Arizona State Prison Complex – Lewis
| Location | Buckeye, Arizona |
|---|---|
| Status | open |
| Security class | mixed |
| Capacity | 4,397 |
| Managed by | Arizona Department of Corrections |
Coordinates: 33°12′34″N 112°39′11″W / 33.2094°N 112.653°W
Arizona State Prison Complex – Lewis is one of 13 prison facilities operated by the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC). ASPC-Lewis is located in Buckeye, Maricopa County, Arizona, 43 miles west from the state capital of Phoenix, Arizona.
Each housing unit at ASPC-Lewis is named after an ADC correctional officer who was killed in the line of duty. In remembrance their names are:
ASPC-Lewis has an inmate capacity of over 5,000 in 7 units, at level 2, 3, 4, and a MAX custody security level. The ADC uses a score classification system to assess inmate's appropriate custody and security level placement. The scores range from 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest risk or need. ASPC-Lewis is a modern, medium security prison built by both commercial and convict labor.
In early 2004, the Morey Unit of the Lewis complex was the site of the longest standoff between inmates and law enforcement officers in United States history. It was a 15-day ordeal, beginning January 18 and ending February 2. Two officers were taken hostage, one male and one female, by two inmates, Ricky Wassenaar and Steven Coy. In addition, they sexually assaulted the female officer and a kitchen officer. The inmates were originally trying to escape, but their plan went awry, and the escape event turned into a hostage situation. Due to the efforts of the Department of Corrections director Dora Schriro, the situation ended peacefully. Wassenaar was later convicted of 19 charges relating to the siege and was given 16 life sentences.
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