Western Correctional Institution Overview

Western Correctional Institution, located in Cumberland, Maryland, is a maximum-security facility that opened in 1996. It houses approximately 1,793 male inmates, including those convicted of serious offenses and requiring high-level security. The prison is part of a larger complex that includes North Branch Correctional Institution and Allegany County Detention Center, making it a key component of Maryland’s correctional infrastructure.

The facility focuses on providing a structured environment that balances security and rehabilitation. Inmates at Western Correctional Institution have access to educational programs such as GED preparation and vocational training, designed to support reentry into society. The prison also runs anger management and substance abuse programs to address behavioral issues.

Western Correctional Institution

Contact Information for Western Correctional Institution

  • Address: 13800 McMullen Highway SW, Cumberland, MD, 21502
  • Phone: (301) 729-7000 / (877) 286-3965
  • Email: Not publicly listed; visit Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services website for more details.

Visiting Information at Western Correctional Institution

Visits at Western Correctional Institution are vital for inmate rehabilitation and maintaining family ties. The visiting hours are structured to ensure security while accommodating visitors:

  • Saturday & Sunday:
    General population: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM or 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
    (Visitors must register 45 minutes before the visit times.)

    Special housing visits (protective custody and segregation) occur on alternating weekends with specific time slots.

Visitors must follow strict security protocols, including presenting valid photo identification, clearing a metal detector, and adhering to the dress code. Physical contact is limited to a brief hug or handshake at the beginning and end of the visit. All personal belongings, except a small amount of money for vending machines, are prohibited inside the visiting area.

How to Book a Visit at Western Correctional Institution

Visits must be scheduled in advance, either online or by contacting the facility directly. To book a visit, you will need the inmate’s full name, ID number, and your personal identification details. Each visitor must be on the approved list of visitors, which requires the inmate’s prior approval. Generally, up to three people can attend a visit simultaneously.

For video visits, which offer a convenient alternative to in-person meetings, you must register through the GTL system and have access to a computer or smartphone with a webcam. The cost and length of these visits vary depending on the inmate’s housing unit.

Directions and Parking for Western Correctional Institution

The prison is located at 13800 McMullen Highway SW in Cumberland, Maryland. The facility is easily accessible via US Route 220, and parking is available at the prison complex for visitors. Ensure to arrive early as the security screening can take time, and visitors must register well before the visit starts.

 

What Is Life Like at Western Correctional Institution?

Inmates at Western Correctional Institution experience a highly structured daily routine, which includes meal times, work assignments, and access to rehabilitative programs. There are opportunities for inmates to pursue educational achievements such as earning their GED, as well as participate in vocational training designed to help them reintegrate into society. The prison emphasizes security while also offering programs to help inmates address personal challenges, such as anger management and substance abuse counseling.

However, the institution has faced challenges, including inmate altercations and incidents like the death of an inmate in 2023, which are handled through internal investigations and adjustments to prison protocols.

Famous Prisoners at Western Correctional Institution

Western Correctional Institution has housed several notorious individuals, including:

  • Joe Metheny – A serial killer whose crimes shocked Maryland. Metheny died in the facility in 2017.
  • James Allen Kulbicki – A Baltimore City police officer convicted of murdering his mistress, whose story was dramatized in the 1996 TV movie Double Jeopardy.
  • Raymont Hopewell – A serial killer responsible for multiple murders between 1999 and 2005.
  • Michael Thompson – Another Baltimore police officer sentenced to life for murder.

FAQs About Western Correctional Institution

  • What type of prisoners are held at Western Correctional Institution?
    Western Correctional Institution houses male inmates convicted of serious crimes, requiring maximum security measures.

  • How can I contact an inmate at Western Correctional Institution?
    Inmates can be contacted via mail at 13800 McMullen Highway SW, Cumberland, MD, 21502. For phone calls, inmates must initiate calls using a prepaid or collect call system.

  • What are the visitation rules at Western Correctional Institution?
    Visitors must be on an approved list, present valid ID, and follow dress and conduct guidelines. Visits are scheduled on weekends, with strict registration times.

  • How do I send money to an inmate?
    Funds can be sent electronically via JPay or by mail using a money order sent to the facility’s address.

  • What kind of rehabilitation programs are available?
    Inmates can participate in GED programs, vocational training, anger management, and substance abuse treatment.

  • Is there parking available for visitors at Western Correctional Institution?
    Yes, parking is available at the facility.

  • How do I schedule a video visit?
    Video visits can be scheduled through the GTL website, and visitors need a device with a webcam and internet access.

  • What items can I send to an inmate?
    Inmates can receive mail and certain approved items like books, provided they are sent directly from the publisher.

  • Can I call an inmate at Western Correctional Institution?
    No, inmates can only make outbound calls to approved numbers. Family and friends cannot call inmates directly.

  • What security measures are in place at Western Correctional Institution?
    The facility has a range of security protocols, including inmate segregation, surveillance, and regular inspections to ensure the safety of both inmates and staff.

Conclusion

Western Correctional Institution plays a critical role in Maryland’s correctional system. It provides a highly secure environment for inmates while also offering rehabilitative programs to help them prepare for life after incarceration. Despite challenges, the institution remains committed to maintaining public safety and supporting inmate reentry.

For more detailed information, visit the official Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.

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