KY DOC – Kentucky State Reformatory (KSR)

KY DOC – Kentucky State Reformatory (KSR) basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 502-222-9441

This facility is for adult inmates.

The inmates housed at KY State Reformatory located at 3001 W Hwy 146 in LaGrange, KY are placed according to their custody level (determined by a number of factors including the past criminal history and the length of their sentence). There are ample educational and vocational training programs for all inmates, especially ones that show a willingness to learn new things that will prepare them for a better life when they are released. The mission is to promote and prepare the offender to leave in better shape than when they arrived, giving them the best chance to never come back and thus lower the state's recidivism rate.

KSP is a 2005-bed capacity medium-security state prison under the administration of the Kentucky Justice Cabinet, Department of Correction and is the state's second-largest institution in term of inmate population with.

The Kentucky State Reformatory was the third prison built in the Commonwealth of Kentucky following the establishment of a penal system by Kentucky’s Legislature in 1798. The Reformatory, whose history is closely linked with Kentucky’s political history and correctional philosophy, has undergone many changes during its existence.

The concept of the Kentucky State Reformatory was made possible through the appropriation of funds by the 1936 General Assembly and matching federal funds form the Public Works Administration. A committee chosen by Governor A.B. "Happy" Chandler toured the country seeking ideas to bring back to Kentucky so that the new institution being planned would be the correctional showplace of America. The committee returned with a blueprint that was innovative as far as prison construction of the time was concerned. Architecturally, it appeared similar to schools and hospitals of that era. Instead of having individual cells for inmates, the plans called for open-wing dormitories. There was liberal space for each man and the design committee believed this would encourage the men to return to the community and lead crime-free lives. The prison hospital was said to be the best-equipped facility within a fifteen- (15) state area. Overall, the Chandler Administration believed that the construction of the new buildings coupled with the adjacent area of farmland was Kentucky’s answer to prison rehabilitation.

Up to the present day, the physical plant has essentially retained its original configuration. The twelve-story administration building was designed to house the offices of key staff members, a hospital and medical offices, together with living quarters for correctional staff. The eleventh floor houses the machinery of the elevator; the twelfth floor houses a now defunct 150,000-gallon water tank.

There are now twelve (12) dormitories. A Special Management Unit (cellblock) with 130 cells to house inmates requiring higher security supervision. The Corrections Psychiatric Treatment Unit with a fifty (50) bed wing for special management and two (2) treatment program wings with each wing housing fifty (50) inmates, and a fifty-eight (58) bed Nursing Care Facility (the hospital closed in November, 1995). In addition, a twenty-two (22) bed outside detail living area exists outside the perimeter fence which house inmates that provide manpower for outside details and the institutions ambulance service. Over the years, changes in correctional philosophy have dictated that all open-wing housing areas be modified to individual rooms. Shifts in our thinking, together with experience has led us from our belief that renovation of existing dormitories is most feasible to the realization that demolition and new construction is the most cost effective option.

Other buildings making up the Kentucky State Reformatory include an Academic/Vocational School, Gymnasium, Chapel, Dining Facility, Inmate Canteen, Correctional Industries, Visitation Building and Mental Health Building.

Inmate Programs

Alcoholics Anonymous – This program is based on the twelve-step principle to promote personal recovery from alcohol and to prevent relapse. The program is open to any inmate, but specifically geared toward those with alcohol addictions whose lives have become powerless due to alcoholism.

Anger Management – Anger Management is a cognitive-skill program that promotes growth and positive change in their mood development. The program takes approximately 6 months to complete, but there is no set time frame, as the inmate must complete each of her steps.

Behavioral Modification Therapy – This program is geared towards Inmates with repeated and severe behavioral issues. It is a cognitive behavioral therapy program geared to changing thinking and a commitment to change.

Boy Scouts of America – Troop 825 – Troop 825 was started at KSR in 1990 and is the only Boy Scout Troop located inside a correctional facility in the United States. The troop has a membership limit of 25 members, which stays full. The Troop meets once a month for fellowship and study programs.

