DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) — Key Information
DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) is a State - maximum facility located in New Castle County, Delaware. The facility has a capacity of approximately 2600 beds. Use the contact details below to reach the facility, and the inmate locator link to search for a specific individual held here.
Facility Snapshot & Nearby Comparison
Quick visuals from the fields on this page—contact data on file and reported bed counts vs other prisons in New Castle County, Delaware in our directory.
Security Rating Of The Facility
This scale summarizes the restriction intensity implied by the facility’s Security level & category of the facility (county, state, federal, police, juvenile, community, and similar labels).
High custody
Values are mapped from our directory taxonomy. Always confirm custody level with the agency.
Contact channels on file
Capacity & network
*Average uses related facilities that report a positive bed count.
Reported bed capacity — this facility vs nearby
Bar length = beds ÷ max in this group (max = 2600).
Photos of DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC)
About DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC)
DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) is a maximum-security state correctional facility operated by the Delaware Department of Corrections. The facility houses approximately 2600 inmates. Maximum-security prisons house individuals convicted of the most serious crimes under state law, including violent offenses such as murder, assault, and repeat felonies. These inmates have been assessed as requiring the highest level of supervision available in the state system.
Despite the security level, DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) offers programming to support inmate rehabilitation and eventual reentry. Available programs may include GED preparation, ESL classes, adult continuing education, college correspondence courses, parenting classes, and vocational training. A Release Preparation Program helps eligible inmates develop practical skills — including job searching, resume writing, budgeting, and housing planning — before their eventual release.
Families can stay connected with loved ones at DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) through approved communication channels. All mail, phone calls, and visits at maximum-security facilities are subject to strict monitoring. Review the communication and visitation sections below before contacting an inmate housed here.
Facility Type and Security Level
DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) is an adult state facility operating at a maximum level of security. Maximum-security institutions feature reinforced perimeters, armed towers, controlled movement, and heightened supervision protocols. Programming and visitation are available but may be more restricted than at lower-security facilities.
How to Contact an Inmate at DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC)
Send Mail
Mail letters and greeting cards to:
Inmate ID, Inmate NameDE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC)
1181 Paddock Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977 All incoming mail is inspected. Do not include cash, gift cards, or prohibited items. Include a return address on the envelope.
Phone Calls
DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) manages inmate phone calls through Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork. Inmates make outgoing collect calls — they cannot receive incoming calls. Set up a prepaid account with the approved carrier before any calls can be received. All calls are recorded and monitored. Read our inmate phone setup guide for instructions.
How to Send Money
Send money to the inmate's commissary trust account using one of the following state-approved methods:
Delaware inmates use a commissary trust account to purchase approved items from the facility store. The Delaware Department of Correction uses JPay as its primary deposit platform.
Method 1 — JPay (Online & Mobile, Recommended)
- Visit JPay.com or use the mobile app: Android iOS
- Search by the inmate's Delaware DOC number or name. Pay by debit or credit card.
- Funds post within 24–48 hours on business days.
Method 2 — JPay Phone
- Call JPay at 1-800-574-5729 (24/7) to make a deposit by phone.
Method 3 — Money Order by Mail (USPS Only)
- Make the money order payable to the inmate's full name with the Delaware DOC number on the memo line. Send via USPS to the facility's business office.
- Processing time: 5–10 business days after receipt.
Information Required
- Inmate's full committed name
- Delaware DOC inmate number
- Facility name
Read our full inmate money guide for Delaware-specific help.
Read our full inmate money guide for detailed instructions.
Visitation Guide for DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC)
Visitation at maximum-security facilities is permitted but subject to stricter protocols than lower-security prisons. Review all rules before planning your visit. For the most current hours, contact the facility at 302-653-9261.
Getting Approved
All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list before arriving. A background check fee of $25 applies for most first-time adult visitors. Children under 18 are typically exempt. Submit your application well in advance — approval can take several days to weeks. Download the Delaware visitor application.
Visitation Rules
- All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo ID.
- Inmates may have up to 20 people on their approved visitor list.
- A maximum of 6 visitors may be present at one time. Requests for more visitors require written approval at least 30 days in advance.
- All visitors, personal belongings, and vehicles are subject to search.
- No food, beverages, electronic devices, or cameras are permitted in the visiting area.
- Dress code is strictly enforced — no revealing clothing, no gang-affiliated colors, no clothing resembling inmate uniforms.
- Inmates may be photographed with family on designated holidays during specified time periods.
- Non-contact visitation may be required for certain inmates based on their classification.
- The deputy warden may deny or terminate any visit at any time for security reasons.
Visitation Timings
| DAY | VISITING HOURS |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | NO VISITS |
| Wednesday | 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | NO VISITS |
| Friday | 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:30 PM - 8:00 PM |
Hours are approximate. Confirm with the facility before traveling.
Driving Directions to DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC)
DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) is located at 1181 Paddock Rd, Smyrna, DE 19977 in Delaware. Use the map below for driving directions. Always call ahead at 302-653-9261 to confirm visiting hours before making the trip.
Search Inmates & Arrest Records
Search for an inmate currently or previously held at DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC), or run a background check for any individual. Our database covers 2.65 million+ inmate records and 58 million+ public records across the United States.
Quick Links for DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC)
Use the links below to find additional resources related to DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) and inmates held in New Castle County, Delaware.
- All Delaware Prison Facilities — Browse every correctional institution in Delaware.
- US Inmate Locator — Search 2.65 million+ federal inmate records across the country.
- Guide to Calling an Inmate — Step-by-step instructions for setting up inmate phone calls.
- Complete Visitation Guide — Everything you need to know before your first prison visit.
- How to Send Money to an Inmate — Approved methods for depositing money into an inmate's trust fund.
- Recent Arrests in Delaware — View recent arrest records and mugshots in this state.
Always verify visiting hours and policies directly with DE DOC - James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) at 302-653-9261 before making travel decisions.