West Virginia Division of Corrections

Mission Statement

Provide for the custody, control and care of adult, male felons who have been convicted of severe crimes against man or nature and committed to the custody of the WVDOC.

Preserve order in all facilities by the safe, secure and humane management of the highest risk inmates in the custody of the WVDOC.

Prevent duplication of resources by providing medical and mental health care for the most ailing and infirmed inmates in the custody of the WVDOC.

Restructure inmate conduct through behavior driven and cognitive restructuring programs, as appropriate, that facilitate the inmate controlling his own behavior within the facility, transfer to a less secure facility or reintegration into society.

Develop and empower professional correctional staff to manage high-risk inmates and to function as effective leaders and team members.

Leadership Biography

David Ballard was appointed Warden of the Mount Olive Correctional Complex (MOCC) in September 2007. Mr. Ballard began his career with the Division of Corrections in May 1994 as a Correctional Officer at the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville. Upon closure of the penitentiary Mr. Ballard transferred to MOCC, serving there until December 2004. While at MOCC Mr. Ballard worked his way through the ranks, serving as a Correctional Officer, Counselor, Case Manager, Program Specialist, Lieutenant and Captain. His last assignment at MOCC before returning as Warden was Segregation Commander, having responsibility and authority over the management and operation of the maximum-security segregation units, housing the most violent, high-risk, dangerous and disruptive inmates in the state. From December 2004 to September 2006 Mr. Ballard served as the Administrator of Beckley Correctional Center (BCC). During his time at BCC Mr. Ballard implemented major improvement in the operation and organization of the facility, several cost-savings measures resulting in tremendous benefit to taxpayers and major improvement in community relations with the City of Beckley. From October 2006 to August 2007 Mr. Ballard served as the Warden of Lakin Correctional Center (LCC). During his time at LCC Mr. Ballard oversaw the addition of a 124-bed dormitory style housing unit, 36-bed modular housing unit, Correctional Industries Building and the implementation of the Correctional Center Nursery Program. Additionally, under Mr. Ballard's leadership, LCC became the third correctional facility in the state to receive national accreditation through the American Correctional Association.

Personnel

• Warden - David Ballard 
• Deputy Warden - William Vest
• Associate Warden of Programs - Paul Lyttle
• Associate Warden of Security - Paul Parry
• Associate Warden of Operations - Tim Whittington

History

Built as a replacement for the Civil War-era West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville, Mount Olive Correctional Complex (MOCC) is located seven (7) miles east of Montgomery on Cannelton Hollow Road in Fayette County. MOCC is the state's only maximum-security correctional facility and has a current capacity of 1,112 inmates. Construction of MOCC began in the spring of 1991 and was completed in December 1994. The facility was dedicated on December 12, 1994 and received it first inmates on February 14, 1995. Inmate transfers were completed on March 27, 1995 and the West Virginia Penitentiary was closed. Total construction costs for MOCC were $61.8 million. The facility's 19 buildings are encompassed by a secure perimeter fence approximately one (1) mile long. Approximately 80 acres are inside the secure perimeter. Extensive use is made of both electronic and manual security controls. MOCC operates as a small town, having its own post office, power plant, fuel depot, water supply, central warehouse, maintenance garage, gymnasium, chapel, library, classrooms, food service and laundry. Professionals through contractual agreements provide medical, dental, mental health and food services. The Department of Education provides many educational and vocational programs for the inmate population such as ABE/GED, Life Skills, Business Education, Culinary Arts and Building Construction. College courses are available through the West Virginia University Institute of Technology. Correctional Industries operates an engraving factory, sign and welding shop, janitorial supply factory and manufactures license plates for the Division of Motor Vehicles. In July 2007, MOCC opened a 48-bed Inmate Work Camp outside of the secure perimeter for inmates holding an appropriate security classification. These inmates provide labor and community service to various agencies/charitable organizations throughout the local area. MOCC also provides these inmates to the Division of Highways for various labor projects. In September 2007, MOCC underwent an intensive audit by the American Correctional Association. Auditors spent three (3) days at MOCC examining policy, procedures and interacting with staff and inmates. MOCC was found to be in compliance with required national standards and was granted accreditation. MOCC became the fourth DOC facility, and is the largest facility, to receive accreditation.