Otisville Correctional Facility is a medium-security state prison located in Orange County, New York. It is operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The facility is designed to house male inmates and has a capacity of approximately 620 individuals.
The prison has a strict visitation policy that is divided into specific segments of the population by the first letter of the incarcerated individual’s last name. Visits are only permitted on weekends and holidays, and the schedule is subject to change. The facility also has a mail and package policy that only permits packages to be received directly from vendors via U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, etc. Packages are no longer allowed to be brought to the facility during visits or mailed directly to the facility from family or friends.
Overall, Otisville Correctional Facility is an important part of the New York State prison system. It serves as a place of confinement for those who have been convicted of crimes and are serving their sentences. The facility’s staff works diligently to ensure the safety and security of all inmates, visitors, and employees.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 622 |
| Physical Address | 57 Sanitorium Road Otisville, NY 10963-0008 |
| Mailing Address | 57 Sanitorium Road Otisville, NY 10963-0008 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Weekends and Holidays: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (845) 386-1490 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Otisville Correctional Facility is a medium-security correctional facility for male felons located in Otisville, New York. The facility was originally established in 1904 as a tuberculosis sanitarium. After the tuberculosis epidemic subsided, the facility was used as a sawmill and later as a maple syrup production facility.
In 1980, the Federal Correctional Institution Otisville was established on the site of the former sanitarium. The institution is accredited by the American Correctional Association and houses minimum-security male offenders. The satellite prison camp opened in 1994.
Otisville Correctional Facility is located in southeastern New York State, near the Pennsylvania and New Jersey borders, and 70 miles northwest of New York City. The facility is situated on Sanitorium Road in the Town of Mount Hope.
Visiting days at Otisville Correctional Facility are on weekends and holidays, with visiting hours from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitation schedules are divided into specific segments of the population by the first letter of the incarcerated individual’s last name.
The history of Otisville Correctional Facility is one of transformation and adaptation. From a tuberculosis sanitarium to a sawmill and maple syrup production facility, the site has evolved to become a federal correctional institution.
Facility Description
Otisville Correctional Facility is a medium-security state prison located in the Town of Mount Hope in New York. The facility is owned and operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). It was established in 1980 and has a capacity of 622 inmates. The facility is situated on a 740-acre site and has a prison fence with exterior guards.
The facility is designed to house male inmates who have been convicted of various crimes, including drug offenses, assault, and robbery. It is classified as a medium-security correctional facility, which means that it has a higher level of security than a minimum-security prison camp, but a lower level of security than a maximum-security prison.
The facility is also home to the Otisville Training Facility, which is operated by the DOCCS Division of Industries. The training facility provides vocational training and work experience to inmates, which can help them find employment after they are released from prison.
In addition to the Otisville Correctional Facility, there is also a federal prison located in Otisville. The Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville is a medium-security United States federal prison for male inmates. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is a division of the United States Department of Justice.
The facility is surrounded by a perimeter of razor wire fencing, and there are horses used for patrolling the perimeter. Visitation at the facility is allowed on weekends and holidays, and there are specific visiting hours for different segments of the population based on the first letter of the incarcerated individual’s last name.
Inmate Programs
Otisville Correctional Facility offers a variety of programs and services for incarcerated individuals to redirect their lives and become productive, law-abiding members of society. These programs range from educational and vocational training to treatment and religious services.
In terms of education, the facility offers GED and adult basic education courses to help inmates earn their high school diplomas. Additionally, Otisville Correctional Facility partners with John Jay College to provide college courses to inmates.
The facility also offers vocational training programs, such as the Compadre Helper Program, small engine repair, building maintenance, masonry, and horticulture. These programs provide inmates with hands-on experience and skills that can be used upon release.
Otisville Correctional Facility has a puppies behind bars program, which allows inmates to train service dogs for veterans and first responders. The program is funded by private donations and has been successful in reducing recidivism rates.
The facility also offers treatment programs for inmates struggling with alcohol abuse and aggression issues. The Alcohol Abuse Treatment program provides counseling and support for inmates struggling with addiction, while the Aggression Replacement Training program helps inmates learn new coping mechanisms and social skills.
Incarcerated veterans can also benefit from the Incarcerated Veterans Program, which helps connect them with resources and benefits upon release.
Overall, Otisville Correctional Facility’s inmate programs aim to provide inmates with the tools and skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
Visiting Information
Otisville Correctional Facility allows visitation on weekends and holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors are advised to confirm the visiting schedule by calling the facility at 603-342-4000 before departing for their visit. The visitation schedule is divided into specific segments of the population by the first letter of the incarcerated individual’s last name. The schedule can be found on the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website here.
Visitors are required to arrive at the processing center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit. They must bring valid identification and go through a security screening process. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items, including cell phones, cameras, and purses, into the visiting area. Any items brought to the facility must be stored in lockers provided by the facility.
Visitors are required to follow the facility’s visiting regulations during their visit. They must dress appropriately, refrain from inappropriate behavior, and follow the instructions of the facility staff. Visitors who violate the visiting regulations may be asked to leave the facility and may be barred from future visits.
Legal activities, including attorney visits and legal mail, are allowed at Otisville Correctional Facility. Attorneys must register with the facility to visit their clients and must follow the facility’s visiting regulations. Legal mail must be properly addressed and may be subject to inspection by the facility staff.
