New York Jails & Prisons
New York operates 234 correctional facilities, including 109 state prisons and 81 county jails.
New York operates 234 correctional facilities through the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), including 109 state prisons and 81 county jails. The state system houses over 32,000 inmates. Notable facilities include Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora (2,852 beds), Attica Correctional Facility in Wyoming County, and Rikers Island — New York City's large jail complex operated separately by the NYC Department of Correction.
County jails in New York are operated by county sheriffs and hold pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates. New York City operates its own jail system independently of DOCCS, including Rikers Island and several borough detention centers.
New York Inmate Search
To locate a state inmate in New York, use the DOCCS Inmate Lookup. For NYC jail inmates, use the NYC Department of Correction inmate lookup tool. For other county jail inmates, contact the county sheriff directly.
Visitation & Phone Calls
Visitation at New York state prisons is regulated by DOCCS and varies by facility security level. Visitors must be on an approved list. NYC jails use a separate system administered by the NYC DOC.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I find an inmate in a New York state prison?
- Use the DOCCS Inmate Lookup at nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov. For NYC jail inmates, use the NYC Department of Correction's online lookup. For county jails, contact the county sheriff.
- Is Rikers Island a state prison?
- No. Rikers Island is operated by the New York City Department of Correction, not New York State DOCCS. It houses pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates serving terms under one year.
- How do I send money to a New York state inmate?
- New York DOCCS inmates receive funds through JPay. NYC jail inmates use a different system. Contact the specific facility for the correct deposit method.