Ogdensburg Correctional Facility: Overview
Ogdensburg Correctional Facility, once a medium-security prison for male inmates, was located in St. Lawrence County, New York. Opened in 1982, it had the capacity to hold 557 prisoners. This facility played a significant role in New York’s prison system, particularly for housing sex offenders and inmates transferred for Immigration Court hearings. It was also situated near the St. Lawrence River, offering an isolated yet scenic setting for those incarcerated. However, in March 2022, Ogdensburg Correctional Facility closed its doors as part of a broader plan by the New York State Department of Corrections to reduce its prison population. The closure was driven by a statewide decline in inmates, which fell by over 13,000 since January 2020, reaching a historic low not seen since 1983.
Contact Information for Ogdensburg Correctional Facility
Though Ogdensburg Correctional Facility is now closed, when it was operational, it could be reached at the following address and contact points:
- Address: One Correction Way, Ogdensburg, NY 13669-2288
- Phone Number: (315) 393-0281
- Email: The facility did not offer direct public email access for inmates, but all correspondence had to be conducted via mail or phone when operational.
Visiting Information at Ogdensburg Correctional Facility
Prior to its closure, Ogdensburg Correctional Facility allowed inmate visits on weekends and certain holidays. Visiting hours ran from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, with the processing of visitors ending at 2:00 PM. Each inmate was allowed up to four visitors per session. Visitors were required to bring valid government-issued photo identification and to follow strict dress codes. Additionally, personal items were restricted; visitors could only bring clear plastic bags containing necessary items like baby supplies or medication.
Visiting this facility, like most New York prisons, required visitors to schedule their appointments in advance, either through the Department of Corrections’ official platform or by phone. Visits typically lasted around 60-90 minutes, offering inmates a chance to reconnect with family and friends.
Directions and Parking at Ogdensburg Correctional Facility
Ogdensburg Correctional Facility was located in the northeastern corner of Ogdensburg, near the Canadian border and the scenic St. Lawrence River. The prison was accessible by car, with parking available on-site for visitors. However, due to the remote location, public transportation options were limited, making private transport the most viable way to reach the facility.
What Was Life Like Inside Ogdensburg Correctional Facility?
As a medium-security facility, Ogdensburg Correctional housed male inmates, including some convicted of serious offenses such as sex crimes. Life inside the prison was largely regimented, with prisoners involved in various programs aimed at rehabilitation and preparing them for re-entry into society. The facility also had educational programs and vocational training to help inmates gain skills useful for their post-incarceration lives. However, the facility was known to house individuals with high-security needs, including those subject to civil commitment for sexual offenses.
In its final years, Ogdensburg Correctional faced dwindling inmate numbers, a factor contributing to its closure. By the time it closed in 2022, the facility had just over 150 inmates—well below its maximum capacity.
Famous Prisoners at Ogdensburg Correctional Facility
While Ogdensburg Correctional Facility did not house many high-profile inmates known to the public, it did serve as a key location for civilly committed sex offenders in New York. This unique role made it a focal point for discussions about long-term detention and the legal complexities surrounding indefinite incarceration for certain crimes.
FAQs About Ogdensburg Correctional Facility
1. What was Ogdensburg Correctional Facility? Ogdensburg Correctional Facility was a medium-security prison for men, located in St. Lawrence County, New York. It closed in March 2022 as part of a statewide reduction in prison capacity.
2. When did Ogdensburg Correctional Facility close? The prison officially closed on March 10, 2022, along with five other New York correctional facilities.
3. How many inmates did Ogdensburg Correctional Facility hold? Ogdensburg Correctional Facility had the capacity to hold 557 inmates, but its population had dropped to around 150 before its closure.
4. How do I contact Ogdensburg Correctional Facility? Since the facility is closed, direct contact is no longer possible. Prior to its closure, the prison could be reached by phone at (315) 393-0281.
5. Can I visit inmates at Ogdensburg Correctional Facility? No, the facility is closed, and no inmates are currently housed there.
6. What types of prisoners were housed at Ogdensburg Correctional Facility? The prison primarily housed male inmates, including individuals convicted of serious crimes like sex offenses and those awaiting Immigration Court hearings.
7. What will happen to Ogdensburg Correctional Facility now that it’s closed? As of 2023, discussions are underway to repurpose the site. Several buildings are scheduled for demolition, and the future use of the property is under consideration.
8. How do I book a visit to an inmate? While Ogdensburg Correctional Facility was operational, visits had to be booked through the New York Department of Corrections’ official system, but the facility no longer accepts bookings.
9. What is the history of Ogdensburg Correctional Facility? Opened in 1982, the facility was initially used as part of the former St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center before being converted into a prison.
10. How do I get to Ogdensburg Correctional Facility? Located in Ogdensburg, NY, the prison was best reached by car, with parking available on-site for visitors.
Conclusion
Ogdensburg Correctional Facility served the New York State correctional system for four decades before its closure in 2022. Though no longer operational, the prison played a significant role in housing medium-security male inmates, particularly those involved in sensitive cases such as sex offenses and immigration proceedings. The future of the facility remains uncertain as local officials discuss redevelopment plans.
For more on the prison’s closure, visit