Upstate Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison in Malone, New York. It was opened in 1999 and is designed to house inmates who are deemed the most dangerous and violent in the state. The facility has a capacity of 1,340 inmates and is staffed by over 600 employees.
As a maximum-security prison, Upstate Correctional Facility has a range of security measures in place to ensure the safety of both staff and inmates. The facility is surrounded by multiple fences, including a lethal electrified fence, and features state-of-the-art surveillance systems. Inmates are housed in individual cells and have limited interaction with other inmates to prevent violence and maintain order.
Despite its reputation as a tough and secure facility, Upstate Correctional Facility has faced criticism over the years. In 2015, a group of inmates filed a lawsuit alleging that they were subjected to excessive force and mistreatment by guards. The lawsuit was settled in 2019, with the state agreeing to pay $450,000 in damages.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 1,340 |
| Physical Address | 309 Bare Hill Road Malone, NY 12953 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 2000 Malone, NY 12953 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Weekends and Holidays: 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (518) 483-6997 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Upstate Correctional Facility is a maximum-security state prison for men located in Franklin County, New York. The facility was established in 1998 to house special prisoners with a history of assaultive behavior, and it was the first New York State prison built as a supermax prison. The prison’s establishment was part of a broader trend in the United States toward the construction of supermax facilities in the 1990s.
Before the establishment of Upstate Correctional Facility, the location was home to a state hospital for people with developmental disabilities. The hospital was closed in 1995, and the state decided to convert the facility into a prison. The prison was designed to be a high-tech facility with advanced security systems, including remote-controlled cameras and electronically controlled doors.
The prison’s construction was completed in 1999, and it began accepting inmates in August of that year. In its early years, the prison was controversial due to its use of solitary confinement and other forms of extreme isolation. The use of these tactics has been criticized by some as inhumane and ineffective.
Despite the controversy surrounding Upstate Correctional Facility, it remains an important part of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s efforts to maintain public safety and reduce crime. The prison is staffed by a team of experienced professionals who work to ensure that inmates are treated fairly and humanely while also maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff and inmates alike.
Location and Contact Information
Upstate Correctional Facility is located in Malone, New York, USA. The facility is situated in the northern part of the state, near the Canadian border. It is located in Franklin County, approximately 10 miles from the village of Malone. The physical address of the facility is 309 Bare Hill Road, Malone, NY 12953.
The facility can be contacted by phone at (518) 483-6997. The phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Friends and family members of inmates can also send letters to the facility. The inmate mail address is Upstate Correctional Facility, P.O. Box 2000, Malone, NY 12953.
Visitors to the facility can find driving directions on the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website. Visiting hours are on weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the latest arrival time at 1:45 p.m. Special Housing Unit visiting days and hours may differ from the general visiting hours.
Inmate Population
Inmates at Upstate Correctional Facility have been convicted of a range of crimes, including violent offenses, drug offenses, and property crimes. The length of their sentences varies, with some inmates serving short-term sentences and others serving life sentences.
Incarcerated individuals at Upstate Correctional Facility have access to a range of programs and services, including educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The facility also offers religious services and recreational activities for inmates.
Overall, Upstate Correctional Facility is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its inmate population while also offering opportunities for rehabilitation and personal growth.
Programs and Services
Upstate Correctional Facility offers a range of programs and services to help incarcerated individuals redirect their lives and become productive members of society. These programs and services include educational programs, substance abuse programs, and special education programs.
Educational Programs
The facility offers a variety of educational programs to help individuals earn their GED and improve their literacy skills. In addition, they offer vocational training programs to help individuals learn new skills and prepare for employment after their release. Some of the vocational training programs offered at Upstate Correctional Facility include carpentry, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
Substance Abuse Programs
Upstate Correctional Facility offers substance abuse programs to help individuals overcome their addiction and develop the skills they need to maintain sobriety. These programs include individual and group counseling, as well as educational programs that focus on the effects of drug and alcohol abuse.
