If you've ever wanted to see the inside of a prison
without having to stay...here's your chance. The Department of
Correction has added to its' website a virtual tour of Riverbend
Maximum Security Complex. Get a glimpse of how and where inmates
spend their time behind bars.
Death Row Housing Unit
Riverbend houses all death row inmates
with the exception of five. There are two women who are housed
at the Tennessee Prison for Women, and three male inmates who are
assigned to Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex. All death row inmates are housed in single cells with
24 inmates per pod. Tennessee's death row is unique to any other
in the country in that inmates are managed by way of an incentive
level system. Upon initial entry to death row, inmates begin at
Level C which leaves them in their cell all but one hour per
day. Over time, their good behavior can earn them the
opportunity to work inside the institution and have additional
recreation time.
Deathwatch
Deathwatch is located adjacent to the execution
chamber. It is comprised of four cells and a monitoring area,
and is only used by inmates who are scheduled to be executed.
Three days prior to the execution, an inmate is moved to this area for
intense monitoring and seclusion from other inmates.
Gymnasium
The gymnasium is used primarily in the winter months
by inmates assigned to close, medium, or minimum security
status. Although Riverbend houses 714 inmates, only about 352 of
them fit into those categories. The gym is open three hours per
day during the week, and all day on the weekends.
Maximum Security Unit
This is the control room for one of the maximum
security units located at Riverbend. There are a total of four
maximum units at the facility. A control monitor is stationed in
this area 24 hours a day. Their role is to keep a constant watch
on the activities of inmates and staff by way of multiple windows and
surveillance cameras. Riverbend houses approximately 330 maximum
security inmates. These inmates spend 23 hours a day in their
cell. The only time they leave is to shower, and to go to the
recreation area for an hour.
Outdoor Recreation Yard
Riverbend has a total of two recreation yards.
These function much the same as the gymnasium. Whenever weather
permits, inmates are allowed to spend their free hours in this outdoor
area.
Security Perimeter
Correctional Officers monitor the perimeter of
Riverbend 24 hours a day from an access road that surrounds the
facility. Five coils of razor wire are attached to exterior
fences to insure inmates do not attempt to escape.
