Altona Correctional Facility: Rehabilitation in New York

Altona Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison located in Altona, New York. The facility houses male inmates and provides various programs to help them while incarcerated, including alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs. The facility is operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

Altona Correctional Facility has a capacity of 414 inmates and is staffed by approximately 300 employees. The facility offers vocational training programs, educational programs, and counseling services to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release. In addition to these programs, the facility also provides medical and mental health services to inmates.

Altona Correctional Facility is one of several facilities operated by DOCCS throughout the state of New York. The department is responsible for the care, custody, and control of approximately 36,000 inmates housed in 52 correctional facilities. Despite its size, Altona Correctional Facility plays an important role in the state’s criminal justice system, providing a safe and secure environment for inmates while also offering programs designed to help them turn their lives around.

SecurityMedium
Capacity414
Physical Address555 Devils Den Road
Altona, NY 12910-3000
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 3000
Altona, NY 12910-3000
Can You Send Gifts?No
Visitation HoursSaturday and Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(518) 236-7841
JurisdictionState

History and Location

Altona Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison located in the town of Altona, Clinton County, New York State. It is situated on Devil’s Den Road, approximately 10 miles from the city of Plattsburgh. The facility was opened in 1983 and has the capacity to house 480 male inmates in eight dormitory-style units.

The prison is located in a rural area and is surrounded by farmland. The facility is spread over 30 acres of land and has a total of 12 buildings. Altona Correctional Facility is one of the 54 prisons operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

The prison has a long history of providing rehabilitation services to its inmates. It offers a range of programs to help inmates develop skills and prepare for their eventual release. These programs include educational courses, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services.

The town of Altona is a small community of approximately 2,900 people. The town is located in the northern part of Clinton County and is bordered by the towns of Chazy and Mooers to the east, the town of Ellenburg to the north, and the town of Dannemora to the west. The town is primarily rural and is known for its scenic beauty and agricultural heritage.

Overall, Altona Correctional Facility is an important part of the criminal justice system in New York State. It has a long history of providing rehabilitation services to its inmates and is located in a beautiful rural area of Clinton County.

Facility Description

Altona Correctional Facility is a medium security level facility for males located in the Town of Altona in Clinton County, New York, United States. It was opened in 1983 and has the capacity to hold 480 inmates in 8 dormitory-style housing units.

The facility is used for the general confinement of males 18 years of age or older and offers academic education, vocational training, and a variety of programs to help incarcerated individuals, which can include Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.

Altona Correctional Facility is classified as a direct supervision facility, which means that correctional officers are in direct contact with inmates at all times. This type of facility is designed to promote safety and security by providing a more controlled environment.

The facility has a video and electronic monitoring system in place to ensure the safety and security of inmates, staff, and visitors. The system includes cameras placed in various locations throughout the facility, including the housing units, recreational areas, and common areas.

Overall, Altona Correctional Facility is a state prison that provides a secure environment for inmates while offering programs and services to help them successfully re-enter society upon release.

Inmate Information

Altona Correctional Facility is a medium-security correctional facility for male felons. All incarcerated individuals at the facility are provided with basic needs such as housing, meals, medical and mental health care, and clothing. Inmates at the facility are required to follow strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of everyone in the facility.

Inmate case files at Altona Correctional Facility describe in great detail the family and social background, arrest, confinement, and release/parole of incarcerated men. Family and friends of inmates can visit them on weekends and holidays during visiting hours from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the latest arrival time being 1:30 p.m. The 2023 visitation schedule is available online for reference here.

The facility has the capacity to hold 414 inmates in 8 dormitory-style units. Each unit has a common area and kitchen. Inmates are placed in housing units based on their classification, disciplinary history, and other factors. The facility also has a number of vocational and educational programs to help inmates develop skills and prepare for reentry into society.

Inmates can be searched online through the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Inmate Lookup service here. The service provides information on the inmate’s name, DIN (Department Identification Number), age, sex, race, and release date. However, not all inmates may be listed in the online database due to privacy concerns.

Incarcerated individuals at Altona Correctional Facility may be eligible for release based on their sentence and behavior while in prison. Inmates may be released on parole, conditional release, or maximum expiration date. The decision to release an inmate is made by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision based on various factors such as the inmate’s criminal history, risk to public safety, and progress in rehabilitation programs.

Overall, Altona Correctional Facility provides a secure and structured environment for incarcerated individuals while also offering opportunities for rehabilitation and reentry into society.

Visitation Guidelines

Altona Correctional Facility allows incarcerated individuals to receive visits on weekends and holidays. The visiting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the latest arrival time at 1:30 p.m. All visitation days listed are open to the entire incarcerated population. Visitors are advised to arrive early to ensure they have enough time to complete the check-in process.