Camp K-9 Program – The Camp K-9 Dog Program places homeless shelter dogs with carefully selected inmate handlers/trainers to be trained in obedience and socialization. This is an intensive program and upon graduation these dogs are highly adoptable and possess several obedience skills. These dogs are also house-trained, crate trained, leash trained, and respond to voice and hand commands. The dogs arrive spayed or neutered, have been checked for all injury and illness, and vaccinated.

Emergency Medical Technician Program – This is an intensive program that is housed in the Minimum Security Unit. Inmates must meet stringent requirements and complete a comprehensive training program. They must take a state licensing examination to be certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Inmate EMTs provide services on the Kentucky State Reformatory's ambulance servicing several institutions providing emergency medical care to Inmates.

Friends of the Library – The Friends of the Library promote literacy and assist Inmates with literacy problems with tasks such as writing letters and reading books. They are also a service club who raise money to purchase books for the Inmate Library and donate to the Inmate re-entry fund.

Hospice Program – The Inmate volunteers, trained by Hosparus, a Louisville-based non-profit that provides hospice care around the region, are charged primarily with serving other Inmates at the end of their lives. They complete a training program that includes compassionate communication, medical care issues and spiritual concerns.

In 2 Work – This program is designed to provide hands-on training that consists of three phases – kitchen basics, retail basics, and ServSafe certification, which is highly regarded in the foodservice industry. The program is available to inmates assigned to the food service area and those closest to their release date. Basic reading and writing skills are taught.

Inside Out Dads – This program is to help incarcerated fathers to become better dads while on the inside and for when they are release. It helps the fathers who will be release to continue their growth as dads when they are on the outside.

Malachi Dads – This program is to help incarcerated fathers to become better fathers. The program develops their skills in five key areas: fathering, spiritual, educational, moral and vocational.

Moral Recognition Therapy – Moral Recognition Therapy (MRT) is a systematic, cognitive-behavioral, step-by-step treatment strategy designed to enhance self-image; promote growth of a positive, productive identity; and facilitate the development of higher stages of moral reasoning. Some of the early steps are done in a group setting, with the group deciding if the inmate has successfully completed each step.

NAACP – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is an organization that has affiliation with the National NAACP organization. The purpose of this organization is to improve the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups. The club participates, helps to fund Educational Programs, and some Social events. The NAACP also promotes good behavior, as members must keep clean conduct to participate in the program.

Narcotics Anonymous – Narcotics Anonymous program is a self-referred, twelve-step program of recovery from drug addiction and is based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. The program is open to any inmate, but targeted toward those with substance abuse issues and teaches measures to prevent relapse.

New Directions – New Directions is a reentry program to help inmates with the barriers they may be facing once released. These barriers may include money management, employment, parenting, housing, supervision, etc.

Out-Patient Substance Abuse Program (SAP) – The Substance Abuse Program (SAP) is a core incentive program that consists of, at a minimum, a six (6) month program. The program uses Nationally recognized models for the population including components such as psycho-education about chemical dependency, 12 step model to manage chemical dependency, relapse prevention strategies, cognitive strategies to correct criminal thinking and aftercare programming.

Pathfinders and Pathfinders Mentor – Pathfinders is a cognitive therapy and educational program. Participants learn Team Building Skills, Resume Writing, Self Esteem, Drug and Alcohol Addiction/Education, Anger Management, Communication, Problem Solving, Time Management, Motivation, Values, and Life Planning.

SOTP – Sex Offender Treatment is a program that consists of individual and group counseling geared to provide tools that inmates can use for controlling their sexually assaultive behavior. Inmates apply and are screened for acceptance into the program that typically takes eighteen months to two years to complete. The program provides treatment for sex offenders to allow them to manage their deviant behavior and thoughts. Inmates who committed their crimes and who were convicted after July 15, 1998 are mandated by law to complete the program before they are eligible to meet the parole board.

Therapeutic Communities – KSR currently has three (3) therapeutic community Programs. Phoenix, Star and Thrive. Each program is different and administered by a Licensed Psychologist. The programs address mental health, criminogenic and non-criminogenic needs.

