NYC DOC - Rikers Island - West Facility (WF) New York: Inmate Guide
Overview of the Facility
The West Facility (WF) is one of several jails located on Rikers Island, which is part of the New York City Department of Correction (NYC DOC) system. It primarily houses male inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences.
Contact Information
Address: 16-16 Hazen Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Phone: (718) 546-1500
Website: NYC Department of Correction
Email: N/A
How to Locate an Inmate
To find an inmate at West Facility or any Rikers Island jail, use the NYC DOC Inmate Lookup Service. You'll need the inmate's name and birth date or New York State ID Number (NYSID) or Book and Case Number.
Visitation Information and Hours
Visitation hours vary depending on the housing area. Generally, visits are allowed on weekdays and weekends. Visitors must register in advance and bring valid identification. For the most up-to-date information, check the NYC DOC Visitation page.
How to Send Money
Funds can be sent to inmates through several methods:
- Online: JPay
- Phone: 1-800-574-5729
- Mobile app: JPay
- MoneyGram: Use receive code 1279
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Family and friends can set up accounts through Securus Technologies. Video visitation may be available, but availability and procedures can change, so check with the facility for current options.
Inmate Services and Programs
West Facility offers various programs including:
- Educational services
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Religious services
History of the Facility
West Facility opened in 1991 as part of the Rikers Island complex. Rikers Island has been in use as a jail since 1932 and has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the years.
Security and Management Information
As part of the NYC DOC system, West Facility adheres to strict security protocols. The facility is managed by trained correctional officers and administrative staff under the supervision of the NYC DOC Commissioner.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal counsel and can receive visits from their attorneys. They also have the right to receive visits from family and friends, subject to facility rules and regulations.
Booking and Release Process
Upon arrival, inmates go through a booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and medical screening. Release procedures vary depending on the circumstances of each case, such as posting bail, completing a sentence, or court order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I bring to a visit?
Visitors are generally allowed to bring only essential items such as identification, car keys, and a small amount of money for vending machines. All items are subject to search, and many personal belongings are not permitted inside the facility.
How often can inmates receive visits?
The frequency of visits depends on the inmate's classification and housing unit. Most inmates are allowed multiple visits per week, but it's best to check with the facility for specific schedules.
Can I send packages to an inmate?
Package policies are restrictive and subject to change. Generally, only certain approved items may be sent, and they must come directly from approved vendors. Check with the facility for current rules before sending any packages.
Famous Prisoners
While specific information about inmates at West Facility is not readily available, Rikers Island as a whole has housed several notable individuals, including:
- Tupac Shakur - Rapper, arrested for sexual abuse charges in 1993.
- Lil Wayne - Rapper, held on weapons charges in 2010.
- Dominique Strauss-Kahn - Former IMF chief, held on sexual assault charges in 2011.
- Harvey Weinstein - Film producer, temporarily held on sexual assault charges in 2018.
- Sid Vicious - Musician, held on murder charges in 1978.
- Son of Sam (David Berkowitz) - Serial killer, held before transfer to state prison in 1977.
- Mark David Chapman - John Lennon's assassin, held briefly before transfer in 1980.
- Plaxico Burress - NFL player, held on weapons charges in 2009.
- Foxy Brown - Rapper, held for violating probation in 2007.
- DMX - Rapper, held multiple times for various charges between 2000-2018.
