The only privately-operated state prison has now changed hands and is in the control of the Virginia Department of Corrections.
Lawrenceville Correctional Center opened in 1998. The current contract expired Aug. 1.
“Today marks a new day at Lawrenceville Correctional Center,” said VDOC Director Chad Dotson. “Our Department is excited to assume operations at this facility – and to continue achieving the VADOC’s mission of ensuring public safety for the Commonwealth by providing effective incarceration, supervision and evidence-based re-entry services.”
The news about the Lawrenceville acquisition came in December at the same time VADOC announced plans to close Augusta Correctional Center, Sussex II State Prison, Haynesville Correctional Unit #17 and the Stafford Community Corrections Alternative Program. The closures were expected to be completed by June 30.
The acquisition and closures were made to enhance employee, inmate and probationer safety and to address staffing challenges and maintenance costs, VADOC said.
Employees from Sussex II State Prison and Haynesville Correctional Unit #17 were reassigned to the Sussex I State Prison and Haynesville Correctional Center.
Middle River Regional Jail reported that it had jobs open for former employees of the Augusta Correctional Center. Additional training may be required.
The Augusta Correctional Center was located in Craigsville in Augusta County. MRRJ is located in Verona. The two facilities are approximately 30 minutes apart.
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Crystal Graham