Veteran Club – The Veterans Club is an organization available to all military veterans of the United States, regardless of status of discharge, provided they have documented record of service verified by either a DD Form 214 or Certificate of Service. The organization serves as a forum for items of interest to the Veteran, resource center for areas of assistance to Veterans, and a gathering place to share common experiences, concerns, and solutions specific to an Incarcerated Veteran.

visitation Info

KY DOC – Kentucky State Reformatory – Visitation

The Kentucky State Reformatory is Proud to be a Tobacco-Free Environment

ALL TOBACCO PRODUCTS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED! 
Leave all tobacco, matches, and/or lighters in your vehicle, tobacco is considered contraband.

As a visitor, we expect you to become familiar with the visiting rules and regulations of this institution. The rules and regulations are outlined in this Visitor Handbook and will periodically be explained to you by staff. We expect you to follow the rules and regulations of this institution and to cooperate with staff at all times.

Any violation of the visiting rules and regulations may result in the termination, suspension, or loss of your visiting privileges.

In accordance with Kentucky Revised Statute 520.010 the introduction of dangerous contraband into a Correctional Institution is a felony offense. Anyone who knowingly introduces dangerous contraband into the Kentucky State Reformatory will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

It is unfortunate that some visitors attempt to bring dangerous contraband that could be harmful to you, your loved one or the staff. The staff are trained and instructed to detect this. We are asking for your cooperation to prevent the introduction of dangerous contraband. Please follow the officer’s instructions. Please be aware that pursuant to KRS 520.010, KRS 520.050, and KRS 520.060, anyone entering the grounds of a correctional institution may be subject to a personal search or a search of their vehicle. Anyone found in possession of contraband will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

We hope you enjoy your visit. We look forward to providing you with the opportunity to spend time with your loved ones at the Kentucky State Reformatory.

Visitation Information

Visitation Memo

Visiting at the Kentucky State Reformatory shall be conducted on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and Holidays beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m. To be admitted for a visit, you must arrive and be checked in at Box 1 no later than 2:20 p.m. You must have an original photograph identification card in your possession in order to be admitted for a visit.

2017 KSR Inmate Visitation Schedule

Before you can visit an inmate, the inmate must submit your name and other personal information to his Classification and Treatment Officer in advance and request that you be added to his list of approved visitors. If your name has not been added to the inmate’s visiting list, you will not be allowed to enter the institution.

An inmate on “Hold Ticket Status” from the Assessment and Classification Center shall not be allowed to have a visit until he has resided in the state correctional system for a period of sixty (60) days.

Inmates who are housed in the Special Management Unit or in the Correctional Psychiatric Treatment Unit-Special Management Unit shall only be allowed an inside visit in the non-contact security booth area. These visits shall not exceed one (1) hour in duration and the inmate must make an advance written request to receive the visit.

Registration for all security booth visits must take place 30 minutes prior to the time the visit is scheduled.

No more than two (2) adult visitors shall visit an inmate during a controlled visit.

Visitors Traveling Long Distances

Any person who travels 150 miles or more may receive an extended visit. These extended visits shall be requested one (1) week in advance through the Classification and Treatment Officer (CTO) of the inmate and approved by the Deputy Warden of Security.

Visiting Guidelines

An inmate shall be allowed two (2) separate visits in the visiting building per week. A Holiday visit shall count as one (1) of the two (2) weekly visits.

An inmate shall be allowed to have a maximum of three (3) adult visitors over the age of 18 per visit. There shall be no limit on the number of children allowed per visit, but they shall remain under the supervision of an adult visitor who shall prevent any disturbances by the children in the visiting building. If a visitor is unable to control a disruptive child and the disturbance persists, the visit may be terminated at the discretion of the visit building supervisor.

Children under the age of (18) may not visit unless approved and included on the inmate’s visiting list and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or by another Immediate Family member with notarized, written parental or guardian approval. The name of the parent, legal guardian or other Immediate Family member accompanying the child shall be included on the approved visitation list.

