TN DOC – West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP)

TN DOC – West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP) basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 731-738-5044

This facility is for adult inmates.

The inmates housed at TN DOC – WTSP located at 480 Green Chapel Rd in Henning, TN are placed according to their custody level (determined by a number of factors including the past criminal history and the length of their sentence). There are ample educational and vocational training programs for all inmates, especially ones that show a willingness to learn new things that will prepare them for a better life when they are released. The mission is to promote and prepare the offender to leave in better shape than when they arrived, giving them the best chance to never come back and thus lower the state's recidivism rate.

West Tennessee State Penitentiary is a mixed custody state prison that can hold about of 2,300 minimum, medium, and maximum custody adult male inmates operated by TN DOC (Department of Corrections). Inmates are provided medical, dental and mental health services. Additionally, inmates here can take vocational classes in carpentry, microcomputer technologies, and masonry. This facility participates in the TRICOR Industries program and employs inmates on a digital tag plant, a textile factory, and a complete farm operation.

WTSP is comprised of three sites. Sites 2 and 3 are adjacent to one another and separated only by a series of fences. Site two is the location of the high-security inmates and consists of four units that are maximum, closed and disciplinary segregation, with an additional two units designated for medium-security inmates. Site three is for minimum and medium security offenders. The minimum security unit is located just outside of these two sites and is sometimes referred to as the annex or as site one. Inmates also have access to alcohol and substance abuse treatment and can attend religious worship services for various religions.

TN DOC – West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP) – FAQ

visitation Info

TN DOC – West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP) – Visitation

The following is a list of rules and regulations for visitation at WTSP. These regulations are established to maintain order and control to ensure that visitors and inmates can enjoy visiting in a pleasant atmosphere. Visitors and inmates are expected to comply with these rules. Failure to do so could result in the suspension of visitation privileges.

Visitation Rules

1.  Blank visitation applications may be obtained from the inmate you wish to visit or they may be printed .from the TDOC website (www.tn.gov/correction). You may also obtain visitation applications from the visitation supervisor's office at the checkpoint but you must pick them up in-person.

2.    Applications shall be mailed to the following address: Associate Warden of Security – (please specify MSC or Site 2) West Tennessee State Penitentiary
P.O. Box 1150 Henning, TN 38041

Do not mail the application to the inmate because it will not be accepted.

3.    All visitors, regardless of age, other than attorneys and clergymen must have an approved Visitation application on file which contains a current photograph. Applications must be filled out completely and mailed to the address above. As noted on the Visitation application, all visitor applicants are subject to a NCJC
background check if there are any questions, concerns, complaints or referrals,
please call 731-738-5044, ext. 3230 and ask/or the Senior Officer.

4.    No visitor shall be admitted for visitation until the application is approved, except for immediate family members of newly committed inmates. (No more than 60 days from the inmate intake date shall be allowed /or this purpose).

5.    It takes approximately 30 days to process an application. The inmate will be notified by in-house mail whether or not his visitor is approved if an application is disapproved, the inmate will be notified of the reason.  It will be the inmate 's
responsibility to notify the applicant of the approval or denial. Any application that has been falsified shall be grounds for disapproval and the visitor will not be allowed to resubmit a visitor application for a minimum of six months.

6. All immediate family members who apply and eight additional visitors may be approved to visit an inmate upon receipt of their Visitation application. All applications must be updated every two (2) years.

7. Visitors under the age of 18, unless married to the inmate being visited, must be accompanied by an approved visitor, who is either, the child's parent, legal guardian or, guardian. The custodial parent or legal guardian must provide notarized permission for the visitor to bring the child to visit and consent for the child to be searched as noted on CR-2152, page 2 of the Visitation application. Also, anyone under eighteen (18) must have a copy of their birth certificate with their application.

8.    Children aged six (6) or older shall have a photograph (not a photocopy) attached to their Visitation application. Thisphotograph is to be updated every two (2) years.   Updated photographs may be requested more frequently if there
have been significant changes in the child's appearance.

