Cheshire Correctional Institution is a state prison for men located in Cheshire, Connecticut. The facility, operated by the Connecticut Department of Correction, is a level 4 high-security institution designed to house adult offenders serving long sentences. With over 1,300 inmates, the facility operates several specialized housing units, including protective custody and restrictive housing.
The Cheshire Correctional Institution was established in 1913 after three years of construction carried out by the inmates of the Wethersfield State Prison. Initially, the facility was known as the Chester Reformatory for male youths aged 16 to 24. Over the years, the institution has undergone several changes, including the addition of video visits, education and prison industries, and a commissary. The facility is located at 900 Highland Avenue, Cheshire, CT 06410, and can be reached by phone at (203) 651-6100.
The Cheshire Correctional Institution operates within a structured custody system that ranges from minimum security to maximum and death row. The facility houses inmates who require specialized housing, such as protective custody and restrictive housing. Inmates in protective custody are separated from the general population for their safety, while those in restrictive housing are placed in solitary confinement for disciplinary reasons.
Despite the challenges of incarceration, the facility provides inmates with access to education and vocational training programs to help prepare them for successful reentry into society.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1549 |
| Physical Address | 900 Highland Avenue Cheshire, CT 06410 |
| Mailing Address | 900 Highland Avenue Cheshire, CT 06410 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (203) 651-6100 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Cheshire Correctional Institution is a state prison located in Cheshire, New Haven County, Connecticut. The facility was built beginning in 1910, partly by the inmates of the Wethersfield State Prison, and opened in 1913 as the Chester Reformatory for male youths ages 16 to 24. The reformatory was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1909 with the intention of separating young offenders from the adult prison population.
In 1963, the reformatory was renamed the Cheshire Correctional Institution and began admitting adult male offenders. In 1982, the facility was designated for adult males, and in 1993, the galleys closed and the new North and South Blocks were opened. In 1998, the commissary housing unit opened.
Today, Cheshire Correctional Institution has a capacity of about 1,300 inmates, including about 60 pre-trial inmates. The facility is classified as a high-security prison and is responsible for the custody and care of adult male offenders. The prison’s ID number is 105-001.
Over the years, Cheshire Correctional Institution has undergone several changes and renovations to improve the conditions for both inmates and staff. In 2015, the facility was the subject of a federal lawsuit alleging that it was violating the Eighth Amendment by providing inadequate medical care to inmates. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but it brought attention to the challenges of providing healthcare in correctional facilities.
Despite these challenges, Cheshire Correctional Institution remains an important part of the Connecticut Department of Correction’s efforts to provide safe and secure housing for adult male offenders.
Facility
Cheshire Correctional Institution is a Level 4 facility that confines long-term, adult-sentenced offenders. The facility is managed by a warden who oversees the day-to-day operations of the prison.
The institution has several specialized housing units, including protective custody and restrictive housing. Inmates in protective custody are those who require protection from other inmates, while inmates in restrictive housing are those who have violated institutional rules.
Cheshire Correctional Institution offers educational programming to its inmates, including adult basic education, high school equivalency, and vocational education programs. Inmates can also participate in addiction service programming and religious programming. The institution partners with non-profit and community organizations to provide a range of services to its inmates.
The facility has undergone refurbishment in recent years, including the donation of bicycles to the institution. The bikes are used by inmates in vocational education programs to learn the skills needed to repair and refurbish bikes.
Overall, Cheshire Correctional Institution strives to provide a safe and secure environment for its inmates while offering educational and vocational opportunities to help prepare them for successful reentry into society.
Inmate Housing Units
The Cheshire Correctional Institution has several inmate housing units to accommodate the different needs of the offenders. These units are the North and South Blocks, Commissary Housing Unit, and Special Management Inmates.
North and South Blocks
The North and South Blocks are general population housing units that house long-term, adult-sentenced offenders. These housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the inmates. Each block has several tiers, and each tier has individual cells where the inmates are housed. The cells are equipped with basic amenities such as a bed, a desk, and a toilet.
