Federal Correctional Institution, Ray Brook is a medium-security prison located in New York. The facility is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and houses male inmates. FCI Ray Brook provides a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for reentry into society, including education and vocational training, drug treatment, and mental health counseling.
The prison was established in 1973 and has a capacity of approximately 740 inmates. It is located in the Adirondack Mountains and is surrounded by scenic views of the region. FCI Ray Brook has been recognized for its efforts to promote physical fitness among inmates, and it has been designated as an “Olympic facility” due to its proximity to Lake Placid, which hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics.
While FCI Ray Brook is a medium-security prison, it also has a special housing unit for inmates who require maximum security. The facility has a reputation for being well-managed and for providing a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates. Despite the challenges of incarceration, many inmates at FCI Ray Brook have successfully completed programs and returned to their communities as productive members of society.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 741 |
| Physical Address | 128 Ray Brook Road Ray Brook, NY 12977 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 900 Ray Brook, NY 12977 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday, Sunday and Federal Holidays: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 518-897-4000 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
History
Federal Correctional Institution, Ray Brook, was opened in 1980. The facility was built on land that was previously used as the Olympic Village during the 1980 Winter Olympics, which were held in Lake Placid, New York. The village was used to house athletes from around the world during the games.
After the Olympics, the land was purchased by Essex County, which then sold it to the federal government for the construction of the prison. The facility was designed to house male inmates and was built to accommodate up to 741 prisoners.
Since its opening, FCI Ray Brook has undergone several changes and upgrades. In 1995, a new Special Housing Unit (SHU) was built to house the most dangerous and disruptive inmates. In 2010, a new visiting room was constructed to provide a more comfortable and secure environment for visitors. In addition, the facility has implemented several programs to help inmates prepare for their release, including educational and vocational training programs.
Overall, FCI Ray Brook has played an important role in the federal prison system since its opening. Its location in the Adirondack Mountains of New York provides a unique setting for a correctional facility, and its history as an Olympic Village adds to its interesting past.
Location and Facility
Federal Correctional Institution, Ray Brook is located at 128 Ray Brook Road, Ray Brook, New York. It is situated off State Route 86, approximately 5.06 miles from Saranac Lake and 6.46 miles from Lake Placid, New York. The Adirondack Regional Airport, which is approximately 10 miles from the institution, is the closest airport. Taxi and bus services are also available.
The facility is part of the Federal Correctional Complex, Ray Brook, which includes a medium-security Federal Correctional Institution and a minimum-security Federal Prison Camp. The FCI has a capacity of 741 inmates.
The institution provides various programs and services to the inmates, including educational programs, counseling, and vocational training. The Commissary, established in 1930, provides a bank-type account for the inmates’ money and for the procurement of articles not issued regularly as part of the institution’s administration.
FCI Ray Brook is organized into management systems, and a unit is a self-contained entity consisting of housing, work, and program spaces. The institution also has a classification team that assesses the inmates’ needs and assigns them to appropriate programs and housing units.
Overall, FCI Ray Brook is a well-equipped and well-managed facility that provides essential services and programs to its inmates.
Security and Safety
Federal Correctional Institution, Ray Brook places a high priority on the safety and security of its staff, inmates, and visitors. The facility has implemented various security measures and controls to ensure a safe and secure environment.
One of the key security measures is the strict control of weapons and contraband. The facility has a zero-tolerance policy for weapons, drugs, and other contraband. All visitors are subject to search before entering the facility, and inmates are subject to random searches throughout their stay. In addition, the facility has installed surveillance cameras and metal detectors to monitor and control the movement of people and goods.
The facility also has a comprehensive security plan that outlines procedures for responding to emergencies such as natural disasters, fires, and riots. Inmates and staff are trained on these procedures to ensure a quick and effective response in case of an emergency.
Furthermore, the facility has a team of highly trained and experienced correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining order and security within the facility. They are equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to respond to any situation that may arise.
In conclusion, Federal Correctional Institution, Ray Brook takes security and safety very seriously. The facility has implemented various measures and controls to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.
Inmate Information
FCI Ray Brook is a United States Federal Prison that houses male inmates. If you are looking for information about a specific inmate, you can use the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator to find out their register number and where they are currently incarcerated.
Upon commitment, inmates at FCI Ray Brook are initially assigned to the Admission and Orientation (A&O) Program. During their first week, they will be provided with a copy of the institution’s rules and regulations, which include information on inmate rights and responsibilities.
Visiting hours at FCI Ray Brook are on Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors should check with the institution for specific visiting hours and rules.
It is important to note that due to the First Step Act, sentences are being reviewed and recalculated to address pending Federal Time Credit changes. As a result, an inmate’s release date may not be up-to-date. Visitors should contact the institution or use the BOP inmate locator for the most accurate information.
Programs and Services
Federal Correctional Institution, Ray Brook offers a variety of programs and services to its inmates. These programs and services are designed to help inmates acquire new skills, gain knowledge, and improve their chances of finding employment after their release.
