Washington Department of Corrections (WA DOC) Guide for Inmates

Overview of the Facility

The Washington Department of Corrections (WA DOC) is the state agency responsible for managing adult correctional facilities and supervising adult offenders in the state of Washington. It oversees multiple prisons, work release facilities, and community supervision offices throughout the state.

Contact Information

Address: 7345 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 725-8213
Website: https://www.doc.wa.gov/
Email: [email protected]

How to Locate an Inmate

To find an inmate in the Washington DOC system, use the online Offender Search tool available at https://www.doc.wa.gov/information/inmate-search/default.aspx. You can search by name or DOC number.

Visitation Information and Hours

Visitation policies and hours vary by facility. Visit the WA DOC website's Visitation page at https://www.doc.wa.gov/corrections/incarceration/visiting/default.htm for specific information about each facility and to schedule visits.

How to Send Money

There are several ways to send money to inmates in WA DOC facilities:

Online: Use JPay at https://www.jpay.com/
Phone: Call JPay at 1-800-574-5729
MoneyGram: Use receive code 1804
Mail: Send a money order to JPay, PO Box 284430, Miami, FL 33128-4430

Phone Calls and Video Options

Phone services are provided through GTL (Global Tel Link). Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid accounts. For more information, visit https://www.gtl.net/friends-and-family-resources/. Video visitation options may be available at some facilities.

Inmate Services and Programs

WA DOC offers various programs and services, including:

Education and vocational training
Substance abuse treatment
Mental health services
Work programs
Religious and cultural programs

History of the Facility

The Washington Department of Corrections was established in 1981 when it was separated from the Department of Social and Health Services. Since then, it has evolved to manage the state's growing inmate population and implement various rehabilitation programs.

Security and Management Information

WA DOC operates facilities with various security levels, from minimum to maximum security. Each facility has its own management team and security protocols designed to ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and the public.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. Family and friends can visit inmates according to each facility's visitation policies. For more information on inmate rights, visit https://www.doc.wa.gov/family/rights.htm.

Booking and Release Process

The booking process involves intake, assessment, and classification. Upon release, inmates may be subject to community supervision or may be discharged completely, depending on their sentence and behavior while incarcerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I send mail to an inmate?

Address the envelope with the inmate's full name and DOC number, followed by the facility name and address. Check the WA DOC website for specific mailing instructions for each facility.

Can inmates receive packages?

Generally, inmates cannot receive packages directly from family or friends. Some items may be ordered through approved vendors. Check with the specific facility for their package policies.

How can I get medical information about an inmate?

Due to privacy laws, medical information is confidential. Inmates must sign a release form to allow the DOC to share medical information with designated individuals.

What items are inmates allowed to have?

Allowed items vary by facility and security level. Generally, inmates can have approved clothing, hygiene items, and some personal property. Check the WA DOC website or contact the specific facility for a detailed list of allowed items.

How can I report concerns about an inmate's treatment?

You can contact the facility's superintendent or the WA DOC headquarters. For serious concerns, you may also contact the Office of the Corrections Ombuds at https://oco.wa.gov/.

Famous Prisoners

While the Washington Department of Corrections manages multiple facilities across the state, here are some notable inmates who have served time in various Washington state prisons:

Gary Ridgway (Green River Killer) - Convicted of 48 murders, serving life sentences at Washington State Penitentiary.
Robert Yates - Serial killer convicted of 13 murders, serving life sentences at Washington State Penitentiary.

General Visiting and Contacting Information

We provide detailed visiting and contact information for Washington Department of Corrections (WA DOC). If you are have completed a Washington Department of Corrections (WA DOC) inmate search and have located an inmate, the information on this page will help you to stay in contact. We help you send money to jail, send & receive text messages, and provide the address for in-person visits.

Sending Money

Inmates who are currently imprisoned in Washington Department of Corrections (WA DOC) can receive money into their commissary account via money order, check or cash. Inmate visitors can also deposit money directly into the inmate's account at prison administrative office. Note: When sending the money via money order or check, mention the inmate id and full name on the back of the slip.

Sending a Package / Mail

You can send any mail to the inmates who are imprisoned in Washington Department of Corrections (WA DOC). Please send the mail or package to the address mentioned below.

Inmate Name,

Inmate ID,

7345 Linderson Way Southwest, Tumwater, WA, 98501-6504

Please make sure the mail or package that you are sending comes under the list of approved items. For further clarification on the allowed items, contact the prison administration directly on 360-725-8213 .

Note: In case you want to send packages, you need to get prior approval from the prison administration. Contact the prison / jail staff for more information.

Phone calls

Inmates can call to any person outside who are on the approved members list between 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The cost of the call is beared by the receiver and the call can be of maximum 30 minutes. During rush hours, the calling time is reduced drastically to 10 minutes.

Visitation Rules

You need to get yourself registered in the visitors list before visiting any inmate in the prison. If you are visiting someone in Washington Department of Corrections (WA DOC), make sure you are in approved visitors list. Confirm with the prison authorities before coming to visit the inmate.

Listed below are the basic visitation rules which one must adhere to:

Visitor must not be a prior felon.
Visitor must have a valid government ID.
A legal guardian must be accompanied for children below 16 years of age.

Washington Department of Corrections (WA DOC) Inmate Searcher

Fill out the form below and receive a detailed report on an inmate. This includes current and previous arrest records, social media handles, current and previous addresses & phone numbers.

First Name*

Last Name*

State