Osborn Correctional Institution

The Osborn Correctional Institution, located in Somers, Connecticut, is a medium-security prison managed by the Connecticut Department of Correction. With a capacity to house 1,900 inmates, it is one of the state’s largest correctional facilities.

Opened in November 1963, it originally served as Connecticut’s maximum-security prison and replaced the Wethersfield State Prison. By 1994, the facility was reclassified as medium-security and renamed after the Osborn Prison Farm in neighboring Enfield.

The prison has a unique history, from housing death row inmates up until 1995 to operating Connecticut’s execution chamber until capital punishment was abolished in 2015. Its facilities are designed for robust inmate rehabilitation and daily operations.

Notably, it accommodates an inpatient medical hospital and mental health unit, along with addiction services and educational programs to aid in rehabilitation. The Correctional Industries Program at Osborn involves over 200 inmates producing clothing and mattresses and running a print shop — assisting reentry preparation through practical skills.

Osborn operates under a Unit Management System, enhancing safety by assigning unit managers to oversee specific inmate housing units. This structure limits inmate movement, fostering a more secure environment. The institution also stands out for its trained hospice program, where inmates provide end-of-life care for peers.

Osborn Correctional Institution remains a vital component of Connecticut’s criminal justice system, balancing security, rehabilitation, and inmate support.

For further information about the Osborn Correctional Institution, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the Connecticut State Department of Corrections or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of Connecticut.