Elmira Correctional Facility Overview

Elmira Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison located in Elmira, New York. Known for its historic beginnings as the Elmira Reformatory, it opened in 1876 under Zebulon Brockway’s progressive leadership, focusing on rehabilitation over punishment. While initially designed for young offenders, the facility now houses adult male inmates, including those serving long sentences for serious crimes. With a capacity of around 1,800 inmates, Elmira remains a vital part of New York’s correctional system, offering various programs aimed at rehabilitation, including educational and vocational training, anger management, and substance abuse treatment.

 

Elmira Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Elmira, New York.

Contact Information for Elmira Correctional Facility

Visiting Information at Elmira Correctional Facility

Elmira Correctional Facility allows daily visitation, including weekends and holidays, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Visitors must arrive by 2:00 PM to ensure entry. Visits provide essential support for inmates’ rehabilitation, but visitors need to follow strict guidelines, including adhering to a dress code. Each inmate can receive up to three visitors at a time, with an additional allowance for one child under five. Special arrangements are made for inmates in the Special Housing Unit (SHU), where visitations are limited to once a week.

To visit an inmate, visitors must be pre-approved. This process includes submitting a request form and adhering to regulations that include presenting valid identification, like a driver’s license or state ID. Physical contact is limited, usually to a brief hug or handshake at the beginning and end of visits.

How to Book a Visit at Elmira Correctional Facility

To book a visit at Elmira Correctional Facility, you will need the inmate’s full name and DIN (Department Identification Number). You can call the facility for guidance on scheduling and regulations. Visits are unlimited, but scheduling may vary based on the inmate’s security level or special conditions like SHU restrictions. Be sure to confirm any visit details through the official site before arriving.

 

Directions and Parking at Elmira Correctional Facility

Elmira Correctional Facility is located in Chemung County, New York. The address for GPS directions is 1879 Davis Street, Elmira, NY. Parking is available for visitors, with accessible spaces close to the entrance. Visitors should plan to arrive early, as check-in can take time, especially on weekends when the facility is busier.

 

Life Inside Elmira Correctional Facility and Latest News

Inmates at Elmira participate in a structured daily routine, which includes work assignments, educational programs, and counseling services. The prison offers programs aimed at rehabilitation, such as anger management, vocational training, and substance abuse programs. However, like many maximum-security prisons, Elmira has experienced violence and other challenges. Most recently, there have been reports of altercations between inmates and staff, sparking public concern.

Inmate escape attempts, such as the infamous 2003 escape of convicted murderers Timothy Vail and Timothy Morgan, have further highlighted security issues at Elmira. The facility was also featured in a 2023 episode of Great Escapes with Morgan Freeman on the History Channel.

Famous Prisoners at Elmira Correctional Facility

Elmira has housed several high-profile inmates, including:

  • Frank Abbandando – a notorious hitman for Murder, Inc.
  • Lucien Carr – an influential figure in the Beat Generation.
  • Trevell Coleman (G-Dep) – a rapper convicted of murder.
  • Nathaniel White – a convicted serial killer.

FAQs about Elmira Correctional Facility

  • What is the Elmira Correctional Facility known for?
    Elmira Correctional Facility is known for its historical role in prison reform and housing high-profile inmates in a maximum-security environment.

  • How can I visit Elmira Correctional Facility?
    Visits can be scheduled daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, but you must be pre-approved and adhere to the facility’s dress code and rules.

  • Where is Elmira Correctional Facility located?
    Elmira Correctional Facility is located at 1879 Davis Street, Elmira, New York, in Chemung County.

  • What programs are available to inmates at Elmira Correctional Facility?
    Inmates have access to educational, vocational, and counseling programs aimed at rehabilitation, including substance abuse treatment and anger management.

  • Can I send money to an inmate at Elmira Correctional Facility?
    Yes, money can be sent through services like JPay or via money orders mailed directly to the facility. Be sure to include the inmate’s full name and DOC number.

  • What is the history of Elmira Correctional Facility?
    Founded in 1876 as the Elmira Reformatory, the facility was a leader in rehabilitation-focused prison reform under Zebulon Brockway’s leadership.

  • Who was Timothy Vail, and why is his escape famous?
    Timothy Vail, along with another inmate, attempted a daring escape from Elmira in 2003 by digging through the roof of their cell. The escape was widely publicized and featured on the History Channel.

  • Are there educational opportunities at Elmira Correctional Facility?
    Yes, Elmira offers educational and vocational training programs, although some programs have faced funding cuts over the years.

  • How many inmates can visit at one time at Elmira Correctional Facility?
    Each inmate is allowed three adult visitors and one child under five per visit.

  • How do I contact Elmira Correctional Facility?
    You can contact the facility by phone at (607) 734-3901 or visit their official website for more details.

Conclusion

Elmira Correctional Facility is a key part of New York’s correctional system, with a deep historical impact on prison reform. Offering both maximum security and rehabilitation-focused programs, Elmira continues to balance strict confinement with opportunities for inmate growth. If you want to learn more about the facility or are planning a visit, be sure to follow official guidelines and confirm details ahead of time.

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