
Located in Farmville, Virginia, Farmville Detention Center takes pride in the “Farmville experience,” an atmosphere grounded in genuine professionalism.
That professionalism was evident during the transition to CoreCivic through acquisition in June 2025, when the team approached new processes with steadiness and clarity. Compassion is also central to daily life at Farmville, and it continued to guide staff as they supported residents and one another through the operational shift. The respectful care that defines the facility remained constant during one of the most significant changes in its 13-year operational history.
Farmville’s mission is simple: Every person in the facility deserves humane treatment. Farmville’s staff prioritizes creating a safe environment for individuals navigating the United States immigration process.
“We are simply here to care for people at this stage as they pass through this process,” explained Jeffrey Crawford, warden at Farmville.
His perspective reflects a culture that treats each resident as an individual worthy of dignity, stability and kindness.
This culture is evident throughout the facility: Staff are attentive to emerging needs and respond to challenges with patience and thoughtfulness. Their engagement is part of a broader practice of continuous evaluation. The team studies what is working well and where refinements could strengthen outcomes. Internal reviews consistently reveal a workforce committed to high standards and willing to exceed them. The result is an environment shaped by teamwork and a deep sense of responsibility.
A holistic philosophy guides Farmville's support for the people in its care. Classes, recreation, and time for reflection help residents build structure. Spiritual and legal support is available for those navigating personal questions or next steps. Health care is part of the facility's daily operations, with nurses and behavioral health providers regularly moving throughout the housing units. Staff are present and available to offer guidance and healthy interactions, with a direct supervision housing model contributing to this continuous care approach.
Farmville’s connection to the community is a foundational support. Local clergy visit to provide spiritual guidance in multiple languages. Community volunteers and partnerships with local agencies maintain communication between the facility and the wider community. These relationships build trust and accountability, creating an environment where residents feel supported, and staff feel reinforced in delivering on the mission.
Staff support is central to Farmville’s operations. Training begins early in each employee’s career and continues through opportunities for development and advancement. A strong quality-assurance culture reinforces confidence. Visitors and auditors often comment on the warmth and professionalism they observe among team members. According to the warden, this feedback reflects the pride staff take in their work.
The transition to CoreCivic marked an important chapter for Farmville.
“One of the moments I am most proud of this past year is our team’s successful transition to CoreCivic. It was a huge change operationally, and it continues to be something that we are working through as we develop and implement new policies and procedures," said Crawford. "Although it was a shock to the staff to see it take place, they have taken it in stride and given it the same level of effort and excellence that I have grown accustomed to over the past 13 years.”
His words capture the heart of Farmville. The facility will continue to modernize; the staff will continue to grow; and the core identity of Farmville will continue to reflect the people inside and outside the facility devoted to safe, humane, high-quality care for detainees.
