Sullivan Correctional Facility

Sullivan Correctional Facility, nestled in the serene landscape of Fallsburg, New York, stands as a testament to the complexities and challenges of the criminal justice system. This maximum-security institution opened its doors in 1985, strategically constructed to alleviate the overcrowding issues following the transition of Rikers Island back to New York City. With a capacity to accommodate 560 inmates, Sullivan has primarily housed male convicts, 86% of whom are incarcerated for violent felonies, with a significant portion serving life sentences.

The facility’s location on an expansive 850-acre site provides a secure environment for its operations and shares its grounds with the Woodbourne Correctional Facility, a medium-security counterpart. Despite its austere purpose, Sullivan has been a beacon of hope for transformative education, thanks to programs like Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison. This non-profit initiative aims to reduce recidivism by offering college courses to inmates, fostering a culture of rehabilitation and personal growth.

As of late, Sullivan houses 426 inmates, a number that highlights the declining incarcerated population—an outcome of New York State’s progressive criminal justice reforms. However, this decrease has also led to the difficult decision of closing the facility, officially set for November 6, 2024. This impending closure is part of a broader strategy to optimize state resources and address staffing challenges without layoffs.

In its nearly four decades of operation, Sullivan Correctional Facility has not only served as a holding ground for some of the state’s most notorious offenders, but it has also been an unlikely cradle for second chances through education. As the facility approaches its closure, it leaves behind a legacy intertwined with the narratives of confinement and redemption.

For further information about the Sullivan Correctional Facility, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of New York.