West Tennessee Detention Facility Inmate Search gives families, legal teams, and community members a reliable way to locate individuals held at this private correctional center in Mason, Tennessee. The facility, run by CoreCivic under contract with the Tennessee Department of Corrections, houses around 1,150 male inmates across minimum, medium, and close custody levels. It opened in 1995 and serves as a key transfer point for offenders entering the state prison system. People use the search tool to confirm an inmate’s status, find housing details, check release dates, or verify disciplinary records. The system requires a full legal name and optionally a Department of Corrections ID number. Results show current unit placement, expected release, and any recent infractions. If the online portal is down, callers can reach staff between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time at 901-294-3060 for verified information.
How to Use the West Tennessee Detention Facility Inmate Search Tool
The official inmate search for West Tennessee Detention Facility runs through a secure state-managed portal linked to the Tennessee Department of Corrections. To begin, visit the Tennessee Felony Offender Locator page. Enter the inmate’s full legal first and last name. You may also include their date of birth or Department of Corrections ID if known. The system allows partial name matches, so even incomplete data can return possible results. After submitting, review the list of matches and select the correct profile. Each entry displays custody level, current facility, sentencing court, offense type, and projected release date. This real-time data refreshes nightly from official intake records, ensuring accuracy within 24 hours. For privacy, staff will not disclose information over the phone without identity verification. Always have the inmate’s full name and ID ready before calling.
Contact Information and Visiting Hours
The West Tennessee Detention Facility is located at 6299 Find Naifeh Jr. Drive, Mason, TN 38049. The main phone number is 901-294-3060. Staff answer general inquiries Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. For inmate-specific questions, callers must provide proof of identity and relationship to the incarcerated person. Visiting hours vary by housing unit and security level. Most visits occur on weekends from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with sign-in required one hour prior. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID and pass a background check. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. All visitors are subject to search and must follow dress code rules—no revealing clothing, hats, or electronic devices. Appointments are not required, but arrival early ensures full visitation time.
Inmate Mail Guidelines and Approved Items
All mail sent to inmates at West Tennessee Detention Facility must use the United States Postal Service. Private carriers like FedEx or UPS are not accepted. Address letters as follows: Inmate’s Full Name, Agency Number, West Tennessee Detention Facility, 6299 Find Naifeh Jr. Drive, Mason, TN 38049. Example: John Doe #1234567. Only plain white paper, standard envelopes, and postcards without ads are allowed. Do not include Polaroid photos, stickers, perfume, or any contraband. All mail is inspected for security. Books and magazines must come directly from publishers or approved vendors. Inmates may order personal items like soap, toothpaste, paper, and stamps through the online commissary. Orders update nightly and are delivered within 48 hours. Funds can be added to an inmate’s account via phone or online with a small processing fee.
Telephone and Communication Policies
Inmates at West Tennessee Detention Facility use a third-party phone service managed by a vendor contracted by CoreCivic. Local calls cost $2.50 per minute, while out-of-state calls cost $4.75 per minute. A $12 monthly line fee is charged to the inmate’s account. Calls are limited to 15 minutes and may be monitored or recorded. Inmates can only call pre-approved numbers added to their contact list. Family members must register and fund an account to receive calls. No cell phones, personal electronics, or unauthorized devices are permitted. Violations result in loss of privileges or disciplinary action. Legal calls to attorneys are exempt from fees and time limits but require scheduling in advance.
Medical Care and Educational Programs
The facility provides on-site medical services staffed by licensed nurses and physicians. Inmates receive routine checkups, emergency care, and medication management. Mental health support is available through counselors and psychiatrists. All services follow state health standards. Educational opportunities include a GED classroom with certified instructors. Courses cover math, reading, science, and social studies. Upon completion, inmates take the official GED test on-site. Vocational training includes an industrial laundry program that processes uniforms for other facilities. This program generates revenue and teaches job skills. Completion certificates may help with parole or employment after release.
