Northern Correctional Institution: A Guide for Inmates and Visitors
Overview of the Facility
Northern Correctional Institution was a maximum-security prison located in Somers, Connecticut. It was known for housing the state's most challenging and high-risk inmates. However, it's important to note that the facility was officially closed on June 11, 2021, as part of the state's efforts to reduce its prison population and cut costs.
Contact Information
As the facility is now closed, there is no current contact information available. For general inquiries about the Connecticut Department of Correction, you can use the following:
- Address: 24 Wolcott Hill Road, Wethersfield, CT 06109
- Phone: (860) 692-7480
- Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DOC
Inmate Services and Programs
While the facility was operational, it offered limited programs due to its high-security nature. These included:
- Basic educational services
- Mental health counseling
- Religious services
- Limited work assignments
History of the Facility
Northern Correctional Institution opened in 1995 as a supermax prison designed to house the most problematic inmates in the Connecticut prison system. It was known for its strict containment policies and limited out-of-cell time for inmates. The facility's closure in 2021 marked a significant shift in Connecticut's correctional policies.
Security and Management Information
When operational, Northern Correctional Institution was the highest security prison in Connecticut. It employed advanced surveillance technology and strict protocols to manage its high-risk population. The facility was designed to minimize inmate movement and maximize control.
Booking and Release Process
As the facility is now closed, there are no current booking or release processes. Inmates who were housed at Northern Correctional Institution at the time of its closure were transferred to other facilities within the Connecticut Department of Correction system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the inmates after Northern Correctional Institution closed?
Inmates were transferred to other facilities within the Connecticut Department of Correction system based on their security classification and individual needs.
Why was Northern Correctional Institution closed?
The closure was part of Connecticut's efforts to reduce its prison population, cut costs, and shift away from the use of solitary confinement and supermax facilities.
What was the capacity of Northern Correctional Institution?
The facility had a capacity of approximately 584 inmates, though in its final years, it operated well below capacity due to declining prison populations.
Notable Inmates
While specific names of inmates are not typically disclosed for privacy reasons, Northern Correctional Institution was known to house some of Connecticut's most high-profile and dangerous offenders, including those convicted of serious violent crimes and those who posed significant management problems in other facilities.
