Washington State Penitentiary Overview

Washington State Penitentiary, located in Walla Walla, Washington, is one of the oldest and largest prisons in the state. Established in 1886, it holds up to 2,439 inmates, primarily adult men. It is a multi-level facility that houses prisoners in maximum, close, medium, and minimum security. The prison has been home to some of the state’s most notorious criminals and has played a significant role in Washington’s history. It also houses the state’s former execution chamber, though Washington’s death penalty was abolished in 2018.

The penitentiary provides various rehabilitation programs, including vocational training in fields like HVAC, graphic design, and carpentry, and it runs a unique dog adoption program where inmates train shelter dogs【6】【7】. The prison also operates industries such as a license plate factory, laundry services, and recycling【8】.

Washington State Penitentiary Exterior

Washington State Penitentiary Contact Information

Address:
Washington State Penitentiary
1313 North 13th Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362

Phone Number: (509) 525-3610

Mailing Address for Inmates:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Washington State Penitentiary
1313 North 13th Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362【6】【10】.

Visiting Washington State Penitentiary

Visitation at Washington State Penitentiary is allowed seven days a week, with different schedules depending on the inmate’s custody level. For maximum security inmates in the Intensive Management Unit (IMU), visits must be scheduled in advance and are typically non-contact visits. Visitors need to call ahead to confirm appointments, which may be canceled due to inmate behavior.

Visitation Hours:

  • West Complex: 10:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • East Complex: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

What to Bring:
Visitors must bring a valid government-issued ID, and all items are subject to search. Personal belongings such as bags, cell phones, and wallets are not permitted inside the visiting area.

Duration of Visits:
Visits typically last between one and five hours, depending on the time of arrival. However, all visits must end by 5:30 p.m. each day【6】【8】.

How to Book a Visit at Washington State Penitentiary

Booking a visit at Washington State Penitentiary is done through a phone reservation system. Visits for inmates in the IMU require 24-hour notice. Visitors should also confirm their visit one hour before arrival to ensure it has not been canceled. For video visits, visitors must register through Securus and book their slots online【6】【8】.

What You’ll Need to Book a Visit:

  • Approved visitor status
  • Valid photo ID
  • Securus account for video visits

Number of Visitors Allowed:
Typically, up to two visitors are allowed at a time, but exceptions may be granted based on individual circumstances.

Directions and Parking for Washington State Penitentiary

Washington State Penitentiary is located in Walla Walla, Washington, a city in the southeastern part of the state. If traveling from Seattle, the drive takes about 4.5 hours.

Parking:
Parking is available for visitors near the main entrance of the facility. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled visit to allow for check-in【6】.

What Life is Like Inside Washington State Penitentiary

Life inside Washington State Penitentiary is highly structured, with inmates participating in a variety of programs aimed at rehabilitation. The facility is equipped with vocational programs that teach inmates skills such as auto body repair, graphic design, and welding. The penitentiary also emphasizes mental health support and substance abuse treatment【7】【8】.

Inmates work in industries such as license plate production and food services, helping them acquire valuable work experience. Despite these efforts, Washington State Penitentiary has seen its share of violent incidents due to the high-security nature of the prison【6】【7】.

Famous Prisoners at Washington State Penitentiary

Several infamous criminals have been housed at Washington State Penitentiary over the years, including:

  • Kenneth Bianchi, one of the Hillside Stranglers, notorious for a series of killings in the late 1970s【7】.
  • Westley Allan Dodd, a serial killer executed in 1993, was one of the last inmates executed at the facility【9】.
  • Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, spent time at the prison, infamous for his numerous murders throughout the 1980s【7】【10】.

FAQs About Washington State Penitentiary

1. What type of inmates does Washington State Penitentiary house?
Washington State Penitentiary houses male inmates across various security levels, including maximum, close, medium, and minimum custody【6】.

2. How do I contact Washington State Penitentiary?
You can contact the prison by phone at (509) 525-3610 or by mail at 1313 North 13th Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362【6】.

3. How do I book a visit at Washington State Penitentiary?
Visits can be booked by calling the prison in advance or using the Securus system for video visits【6】【8】.

4. Are video visits allowed at Washington State Penitentiary?
Yes, video visits are allowed and can be scheduled online through the Securus system【6】.

5. How many people can visit an inmate at a time?
Generally, up to two visitors are allowed per visit, unless special approval is given【6】.

6. What kind of vocational programs are offered at Washington State Penitentiary?
Inmates can participate in vocational programs such as auto body repair, carpentry, and welding【8】.

7. Who are some notorious prisoners from Washington State Penitentiary?
Notable inmates include Kenneth Bianchi (Hillside Strangler) and Westley Allan Dodd (serial killer)【7】【10】.

8. What are visiting hours at Washington State Penitentiary?
Visiting hours vary by complex but generally fall between 10:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.【8】.

9. Does Washington State Penitentiary still conduct executions?
No, Washington’s death penalty was abolished in 2018【7】.

10. What type of rehabilitation programs does Washington State Penitentiary offer?
The prison offers vocational training, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment【7】【9】.

Conclusion

Washington State Penitentiary is a high-security facility with a rich history dating back to 1886. With various rehabilitation programs, it offers inmates the opportunity to develop skills that can aid their reintegration into society. Despite being home to some of the state’s most dangerous criminals, it remains an essential part of Washington’s correctional system.

To learn more, visit the official Washington State Department of Corrections website【6】.

Visit Wasco State Prison