Clinton Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Dannemora, New York. It is one of the largest and most well-known correctional facilities in the state, with a capacity of over 1,960 inmates. The prison has a long and controversial history, with several high-profile incidents over the years.
One of the most notable incidents in the prison’s history occurred in 2015 when two inmates escaped from the facility. The escape sparked a massive manhunt that lasted for weeks and garnered national attention. The two inmates were eventually captured, but the incident raised serious concerns about security at the prison and led to a number of reforms and changes in policy.
Despite its troubled past, Clinton Correctional Facility remains an important part of New York’s criminal justice system. The prison houses some of the state’s most dangerous and high-risk inmates, and its staff works tirelessly to maintain order and safety within the prison walls.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,969 |
| Physical Address | 1156 Rt. 374 Dannemora, NY 12929-2000 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 2001, Zip 12929 Dannemora, NY 12929-2000 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Daily: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (518) 492-2511 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Overview
Clinton Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Dannemora, New York. It is one of the largest correctional facilities in the United States, with a capacity of over 1,960 inmates. The facility was established in 1845 and has since undergone several renovations and expansions.
The prison is located on the site of the former Dannemora State Hospital, which was established in 1865 as a mental health facility. The hospital was closed in 1971, and the site was converted into a correctional facility. The original hospital building, known as the Administration Building, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Clinton Correctional Facility has a long and storied history. In 2015, the prison made headlines when two inmates, Richard Matt and David Sweat, escaped from the facility. The manhunt for the escaped prisoners lasted for several weeks and involved hundreds of law enforcement officials. The escape resulted in significant changes to the prison’s security protocols and procedures.
Over the years, Clinton Correctional Facility has been the subject of criticism and controversy. In 2014, the New York Times published an exposé on the prison, highlighting the facility’s history of inmate abuse and neglect. The article sparked a national conversation about the need for prison reform and led to increased scrutiny of the nation’s correctional system.
Despite its challenges, Clinton Correctional Facility remains an important part of New York State’s criminal justice system. The facility provides housing and rehabilitation services for some of the state’s most dangerous and violent criminals.
Facility Structure and Capacity
Clinton Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Dannemora, New York. The facility consists of 212 buildings and has a design capacity of 1969 offenders. As of June 2023, the current population of the facility is 1,154, which is below the average daily population for the past 12 months of 1,137.
The facility is made of concrete and has a total area of approximately 1,000,000 square feet. It includes 11 single-cell blocks, seven multi-celled cell blocks, and 16 dormitory-style units in the annex. The facility also has a Special Housing Unit (SHU), which is used to house inmates who have violated prison rules or pose a threat to others.
Space considerations are important in a correctional facility, and Clinton Correctional Facility is no exception. The facility has been audited for compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and the audit report states that the structure is included in the overall count of buildings. As a general rule, if a structure is used to house inmates, it is counted towards the facility’s capacity.
The New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision oversees the operation of Clinton Correctional Facility. The facility has a Facility Health Service Administrator, Dr. Anita Bodrogi, who can be reached by phone at 518-492-2511 ext. 60 or by email at [email protected].
Overall, Clinton Correctional Facility is a large, concrete maximum-security prison with a capacity of 1969 offenders. The facility includes various types of housing units and a Special Housing Unit. Compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act is an important consideration for the facility, and the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision oversees its operation.
Programs and Services
Clinton Correctional Facility offers various programs and services to its inmates to help them prepare for their eventual release and reintegration into society. The facility provides vocational training, treatment services, and other programs to help inmates acquire new skills and knowledge.
Vocational Training
The vocational training programs offered at Clinton Correctional Facility are designed to provide inmates with the skills necessary to secure employment upon their release. The facility offers courses in computers, custodial, building maintenance, masonry, horticulture, electrical, printing, and other trades. Inmates who complete these programs are better equipped to find employment and contribute to society upon their release.
Treatment Services
Clinton Correctional Facility provides treatment services to address the specific needs of its inmates. The facility offers sex offender counseling, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services to help inmates overcome their challenges. These programs are designed to help inmates address the underlying issues that led to their incarceration and prevent them from reoffending in the future.
Overall, the array of programs and services offered at Clinton Correctional Facility are designed to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and reintegration into society. By providing vocational training and treatment services, the facility aims to reduce recidivism and help inmates become productive members of society.
Visitation Information
Visitation is an important way for incarcerated individuals to maintain family and community ties. The Clinton Correctional Facility allows visitors to visit their loved ones under certain conditions.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at the Clinton Correctional Facility are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The latest arrival time for visitors is 2:00 p.m. Visitors are advised to arrive as early as possible to ensure enough time for the visit.
