Airway Heights Corrections Center is a state-run prison for adult males located in Airway Heights, Spokane County, Washington. Opened in 1992 with a construction cost of $67 million, the facility holds up to 2,258 inmates across minimum, medium, and close security levels. The 175-acre campus includes housing units, vocational workshops, medical services, and a family visitation center. Staffed by over 550 employees, it serves as a key part of Washington’s correctional system. The main switchboard is (509) 244-6700, and mail goes to P.O. Box 1899, Airway Heights, WA 99001-1899. Outgoing mail is inspected for safety.
Facility History and Development
Airway Heights Corrections Center was built to reduce overcrowding in older Washington prisons. Construction began in 1990 and finished in 1992 at a cost of $67 million. The site sits on 175 acres north of Airway Heights, near State Route 294. It was designed to house medium- and long-term male offenders, with sentences often over five years. Shorter-term inmates stay in county jails. Over time, the center added programs like agriculture, industry, and vocational training. These changes helped improve inmate outcomes and facility safety.
Security Levels and Housing Capacity
The center holds inmates at three security levels: minimum, medium, and close. Most residents are in medium-security housing. The authorized bed count is 2,258, but daily population usually stays near 2,100. This balance helps maintain safety and program access. Housing includes cell blocks and a 300-bed dormitory. Each unit has controlled access, surveillance, and regular staff checks. Inmates move between areas based on behavior and classification. The system ensures security while allowing participation in work and education.
Staffing and Leadership
More than 550 people work at Airway Heights Corrections Center. The team includes correctional officers, medical staff, teachers, counselors, and administrators. James Key has been a key leader since 2001. He started at Spokane County’s Geiger Corrections Center and rose to senior superintendent at AHCC. He manages the medium-security wing, which holds over 1,200 inmates. Under his leadership, the facility cut disciplinary incidents by 18% using data-driven classification. It earned an “exceeds expectations” safety rating in 2018.
Inmate Programs and Services
AHCC offers many programs to support rehabilitation. The agricultural program uses 60 acres for farming and animal care. Inmates learn skills like crop management and livestock handling. The industrial workshop spans 25 acres and teaches welding, machining, and construction. Vocational training includes certified electrician and HVAC courses. Over 300 inmates enroll yearly. These programs help reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for life after release. Health services include a clinic with a doctor, nurses, and mental health staff. The pharmacy fills prescriptions on-site.
Visitation Rules and Family Support
Families can visit inmates at AHCC on weekends. The visitation center handles up to 150 visitors per session. Visits last one hour, with two allowed per week. Visitors must register at least 48 hours in advance. They need a government ID and must pass a background check. Electronic devices are not allowed except approved tablets. Dress codes are strict—no revealing clothing or gang symbols. All visits are supervised. The goal is to keep families connected while ensuring safety.
Inmate Records and Public Access
The Washington State Integrated Offender Management System (IOIMS) tracks all inmate data. Records include case numbers, charges, bond amounts, booking dates, and release dates. The roster updates daily and shows classification level and work assignments. Law enforcement, attorneys, and authorized family members can access records online. The public can request information by calling (509) 244-6700 and asking for the Inmate Records department. Mugshots and booking details are available through the state portal.
Mail and Communication Policies
Inmates send and receive mail through P.O. Box 1899, Airway Heights, WA 99001-1899. All outgoing mail is checked for contraband. Letters must include the inmate’s full name and ID number. Postage must be prepaid with at least a one-cent stamp. Packages are not accepted unless approved for special items like religious materials. Phone calls are monitored and limited. Inmates can use approved tablets for video calls during visitation. These rules protect security while allowing contact with loved ones.
Health and Safety Standards
AHCC follows strict health and safety rules. The medical unit handles routine care, emergencies, and chronic conditions. A licensed physician and two registered nurses are on staff. Mental health services include counseling and crisis support. The facility has a 40-bed intensive care unit for serious cases. Fire drills, lockdowns, and duress alarms are tested regularly. Staff train in crisis response based on National Institute of Justice standards. These steps keep everyone safe and meet state requirements.
Location and Contact Information
Airway Heights Corrections Center is at 11919 W. Sprague Avenue, Airway Heights, WA 99001. GPS coordinates are 47.6670° N, 117.2856° W. It’s accessible via State Route 294, near the Spokane International Airport. The main phone number is (509) 244-6700. For inmate records, call the same number and ask for the records department. Visiting hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Call ahead to confirm schedules. The facility is open year-round except major holidays.
