Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville: Reform in NY

Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville is a medium-security prison located in Otisville, New York. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a division of the United States Department of Justice. The facility includes a main unit and a satellite camp and is designed to house male inmates who have been convicted of federal crimes.

The prison provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release back into society. These include educational and vocational training programs, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services. Inmates are also encouraged to participate in community service projects and other activities that promote personal growth and development.

Despite its focus on rehabilitation, Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville has faced criticism in the past for issues such as overcrowding and inadequate medical care. However, the facility continues to strive towards improving conditions and providing inmates with the resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.

SecurityMedium
Capacity1,088
Physical AddressTwo Mile Drive
Otisville, NY 10963
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 1000
Otisville, NY 10963
Can You Send Gifts?No
Visitation HoursFriday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Federal Holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number845-386-6700
JurisdictionFederal

Overview of FCI Otisville

Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville is a medium-security federal prison located near Otisville, New York. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a division of the United States Department of Justice. FCI Otisville also includes a satellite prison camp for minimum-security male inmates.

The facility has a capacity of 1,088 inmates and provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release back into society. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.

Visitation is allowed at FCI Otisville, but visitors must carefully review the visiting regulations and observe any applicable state and local travel advisories when planning their visit. During the COVID-19 pandemic, special visiting procedures have been implemented, and visitors must also observe applicable state and local COVID travel restrictions.

The emergency plans at FCI Otisville include fire evacuation procedures and other safety protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates and staff. Inmates are provided with basic resources and amenities to meet their needs, including meals, medical care, and access to legal resources.

Overall, FCI Otisville is a well-run facility that provides inmates with the resources and support they need to successfully re-enter society upon their release.

Inmate Population

As of March 9, 2023, the Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville had a total of 1,050 male inmates, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons population statistics. Of these inmates, 44 were veterans. The facility also reports having a total of 67 volunteers.

The recidivism rate for federal offenders who were released from FCI Otisville is 40.85%, according to a reentry fact sheet provided by the facility. This rate is slightly higher than the national average for federal offenders, which was 32.8% in 2016, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Overall, the inmate population at FCI Otisville consists of male federal offenders, many of whom are veterans and some of whom are of the Jewish faith.

Facilities and Accommodations

Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville is a medium-security facility that houses male inmates. The facility has a capacity of 1,088 inmates and is located in Orange County, New York. In terms of accommodations, FCI Otisville provides two-person cells, cubicles, and dormitories for its inmates.

The two-person cells at FCI Otisville are equipped with a bed, a desk, and a chair for each inmate. The cells also have a toilet, a sink, and a shower. Inmates are allowed to personalize their cells with approved items such as pictures, posters, and personal hygiene products.

In addition to the two-person cells, FCI Otisville also has cubicles that are used for inmate housing. The cubicles are larger than the two-person cells and are shared by four inmates. Each cubicle has four beds, four desks, and four chairs. The cubicles also have a toilet, a sink, and a shower.

For inmates who prefer a more communal living arrangement, FCI Otisville has dormitories. The dormitories can house up to 100 inmates and are equipped with bunk beds, lockers, and communal showers. Inmates in the dormitories are expected to maintain a clean and orderly living space.

FCI Otisville also has a recreation area that includes cardio equipment and horseshoes for inmates to use. The recreation area is an important part of the facility’s rehabilitative programs and is designed to promote physical fitness and mental well-being.

Overall, FCI Otisville provides a range of accommodations for its inmates, including two-person cells, cubicles, and dormitories. The facility also has a recreation area that includes cardio equipment and horseshoes for inmates to use.

Visiting Information

Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville, welcomes visitors to their institution. To ensure a successful visit, visitors are advised to carefully review the visiting regulations and observe any applicable state and local travel advisories in planning their visit.

Visiting hours at FCI Otisville are conducted on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Federal Holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Visits are divided into specific segments of the population by the first letter of the incarcerated individual’s last name. Visitors are advised to refer to the attached schedule for the specific visitation schedule.

Before visiting, visitors must locate the inmate they would like to visit and confirm their whereabouts. Visitors must be placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list before they can visit. To be approved, visitors must complete an application and submit it to the institution for processing.

Visitors are responsible for reviewing and following the institution’s visiting regulations, which include dress codes, prohibited items, and behavior expectations. Visitors must present a valid government-issued photo identification and comply with all security protocols during the visit.

