Garner Correctional Institution, located in Newtown, Connecticut, is a high-security prison that houses over 500 male adult offenders. The facility, which opened on November 17, 1992, is spread over 118 acres and consists of two buildings. The main building, which covers an area of 245,000 square feet, houses all inmates, support services, and operations. The second building is dedicated to maintenance operations and covers an area of 15,100 square feet.
The Connecticut Department of Correction oversees Garner Correctional Institution, and the facility is managed by a warden. The mission of the prison is to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also offering them opportunities for education, vocational training, and treatment.
The vision of the facility is to create a correctional environment that emphasizes respect, responsibility, and accountability while also promoting positive behavioral changes. The ultimate goal is to ensure public safety by reducing recidivism rates and helping inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 693 |
| Physical Address | 50 Nunnawauk Road, Newtown, CT 06470 |
| Mailing Address | 50 Nunnawauk Road, Newtown, CT 06470 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (203) 270-2800 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Garner Correctional Institution has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1992. This section will explore the history of the institution, including its founding and construction, as well as the evolution of its operations.
Founding and Construction
The Garner Correctional Institution was named after Ward A. Garner, a former commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Correction. It was established on November 17, 1992, as a two-building facility located on 118 acres in Newtown, Connecticut.
The main building of the facility encompasses 245,000 square feet and houses all inmates and support services and operations. A second building, which encompasses 15,100 square feet, is dedicated to maintenance operations. The facility was designed to house close custody and mental health unit inmates, as well as federal high-security inmates and incarcerated gang members.
Evolution of Operations
Since its founding, the Garner Correctional Institution has undergone several changes in its operations. The institution is known for its rehabilitation programs, which aim to help inmates reintegrate into society after their release.
Over the years, the institution has also implemented various security measures to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. This includes the use of advanced technology, such as surveillance cameras and metal detectors, as well as the implementation of strict protocols for staff and visitors.
Despite these measures, the Garner Correctional Institution has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. In 1993, a riot broke out at the facility, which resulted in several injuries and extensive damage to the facility. However, the institution was able to recover from this incident and has continued to provide quality correctional services to its inmates.
Management and Operations
Wardens and Correction Officers
Garner Correctional Institution is managed by the Connecticut Department of Correction. The facility is run by a team of experienced wardens and correction officers who are responsible for maintaining safety and security within the prison. The wardens are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the prison, while the correction officers are responsible for maintaining order and discipline among the inmates.
Security and Custody
Garner Correctional Institution is a level 4, close custody phase program for male inmates. The facility is designed to house sentenced offenders who require a high level of security and supervision. The correctional officers at Garner Correctional Institution are highly trained in security and custody procedures to ensure the safety of both the inmates and staff.
Programming and Therapy
Garner Correctional Institution is committed to programmatic innovation to promote successful reintegration into society. The facility offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed upon release. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and counseling services.
Mental Health Care
Garner Correctional Institution recognizes that many of its inmates have significant mental health issues. The facility offers a range of mental health treatment services to help inmates manage their conditions and develop individualized treatment plans.
The integrated team approach to mental health care at Garner Correctional Institution involves a partnership between mental health professionals and custody staff to ensure that inmates receive the care they need in a general population prison setting.
In summary, Garner Correctional Institution is managed by experienced wardens and correction officers who are responsible for maintaining security and safety within the facility. The facility offers a range of programs and services to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed upon release, including substance abuse treatment and counseling services.
Additionally, the facility provides mental health treatment services to inmates with significant mental health issues, using an integrated team approach to ensure that inmates receive individualized care.
Inmate Life
Garner Correctional Institution is a high-security prison that houses male adult offenders with mental health issues. Inmates at Garner CI are subject to strict rules and regulations, and their daily routine is heavily structured. In this section, we will take a closer look at what life is like for inmates at Garner CI.
General Population
Inmates in the general population at Garner CI live in a dormitory-style setting. They are allowed to participate in various programs, such as anger management and rehabilitation, to help them prepare for re-entry into society. Inmates in the general population are also allowed to receive visitors and mail.
Level 5 and Maximum Security
Inmates in Level 5 and Maximum Security are housed in single cells and are subject to more restrictive rules and regulations. They are allowed limited access to programs and are closely monitored by correctional officers. Inmates in Level 5 and Maximum Security are also allowed to receive visitors and mail.
Death Row
Garner CI houses Connecticut’s death row inmates. These inmates are housed in single cells and are subject to the most restrictive rules and regulations. They are not allowed to participate in programs or receive visitors, except for legal counsel.
Visiting Hours and Social Visits
Visiting hours at Garner CI are:
- A, AP Units:
- Monday, Wednesday: 8:45 am – 11:00 am
- Tuesday, Thursday: 1:00 pm – 3:15 pm, 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm
- Friday: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:45 am – 11:00 am, 1:00 pm – 3:15 pm, 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm
- CD Unit:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 2:15 pm – 2:45 pm
- AS Unit:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm
- B, C, D, E, G, H Units:
- Monday, Wednesday: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:45 am – 11:00 am
- Thursday, Friday: 8:45 am – 9:45 am, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
- Saturday, Sunday: 8:45 am – 11:00 am, 1:00 pm – 3:15 pm, 6:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list and must present a valid photo ID.
There are no visits on State Holidays and on the last Thursday of the month.
Mail and Money
Inmates at Garner CI are allowed to receive mail, but all incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection. Inmates must use their inmate mailing address, which is Inmate Name, ID Number, Garner Correctional Institution, PO Box 5500, Newtown, CT 06470. Inmates are also allowed to receive money from family and friends, which can be used to purchase items from the commissary.
In conclusion, life for inmates at Garner CI is heavily structured and subject to strict rules and regulations. Inmates in the general population have more access to programs and activities than those in Level 5 or Maximum Security. Death row inmates are subject to the most restrictive rules and regulations and are not allowed to participate in programs or receive visitors, except for legal counsel.
Community Integration
Garner Correctional Institution recognizes the importance of community integration in the successful reintegration of inmates into society. The facility offers various education and programming opportunities, tools for successful reintegration, and support to reduce recidivism and promote productive members of society.
Education and Programming
Garner Correctional Institution provides a range of educational and vocational programs to help inmates gain skills and knowledge that will assist them in their transition back into society. The facility offers adult basic education, GED preparation, vocational training, and college courses. Inmates can also participate in various programming opportunities, such as the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program with Quinnipiac University, which allows them to learn alongside university students.
Tools for Successful Reintegration
Garner Correctional Institution offers a variety of tools to assist inmates in their successful reintegration into society. Inmates can participate in cognitive-behavioral therapy, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The facility also provides job placement services, assistance with obtaining identification documents, and financial planning and management courses.
Reducing Recidivism
Garner Correctional Institution is committed to reducing recidivism and promoting productive members of society. The facility offers various programs to reduce the risk of reoffending, including faith and character-based residential programs, which promote pro-social behavior. Inmates can also participate in the Family Violence Program, which addresses the underlying issues that contribute to domestic violence.
Life in the Community
Garner Correctional Institution recognizes that successful reintegration into society involves more than just finding a job and a place to live. The facility offers various programs to help inmates adjust to life in the community, such as the Community Reentry Program, which provides transitional services, including housing, employment, and counseling. Inmates can also participate in the Community Service Program, which allows them to give back to the community while gaining valuable skills and experience.
Overall, Garner Correctional Institution is dedicated to promoting successful reintegration and reducing recidivism. The facility offers a range of education and programming opportunities, tools for successful reintegration, and support to help inmates become productive members of society.