Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Ossining, New York. The prison has a long history dating back to the 1800s and is notorious for its harsh living conditions and strict security measures. The facility is currently home to over 1,700 inmates, many of whom are serving long sentences for violent crimes.
Sing Sing Correctional Facility has been the subject of much controversy over the years. Critics have raised concerns about the facility’s use of solitary confinement, which has been linked to mental health issues and other negative outcomes. Additionally, the prison has faced accusations of mistreatment and abuse of inmates, including reports of excessive force by correctional officers.
Despite these criticisms, Sing Sing Correctional Facility remains an important part of New York’s criminal justice system. The prison offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for life after release and has a dedicated staff of professionals who work tirelessly to maintain safety and security within the facility. Whether or not Sing Sing is an effective tool for rehabilitating offenders is a matter of ongoing debate, but there is no doubt that it plays a significant role in the state’s efforts to maintain law and order.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,741 |
| Physical Address | 354 Hunter Street Ossining, NY 10562-5442 |
| Mailing Address | 354 Hunter Street Ossining, NY 10562-5442 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Daily: 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (914) 941-0108 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and History
Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Ossining, New York, United States, on the east bank of the Hudson River. It is situated approximately 30 miles north of New York City. The facility is commonly referred to as “Sing Sing,” which is derived from the name of the village in which it is located.
The prison was first established in 1825 as the Mount Pleasant State Prison. In 1901, it was renamed the Ossining Correctional Facility. However, it was commonly known as “Sing Sing Prison” due to its location. The prison gained notoriety in the early 20th century when it was depicted in the popular novel “Up The River” by John W. Campbell.
In 1930, the prison was rebuilt and renamed the Sing Sing Correctional Facility. The new facility was designed to hold up to 2,400 inmates and featured modern amenities such as a hospital, school, and chapel. The prison has been home to many infamous criminals throughout its history, including Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were executed there in 1953 for espionage.
Today, Sing Sing Correctional Facility is one of the most well-known prisons in the United States. It is operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and houses approximately 1,700 inmates. The prison is located in the village of Ossining, which is situated in the town of Mount Pleasant. It is accessible via the Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line, which stops at the Ossining station on Hunter Street.
Facility Description
Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Ossining, Westchester County, New York. The facility has been in operation for 194 years, beginning in 1825, and is the second oldest correctional facility in the state. It is situated on the east bank of the Hudson River, approximately 30 miles north of New York City.
The facility is classified as a maximum-security correctional facility, and it has a capacity of 1,741 inmates. The prison is designed to house inmates who have committed serious crimes, including violent offenders and those who pose a high risk to society.
Sing Sing Correctional Facility consists of several cell blocks, each of which is designed to house a specific type of inmate. The cell blocks are arranged in a linear fashion, with each block separated by a central corridor. The cells are small, measuring approximately 6 feet by 8 feet, and contain a bed, a toilet, and a sink. Inmates are allowed to bring personal items into their cells, such as photographs and books, but they are not allowed to have electronic devices.
The prison has a number of programs and services designed to help inmates transition back into society after their release. These programs include educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in work programs, such as manufacturing, farming, and construction, which provide them with job skills and help them earn money while in prison.
Overall, Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison that is designed to house inmates who have committed serious crimes. The facility is well-equipped with programs and services that are designed to help inmates transition back into society after their release.
Inmate Population
Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison in Ossining, New York, that houses male inmates. The prison is known for its notorious inmates, including cannibal Albert Fish, child rapist Eddie Lee Mays, and the infamous Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were executed in the electric chair for espionage in 1953.
Sing Sing has been home to many notorious criminals, including serial killers and those convicted of heinous crimes. The facility has a reputation for being one of the toughest prisons in the United States. The inmates are housed in cells and are allowed limited time outside of their cells each day. The prison offers educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their release.
Despite its reputation, Sing Sing has seen a decrease in its inmate population in recent years. This is due in part to changes in New York State’s criminal justice system, which has led to a decrease in the number of people being incarcerated. However, the facility still houses a significant number of inmates, and overcrowding remains a concern.