9.    Visitors may not be placed on more than one inmate 's visitation list unless they are immediate family and the relationship can be substantiated

10.    Additions or substitutions to the approved list shall be made at least quarterly. Applications received seeking approval to visit an inmate, who is not yet eligible for a change to his list, shall be placed in the inmate's visitation file with an explanatory note regarding the eligibility date for resubmission. A copy of the explanation note shall be given to the inmate who then should notify the applicant.

11.    Persons participating as a volunteer within the last 24 months shall not be placed on an inmate's visitation list.

12.    Visitors the Warden determines could have a harmful influence on the inmate and/or may constitute a threat to the security of the institution shall not be approved for visitation.

13.    Current or former employees of TDOC, TRICOR, or contract agencies (in Tennessee), interns, and practicum students shall not be approved unless they are immediate family members of an inmate. 

14.    An inmate with a current or previous conviction for a crime involving a sexual offense against a minor is restricted from having contact visits with children under 18, except under the guidelines set forth in a duly signed and witnessed

CR-3619, Contact Visitation with Minors Agreement.  Inmates who refuse to sign CR-3619 shall be restricted 10 non-contact visits with children.

15.    A victim of an inmate convicted of a sex offense will not be permitted to visit the inmate unless specifically approved by the Warden, and then only non-contact visits will be allowed. The inmate must submit a written request to visit with the victim through the Unit Manager to the Warden.

16.    Only immediate family members with active felony conviction records may submit a visitor application for approval six (6) months following release from incarceration or placement on probation/community corrections or parole supervision. (written consent of supervising officer/counselor is required; as is the Warden's approval)

17.    Identification is required for all visitors, (i.e., any original method of identification with photograph issued by a local, state or federal agency by which to identify a particular individual), with the exception of persons under the age of 16 provided there is an approved visitor application form with picture on file.

18.    Only four adult visitors will be allowed to visit at any given time.

19.    Visitors are not allowed to bring in any type of electronic devices (e.g., cellular phones, beepers, etc., unless approved by Warden).

20.    Visitors will not be allowed to leave any items with the checkpoint officer. Officers will not be responsible for any items that may be left at checkpoint by visitors.

21.    Visitors are not allowed to deliver correspondence, money, printed material or packages to inmates. All such items shall be mailed.

22.    All visitors requesting to pick up packages for inmates must report to checkpoint no later than 8:00 p.m. on Mondays and 3:00 p.m. on weekends/holidays.

23.    Visitors found with contraband, which is in violation of the law or departmental policy are subject to being detained for local law enforcement officials.

24.    Any contraband found during a search will be cause for denial of the visit up to one (1) year, or permanently.

25.    No one under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be allowed to visit.

26.    Inflammatory comments, profanity, cursing or threatening other inmates, visitors and/or employees will not be permitted.

27.    Pushing or attempting to strike others and harassment of inmates, visitors or employees will not be allowed.

28.    Inappropriate or socially unacceptable physical contact will not be permitted between inmates and visitors.

29.    The inmate and visitor are permitted to embrace and kiss as they meet and again as they prepare to depart. Except for this brief moment, no other display of affection is permitted.

30.    A playroom is available in the main visiting galleries for children under twelve
(12) years of age. Visitors are expected to supervise and control children. Inmates are not permitted in this area. Children are not allowed to sit on the half-wall in the playroom area.

31.    Visitors are required to dress in attire that is not provocative or offensive to others.  (See Appropriate Dress for Visitation)

32.    Inmates in visitation areas shall not sit with their legs crossed over the top of visitor and vice versa. Only acceptable physical contact will be permitted or condoned.

33.    Both visitor and inmate 's shoes must remain on their feet while in the visiting areas.

34.    All inmates and visitors hands will be in full view of officers at all times (not under the tables or clothing). Visitors are not permitted to wear an inmate 's jacket, nor can the inmate wear a visitor's jacket.

35.    Visitors will not sit on each other laps or the laps of any inmates.

36.    Visitors must remain seated with the inmate they requested to visit. If a visitor refuses to remain seated with the inmate, the visit will be terminated.

