Elmira Correctional Facility

A maximum-security prison for men in Elmira, in the Southern Tier — the primary reception and classification center for men entering New York's prison system.

Overview

Elmira Correctional Facility, in Elmira in the Southern Tier of New York near the Pennsylvania line, is a maximum-security prison for men and the primary reception and classification center for men entering DOCCS custody. Because of that role, a man may be here only briefly during reception, and the facility shown in the lookup can change after classification. Like all maximum-security facilities, visiting and movement are more controlled than at lower-security prisons.

What Makes Elmira Different

• It is the primary reception and classification center for men entering New York’s prison system.
• A newly committed man may be here only briefly, and the facility shown in the lookup can change after classification and transfer.
• It is a maximum-security prison, so visiting, movement, and property are more restricted.
• Visiting is limited during reception, so confirm the person’s current facility before traveling.

Visiting

The statewide DOCCS rules above — the approved visitor list, the dress code, ID, and item limits — apply at Elmira Correctional Facility. The facility’s own arrangements:

The full visitor process is in Visiting in New York.

Getting There and Parking

The prison is on Davis Street in Elmira, in the Southern Tier of New York.

Distances are approximate, based on map routing. Visitor parking is on site.

Nearby Services

Elmira and the surrounding Chemung County area have the full range of gas, food, and lodging, with more throughout the Southern Tier. The nearest 24-hour emergency rooms are in the Elmira area.

Mail

New York does not use an off-site mail vendor — incoming personal mail is opened and photocopied at the facility, and the incarcerated person receives the photocopies (images may also reach their JPay tablet) rather than the original letters. Address it with the person’s name and DIN (Department Identification Number) and the facility’s address. Legal mail goes to the facility and is handled under privileged-mail rules. Books, publications, and packages must be ordered from approved vendors. Full rules are in Mail & Packages.

Learn More

For detailed information about visiting and communicating with someone in a New York state prison:

• Visiting in New York — the approved visitor list, dress code, and visiting hours
• Mail & Packages — on-site photocopying and the approved-vendor package rule
• Phone & Video Calls — free Securus calls, JPay tablets, and video visits
• Sending Money — depositing through JPay
• Medical & Mental Health — sick call, in-house care, and oversight
• Transfers & Finding Someone — reception, finding someone, and the lookup