Greensville Correctional Center under new leadership. Assistant Warden Frank Roach faces reform challenges

Greensville Correctional Center, under new leadership by Assistant Warden Frank Roach, emphasizes the need for time to address prison issues.

Greensville Correctional Center has faced considerable controversy in recent years due to drug-related problems, deaths, and allegations of substandard living conditions.

An anonymous former inmate, who spent three years in the facility after being transferred from Dillwyn Correctional Center, shared a troubling account of his experience with a media outlet.

The former inmate, originally incarcerated for car theft, expressed regret upon arriving at Greensville, describing it as a dangerous environment compared to the relatively ordered conditions at Dillwyn.

His release in the summer of 2023 coincided with a deteriorating situation inside the prison, one that was characterized by overdoses, escapes, and other unfavorable developments.

According to the former inmate, fights were commonplace, living conditions were unsanitary, and recreational time was subject to the staff’s mood. He alleged that staff members would sometimes leave inmates in their cells out of spite.

Illegal drugs emerged as a significant issue at the Greensville Correctional Center. A drug sweep conducted between October 30 and November 14 revealed large quantities of cocaine, heroin, weapons, and cell phones. New leadership, including Assistant Warden Frank Roach, was introduced after this discovery.

Roach acknowledged the need for proactive measures to curb drug trafficking within the facility.

The former inmate the media outlet spoke with shed light on various means through which illegal substances entered the prison, including staff involvement, visitation, and even the use of drones. He also emphasized the role of inmate-staff relationships in facilitating access to drugs.

Roach did not comment on whether staff should be held responsible for allowing drugs to reach inmates. He emphasized that an individual is going to choose to do what they want to do. And it doesn’t matter if you work at the institution or anywhere else.

The prison has reported at least six deaths since July.

The former inmate highlighted the difficulties of coping at Greensville due to limited activities, no education opportunities, and restricted communication with family members. Financial exploitation was also mentioned, with the former inmate recounting instances where his mother paid for a video call that he was not allowed to take, and the payment was never returned.

Concerns were raised about the adequacy of staffing to provide essential care and security for the facility’s more than 2,400 inmates. Roach declined to comment on whether Greensville has enough staff, stating that challenges persist, whether fully or understaffed.

The former inmate detailed grim conditions during lockdowns, including limited access to showers and arbitrary withholding of essential amenities. He expressed a desire for humane treatment, questioning why inmates’ lives should be considered less important.

When asked about the prison’s needs to address these challenges, Roach answered that time was the issue. He added that it takes time to fix things, address issues, and get them where you want them to be.

The former inmate shared that after his release, he felt relief and disbelief at his newfound freedom.

Source: https://www.nbc12.com/2023/12/07/new-leadership-arrives-fix-security-issues-greensville-correctional-center/