WHEELING, W.Va. — The state Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation has announced it’s closing the Ohio County Correctional Center and moving the inmates and workers to other state-operated facilities.
According to a Friday afternoon news release, there are 54 low-security inmates at the Wheeling facility. They will be moved to facilities that are operating below capacity.
“This decision allows us to make better use of the capacity and resources we already have while continuing to provide the services required of our correctional system,” state Corrections Commissioner David Kelly said in the news release. “We can streamline our operations without eliminating jobs or compromising the care and services provided to those in our custody.”
Friday’s announcement said there would be no job losses. All staff members will begin transitioning to other positions within the agency.
The division also said, “Inmate services, medical care and routine programming will continue without interruption throughout the transition.
“The transition is effective immediately and is expected to be completed over the next 30 days, allowing WVDCR to safely and efficiently relocate inmates, staff and operations.”
The Ohio County Correctional Center is located on Eoff Street in Wheeling.