Security Levels and Facility Operations
West Tennessee Detention Facility operates three security levels: minimum, medium, and close custody. Inmates are assigned based on offense history, behavior, and risk assessment. Minimum custody inmates have more freedom and may work outside the housing unit. Medium custody includes supervised activities and limited movement. Close custody involves 23-hour lockdown with restricted privileges. The facility uses electronic surveillance, motion sensors, and armed response teams. Perimeter fencing includes razor wire and controlled access points. CoreCivic manages daily operations, while the Tennessee Department of Corrections oversees compliance with state laws. Contraband such as tobacco, drugs, or unauthorized electronics leads to immediate disciplinary segregation.
Warden and Leadership Team
Jerry Wardlow serves as warden of West Tennessee Detention Facility. He was appointed in April 2021 after 24 years with CoreCivic. Wardlow began as a correctional officer in 1997 and advanced through roles including shift supervisor, chief of security, and associate warden. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee and completed the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center’s Advanced Corrections Leadership program. His leadership focuses on safety, rehabilitation, and staff development. The executive team includes deputy wardens for operations, programs, and security. Regular staff training ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.
Difference Between West Tennessee Detention Facility and West Tennessee State Penitentiary
Many people confuse West Tennessee Detention Facility with West Tennessee State Penitentiary, but they are separate institutions. The Detention Facility is a private prison in Mason, TN, run by CoreCivic. It holds incoming male offenders and has a capacity of 1,150. The State Penitentiary is a public prison in Jackson, TN, operated by the Tennessee Department of Corrections. It houses long-term inmates across maximum, medium, and minimum custody. Its Site 2 location holds up to 1,300 prisoners and offers vocational programs like carpentry and automotive repair. Mail for State Penitentiary inmates must go to P.O. Box 1150, Jackson, TN 38301. Always confirm the correct facility before sending mail or visiting.
Tennessee Department of Corrections Inmate Search System
The Tennessee Department of Corrections maintains a public “Felony Offender Locator” for all state inmates. This system includes those held at West Tennessee Detention Facility. Users can search by name, date of birth, or Department of Corrections ID. Results show current location, sentencing details, and release dates. The database updates every night, so information is current within 24 hours. You can filter results by race or include known aliases. Each profile includes a photo, custody level, and parole eligibility. For a $5 fee, users can request a printed sentencing summary. This tool is free and accessible to anyone with internet access. It is the most reliable source for official inmate data in Tennessee.
Juvenile Records and Privacy Laws
West Tennessee Detention Facility does not house juveniles. All youth offenders aged 12 to 21 are held in facilities managed by the Tennessee Office of Juvenile Justice. These records are confidential by law and not available online. Only authorized parties—such as parents, guardians, or court-appointed attorneys—can request information. Requests must include a written letter, a copy of the court order, and a $25 processing fee. The office returns a sealed PDF with intake date, program assignment, and discharge date. No public inmate search exists for juveniles. This protects minors’ privacy and supports rehabilitation efforts.
Related Facilities in Tennessee
Other nearby correctional centers include Washington County Detention Center in Jonesborough, TN. It holds county-level inmates and allows online money deposits with small fees. Visitation runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For federal inmates, the nearest facility is in Memphis or Nashville. Always verify the correct location before traveling. Misaddressed mail or calls to the wrong facility delay communication. Use the Tennessee Felony Offender Locator to confirm where an inmate is housed. This prevents wasted time and ensures messages reach the right person.
Common Mistakes When Searching for Inmates
People often make errors when using the West Tennessee Detention Facility Inmate Search. One mistake is entering nicknames instead of legal names. The system only recognizes official names on court documents. Another error is using outdated ID numbers. Always verify the Department of Corrections ID through recent court papers or legal counsel. Some users call the wrong number or visit the wrong address. The correct contact is 901-294-3060 and 6299 Find Naifeh Jr. Drive, Mason, TN 38049. Others send mail via private couriers, which is rejected. Only USPS is accepted. Finally, many assume all Tennessee prisons are the same. Always confirm the facility type—private vs. public—before taking action.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
Family and friends can send money to inmates at West Tennessee Detention Facility through approved methods. Online deposits are made via the commissary vendor’s website. Fees range from $1.95 to $2.50 per transaction. Phone deposits using a credit card cost $3.00 extra. All deposits post within 24 hours. A receipt is emailed to the sender. Inmates use these funds to buy hygiene items, snacks, or phone time. Cash or checks sent by mail are not accepted. Only electronic transfers ensure fast, secure delivery. Keep the inmate’s full name and ID number handy when making a deposit.
