Brooklyn Detention Complex Overview

The Brooklyn Detention Complex, originally known as the Brooklyn House of Detention, was built in 1957 at 275 Atlantic Avenue in the Boerum Hill neighborhood. Designed as a city jail primarily for male inmates awaiting trial, it played a vital role in New York City’s justice system. The facility could originally hold 815 detainees, but after its closure in 2020, it was included in the city’s plan to replace Rikers Island with modern borough-based jails. The new building, set to rise on the same site, will feature a 15-story structure with 1,040 beds, community space, and improved facilities, aiming for better inmate conditions. This facility is currently undergoing demolition to make way for its replacement, expected to open as part of NYC’s broader criminal justice reform

 

Brooklyn Detention Complex, 275 Atlantic Ave, Boerum Hill.

Brooklyn Detention Complex Contact Information

  • Address: 275 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Phone: Not currently available due to demolition
  • Email: brooklynbbjccl@gmail.com (Community Liaison for construction-related inquiries)

Visiting Information at Brooklyn Detention Complex

The Brooklyn Detention Complex closed in 2020, and during its operation, visits were permitted under specific guidelines. In the future, the new complex will likely follow standard procedures for visiting inmates in city jails. When reopened, visitors should anticipate booking visits online through the Department of Correction’s website or by phone. Visit duration typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours, depending on facility rules, and visitors need to bring valid identification.

Items allowed during a visit usually include essentials like IDs and pre-approved items for inmates. Visitors are advised to check specific rules once the new jail opens, as policies can vary. Minors accompanied by a guardian can visit, with up to three visitors permitted per session.

How to Book a Visit at Brooklyn Detention Complex

When the new Brooklyn Detention Complex opens, visits will be bookable online or through the jail’s dedicated phone line. Booking requires visitor identification and possibly the inmate’s booking information. Given the increased number of detainees expected, early bookings are advised. Stay updated via the NYC Department of Corrections for exact booking procedures when the facility becomes operational

Directions and Parking Information for Brooklyn Detention Complex

The Brooklyn Detention Complex sits at the intersection of Boerum Place and Atlantic Avenue, easily accessible via multiple public transport options. The nearest subway stations are Hoyt-Schermerhorn (A, C, G trains) and Jay St-MetroTech (N, R, W, F trains). Bus routes B63 and B65 also pass nearby. Parking will be limited at the new facility, with around 100 spaces available, down from the previous plan for 292. As the area can be congested, public transport is recommended

What is Brooklyn Detention Complex Like for a Prisoner?

Life inside the Brooklyn Detention Complex varied depending on detainees’ statuses. Inmates awaiting trial were housed in single cells and typically had access to limited recreational facilities, including a gym and library. Despite recent efforts to improve conditions, the old facility was notorious for overcrowding and limited access to mental health services. The new complex will attempt to rectify this by including therapeutic units, though plans have cut these facilities to 20% of the original proposal

Famous Prisoners at Brooklyn Detention Complex

Though the Brooklyn Detention Complex primarily housed those awaiting trial, it has seen its share of notable detainees. High-profile cases from the borough’s courts occasionally led to temporary stays at the facility. However, due to its function as a short-term holding site, long-term celebrity inmates were rare

FAQs About Brooklyn Detention Complex

  • Where is the Brooklyn Detention Complex located?

    • It’s located at 275 Atlantic Avenue, Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, New York.

  • Is Brooklyn Detention Complex currently open?

    • No, it was closed in 2020 and is currently undergoing demolition to make way for a new facility.

  • How do I visit someone at Brooklyn Detention Complex?

    • Once reopened, visitations can be booked online or by phone. Check the Department of Corrections website for future updates.

  • How many inmates can the new Brooklyn Detention Complex hold?

    • The new facility is expected to house up to 1,040 inmates

  • What facilities will the new complex offer?

    • The new jail will include community spaces, improved therapeutic units, and secure tunnels connecting to nearby courthouses

  • What public transport serves Brooklyn Detention Complex?

    • The A, C, G trains at Hoyt-Schermerhorn, and nearby buses including B63 and B65

  • What is the parking situation like at the new jail?

    • Parking will be limited to 100 spaces, so public transport is recommended

  • When will the new Brooklyn Detention Complex open?

    • The exact date isn’t confirmed, but the demolition is expected to be complete by 2024

  • Will the new jail have more space for therapeutic services?

    • The new plan reduces the percentage of therapeutic beds, from 40% to 20%

  • How tall will the new Brooklyn Detention Complex be?

    • The new facility is planned to be 15 stories tall, standing at 337 feet

Conclusion:

The Brooklyn Detention Complex, once a key part of Brooklyn’s criminal justice system, is being reimagined as part of the city’s larger effort to reform incarceration. While the new facility promises improved conditions and increased capacity, its construction has raised concerns among community members. Keep an eye on city updates as the project progresses, with the new facility expected to reshape Brooklyn’s detention landscape in the coming years

Sources:

  • Brooklyn Paper
  • New York YIMBY
  • Wikipedia

Visit Brooke County Correctional Facility