Wende Correctional Facility is a maximum-security state prison located in Alden, New York, operated by the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The facility houses approximately 910 male inmates and is known for its strict security measures. The prison is named after Dr. Harry Wende, a former superintendent of the facility.
The prison’s security measures include a double fence with razor wire, electronic detection systems, and armed patrols. Inmates are housed in individual cells and have limited contact with other prisoners. The facility also provides educational and vocational programs to help inmates prepare for their release. Visitation hours are available for family and friends of inmates, but strict rules and regulations must be followed.
Wende Correctional Facility has been the subject of controversy over the years, with reports of inmate abuse and mistreatment. However, the facility has also been praised for its efforts to provide inmates with education and vocational training to reduce recidivism rates. As one of the largest maximum-security prisons in New York, Wende Correctional Facility plays an important role in the state’s criminal justice system.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 918 |
| Physical Address | 3040 Wende Road Alden, NY 14004-1187 |
| Mailing Address | 3040 Wende Road Alden, NY 14004-1187 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Daily: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (716) 937-4000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History and Background
Wende Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Alden, New York. It was established in 1941 and was originally known as the Wende Farm Colony. The facility was designed to be a self-sufficient farm where inmates could work and produce their own food. Over time, the facility evolved into a maximum-security prison, housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the state.
The prison is named after Dr. Johann August Wende, who was a prominent physician and philanthropist in the Buffalo area. Dr. Wende was a strong advocate for prison reform and believed that inmates should be treated with dignity and respect. His legacy is honored through the name of the facility.
Wende Correctional Facility is operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). The facility has a capacity of approximately 910.
Over the years, Wende Correctional Facility has undergone several renovations and improvements to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates. In 2015, the facility completed a $10 million renovation project that included upgrades to the prison’s security systems, housing units, and medical facilities.
Today, Wende Correctional Facility is one of the most secure prisons in the state of New York. It houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the state and has a reputation for being a tough and unforgiving place to serve time.
Inmate Profile
Wende Correctional Facility houses a diverse population of inmates, including those with mental illness and sex offenders. Each inmate is assigned a unique ID number for identification purposes.
One of the most high-profile inmates to be housed at Wende Correctional Facility was Harvey Weinstein, the former film producer convicted of sexual assault and rape. Weinstein was transferred to Wende from Rikers Island in March 2020, where he was initially held after his conviction.
Another notable inmate who was once housed at Wende is Mark David Chapman, the man who assassinated John Lennon in 1980. Chapman was transferred to Wende from Attica Correctional Facility in 2012, where he had been held since his conviction in 1981. He is currently serving a life sentence at Wende.
In addition to these high-profile inmates, Wende also houses a number of inmates who have been convicted of violent crimes, including David Sweat, one of the two inmates who escaped from Clinton Correctional Facility in 2015.
Wende Correctional Facility also has a Special Housing Unit (SHU) for inmates who require additional security measures. Incarcerated individuals in SHU custody are allowed one non-legal visit within a seven-day period. RMU incarcerated individuals will only be allowed visits in the A building.
All inmates at Wende are subject to regular mental health evaluations, and the facility is classified as Mental Health Service Level 1, as defined in Correction Law, Section 2.
Visitation Information
Wende Correctional Facility allows visitation for incarcerated individuals. Visiting days are daily, including weekends and holidays. Visitors are allowed to visit between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., with the latest arrival time being 2:15 p.m.
Incarcerated individuals in Special Housing Unit custody are allowed one non-legal visit within a seven-day period. Visitors must be on the incarcerated individual’s approved visiting list and must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
Visitors are subject to a dress code and must dress appropriately for the visit. Clothing that is revealing or provocative, including shorts, skirts, and dresses above the knee, tank tops, and halter tops, is not allowed. Visitors should also avoid wearing clothing that resembles the attire of incarcerated individuals, such as khaki or green clothing.
Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal belongings, including cell phones and purses, into the visiting area. Lockers are available for visitors to store their belongings.
It is important to note that visiting hours and schedules are subject to change. Visitors should check the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website for any updates or changes to the visiting schedule.
Sending Mail and Money
Sending mail and money to an incarcerated individual at Wende Correctional Facility is possible, but there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved.
Inmate Mail
All incoming mail will be opened and inspected for cash, checks, money orders, printed or photocopied materials, or contraband. Printed or photocopied materials may delay receipt due to Media Review procedures. If approved, the correspondence must be received within 30 days thereafter.
Inmates at Wende Correctional Facility are allowed to receive letters, greeting cards, and photographs. However, they are not allowed to receive packages, books, magazines, or newspapers. All mail must be addressed to the inmate and include their DIN (Department Identification Number) and the facility’s address.
