Washington State Penitentiary
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Washington State Penitentiary. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Maximum
- Inmate Capacity
- 2,500 approx.
- Established
- 1886
- Operated By
- Washington Department of Corrections (WDOC)
Washington State Penitentiary Inmate Communication Overview
Washington State Penitentiary is the primary maximum-security state prison in Washington, operated by the Washington Department of Corrections and located in Walla Walla County in the southeastern corner of the state, roughly 150 miles southeast of Yakima and about 260 miles from Seattle. Opened in 1886, it is Washington's oldest prison and houses the state's most serious long-term offenders. Walla Walla is a small city known for its wine region, and the prison has been part of the local community for well over a century. The facility's location in eastern Washington means many families in the Seattle and Puget Sound area face a significant drive.
Communication at Washington State Penitentiary follows Washington DOC provider contracts. JPay is the primary platform for electronic messaging, photo sharing, and money transfers. Families create a JPay account and add the inmate using their Washington DOC number. GTL manages phone calls and video visitation under the WDOC statewide contract. Setting up a GTL AdvancePay account allows families to receive inmate-initiated calls, and video visits can be scheduled through the GTL platform. The two-platform setup applies here: JPay for messaging and money, GTL for phone and video.
For families in western Washington — Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia — the drive to Walla Walla is roughly four to five hours over the Cascade Mountains. Many families rely primarily on JPay messaging and GTL video visits for regular contact rather than making the long cross-state trip. For families in eastern Washington or the Spokane area, the drive is much shorter. Washington DOC accounts created for WSP carry over to any other Washington facility if an inmate is transferred.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Address
1313 N. 13th Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Main Phone
(509) 525-3610
Administrative line — not for inmate calls
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at Washington State Penitentiary.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: JPay
Full JPay messaging available. Requires Washington DOC number.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: GTL
Remote video visits available. Especially practical for western Washington families. Schedule in advance.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: JPay
Digital photos via JPay. Subject to WDOC content guidelines.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: GTL
Inmate-initiated calls via GTL. Fund AdvancePay account to receive calls.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: JPay
Trust account deposits via JPay for commissary and personal purchases.
Communication Providers at Washington State Penitentiary
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
JPay
Electronic messaging, photo sharing, and trust account deposits. Uses Washington DOC number.
Learn More About JPayGTL
Phone calls and video visitation under the Washington DOC statewide contract.
Learn More About GTLCommunication Rules at Washington State Penitentiary
- JPay and GTL are separate platforms. Messaging stamps and phone funds are not interchangeable.
- Messages are reviewed by WDOC staff before delivery.
- WDOC system-wide accounts carry over if the inmate transfers to another Washington facility.
- Video visits must be scheduled in advance through GTL.
- Senders must be on the inmate's approved contact list.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Washington State Penitentiary
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do I message someone at Washington State Penitentiary?
- Create a JPay account at jpay.com and add the inmate using their Washington DOC number. Purchase stamps and compose your message. WDOC staff review messages before delivery, typically within 24 to 48 hours.
- How do I set up phone calls from Washington State Penitentiary?
- Phone calls use GTL. Create an account at telmate.com or through the GTL Connect app. Set up a prepaid AdvancePay account linked to your phone number and add funds. The inmate will call you from facility phones.
- How far is WSP from Seattle?
- Washington State Penitentiary is in Walla Walla, roughly 260 miles southeast of Seattle — about a four to five-hour drive over the Cascades. For western Washington families, GTL video visits and JPay messaging are the most practical options for regular contact.
- Is video visitation available at WSP?
- Yes, remote video visits are available through GTL and are especially useful for families in western Washington who face the long cross-state drive. Log into your GTL account, search for Washington State Penitentiary, and select an available slot. Schedule well in advance.
- How do I send money to a Washington State Penitentiary inmate?
- Trust account deposits are made through JPay. Log in, go to Send Money, and select Washington State Penitentiary. Add funds via debit or credit card. Processing takes one to two business days.
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