Correctional Facilities Operating in Nevada

NRS 209.065 – Overview of the Correctional Facilities Operating in Nevada

NRS 209.065 defines “facility” as a community correctional center, conservation camp, facility of minimum security or other place of confinement other than an institution, operated by the Department for the custody, care, or training of offenders. Here is a list of correctional facilities currently operating in Nevada:

• Ely State Prison – Nevada’s death row
• High Desert State Prison
• Lovelock Correctional Center
• Northern Nevada Correctional Center and Stewart Conservation Camp
• Northern Nevada Restitution Center
• Southern Desert Correctional Center
• Southern Nevada Correctional Center
• Florence McClure Women’s Correctional Center (previously Southern Nevada Women’s Correctional Facility)
• Warm Springs Correctional Center

The Nevada Department of Corrections is the agency responsible for managing and administering these correctional facilities. The mission statement of the agency is to ensure a safe and humane environment that incorporates proven rehabilitation initiatives that prepare individuals for successful reintegration into our communities. The goals and objectives of the Department include:

• Reduce victimization and recidivism by providing offenders with incentive for self-improvement and the tools to effect change.
• Operate the Department according to best practices.
• Ensure the best use of department resources.
• Educate stakeholders and customers.
• Improve communication with the inmate community and general public.

How the Department of Corrections Places Inmates in Specific Institutions

The Department of Corrections has developed five separate custody levels that will help determine where an inmate will be incarcerated. This is important since the above-described correctional facilities each have unique characteristics and capabilities for housing different inmates. Here is an overview of the custody levels established by the Department:

• Maximum – This is the most restrictive custody level. For example, inmates may not exit their cells without constant, direct supervision of a correctional facility. These are inmates deemed to be most likely to engage in acts of violence, and are generally segregated from one another.
• Close – This level is assigned to inmates who require housing in a very secure institution or who require frequent, direct supervision. These are inmates with a high potential for misconduct and pose an escape risk.
• Medium – This is the largest custody category of inmates. This is the custody assigned to inmates who would be an escape risk if they were not inside a secure institution, but who are expected to behave without constant, direct supervision. These are the general population inmates of most institutions.
• Minimum – This custody is used for inmates who are not considered escape risks when supervised. When they are away from their assigned facility, they must be supervised by a State employee. The facilities they live in do not have gun towers or barrier fences.
• Community Trustee – This is the least restrictive level, and generally applies to inmates assigned to restitution centers or to State government jobs in Carson City. These inmates are not supervised when they are away from their assigned facility.