Pocahontas State Correctional Center Va is a medium-security prison located at 920 Old River Road in Pocahontas, Virginia. It serves the Virginia Department of Corrections and houses adult male inmates. The facility opened in September 2007 after a $68.6 million construction project. It sits on a 35-acre campus and can hold up to 1,034 inmates. Warden Tikki Hicks leads the center, managing daily operations, staff, and inmate programs. The main phone number is (276) 945-9173. All questions must go through email for safety reasons. Office staff do not answer calls directly. InmateAid offers a searchable database with names, DOC numbers, custody levels, and program details. Users get a 67% discount on GTL phone calls, helping families stay connected at lower costs.
Location and Contact Information
The prison is at 920 Old River Road, PO Box 518, Pocahontas, VA 24635-0518. The visitor entrance is at 317 Old Mountain Road, Pocahontas, VA 24635. GPS coordinates are available for navigation. Inmates receive mail at the PO Box address. Each envelope must include the inmate’s full name and DOC number. The main phone line is (276) 945-9173. This number can confirm visiting hours, which change monthly. For security, staff do not take phone questions. All inquiries must use the protected email provided on official sites. This protects staff and ensures faster replies.
Visiting Rules and Schedule
Visits happen only on Saturdays and Sundays. Each session lasts 30 minutes and allows two visitors per inmate. The schedule rotates every quarter. Call (276) 945-9173 before traveling to confirm current times. Visitors must bring a government-issued photo ID. No revealing clothing is allowed. Everyone passes a security screening at the entrance on Old Mountain Road. Children under 18 must be with an adult. No cell phones, bags, or food are permitted inside. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete check-in. Late arrivals may lose their visit time.
Inmate Search and Database Tools
Several websites offer inmate lookup tools. InmateAid, Prisonroster, and InmatesLookup.org list names, DOC numbers, custody levels, and program participation. These databases update weekly. Users can filter by offense type, sentence length, or admission date. InmateAid also provides a 67% discount on GTL phone calls. This helps families save money while staying in touch. Always verify information through the Virginia Department of Corrections website. Records may change quickly due to transfers or court updates.
Facility History and Construction
The prison opened in September 2007 after a $68.6 million build. It was built to reduce overcrowding in other Virginia prisons. The site covers 35 acres in Tazewell County, just west of Pocahontas. It was designed for 910 inmates but can hold up to 1,034. The campus includes housing units, a medical clinic, administrative offices, and a recreation yard. Construction began in early 2006 and finished on time. The facility uses modern security systems and energy-efficient designs. It is one of the newer prisons in the state.
Security Level and Inmate Population
This is a medium-security prison with Level 2 and 3 custody. It houses adult male offenders only. As of recent reports, it holds about 920 inmates. The design capacity is 1,034 beds. Security includes perimeter fencing, surveillance cameras, and controlled movement zones. Staff conduct regular checks and searches. Inmates are classified by risk level and behavior. Higher-risk individuals may have restricted privileges. The goal is safe housing and rehabilitation.
Programs and Services for Inmates
The center offers many programs to support rehabilitation. These include GED classes, vocational training in carpentry and automotive repair, and substance abuse counseling. There is a medical clinic with nurses and doctors. Mental health services are available. Inmates can access the library, attend religious services, and work in facility jobs. Educational programs help prepare for life after release. Some courses offer certificates recognized outside prison. Participation can improve parole chances.
Staff and Administration
Warden Tikki Hicks oversees all operations. She manages security, programs, and staff schedules. The Virginia Department of Corrections employs over 11,000 people across the state. This includes correctional officers, medical staff, teachers, and administrators. Jobs offer competitive pay, benefits, and tuition help. Training is required for all roles. Staff must pass background checks and physical tests. The department promotes from within and supports career growth.
Nearby Correctional Facilities
Other state prisons near Pocahontas include Red Onion State Prison in Pound, VA, and River North Correctional Center in Independence, VA. Red Onion is a supermax facility with high security. River North is a medium-security prison. Each has its own programs and visiting rules. Contact numbers are (276) 796-7510 for Red Onion and (276) 773-2518 for River North. These facilities work together under the VADOC network.
Mail and Communication Rules
Inmates receive mail at PO Box 518, Pocahontas, VA 24635-0518. Letters must include the inmate’s full name and DOC number. No photos, cash, or stamps are allowed. All mail is inspected for contraband. Phone calls use the GTL system. Families can prepay for calls online. InmateAid users get a 67% discount. Video visits may be available through approved platforms. Check the VADOC website for updates on communication policies.
Legal and Court Information
The prison falls under the Pocahontas judicial district. Inmates can access legal resources through the law library. Court dates are scheduled through the sheriff’s office. State Courts provide online inmate records. Users can search by name or DOC number to find sentencing details and parole eligibility. Always confirm data with official sources. Records may not reflect recent changes.
Employment Opportunities
The VADOC hires for many roles at Pocahontas State Correctional Center. Jobs include correctional officers, nurses, counselors, and maintenance workers. Applicants apply online and attend recruitment events. Training includes safety, ethics, and emergency response. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and education support. The department values diversity and community service. New hires start with probationary periods.
Directions and Map
To reach the facility, use GPS coordinates or follow signs to Old River Road in Pocahontas, VA. The visitor entrance is at 317 Old Mountain Road. Parking is available on-site. Public transportation is limited. Most visitors drive. Allow extra time for security checks. The prison is about 15 minutes from Bluefield, VA. Use Google Maps for real-time directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit without an ID? No. All visitors must show a government-issued photo ID. What time do visits start? Times change monthly. Call (276) 945-9173 to confirm. Are children allowed? Yes, but they must be with an adult. Can I send money to an inmate? Yes, through approved services like JPay or GTL. Is there a dress code? Yes. No shorts, tank tops, or open-toe shoes. How often can I visit? Once per weekend, with two visitors max per session. What programs help with early release? GED, vocational training, and counseling can improve parole chances.
Official Resources
Virginia Department of Corrections: vadoc.virginia.gov Phone: (276) 945-9173 Visiting Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, times vary monthly Address: 920 Old River Road, PO Box 518, Pocahontas, VA 24635-0518 Warden: Tikki Hicks