Washington State Penitentiary (WSP)
Facility Alerts & Notices
Before visiting, check this page for notices and alerts that may impact your travel plans.
- None at this time.
Contact & Location
At A Glance
Local Family Council
DOC Policy 530.155 Family Councils (pdf)
Custody Level: Maximum,
Close, Medium & Minimum
Living Units & Custody Levels
Capacity: 2,439 male inmates
Year Opened: 1886
WSP Visiting Information
Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP)
The Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) was developed to help reduce the financial burden placed on families due to the cost associated with travel to/from a facility. Qualifying applicants may request up to two separate $50 reimbursements to assist with the cost of fuel and/or a hotel stay when visiting their loved on. You can find more information and the application at the link above.
Visitor Application Process
To visit an inmate, you must complete the visitor application process. Go to the Prison Visits webpage for information about what is required in your specific circumstances to complete the visitor application process.
The visitor application process must be completed for both Prison Visits and Video Visits.
Visitor Guidelines
The general guidelines that are applicable to all prison facilities is detailed in DOC Policy 450.300 Visits for Incarcerated Individuals (pdf). WSP also has its own Visitor's Guidelines (pdf) detailing important notices, visiting rules, guidelines for all visits (prison and video), and regular visiting hours for each housing unit.
WSP's Regular Visiting Hours have also been published below as a quick reference for your convenience.
Scheduled Events
Many scheduled events are hosted at WSP. These events may disrupt regularly scheduled visiting hours. Please refer to the WSP Event Calendar (pdf) for information regarding upcoming scheduled events.
Special Visits
Those approved for special visits can also use regular visiting hours. The facility has designated four tables for special visits. The request for a special visit used during regular visiting hours are limited to one day per request, every 30 days. Any questions should be addressed to the Visiting Sergeant.
Regular Visiting Hours
Below are the regularly scheduled visiting hours for each unit that accepts visitors at WSP. Regular visiting hours are subject to change due to unplanned incidents, as well as scheduled events. Please check the facility alerts & notices, WSP Event Calendar (pdf), WSP Visit Schedule Calendar (pdf) and Visitor's Guidelines (pdf) for information that may impact your travel plans.
East Complex (EC)
Visitor check-in will be from 10:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. for the morning processing, and at 2:15 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. for the afternoon processing.
| Units 6 & 8 | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Monday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotating Schedule – See Visit Schedule Calendar (pdf) | 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
West Complex (WC) & South Complex (SC)
Visitor check-in will be from 10:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. for the morning processing, and at 2:15 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. for the afternoon processing.
| BAR Units (Baker, Adams, Rainier), Delta, Echo, Fox, Golf, Victor, & William Units | Monday through Sunday |
|---|---|
| Rotating Schedule – See Visit Schedule Calendar (pdf) | 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
Intensive Management Unit (IMU)
Visits conducted in the IMU are based on space availability and first-come, first-served. IMU visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance by calling 509-525-3610, ext. 75006 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Scheduled appointments are tentative and may be cancelled due to an incarcerated individual negative behavior prior to the announced visit. On the day of the visit, visitors should call the facility one hour in advance to confirm the visit.
You may arrive 15 minutes prior to the processing time, either at 10:30am or 2:30 p.m., depending on when the visit is scheduled, with a cut-off time of 10:45 and 2:45, respectively. A visitor or an incarcerated individual may end the visit at any time. The individual will be returned to their cell at the end of the visit. Visits are typically 1–5 hours duration. However, all in person visits are over each day at 5:30 p.m. regardless of the start time.
No Contact Visits in the IMU – Visits in the IMU will be based on program level as follows:
- Level 1 – One, 2 hour visit per week
- Level 2 – One, 3 hour visit per week
- Level 3 – 4 hours once a week or 2 hours twice a week
- All MAX custody individuals in IMU-South MAY be allowed to have visits 7 days per week on a first come, first serve basis, based on scheduling.
Depending upon the incarcerated individual’s IMU program level, they may be required to remain in restraints for the duration of the visit.
No more than 2 people may visit an incarcerated individual at a time unless previously approved by the Superintendent for Department of Corrections Aggression Replacement Training (DOCART) activities.
Video Visiting Hours
Per Video Visit Expectations (pdf), video visits will be scheduled in 30 minute increments and may not exceed one hour in duration. Video visits may be scheduled by an approved visitor through Securus at least 24 hours in advance.
| Days | Time |
|---|---|
| Daily: | 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Days | Time |
|---|---|
| Daily: | 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Days | Time |
|---|---|
| Daily: | 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Days | Time |
|---|---|
| Daily: | 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
Professional Visits
Professional visits may be scheduled through the Legal Liaison Officer (LLO). Normal business days only. Holidays excluded.
| Days | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday, Friday | 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Days | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Days | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. |
| Days | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Facility Programs
Academic & Partnership Programs
- Auto Body
- Information Technology
- Building Maintenance Technology
- Getting it Right
- Bookkeeping
- Dog Training & Adoption Programs
- Diesel Mechanics
- Graphic Design
- Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
- Sustainability in Prisons Project
- Welding
Research Based Programs
Work & Vocational Programs
- Correctional Industries Jobs:
- License Plates
- Metal Shop
- Laundry
- Field Crops
- Recycle
- Transportation/Warehouse
Community Involvement
Volunteer Programs
Community volunteers provide programs and services that promote positive reintegration into the community, including religious programs, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, assisting Veterans with military issues, assisting inmate's families with children mentoring programs, and special programs (i.e., dental hygienist, photographer, etc.) that are available to the inmate population and their families.