37.    No property items will be exchanged, i.e., cards, jewelry, shoes, etc.

38.    TDOC uniforms will be the only clothing inmates will be allowed to wear to access the visitation area, (i.e. TDOC blue shirts/pants). Only a plain white t­ shirt or thermal shirt may be worn under the blue TDOC shirt, which must be worn at all times and cannot be removed in the visiting area. Items inmates are allowed on their person when they enter the visiting area: identification card,

39.    Near the end of visitation, the visitation officer will give a fifteen (15) minute warning that visitation is almost over. When visitation is over, the officer will make that announcement at which time all visitors are expected to leave the visitation area. When departing WTSP sites after visiting, visitors are expected to go from the visitation area directly to their vehicles. No loitering on the parking lot will be permitted.

Denial and Termination of Visits

1.    Any visitor may be denied entrance to the visiting area for any reason including, but not limited to:

a.    Refusing to show proper identification
b.    Refusing to submit to a search
c.    Appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
d.    Insufficient space for visiting
e.    Possession of contraband
f    Inappropriate dress
g.    Displaying of security threat group (STG) symbols or affiliation
h.    Failure to clear the walk-through detector at any facility

2.    Reasons for warning or termination of visitation include, but are not limited to:

a.    Inmates or visitors who violate visitation conduct rules
b.    Failure by visitors to control their children Conditions for  Visiting and Visiting Hours

1.  Visitation for the general population and MSC will occur on the following days and time:
Monday Saturday Sunday Holidays 

• 6:00p .m. – 8:00p.m.
• 8:00 a.m. -3:00 p. m.
• 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p .m.
• 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

2.    Monday night visitation is allowed only for the purpose of providing visitation privileges to inmates who are unable to visit on weekends due to work schedules or other conflicts. Inmates who visit on Saturday or Sunday will not be allowed to visit on Monday night.

3.    Visitation on holidays will be conducted according to a published schedule posted by the Warden.

4.    Visitation may be ended at any time with the onset of severe weather conditions or due to an institutional emergency.

5.    Inmates who are patients in the institutional infirmary shall not be allowed visits during the first seven days of confinement. After the seven days, the attending physician shall make the determination of whether the patient is able to receive a visit. Visits are restricted to Saturday and Sunday, only. The non-contact visiting room shall be used and approved visits shall be limited to one hour according to the above schedule.

6.    Inmates assigned to an outside hospital may be allowed visitation upon approval from the Warden.

7.      Administrative Segregation inmates shall be allowed to visit only upon approval of the Unit Manager designee for no longer than one hour with up to two immediate family members, every two weeks. Visitation shall occur within the non-contact rooms located within the unit or the security building as appropriate. This will occur during the scheduled visitation hours, will be on a first-come basis, and will be subject to space availability. Only immediate family members, ministers, and attorneys are allowed to visit an administrative segregation inmate.

8.    Inmates assigned to the SMU (Security Management Unit) will be allowed visitation. Inmates on Phase I will be allowed a one (J) hour, non-contact, visit with immediate family ONLY, who must be on their approved list. Inmates on Phase II will be allowed a two (2) hour non-contact visit with visitors on their approved visitation list. Phase Ill inmates will be allowed a contact visit in the gallery.

9.    Newly admitted offenders must provide the names of immediate family members on their initial visitation list. They are not allowed to visit for the 7 days following arrival. After the first seven days, they shall be allowed visits in the non-contact visitation rooms until classified

10.    All protective custody inmates shall visit in the non-contact rooms in the security building across from operations. Due to space limitations, visits shall not exceed one hour. Only two visitors will be allowed to visit. All visits must be pre­ approved by the unit manager or designee.

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Minimum Security Comp/ex (MSC)

The following special conditions and schedules will apply to WTSP's Minimum Security Complex (MSC).

1.    At the discretion of the Warden, the outside visitation area at MSC may be opened from April r' through October 3131
2.    During other months, visitation will be conducted in the dayroom of the MSC.

3.    The picnic area will be open on Saturdays -April, May, June, and the first half of July. It will be open on Sundays – the last half of July, August, September and October.

4.    The picnic area will only be available to inmates housed at MSC.

5.    Each inmate will be limited to four (4) adult visitors and accompanying children.
6.    Available space limitations may result in some modifications of inmates allowed on the picnic area.

