William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility

The William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison for men near Bessemer in Jefferson County, Alabama. It opened in 1982 under the name West Jefferson Correctional Facility. The prison was renamed in 1990 after Officer William E. Donaldson, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.

Designed to house some of Alabama’s most challenging inmates, the facility accommodates individuals with life sentences, repeat violent offenses, or those deemed behaviorally difficult to manage. With a total capacity of 1,492 inmates, Donaldson also includes the largest segregation unit in Alabama, capable of holding 300 inmates. Additionally, the facility has a death row unit with space for up to 24 offenders in the Birmingham judicial area.

Donaldson not only enforces stringent security measures but also offers its residents opportunities for rehabilitation. Vocational carpentry, HVAC, electrical work, and barbering programs are provided through a partnership with Ingram State Technical College. The facility also emphasizes educational and rehabilitative programming to prepare inmates for their future better, wherever possible.

For those seeking to visit their loved ones, the visitation schedule for January 2025 has been announced. In-person visits are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while televised visits are scheduled on Fridays. Visitors are encouraged to confirm specific visitation hours with the facility directly.

William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility has stood firm as a key part of the Alabama Department of Corrections, managing complex security needs and offering inmate improvement pathways. Its blend of control and rehabilitation reflects its role in ensuring public safety and fostering growth among its inmates.

For further information about the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Alabama Department of Corrections or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Alabama.