NYSDOC - Bedford Hills Correctional Facility

State Prison

Last Updated: March 17, 2025
Address
247 Harris Rd, Bedford Hills, NY 10507-2400
County
Westchester
Phone
914-241-3100

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Bedford Hills CF is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - maximum facility.

The phone carrier is Securus Tech®, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of NYSDOC - Bedford Hills Correctional Facility

You can support your loved ones at Bedford Hills CF on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 914-241-3100.

Located at 247 Harris Rd in Bedford Hills, NY, Bedford Hills CF carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Bedford Hills CF 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 NYSDOC - Bedford Hills Correctional Facility 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.

Situated amidst the serene environs of Westchester County stands the venerable BHCF for Women. Originating in 1901 under the designation of Westfield State Farm, this institution has evolved into the preeminent women's penitentiary in the state of New York. Renowned for its custody of numerous notorious inmates, Bedford Hills possesses a storied past replete with both controversy and innovation. Among the exclusive enclaves dedicated solely to female inmates within New York's correctional landscape, Bedford Hills emerges as a paragon of rehabilitative methodologies and family-centric initiatives. Pioneered by Sister Elaine Roulet, its comprehensive programs have garnered acclaim on a national scale, serving as a paradigm for progressive penitentiary reform.

In a poignant manifestation of resistance, Bedford Hills bore witness to the August Rebellion of 1974, a fleeting yet consequential insurrection catalyzed by the maltreatment of a prison organizer at the hands of custodial staff. This seminal event underscored the perennial struggle for equity and justice within the precincts of the correctional apparatus.

Bedford Hills stands as an epitome of innovative correctional methodologies, offering an array of vocational and educational opportunities to its incarcerated populace. Ranging from vocational training in cosmetology and horticulture to comprehensive substance abuse treatment, the facility prides itself on fostering holistic personal and professional development among its denizens.

Nestled within the confines of Bedford Hills lies a sanctuary for motherhood – the prison nursery. Instituted in 1901, this pioneering initiative provides a nurturing haven for eligible inmates to nurture their offspring, fostering familial bonds that transcend the confines of incarceration.

Within the precincts of Bedford Hills, a tapestry of narratives unfolds, each tethered to an indelible figure who has left an enduring imprint on the annals of history.

  • Kathy Boudin, a convicted participant in the infamous 1981 Brinks robbery, embarked on a redemptive odyssey within the confines of Bedford Hills, ultimately emerging as a distinguished public health advocate upon her release.
  • Stacey Castor's harrowing tale of murder and duplicity reverberated throughout the nation, culminating tragically in her demise within a prison cell.
  • Judith Alice Clark, a figure intrinsically linked to the Brinks robbery, found solace in activism and education, co-founding programs that continue to uplift incarcerated women nationwide.
  • Amy Fisher, immortalized as the "Long Island Lolita," navigated the convolutions of love and transgression before finding absolution beyond the confines of imprisonment.
  • Jean Harris's tumultuous saga culminated in a gubernatorial reprieve, marking the conclusion of a chapter fraught with passion and tribulation.
  • Donna Hylton's harrowing past serves as a stark reminder of the intricate tapestry of human nature, igniting discourse on justice and rehabilitation.
  • Barbara Kogan's saga of betrayal and vengeance captivated the collective consciousness, spotlighting the darker undercurrents of marital discord.
  • Reminisce Mackie's transformative journey from incarceration to redemption embodies the resilience of the human spirit, inspiring hope amid adversity.
  • Joyce Mitchell's ill-fated decisions reverberated nationwide, serving as a cautionary tale of misplaced loyalty and the ramifications of deceit.
  • Joy Powell's steadfast resilience in the face of adversity epitomizes the enduring quest for truth and justice.
  • Nixzaliz Santiago's tragic narrative serves as a somber reminder of the ramifications of neglect and abuse within the penal system.
  • Pamela Smart's sensational trial captivated the nation, illuminating the intricacies of love, betrayal, and justice.
  • Marybeth Tinning's chilling transgressions elicited both horror and fascination, prompting introspection on the complexities of maternal instinct and its darker manifestations.
  • Carolyn Warmus's descent into infamy serves as a cautionary testament to the perils of obsession and betrayal, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
  • Laura Rideout's involvement in a high-profile murder case thrust her into the spotlight, sparking debates on justice and culpability.
  • Candace Seelbinder's shocking crimes serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within institutions entrusted with care and protection.

