Buckingham Correctional Center Website serves as the primary digital gateway for families, legal representatives, and researchers seeking accurate, up-to-date information about one of Virginia’s key state prisons. Located on a 968-acre campus near Dillwyn in Buckingham County, this close-custody facility opened in 1982 and houses up to 1,100 adult male inmates across five housing units. The website consolidates essential details—from inmate lookup tools and visitation policies to program offerings and contact data—into a single, user-friendly resource. Whether you’re verifying an inmate’s status, planning a visit, or funding an account, the official and affiliated platforms provide structured access to reliable corrections information.
Facility Overview and Security Classification
Buckingham Correctional Center operates as a Level 3–4 security prison under the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC). This classification means it holds inmates with moderate to high-risk profiles, including those serving long sentences or classified under Single, Multiple, or Life categories based on offense severity and behavior. The campus includes a reception center for new admissions, a recreation building with gym and outdoor fields, a full-service dining hall, an administration building, and a warehouse for supplies. With a designed capacity of 1,100 beds and an average daily population near 970, the center balances security with structured programming aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration.
Official Website and Online Resources
The most current operational data for Buckingham Correctional Center is available through the Virginia Department of Corrections portal at vadoc.virginia.gov. This official site features a searchable inmate roster, downloadable inmate handbooks, visitation schedules by housing unit, and policy updates. Visitors can verify addresses, phone numbers, and program availability directly from state-maintained records. For real-time assistance, customer service operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., reachable at 434-391-5980. The site also links to JPay for electronic communications and financial services, ensuring families stay connected while complying with security protocols.
Inmate Search and Public Records Access
To locate an inmate at Buckingham Correctional Center, users must provide the individual’s full legal name and either their date of birth or Virginia DPS-C identification number. The online search tool returns conviction details, sentence length, parole eligibility, housing block, and sex offender registration status if applicable. Third-party databases like Prisonroster and wrpolice.org aggregate this public data weekly, offering additional fields such as mugshots, booking dates, bond amounts, and physical descriptors. These tools help families, attorneys, and researchers track incarceration status efficiently while maintaining compliance with privacy laws.
Visitation Policies and Approval Process
Visitation privileges at Buckingham Correctional Center depend on an inmate’s security level. Level 3 inmates may receive two 30-minute visits per week, while Level 4 inmates are limited to one 30-minute session weekly. All visitors must complete an online approval form, present government-issued photo ID, and follow a strict dress code—no revealing clothing, logos, or items that could conceal contraband. Visits occur in designated areas under staff supervision, and scheduling is managed through the VADOC portal. Families should confirm appointments in advance, as last-minute changes or denials may occur due to security reviews or facility operations.
Phone Communication and JPay Services
Inmates at Buckingham Correctional Center place outbound calls exclusively through JPay between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. All calls are recorded and monitored for security. Families can fund prepaid JPay accounts online, by phone, or via mailed money orders. Deposit fees range from $2.95 for amounts under $20 to $3.95 for larger sums. Beyond voice calls, JPay supports email messaging, video visitation, and an online store for approved books, snacks, and hygiene products. Transactions appear on inmate accounts within 24 hours, and customer support is available at (434) 983-4400.
Sending Money to Inmates
Family members can send funds to inmates via three methods: online through JPay, telephone transfers using credit or debit cards, or by mailing a money order to the facility’s finance office at 1349 Correctional Center Road, Dillwyn, VA 23936. Each transaction requires the inmate’s full name, ID number, and correct facility address. The finance department processes deposits Monday through Friday, updating balances by the next business day. For discrepancies or large deposits, a dedicated fax line is available. Never send cash through the mail, as it will be rejected and may delay processing.
Rehabilitation and Educational Programs
Buckingham Correctional Center offers vocational training in automotive mechanics, horticulture, and food services, all aligned with industry standards and certification pathways. State-accredited adult education classes prepare inmates for GED completion, while partnerships with local community colleges expand access to computer basics and culinary arts. Substance-abuse treatment programs use cognitive-behavioral approaches to reduce recidivism, and work-release initiatives allow eligible inmates to gain employment experience under supervision. These programs aim to build skills, improve behavior, and support successful reentry into society.
Medical and Mental Health Services
The facility maintains an on-site medical clinic staffed by licensed professionals who provide routine care, emergency treatment, and chronic disease management. Mental health services include counseling, crisis intervention, and medication management for inmates with diagnosed conditions. All healthcare follows VADOC protocols and is coordinated with regional hospitals for specialized needs. Inmates can request medical attention through their housing unit officers, and records are kept confidential in accordance with HIPAA and state regulations.
