Andhra Pradesh Prisons Department came into existence on 1st November, 1956 after the re-organization of States. Initially the Prisons Department consisted of only few Central Jails, District Jails and Sub Jails.

Subsequently during 1976 in pursuance of the policy decision taken by the Government to transfer the administration of Sub Jails from the control of the Judiciary to that of the Prisons Department, the Prisons Department expanded itself into a major Department.