Kentucky State Penitentiary: Inmate Guide
Overview of the Facility
Kentucky State Penitentiary, also known as "Castle on the Cumberland," is a maximum-security prison located in Eddyville, Kentucky. It is the oldest prison in the state and houses some of Kentucky's most dangerous offenders.
Contact Information
Address: 266 Water Street, Eddyville, KY 42038
Phone: (270) 388-2211
Website: https://corrections.ky.gov/Facilities/Pages/ksp.aspx
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at Kentucky State Penitentiary, use the Kentucky Online Offender Lookup system: https://corrections.ky.gov/Facilities/Pages/default.aspx
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation hours vary depending on the inmate's housing unit. Contact the facility directly for specific visitation schedules and requirements.
How to Send Money
Money can be sent to inmates through the following methods:
- JPay: https://www.jpay.com/
- Money order by mail
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make phone calls through the Securus phone system. Video visitation may be available; contact the facility for more information.
Inmate Services and Programs
Kentucky State Penitentiary offers various programs including:
- Educational programs
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Religious services
History of the Facility
Kentucky State Penitentiary opened in 1889 and has been in continuous operation since then. Its distinctive castle-like architecture has earned it the nickname "Castle on the Cumberland."
Security and Management Information
As a maximum-security facility, Kentucky State Penitentiary employs strict security measures and is managed by the Kentucky Department of Corrections.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal representation and visitation. Specific rules and regulations are subject to change; contact the facility for current information.
Booking and Release Process
Inmates are typically transferred to Kentucky State Penitentiary from other facilities. The release process varies depending on the inmate's sentence and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I bring to visitation?
Visitors are generally allowed to bring a small amount of money for vending machines and a photo ID. All other items must be approved by the facility.
How often can inmates receive visits?
Visitation frequency depends on the inmate's security level and behavior. Contact the facility for specific information.
Can inmates receive packages?
Generally, inmates cannot receive packages directly from family or friends. Approved items must be purchased through authorized vendors.
Famous Prisoners
- Michael Carneal - Convicted for the 1997 Heath High School shooting in Paducah, Kentucky.
- Marco Allen Chapman - Executed in 2008 for the murder of two children in 2002.
- William Clyde Gibson - Serial killer convicted of three murders in southern Indiana.
- Ralph Baze - Death row inmate whose case led to a temporary national moratorium on lethal injection in 2008.
- Robert Foley - Convicted of six murders in Kentucky during the 1980s and 1990s.
