Wallkill Correctional Facility

Wallkill Correctional Facility, located in New York, is a medium-security prison with a rich history and progressive approach to incarceration. Founded in 1933, Wallkill was designed as a “prison without walls,” reflecting an innovative philosophy focused on rehabilitation and reform rather than mere containment. Architect Alfred Hopkins crafted the facility with interconnected Gothic-style buildings, creating an environment more like a collegiate campus than a traditional prison.

Originally, Wallkill housed inmates with good behavior records or those convicted of white-collar crimes. Over time, its population has evolved to include first-time offenders who can serve their entire sentences at the facility. With a current capacity of 606 inmates, Wallkill emphasizes rehabilitation through education and vocational training. Notably, the prison hosts a long-running optical laboratory where inmates learn to produce eyeglasses, contributing to their skill development and post-release employment prospects.

Wallkill is also home to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances program, which allows inmates to care for retired racehorses. This initiative allows inmates to develop empathy and responsibility, fostering personal growth and rehabilitation.

In terms of visitation, Wallkill offers a structured schedule for 2024.

• Visiting Days: Weekends and Holidays
• Visiting Hours: 7:15 AM to 2:15 PM (Latest arrival time 1:15 PM)

In-person visits are available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while Fridays are reserved for televisits. This schedule ensures inmates can maintain connections with family and friends, crucial for their reintegration into society upon release.

Wallkill Correctional Facility stands as a testament to the evolving nature of the penal system, blending historical significance with modern-day rehabilitation efforts. It remains a pioneering institution in reformative incarceration, offering inmates a chance to transform their lives through education, vocational training, and meaningful human-animal interaction.

For further information about the Wallkill 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.