Security Measures
Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison that houses male inmates. As such, security measures are of paramount importance to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. The facility has implemented several measures to prevent contraband from entering the facility. Visitors are thoroughly searched, and their belongings are screened before entering the prison. Inmates are also searched regularly, and their cells are inspected for contraband.
Correctional officers are responsible for maintaining security within the facility. They are trained to identify potential security threats and respond appropriately. Officers are stationed at various points throughout the facility, including at the entrance, in cell blocks, and in common areas. They are equipped with radios and other communication devices to quickly respond to emergencies.
Sing Sing Correctional Facility also has a special housing unit for inmates who require additional security measures. The unit is designed to house inmates who pose a threat to themselves or others. Inmates in the special housing unit are closely monitored and have limited contact with other inmates.
The facility also conducts regular security audits to identify areas for improvement. These audits help ensure that security measures are up-to-date and effective. Sing Sing Correctional Facility takes security seriously and continuously works to improve its security measures to maintain a safe environment for staff and inmates.
Execution and Death Penalty
Sing Sing Correctional Facility has a long history of carrying out executions. The facility is known for its use of the electric chair, which was invented by a former Sing Sing inmate, Harold P. Brown. The chair was first used in 1891 and was used to execute more than 600 inmates until 1963.
The Execution Chamber at Sing Sing is located in the facility’s Death House. It is a small room that contains an electric chair, witness chairs, and a viewing window. The room is still used for executions, although the death penalty has been abolished in New York State since 2007.
The Death Penalty was a controversial topic for many years at Sing Sing. The prison was known for its strict adherence to the law and its willingness to carry out executions. However, there were also many protests and legal challenges to the use of the death penalty.
Over the years, many inmates were Executed at Sing Sing, including some high-profile cases such as Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were executed for espionage in 1953. The prison also had a number of botched executions, which led to increased scrutiny of the use of the electric chair and ultimately contributed to the decision to abolish the death penalty in New York State.
Today, the Execution Chamber at Sing Sing remains a powerful symbol of the prison’s history and the debate over the use of the death penalty. While the facility no longer carries out executions, the legacy of its past continues to shape the way people think about crime and punishment in America.
Visitor Information
Sing Sing Correctional Facility welcomes visitors, as the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) recognizes the importance of family and friends in the rehabilitation process. Visits from loved ones can have a positive impact on an incarcerated individual’s mental health and well-being and can help them better adjust to life after their release.
Visitors
DOCCS encourages visits from family and friends, but visitors must follow certain rules and regulations. All visitors must be on the incarcerated individual’s approved visitation list and must present a valid photo ID upon arrival. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is on the approved visitation list.
Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the facility, including cell phones, purses, and backpacks. Lockers are available for visitors to store their belongings during their visit. Visitors are also required to dress appropriately and are not allowed to wear revealing clothing or clothing that resembles correctional officer attire.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Sing Sing Correctional Facility vary depending on the incarcerated individual’s DIN (Department Identification Number). Visiting days are daily, and holidays have been highlighted in yellow on the 2023 Visitation Schedule. Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled visit and should be prepared for processing time.
Processing procedures at Sing Sing Correctional Facility vary from other correctional facilities. Visitors may wait in a Visitor Hospitality Center until they are called for their visit. Visiting rooms are also different from other facilities, and some may resemble high school cafeterias with vending machines and tables and chairs.
Overall, visitors to Sing Sing Correctional Facility are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations before their visit to ensure a smooth and positive experience for all involved.
Healthcare Services
Sing Sing Correctional Facility provides healthcare services to its inmates. The facility has a medical unit that offers primary care, dental care, and mental health services. Inmates can access healthcare services by submitting a sick call request or by being referred by a medical staff member. The medical unit is staffed by physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals who are trained to provide care to inmates.
