Washington State Penitentiary (Walla Walla, Washington)

 police station  Add category

 Upload a photo

1313 N. 13th St.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 525-3610
Superintendent: Jeffrey Uttecht

The Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) is located on 540 acres of farmland near the Eastern Washington community of Walla Walla. There are four separate facilities within the institution; each established to house a different custody level of offender.

Historically, WSP has been the largest correctional institution in the state. However, the current population is reduced due to an expansion project and the conversion of three units at the Medium Security Complex to close custody.

WSP has an operating capacity of 1,791 offenders and currently houses approximately 1,960 offenders. The average cost to house an offender at this facility is $86.29 per day – $31,496.56 a year.

There are approximately 947 staff employed in 93 different job classifications. This includes 582 uniformed custody staff members.

The financial impact on the local area for fiscal year 2005 was approximately $55,000,000 which includes salaries, medical services, utilities, and local purchases.

Health Services provides medical, dental and mental health services for the entire institution. It also has a small in-patient unit, a pharmacy and optical office.

The Food Service Department prepares and serves 2,395,713 meals each year at a food cost of $1.12 per meal. The overall food cost per day, per inmate is $6.08. This includes the cost of food, supplies and labor.

The Engineers Department maintains all of the buildings, machinery and does some new construction for the facility. The Laundry also provides work for offenders washing state-owned clothing, linens and staff uniforms.

Correctional Industries provides jobs for offenders in metal fabrication, the license plate factory, a welding shop, and the garment factory where offender clothing, staff uniforms and other similar items are made. There is also a sign shop that makes road signs for the state and counties.

The Walla Walla Community College provides on-site educational opportunities for offenders including adult basic education, English as a Second Language, Partners in Parenting and general education development (GED). There are vocational programs available in barbering, computer technology, carpentry, HVAC, welding, building maintenance and autobody repair. At the Medium Security Complex, there is a mandatory adult education program that requires all offenders to obtain their GED.

Religious services are provided by two full-time ordained clergy and over 300 volunteers. Recognized religious needs are provided through private services and group ceremonies for the individual faiths.