MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution

The MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution, located in Suffield, Connecticut, is a Level 4/5 high-security facility for adult males. It is the largest correctional facility in New England, with the capacity to house 2,049 inmates. Spread over 140 acres, the facility was established on May 15, 2001, following the merger of the Walker Reception and Special Management Unit and the MacDougall Correctional Institution.

This prison plays a critical role in Connecticut’s correctional system by accommodating both long-term sentenced inmates and high-bond awaiting-trial offenders. The facility is noted for its structured environment and extensive programming, which helps address the needs of its inmate population.

Educational opportunities include Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and vocational training like electronics repair and commercial cleaning. Rehabilitation programs, such as parenting classes, substance abuse support, and mental health initiatives, further aim to prepare inmates for eventual reintegration into society.

The facility has two units, named after influential figures. The MacDougall building, honoring Ellis C. MacDougall, Connecticut’s first Commissioner of Corrections, opened in 1993. The Walker unit, named for Ralph H. Walker, a prominent warden in Connecticut’s penal history, opened in 1992 as a reception center.

MacDougall-Walker employs around 678 staff members and includes a regional commissary hub that processes over 24,000 orders monthly. The facility’s internal classification system is recognized nationally for its effectiveness.

With a mission that blends security, programming, and rehabilitation, MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution continues to be a centerpiece of Connecticut’s correctional strategy.

For further information about the MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Connecticut State Department of Corrections or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Connecticut.