Staff Structure and Administrative Oversight
Buckingham Correctional Center is led by Warden Larry T. Edmonds, who reports to Superintendent Rebecca Young of Central Virginia Correctional Unit #13. The administrative team includes security supervisors, program coordinators, medical staff, and support personnel. Oversight extends to the Virginia Governor and Secretary of Public Safety, who set statewide policies on classification, medical care, and reentry planning. Regular audits ensure compliance with state and federal standards, promoting transparency and accountability in daily operations.
Historical Context and Facility Evolution
Established in 1982, Buckingham Correctional Center was built to replace older, overcrowded prisons in Virginia. Its rural location in Buckingham County provides space for expansion and security buffers. Over decades, the facility has adapted to changing correctional philosophies—shifting from pure containment to include education, therapy, and reintegration support. Recent upgrades include digital inmate records, enhanced surveillance systems, and improved visitation infrastructure. These changes reflect broader trends in modern corrections focused on safety, rehabilitation, and family engagement.
Contact Information and Visiting Hours
The official mailing address for Buckingham Correctional Center is 1349 Correctional Center Road, Dillwyn, VA 23936. The main phone number is 434-391-5980, and the JPay-specific line is (434) 983-4400. Administrative offices operate Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. Legal representatives can access a liaison desk after 10:00 a.m. for document delivery and conference coordination. Visiting hours vary by housing unit and security level; always check the VADOC website or call ahead to confirm availability.
Related Facilities and Regional Network
Within the VADOC system, Buckingham Correctional Center is part of Central Virginia Correctional Unit #13, which also includes Coffeewood Correctional Center and other regional facilities. This network enables inter-facility transfers, shared training programs, and coordinated policy implementation. Families searching for inmates should verify the current location using the VADOC inmate locator, as assignments may change based on behavior, program needs, or capacity adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about Buckingham Correctional Center revolve around visitation rules, communication methods, and program access. Below are detailed answers to help users navigate the system with confidence.
How do I find out if someone is incarcerated at Buckingham Correctional Center?
Use the Virginia Department of Corrections online inmate search tool. Enter the person’s full legal name and either their date of birth or DPS-C ID number. The system will display conviction details, sentence length, parole date, and housing block. If no results appear, the individual may be held at another facility or recently transferred. Always double-check spelling and use official documents for accuracy.
What are the rules for visiting an inmate at Buckingham Correctional Center?
Visitors must be pre-approved through the VADOC online portal, present a valid photo ID, and follow the dress code—no shorts, tank tops, or clothing with gang symbols. Level 3 inmates get two 30-minute visits per week; Level 4 inmates receive one. Visits occur in supervised areas, and all conversations may be monitored. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Schedule visits in advance and arrive early for check-in.
Can I send letters or packages to an inmate?
Yes, but only approved items are allowed. Send mail to 1349 Correctional Center Road, Dillwyn, VA 23936, with the inmate’s full name and ID number clearly written. Letters must be on plain paper with no stickers, drawings, or photos. Packages are limited to books ordered directly from publishers or approved vendors. Do not send food, clothing, or electronics—these will be rejected or confiscated.
How do I add money to an inmate’s account?
Deposit funds through JPay online, by phone, or via money order. Online deposits are fastest and appear within 24 hours. Include the inmate’s name and ID number with every transaction. Fees apply based on amount: $2.95 for $0.01–$20.00, $3.95 above $20.00. Mailed money orders must go to the finance office—never send cash. Confirm receipt by checking the inmate’s balance or calling JPay support.
What programs are available to help inmates prepare for release?
Buckingham offers GED preparation, vocational training in automotive, horticulture, and food services, plus substance-abuse counseling and work-release opportunities. Cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions address decision-making and impulse control. Eligible inmates can earn industry certifications and gain job experience through supervised employment. These programs reduce recidivism and support smoother transitions back into the community.
Who oversees operations at Buckingham Correctional Center?
Warden Larry T. Edmonds manages daily operations, reporting to Superintendent Rebecca Young of Central Virginia Correctional Unit #13. Policy direction comes from the Virginia Governor and Secretary of Public Safety. Regular audits ensure compliance with state laws and federal standards. Staff include security officers, educators, medical professionals, and administrative support—all trained in corrections best practices.
Is there a way to video chat with an inmate?
Yes, through JPay’s video visitation service. Families create accounts, schedule sessions, and connect via secure video links during approved hours. Sessions are monitored and recorded for security. Availability depends on facility schedules and inmate eligibility. Video visits do not replace in-person visits but offer an alternative when travel is difficult. Fees may apply based on duration and frequency.
Official Website: vadoc.virginia.gov/facilities-and-offices/
Phone: 434-391-5980
JPay Support: (434) 983-4400
Visiting Hours: Vary by housing unit; confirm via VADOC portal
Address: 1349 Correctional Center Road, Dillwyn, VA 23936