West Tennessee State Penitentiary

The West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP), located in Henning, is a time-building facility.  With an operating capacity of 980 inmates, WTSP houses male offenders with custody levels ranging from minimum to maximum security.

Originally named the West Tennessee High Security Facility, it was renamed to WTSP in 1999 after the administrative structure was combined with a newly constructed 1,500 bed unit and the Cold Creek annex.

WTSP offers its population a variety of evidence-based programs to meet the rehabilitative needs of offenders.  Offenders have access to Adult Basic Education (ABE), and vocational programming including Career Management for Success, Computer Aided Drafting, and Core HVAC & Refrigeration.  WTSP also addresses the behavioral health needs of inmates with programs such as cognitive behavior intervention, special management group therapy, substance use group therapy, substance use therapeutic community, substance use veterans’ community, substance use and recovery education, substance use aftercare, and workforce development.

Through community partnerships, WTSP offers:

• Associate degree program through Dyersburg State Community College
• Certification in Building Construction Technology through Tennessee College of Applied Technology
• Agriculture program and textile operations through Tennessee Rehabilitative Initiative in Correction (TRICOR)
• Computer programming class through Persevere

Offenders not involved in academic or vocational programs are required to work in support service roles throughout the prison including landscaping, janitorial services, or food services.

Additionally, the Women’s Therapeutic Residential Center (WTRC) also sits on the grounds of WTSP.

Watch the videos below to learn more about the West Tennessee State Penitentiary.

Related Links

• Women's Therapeutic Residential Center @ WTSP
• Rehabilitation
• Offender Health Care
• Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)