Northpoint Training Center

Northpoint Training Center is a medium-security state prison for male inmates located near Danville, Kentucky. It was originally constructed as a state mental hospital. Beginning in 1941, the United States Army assumed control of the facilities to provide care for soldiers suffering from psychiatric illness.

While operated by the Army from 1941 to 1946, the Darnel Hospital had the capability to house approximately 880 ill soldiers and was also utilized to contain German prisoners of war. In 1946, the hospital was returned to state control for the sum of $1. Interestingly, employees desiring to be a part of the transaction contributed 100 pennies for the purchasing price. The facilities were operated as the Kentucky State Hospital from 1946 until 1977 when phased to the control of the Bureau of Social Services. For five years, from July 1977 through February 1983, the Danville Youth Development Center was utilized as a youth center for juvenile offenders.

The Department of Corrections received control of the property, consisting of 551 acres and approximately 50 structures, in January 1983. Northpoint Training Center was initially conceived as a minimum-security institution for fewer than 500 inmates, but the mission rapidly changed to a medium-security institution with a proposed population of approximately 700 inmates. 

Today, the institution operates as a medium-security institution with a current bed capacity of 1,256 inmates. The institution currently consists of 1,108 general population medium-security beds, 60 special management beds, and 40 minimum-security beds.

General population inmates are housed in six open-bay dormitories. Special management Unit inmates are housed in single cells in a 60-bed structure separated from the main compound. The perimeter of the secure compound is a double 12-foot fence with razor wire on the bottom and top. 

The inner perimeter fence has a sensor system that alerts the main control in the event of contact, four armed wall towers, an outside patrol, and a control center. Minimum-Security inmates, numbering approximately 40, are housed in two structures outside the secure perimeter.

The mission of Northpoint Training Center is to promote safety for the citizens of the Commonwealth by operating an efficient, adult male, medium-security institution. Their main purpose is to provide a safe, secure, humane environment for its residents and to prepare incarcerated felons for a successful reintegration into society through the use of constructive classification, education, employment training programs and treatment services and social programs.

Prison Insights

Visiting Hours and Rules

Visiting hours for general population inmates at Northpoint Training Center are on Saturdays, Sundays, and State Holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Visitors for the General Population are not permitted entry after 1:30pm for afternoon visits or 7:00pm for evening visits. Regular visits will be limited to two hours unless the visiting room reaches full capacity in which the visitors who have been visiting the longest will be asked to end their visit. Inmates are permitted visits on each of the regularly scheduled visiting days.

Friday evening visiting hours are from 6:00pm to 8:30pm and are only for inmates residing in the Dormitory 2 Veterans and Pre-Honor, and Dormitory 4. Inmates participating in SAP who reside in Dormitory 1 are not permitted to receive Friday evening visits. Visitors are permitted to enter the institution from 5:50pm to 7:30 pm only. Visitors that arrive will be denied entry.

Special Management Unit inmates may receive visits on Monday and Wednesday by appointment only. Visitors must make a request to the Special Management Unit Staff to schedule an appointment seven days prior to the visit. Visits will not exceed one hour in length according to the following schedule:

• 8:15am - 9:15am
• 9:45am - 10:45am
• 12:15pm - 1:15pm

Outside Detail inmates may receive visits according to the following schedule:

• Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & State Holidays
• 6:00pm - 8:30pm, 8:00am - 2:30pm, and 4:00pm - 8:00pm
  
  

Controlled visitation (non-contact) is conducted on Friday of each week between the hours of 4:00pm - 8:30pm by appointment only. Non-contact visits last no longer than two hours. Visitors requesting a non-contact visit must write to the Deputy Warden/Security seven days in advance of the requested visit so that it may be scheduled. No more than two adult visitors can visit.

General Rules

• Adults over the age of 18 must possess valid photograph identification.
• If a minor is accompanied by a non-parent or guardian, the adult is required to have the written consent signed and notarized by the child's parent or guardian.
• A visitor can’t be dropped off on grounds for a visit without prior written approval from the Deputy Warden/Security.
• Visitors must ensure their vehicle is secured (doors and truck locked and windows rolled up completely) to prevent entry to the vehicle.
• Visitors driving pick-up trucks must ensure there are no tools, knives, ladders, or other items that can be used as a weapon or that is considered contraband in the bed of the vehicle.
• After parking the vehicle in the designated area, visitors arriving for a visit go directly to the control center to be registered. Failure to follow these requirements may result in your visit being denied or terminated.
• Immediately following the visit, visitors go directly to their vehicle and drive to the Entry Post where the officer will visually inspect the occupants in the vehicle and update the listing of visitors on grounds.

