John L. Webb Correctional Facility Transition

FAQs

The Delaware Department of Correction will be transitioning the John L. Webb Correctional Facility into a Work Release Center.
In anticipation of questions this transition will generate, a list of common questions, along with answers, are outlined below.

What type of facility is Webb right now?
	Webb is currently a Level V prison for men. It is a minimum security facility that houses a sentenced population of around 110 offenders. Webb also serves as the New Castle County intake facility for persons convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Offenders serving second, third and fourth DUI offenses and sentenced to serve weekends for their offenses may serve this time at Webb.
What type of facility will Webb become after the transition?
	The transition will convert Webb to a Level IV minimum/community security work release and treatment center. It would still house around 110 offenders, but the facility would no longer be operated as a prison. It would be considered a community correctional center.
What is work release?
	Work release is a transitional program to assist offenders with their re-entry to the community after incarceration. Offenders in work release typically hold jobs with private employers. They also participate in treatment, education/training and religious programs. All offenders return to the facility at night to sleep. Random substance abuse testing is mandatory. Offenders must display pro-social behaviors such as honesty, respect, responsibility and accountability.
Who is eligible for work release?
	Offenders who have been carefully screened and meet specific criteria may qualify. Once they have been admitted to the program, they must maintain certain standards, which are outlined and given to them in writing. Prior to accepting employment, they must complete a period of orientation to become familiar with policies, procedures, rules and regulations governing conduct on the grounds and in the community.
How long will the transition from Level V to Level IV take?
	The transition will be gradual. Once started, it is expected to take about three months to complete.
Why make the transition?
	The primary reason to transition to a Level IV work release facility is to address a shortage of work release beds in New Castle County. This shortage means that many New Castle County offenders are not receiving the full benefit of a gradual, structured release program. This lack of supported and supervised re-entry increases the likelihood of them re-offending. Offenders who participate in work release in the county where they will return to live have more successful re-entry experiences. The primary reasons are that they are able to establish employment, access community support systems and find supportive housing during their time in work release. While on work release, they are required to begin pay victim's compensation, fines, court costs and child support. This helps reduce financial obligations upon release. They pay room and board, which is remanded to the State, thus helping to offset the cost of their incarceration, and a small fee for medical services.
What types of offenders will be held at Webb?
	The offenders at Webb will be those who are on schedule to be released back into the community, usually within a six-month period.
What happens if an offender leaves the facility and fails to return?
	Offenders who leave the facility without authorization or leave on an approved pass and fail to return by an established time are called walk-aways. If there is a walk-away from Webb, notification is distributed to DOC apprehension and recovery teams, law enforcement agencies, media outlets across the state and is also posted on the DOC's website - http://doc.delaware.gov.
Who will comprise the offender population at Webb?
	Offenders at Webb will be classified into three categories: Offenders approved for work-release. These are men who will work outside the facility for private employers. They are not permitted to resign from or change jobs without the approval of the Work Program Coordinator or higher authority. Violation of probation offenders. These are men who will be serving a sentence for minor technical violations of their probation; not new criminal charges. They will be assigned to work on supervised road crews and community service projects. Facility workers. These offenders will help the facility function to its best ability by working in areas of maintenance, groundskeeping, laundry and food service.
Who can I contact if I require additional information?
	Office of Commissioner Carl C. Danberg. He will respond directly or make sure you are connected to the employee who can provide the required information. The telephone number is: 302.739.5601 or he can be reached via e-mail at: DOC.Commissioner@state.de.us. Additionally, the DOC will hold a public meeting Thursday, September 20, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Mill Creek Fire Hall on Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington, to receive and hear comments on the transition of the Webb facility. If you are unable to attend the meeting, but would still like to present your view on the transition, please do so in writing and submit your comments to this address: Gail Stallings Minor c/o Webb Correctional Center Transition Delaware Department of Correction 245 McKee Road Dover, DE 19901 All written comments need to be received by the close of business on Monday, September 24.