Within the precincts of Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women, a mosaic of redemption and resilience emerges, offering poignant insights into the complexity of the human condition. As these narratives continue to unfold, Bedford Hills stands as a testament to the enduring quest for equity, rehabilitation, and hope within the annals of the justice system.

Inmate Locator

Bedford Hills CF maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Visitation information effective 01/02/2024

Driving Directions

Visiting Days: Daily (including weekends)

Visiting Hours:

Weekdays: 8:30AM to 3:30PM (Latest arrival time 3:00PM)

Weekends/Holidays: 8:30AM to 3:30PM (Latest arrival time 3:00PM)

Special Housing Unit Visiting Days & Hours: Incarcerated individuals in SHU custody are permitted one non-legal visit within a seven (7) day period during the hours of 8:30AM – 3:30PM (Latest arrival time is 2:45PM). Each week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.

Visitation Schedule: Weekend visits are divided in specific segments of the population alphabetically by last name. See attached schedule.

2024 Visitation Schedule

Maximum Number of Visits per Day: Unlimited (except SHU status incarcerated individuals)

Maximum Number of Visits per Week: General confinement status incarcerated individuals and those initial reception incarcerated individuals who have been in the facility for a total of thirty (30) days will be permitted an unlimited number of visits on weekdays. Weekend visits may take place only on the scheduled visit day according to the (alpha by name) visiting calendar. There is no limit on the number of separate visits an incarcerated individual on any given day.

For reception status incarcerated individuals who have been in the facility less than thirty (30) days, all visits are limited to their approved weekend visit day only. There is no limit on the number of separate visits an incarcerated individual may participate in on their scheduled weekend visit day.

Maximum Number of Visitors per Visit: Three (3) visitors and one (1) child under the age of five (5) will be allowed per visit. The child must sit on an adult’s lap.

Visiting Room Overcrowding Policy: When the visiting room reaches its maximum capacity of twenty (20) visits in progress or ninety-two (92) persons in the visiting room, the officer will announce that the visiting room is at capacity. Upon the arrival of any additional visitors to the facility it may become necessary to terminate visits. Voluntary terminations will be requested first. If no volunteers come forward, visits in the order of first in, first out will be terminated. Each additional visit that arrives after that point will follow the same process of requesting voluntary termination. If no volunteers step forward, visits will be terminated on a first in, first out process until all waiting visitors have been accommodated.

Visitors traveling a great distance, especially with small children may be given special consideration if the visit room reaches capacity. Consideration is at the discretion of the Watch Commander or highest-ranking official in the facility.

For additional visitation information, please visit the DOCCS Visitors Page

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Frequently Asked Questions

NYSDOC - Bedford Hills Correctional Facility – FAQs

  1. What is a state prison?
      A state prison is a correctional facility operated by the New York Department of Corrections, housing individuals convicted of state crimes. Inmates typically serve sentences longer than one year. State prisons have different security levels and provide rehabilitation, education, and work programs.

  2. How do state prisons differ from federal prisons?
      State prisons hold offenders convicted of crimes under state laws, while federal prisons house those convicted of federal offenses. State prisons are managed by state DOCs and vary in policies, security levels, and resources. Federal prisons, run by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), often have more structured programs and uniform policies nationwide.

  3. What are the different security levels in state prisons?
      State prisons are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security, based on inmate risk assessments. Minimum-security facilities house non-violent offenders with lower risks. Medium-security prisons have higher security protocols and structured daily routines. Maximum-security prisons, or supermax facilities, house the most dangerous offenders with strict confinement measures.

  4. How are inmates classified in state prisons?
      Classification is based on criminal history, sentence length, behavior, and medical or mental health needs. The DOC assesses inmates upon intake to determine their housing assignment, work eligibility, and rehabilitative program access. Inmates may be reclassified based on behavior or security concerns.