Dress Code

• No skin tight clothing permitted.
• Undergarments must be worn unless medical documentation is submitted to the institution prior to arriving for the visit.
• No sleeveless tops
• No see through clothing of any kind
• No wrap around skirts.
• Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be below the knees when sitting.
• No leggings, tights, spandex or bottoms that have holes in them
• Shirts must be long enough to be tucked into jeans, slacks or skirts.
• The following are not allowed: hats of any type, earrings or jewelry other than listed below, watches, toys, bib pants or clothing with large metal attachments.
• Any visitor, child or adult, will be denied entry if they are barefooted.
• Minors 12 and older must comply with the above dress code. Younger children must be dressed sensibly and according to the needs of their age.

If a visitor is not wearing proper attire upon entry to the Control Center, their visit will be denied, and they will have to write the Warden before returning to the Institution. Visitors will not be given the opportunity to change clothing and come back on the same day. It is the Visitor's and the Inmate's responsibility to know the rules and abide by them.

What can you bring to a visit?

• Visitors may only carry one dosage of needed prescription medication. This medicine must be in the original container while on grounds. Visitors with the need to keep life-saving medication with them during the visit must notify staff of the need prior to the visit. When having the prescription filled, visitors can ask their pharmacist for an extra prescription bottle with appropriate label to use for this daily allowance while visiting the institution.
• Visitors requiring the use of a wheel chair or other medically required device must submit documentation from the medical provider of its need to the Deputy Warden/Security prior to arriving for the first visit.
• All visitors are required to walk through a metal detector. Visitors with permanent microdermal (permanent) body piercings must provide written documentation to the Deputy Warden/Security prior to arriving for the visit showing the piercings are permanent.
• The following items are the only items a visitor may have in their possession when they enter the Control Center and Visiting Room. All other items must be locked in your vehicle:
  • $20 in change per adult (no green money is permitted)
  • $25 for evening visits for Honor Dorm and Outside Detail residents
  • One clear container for money (coin purse or baggie)
  • One wedding ring set
  • One valid photo identification
  • One medical alert identification
  • One religious medallion
  • Two keys to lock vehicle doors or trunk
  • Essential infant items (three diapers and three bottles)

All incoming mail must be sent via the US Postal Service and is subject to be inspected or read to determine if contraband is enclosed or any rule violation has occurred.

How to Call an Inmate

How to Send Money

​Programs For ​Inmates

Alcoholic Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA)

Classes are open to all offenders who report a problem with alcohol and/or drug abuse, have a documented history of abuse, and/or express a desire to participate in the program.

Life Without a Crutch Program

Life without a Crutch Program provides a pre-treatment orientation to recovery from dependency of all types. Its primary goal is to encourage the inmate to assess his addictive behaviors honestly. This program is designed as adult education on a group level and is not intended as therapy.

Northpoint Jaycees

This is an international service organization that is open to all young men between the ages of 21—35. Its purpose is to help them develop organizational and leadership skills. They must also believe in giving of themselves to the community and to their country.

Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)

This program is based upon the 17 principles of success presented by the Napoleon Hill Foundation and designed to be taught by two inmates under staff supervision.

Northpoint Veterans Club

The focus of the Veterans Club is to assist inmate veterans with their military affairs and to give them an opportunity to assist other veterans in need.

Adult Basic Education

This program is designed to assist inmates as they improve basic skills in reading, writing, social studies, science and math. The academic classes range from literacy to adult basic education to GED class. After receiving a GED, an individual can work on receiving an employability certificate through the NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificates).

Technical Programs

The objectives of these programs are to provide comprehensive technical education, which prepares the individual for successful reintegration into society. Programs offered are Masonry, Electricity, and Carpentry. The technical programs provide training through VT Fundamentals curriculum and the NCCER curriculum. Inmates in technical programs also work on receiving their employability certificate through the NCRC (National Career Readiness Certificates) if they need to. Vocational Carpentry is partnering with Habitat for Humanity in preparing housing components, which consists of wall units, trusses, and cabinets.

C-Tech Cabling

This program is offered through Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). This program offers training in cabling and networking applications. Individuals master skills required to work in a cabling career. Individuals must complete the NCRC curriculum also.

Microsoft Office

This program is offered through Eastern Kentucky University (EKU). This program offers training in computer fundamentals and Microsoft Office applications. Individual master skills needed for the Microsoft office programs include: Excel, Outlook, Work, and PowerPoint. Individuals must complete the NCRC curriculum also.

Remediation

This program provides a related studies academic program to technical students deficient in reading or math.

Recreation

The Institutional recreation program offers a variety of activities to include intramural softball, basketball, volleyball, and other sports activities. Northpoint also has a varsity program in softball and basketball where teams from the community come in to the institution to play. 

Other outdoor sports include corn hole, handball, horseshoes, and free-play basketball. Inside the gym, there is a large weight room, a band room with instruments, and a cardio room with treadmills, an elliptical machine, and other cardio equipment. 