Additionally, guest sport teams, choirs, musical groups, guest speakers/lecturers, and professional groups have held programs for the inmate population. There are also groups that assist inmates in the process of re–integrating back into society.
Giving Back to the Community
Washington State Penitentiary is active in many other programs that support the local community including involvement in Habitat for Humanity, a Canine Training Program, Teddy Bear Program, Native American Regalia Program and the STAR Project.
Inmate Families & the Community
The Family Advisory Committee at Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) was establish to advise the facility on opportunities to strengthen the inmate's family and enhance successful re-entry to community and family.
Some local motels have gift certificates available to assist families with their motel rate if they need to spend a night at Walla Walla, either before or after a regularly scheduled visit.
Art in Public Places
The Art in Public Places (AIPP) program facilitates the acquisition, placement, and stewardship of artwork in state-funded building projects throughout Washington. The Washington State Legislature established the AIPP program in 1974 to acquire artwork for educational institutions and state agencies, funded by ½ of 1 percent of the state’s portion of construction costs. Today, the State Art Collection includes more than 4,700 artworks.
Family
Local Family Council (LFC)
Each prison facility maintains a Local Family Council (LFC), providing family members the opportunity to meet regularly with the facility staff to ask questions, receive information, and share their perspectives. Meetings typically involve the facility Superintendent or Associate Superintendent, along with other department representatives and facility visitors. They are generally held during even-numbered months throughout the year, and any approved visitor may attend. To sign up to attend these meetings or join the LFC, contact your Local Family Council Representative.
Statewide Family Council (SFC)
The Department also maintains a Statewide Family Council (SFC), consisting of one elected representative from each of the Local Family Councils, the Statewide Program Manager, and various members of the executive leadership team from DOC Headquarters along with visitors or other community members who have a vested interest. These meetings are open to the public and generally occur during odd-numbered months throughout the year. To see past meeting minutes as well as information on upcoming meetings and how to join, visit the Statewide Family Council site and click on the upcoming agenda; log in information is located in the top right corner of the agenda.
Family Events(pdf)
Family relationships are essential during incarceration and provide emotional support, stability, and a sense of connection that can greatly influence an individual's success both during and after their incarceration. Family friendly events provide the opportunity for incarcerated individuals and their visitors to participate in meaningful, family centered activities that strengthen these bonds. Each year, at least four such events are organized at each facility - two are focused on strengthening adult relationships and two are dedicated to nurturing the child/parent connections. All events have set criteria and must comply with security, safety, and health requirements and in alignment with the Department’s Mission and Core Values.
Family Support and Navigation Guide
Family members experience both a physical and mental loss when a loved one becomes incarcerated. In order to maintain connections and provide support for their loved one, families must learn to navigate their way through the Corrections system. This can be a scary time for all involved. The Family Support and Navigation Guide was developed to provide you with information relevant to your loved one’s incarceration and guide you to resources during your time with Washington State Department of Corrections.
Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP)
The Lodging and Transportation Assistance Program (LTAP) was developed to help reduce the financial burden placed on families due to the cost associated with travel to/from a facility. Qualifying applicants may request up to two separate $50 reimbursements to assist with the cost of fuel and/or a hotel stay when visiting their loved on. You can find more information and the application at the link above.
Washington State Penitentiary Superintendent
Superintendent Rob Jackson
Rob Jackson began his career with the Washington State Department of Corrections at Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) in the summer of 1991 as an intern with the Mental Health Program. In 1993, he was offered a position working in the in the Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit and long-term Mental Health Special Housing Unit as a Correctional Mental Health Counselor (CMHC). After promoting within the Mental Health Unit to the position of CMHC3, Rob promoted to Corrections Specialist 3 (CS3) tracking Security Threat Group (STG) activity at WSP. At various times from 2003-2007, he served as Acting Unit Manager for all three close custody living units as well as Segregation at WSP. In 2007 Rob transitioned from a CS3 to an Emergency Management Specialist. He was responsible for coordinating the facility’s emergency management processes and procedures under the direction of the Facility’s Emergency Management Coordinator.
In April 2009, Rob transferred to the WSP Intelligence and Investigation Unit (IIU) as Chief Investigator. He later promoted to Correctional Program Manager for the East Complex in 2013, which consists of WSP’s minimum custody units. In this role he also supervised WSP Property, Mailroom, Visiting, and Community Partnership Programs.
In November of 2015, Rob was promoted to Associate Superintendent and oversaw the operation of three close custody living units, two medium custody living units, Custody Roster, Training, Community Partnership Program (volunteers), Armory and functioned as the facility’s Emergency Management Coordinator. Since January of 2022, Rob served as Interim Superintendent of the Washington State Penitentiary.
Rob earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Walla Walla Community College in 1991. He graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology in 1996. He is a former member of the Department’s Incident Management Team and a Certified Diversity Executive through the Institute for Diversity Certification. He is also a member of the American Corrections Association and the National Association of Blacks in Corrections.