Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many facilities are in Connecticut?
The Department of Correction has 18 Correctional facilities in the State of Connecticut. Sixteen for adult male offenders, one for teenage male offenders and one for female offenders. In Connecticut both the jails which hold pre-trial offenders and the prisons which incarcerated sentenced offenders come under the Department of Correction. Follow the link to learn more about each Facility.
Q. How can victims of a crime be notified when an inmate is being released?
The Connecticut Department of Correction has a Victim Services Unit. Contact Victim Services Unit for more information.
Q. If I live near a correctional facility, how will I be notified if something affecting public safety were to happen?
Residents who live in the area of a correctional facility may register with that facility to have their telephone number placed on a telephone calling tree, which will notify them in the event of an emergency.
Q. What career opportunities are available within the Department of Correction?
The Department of Correction is staffed by a variety of professionals including correction officers, clergy, maintenance, clerical, and counselors to name just a few. To explore career options within the Department of Correction.
Q. How can I volunteer for the Department of Correction?
The Department provides meaningful opportunities for citizen involvement to supplement programs and services through volunteers. Typically, volunteers supplement Addiction Services, Basic Education Services and Chaplaincy Services. Any volunteer applicant shall be considered on the basis of maturity, dependability interest and overall background. Any applicant who seeks to provide professional services shall provide credentials and/or certification by an appropriate organization, college or university. A current or ex-offender shall be precluded from routine participation as a volunteer. However, a current or ex-offender may request permission to participate in writing through the Director of Volunteer Services. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer within the Department of Correction you may contact Director of Volunteer Services, Douglas Kulmacz at Doug.Kulmacz@po.state.ct.us. For more information see Administrative Directive 10.4 Volunteer and Recreation Services. and Volunteer and Recreation Services Page
Q. What is the average daily cost of incarcerating an inmate?
The average daily cost of incarceration averages approximately $92.35 per inmate.
Q. How many inmates are on death row in Connecticut?
Currently there are 11 male inmates awaiting execution on death row at the Northern Correctional Institution in Somers.
Q. What form of execution does Connecticut have?
Under Connecticut General Statutes Sec, 54-100 the method of inflicting punishment of death is lethal injection. For more information see Administrative Directive 6.15 Administration of Death Penalty. On May 13, 2005, the State of Connecticut carried out its first execution since 1960 and the first ever in the state by means of lethal injection.
Q. Can I write to someone who is incarcerated?
Yes. All correspondence must include the inmate's full name and their inmate number in addition to the address of the facility where they are incarcerated. There shall be no limit placed on the number of letters an inmate may write or receive at personal expense, except as a disciplinary penalty, in accordance with Administrative Directive 9.5, Code of Penal Discipline.
Caution! Those engaging in correspondence with offenders are encouraged to exercise caution with regard to the release of any personal information that could compromise their safety. Additionally, discretion is advised when utilizing inmate information from alternative sources such as pen pal web sites, that may be misleading or intentionally inaccurate. The Department does not control the content of information posted on inmate pen pal websites, nor are inmates allowed Internet access. On a case by case basis, the Department does review the responses sent to inmates from pen pal web sites to determine if they are consistent with the safety and security of the correctional facility and the rehabilitative interests of the offender.
An inmate may write to anyone except:
- a victim of any criminal offense for which the inmate has served or is serving a sentence, or stands convicted of, or disposition is pending;
- any person under the age of 18 when the person's parent or guardian objects in writing to such correspondence;
- an inmate in another correctional facility, other than immediate family;
- a parolee or inmate on community confinement without the express permission of the Unit Administrator and the addressee's supervisor;
- any person whom the inmate is restrained from writing to by court order; or
- any other person, when prohibiting such correspondence is generally necessary to further the substantial interests of security, order or rehabilitation. (See also Administrative Directive 10.7 Inmate Communication).
Q. Can I place a telephone call to someone who is incarcerated?
No, inmates do not have access to incoming telephone calls, however, telephones are available to inmates to place outgoing collect calls or calls that are billed through the AdvancePay option. Each inmate completes a calling list that contains up to ten telephone numbers they may call for social contact.
Credit card calls, billing to a third party, call forwarding, transfers or any other method which circumvents collect call billing shall be prohibited. (See also Administrative Directive 10.7 Inmate Communication).
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Q. How do I visit someone who is incarcerated?
