As the population has grown, so has the prison. New floors have been added. In an emergency, according to Patricia Wachtel, who up until a few weeks ago was WCCW's media relations specialist, if the prison gets too crowded, staffers can always add a third woman to each two-bunk cell. The prison grounds are laid out in the shape of a nesting bird, hemmed by a perimeter road, constantly circled by an armed guard in a truck. Living quarters are broken down into four main sections.
Minimum security consists of three barrack-like buildings and sits closest to the service road.
And maximum security consists of a large three-tier cement building, which also serves as the intimidating entrance point for new prisoners. Guards and staff walk between sections of the prison and spend much of their day waiting at gates. There is always a slight delay and a click before a metal gate opens. Wachtel, my guide on a tour of the prison, bows her head as she waits for the click. She seems as careful as the reception desk officer to avoid eye contact.