerships with community organizations, the prison also facilitates certifications in fields like construction, agriculture, and IT to help inmates prepare for re-entry into society.

Famous Prisoners at Ripley Correctional Facility

One of the most notorious inmates at Ripley Correctional Facility was Letalvis Cobbins, convicted for the 2007 kidnapping, rape, and murder of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom. His case gained national attention due to the brutality of the crimes.

 

FAQs about Ripley Correctional Facility

  • What is the capacity of Ripley Correctional Facility? Ripley Correctional Facility, also known as West Tennessee State Penitentiary, has a capacity of 2,505 inmates.

  • How do I schedule a visit to Ripley Correctional Facility? Visits can be scheduled by completing a visitor application and booking through the prison’s online scheduling system or by phone.

  • Where is Ripley Correctional Facility located? The facility is located at 480 Green Chapel Road, Henning, TN 38041-1150.

  • What type of inmates are held at Ripley Correctional Facility? The facility houses male inmates with security levels ranging from minimum to maximum, including those serving life sentences.

  • How can I send mail to an inmate at Ripley Correctional Facility? Mail should be addressed to P.O. Box 1150, Henning, TN 38041-1150, including the inmate’s name and TDOC number.

  • What rehabilitation programs are offered at Ripley Correctional Facility? WTSP offers educational programs, vocational training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and substance use recovery programs.

  • How do phone calls work at Ripley Correctional Facility? Inmates can make outbound calls using a phone service like Global Tel Link (GTL), but they cannot receive incoming calls.

  • What are the visiting hours at Ripley Correctional Facility? Visiting hours are from Saturday to Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., but visits must be pre-scheduled.

  • Can I send books to inmates at Ripley Correctional Facility? Yes, but books must be sent directly from the publisher, like Amazon, to ensure security compliance.

  • Are there any notable inmates at Ripley Correctional Facility? Yes, one of the most notable inmates was Letalvis Cobbins, involved in the 2007 Christian-Newsom murders.

Summary

Ripley Correctional Facility (West Tennessee State Penitentiary) is a key component of the Tennessee correctional system, offering comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training for its inmate population. With a strong focus on education, behavioral therapy, and skill-building, the facility works to prepare inmates for reintegration into society while maintaining strict security protocols. Visitors to the facility are welcomed under specific guidelines, providing a structured environment that supports inmate rehabilitation and family connections.

For more information on the facility, visit the Tennessee Department of Correction website.

Sources:

  1. Tennessee Department of Correction
  2. InmateAid.com
  3. Wikipedia – West Tennessee State Penitentiary

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