Brooklyn Correctional Institution: Life Inside the Walls

Brooklyn Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Brooklyn, Connecticut. The facility was originally built in 1820 and served as both a town hall and a jail. Over the years, the prison has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of barns, outbuildings, and a section for female prisoners in 1863. Today, the prison houses up to 456 state prisoners who have been sentenced to up to twelve months.

As part of the Connecticut Department of Correction, Brooklyn Correctional Institution is responsible for the care, custody, and control of its inmates. The facility offers a range of programs and services designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.

Despite its efforts to provide a safe and rehabilitative environment for its inmates, Brooklyn Correctional Institution has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. In 2007, the facility was the site of a major riot that resulted in the injury of several staff members and inmates. Since then, the prison has implemented a number of measures to improve safety and security, including the installation of new surveillance cameras and the implementation of stricter security protocols.

SecurityMedium
Capacity456
Physical Address59 Hartford Road
Brooklyn, CT 06234
Mailing Address59 Hartford Road
Brooklyn, CT 06234
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursDepends on the Unit
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(860) 779-4500
JurisdictionState

History

The Brooklyn Correctional Institution, also known as Brooklyn CI, is a correctional facility located in Brooklyn, Connecticut. It has a long and rich history that spans more than a century. This section covers the establishment of Brooklyn CI and the changes that have occurred over time.

Establishment of Brooklyn CI

Brooklyn CI was originally built in 1820 and served as both a town hall and jail. It was known as the Windham County Jail back then. In 1842, a new jail was constructed, adding barns, outbuildings, and in 1863, a section for female prisoners. The mission during this time was to employ prisoners as common laborers. In 1969, the facility was converted into a correctional institution for men by the Connecticut Department of Correction.

Changes Over Time

Over the years, Brooklyn CI has undergone several changes to meet the evolving needs of the correctional system. In 1987, a new 100-bed unit was added to the facility. In 1995, a 200-bed unit was constructed. The facility also underwent renovations in the late 1990s and early 2000s to improve safety and security.

In recent years, Brooklyn CI has faced challenges related to overcrowding and staffing shortages. In 2019, the facility had a population of 715, which was above its rated capacity of 456. The Connecticut Department of Correction has been working to address these issues by implementing various initiatives, such as hiring more staff and reducing the inmate population.

In conclusion, Brooklyn CI has a long and complex history that reflects the evolution of the correctional system in Connecticut. Despite facing challenges, the facility continues to provide essential services to the state’s criminal justice system.

Facility

Brooklyn Correctional Institution is a Level 3 medium-security facility that houses up to 456 inmates. The facility is located at 59 Hartford Road in Brooklyn, Connecticut. The institution was built in 1820 and served as both a town hall and a jail. In 1842, a new jail was constructed adding barns, outbuildings, and in 1863 a section for female prisoners. 

Security

Brooklyn Correctional Institution is a medium-security facility that houses inmates who have been sentenced to up to twelve months. The facility has a perimeter fence with electronic detection systems and a staff of correctional officers who monitor the facility 24 hours a day. The facility also has a full-time medical staff to provide medical and mental health care for inmates.

Level of Security

Brooklyn Correctional Institution is a Level 3 medium-security facility. This means that the facility houses inmates who have been convicted of crimes that are not considered to be the most serious offenses. Inmates who are housed in this facility have a higher level of freedom than those who are housed in maximum-security facilities.

Inmate Services

Brooklyn Correctional Institution offers a variety of inmate services to help inmates prepare for their release and re-enter society. Some of the services offered include educational and vocational programs, sex offender programming, anger management, and substance abuse programming. Inmates are also able to receive mail and charitable contributions from family and friends.

Educational and Vocational Programs

Brooklyn Correctional Institution offers a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates acquire new skills and prepare for their release. Some of the programs offered include business education, computer skills, literacy volunteers, English as a Second Language, and special education. These programs are designed to help inmates gain the skills they need to find employment and successfully reintegrate into society.

The institution also emphasizes the importance of treating inmates with dignity and respect, and all staff members are trained to provide a safe and supportive environment for inmates.

In conclusion, Brooklyn Correctional Institution is a medium-security facility that provides a range of services and programs to help inmates prepare for their release and re-enter society. The facility offers a variety of educational and vocational programs, sex offender programming, anger management, and substance abuse programming. Inmates are also able to receive mail and charitable contributions from family and friends.

Visitation

Brooklyn Correctional Institution allows inmates to have visitors during specified visiting hours. Visitors are subject to the institution’s rules and regulations, and failure to comply may result in the termination of the visit. This section will discuss the visiting schedule, visitation rules, and visitation privileges at Brooklyn Correctional Institution.

Visiting Schedule

Visiting hours at Brooklyn Correctional Institution vary depending on the housing unit and the inmate’s classification. Visitors are encouraged to check the specific facility webpage for visiting schedules and visiting policies. In-person social visits were reinstated on Monday, September 26, 2022, after being suspended due to COVID-19. Video visits are also still available.

Visitation Rules

Visitors must comply with the institution’s rules and regulations during their visit. All inmates and visitors are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times. Visitors may arrive up to 15 minutes prior to a visit and be seated in the visiting room. Inmates and visitors may have a brief embrace at the start and at the end of the visit. Visitors are subject to search and may be denied entry if they fail to comply with the institution’s rules.

Visitation Privileges

Inmates at Brooklyn Correctional Institution are allowed a limited number of visits per week. The number of visits allowed depends on the inmate’s classification. Inmates may also receive visits from friends and loved ones who are on their approved visitor list. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved list before they can visit. Inmates can also receive money from visitors.

Visitors may communicate with inmates via email, and inmates may also communicate with their loved ones via video visitation. Inmates are encouraged to maintain contact with their loved ones during their incarceration.

Contact Information

The facility’s direct contact number is 860-779-4500. Potential visitors are encouraged to check the specific facility webpage for visiting schedules and visiting policies. The inmate locator can be used to find an inmate’s release date and bond information. Directions to the facility can also be found on the facility’s website.

Inmate Information

Inmates at Brooklyn Correctional Institution have access to a variety of services and resources to help them during their incarceration. This section will cover some of the most important aspects of inmate life at Brooklyn CI, including inmate search, sending money, and inmate mail.

Inmate Search

Friends and family members of inmates at Brooklyn CI can use the Connecticut Department of Corrections website to search for their loved ones. The website allows users to search for inmates by name or by their Department of Corrections number. Users can also view the inmate’s location, release date, and other important information.

Send Money

Inmates at Brooklyn CI can receive money from friends and family members. There are several ways to send money to an inmate, including through the mail, over the phone, or online. The most convenient way to send money is through the Connecticut Department of Corrections website, which allows users to make electronic deposits into an inmate’s account.

Inmate Mail

Inmates at Brooklyn CI can receive mail from friends and family members. All incoming mail must be addressed to the inmate and include their full name and Department of Corrections number. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, and all mail is subject to inspection.

Overall, Brooklyn Correctional Institution provides a range of services and resources to help inmates during their incarceration. By offering programs to help inmates prepare for their release, and by emphasizing the importance of treating inmates with dignity and respect, Brooklyn CI is working to create a secure and nurturing environment for all inmates.

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