Address
The physical address of Wende Correctional Facility is 3040 Wende Road, Alden, NY 14004. The inmate mailing address should be formatted as follows:
Inmate Name, DIN
Wende Correctional Facility
3040 Wende Road
Alden, NY 14004-1187Money
Visitors can leave cash, money orders, and checks in the conventional visitor deposit lockbox located at Wende Correctional Facility. Money orders and checks require the use of a facility-provided JPay deposit slip and will be sent by DOCCS directly to JPay for processing. Cash deposits are processed by DOCCS facility staff.
How to Send Money
Inmates can receive funds at a BOP-managed facility, which are deposited into their commissary accounts. Visitors can also send inmates funds electronically using MoneyGram’s ExpressPayment Program. Funds are received and processed seven days per week, including holidays. Funds sent between 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST are posted within 2-4 hours.
It is important to note that inmates are not allowed to possess cash while incarcerated at Wende Correctional Facility. All funds must be deposited into their commissary account and used to purchase approved items from the commissary.
Contact Information
Wende Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Alden, New York. It is a part of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. In case you need to contact the facility, here is the contact information you need:
- Address: Wende Correctional Facility, 3040 Wende Road, Alden, New York 14004-1187
- Physical Address: The facility is situated in Erie County, New York, on the east side of Buffalo, and is accessible by car via the New York State Thruway (I-90) or Route 33.
- Phone Number: To contact the facility by phone, you can call (716) 937-4000. This number is available 24/7.
- Email: Unfortunately, Wende Correctional Facility does not provide an email address for contact.
- Telephone: If you would like to speak to a specific department or staff member, you can find a list of telephone numbers on the DOCCS website.
It is important to note that all incoming and outgoing calls from the facility are monitored and recorded. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid discussing sensitive or confidential information over the phone.
If you need to send mail to an inmate, you can do so by addressing the envelope as follows:
- Inmate Name, DIN # Wende Correctional Facility 3040 Wende Road, Alden, NY 14004-1187
It is important to include the inmate’s name and DIN on all correspondence to ensure it is delivered to the correct recipient.
Overall, if you need to contact Wende Correctional Facility for any reason, you can use the above contact information to get in touch with the appropriate department or staff member.
Facility Services
Wende Correctional Facility offers a range of services to ensure that the facility runs smoothly and meets the needs of its incarcerated population. These services include building maintenance, plumbing and heating, and business operations.
In addition to these general services, Wende Correctional Facility also provides specialized services to meet the needs of inmates in Special Housing Unit custody. These individuals are allowed one non-legal visit within a seven-day period, with each week beginning on a Sunday and ending on a Saturday. RMU incarcerated individuals will only be allowed visits in the A Block Visiting Room on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays.
Mental health programs are also available to inmates at Wende Correctional Facility. The facility has a team of mental health professionals who provide a range of services, including individual and group counseling, medication management, and crisis intervention. The goal of these programs is to help inmates manage their mental health symptoms and develop coping strategies that will help them succeed both in prison and after their release.
Inmate programs are also available at Wende Correctional Facility. These programs are designed to help inmates develop skills that will help them succeed after their release. Some of the programs offered at Wende Correctional Facility include educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Overall, Wende Correctional Facility is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its incarcerated population. The facility’s staff work hard to ensure that all of the services offered at the facility are of the highest quality, and that the needs of all inmates are met to the best of their ability.
Inmate Search and Identification
Wende Correctional Facility maintains a database of all inmates currently under its jurisdiction. This database contains information about each inmate, such as their ID number, housing unit, and release date. To locate an inmate, interested parties can use the facility’s Inmate Lookup tool available on the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision website.
To perform an inmate search, users can enter the inmate’s last name or ID number into the search fields provided. The search results will display the inmate’s full name, ID number, housing unit, and release date. The search tool also provides information on the inmate’s visitation schedule, commissary account balance, and current disciplinary status.
Inmates at Wende Correctional Facility are assigned a unique ID number upon admission. This ID number is used to identify the inmate throughout their incarceration and is required for all communication with the facility. Inmates are advised to memorize their ID number and to provide it to anyone who may need to contact them.
It is important to note that the ID number is not the same as the inmate’s DIN. The DIN is a unique identifier assigned to all inmates in the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision system. The ID number, on the other hand, is specific to the inmate’s location and is used for internal purposes only.
In summary, Wende Correctional Facility provides a user-friendly Inmate Lookup tool that allows interested parties to search for inmates using their last name or ID number. Inmates at the facility are assigned a unique ID number upon admission, which is used to identify them throughout their incarceration.