Each visitor may be subject to a personal search of his person, which includes any object brought with him and any vehicle brought on to the institutional grounds.

Dress Code & Behavior Guidelines for Visitors

1. A visitor shall comply with the dress code for visiting. The visit shall be denied if a visitor is not properly attired.
2. Any visitor, child or adult, shall not be admitted if barefooted.
3. For female visitors, underclothes (bra and panties, and a slip with a dress) shall be worn.
   • Clothing which does not completely cover the midriff, cleavage or bosom shall not be acceptable.
   • Blouses shall be buttoned so that the cleavage cannot be viewed.
   • Halter tops, hot pants, short skirts, wrap-around skirts and see through clothing shall not be allowed<./li>
   • Dresses and skirts shall be allowed to have a two (2) inch split in the back only and the skirt or dress shall be no shorter than four (4) inches above the knee.
   • Sleeveless garments shall not be allowed.
4. A male visitor shall be expected to wear underclothes, long or short pants, long or short sleeve shirt.
   • Bermuda or mid-thigh shorts shall be permitted.
   • Sleeveless garments, cutoffs, or see through clothing of any type shall not be worn by male visitors over twelve (12) years of age.
5. A visitor’s shorts shall not extend more than four (4) inches above the middle of the knee.
6. A visitor shall not wear spandex clothing.
7. Hats will not be permitted.
8. Each visitor shall dispose of trash in the waste containers.
9. The use of tobacco products is prohibited in the visiting building and the visiting building waiting room.
10. Profane, vulgar or sexually suggestive talk shall not be allowed during a visit.
11. Physical contact with an inmate shall be limited only to a brief hug and kiss at the beginning and conclusion of the visit. No open mouthed kissing.
12. Each visitor and inmate shall act in a dignified, responsible manner while on a visit. Any visitor or inmate who does not act in this manner or follow the visitor dress and behavior guidelines shall be denied entry or have his visit terminated early by the Shift Supervisor at the request of the Visiting Room Supervisor.
13. Breast feeding will not be allowed in the visitation room.
14. All Food wrappers will be opened all the way to display the contents. (Visitors and inmates may be asked to open food items, such as a hamburger bun to display the content.)
15. Inmates and visitors are strictly prohibited to share food or drink items.
16. Inmates will stand side by side of his visitor(s) for all photos, and there will be no refunds once the picture is taken. (Hands must be visible in the photo.)

Permitted Items for Visitors

The following items have been approved for a visitor to bring into the visiting building during the visit:

1. Jewelry the visitor is wearing (wedding ring, one (1) watch, one (1) necklace, one (1) pair of earrings)
2. Forty dollars ($40.00) in currency with nothing larger than a five ($5) dollar bill
3. A small change purse or clear plastic baggie
4. Visitors may bring two (2) car keys (1 ignition key and 1 door key, or a remote locking/unlocking device)
5. Diapers (limit of three (3)), plastic baby bottles (limit of two (2)), no toys
6. Sunglasses
7. Photograph identification card
8. Umbrella or weather gear for inclement weather
9. Canes, walkers, or wheelchairs
10. Any necessary medication shall require prior approval by the Deputy Warden for Security or Duty Officer

Any violation of the above listed rules or any other security matters will result in immediate termination of the visit.

Dangerous Contraband

In accordance with Kentucky Revised Statute 520.010, the introduction of dangerous contraband into a Correctional Institution is a felony offense. Any person who is found to possess dangerous contraband on institution grounds or who knowingly attempts to introduce dangerous contraband to any inmate of the Kentucky State Reformatory will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Additionally, the visitor may be banned from future visits with any inmate.

Prescription medication is permitted if it is in the original prescription container and can be left in the visitor’s vehicle.

Vending Machines

In order to make your visit more enjoyable, a variety of foods, snacks, candy and soft drinks are available for purchase in visiting room vending machines. Food from outside restaurants is not permitted. Only a visitor shall be allowed to make a purchase from the vending machines. Inmates are not allowed to handle or possess money.