NEVADA STATE PRISON

3301 E. 5th St.

P.O. Box 607

Carson City, Nevada 89702

775-882-8588

 Administrative Staff:  

James Baca Associate Warden for Programs William Donat Warden Adam Watson Associate Warden for Operations

The Nevada State Prison, located in Carson City, Nevada, is one of the oldest prisons still in operation in the United States.  Established in 1862 when the Nevada Legislature purchased the Warm Springs Hotel and 20 acres of land for $80,000, NSP has been in continuous operation since this time.  Abraham Curry, who owned the hotel, was appointed as the first warden. 

 The original structure burned down in 1867.  Rock was quarried at this location to build a new facility as will as several other state buildings including the State Capitol Building.  On several occasions, NSP has been remodeled and expanded.  Recently the culinary was completely remodeled and expanded and underground utilities replaced. 

 The Nevada State Prison operated as a maximum security prison until the Ely State Prison opened in 1989.  Although inmates under the sentence of death are incarcerated at the Ely State Prison executions are still conducted at the Nevada State Prison.   

The Nevada State Prison has a fascinating history.  Did you know –

 -         Since 1928 all license plates issued in the State of Nevada have been manufactured at the Nevada State Prison?

 -         Coincidently with the establishment of legalized gambling in the State of Nevada in 1932 legalized and open gambling operated in the “NSP Bull Pen”, from 1932 until 1967?

 -         Nevada’s Lieutenant Governors were also Wardens of the State Prison?  In 1872 Lieutenant Governor Denver refused to yield the prison to the new Lieutenant Governor P.C. Hyman, causing the Governor to send 60 men and artillery to force him to do so – he did peacefully surrender.

 Nevada State Prison Mission Statement

 The Nevada State Prison will:

 -         Protect the public by providing a safe and secure environment for staff and inmates.

 -         Promote inmate development of self-discipline and interpersonal skills in a structured, humane environment.

 -         Provide inmates progressive opportunities to improve through religious, academic, recreational, and work programs. 

 -         Conform to a minimum budget while maximizing use of all available resources. 

 STAFFING:

 The Nevada State Prison has a staff of 211

 Administration  3

 Protective Services  13 

Correctional Officers   168

 Professional   7

 Skilled Craft  10

 Food Services  4

 Clerical  6

 CAPACITY:

 Design: 591  Operating: 739  Emergency:  827

 PROGRAMS:

 Many religious programs of multiple faiths are available for inmates to participate.  In addition, a recent remodeling has allowed NSP to establish a chapel for religious services. 

 A wide range of psychology programs are also available to inmates including parenting, anger management and individual counseling. 

 Inmates are employed in the usual institutional work assignments, food service, janitorial, maintenance, yard labor crews, laundry, gymnasium, school, law library, and infirmary.  Over 60 inmates are employed in the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety’s License Plate Factory and in the Prison Industries Bookbindery and Print Shop and the Mattress and Soap Factory programs. 

 There is an extensive inmate recreational program including organized sport leagues, football, basketball, and soccer.  Any general population inmate may participate in these activities. 

 EDUCATION:

 The Carson City School District provides the high school education programming for inmates.  The district assigns five teachers to the institution for this purpose. 

 Current enrollment:  130

 Diplomas granted in 2000:  27

 GED certificates awarded in 2000:  19

 WNCC Degrees earned:  8

 The Western Nevada Community College program has an enrollment of 61.  A recent class was conducted by WNCC staff which offenders learned basic building trade skills while remodeling the education area. 

 The department provides a Literacy Program to enable inmates to acquire those skills necessary to enter the high school diploma or GED certificate programs.  There are currently seven tutors working with 10 students.

 There are two vocational programs offered through the education program:

 1.                  Computer                80 inmates

2.                  Video Production    30 inmates