7.    If overcrowding occurs, visitors and inmates may be asked to share tables to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to picnic without restrictions.

8.    The following items may be brought in by visitors who access the picnic area:

a.    Charcoal, self-starting only (no starting fluid allowed)
b.    Plastic utensils only
c.    Napkins, paper towels
d    Tablecloths – not to exceed 3 inches from the table
e.   Condiments – mustard, ketchup, mayo, bar-be-que sauce, etc. (all items must be in sealed individual packets or in clear containers/bags)
f    Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickles – clear containers only
g.    Dips (dip in can only)
h.    Snack cakes -individually wrapped
i.    Pies -factory sealed
j.    Potato salad, coleslaw -factory sealed
k    All meat must be factory sealed – chicken, steak, pork, hamburger meat, hot dogs, etc.
l.    Sandwich meats – sliced and factory sealed
m.    Cheese – sliced and factory sealed
n.    Bread -loaf or buns
o.    Cooler -made of styrofoam only

***All items on this list may be subject to change.

9.    No items will be allowed packaged in glass containers.

10.    No canned items (except canned dips, metal top will be removed at shakedown).

11.    No Jell-0 or puddings allowed.

12.    If an item is not on the approved list, it will not be allowed into the institution. No exceptions will be made. The visitor will be given the choice to take the item back to the vehicle or dispose of the item(s). *The amount of food permitted must be in proportion to the number of persons visiting the inmate.

13.    The approved picnic items will only be admitted in the amount that will be used. The visitor shall carry all items not used during the picnic visit out of the area. The inmate will carry no items out of the visiting area.

14.    Towels will be limited to two (2); one (1) small, one (1) medium.

15.    Tablecloths used on the picnic area shall be folded even with the table and not allowed to drape more than 3" beyond the edge of the table (45" x 74" in size) No sheets will be allowed to substitute for a table cloth.

16.    Picnic tables are not to be moved during the visit.

17.    Visitors and inmates will not be permitted to sit on top of the picnic tables, lay on the ground, picnic benches, concrete pads or sidewalks.

18.    All containers/coolers will be placed on the side of the tables (not on lop) as to obstruct the officer's view.

19.    No children will be allowed in the grill area.

20.    Visiting parents shall supervise children while playing; failure to do so may result in termination of the visit.

21.    All trash should be placed in proper receptacles.

22.    Please remember that this is a privilege and as such, it can be taken away at any time for any violation or misconduct.

23.    During the picnic area operational months, outside visitation may be moved inside, at the discretion of the visitation supervisor, should the following conditions occur including but not limited to:
1.    Inclement weather
2.    Continuous drenching rain
3.    Temperature and/or wind-chill below 32 degrees
4.    Tornado and/or severe thunderstorm warning

Appropriate Dress for Visitation – Visitors shall be expected to comply with the following basic dress requirements.

1.    The following clothing is not considered proper attire for visitors and will not be allowed:
low cut, halter or tank tops
sleeveless tops, shirts, blouses or dresses (unless part of suit attire, worn with a jacket,  blouse or sweater and cannot be removed during the visit)

• see-through blouses or transparent clothing
• backless tops or dresses
• shorts, skirts or dresses more than 3" above the knee and dresses or skirts with splits 3" above the knee
• grey jogging clothes, other colors are acceptable wrap-around skirts that wrap less than 1% times
• spandex lycra clothing or any spandex like material with stretch to them camouflage clothing
• STG related clothing (as determined by the OJC)
• steel-toed shoes, shower shoes, house shoes or flip flops
• worn or tattered clothing with holes bandanas
• button-up dresses cut- off jeans
• solid white or solid grey tee-shirts pants with writing across the buttocks pajamas
• medical scrubs
• any clothing, including hats, with team, company, pro or college logos low-rise or hip-hugger pants
• pullover hoodies
• no  tight fitting/body   clinging  clothing  such  as  skinny jeans,  form-fitting pants/dresses
• no shoes with heels taller than three inches  (3 "). All shoes MUST  have a visible back or strap
• sandals with foam soles

2.    Undergarments (bras, panties, underwear, slips under skirts or dresses) will be worn at all times. (Samples of undergarments deemed inappropriate are thongs and water brassieres.)

