Buckingham Correctional Center is a close-custody state prison located three miles southwest of Dillwyn, Virginia, on a 968-acre site. Built in 1982, the facility houses adult male offenders and lists a certified capacity of 1,038 inmates, with daily occupancy usually between 950 and 1,020. The campus includes five housing units equipped with controlled-access doors and surveillance cameras, a central reception center for classification, a recreation building with a gymnasium and outdoor field, a dining hall serving three hot meals daily, an administration building that contains the warden’s office, security command center, and inmate services, and a warehouse for maintenance and work-program supplies. Security features a razor-wire-topped perimeter fence, guard towers at each corner, and an electronic monitoring system that tracks movement between housing blocks, work assignments, and program areas. The official address is 1349 Correctional Center Road, Dillwyn, VA 23936.
Facility Overview and Security Classification
Buckingham Correctional Center operates as a Security Level 3-4 institution under the Virginia Department of Corrections. This classification means it holds inmates with medium to high risk profiles, including those serving long-term sentences, life without parole, or multiple convictions. Inmates are assigned based on criminal history, current charge severity, and behavioral assessments conducted during intake. The facility maintains strict protocols for movement control, communication monitoring, and contraband prevention. All housing units feature controlled-access doors and real-time surveillance. Guard towers positioned at each corner of the perimeter provide 24/7 visual oversight. The electronic monitoring system logs every inmate transfer between housing, work zones, and program areas, ensuring accountability and rapid response to incidents.
Housing and Daily Operations
The prison contains five distinct housing units, each designed for secure, segregated living. Units are organized by custody level and behavioral status. Inmates follow a structured daily schedule that includes meal times, work assignments, recreation, and program participation. The dining hall serves three hot meals per day, prepared under health department guidelines. Recreation occurs in a dedicated building with a full gymnasium and an outdoor field used for physical training and supervised sports. Work programs operate in a separate warehouse area where inmates engage in maintenance tasks, equipment repair, and supply management. These activities support facility operations while providing skill-building opportunities.
Staff and Administrative Structure
Larry T. Edmonds serves as warden of Buckingham Correctional Center, overseeing all operations since 2019. He reports to Rebecca Young, senior superintendent of Central Virginia Correctional Unit #13, which also includes Coffeewood Correctional Center. The administration building houses the warden’s office, security command center, and inmate services desk. Staff include correctional officers, program instructors, medical personnel, and administrative support. The facility maintains a low staff-to-inmate ratio to ensure safety and program delivery. All personnel undergo rigorous training in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and inmate rights.
Inmate Services and Programs
Buckingham Correctional Center offers a range of services aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration. Educational programs include GED preparation, computer literacy courses, and vocational training in carpentry, metalworking, and automotive repair. These are taught by certified instructors and lead to industry-recognized certifications. The JPay system enables electronic messaging, fund transfers, and access to educational content. Inmates can receive money from family members with a $0.55 transaction fee, and funds are available within 24 hours for commissary use. Global Tel Link (GTL) provides secure email communication, screened for contraband before delivery.
Visitation and Communication Policies
Visitors must schedule appointments at least 48 hours in advance by calling 434-983-4400. All guests must present valid government-issued photo ID and follow a strict dress code outlined in the inmate handbook. Visitation hours vary by housing block; for example, Block C receives visitors on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, while Block E has weekend slots on Saturdays. The main inmate services line is 434-391-5980 for general inquiries. Mail must be sent to P.O. Box 430, Dillwyn, VA 23936, and include the inmate’s full name and VADOC ID number. Packages are subject to inspection and may be rejected if they violate policy.
Inmate Roster and Public Records
The Virginia Department of Corrections maintains a public inmate roster for Buckingham Correctional Center. This database lists current inmates, their booking dates, projected release dates, charges, bond amounts, and assigned housing blocks. The roster is updated in real time through a centralized data system shared across Central Virginia Correctional Unit #13. Individuals can search the roster online or request information by phone. The facility’s certified capacity is 1,038, and average daily population ranges from 950 to 1,020. All inmates are adult males, with an average age of 34 years.
Rehabilitation and Reentry Support
Buckingham Correctional Center emphasizes preparation for life after release. Vocational workshops teach practical skills in high-demand fields. Carpentry training covers framing, finishing, and blueprint reading. Metalworking includes welding and fabrication techniques. Automotive programs focus on engine repair, diagnostics, and maintenance. These programs partner with local employers to improve job placement rates. Educational courses help inmates earn GEDs or improve literacy. Counseling services address substance abuse, anger management, and mental health. Reentry planning begins six months before release, connecting inmates with housing, employment, and community resources.
Health and Safety Protocols
Medical care is provided on-site by licensed nurses and physicians. Inmates receive routine checkups, emergency treatment, and chronic disease management. Mental health services include individual counseling and group therapy. The facility follows Virginia DOC health standards and undergoes regular inspections. Safety drills are conducted monthly for fire, lockdown, and medical emergencies. Contraband detection uses metal detectors, random searches, and K-9 units. All incidents are documented and reviewed to improve procedures.
