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Chatham-area prison nears capacity
By MARK THOMAS, Star-Tribune Staff Writer
Friday, September 7, 2007 8:17 AM EDT
In his office in the administration building, Jeffrey Dillman has two large flat screens on the wall, not to watch television during lunch, but to keep an eye on what's happening at Green Rock Correctional Center.
"We're about safety and security," Dillman, warden of the new medium-security prison near Chatham, said last week. The screens are part of the prison's security system.
By the end of September, the prison, located on Beverly Heights Road, will be at its capacity of 1,024 inmates.
The first prisoners arrived May 3; the facility now has more than 700.
"I'm very pleased with the progress," Dillman said about opening the new $73.5 million prison. He said it takes time to get all of the programs up and running, the policies in place and the staff hired and trained.
There haven't been any problems hiring people. Dillman said the local community has provided a great workforce.
"This area has been blessed with good work ethic."
He's close to reaching full staff of 330 employees, and is only doing sporadic hiring. Dillman said there's a waiting list for officer positions.
The 41-year-old Dillman, who came to Green Rock from a warden's job at a minimum-security prison in Culpeper County, said the inmates are adjusting well to the new facility.
Walking through the yard last Thursday morning, several called him by name and asked to speak to him about an issue. He listened and told them he'd talk to them more at chow.
He said there haven't been any major assaults involving prisoners, only three inmates fighting. No one has left without permission. That would be tough with guards, double fencing and razor wire.
Dillman said the average sentence for the men at Green Rock is about 35 years. Some are at the end of their sentences, while others are just starting.
The inmates are up at 5:45 each morning for the first of five daily counts. Between meals, they work, participate in programs and have recreation. They're in the air-conditioned cellblocks at 9 p.m. Lights go out at 11:30 on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends.
"Everything is controlled by a daily schedule," Dillman said.
He said inmates work in the yard, clean, cook, and help with classes and in the library. He said the prison's goal is to employ 80 percent of the inmates in some kind of work.
Dillman said the prison offers an adult basic education program, and this fall, it will add programs for literacy, general educational development (GED), transitional living, and vocational opportunities, including heating and air conditioning, building and maintenance, and electricity.
Out in the yard, the prison has basketball and volleyball courts and weights. There's also a gym.
Visitation is allowed Saturdays, Sundays and state holidays from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
The prison has a warehouse, and a support building for food service, education, medical needs, recreation and visitation. The third of four housing units was filled this week.
Dillman said Green Rock has hosted community meetings, and he and other staff have spoken to groups.
"I always want the community to know we are part of the community. ... We will never close down."
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