NYSDOC - Elmira Correctional Facility

State Prison

Last Updated: February 14, 2024
Address
1879 Davis St, Elmira, NY 14901-0500
Beds
1800
County
Chemung
Phone
607-734-3901

Elmira CF is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Securus Tech®, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of NYSDOC - Elmira Correctional Facility

You can support your loved ones at Elmira CF on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 607-734-3901.

Located at 1879 Davis St in Elmira, NY, Elmira CF carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Elmira CF offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

Elmira Correctional Facility, also known as "The Hill," is a maximum security state prison situated in Chemung County under the jurisdiction of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. It serves both as a reception center for inmate intake/classification and as a high-security prison, accommodating approximately 1800 inmates. Inmates at Elmira CF have access to substance abuse and alcohol addiction treatment, sex offender counseling, and mental health services. Vocational courses provided include building maintenance, carpentry, electrical work, masonry, plumbing, printing, welding, business, and machining. The facility also participates in Correctional Industries, offering work opportunities in various fields.

Originally established as the Elmira Reformatory in 1970, the complex underwent several changes over the years, including the introduction of programs in ethics, religion, and vocational training. Inmates were classified into three grades based on behavior, with privileges and sentences affected accordingly. However, tension arose due to indeterminate sentencing and disciplinary measures, leading to questions about the reformatory system.

Despite challenges, the Elmira system influenced prison reform, emphasizing the differentiation between juvenile and adult offenders and the potential for prisoner rehabilitation. The complex grading system and education programs introduced were replicated in numerous reformatories across several states. Following administrative changes, the facility transitioned into the Elmira Correctional and Reception Center, focusing on standard custody and treatment methods.

In the late 1970s to late 1980s, Elmira collaborated with Corning Community College to offer inmates the opportunity to earn associate degrees. However, budget cuts during the early 1990s led to the termination of the program amid public outcry over taxpayer spending on inmate education. Attempts to revive the program were unsuccessful, resulting in its permanent termination.

Elmira CF gained notoriety when convicted murderers Timothy Vail and Timothy Morgan escaped in 2003 by digging through the roof of their cell. Their escape, featured in a National Geographic documentary, resulted in their capture and placement in solitary confinement. The facility has housed notable inmates such as rapper Trevell Gerald Coleman, serial killer Patrick Baxter, and cult leader Dwight York.

Overall, Elmira Correctional Facility plays a significant role in the New York state prison system, offering various programs and services aimed at inmate rehabilitation and reintegration into society while maintaining security and order within its walls.

Inmate Locator

Elmira CF maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Visitation information effective 01/02/2024

Driving Directions

Visiting Days: Daily (including weekends)

Visiting Hours: 9:00AM to 3:00PM Daily (Latest arrival time 2:00PM)

Special Housing Unit Visiting Days & Hours: Incarcerated individuals in SHU custody are allowed one non-legal visit within a seven (7) day period during regular visitation hours and days. Each seven (7) day period begins at the conclusion of the last visit.

Visitation Schedules:

  • General Population visits are conducted daily and there are no restrictions by name/Department Identification Number (DIN). See attached schedule

2024 General Population Visitation Schedule

  • Reception Center visits are conducted daily, designated by Odd/Even number of the calendar day, and are based on the last number of the Incarcerated Individual’s DIN. Example: July 12th will be a visit day for any Reception Center incarcerated whose DIN ends in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8. Please Note: Reception Center incarcerated are allowed visits the sixth (6th) business day from arrival. See attached schedule

2024 Reception Visitation Schedule

Maximum Number of Visits per Day: Unlimited

Maximum Number of Visitors per Visit: Three (3) visitors and one (1) child under the age of five (5) will be allowed to visit. The child must sit on an adult’s lap.

Visiting Room Overcrowding Policy: In the event that space considerations require termination of visits, the following procedure will be followed:

  1. If the visitors waiting have visited two (2) or more times during the previous seven (7) days and they live locally, they will not be allowed to visit that day.
  2. If the visitors waiting have not visited two (2) or more times during the previous seven (7) days, early termination of visits in the visiting rooms will occur in the following order:
    • Visitors who completed a Family Reunion visit that morning.
    • Local Visitors who have visited two (2) or more times within the previous seven (7) days or participated in a Family Reunion Visit within the previous seven (7) days.
    • Local visitors (Those who live within a one hundred (100) mile radius of the facility).
    • First visit in/first visit out

For additional visitation information, please visit the DOCCS Visitors Page

Ask The Inmate

Ask a former inmate questions at no charge. The inmate answering has spent considerable time in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and in a prison that was run by the private prison entity CCA. Ask your question or browse previous questions in response to comments or further questions of members of the InmateAid community.