Community and Regional Role
Buckingham Correctional Center is part of Central Virginia Correctional Unit #13, which coordinates resources across multiple facilities. This network shares health services, legal aid clinics, and data systems. The prison contributes to the local economy through jobs and contracts with regional vendors. It also partners with community organizations for volunteer programs, religious services, and family support initiatives. The facility hosts public tours and informational sessions to increase transparency and public understanding of corrections.
Contact Information and Official Resources
The official address for Buckingham Correctional Center is 1349 Correctional Center Road, Dillwyn, VA 23936. Mailing correspondence should go to P.O. Box 430, Dillwyn, VA 23936. The main phone number for inmate services is 434-391-5980. Visitation coordination can be reached at 434-983-4400. For regional inquiries, the Central Virginia Correctional Unit #13 office is located at 6900 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832, with a contact number of (804) 796-4277. The Virginia Department of Corrections website provides updated policies, forms, and inmate search tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buckingham Correctional Center serves as a key institution within Virginia’s correctional system, providing secure housing, rehabilitation programs, and reentry support for adult male offenders. This section answers common questions from families, researchers, legal professionals, and community members seeking accurate, up-to-date information about the facility’s operations, policies, and services.
What types of inmates are housed at Buckingham Correctional Center?
Buckingham Correctional Center primarily houses adult male offenders classified under Security Level 3-4. This includes individuals serving medium to long-term sentences, such as those with single-term convictions, multiple-term sentences, or life without parole. Inmate placement is determined by criminal history, current charge severity, and behavioral risk assessed during intake. The facility does not hold juveniles, female inmates, or federal prisoners. All residents are state-sentenced and typically serve terms exceeding one year, though some may be under special programs. The average age of inmates is 34, and daily population ranges from 950 to 1,020, below the certified capacity of 1,038.
How can I visit an inmate at Buckingham Correctional Center?
Visitors must schedule appointments at least 48 hours in advance by calling the visitation coordination line at 434-983-4400. All guests must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Visitation hours vary by housing block; for example, Block C is open on Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, while Block E has weekend visits on Saturdays. Visitors must follow the dress code outlined in the inmate handbook, which prohibits revealing clothing, gang-related symbols, or inappropriate graphics. Only two visitors are allowed per session, and children must be supervised at all times. All visits are non-contact and monitored for security.
What communication options are available for inmates?
Inmates can communicate through mailed letters, electronic messaging via JPay, and secure email through Global Tel Link (GTL). Mail must be sent to P.O. Box 430, Dillwyn, VA 23936, and include the inmate’s full name and VADOC ID number. Electronic messages are screened for contraband content before delivery. JPay allows families to send messages, transfer funds, and share video recordings. GTL provides a secure portal for email correspondence. Phone calls are collect only and monitored. Inmates may make emergency calls under staff supervision. All communication is subject to review and may be restricted for disciplinary reasons.
What educational and vocational programs are offered?
Buckingham Correctional Center offers GED preparation, computer literacy courses, and vocational training in carpentry, metalworking, and automotive repair. These programs are taught by certified instructors and lead to industry-recognized certifications. The educational portal, accessible through JPay, provides self-paced learning modules. Vocational workshops operate in a dedicated space with tools and equipment for hands-on practice. Carpentry covers framing, finishing, and safety protocols. Metalworking includes welding and fabrication. Automotive training focuses on engine diagnostics, brake systems, and routine maintenance. Completion of these programs improves employment prospects upon release.
How are inmate funds managed and accessed?
Families can transfer money to inmates using JPay, which charges a $0.55 fee per deposit. Funds become available within 24 hours and can be used at the on-site commissary to purchase hygiene items, snacks, stationery, and approved electronics. Inmates receive a weekly spending limit based on custody level and behavior. All transactions are recorded and monitored. Cash is not accepted at the facility. Money orders must be mailed to the P.O. box with the inmate’s full name and ID. Refunds or balance inquiries can be requested through the inmate services desk. Financial records are maintained for the duration of incarceration.
What health services are provided to inmates?
Medical care is available on-site with licensed nurses and physicians providing routine checkups, emergency treatment, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Mental health services include individual counseling, group therapy, and crisis intervention. Prescription medications are dispensed under supervision. Dental care is offered for urgent needs and routine cleanings. The facility follows Virginia DOC health standards and undergoes regular inspections. Inmates can request medical attention through staff or written forms. All health records are confidential and maintained securely.
How can I locate an inmate or verify their status?
The Virginia Department of Corrections maintains a public inmate roster updated in real time. Individuals can search by name or VADOC ID number on the official VADOC website or through third-party portals like Prisonroster or WRPolice.org. The roster includes booking date, projected release date, current charges, bond amount, and housing block. For verification, call the inmate services desk at 434-391-5980. Written requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a brief cover letter. Information is provided in accordance with state privacy laws. Only authorized individuals may receive detailed records.
Official Website: https://www.vadoc.virginia.gov/facilities-and-offices/
Phone: 434-391-5980 (Inmate Services), 434-983-4400 (Visitation)
Address: 1349 Correctional Center Road, Dillwyn, VA 23936
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 430, Dillwyn, VA 23936
Visiting Hours: Vary by housing block; schedule required 48 hours in advance