The Detention Division of the Department of Adult Corrections is primarily responsible for the housing, care, and custody of all inmates confined to the facility. The Classifications Officer assigns on-site jobs and determines which inmates would be eligible for jobs off-site based on knowledge, skills, and custody level for security considerations.

All inmates are held accountable for violations or infractions of the Department rules and regulations. Disciplinary policies and procedures have been designed and implemented for this purpose.

There are a variety of programs offered to benefit inmates which are all voluntary. In some cases individuals are court ordered to specific programs. Listed below are the available programs.

GED Program

Ongoing GED classes are conducted three nights a week at 7:00pm, and are headed by a certified teacher. The classes are coordinated through the Newport News School System Continuing Education Program. This class assists interested inmates in getting their GED Certificates.

Computer Classes

Adult Corrections has regular computer training classes (both basic entry level and advanced classes) scheduled in the computer room.

Substance Abuse Program

The Substance Abuse Program is located on-site and is headed by a full-time counselor who conducts regular groups and counseling to interested individuals who wish to participate in treatment not only for substance abuse, but also for anger management, and any other issue that may need to be addressed. This program is coordinated through the Hampton–Newport News Community Services Board.

Religious Programs

Individuals may participate in religious programs offered through a variety of volunteer religious groups from the community. The Department of Adult Corrections and the Senior Chaplain of the Southeastern Correctional Ministry oversee all volunteers for these programs. There are Bible study groups, parenting groups, and prayer services.

Library

The library is available and encouraged for the use of interested inmates. There are reference materials, periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and books. Books may be checked out for one week at a time.

Medical

To protect the health and well-being of the inmates and staff, each new inmate receives a medical screening to determine whether there are any areas of concern that need to be addressed. There are nurses available during the first shift (6:00am–2:00pm) and second shift (2:00pm–10:00pm), and a doctor is available once a week for any inmate who expresses a need for an appointment. The first shift supervisor announces sick call at 6:00am each morning on weekdays, and at 7:00am on weekends and holidays. In the event of an emergency, inmates are transported to the closest medical facility for treatment.

Telephone Calls

During the admission process, each new inmate is allowed to complete two telephone calls on local exchanges or long distance for the purpose of notifying family, legal counsel, or other appropriate persons of his whereabouts or status. Inmates have the privilege of making outgoing collect phone calls Monday–Friday between the hours of 3:30pm and 11:30pm, and on weekends between 8:00am and 12:00pm

Recreation

Various forms of recreation are available to inmates. The supply officer issues one of each type of game per housing unit including: playing cards, Uno cards, Chess, Monopoly, Checkers, Backgammon, and Double Six Dominos. Cable television is available to all housing areas.

Basketball, pool, Foosball, and table tennis are organized in the gymnasium during scheduled recreation times. Horseshoes are available when weather permits.

Food Services

All inmates are provided three meals each day. If an inmate has funding, he can also order extra items through the Canteen. Drink machines are located in several areas accessible to inmates. Coupons must be purchased through the Canteen to purchase drinks.