Operational Budget and Funding
In fiscal year 2023, AHCC’s budget was $112 million. This covers staff salaries, food, medical care, utilities, and maintenance. Funding comes from the Washington State Department of Corrections. The budget supports daily operations, program expansion, and facility upgrades. It also pays for training, security equipment, and inmate services. Transparent spending ensures accountability and public trust. Annual reports show how funds are used to improve safety and rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation and Reentry Efforts
AHCC focuses on preparing inmates for successful reentry. Education programs include GED classes, literacy courses, and job skills training. Vocational certifications in electrician and HVAC work help inmates find jobs after release. Counseling services address substance abuse, anger management, and mental health. The agricultural and industrial programs teach real-world skills. Partnerships with local employers create job opportunities. These efforts reduce repeat offenses and support community safety.
Classification and Intake Process
New inmates go through a classification process upon arrival. Staff assess security risk, medical needs, and program eligibility. The intake center handles about 2,400 admissions each year. Inmates are assigned to housing based on behavior, history, and sentence length. The data-driven system introduced by James Key improved accuracy and reduced incidents. Regular reviews allow for changes in classification. This ensures fair and safe placement for all residents.
Death Penalty and Execution Policy
Airway Heights Corrections Center does not house death-row inmates. Washington State carries out executions at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. AHCC holds inmates from all security levels, including close custody, but none are under death sentence. This policy follows state law and ensures proper handling of capital cases. The facility supports rehabilitation, not punishment alone.
Community Impact and Public Role
AHCC plays a vital role in Washington’s criminal justice system. It provides secure housing, reduces overcrowding, and supports rehabilitation. Local jobs are created through staffing and contracts. The agricultural program supplies food to other state facilities. Public tours and reports increase transparency. The center works with law enforcement, courts, and social services. Its mission is to protect the public while helping inmates become productive citizens.
Recent Updates and Improvements
In recent years, AHCC upgraded its security systems and expanded vocational training. New surveillance cameras and access controls improve safety. Mental health services were enhanced with more counselors and therapy options. The visitation center added private rooms for family meetings. Technology upgrades allow better record keeping and communication. These changes reflect best practices in modern corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airway Heights Corrections Center serves a critical role in Washington’s justice system. Below are answers to common questions about its operations, policies, and services.
What is the inmate capacity of Airway Heights Corrections Center?
Airway Heights Corrections Center is authorized to hold 2,258 inmates. The average daily population is around 2,100. This includes men at minimum, medium, and close security levels. The number varies based on court sentences, transfers, and releases. The facility was built to relieve overcrowding and now serves as a long-term housing option for state offenders. Capacity is managed through classification and regular reviews to ensure safety and proper care.
How can I visit an inmate at Airway Heights Corrections Center?
To visit, you must register at least 48 hours in advance. Call (509) 244-6700 and ask for Visitation Services. Bring a government-issued photo ID. Background checks are required. Visits happen on weekends, with two one-hour sessions allowed per week. No electronic devices are permitted. Dress modestly—no shorts, tank tops, or gang-related items. All visits are supervised. The center can host up to 150 visitors per session. Confirm times before arriving.
What programs are available for inmates at AHCC?
Inmates can join vocational training in electrician and HVAC work. Over 300 enroll yearly and earn certifications. The agricultural program uses 60 acres for farming and animal care. The industrial workshop teaches welding and construction. Health services include medical care, mental health support, and a pharmacy. Education offers GED and literacy classes. These programs aim to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for life after release.
How do I send mail to an inmate at Airway Heights Corrections Center?
Mail must be sent to P.O. Box 1899, Airway Heights, WA 99001-1899. Include the inmate’s full name and ID number. Use a prepaid stamp—minimum one cent. All outgoing mail is inspected for contraband. Packages are not accepted unless approved. Letters should avoid prohibited content like threats or coded messages. Regular mail helps maintain family ties and supports emotional well-being during incarceration.
Who is the current leader of Airway Heights Corrections Center?
James Key is the senior superintendent. He joined the Washington State Department of Corrections in 2001 after working at Geiger Corrections Center. He started as a correctional unit supervisor and rose through the ranks. He now oversees the medium-security wing, which houses over 1,200 inmates. Under his leadership, disciplinary incidents dropped by 18%, and the facility earned high safety ratings.
Is Airway Heights Corrections Center a maximum-security prison?
No, AHCC is a mixed-custody facility. It holds inmates at minimum, medium, and close security levels. It is not a maximum-security prison. Close custody is for high-risk inmates, but most are medium-security. The center does not house death-row inmates. Executions occur at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. AHCC focuses on rehabilitation and safe management of long-term offenders.
How can I access inmate records for Airway Heights Corrections Center?
Records are in the Washington State Integrated Offender Management System (IOIMS). You can search by name, ID, or booking date. Law enforcement, attorneys, and authorized family members use a secure login. The public can request information by calling (509) 244-6700 and asking for the Inmate Records department. The roster shows classification, release dates, and work programs. It updates daily.
Official Website: https://www.doc.wa.gov/corrections/incarceration/prisons/ahcc.htm
Phone: (509) 244-6700
Visiting Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Address: 11919 W. Sprague Avenue, Airway Heights, WA 99001