Overall, Otisville Correctional Facility provides a visiting process that is straightforward and easy to understand. Visitors are advised to review the visiting regulations before their visit to ensure a smooth and successful visitation experience.
Inmate Communication
Inmates at Otisville Correctional Facility have several options available to communicate with the outside world. These include phone calls, email, and traditional mail.
Inmate Mail
Inmate mail is an important way for inmates to stay in touch with their loved ones. Incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband, but otherwise, it is delivered to the inmate. Outgoing mail is also inspected and must follow certain guidelines, such as not containing any illegal content or information that could be used to harm others.
Inmates should address their mail using their full name, ID number, and the mailing address of the facility. The mailing address for Otisville Correctional Facility is:
Inmate Name, ID Number
Otisville Correctional Facility
57 Sanitorium Road
Otisville, NY 10963-0008
ID Number
Inmates at Otisville Correctional Facility are assigned an ID number that should be included in all communications. This helps ensure that mail and other communications are delivered to the correct person.
Overall, Otisville Correctional Facility provides inmates with several options for communicating with the outside world. While there are restrictions and guidelines that must be followed, these options can help inmates stay connected with their loved ones and maintain important relationships.
Religious Services
At Otisville Correctional Facility, religious services are offered to inmates to accommodate their religious beliefs and practices. The facility provides chaplain services for various religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and others. Inmates are allowed to attend religious services and participate in religious programs as part of their rehabilitation.
For observant Jewish inmates, the facility offers kosher meals and Passover programs. The facility also provides religious items, such as prayer shawls and yarmulkes, to Jewish inmates. These items are provided to allow inmates to practice their religion while incarcerated.
To ensure that religious services are conducted appropriately, the facility has a Religious Services Committee. The committee is responsible for reviewing and approving religious programs and services. The committee also ensures that religious practices do not interfere with the safety and security of the facility.
Overall, Otisville Correctional Facility recognizes the importance of religious services for inmates and strives to accommodate the religious beliefs and practices of all inmates.
Security Measures
Otisville Correctional Facility is classified as a medium-security correctional facility that houses male inmates. The facility has several security measures in place to ensure the safety of the inmates, staff, and visitors.
The facility is managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and the warden is responsible for implementing and enforcing all security policies. The warden has the authority to restrict or cancel visiting hours for safety and security reasons. Visitors are advised to call the facility to confirm the visiting schedule before departing for their visit.
The facility has a comprehensive security system that includes video surveillance, perimeter fencing, and electronic detection systems. The facility also has a team of highly trained correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining order and discipline within the facility.
In addition to the security measures, the facility has a strict set of rules and regulations that all inmates must follow. The rules cover every aspect of prison life, including visitation, recreation, mail, and telephone privileges. Inmates who violate these rules are subject to disciplinary action, which can include loss of privileges, confinement, or transfer to a higher security facility.
The facility also has a number of programs and services that are designed to help inmates prepare for their release and reentry into society. These programs include education, vocational training, drug treatment, and counseling. The goal of these programs is to reduce recidivism and help inmates successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Overall, Otisville Correctional Facility takes security very seriously and has implemented a range of measures to ensure the safety of all those within its walls.
Inmate Education
Otisville Correctional Facility offers a variety of educational programs to inmates, including academic education, vocational training, and college programs. The facility aims to provide inmates with the skills and knowledge they need to become productive members of society upon their release.
The academic education programs at Otisville Correctional Facility include courses in basic literacy, math, and English. Inmates can also earn their high school equivalency diploma through the General Educational Development (GED) program. The facility also offers vocational training programs, such as carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing, to help inmates gain valuable job skills.
In addition to these programs, Otisville Correctional Facility partners with several colleges and universities to offer college courses to inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates earn associate’s and bachelor’s degrees while they are incarcerated. Some of the colleges and universities that partner with the facility include Columbia University, Mercy College, and SUNY Potsdam.
The facility also offers drug treatment programs to inmates who are struggling with addiction. These programs include counseling and therapy sessions, as well as support groups and educational classes. The goal of these programs is to help inmates overcome their addiction and develop the skills they need to maintain their sobriety after their release.
Overall, the educational programs at Otisville Correctional Facility are designed to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed once they are released from prison. By providing inmates with access to academic education, vocational training, college programs, and drug treatment, the facility aims to reduce recidivism rates and help inmates successfully reintegrate into society.
Notable Inmates
Otisville Correctional Facility has housed several high-profile inmates throughout its history. Here are some of the most notable ones:
- Anthony Weiner: The former U.S. Representative from New York was sentenced to 21 months in prison for sexting with a minor in 2017. He was admitted to Otisville in November of that year and was released in February 2019. Weiner was a high-profile politician who resigned from Congress in 2011 after a similar scandal.
- Samuel Israel III: The former hedge fund manager was sentenced to 20 years in prison for fraud in 2008. He was admitted to Otisville in June of that year and attempted to fake his own death by leaving his car on a bridge with a suicide note. He was later caught and given an additional two years in prison for the escape attempt.
Otisville has also housed several members of organized crime groups, including the Genovese and Gambino families. The facility is known for its strict security measures and has a reputation for being one of the toughest prisons in the country.