Visitation Schedule
The Clinton Correctional Facility has a strict visitation schedule that visitors must follow. The schedule is posted on the DOCCS Visitors Page and can also be obtained from the facility. Visitors should check the schedule before visiting to avoid any inconvenience.
Special Housing Unit Visiting Days & Hours
Incarcerated individuals in SHU custody are allowed one non-legal visit within a seven-day period during normal visitation hours. Each week begins on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday.
Inmate Mail
The Clinton Correctional Facility allows incarcerated individuals to receive mail from their friends and family. The mail should be addressed to the individual and include their DIN number. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items for the incarcerated individual during the visit.
Maximum Number of Visits Per Day
Each incarcerated individual is allowed a maximum of three visits per day. The visits can be from different visitors or the same visitor.
Maximum Number of Visitors Per Visit
The maximum number of visitors allowed per visit is five. Children under the age of five are not counted towards the maximum number of visitors.
Child Under the Age of Five
Children under the age of five are allowed to visit the Clinton Correctional Facility. However, they must be accompanied by an adult and are not counted towards the maximum number of visitors.
Visiting Room Overcrowding Policy
In the event of overcrowding in the visiting room, the facility reserves the right to end visits early. Visitors are advised to follow the visitation rules and regulations to avoid any inconvenience.
Voluntary Termination
Visitors can voluntarily terminate their visit at any time. However, they will not be allowed to re-enter the facility on the same day.
The Clinton Correctional Facility takes the safety and security of its staff, visitors, and incarcerated individuals seriously. Visitors are expected to follow the rules and regulations to ensure a safe and pleasant visit.
Inmate Information
Clinton Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Dannemora, New York. As of July 2023, the facility houses approximately 1960 inmates. In this section, we will provide information about how to search for inmates in the facility and how to locate an inmate using the inmate locator tool.
Inmate Search
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) maintains a database of all inmates currently housed in its facilities, including Clinton Correctional Facility. To search for an inmate, visit the DOCCS website and enter the inmate’s name or Department Identification Number (DIN). The database provides information about the inmate’s current location, release date, and bond information.
Inmate Locator
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) also maintains an inmate locator tool that can be used to locate inmates housed in federal facilities, including Clinton Correctional Facility. The tool allows you to search for inmates by name, age, race, and other criteria. It provides information about the inmate’s current location, release date, and other details.
It’s important to note that the information provided by these databases is subject to change and may not always be up-to-date. If you need more information about an inmate or have questions about their status, you can contact the facility directly. The facility’s contact information can be found on the DOCCS or BOP website.
In conclusion, if you need to search for an inmate at Clinton Correctional Facility, you can use the DOCCS inmate search tool or the BOP inmate locator tool. These tools provide information about the inmate’s current location, release date, and other details. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the information provided by these tools is subject to change and may not always be up-to-date.
Notable Inmates
Clinton Correctional Facility has housed many notable inmates throughout its history. This section will highlight some of the most famous inmates who have been incarcerated at the facility.
Historical Figures
One of the most famous historical figures to be incarcerated at Clinton Correctional Facility was Charles “Lucky” Luciano. Luciano was a notorious Italian-American mobster who is widely considered to be the father of modern organized crime in the United States. He was sentenced to 30 to 50 years in prison for running a prostitution ring, and he served most of his sentence at Clinton.
Recent Escapes
Clinton Correctional Facility gained notoriety in 2015 when two inmates, Richard Matt and David Sweat, escaped from the facility. The escape was a major news story and sparked a massive manhunt that lasted for weeks. Matt and Sweat were eventually caught, and Matt was killed during the capture.
Joyce Mitchell, a former employee at the prison, was later found to have helped Matt and Sweat escape by providing them with tools and other materials. She was sentenced to up to seven years in prison for her role in the escape.
Another notable inmate at Clinton Correctional Facility was Tupac Shakur. The rapper was incarcerated at the prison facility in the early 1990s for sexual assault charges. While in prison, he recorded several albums and became one of the most influential rappers of all time.
Other notable inmates who have been incarcerated at Clinton Correctional Facility include Gene Palmer, a former corrections officer who was convicted of helping Matt and Sweat escape, and Robert Chambers, who was convicted of killing Jennifer Levin in a high-profile case in the 1980s. Jesse Friedman, who was convicted of child molestation in the 1980s, was also incarcerated at Clinton and was the subject of the documentary “Capturing the Friedmans.”
In summary, Clinton Correctional Facility has housed many notable inmates throughout its history. From infamous mobsters to famous rappers, the facility has seen its fair share of high-profile prisoners. While some have escaped or caused trouble, others have served their time quietly and moved on with their lives.