Custody levels at 2 Nevada prisons to change; High Desert State Prison moves to maximum-security

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Nevada Department of Corrections announced Wednesday that it will be shifting the custody levels of two Nevada prisons, raising High Desert State Prison to a maximum-security institution.

According to NDOC, Ely State Prison, which is currently the state’s highest maximum-security institution, will transition to medium security and High Desert State Prison will be designated as a maximum-security institution

Ely State Prison is located in unincorporated White Pine County about nine miles north of Ely and High Desert State Prison is located near Indian Springs, about 40 minutes northwest of Las Vegas.

The offenders at Ely State Prison will be transported to High Desert State Prison and a selection of offenders from High Desert State Prison will be moved to Ely State Prison.

NDOC said the change will ensure the highest-risk offenders will be housed where staffing levels are higher and at an institution closer to outside law enforcement and medical services. High Desert is also a newer facility with a higher perimeter and security standards.

“The safety of our officers, staff and offenders is paramount to our mission as a
Department,” Director James Dzurenda said. “This move will allow us to increase our
security within the institutions to better protect offenders serve the communities that
trust us to keep them safe.”

High Desert State Prison is about 1,576,000 square feet and can hold up to 4,100
offenders. It opened Sept. 1, 2000. Ely State Prison opened in July 1989 and has the
capacity for 1,183 inmates, according to NDOC.

Officers throughout Nevada receive consistent Peace Officer Safety Training for all custody levels and their training is refreshed annually, NDOC said.

The dates of the transfer are being withheld to ensure the safety of offenders, staff and
the public.

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