Draper Correctional Facility Inmates
Draper Correctional Facility, located in Elmore, Alabama, is a state-run prison under the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) that houses adult male inmates across various security levels. Originally built in 1939 and accommodating up to 1,232 inmates, the facility is one of Alabama’s oldest prisons, with a significant history and role in inmate management, rehabilitation, and public health.
Facility Overview and Recent Developments
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Elmore, Alabama |
| Capacity | 1,232 inmates |
| Year Established | 1939 |
| Current Role | Temporary housing for Elmore inmates during renovations |
| Contact | 2828 Alabama Highway 143, Elmore, AL 36025, (334) 567-2221 |
After being closed in late 2017 due to aging infrastructure, Draper was temporarily reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic as a quarantine intake site for symptomatic inmates. Now, as nearby Elmore Correctional Facility undergoes bathroom renovations, Draper is being used to house inmates temporarily moved from Elmore. These transitions happen in phases, with one dorm moved at a time to minimize disruption.
Visiting Guidelines for Draper Correctional Facility
Draper Correctional Facility allows visits on weekends. Here’s an overview of the visitor application and visitation process:
| Visiting Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
- Visitor Approval: Visitors must be on an approved list submitted by the inmate. Applications can be completed online or mailed to the facility’s Classification Department.
- Application Queries: For questions, visitors can contact the facility directly at (334) 567-2221.
- Arrival and Conduct: Visitors should arrive early and adhere to dress codes and conduct rules. Checking for updates in visitation policies before the visit is recommended.
Inmate Programs and Activities
Draper Correctional Facility provides an array of rehabilitation and skill-building programs aimed at supporting inmate personal development and preparing them for reintegration. Here’s a summary of available programs:
| Program Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Educational Programs | Literacy and GED programs, as well as life skills classes covering financial literacy, parenting, and anger management. |
| Vocational Training | Courses in trades such as construction, culinary arts, plumbing, and electrical work, offered in partnership with local technical colleges. |
| Therapeutic Programs | Substance abuse treatment, cognitive behavioral interventions, and specialized therapy for certain behavioral issues. |
| Religious and Spiritual Programs | Worship services, scripture study, and addiction recovery groups based on religious principles. |
| Recreational Activities | Access to sports such as basketball and volleyball, weight training, arts and crafts, and structured tournaments. |
These programs aim to reduce recidivism and promote rehabilitation, helping inmates build life skills, mental resilience, and healthy routines during incarceration.
Living Conditions at Draper Correctional Facility
The living conditions at Draper Correctional Facility are influenced by its age, periodic renovations, and ongoing management of inmate populations during transitions with other facilities. Here are key aspects of the inmate living environment:
Overview of Living Conditions
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Facility Age | Built in 1939, Draper is Alabama’s oldest prison and was temporarily closed in 2017 due to deteriorating conditions. |
| Renovations | Some areas have been updated to improve conditions, particularly during the COVID-19 quarantine period. |
| Housing Arrangements | Inmates are housed in dormitory-style settings with variations in privacy, depending on security level. |
| Amenities | Access to medical and mental health care, telephones, and showers, with cleanliness varying by unit. |
The temporary relocation of inmates from Elmore during renovations has added to Draper’s population, impacting space and privacy. Despite the efforts to maintain cleanliness, experiences vary between housing units.
Challenges
Draper Correctional Facility faces challenges including overcrowding, limited privacy, and the need for ongoing maintenance. Inmates with better behavior may have access to more favorable living conditions, while those with disciplinary issues are subject to stricter confinement.
Differences Between Draper Quarantine Intake Facility and Draper Correctional Facility
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Draper Correctional Facility was partially repurposed as the Draper Quarantine Intake Facility to contain the spread of the virus. Here’s a comparison of the two roles:
| Aspect | Draper Quarantine Intake Facility | Main Draper Correctional Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Served to isolate symptomatic inmates during COVID-19 | General housing and rehabilitation center for inmates |
| Services Provided | Health monitoring, medical care, mental health support, telephones | Vocational training, education, recreational and therapeutic programs |
| Current Role | Reopened as Elmore Annex for transitional housing | Long-term housing for inmates |
The Draper Quarantine Intake Facility was designed for short-term, controlled confinement to prevent virus spread, while Draper Correctional Facility serves as a full-time correctional and rehabilitation center.
Types of Inmates at Draper Correctional Facility
Draper Correctional Facility houses male inmates across a range of security classifications, including those in minimum, medium, and maximum security, as well as death row inmates.
| Inmate Classification | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum Security | Generally non-violent offenders, often granted more privileges and access to work programs. |
| Medium Security | Inmates with serious but manageable offenses, housed in communal settings with some access to programs. |
| Maximum Security | High-risk inmates or those with violent offenses, under strict supervision and limited privileges. |
| Death Row | Inmates sentenced to capital punishment, with protocols for lethal injection established in Alabama in 2001. |
The classification system ensures that inmates are housed based on security needs and behavioral assessments, contributing to the structured environment at Draper.
Draper Correctional Facility is an integral part of Alabama’s correctional system, providing housing, rehabilitation programs, and temporary support for inmates from nearby facilities undergoing renovations. Despite challenges related to its age and overcrowding, Draper offers essential educational, vocational, therapeutic, and recreational programs to support inmate development. These initiatives focus on equipping inmates with skills and resources to improve their chances of successful reintegration into society.
For more information on visitation or specific inquiries, contact Draper Correctional Facility at (334) 567-2221.