One of the programs offered at FCI Ray Brook is the General Educational Development (GED) program. This program is designed to help inmates who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent to earn their GED. The program provides inmates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pass the GED test, which can significantly improve their chances of finding employment after their release.
In addition to the GED program, FCI Ray Brook also offers advanced occupational education, vocational training, and apprenticeship programs. These programs provide inmates with the opportunity to learn new skills and trades, such as welding, carpentry, and automotive repair. These skills can be valuable assets when seeking employment after release.
FCI Ray Brook also offers parenting classes for inmates who are parents. These classes are designed to help inmates learn how to be better parents and provide them with the necessary skills to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
In terms of educational and therapy services, FCI Ray Brook offers a range of programs, including drug and alcohol treatment, anger management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These programs are designed to help inmates address their underlying issues and develop the necessary skills to lead productive lives after their release.
Mental health services and medical services are also available at FCI Ray Brook. Inmates have access to on-site medical and mental health professionals who can provide them with the necessary care and treatment they need.
Overall, FCI Ray Brook offers a range of programs and services designed to help inmates acquire new skills, gain knowledge, and improve their chances of finding employment after their release.
Communication and Visitation
Communication and visitation are important aspects of an inmate’s life at the Federal Correctional Institution, Ray Brook. Inmates are encouraged to maintain communication with their loved ones and friends outside of the facility. There are several ways in which inmates can communicate with the outside world.
Correspondence
Inmates can send and receive mail while they are incarcerated at FCI Ray Brook. Incoming mail is checked for contraband, and outgoing mail is inspected for security reasons. Inmates are allowed to send and receive letters, postcards, and photographs. All mail must be addressed
- Inmate Name & Register Number
- FCI Ray Brook
- Federal Correctional Institution
- P.O. Box 900
- Ray Brook, NY 12977
Visitation
Visitation is an important part of an inmate’s life at FCI Ray Brook. Visiting hours are subject to change, and visitors are encouraged to contact the facility to confirm visiting hours before arriving. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list and must present a valid photo ID. Visitors are subject to search and must follow the facility’s rules and regulations.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at FCI Ray Brook are on weekends and federal holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for processing. Visiting hours may be modified due to security reasons or other factors. Visitors are encouraged to contact the facility to confirm visiting hours before arriving.
Send Money
Inmates are allowed to receive money while they are incarcerated at FCI Ray Brook. Money can be sent to an inmate through the Western Union Quick Collect program. Inmates can also receive money through the mail in the form of a money order or cashier’s check. All money orders and cashier’s checks must be made payable to the inmate and include the inmate’s name and registration number.
Overall, communication and visitation are important aspects of an inmate’s life at FCI Ray Brook. Inmates are encouraged to maintain communication with their loved ones and friends outside of the facility. Visitors are subject to search and must follow the facility’s rules and regulations.
Food and Commissary
Federal Correctional Institution, Ray Brook, provides inmates with a commissary where they can purchase items not regularly issued as part of the institution’s administration. Inmates are allowed to accumulate commissary items up to the monthly spending limit of $320, excluding special purchases. They are also authorized to have three books of stamps in their possession.
Food items left open create a health hazard, and therefore, food storage is strictly monitored. Inmates are advised to store food items properly to avoid any health risks. The facility provides meals to inmates three times a day, with dietary requirements taken into consideration.
The commissary at FCI Ray Brook offers a variety of items, including clothing, hygiene products, electronics, and food items. Inmates can purchase snacks, beverages, and other food items from the commissary to supplement their meals. The commissary also provides a bank-type account for the inmates’ money, which they can use to make purchases at the commissary.
Inmates can purchase other supplies from the institution’s commissary, such as large mailing envelopes, typewriter ribbons, and pens. However, they are not allowed to purchase any illegal items or items that may pose a security risk to the institution. The commissary also offers a range of educational materials, including books, magazines, and newspapers, to help inmates continue their education while incarcerated.
Notable Incidents
Federal Correctional Institution, Ray Brook has had its share of notable incidents over the years. Some of these incidents have led to lockdowns, investigations, and even deaths.
One of the most significant incidents occurred in 2013 when a Tijuana Cartel drug trafficking member, Richard Phillips, was incarcerated at FCI Ray Brook. Phillips was found guilty of drug trafficking and sentenced to 31 years in prison. While at Ray Brook, Phillips was involved in a drug trafficking operation that involved several other inmates. The operation was discovered, and Phillips was placed in solitary confinement.
Another incident occurred in 2012 when a former corrections officer was sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling drugs into the facility. The officer, who worked at Ray Brook for over 20 years, was caught smuggling marijuana and other drugs into the facility. He was caught after an investigation by the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons.
In 1999, an inmate was killed during a fight with another inmate. The incident occurred in the recreation yard, and the victim was stabbed multiple times. The perpetrator was caught and charged with murder.
In 1993, the facility was placed on lockdown after an inmate escaped. The lockdown lasted for several days, and all inmates were searched for contraband. The escapee was eventually caught and returned to the facility.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the dangers and risks associated with incarceration. The Bureau of Prisons takes these incidents seriously and works to prevent them from happening in the future.