VADOC spends over $462K on inmate incentives for three facilities added to ‘Virginia Model’ program

BUCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- In adding three facilities to the Virginia Department of Corrections' (VADOC) "Virginia Model" program, the department has spent over $462,000 in incentives for inmates.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 1, the Virginia Model program was implemented at Buckingham Correctional Center, Dillwyn Correctional Center and Greensville Correctional Center, according to VADOC Director Chad Dotson.

The department said the program is a "first-of-its-kind approach to corrections in the Commonwealth" based on incentives.

Inmates who meet eligibility requirements can earn benefits like expanded visitation, better meals and mattresses, increased programming and the ability to lead their own workshops.

In adding the three facilities to the program, a VADOC spokesperson confirmed to 8News that, thus far, the department spent the following on incentives:

• $368,590 on upgraded mattresses
• $92,595.03 on salad bars
• $914.49 for supplies for cornhole boards

Since the model was implemented at Lawrenceville Correctional Center on Aug. 1, 2024, the department said the facility has seen no drug overdoses and overdose deaths, no serious assaults on inmates, no total fights, a 94% reduction in positive drug tests and a 75% reduction in cell phone seizures.