The facility has a hospital that offers inpatient and outpatient care to inmates. The hospital provides emergency care, surgical services, and specialty care. Inmates who require hospitalization are transported to the hospital for treatment. The hospital is staffed by physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are trained to provide care to inmates.
Sing Sing Correctional Facility also offers substance abuse treatment services to inmates. The facility provides individual and group counseling, as well as educational programs that aim to help inmates overcome their addictions. The facility also offers Aggression Replacement Training (ART), which is a cognitive-behavioral intervention program designed to help inmates learn pro-social skills.
Inmates who require mental health services can access them through the facility’s mental health unit. The mental health unit provides individual and group counseling, as well as medication management services. The facility also offers transitional services to inmates who are preparing to be released. Transitional services include job training, educational programs, and housing assistance.
Overall, Sing Sing Correctional Facility provides a range of healthcare services to its inmates. The facility’s medical unit, hospital, and mental health unit are staffed by trained healthcare professionals who are dedicated to providing quality care to inmates.
Educational and Sports Programs
Sing Sing Correctional Facility offers a variety of educational and sports programs to help incarcerated individuals develop new skills and stay physically active. These programs aim to provide opportunities for personal growth and rehabilitation.
College Programs
Sing Sing Correctional Facility offers college programs through partnerships with local colleges and universities. These programs provide incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to earn college credits and degrees. Courses are taught by college professors and cover a range of subjects, including business, humanities, and social sciences. The college programs aim to provide incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their future careers.
Sports
Sing Sing Correctional Facility offers a range of sports programs, including basketball, softball, volleyball, and soccer. These programs provide incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to stay physically active and develop teamwork and sportsmanship skills. The facility also hosts intramural leagues and tournaments, allowing incarcerated individuals to compete against each other in a friendly and supportive environment.
Library
The Sing Sing Correctional Facility library provides incarcerated individuals with access to a wide range of books and educational resources. The library offers a variety of programs, including book clubs, writing workshops, and literacy classes. The goal of these programs is to promote reading and education and to provide incarcerated individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their future endeavors.
In conclusion, Sing Sing Correctional Facility offers a variety of educational and sports programs to help incarcerated individuals develop new skills and stay physically active. These programs aim to provide opportunities for personal growth and rehabilitation.
Noteworthy Inmates
Sing Sing Correctional Facility has housed a number of high-profile and notorious inmates throughout its history. Some of the most noteworthy inmates include:
- Charles “Lucky” Luciano: A notorious gangster who was one of the founders of the American Mafia. Luciano was convicted of running a prostitution ring and sentenced to 30 to 50 years in prison. He was later paroled in 1946 and deported to Italy.
- David Berkowitz: Also known as the “Son of Sam,” Berkowitz was a serial killer who terrorized New York City in the late 1970s. He was convicted of six murders and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Berkowitz is currently serving his sentence at Sing Sing.
- Ethel Rosenberg: Along with her husband Julius, Ethel Rosenberg was convicted of espionage for passing atomic secrets to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. She was sentenced to death and executed at Sing Sing in 1953.
- Wilbert Rideau: A journalist and prison reform activist, Rideau was sentenced to death for murder in 1962. He spent 44 years in prison, including 12 years on death row before his sentence was overturned in 2005. Rideau was released from prison in 2013.
Sing Sing has also been the site of numerous violent incidents throughout its history. In 1971, a riot broke out at the prison, resulting in the deaths of 32 inmates and 11 correctional officers. More recently, in 2015, two inmates attacked a third with a homemade weapon, resulting in the victim’s death.
The prison has also housed a number of Native American inmates, including Leonard Peltier, who was convicted of killing two FBI agents in 1975. Peltier’s case has been the subject of controversy, with many people believing that he was wrongfully convicted.
Overall, Sing Sing has a long and complex history, with a number of noteworthy inmates and incidents. While the prison has undergone significant reforms in recent years, it continues to face challenges in ensuring the safety and well-being of its inmates and staff.