Northpoint has created a fitness program that will be guided by a fitness video such as T25. They also have three pool tables, a ping pong table, and a foosball table in the gym. The recreation department also runs a barbershop for those in need of haircuts.

Institutional Religious Center (IRC)

The IRC provides a full calendar of religious programming for the inmates at Northpoint Training Center. With one full-time Chaplain, the Religious Center welcomes a number of volunteer chaplains to conduct services and provide counseling as needed. The IRC at Northpoint Training Center accommodates nine different religions. The IRC also offers a card Program to the inmates, allowing them one free card per month.

New Directions

New Directions is a reentry program to help inmates with the barriers they may be facing once released. These barriers may include money management, employment, parenting, housing, supervision, etc.

Pathfinders

This program helps the inmates reevaluate their self-image by examining the basic building blocks. The Pathfinders curriculum is made up of activities that the class completes in a group setting. The program works with nine sections: Team Building, Communication, Stress Management, Anger Management, Problem Solving, Values, Motivation, Time Management, and Life Planning.

Inside Out Dads

This program is to help incarcerated fathers to become better dads while on the inside and for when they are released. It helps the fathers who will be released to continue their growth as dads when they are on the outside.

Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)

MRTㅡMoral Reconation Therapyㅡis a systematic, cognitive-behavioral, step-by-step treatment strategy designed to enhance self-image, promote growth of a positive, productive identity, and facilitate the development of higher stages or moral reasoning. All of these goals are ultimately demonstrated by more appropriate behavior on the part of the program participants.

Thinking for a Change

Thinking For a Change is a 12 to 14 week program that requires offenders to examine their attitudes, beliefs and their thinking patterns. The program focuses on cognitive self-change to help one to recognize risky thoughts, and beliefs that may lead the individual to participate in actions that are problematic or criminal. 

The program meets twice a week and requires offenders to actively participate in roleplaying different scenarios. The offenders are then required to analyze each scenario and actively participate in a class discussion on how utilizing reinforced social skills and new ways of thinking can help avoid conflict and to assist them in responding to anger.

Mutts with Manners

Northpoint Training Center, in partnership with the Danville-Boyle County Humane Society operates the Mutts with Manners Program. The program consists of ten Inmate trainers and two alternates who are partnered in two-man/one dog teams. The inmates in the program are screened and must complete an application and interview process. The goal of the program is to provide basic obedience training to the shelter dogs, making them more adaptable to the community, while also teaching the inmates in the program the importance of being depended on, responsibility, job skills, and teamwork.

Substance Abuse Program (SAP)

The Substance Abuse Program (SAP) is a core intensive program that consists of, at a minimum, a six month residential program maintained at NTC and other DOC approved facilities. The program uses nationally recognized models for the population including components such as psycho-education about chemical dependency, 12 step model to manage chemical dependency, relapse prevention strategies, cognitive strategies to correct criminal thinking and aftercare programming.

Sex Offender Treatment Program

The Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP) provides sexual offenders, who are amenable to treatment, with resources to prevent further sexual offenses. Each participant is expected to attend and participate in every session. This includes speaking actively as a member of the group, accepting full responsibility for sexually abusive behavior, keeping the confidentiality of all group members and completing all assignments.

Inmate to Workmate

This program provides formal vocational training in both the classroom and the kitchen, to include hands-on work experience. It is a phased program designed to build upon skills taught and introduction to food safety concepts that are presented in the ServSafe certification program. Included are progress checks and tests to measure comprehension. Tracking of program results are based on individual worker successes.

Relationship and Financial Improvement

This course provides participants with knowledge of improving communication techniques with their partner while learning crucial money management skills as budgeting, getting out of debt, dealing with creditors, saving, interest rate and more.

Responsible Parenting

This course aims to provide fathers an insight into their fathering techniques and how they may improve those to better their children. It covers a variety of topics such as proper discipline, getting involved, child support, working with the children’s mother and other important topics.

Job Readiness

This course focus is to prepare participants to search for, obtain and maintain employment. Participants will learn a variety of methods of how to search for job openings, match their skills and interests to particular jobs, gain knowledge of industry, skill testing, and improve interviewing.

NTC Voices

VOICES INSIDE is an inspirational inmate writing and theater program that uses theater arts and creative thinking to increase communication skills, build self-esteem, and humanize and enrich the lives of those closed off behind bars.

NTC Men’s Chorus

The Men’s Chorus was started in 2013. The Northpoint Chorus is made up of both inmates from NTC and men from the community of Danville. The Northpoint Chorus will give three concerts each year. The director of the chorus is Scott Brown, an accomplished musician from Stanford.

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Careers at Northpoint Training Center

If you are interested in a career with the Kentucky Department of Corrections at the Northpoint Training Center, you can click here for more information.