Bedford Hills Correctional Facility Overview
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility is the only maximum-security prison for women in New York, housing approximately 650 inmates. The facility, located in Westchester County, serves women convicted of serious offenses, including violent crimes, and those with lengthy sentences. It is renowned for providing extensive rehabilitative programs such as educational, vocational, and mental health services. Bedford Hills is also home to a unique nursery program that allows incarcerated mothers to live with their infants for a limited time, focusing on family reunification.
Contact Information for Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
- Address:
247 Harris Road
Bedford Hills, NY 10507-2400
United States - Phone: (914) 241-3100
- Superintendent: Eileen Gonzalez-Russell
Visiting Information for Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
Visitation is available daily, including weekends and holidays. The hours are from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with the last entry allowed at 3:00 PM. Bedford Hills operates under specific guidelines for those in Special Housing Units (SHU), permitting one non-legal visit per week. Visitors are limited to three adults and one child under the age of five per visit, and all visitors must adhere to strict security protocols, such as presenting a valid ID.
To make the most of your visit, ensure you arrive early, as overcrowding in the visiting room may lead to visits being cut short. The visiting environment is designed to be family-friendly, though subject to certain restrictions.
How to Book a Visit at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
Booking a visit to Bedford Hills requires scheduling in advance through the facility’s visitation management system, either online or by phone. You will need to provide the inmate’s full name and DIN (Department Identification Number) during the booking process. Each visitor must bring a valid ID, and any children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Be aware that visitation is limited to specific days depending on the inmate’s last name for weekend visits. Ensure you check the facility’s schedule to confirm the appropriate visiting day.
How to Get to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility is located about 40 miles north of New York City in Westchester County. The facility can be accessed by car, with parking available on-site for visitors. Additionally, public transportation options include the Metro-North Railroad, which stops at Bedford Hills Station, just a short taxi or bus ride from the prison.
What is Life Like at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
Life at Bedford Hills is highly structured, with a focus on rehabilitation and mental health care. Inmates can participate in various educational programs, vocational training, and therapeutic services. However, the facility has faced criticism regarding the treatment of elderly and ill inmates, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when concerns about inadequate medical care and isolation arose. The prison also faced scrutiny for its use of solitary confinement despite legal regulations aiming to limit it.
Famous Prisoners at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
Bedford Hills has housed several high-profile inmates, including:
- Pamela Smart: Convicted for orchestrating her husband’s murder.
- Marybeth Tinning: Convicted for the murder of her children.
- Joyce Mitchell: Played a role in the infamous escape of two inmates from Clinton Correctional Facility.
- Lacey Spears: Convicted of killing her son via poisoning.
These cases have garnered significant media attention, highlighting the prison’s complex population.
FAQs about Bedford Hills Correctional Facility
What is the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility is New York’s only maximum-security prison for women, housing inmates convicted of serious crimes.How do I contact Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
You can contact the facility at (914) 241-3100 or visit it at 247 Harris Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507.Can I bring children to visit Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
Yes, you can bring up to one child under the age of five, in addition to three adult visitors per visit.What is the visiting schedule for Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
Visitation is available daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, with the latest entry at 3:00 PM.How do I book a visit to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
Visits can be scheduled by phone or online, requiring the inmate’s details and valid visitor ID.What kind of programs does Bedford Hills offer inmates?
The facility offers educational programs, vocational training, mental health services, and family reunification programs, including a nursery for mothers and infants.What is the capacity of Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
The prison holds approximately 650 inmates.Are there any famous inmates at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
Yes, notable inmates have included Pamela Smart and Marybeth Tinning, both convicted of high-profile crimes.What type of prison is Bedford Hills Correctional Facility?
It is a maximum-security facility for women convicted of severe offenses.How do I get to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility by public transport?
You can take the Metro-North Railroad to Bedford Hills Station, followed by a taxi or bus ride to the facility.
Conclusion
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility is New York’s largest and only maximum-security prison for women, offering a range of rehabilitative programs but facing challenges in terms of healthcare and inmate treatment. The prison plays a significant role in the state’s correctional system, housing many high-profile inmates and offering programs that focus on re-entry and family support.