West Tennessee State Penitentiary

Visiting at West Tennessee State Penitentiary starts with the Visitor Application (CR‑2152). Fill it out, attach a current photograph, and mail it to the Associate Warden of Security as directed by the facility. Blank forms are available from the prison. WTSP runs an NCIC background check, and approvals or denials typically take about 30 days. You won't be admitted until you're approved—with one exception: immediate family may visit newly committed inmates during a 60‑day intake window. Bringing a child takes extra paperwork. Children age six and older need a photo on file, and minors must have a birth certificate plus a notarized Parental Consent/Release (CR‑2152 page 2), with photos updated at specified ages. All visits are non‑contact. Physical contact attempts can end the visit and lead to disciplinary action. Applications must be updated every 24 months.

Sending mail to West Tennessee State Penitentiary is straightforward once you know the rules. Books, magazines, and newspapers are only accepted when mailed directly from the publisher or a recognized commercial distributor—third-party or bulk-rate shipments won't be processed. For letters and other correspondence, include the inmate's committed name and exact TDOC ID number so it routes through electronic processing. Incoming mail is screened for contraband and prohibited content, then typically scanned into a digital file that appears on the inmate's tablet or kiosk within a few business days. Legal mail is handled differently—it's verified and opened in front of the inmate for contraband screening. Packages and merchandise generally must come from approved vendors.

Start with the facility's online roster (or the county/jail portal) and search by the person's full name. Many roster pages include alphabetic quick links to speed things up. Looking for someone newly admitted—or someone who may have recently left? Check alternate views like recent bookings or admit/release lists, which show recent activity and release timestamps. Roster entries typically include the inmate's name, intake or booking date/time, arresting agency, charges, and sometimes bond or release information. Keep in mind that online rosters are posted as a public convenience and may not reflect real-time changes. Details can be incomplete or change without notice. If the roster is unavailable or unclear, call the facility records desk during business hours.

Immediate family members and up to eight additional adults can apply to visit by submitting the CR-2152 visitation form. The form doesn't allow a P.O. Box as your applicant address. Mail the completed CR-2152 with a current (not photocopy) photo to the Associate Warden of Security, and plan for about 30 days of processing time. TDOC non-contact visitation rules apply—physical contact isn't allowed during visits. Attempts to make contact will end the visit and may lead to disciplinary action. For routine questions, use the non-emergency numbers listed on the facility or county website. When you call or email, have the inmate's full name and date of birth (if known), plus your callback information and a clear question.