William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility Overview

William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, located in Bessemer, Alabama, is a maximum-security prison for men operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections. Originally opened in 1982 as the West Jefferson Correctional Facility, the prison was renamed in 1990 to honor a corrections officer, William E. Donaldson, who was killed by an inmate. The facility primarily holds inmates with life sentences or violent criminal histories, including those who have committed multiple violent offenses. It also contains a specialized unit for death row prisoners awaiting appeals. With a capacity of 1,492, it remains one of Alabama’s most high-security prisons, featuring a segregation unit that houses 300 inmates.

The prison also gained attention for offering innovative rehabilitation programs, such as the Vipassana meditation program, which aimed to help inmates reduce violence and recidivism through self-reflection and mental peace.

William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility

Contact Information for William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility

  • Address:
    100 Warrior Lane, Bessemer, AL 35023-7299
  • Phone:
    (205) 436-3681
  • Inmate Mailing Address:
    Inmate Name, ID Number
    Dorm, Bed Number
    William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility
    100 Warrior Lane, Bessemer, AL 35023-7299

Visiting Information for William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility

Visiting hours at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility typically occur on weekends, though you should contact the facility directly to confirm the schedule. Visitors are required to schedule appointments in advance, and all visitors must be on an approved visitation list.

What to Bring for a Prison Visit:

  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Cash or a credit card for the vending machines
  • Minimal personal belongings, as many items will need to be left in a locker or vehicle

Visits usually last a few hours, and the environment can be tense due to the high-security nature of the prison. Visits occur in a monitored room, and physical contact is restricted.

How to Book a Prison Visit at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility

To book a visit, you need to be on the inmate’s approved list. You will need the inmate’s full name, ID number, and your contact details. Booking can typically be done over the phone by contacting the prison at (205) 436-3681. Make sure to verify the visiting hours and requirements as they may change due to security protocols.

Required for Booking a Visit:

  • Full name and ID number of the inmate
  • Your personal ID and contact information
  • Advance booking (usually 48 hours prior)

How to Get to William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility

The prison is located in unincorporated Jefferson County, near Bessemer, Alabama. Visitors can access the facility via Warrior Lane. For GPS users, the address is 100 Warrior Lane, Bessemer, AL 35023. Parking is available on site, but space may be limited, so arriving early is recommended.

 

What is William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility Like for a Prisoner?

Life inside William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is challenging. As a maximum-security institution, many inmates are confined due to violent offenses and face strict supervision. The facility is overcrowded, and resources are often stretched thin. Recent reports highlight issues with sanitation and safety, with several inmate deaths due to violence and natural causes being reported in recent years. However, the facility also offers programs like vocational training, GED courses, and even meditation programs aimed at rehabilitation.

 

Famous Prisoners at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility

Notable inmates at the facility have included Thomas Edwin Blanton Jr., convicted for his role in the infamous 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. Blanton served his life sentence at Donaldson until his death in 2020. Additionally, other notorious criminals, including murderers serving life sentences without parole, are housed here, making it one of the most high-profile prisons in Alabama.

 

FAQs About William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility

  • Where is William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility located?
    The facility is located at 100 Warrior Lane, Bessemer, AL 35023.

  • What type of inmates are housed at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
    The prison primarily houses violent male offenders, many serving life sentences or death row inmates awaiting appeals.

  • How can I contact an inmate at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
    You can send mail to:
    Inmate Name, ID Number
    Dorm, Bed Number
    William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility
    100 Warrior Lane, Bessemer, AL 35023-7299

  • How do I schedule a visit to William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
    You need to be on the inmate’s approved visitor list and book in advance by calling (205) 436-3681.

  • What are the visiting hours at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
    Visiting hours are typically on weekends, but you should confirm by calling the prison directly.

  • What security measures are in place at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
    As a maximum-security prison, the facility has strict security protocols, including surveillance, restricted movement, and segregation units.

  • Are there any rehabilitation programs available at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
    Yes, the prison offers vocational training, GED programs, and unique initiatives like the Vipassana meditation program.

  • Can inmates receive packages at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
    Inmates can receive letters and some approved packages, but it’s best to check with the facility for specific guidelines.

  • Who was William E. Donaldson?
    William E. Donaldson was a correctional officer killed by an inmate in 1990. The prison was renamed in his honor.

  • What is the capacity of William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?
    The prison can hold up to 1,492 inmates, though it has often been overcrowded.

Summary

William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is one of Alabama’s most secure prisons, holding some of the state’s most dangerous criminals. While it has a reputation for overcrowding and challenging conditions, it also offers opportunities for rehabilitation. The facility’s history, notorious inmates, and unique programs like meditation highlight both the difficulties and efforts at reform within its walls.

For more information, you can visit the Alabama Department of Corrections website or call the facility directly.

Sources:

  • Wikipedia – William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility
  • The Prison Direct – William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility Overview
  • Bhamwiki – Donaldson Correctional Facility Information

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