Louisiana State Penitentiary – Overview and Information
The Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola Prison, is a maximum security institution located in Angola, Louisiana. With over 6,300 inmates, it is the largest prison in the United States and the fifth largest prison in the world. The prison has been in operation since 1880 and is located on an 18,000-acre property that was the former site of a large slave plantation.
The Louisiana State Penitentiary is managed by the Louisiana Department of Corrections. It houses inmates convicted of serious and high-profile crimes including murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and other felonies. In addition, the prison is a featured destination for rehabilitation and correctional programs such as job training and interventions.
The security level of the prison is extremely high, and all inmates must adhere to strict regulations regarding movement, communication, and other activities. All visitors must gain approval before entering the facility. In addition, all prisoners must pass a series of background checks and obtain clearance from the warden before any visitors are allowed to enter.
The prison has a large staff, and all personnel must undergo rigorous training and have certification and specialized qualifications. In addition, the prison employs healthcare professionals, psychologists, criminal justice professionals, and other staff members.
The prison offers a wide range of programs for inmates, including literacy training, career education, employment assistance, substance abuse programs, and family counseling. Additionally, the prison offers recreational activities, vocations, and religious services.
Despite its high security, Angola prison has earned a reputation for its progressive approach to incarceration. The prison allows for visitation rights for eligible inmates and concentrates on its rehabilitative efforts. Consequently, the prison is not seen as punitive, but rather as a place for rehabilitation and a chance to begin anew.
Louisiana State Penitentiary – Classes, Services, and Programs
The Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola, is a maximum-security prison in Louisiana. Located on an 18,000-acre former slave plantation, Angola has been praised for its rehabilitation efforts and educational programming.
Classes
Angola offers educational programming to its inmates, including literacy classes, GED preparation classes, and computer classes. The prison also provides classes for prisoners to learn job skills so that they can find employment upon release. Additionally, inmates can take college courses through the Tangi Applied Technology Center.
Services
In addition to educational programming, Angola offers several other services. The prison includes a hospital, dental clinic, and mental health program. Inmates can access legal services through the non-profit Louisiana Incarcerated People’s Help (LIPH). LIPH provides legal assistance, support services, and literature about legal issues.
Programs
Angola is also committed to providing positive rehabilitation programs. The prison includes a horticultural therapy program. This program, along with programs in music, art, and carpentry, allows inmates to express themselves and learn new skills. The prison also has a re-entry program to help inmates transition back into society. This program provides job placement, housing assistance, substance abuse treatment, and other services.
Overall, Angola is committed to providing necessary services and programs to inmates. The prison works to ensure that inmates have access to the education, skills, and support that they need to successfully reenter society.
Inmate visiting application in Louisiana State Penitentiary
Every incarcerated individual in the Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP) may be visited regularly, providing that the visitor is approved by the LSP and they meet visitor requirements. For any person wishing to visit an inmate at LSP, they must first complete the Inmate Visiting Application process before visiting an inmate. All applications must be submitted to the Visiting Officer at least three days before the planned visit.
The applicant must enter their full name, mailing address, phone number, date of birth, and driver’s license or identification card information (state and number). They must also provide the inmate’s name and number then sign the application and statement of understanding. An applicant must also have a current, valid form of identification. It must boarder photos and have an expiration date before the visit and the minor children must also have a form of identification.
All applicants must be 18 years or older, other than immediate family which can include siblings, grandparents, spouses, and children. All people under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, must be listed on the visitation list for the inmate they are visiting, and be approved through the Visiting Officer.
After the application has been processed, approved visitors will be provided with a copy of the visitation rules and adhering to the rules is a must. This includes limited physical contact between the visitor and the inmate, prohibiting cell phone and camera usage in the visitation area, arriving no more than 15 minutes from the designated visiting time, and leaving at the end of the visit.
The LSP Visiting Officer is available to answer any questions regarding the visiting procedure. Furthermore, any visitor deemed as a security risk to the Institution by the department may be denied approval to visit an inmate. Any person who breaks the rules of the visit may be asked to leave and the inmate’s visitation privileges may be suspended.
Louisiana State Penitentiary: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: Where is the Louisiana State Penitentiary located?
A: The Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP) is located in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana near the Mississippi River. It is approximately 65 miles northwest of Baton Rouge.
Q: Who owns Louisiana State Penitentiary?
A: The facility is owned by the State of Louisiana and is run by the Louisiana Department of Corrections.
Q: How long has the Louisiana State Penitentiary been in operation?
A: The Louisiana State Penitentiary has been in operation since 1901.
Q: What is the capacity of the facility?
A: The Louisiana State Penitentiary has a capacity of 5100 inmates.
Q: What types of services are offered at the prison?
A: The Louisiana State Penitentiary offers a variety of services for inmates, including educational and recreational activities, substance abuse treatment, as well as vocational and religious services.
Q: What security measures does Louisiana State Penitentiary use?
A: The Louisiana State Penitentiary operates using both maximum and medium security measures. This includes physical security measures such as surveillance cameras and secure fencing, as well as a robust intelligence network.
Q: What are the visitation rules at Louisiana State Penitentiary?
A: All visitors must be approved in advance, and must present a valid photo identification and proof of relationship when arriving for a visit. There are also specific rules regarding visitation hours and clothing that visitors must adhere to while visiting the facility.
Q: Does Louisiana State Penitentiary offer any medical services?
A: Yes, the Louisiana State Penitentiary offers medical services to inmates. This includes mental health services, as well as medical services such as physical examinations and treatment for chronic medical conditions.
Q: Does Louisiana State Penitentiary offer any programs to help prisoners reenter society?
A: Yes, the Louisiana State Penitentiary offers a variety of programs to help inmates transition back into the community. These include life skills classes, job training programs, and psychological and rehabilitative services, in addition to offering spiritual guidance.
