Osborn Correctional Institution, formerly known as Connecticut Correctional Institution-Somers, is a medium-security state prison located in Somers, Connecticut. It was opened in November 1963 as a replacement for the Old Wethersfield State Prison.
The prison serves as the state’s maximum-security prison and as the Reception/Diagnostic Center for incoming male inmates statewide. Osborn Correctional Institution has a capacity of 1504 inmates, making it one of the largest correctional facilities in the state.
The prison is operated by the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC), which is responsible for managing the state’s correctional facilities. The DOC’s mission is to promote public safety by ensuring the safe and secure incarceration of offenders, while also providing them with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Osborn Correctional Institution is one of the many facilities operated by the DOC, which oversees a total of 14 correctional institutions, 1,800 staff members, and approximately 12,000 inmates.
Inmates at Osborn Correctional Institution have access to a variety of programs and services, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The prison also offers a range of recreational activities, such as sports, music, and arts programs.
Overall, Osborn Correctional Institution plays a critical role in the state’s criminal justice system, providing a secure and controlled environment for inmates while also working to reduce recidivism rates and promote public safety.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1504 |
| Physical Address | 335 Bilton Road, POB 100 Somers, CT 06071 |
| Mailing Address | 335 Bilton Road, POB 100 Somers, CT 06071 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 8:30 am – 11:00 am, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Tuesday: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (860) 814-4600 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Osborn Correctional Institution was opened in November 1963 as a replacement for the Old Wethersfield State Prison. The new facility acted not only as the state’s maximum-security prison but also as the reception and diagnostic center for all of Connecticut’s incoming male inmates. It served as the state’s maximum-security prison and as the Reception/Diagnostic Center for incoming male inmates statewide.
Before the opening of Osborn Correctional Institution, the Old Wethersfield State Prison, which was built in 1827, was the state’s primary prison. The Old Wethersfield State Prison was a maximum-security facility that housed some of the state’s most dangerous criminals. However, the prison was outdated and overcrowded, and the state needed a new, modern facility to house its growing inmate population.
Osborn Correctional Institution was built on 550 acres of rural land on the outskirts of Hartford. The sprawling medium-security facility is a fortress of concrete, iron, and concertina wire. The facility was originally the state’s maximum-security prison until 1994 when it was designated a medium-security prison.
The facility’s design and construction were based on the principles of the “New Prison Movement,” which emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and education for inmates. The facility was designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while also offering them opportunities for education, vocational training, and other programs that could help them reintegrate into society upon release.
In addition to Osborn Correctional Institution, the state of Connecticut also operates several other correctional facilities, including the Northern Correctional Institution, which is a maximum-security prison that houses some of the state’s most dangerous inmates. The Northern Correctional Institution is located in Somers, Connecticut, just a few miles from Osborn Correctional Institution.
Facilities
Osborn Correctional Institution is a medium-security prison located in Somers, Connecticut. The facility is designed to house male prisoners and has a capacity of 1,504 inmates. The prison operates under the Unit Management System, where an assigned Unit Manager directs all the functions of their assigned units.
Housing Units
Osborn Correctional Institution has several inmate-housing units, including a high-security mental health unit for men. The facility also has a reception/diagnostic center where inmates are processed upon arrival. The housing units are designed to provide a safe and secure environment for inmates while they serve their sentences.
Each housing unit is equipped with basic amenities, including clothing, mattresses, and personal hygiene items. Inmates can also purchase additional items through the commissary.
Visitation
Osborn Correctional Institution has a comprehensive visiting schedule that allows inmates to maintain connections with their loved ones. Visitors are required to fill out a visit request form and submit it to the facility for approval so they can take their place on the visitor list.
Visitors must follow strict rules and regulations while on the premises, including wearing masks and adhering to controlled movement policies. The facility also offers video visitation options for those who cannot visit in person.
Visitation Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 8:30 am – 11:00 am, 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
In addition to social visits, the facility offers several programs inmates can join, including education programs, addiction services, and an enterprise program. Hospice volunteers are also available to provide end-of-life care for inmates.
Overall, Osborn Correctional Institution provides a safe and secure environment for its inmates while offering various programs and services to promote rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Inmate Services
Osborn Correctional Institution provides a wide range of services to its inmates to help them improve their quality of life and prepare for their eventual release. These services include medical care, education and vocational training, addiction services, and an enterprise program.
Medical Care
The medical care at Osborn Correctional Institution is provided by a team of medical professionals who are dedicated to ensuring that all inmates receive the care they need. The medical staff includes doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who work together to provide comprehensive medical care to inmates. The medical services provided include routine check-ups, emergency care, dental care, and mental health services.
Education and Vocational Training
Osborn Correctional Institution offers a variety of educational and vocational training programs to help inmates gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life after prison. These programs include adult basic education, high school equivalency programs, vocational training, and college courses. The vocational training programs offered include welding, culinary arts, and horticulture.
Addiction Services
For inmates struggling with addiction, Osborn Correctional Institution provides addiction services to help them overcome their addiction and improve their chances of successfully reintegrating into society. These services include substance abuse treatment programs, individual counseling, and group therapy sessions.
Enterprise Program
The enterprise program at Osborn Correctional Institution provides inmates with the opportunity to learn valuable skills and earn money while incarcerated. The program includes a variety of vocational training programs that teach inmates skills such as woodworking, screen printing, and graphic design. Inmates who participate in the program can earn money by producing goods and services that are sold to other state agencies and non-profit organizations.
Overall, the inmate services provided at Osborn Correctional Institution are designed to help inmates improve their quality of life and prepare for their eventual release. By providing access to medical care, education and vocational training, addiction services, and an enterprise program, the institution is helping inmates to better themselves and their chances of success upon release.
Security and Safety
The Osborn Correctional Institution is a medium-security state prison that prioritizes the safety and security of both the inmates and staff. The prison is equipped with various security measures and protocols to ensure that the facility is well-maintained and secure.
Controlled Movement
One of the primary security measures in the Osborn Correctional Institution is the controlled movement of inmates. Inmates are only allowed to move within the facility under strict supervision and with prior authorization. This means that inmates are not allowed to move freely within the prison, and their movements are closely monitored and controlled.
Unit Management System
Another security measure implemented in the Osborn Correctional Institution is the Unit Management System. This system is designed to ensure that inmates are housed in units that are appropriate for their security level and needs. The system also aims to provide inmates with access to programs and services that will help them successfully reintegrate into society.
The Unit Management System is based on a team approach, where staff members work together to manage the unit and provide support to the inmates. This system allows for a more personalized approach to managing inmates, and it has been successful in reducing violence and improving safety within the prison.
Overall, the Osborn Correctional Institution is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff. The prison’s security measures, such as controlled movement and the Unit Management System, are designed to ensure that the facility is well-maintained and secure.