In conclusion, visitors are welcome to visit their loved ones at FCI Otisville, but they must carefully review the institution’s visiting regulations and follow all security protocols during their visit.

Communication with Inmates

Communication with inmates at Federal Correctional Institution Otisville is an essential part of maintaining relationships with loved ones and staying connected to the outside world. Inmates have access to several communication channels, including email and traditional mail.

TRULINCS

The Federal Bureau of Prisons uses TRULINCS (Trust Fund Limited Inmate Computer System) to facilitate email communication between inmates and their approved contacts. TRULINCS is a secure system that allows inmates to send and receive messages with loved ones. To use TRULINCS, inmates must submit a request to add an email contact to their approved list. Once approved, inmates can log in to the TRULINCS system to send and receive emails.

Letters

In addition to TRULINCS, inmates at FCI Otisville can also receive traditional mail. All incoming mail must be addressed:

  • Inmate Name & Register Number
  • FCI Otisville
  • Federal Correctional Institution
  • P.O. Box 1000
  • Otisville, NY 10963

The Bureau of Prisons encourages correspondence that is directed to socially useful goals. The Warden shall establish correspondence procedures for inmates in each institution, as authorized and suggested in this rule.

It’s important to note that all incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection and may be monitored for security purposes. To ensure that mail is delivered promptly, it’s recommended that senders include the inmate’s full name, register number, and the institution’s address on the envelope.

Overall, communication with inmates at FCI Otisville is possible through both TRULINCS and traditional mail. By following the guidelines and procedures set forth by the Bureau of Prisons, loved ones can stay connected with inmates and provide support during their incarceration.

Legal Cases and Controversies

Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville has been involved in several legal cases and controversies over the years. Some of these cases have attracted national attention due to their high-profile nature. This section provides a brief overview of some of the most notable legal cases and controversies involving FCI Otisville.

One of the most high-profile cases involving FCI Otisville was the tax fraud case of former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. Silver was convicted of using his position to obtain nearly $4 million in bribes and kickbacks. He was sentenced to seven years in prison, with FCI Otisville being his designated place of confinement.

Another notable case involving FCI Otisville was the wire fraud and public corruption case of former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik. Kerik was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of tax fraud, lying to the government, and other offenses. He served his sentence at FCI Otisville.

FCI Otisville was also the designated place of confinement for former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen. Cohen was sentenced to three years in prison for tax evasion, lying to Congress, and campaign finance violations. He was released in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to these high-profile cases, FCI Otisville has also been involved in several controversies over the years. In 2020, the prison was criticized for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inmates and their families claimed that the prison was not taking adequate measures to protect inmates from the virus.

In conclusion, FCI Otisville has been involved in several high-profile legal cases and controversies over the years. While some of these cases have attracted national attention, the prison continues to operate as a medium-security federal prison for male inmates.

Notable Inmates

Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville has housed several high-profile inmates over the years. Here are some of the most notable:

  • Michael Cohen: President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, was sentenced to three years in prison for tax evasion, lying to Congress, and campaign finance violations. He reported to FCI Otisville in May 2019 and was released in July 2021.
  • Dean Skelos: Dean Skelos, the former Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, was convicted of bribery, extortion, and conspiracy in 2018. He reported to FCI Otisville in January 2019 and was released in February 2021.
  • Billy McFarland: Billy McFarland, the founder of the ill-fated Fyre Festival, was sentenced to six years in prison for wire fraud and other charges. He reported to FCI Otisville in October 2018 and was released in July 2023.
  • Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino: Michael Sorrentino, best known for his role on the reality TV show “Jersey Shore,” was sentenced to eight months in prison for tax evasion. He reported to FCI Otisville in January 2019 and was released in September 2019.
  • Sholom Rubashkin: Sholom Rubashkin, the former CEO of Agriprocessors, a kosher meatpacking plant, was convicted of financial fraud and sentenced to 27 years in prison. After serving eight years, he was released in 2017 after President Donald Trump commuted his sentence.
  • Walter Forbes: Walter Forbes, the former CEO of Cendant Corporation, was convicted of securities fraud and conspiracy in 2007. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and reported to FCI Otisville in 2010. He was released in 2013 after serving four years.

These inmates, along with many others, have served time at FCI Otisville over the years. While the prison has housed some high-profile individuals, it is primarily a medium-security facility that houses male inmates.

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