Cheshire Correctional Institution Overview

Cheshire Correctional Institution, located in Cheshire, Connecticut, is a state prison housing adult male offenders, both sentenced and unsentenced. This maximum-security facility is part of the Connecticut Department of Correction and holds approximately 1,495 inmates. The institution offers a range of educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs aimed at preparing inmates for reintegration into society. Established in 1913, Cheshire Correctional Institution has evolved significantly, shifting from a reformatory for young offenders to a modern facility with specialized units such as protective custody and restrictive housing.

 

Cheshire Correctional Institution entrance

Contact Information for Cheshire Correctional Institution

  • Address: 900 Highland Avenue, Cheshire, CT 06410
  • Phone: (203) 651-6100
  • Fax: (203) 651-6069
  • Warden: Jennifer Reis

Visiting Information at Cheshire Correctional Institution

Visitation at Cheshire Correctional Institution is available both in-person and through video calls. In-person visits are unscheduled, while video visits require pre-scheduling. Visitors are allowed up to two in-person visits per week and one video visit. Each inmate is allowed a maximum of three visitors at a time, including children. The visiting schedule varies by day, with morning, afternoon, and evening slots available throughout the week.

What to Bring for a Visit

  • ID: Valid government-issued identification
  • Dress Code: Modest clothing is required, and the facility enforces strict guidelines.
  • Prohibited Items: Electronics, cell phones, and other personal items must be left in your car or at home.

Visits typically last between 30 minutes to one hour. They provide inmates with crucial social interaction, helping maintain family ties, which play a vital role in rehabilitation.

How to Book a Visit at Cheshire Correctional Institution

For video visits, you must complete a Visit Request Form and wait for confirmation from the facility. This process includes adding all visitors to the request, and you will need to ensure that minors, if visiting, are part of the household. In-person visits do not require prior booking, but make sure to review current visitation rules on the facility’s website before arrival.

 

Directions and Parking at Cheshire Correctional Institution

Cheshire Correctional Institution is located at 900 Highland Avenue, Cheshire, CT. It is easily accessible via I-84 and I-691. Free visitor parking is available on-site. For directions, use GPS or consult online maps for the best route from your location.

 

Life Inside Cheshire Correctional Institution and Recent News

Inmates at Cheshire Correctional Institution face the challenges typical of a maximum-security facility, including limited freedom and highly structured routines. However, the institution focuses on rehabilitation through educational programs such as adult basic education, vocational training (including automotive repair and culinary arts), and addiction treatment programs. Recent facility updates include the introduction of bicycle repair workshops to help inmates gain useful skills.

Cheshire Correctional Institution has faced overcrowding issues in the past, leading to increased tension among inmates. Nonetheless, the prison remains committed to maintaining a secure environment while providing opportunities for personal growth

Famous Prisoners at Cheshire Correctional Institution

Cheshire Correctional Institution has housed several high-profile inmates, including:

  • William Devin Howell: A notorious serial killer serving seven life sentences for the murder of seven people in 2003.
  • Matthew Steven Johnson: Convicted of three murders between 2000 and 2001, Johnson is serving a 180-year sentence

FAQs About Cheshire Correctional Institution

  1. Can I visit Cheshire Correctional Institution?
    Yes, you can visit both in-person and through video calls. Be sure to check the visitation rules before your visit.

  2. What are the visiting hours at Cheshire Correctional Institution?
    Visiting hours vary by day, with sessions available in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

  3. How do I book a video visit at Cheshire Correctional Institution?
    To book a video visit, you must fill out a Visit Request Form available on the Connecticut Department of Correction website.

  4. What type of prisoners does Cheshire Correctional Institution house?
    Cheshire Correctional Institution holds adult male offenders, both sentenced and unsentenced, in a maximum-security setting.

  5. What programs are offered to inmates at Cheshire Correctional Institution?
    The prison offers educational programs, vocational training, addiction treatment, and religious services to help inmates rehabilitate.

  6. Is there parking available at Cheshire Correctional Institution?
    Yes, free parking is available for visitors.

  7. How do I contact an inmate at Cheshire Correctional Institution?
    You can write letters or receive calls. Inmates can make outbound calls using the prison’s phone system, though they cannot receive calls.

  8. Who is the warden of Cheshire Correctional Institution?
    The current warden is Jennifer Reis​

  9. How old is Cheshire Correctional Institution?
    The facility was established in 1913, originally designed as a reformatory for young male offenders​

  10. Are there educational opportunities for inmates at Cheshire Correctional Institution?
    Yes, inmates can participate in a variety of educational programs, including adult basic education and vocational training.

Visit Cherokee Correctional Institution