Overview of Wyoming State Penitentiary
The Wyoming State Penitentiary (WSP) is a maximum-security prison for male inmates, located in Rawlins, Wyoming. Established in 1981 after the closure of the original facility, which is now a museum, WSP primarily houses individuals convicted of serious offenses, including violent crimes. It also contains Wyoming’s death row and the state’s execution chamber. The prison’s capacity is around 825 inmates, although the operational limit is typically closer to 780 due to safety concerns. With a history tied to Wyoming’s early statehood, WSP has played a pivotal role in the state’s penal system, housing notorious criminals throughout its existence.
Contact Information for Wyoming State Penitentiary
- Address: Wyoming State Penitentiary, 2900 South Higley Boulevard, Rawlins, WY 82301
- Phone Number: (307) 328-1441
- Email: Contact through Wyoming DOC website
Visiting Information at Wyoming State Penitentiary
Visiting inmates at the Wyoming State Penitentiary requires careful planning due to the facility’s security protocols. Visiting hours typically take place on weekends, though exact times can vary. Visitors should always call in advance to confirm times and visiting schedules. Visits are typically limited to 2 hours.
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification is required, and all personal belongings must be left outside or stored in lockers. Be prepared for thorough security checks before entering.
How to Book a Visit at Wyoming State Penitentiary
To book a visit at Wyoming State Penitentiary, you must first be approved as a visitor. This involves submitting a visitor application form, which can be downloaded from the Wyoming Department of Corrections website. Once approved, you can schedule visits by calling the prison or using the online scheduling system.
Visitors can bring up to three people per visit, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Visiting experiences vary but tend to be structured and heavily monitored for security reasons.
Directions and Parking Information for Wyoming State Penitentiary
Located in Rawlins, Wyoming, the Wyoming State Penitentiary is accessible via Interstate 80. Take Exit 214 off I-80 at Higley Boulevard, drive south past the truck stop, and turn left at the security gates to park in the designated lot.
Parking is available near the Administration Building, but spaces can fill quickly, so arriving early is advisable. Public transportation in Rawlins is limited, and taxi services may not always be reliable, so plan your journey accordingly.
What Is Wyoming State Penitentiary Like for a Prisoner?
Life inside Wyoming State Penitentiary is strict, reflecting its maximum-security status. Inmates follow a highly regulated schedule that includes work assignments, rehabilitation programs, and educational opportunities such as earning a GED. The prison offers specialized treatment programs, including long-term substance abuse rehabilitation and mental health services for those in the High-Security Special Needs unit.
In recent years, WSP has faced challenges, including inspections by the Department of Justice for issues related to the Civil Rights of Incarcerated Persons Act (CRIPA), although many improvements have been made in response to their recommendations.
Famous Prisoners at Wyoming State Penitentiary
The Wyoming State Penitentiary has housed several notorious criminals. Among them are:
- Aaron McKinney, convicted for the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, a crime that garnered international attention and led to significant hate crime legislation.
- Diazien Hossencofft, a convicted murderer involved in the high-profile case of Girly Chew Hossencofft.
- James Wiley, who killed his stepmother and three stepbrothers in a shocking family murder case.
- Anderson Lee Aldrich, the perpetrator of the 2022 Colorado Springs nightclub shooting
FAQs About Wyoming State Penitentiary
Where is Wyoming State Penitentiary located? Wyoming State Penitentiary is located in Rawlins, Wyoming, at 2900 South Higley Boulevard.
How do I contact Wyoming State Penitentiary? You can contact the prison at (307) 328-1441 or through the Wyoming Department of Corrections website.
How do I visit someone at Wyoming State Penitentiary? To visit an inmate, you must submit a visitor application form and schedule your visit after approval.
What is the security level of Wyoming State Penitentiary? Wyoming State Penitentiary is a maximum-security facility that houses inmates serving long sentences for serious crimes.
Does Wyoming State Penitentiary have a death row? Yes, WSP houses Wyoming’s death row for male inmates and contains the state’s execution chamber.
Who are some famous prisoners at Wyoming State Penitentiary? Notable inmates include Aaron McKinney, involved in the Matthew Shepard case, and Anderson Lee Aldrich, the Colorado Springs shooter.
How do I get to Wyoming State Penitentiary? Take Exit 214 off Interstate 80 and follow the signs south to the prison on Higley Boulevard.
What are visiting hours at Wyoming State Penitentiary? Visiting hours typically occur on weekends, but specific times vary, so contact the facility to confirm.
What can I bring to a visit at Wyoming State Penitentiary? Visitors should bring a government-issued ID and leave personal belongings outside the facility or in provided lockers.
Are there any rehabilitation programs at Wyoming State Penitentiary? Yes, WSP offers various rehabilitation programs, including substance abuse treatment and educational programs like GED preparation.
Conclusion
The Wyoming State Penitentiary plays a crucial role in Wyoming’s criminal justice system as a maximum-security prison for male inmates. With a capacity to hold up to 780 inmates and a history steeped in both reform and controversy, WSP is integral to the state’s penal landscape. Whether you are visiting an inmate or simply curious about its history, WSP offers insight into the evolution of incarceration in Wyoming.
For more information, you can visit the Wyoming Department of Corrections website.
Sources Used:
- Wikipedia – Wyoming State Penitentiary
- Wyoming Department of Corrections Website
- Oil City News – Wyoming Department of Corrections Updates
- Bigfoot 99 – Wyoming State Penitentiary Leadership Changes