The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, commonly known as DOCCS, is the state agency responsible for the care, custody, and treatment of individuals incarcerated in New York State prisons. It also oversees individuals who have been released back into the community under parole supervision.
Navigating the rules and systems of a state agency can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to support a loved one or find specific information. This guide provides a clear overview of how DOCCS operates and how you can access their most important services.
What is New York State DOCCS?
DOCCS is one of the largest state agencies in New York. It manages dozens of correctional facilities across the state, ranging from minimum-security camps to maximum-security prisons.
The agency has two primary missions. First, it ensures public safety by maintaining secure facilities for those sentenced to prison. Second, it prepares individuals for a successful return to society through educational programs, vocational training, and community supervision.
How to Find an Incarcerated Individual
If you need to locate someone within the New York State prison system, the DOCCS website offers a public tool called the Incarcerated Individual Lookup. This is the fastest way to find out where someone is being held.
To use the lookup tool effectively, you will generally need one of two pieces of information:
- Department Identification Number (DIN): This is a unique number assigned to every person entering the state prison system. It is the most accurate way to search.
- Legal Name: You can search by first and last name. If the name is common, you may also want to include a birth year to narrow down the results.
The search results will provide the individual’s current location, their release eligibility dates, and the crimes for which they were convicted. It is important to note that this database only includes people currently in state prison or those released within the last few years.
Understanding Facility Security Levels
New York State correctional facilities are categorized by security levels. The level of the facility often determines the types of programs available and the freedom of movement for those living there.
Maximum Security
These facilities house individuals who require the highest level of supervision. They feature high walls, secure perimeters, and more restrictive movement within the prison.
Medium Security
Medium-security facilities are the most common in New York. They use secure perimeters and internal controls but generally offer more vocational and educational opportunities than maximum-security sites.
Minimum Security
Minimum-security facilities, including work release centers and camps, are for individuals nearing the end of their sentences who have shown they can follow rules with less direct supervision. These sites focus heavily on reentry preparation.
How to Visit a DOCCS Facility
Visiting an incarcerated loved one is a vital part of the rehabilitation process. However, DOCCS has very strict rules to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and incarcerated individuals.
General Visitation Rules
Most facilities allow visitation on weekends and holidays, though some have weekday hours as well. You should always check the specific facility’s schedule before traveling, as hours can change without notice.
All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo ID. This can include a driver’s license, a state ID card, or a passport. Minors must be accompanied by an adult and have a birth certificate on file.
The Dress Code
DOCCS enforces a strict dress code for all visitors. If you do not follow these rules, you will be denied entry. General guidelines include:
- Avoid clothing that resembles a uniform (such as solid green or tan).
- Do not wear clothing that is excessively revealing or sheer.
- Avoid clothing with metal accents that might trigger a metal detector.
- Wear appropriate footwear; flip-flops are often discouraged or prohibited.
Prohibited Items
You are generally not allowed to bring anything into the visiting room except for a small amount of cash for vending machines (stored in a clear plastic bag) and a locker key. Cell phones, cameras, and recording devices are strictly prohibited and must be left in your car or a facility locker.
Sending Money and Packages
Incarcerated individuals can receive funds from family and friends to purchase items from the commissary, such as food, hygiene products, and stamps.
Electronic Funds Transfer
The fastest way to send money is through third-party services like JPay or GTL (Viapath). These services allow you to send money online, via a mobile app, or by phone for a small fee.
Money Orders
You can also mail a money order directly to the facility’s business office. You must include the individual’s full name and DIN on the money order to ensure it is credited to the correct account. This method takes longer to process but usually has no fee.
Sending Packages
DOCCS has specific “vendor-only” package policies. This means family members cannot usually mail boxes of food or clothing directly from home. Instead, you must order items through approved catalogs or vendors who ship directly to the prison.
Communication: Phone Calls and Mail
Staying in touch through letters and phone calls is encouraged. However, all communication is subject to monitoring and recording for security purposes.
Mail Policies
You can write letters to anyone in a DOCCS facility. All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband. Do not include items like stickers, glitter, or unknown substances in your letters, as this may cause the mail to be rejected.
Phone Calls
Incarcerated individuals cannot receive incoming phone calls. They must place outgoing calls to a pre-approved list of numbers. These calls are typically collect or paid for through a prepaid account set up by the family through the state’s contracted provider, Securus Technologies.
Community Supervision (Parole)
The “Community Supervision” part of DOCCS refers to parole. When an individual is released from prison before their maximum sentence date, they are supervised by a Parole Officer (PO).
Parolees must follow a strict set of conditions, which may include:
- Reporting regularly to their Parole Officer.
- Maintaining steady employment or attending school.
- Abstaining from illegal drug use and passing random drug tests.
- Abiding by a curfew or geographic restrictions.
If a person violates these conditions, they may be sent back to prison to serve the remainder of their sentence. The goal of community supervision is to help the individual transition back into society while maintaining public safety.
Reentry Services and Resources
DOCCS provides various resources to help individuals succeed after their release. This includes assistance with finding housing, obtaining identification documents like Social Security cards, and connecting with local employment agencies.
Many facilities offer “Phase III” reentry programming, which teaches life skills such as budgeting, resume writing, and conflict resolution. These programs are designed to reduce recidivism and help formerly incarcerated people become productive members of their communities.
Conclusion
Understanding the New York State DOCCS system is the first step in supporting an incarcerated individual or navigating the parole process. By following the agency’s rules for visitation, communication, and financial support, you can help ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved.
If you need more specific information, it is always best to visit the official DOCCS website or contact the specific correctional facility directly. For more helpful guides on navigating state services and everyday challenges, explore our other articles on SearchAndHelp.com.