3.    Visitors are expected to dress in attire that is not provocative or offensive to others. If a visitor's appearance is deemed provocative and/or offensive, this
shall be grounds for denial of a visit by the senior officer.

4. All visitors including children are expected to wear shoes and, shoes must have a visible back or strap.

5.  Visitors may not wear excessive clothing such as two pairs of pants or an extra shirt under their top layer of clothing.

6.  Inmates may wear a coat to the visiting gallery; however, once inside the coat must be removed. Visitors wearing jackets or coats must leave them on or place them to the side. At no time will they be used for cover.

7.    If there is any question regarding visitor's attire it will be up to the discretion of the senior officer.

Access to the Visitation Area

1.    Visitors will park in the area designated for visitor parking. Parking in official visitors designated parking places or any other area will not be permitted. Visitors who are handicapped will be permitted to park in the designated handicap spaces. The visitation areas for the main compound and MSC are accessible to the handicapped.

2.    All visitors who enter state property in a personal vehicle shall be required to raise windows, lock the vehicle and remove keys prior to leaving the vehicle. No one will be permitted to remain in a personal vehicle on state property.

3.    WTSP is a Tobacco-Free Institution. Tobacco, tobacco-related products, and paraphernalia, electronic cigarettes, nicotine replacement items, matches, lighters, rolling papers, etc., are prohibited.

4.    All visitors will be processed at the checkpoint area and MSC. On entry, each visitor will sign a roster, be processed on the computer, and have their hand stamped with ultra-violet ink.  Visitors will be called in the order of registration
on the sign-in roster.  Once called, visitors must go directly to the shakedown area.  Visitors must control children while in the area. If the senior officer sees
that  children  cannot  be  controlled  while  at the checkpoint,  visitation  will  not  be allowed

5.    On exiting checkpoint and the MSC lobby, all visitors will enter their vehicles without conversing across the fence to inmate, and leave the institutional parking lot. Violators will be subject to suspensions.

Searches

1. All visitors entering WTSP property shall be subject to search.
2. Visitors entering the secure perimeter of the institutions will be frisk searched. Other searches may be authorized as deemed necessary by the Warden or designee.
3. All items carried by visitors shall also be searched before entering the institution.
4. There are signs posted on the highway and checkpoint concerning searches; please read the signs and adhere to them.
5. Vehicle searches -from time to time the institution shall perform a search of all vehicles entering the property. All persons shall be responsible for any contraband items found in their vehicles. In the event contraband is found, local and state law enforcement officials may issue written citations, make arrests or confiscate visitors' vehicles and belongings.   It is illegal to possess the following on state property: alcohol beverages, edged weapons of any type (knives, swords, etc.), drugs, any type of medication that cannot be readily identified by being in the original containers or producing prescription.     Visitors who are suspected of introducing contraband into the facility may be required to visit in a non­contact booth. In this situation, there will be no physical contact between inmates and visitors.
6. Persons with valid handgun carry permits recognized in Tennessee ay transport and store a firearm or firearm ammunition in the permit holder 's privately owned motor vehicle :

• if the permit holder's secured vehicle is parked in a location where it is permitted to be.
• if the firearm or ammunition being transported or stored in the vehicle is kept from ordinary observation if the permit holder is in the vehicle
• Or, if the firearm or ammunition is kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, glove box, or interior of the person 's privately owned vehicle or a container securely attached to such vehicle if the permit holder is not in the vehicle.

7.    Drug K-9's may be used during vehicle searches.

 Visitors will be allowed to take the following items into the visitation area:

1.    Keys
2.    Identification cards
3.    Diapers
4.    Plastic baby bottles with milk (formula MUST be premixed)

Unopened, sealed baby food (no glass containers) Visitor shall leave all other items in their personal vehicle.  

Debit Vending – There is a one-time fee of $3 for the purchase/activation of a debit card You MUST purchase this card with a $5 bill. Debit cards will be credited in $1.00 increments. Additional credits may be added to the card as needed This debit card is the personal property of the visitor and the visitor is responsible for this card. No cash or coins will be permitted in the visitation area.