CT DOC-Cheshire Correctional Institution

You can support your loved ones at Cheshire CI on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 203-651-6100.

Located at 900 Highland Ave in Cheshire, CT, Cheshire CI carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Cheshire CI 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.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on CT DOC-Cheshire Correctional Institution so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

The Cheshire CI, established in 1913 as the Cheshire Reformatory, has a rich history dating back over a century. Originally designed to reform male offenders aged 16-24, it operated separately from the adult prison population. Over the years, the institution underwent significant developments, including expansions and administrative mergers.

Today, the Cheshire Correctional Institution continues its mission of confining both sentenced and unsentenced adult offenders. In addition to its core functions, the facility operates specialized housing units catering to diverse needs, such as protective custody, restrictive housing, and the True Program, which focuses on offender rehabilitation.

With a current staff of 473, the institution is committed to supporting the Department of Correction's initiatives by providing a range of opportunities aimed at addressing offender risks and needs. These include offender programming, vocational education, addiction treatment, and religious services. The vocational education programs actively engage inmates in meaningful projects benefiting non-profit and community organizations.

The physical infrastructure of the Cheshire Correctional Institution comprises four inmate housing units situated on 25 acres of land. Notably, the north block galleys were acquired from Sing Sing prison in New York and transported to Connecticut by barge, adding to the institution's historical significance.

Throughout its history, the Cheshire Correctional Institution has adapted to changing societal needs and correctional philosophies. From its early days as a reformatory for young male offenders to its current role in adult offender rehabilitation, the institution remains dedicated to its core principles of accountability, education, and community engagement.

In 1993, significant changes occurred with the closure of the galleys and the opening of new North and South Blocks. Subsequent developments, such as the opening of the commissary housing unit in 1998, further enhanced the facility's capacity to meet the evolving needs of the inmate population.

As it continues to evolve, the Cheshire Correctional Institution remains a vital component of Connecticut's correctional system, serving as a beacon of rehabilitation and community reintegration for adult offenders.