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Connecticut State Prisons

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Connecticut State Prison System Overview

This overview highlights the key aspects of the Connecticut state prison system and provides detailed insights into its operations, programs, and challenges.

The Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) oversees the state’s prison system. Connecticut has a range of facilities varying in security levels to accommodate different types of offenders.

Number of State Prisons

As of 2024, Connecticut operates 14 state correctional facilities, including:

  • Cheshire Correctional Institution (CCI)
  • Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center (CRCC)
  • Garner Correctional Institution (GCI)
  • MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution (MWCI)
  • Osborn Correctional Institution (OCI)
  • York Correctional Institution (YCI) – the only female facility

Management Structure

The Connecticut DOC is led by a Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor. The DOC is responsible for the care, custody, and control of inmates and the operation of the state’s correctional facilities. Each facility is managed by a Warden.

Incarceration Rate

Connecticut’s incarceration rate, as of recent data, is approximately 280 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the national average.

Locating a Prisoner

To locate an inmate within the Connecticut prison system, the DOC provides an online inmate search tool called the Connecticut Offender

Family Visitation Rules

Visitation policies in Connecticut prisons include:

  • Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitation list.
  • All visitors are subject to search upon entering the facility.
  • Visits must be scheduled in advance; some facilities allow online scheduling.
  • Specific visiting hours vary by facility.

Classification of Prison Security Levels

Connecticut prisons are classified into different security levels:

  • Level 1: Minimum security
  • Level 2: Medium security
  • Level 3: Close security
  • Level 4: Maximum security
  • Level 5: Administrative segregation and special management for the most dangerous inmates

Parole and Factors Considered in Making Parole Decisions

The Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles conducts hearings and reviews cases for parole eligibility.

Parole decisions in Connecticut take into account:

  • The nature and circumstances of the offense
  • The inmate’s criminal history
  • Institutional behavior and participation in rehabilitative programs
  • Risk assessments
  • Impact statements from victims
  • Public safety considerations

Educational, Vocational, and Rehabilitative Programs

Educational Programs

  • General Education Development (GED)
  • Adult Basic Education (ABE)
  • Job Readiness Education and Training
  • Post-secondary courses through partnerships with local colleges

Vocational Programs

Vocational training in areas such as:

  • Culinary Arts
  • Carpentry
  • Auto Mechanics

Rehabilitative Programs

Rehabilitative programs in Connecticut include:

  • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT)
  • Outpatient counseling
  • Mental Health Services
  • Individual and group therapy
  • Psychiatric services
  • Anger Management and Domestic Violence Programs PROS

Connecticut Prison News (Fox 61 News)

Corrections Officers Stabbed at Connecticut’s Garner Correctional Prison in Newton:

Pros and Cons of the Connecticut Prison System

PROS

  • Comprehensive Rehabilitative Programs: Connecticut offers a wide range of rehabilitative services aimed at reducing recidivism.
  • Lower Incarceration Rate: Connecticut’s incarceration rate is lower than the national average, indicating potential effectiveness in alternative sentencing and rehabilitation.
  • Educational Opportunities: The availability of GED and vocational training programs helps inmates gain skills for post-release employment.

CONS

  • Overcrowding Issues: Some facilities experience overcrowding, which can affect living conditions and access to programs.
  • Resource Limitations: Budget constraints can limit the availability and quality of programs and services.
  • Reentry Challenges: Despite reentry programs, many inmates face significant challenges in reintegrating into society, including finding employment and housing.

Sources and References

Connecticut Department of Correction

Connecticut Offender Information Search

Bureau of Justice Statistics

Connecticut DOC Visitation Page

Fox 61 News

Connecticut State Prisons:

Bridgeport Correctional Center

Bridgeport Correctional Center
1106 North Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604

Telephone: (203)-579-6131

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Bridgeport Correctional Center
1106 North Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604

Brooklyn Correctional Institution

Brooklyn Correctional Institution
59 Hartford Road
Brooklyn, CT 06234

Telephone: (860)-779-4500

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Brooklyn Correctional Institution
59 Hartford Road
Brooklyn, CT 06234

Cheshire Correctional Institution

Cheshire Correctional Institution
900 Highland Avenue
Cheshire, CT 06410

Telephone: (203)-651-6100

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Cheshire Correctional Institution
900 Highland Avenue
Cheshire, CT 06410

Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center

Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center
986 Norwich-New London Turnpike
Uncasville, CT 06382

Telephone: (860)-848-5700

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Center
986 Norwich-New London Turnpike
Uncasville, CT 06382

Enfield Correctional Institution

Enfield Correctional Institution
289 Shaker Road
Enfield, CT 06082

Telephone: (860)-814-4300

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Enfield Correctional Institution
PO Box 1500
Enfield, CT 06082

Garner Correctional Institution

Garner Correctional Institution
50 Nunnawauk Road
Newtown, CT 06470

Telephone: (203)-270-2800

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Garner Correctional Institution
PO Box 5500
Newtown, CT 06470

Hartford Correctional Center

Hartford Correctional Center
177 Weston Street
Hartford, CT 06120

Telephone: (860)-240-1800

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Hartford Correctional Center
177 Weston Street
Hartford, CT 06120

MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution

MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution
1153 East Street, South
Suffield, CT 06080

Telephone:

(860) 627-2100 – MacDougall Building
(860) 292-3400 – Walker Building

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
MacDougall-Walker Correctional Institution
1153 East Street, South
Suffield, CT 06080

Manson Youth Institution

Manson Youth Institution
42 Jarvis Street
Cheshire, CT 06410

Telephone: (203)-806-2500

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Manson Youth Institution
42 Jarvis Street
Cheshire, CT 06410

New Haven Correctional Center

New Haven Correctional Center
245 Whalley Avenue
New Haven, CT 06511

Telephone: (203)-974-4111

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
New Haven Correctional Center
PO Box 8000
New Haven, CT 06511

Northern Correctional Institution

Northern Correctional Institution
287 Bilton Road
Somers, CT 06071

Telephone: (860)-763-8600

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Northern Correctional Institution
PO Box 665
Somers, CT 06071

Osborn Correctional Institution

Osborn Correctional Institution
335 Bilton Road
Somers, CT 06071

Telephone: (860)-814-4600

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Osborn Correctional Institution
PO Box 100
Somers, CT 06071

Robinson Correctional Institution

Robinson Correctional Institution
285 Shaker Road
Enfield, CT 06082

Telephone: (860)-253-8000

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Robinson Correctional Institution
PO Box 1400
Enfield, CT 06082

Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institution

Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institution
391 Shaker Road
Enfield, CT 06082

Telephone: (860)-763-6100

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institution
391 Shaker Road
Enfield, CT 06082

York Correctional Institution

York Correctional Institution
201 West Main Street
Niantic, CT 06357

Telephone: (860)-451-3001

Inmate Mailing Address:

Inmate Name, ID Number
York Correctional Institution
201 West Main Street
Niantic, CT 06357

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