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.