  5. What types of programs are offered in state prisons?
      State prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, religious programs, and work release opportunities. Many prisons collaborate with colleges and trade schools to provide certificates in fields such as welding, plumbing, and computer technology.

  6. Can inmates earn early release from state prisons?
      Some inmates qualify for parole, good behavior credits, or sentence reduction programs. State laws determine eligibility based on offense type, institutional behavior, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Some states offer compassionate release for elderly or terminally ill inmates.

  7. How do state prisons handle medical care for inmates?
      Inmates receive basic medical, dental, and mental health care inside the facility. For specialized care, they may be transported to hospitals under security escort. State DOCs often contract with private healthcare providers such as Corizon Health, Wellpath, and Centurion Health.

  8. Are state prison inmates allowed to work?
      Yes, inmates can work within the prison (kitchen, janitorial, maintenance) or in prison industries (manufacturing, farming, sewing, furniture-making). Some states allow inmates to participate in work-release programs, where they work outside the prison and return at night. Inmate workers may earn small wages (often $0.10 to $2.00 per hour) depending on the job.

  9. What are the visitation rules for state prisons?
      Visitation varies by facility but generally requires pre-approval of visitors, background checks, dress codes, and scheduled visiting hours. Some prisons allow contact visits (where inmates and visitors can hug or hold hands), while others allow only non-contact visits (separated by glass). Video visitation services are provided by companies like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions.

  10. Can inmates receive mail and packages?
      Yes, inmates can receive letters, photos, and books, but all mail is screened for contraband. Some state prisons require mail to be sent through third-party processors, which convert letters into digital copies. Packages with clothing or hygiene items must often be ordered through approved vendors like Access Securepak, InmateCanteen, JailCanteeniCareGifts, MyCarePack or Union Supply Group.

  11. How do phone calls work in state prisons?
      Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers through prison phone services, but cannot receive calls. Calls are typically monitored and recorded. Services like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions provide prepaid accounts for families to deposit funds for calls. Some states offer tablet-based calls with limited messaging services.

  12. What are the disciplinary rules in state prisons?
      Inmates must follow prison regulations regarding behavior, movement, and interactions with staff and other inmates. Infractions like fighting, possession of contraband, or rule violations can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, or additional time added to their sentence.

  13. Do state prisons offer religious services?
      Yes, state prisons have chaplains and religious volunteers who provide services for various faiths. Many facilities offer Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and religious dietary accommodations for inmates who follow specific religious beliefs.

  14. How does parole work in state prisons?
      Inmates eligible for parole must appear before a parole board, which reviews their behavior, program participation, and risk to society. If granted parole, inmates serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community, following specific rules such as curfews and employment requirements.

  15. Can inmates transfer between state prisons?
      Yes, inmates may be transferred for medical needs, security risks, disciplinary actions, or administrative reasons. Some may request transfers to be closer to family, but approvals depend on facility capacity and eligibility requirements.

  16. What happens when an inmate finishes their sentence?
      Inmates released from state prison may receive reentry services, such as job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. Some states require certain inmates to remain under supervision (such as parole or probation) after release.

  17. Are state prisons overcrowded?
      Many states struggle with overcrowding due to high incarceration rates. Solutions include alternative sentencing programs, early release initiatives, and building new facilities to accommodate growing populations.

  18. How can family members send money to an inmate?
      Families can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account through services like JPay, ConnectNetwork, or  Access Corrections. Money is used for purchasing snacks, hygiene items, and phone calls. Some states have limits on how much an inmate can receive per month.

  19. Do state prisons offer educational opportunities?
      Yes, many prisons provide GED classes, college courses, and vocational training programs. Some offer Pell Grants for inmates to take college-level courses. Popular vocational programs include auto repair, HVAC, and culinary arts.

  20. Can inmates be placed in protective custody?
      Yes, inmates who are at risk of harm due to gang conflicts, former law enforcement ties, or other safety concerns can be placed in protective custody (PC). These inmates are housed separately from the general population, often with limited movement and privileges for their safety.

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