Overview of Great Meadow Correctional Facility

Great Meadow Correctional Facility, located in Comstock, New York, is a maximum-security prison for male inmates. Established in 1911, it has housed some of the most dangerous individuals in the state and has a long, storied history of violence and unrest. Known for its strict supervision and high rates of violence, it has earned a reputation as one of the toughest prisons in New York. The prison has a capacity of nearly 1,600 inmates, but in recent years, the population has dwindled to around 400 due to declining incarceration rates. In 2024, the facility will be permanently closed as part of state efforts to consolidate its prison system.

The facility has specialized in treating inmates with behavioral and mental health issues, offering programs that include anger management, educational services, and substance abuse treatment. However, despite these programs, the prison has struggled with high levels of inmate suicide and staff violence, further contributing to its harsh reputation.

Great Meadow Correctional Facility

Contact Information for Great Meadow Correctional Facility

Address:
Great Meadow Correctional Facility
11739 State Route 22
P.O. Box 51
Comstock, NY 12821-0051

Phone: (518) 639-5516
Superintendent: Christopher Collins

Visiting Information for Great Meadow Correctional Facility

Great Meadow Correctional Facility allows visits every day of the week, including weekends, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Visitors are required to arrive early, as processing can take time. Special housing unit inmates are limited to one visit per week, and visits must be scheduled in advance.

What to Bring: Visitors must carry a valid photo ID. Personal items like cell phones, cameras, and wallets are not allowed inside the prison and must be left in your vehicle or secured in lockers provided at the facility. Bringing small children is allowed, with one child under five years old permitted to sit on an adult’s lap.

Visit Length and Experience: Visits are typically limited to a few hours. The visiting room can become crowded, especially on weekends, and in some cases, visitors may be asked to leave early if the room reaches capacity. Non-contact visits are available when necessary. Overall, prison visits are supervised but provide a chance for families to connect with inmates in a controlled environment.

How to Book a Visit at Great Meadow Correctional Facility

To book a visit at Great Meadow Correctional Facility, you must call ahead to schedule your appointment. Have your photo ID ready and confirm the details of your visit, including the date and number of visitors. A maximum of three visitors are allowed on weekdays, while only two visitors are permitted on weekends. Children under five years old do not count towards this limit.

 

Directions and Parking for Great Meadow Correctional Facility

Great Meadow Correctional Facility is located in Comstock, New York, near the Vermont border. It is accessible via State Route 22, approximately 14 miles east of Lake George. There is parking available on-site for visitors, but space can be limited during busy visiting days. It is advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot.

 

Life Inside Great Meadow Correctional Facility

Inmates at Great Meadow Correctional Facility live under stringent supervision due to the prison’s maximum-security status. The prison has seen numerous incidents of violence, protests, and unrest throughout its history. Conditions have been described as harsh, with some inmates facing long periods of solitary confinement. Recent years have seen investments in the facility, with millions spent on renovations. However, this has not been enough to address the underlying issues of overcrowding and understaffing, particularly in healthcare and mental health services.

In 2024, Great Meadow will close permanently, following decades of controversy surrounding its high rates of suicide, violence, and repression among inmates. The closure marks the end of an era for one of New York’s most notorious prisons.

Famous Prisoners at Great Meadow Correctional Facility

Over the years, Great Meadow Correctional Facility has housed several notorious criminals, including:

  • Colin Ferguson: The perpetrator of the 1993 Long Island Rail Road shooting.
  • Lucky Luciano: A famous mob boss, transferred as part of Operation Underworld during World War II.
  • Richard Angelo: A nurse turned serial killer, convicted of poisoning patients.
  • Chanel Lewis: Serving a life sentence for the murder of Karina Vetrano in 2016.

FAQs about Great Meadow Correctional Facility

  • Is Great Meadow Correctional Facility closing?
    Yes, Great Meadow Correctional Facility is set to close in November 2024 due to declining inmate populations and high operational costs.

  • What security level is Great Meadow Correctional Facility?
    Great Meadow is a maximum-security prison for male inmates.

  • What are the visiting hours at Great Meadow Correctional Facility?
    Visits are allowed daily from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with a rotating weekend schedule based on the inmate’s last name.

  • How do I book a visit at Great Meadow Correctional Facility?
    You can book a visit by calling the facility directly and providing your identification and visitor details.

  • What is life like for inmates at Great Meadow?
    Inmates face strict supervision, limited recreational opportunities, and high levels of violence and isolation.

  • What types of programs are available at Great Meadow?
    The facility offers educational programs, substance abuse treatment, and anger management courses.

  • What was Great Meadow’s inmate capacity?
    The prison has a capacity of around 1,600 but recently held fewer than 400 inmates.

  • How do I get to Great Meadow Correctional Facility?
    It is located on State Route 22 in Comstock, New York, east of Lake George. Parking is available on-site.

  • What famous inmates have been at Great Meadow Correctional Facility?
    Notable inmates include Colin Ferguson, Lucky Luciano, and Richard Angelo.

  • What will happen to the staff after Great Meadow closes?
    The state has assured that staff will be offered positions at other nearby facilities.

Summary and Conclusion

Great Meadow Correctional Facility, known for its harsh conditions and high-profile inmates, will close in late 2024, marking the end of its role as a maximum-security institution. With a long history of violence and reform efforts, the closure reflects broader trends in prison consolidation as the state’s incarcerated population decreases.

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