An inmate who anticipates regular visits shall submit the name and address of each potential visitor to the assigned counselor. The counselor shall forward a copy of the Visiting Application Form, to the prospective visitor, who shall complete and sign the application and mail it back to the assigned counselor. Because this process can take two to three weeks, wardens have the discretion to permit a courtesy visit, for up to two (2) adult visitors from the inmate's immediate family to visit with the inmate prior to the approval of the application. (Note: An adult is defined as an individual who is 18 years of age or older). Children shall be accompanied by an adult on the approved visitor list and remain under the supervision of the adult visitor.
Please note:
Please check the Visitation link on the right column of the home page to determine whether visiting has been canceled at any of the agency's correcitonal institutions.
Visitors are also encouraged to contact the facility prior to visitation to confirm the visiting schedule and to insure that the inmate they plan to visit has not lost his or her visiting privileges.
It is up to the offender to notify a visitor that they have been added to the visiting list.
(1) Review. The Unit Administrator shall require verification of the visiting application information or any other information deemed significant. A rap sheet and warrant query shall be conducted to verify criminal history information. A personal interview with the visitor applicant may be required.
(2) Current and Ex-Offenders. A current or ex-offender shall be precluded from routine placement on an inmate's visitor list. However, a current or ex-offender may request permission to visit, in writing, through the facility administrator.
(3) Limitations. A Department employee shall be prohibited from placement on an inmate visitor list unless the employee is an immediate family member. No visitor, except an immediate family member, shall be on more than one (1) inmate's visiting list at the same facility.
A visit between an inmate and the inmate's victim shall not be permitted unless approved in writing by the Unit Administrator.
(4) Authorized Number. An inmate shall be authorized to place up to the following number of approved visitors, to include children, on the visiting list:
|
Level of Facility |
Number Authorized |
|
5 |
5 |
|
3 and 4 |
7 |
|
2 |
10 |
A privileged or professional visitor shall not count against the authorized number on an approved visitor list. (See also Administrative Directive 10.6 Inmate Visits).
Important- Please read the following.
In accordance with Sections 53a-174 through 53a-174b of the Connecticut General Statutes, conveying, passing or causing to be conveyed or passed any controlled drug, intoxicating liquor, firearm, weapon, dangerous instrument or explosive, United States currency, or any rope, ladder or other instrument or device for use in making, attempting or aiding an escape is a crime. Any person not authorized by law who conveys into a correctional facility any letter or other missive which is intended for any person confined therein, or who conveys from within the enclosure to the outside of such facility any letter or other missive written or given by any person confined therein is a crime. Any person not authorized by the Commissioner of Correction or the commissioner's designee who (1) conveys or possesses with intent to convey an electronic wireless communication device to any inmate of a correctional institution while such inmate is in such institution, or (2) uses an electronic wireless communication device to take a photographic or digital image in a correctional institution is a crime. Violators shall be prosecuted.
Q. Is transportation available to correctional facilities?
The Department of Correction contracts with non-profit providers such as Families in Crisis to provide transportation to correctional facilities. They may be reached at 860-236-3593.
Q. How can I send money to an inmate?
Inmates may receive money from individuals on their visiting list. This may be done either by sending a money order to:
Inmate Trust Fund
P.O. Box 290800
Wethersfield, CT 06129-0800
Or, inidividuals on an inmate's visiting list may sign up during a facility visit, for the option of sending money through Western Union.
If sending a money order, be certain to include the inmate's full name and correctional identification number on the money order. Please include a completed remitter form (PDF, 27 KB) Do not include any correspondence to the inmate.
If you have any questions, please call 860-692-7670. Please allow at least 10 working days for money orders to be posted to an inmate's account.
Q. Does an inmate have to pay for his or her incarceration?
An offender may be required under Connecticut state law, to reimburse the taxpayers for his or her stay in a correctional facility, based on the per day cost of the facility where the offender was housed.
The Department of Administrative Services Collections Recovery Unit is responsible for assessing these costs.
The Collections Recovery Unit is responsible for collecting money due the State of Connecticut from decedent estates or the recipients of windfalls. Windfalls are described as unearned income/assets from lawsuits, personal injury insurance claims or inheritances.
When an individual applies for State aid either with the Departments of Social Services, Mental Health & Addiction Services, Children and Families, Developmental Services or has been sentenced to serve a term in jail by a Connecticut Court they are liable for the full amount of assistance received, cost of their care or cost of incarceration.
The Recovery Unit identifies individuals or their legally liable relatives who owe the State money and places a claim on the estate or lien with the attorney for the lawsuit/claim.
Contact:
JoAnn Figueiredo
DAS
165 Capitol Ave, Suite 5N
Hartford, CT 06106
Email - joann.figueiredo@ct.gov
Phone - 860 713-5261