Special Education Programs
The facility also offers special education programs to help individuals with learning disabilities. These programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual and help them develop the skills they need to succeed. Some of the special education programs offered at Upstate Correctional Facility include reading and writing classes, as well as classes that focus on life skills and social skills.
Overall, Upstate Correctional Facility provides a range of programs and services to help individuals improve their lives and prepare for their eventual release. These programs and services are designed to help individuals overcome their challenges and develop the skills they need to succeed in the outside world.
Visitation Information
Visitation at Upstate Correctional Facility is an important part of maintaining connections between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. Here is some important information to keep in mind for those planning to visit someone at Upstate Correctional Facility.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Upstate Correctional Facility are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the latest arrival time being 1:45 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to ensure they have enough time to visit with their loved ones.
Visiting Days
Visiting days at Upstate Correctional Facility are on weekends and holidays. Visitors should plan accordingly and check the facility’s visitation schedule to ensure they are coming on the correct day. The first letter of the last name of the incarcerated individual determines the visiting day.
Visits Per Week
Incarcerated individuals in the Special Housing Unit are allowed two visits per week. Each week begins on a Sunday and ends on a Saturday. Individuals in PIMS level I and II are allowed one visit per week, while those in PIMS III and IV are allowed two visits per week. It is important to note that visits are only allowed on weekends and holidays.
Overall, visitors should be aware of the facility’s rules and regulations before visiting Upstate Correctional Facility. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful visitation experience.
Housing and Security
Upstate Correctional Facility is a maximum security level facility for males located in the town of Malone in Franklin County. The facility has a capacity of 1,280 beds and is used for the general confinement of males 18 years of age or older.
General Housing
The general housing units at Upstate Correctional Facility are designed to hold up to 60 inmates each. Inmates are housed in individual cells and have access to common areas, including dayrooms, recreation yards, and dining halls. The cells are equipped with a bed, a desk, and a toilet. Inmates are allowed to have personal property, but it is subject to search at any time.
The facility also has a number of support services available to inmates, including medical and dental care, mental health services, and educational and vocational programs. Inmates may also participate in work programs, such as maintenance and custodial work within the facility.
Special Housing Unit
Upstate Correctional Facility serves as a Special Housing Unit (SHU) facility for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). The SHU is designed to house inmates who pose a threat to the safety and security of the facility or other inmates.
Inmates in the SHU are housed in individual cells and have limited access to common areas and recreational activities. They are subject to more restrictive conditions than general population inmates, including limited visitation and phone privileges. Inmates in the SHU may be placed on a behavior modification program to encourage positive behavior and reduce the risk of future disciplinary problems.
The SHU is equipped with security cameras and other measures to ensure the safety and security of both inmates and staff. Inmates in the SHU are allowed two visits per week.
Overall, Upstate Correctional Facility is a secure and well-maintained facility that provides both general and specialized housing for inmates. The facility is staffed by trained professionals who are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
Behavior and Treatment
Upstate Correctional Facility is a maximum security facility for males. As such, it is not uncommon for inmates to exhibit combative behavior. The facility has a variety of inmate programs to help incarcerated individuals, which can include cognitive-behavioral treatment, as well as other forms of therapy.
The Behavioral Health (BH) Team in the Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) provides evidence-based, trauma-informed assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The BH Team is committed to delivering services that assist residents in stabilizing and maintaining wellness. The BH Team’s services utilize research-informed clinical services designed to promote healthy behavior.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is a common form of therapy used in correctional facilities. It is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. Inmates who exhibit combative behavior may benefit from this type of treatment. This therapy can help individuals learn how to manage their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Overall, the staff at Upstate Correctional Facility is equipped to handle a wide range of behaviors from inmates. They are trained to recognize and address any issues that may arise. Through a combination of therapy and other programs, the facility aims to help inmates develop the skills they need to lead healthy and productive lives both inside and outside of prison.