WVCF to host Legislative Day

IDOC image

Wabash Valley Correctional Facility 

CARLISLE --  Friday is Legislative Day at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility (WVCF)!   

Lawmakers, legislative liaisons, Governor’s Office staff and Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) leaders will gather to find out what’s going on behind the walls of a maximum-security prison.
 
“It’s a learning and fact gathering visit and we are happy to host our lawmakers,” said WVCF Superintendent Richard Brown.  Jon Ferguson, IDOC Director of Legislative Services said, “Visits like this help our elected leaders make well informed decisions when it comes to the operation and budgeting of Indiana prisons like WVCF.” 

​Over 1.4 billion dollars was appropriated from the General Fund for the IDOC covering 2016 and 2017.  It costs well over 38 million dollars to fund the operation of the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility each year.   
 
Lawmakers will receive an overview from IDOC Commissioner Bruce Lemmon followed by a very busy afternoon.  Superintendent Brown said they will visit the facility infirmary, a mental health treatment unit, the faith and character based PLUS (Purposeful Living Units Serve) unit, restricted status housing and an industries building.  “We want our elected officials to be able to interact with our dedicated staff, our offender population and learn more about our efforts to prepare offenders to return home.”   Brown added a K-9 demonstration is also planned.
 
Legislative Services Director Ferguson said a recent Legislative Day at the Indiana Women’s Prison was very well received, leading to requests for an additional visit to Wabash Valley.   
 

About the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility:
 
WVCF is located north of Carlisle, Indiana in Sullivan County and began operations in 1992.  An average daily population of 1,972 offenders is housed on the 340 acre site adjacent to U.S 41.  Total capacity is 2,198 with 651 approved state staff positions including 524 custody and 118 contractual employees. Annual operating costs total nearly 38 million dollars.  

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