Dutchess County Correctional Center Overview
Dutchess County Correctional Center, now officially known as the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center, is located in Poughkeepsie, New York. It serves as a correctional facility primarily for individuals awaiting trial or sentencing, usually for periods less than two years. The newly opened facility has 328 beds and is designed to offer modern amenities that focus on both safety and inmate rehabilitation. With a commitment to reducing recidivism, the jail includes dedicated spaces for educational programs and mental health treatment.
The facility emphasizes rehabilitative justice, featuring classrooms, medical care units, and modern recreational spaces within each housing unit. It also integrates advanced security features, making it safer for both inmates and staff. This center is a significant upgrade from the previous Dutchess County Jail, built in the 1980s, and now focuses more on providing a supportive environment for transitioning inmates back into society.
Contact Information for Dutchess County Correctional Center
- Address: 150 North Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
- Phone Number: 845-486-3900
- Email: programoffice@dutchessny.gov
- Mailing Address for Inmate Correspondence: PO Box 1389, Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
Visiting Information for Dutchess County Correctional Center
Visiting at Dutchess County Correctional Center is structured to allow family members and friends to support their loved ones in a controlled environment. Booth visits (non-contact) and contact visits are available, with the following schedules:
- Morning Session: 8:30 AM – 10:45 AM
- Afternoon Session: 12:20 PM – 2:45 PM
Visitors must sign in early: between 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM for the morning session and no later than 1:30 PM for the afternoon session.
Each inmate is allowed up to two visits per week. Visitors must pass through security checks, and only a limited number of people (up to two adults and one child) can attend a visit at a time. A valid government-issued ID is required for entry.
What to Bring for a Visit:
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Clear plastic baby bottles or sippy cups for infant visitors
- Personal belongings like keys or wallets must be stored in lockers before entry.
Dress Code for Visits:
Visitors must follow a dress code, avoiding layered, ripped, or orange-colored clothing, and no shoes with metal supports are allowed to prevent setting off security alarms.
How to Book a Visit at Dutchess County Correctional Center
To book a visit, you will need:
- The inmate’s full name and ID number
- Your personal identification details
- Preferred visit times (arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time)
All visits are first come, first serve, and sign-up must be done in person at the facility.
Directions and Parking at Dutchess County Correctional Center
The Dutchess County Correctional Center is located on North Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie, easily accessible from major routes. Parking is available on-site for visitors, but it can fill up during peak visiting hours, so plan to arrive early.
Driving Directions:
From Route 9: Take North Hamilton Street exit and follow signs to the Correctional Center. Public transport options are limited, so it is recommended to drive or use ride-share services.
What Life is Like at Dutchess County Correctional Center
Inmates at Dutchess County Correctional Center typically follow a structured daily schedule that includes meals, recreation, and time for educational or rehabilitative programs. The new facility, with its focus on rehabilitation and safety, offers more natural light, better living conditions, and improved medical services compared to the old jail. Security upgrades, including enhanced sightlines and more surveillance, have created a more secure environment for both inmates and staff.
Inmates can participate in work programs such as laundry and kitchen services, which can earn them minor benefits like reduced sentences. Commissary services are available weekly, and inmates can make phone calls via a prepaid system, although all calls are monitored.
Famous Prisoners at Dutchess County Correctional Center
While Dutchess County Correctional Center primarily houses individuals awaiting trial or those serving shorter sentences, it has not been associated with high-profile or notorious criminals on a national level. Most detainees are from local jurisdictions, including the Poughkeepsie Police Department and surrounding areas.
FAQs about Dutchess County Correctional Center
1. How do I contact Dutchess County Correctional Center?
You can reach the facility at 845-486-3900 for general inquiries.
2. Can I bring personal items for an inmate?
Only letters and items directly from publishers (like books) can be sent to inmates. Packages must comply with the facility’s guidelines.
3. What are the visiting hours at Dutchess County Correctional Center?
Visit times are generally available in the mornings and afternoons. Visitors must sign up early and follow a strict dress code.
4. Is there parking available at Dutchess County Correctional Center?
Yes, on-site parking is available, but it can fill up during peak hours.
5. How do I send money to an inmate at Dutchess County Correctional Center?
Money can be added to an inmate’s commissary account through the jail’s designated services, which typically involve an online payment system.
6. Are there programs for inmate rehabilitation at Dutchess County Correctional Center?
Yes, the facility offers educational, mental health, and vocational programs aimed at reducing recidivism.
7. Can children visit inmates at Dutchess County Correctional Center?
Yes, children can visit, but they must be accompanied by an adult, and a parental permission form is required.
8. What should I wear when visiting Dutchess County Correctional Center?
Visitors must follow a specific dress code. Avoid wearing layered, tight, or revealing clothing, and remove all metal objects before passing through security.
9. How are inmates housed at Dutchess County Correctional Center?
Inmates are housed in pods with communal areas. Housing assignments depend on security classification, behavior, and program eligibility.
10. Can I send books or magazines to inmates at Dutchess County Correctional Center?
Yes, books and magazines can be sent, but they must come directly from the publisher.
For more information on visiting rules and inmate services, check the official Dutchess County government website or contact the facility directly.