Commissary Housing Unit
The Commissary Housing Unit is a specialized housing unit that houses inmates who are assigned to work in the commissary. The commissary is a store within the prison that sells items such as snacks, toiletries, and clothing. Inmates who work in the commissary are given the opportunity to earn money, which they can use to purchase items from the store.
Special Management Inmates
The Special Management Inmates unit is a specialized housing unit that houses inmates who require a higher level of supervision and security. This unit includes inmates who are in protective custody, inmates who are in disciplinary segregation, and inmates who have medical or mental health issues that require specialized care.
In conclusion, the Cheshire Correctional Institution has several inmate housing units that are designed to meet the different needs of the offenders. These units provide a safe and secure environment for the inmates and ensure that they receive the care and supervision they require.
Visitation
Visitation is an important aspect of the rehabilitation process for inmates at Cheshire Correctional Institution. It provides them with an opportunity to connect with their loved ones and work towards bettering themselves. This section will cover the visiting information, visit request form, and inmate programs available at Cheshire Correctional Institution.
Visiting Information
Visitation at Cheshire Correctional Institution is available through both in-person and video visitation.
Visitation Hours
Visiting hours at Cheshire Correctional Institution vary depending on the day of the week and on the unit an inmate is in.
- General Population:
- Monday: 9:am – 10:00 am, 10:15 am – 11:15 am, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm
- Wednesday: 10:15 am – 11:15 am, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 10:00 am, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 10:00 am, 10:15 am – 11:15 am, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm, 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am – 10:00 am, 10:15 am – 11:15 am, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm,
- NB 4 – PC Lower Tier:
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
- Saturday: 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm
- NB 4 – PC Upper Tier:
- Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm
- Annex:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm
- TRUE Unit (Family Engagement):
- Monday: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm, 8:15 pm – 9:15 pm
- Tuesday and Thursday: 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Wednesday: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm, 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm
- Friday: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Visit Request Form
To visit an inmate at Cheshire Correctional Institution, visitors must complete a visit request form. This form is available on the Connecticut Department of Corrections website. Visitors must provide their full name, date of birth, and social security number. They must also provide the inmate’s name, DOC number, and facility location.
Inmate Programs
Cheshire Correctional Institution offers a variety of programs to help inmates better themselves. These programs include educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in work assignments within the facility or at local elementary schools.
Inmate programs at Cheshire Correctional Institution are designed to help inmates prepare for life after their release. They are encouraged to take advantage of these programs to help them build the skills they need to succeed in the outside world.
In conclusion, visitation is an important aspect of the rehabilitation process for inmates at Cheshire Correctional Institution. The facility offers both in-person and video visitation, and visitors must complete a visit request form to visit an inmate. Inmates can also participate in a variety of programs to help better themselves and prepare for life after their release.
Inmate Information
Inmate Roster
Cheshire Correctional Institution houses inmates who have been sentenced to up to twelve months in prison. The facility has a capacity of 1,495 beds and is classified as a state prison. The inmate roster is available for public access and can be found on the Prison Roster website.
Bond
Inmates at Cheshire Correctional Institution may be eligible for bond. The amount of the bond will depend on the inmate’s charges, criminal history, and other factors determined by the court. Information on an inmate’s bond can be found by contacting the facility directly at 203-651-6100.
Treatment
Cheshire Correctional Institution provides a range of treatment programs for inmates, including substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and educational programs. The facility also offers vocational training to help inmates acquire job skills that can be used upon release.
Housing Location
Inmates at Cheshire Correctional Institution are housed in various locations within the facility, depending on their classification and other factors. North Block 4 PC Upper Tier and North Block 4 PC Lower Tier are two housing locations for pre-trial inmates.
How to Send Money to an Inmate
Family and friends of inmates can send money to their loved ones at Cheshire Correctional Institution through JPay. JPay is a secure payment system that allows loved ones to send money to inmates electronically. To send money to an inmate, visit the JPay website and follow the instructions provided.
Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at Cheshire Correctional Institution can receive mail at the following address:
- Inmate Name, ID Number Cheshire Correctional Institution 900 Highland Avenue Cheshire, CT 06410