Bedford Hills Correctional Facility (Women) - New York
Overview of the Facility
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison for women located in Bedford Hills, New York. It is operated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and serves as the primary facility for women in New York State's prison system.
Contact Information
Address: 247 Harris Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507
Phone Number: (914) 241-3100
Website: https://doccs.ny.gov/location/bedford-hills-correctional-facility
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, you can use the New York State DOCCS Inmate Lookup Service available at http://nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov/. You will need the inmate's name or Department Identification Number (DIN).
Visitation Information and Hours
Visiting hours are generally on weekends and holidays from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Visitors must arrive before 2:00 PM to be processed. It's recommended to check with the facility directly for the most up-to-date visitation schedule and any COVID-19 related restrictions.
How to Send Money
Money can be sent to inmates through various methods:
- Online: Through JPay at https://www.jpay.com/
- By Phone: Call 1-800-574-5729
- By Mail: Send a money order to JPay, PO Box 278, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44222
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates can make collect calls or use prepaid phone accounts. Video visitation may be available through JPay, but it's best to check with the facility for current options and procedures.
Inmate Services and Programs
Bedford Hills offers various programs including:
- Educational programs (GED and college courses)
- Vocational training
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health services
- Parenting programs
- Nursery program for inmates who give birth while incarcerated
History of the Facility
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility was opened in 1901. It was originally known as the New York State Reformatory for Women at Bedford. Over the years, it has evolved to become the primary maximum-security prison for women in New York State.
Security and Management Information
As a maximum-security facility, Bedford Hills employs strict security measures. The facility is managed by a Superintendent and a team of correctional officers and administrative staff.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates have the right to legal representation and can receive visits from their attorneys. Family and friends can visit according to the facility's visitation policy, which may be subject to change based on security concerns or public health situations.
Booking and Release Process
Inmates are typically transferred to Bedford Hills from county jails after sentencing. Upon arrival, they go through an intake process including medical screening and classification. Release procedures vary depending on the type of release (e.g., parole, completion of sentence) and are coordinated with the Department of Corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items can I send to an inmate at Bedford Hills?
Approved items typically include letters, photos, and approved publications sent directly from the publisher. All items are subject to inspection. It's best to check with the facility for the most current list of approved items.
Is there a nursery program at Bedford Hills?
Yes, Bedford Hills has a nursery program that allows eligible incarcerated mothers to keep their babies with them for up to 18 months after giving birth while in custody.
Can inmates receive education while at Bedford Hills?
Yes, Bedford Hills offers various educational programs including GED preparation and college courses through partnerships with local educational institutions.
Notable Inmates
Some notable inmates who have served time at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility include:
- Jean Harris - Convicted of murdering Herman Tarnower, the creator of the Scarsdale Diet.
- Kathy Boudin - Involved in the 1981 Brink's robbery.
- Pamela Smart - Convicted of conspiring with her teenage lover to kill her husband.
- Joyce Mitchell - Convicted for helping two inmates escape from Clinton Correctional Facility in 2015.
- Judith Clark - Involved in the 1981 Brink's robbery alongside Kathy Boudin.