Legal Rights and Advocacy Resources
Inmates at West Tennessee Detention Facility retain certain legal rights. They can file grievances about conditions, medical care, or staff behavior. All complaints are reviewed by internal affairs. Inmates may also contact legal aid organizations like the Tennessee Prisoners’ Rights Project. These groups offer free advice on civil rights, parole, and appeals. Family members can request a visit from an ombudsman if concerns are not resolved. The facility must provide access to law libraries and legal materials. All inmates have the right to confidential communication with their attorneys. Violations can be reported to the Tennessee Department of Corrections or the state attorney general.
Reentry and Parole Support
West Tennessee Detention Facility offers limited reentry programs. Inmates can attend GED classes, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling. These programs aim to reduce recidivism and improve job prospects. Parole eligibility depends on sentence length, behavior, and risk assessment. The Tennessee Board of Parole reviews cases annually. Inmates must submit a formal application and attend a hearing. Family support letters can strengthen an application. After release, individuals may access state-funded job placement and housing assistance. Staying connected during incarceration improves reintegration success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people ask how often the inmate roster updates. The West Tennessee Detention Facility Inmate Search refreshes every night, so data is current within 24 hours. Others wonder if they can visit without an appointment. Yes, visitation is first-come, first-served during weekend hours. What if the online search doesn’t work? Call 901-294-3060 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. for help. Can I send a care package? No, only letters and approved items from the commissary are allowed. Are phone calls free? No, inmates pay per minute plus a monthly fee. Always use the Tennessee Felony Offender Locator for the most accurate information.
Official Resources and Links
For the most reliable information, use these official sources: The Tennessee Department of Corrections Felony Offender Locator provides real-time inmate data. CoreCivic’s facility page lists contact details and policies. The inmate mail guide is available as a PDF from CoreCivic’s website. Always verify links through official domains like tn.gov or corecivic.com. Avoid third-party sites that charge fees for free information. Bookmark the correct pages to save time during future searches.
Contact Details
West Tennessee Detention Facility
6299 Find Naifeh Jr. Drive
Mason, TN 38049
Phone: 901-294-3060
Visiting Hours: Weekends, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mail Format: Inmate Name #ID Number, West Tennessee Detention Facility, 6299 Find Naifeh Jr. Drive, Mason, TN 38049
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if someone is in West Tennessee Detention Facility? Use the Tennessee Felony Offender Locator online. Enter the person’s full legal name or Department of Corrections ID. The system will show if they are housed at this facility, their custody level, and release date. If the site is down, call 901-294-3060 during business hours. Staff will verify your identity before sharing any details.
Can I visit an inmate without an appointment? Yes. Visitation at West Tennessee Detention Facility operates on a walk-in basis during weekend hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Arrive early to complete check-in. Bring a valid photo ID and follow all dress code rules. Minors must be with a parent or guardian. All visitors are searched for safety.
What items can I send to an inmate? Only letters on plain white paper and postcards without ads are allowed. Do not send packages, books, or electronics through the mail. All items must come through the approved commissary or publishers. Sending contraband like drugs or phones results in disciplinary action.
How much do phone calls cost? Local calls cost $2.50 per minute. Out-of-state calls cost $4.75 per minute. A $12 monthly fee is charged to the inmate’s account. Legal calls to attorneys are free but must be scheduled. All calls are limited to 15 minutes and may be recorded.
Is West Tennessee Detention Facility the same as West Tennessee State Penitentiary? No. The Detention Facility is a private prison in Mason, TN, for incoming inmates. The State Penitentiary is a public prison in Jackson, TN, for long-term offenders. They have different addresses, operators, and mailing procedures. Always confirm the correct facility before contacting or visiting.
Can I send money to an inmate? Yes. Use the online commissary system or call to deposit funds with a credit card. Fees apply. Cash or checks sent by mail are not accepted. Deposits post within 24 hours. Inmates use these funds to buy approved items like soap, stamps, or snacks.
Are juvenile records available online? No. Juvenile records in Tennessee are confidential. Only parents, guardians, or attorneys with court orders can request information. A $25 fee applies. West Tennessee Detention Facility does not house minors.