To visit an incarcerated individual at Altona Correctional Facility, visitors must bring valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Visitors who do not have valid photo identification will not be allowed to enter the facility. It is recommended that visitors confirm their visitation with the facility before arriving.

Each incarcerated individual is allowed an unlimited number of visits per day. However, the maximum number of visitors per visit is three, and one child under the age of five is also allowed. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal belongings inside the facility, including cell phones, cameras, or purses. Visitors are advised to leave all personal belongings in their vehicles or at home.

Altona Correctional Facility has strict rules and regulations for visitors. Visitors must follow all rules and regulations while inside the facility. Failure to comply with any of the rules and regulations may result in the termination of the visit and/or the visitor being banned from future visits.

In conclusion, visitors must follow the guidelines set forth by Altona Correctional Facility to ensure a smooth and successful visit. Visitors are advised to arrive early, bring a valid photo identification, and leave all personal belongings outside the facility. It is also important to follow all rules and regulations while inside the facility to avoid any issues.

Transportation to Facility

Altona Correctional Facility is located at 555 Devils Den Road in Altona, New York. The facility is accessible by car, bus, and train.

Car

Visitors who choose to drive to the facility can take either the I-87 or I-89 highway to reach the facility. The facility is approximately 20 miles from Plattsburgh and 70 miles from Montreal. Visitors can use the driving directions provided by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to navigate to the facility.

Bus

Visitors can take a bus to the facility using the Greyhound Bus Lines or Adirondack Trailways. The closest bus stop to the facility is located in Plattsburgh, which is approximately 20 miles from the facility. Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car from Plattsburgh to reach the facility.

Train

Visitors can take a train to the facility using Amtrak. The closest train station to the facility is located in Westport, which is approximately 25 miles from the facility. Visitors can take a taxi or rent a car from Westport to reach the facility.

Driving Directions

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision provides driving directions to the facility from various locations on their website. Visitors can select their starting location and the website will provide them with the best route to reach the facility.

It is important to note that visitors must arrive at the facility during visiting hours and must have a valid form of identification to enter the facility. Visitors should also be aware of the facility’s dress code and prohibited items policy before arriving at the facility.

Contraband Policies

Altona Correctional Facility has strict policies regarding contraband. Contraband refers to any item that is prohibited by the facility and includes items such as drugs, weapons, and cell phones. The possession of contraband by incarcerated individuals poses a significant threat to the safety and security of the facility, its employees, visitors, and the community.

The facility has implemented various measures to control and detect contraband. Incoming mail is opened and inspected for cash, checks, money orders, printed or photocopied materials, or contraband. Monies are credited to the incarcerated individual’s account, while printed or photocopied materials may delay receipt due to media review procedures. The facility also conducts searches of incarcerated individuals and their living areas, as well as the areas surrounding the facility to aid in the control of contraband.

In addition, New York State law makes it a criminal offense to provide contraband to an inmate of a correctional facility, otherwise introduce contraband into a correctional facility, or possess contraband while confined in a correctional facility. The penalty for violating this law is a fine and/or imprisonment.

If contraband is found, the facility takes appropriate action, which may include disciplinary measures and/or criminal charges. The facility also works closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to introduce contraband into the facility.

Overall, Altona Correctional Facility takes contraband very seriously and has implemented strict policies and procedures to prevent its introduction and possession within the facility.

Communication With Inmates

Altona Correctional Facility provides several communication options to inmates to keep in touch with their loved ones. Inmates can send and receive letters, make phone calls, and use JPay, a secure email system, to communicate with their family and friends.

JPay is a popular communication option among inmates because it is fast and convenient. Inmates can use JPay to send and receive emails, attach photos, and even send video grams. However, it is important to note that JPay charges a fee for each email sent or received. Inmates can purchase JPay credits to use the service.

In addition to JPay, inmates can make phone calls to their loved ones. The facility uses Global Tel Link (GTL) for its phone services. Inmates can purchase phone credits through GTL to make calls to their approved contacts. The facility also offers video visitation services, which allow inmates to have virtual visits with their loved ones.

Altona Correctional Facility also has a chaplain on staff to provide spiritual support to inmates. The chaplain offers religious services, counseling, and guidance to inmates who seek it. Inmates can request to meet with the chaplain individually or attend group services.

Overall, Altona Correctional Facility provides several communication options for inmates to stay connected with their loved ones and receive spiritual support. Inmates should follow the facility’s communication guidelines and rules to avoid any disciplinary actions.

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