Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center

To search for an inmate in the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 718-546-4520 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case online for New York County Court or any other county court in New York. This information includes future court appearances.

Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center Inmate Search

The Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center maintains an average of 2978 offenders in custody on any given day. The Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year New York County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 348,040 offenders.

How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center? What is the Schedule?

NYC DOC provides free visitor transportation to and from Rikers at the following locations:

BUS SCHEDULE

Harlem - East 125th Street,
at 3rd Avenue.

Brooklyn - Jay Street,
between Fulton Street and Willoughby Street.

The typical one-way route time is 45 min for the Harlem stop and 60 min for the Brooklyn stop.
This is subject to changing traffic conditions and therefore times may vary from those provided in the schedule as they expand this service.

Call 311 for information about Rikers Visit Bus service.

TELEVISITING

Televisiting will take place from 8:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, and 8:00am to 2:00pm on Sunday. Televisiting follows the Department's existing in-person visit schedule, which organizes visit days based on the first letter of the person in custody's last name. Please refer to the Visit Schedule in order to determine which day of the week you may visit your loved one.

VISIT SCHEDULE (changes monthly)

In-person visits will take place Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.- and Friday mornings from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Visitors need to arrive 1 hour prior to their scheduled visit time. Visits will follow the existing visitor schedule according to the last name of the individual in custody.

Visiting groups may consist of no more than two (2) adults and one (1) child who will sit on one of the adult’s lap; or one (1) adult and two (2) children, at least one of whom is small enough to sit on someone’s lap.

Detainees may receive visits three (3) times per week. Sentenced individuals may receive visits two (2) times per week. All individuals in custody are limited to one (1) visit session per visit day, regardless of the number of visitors in that session.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 718-546-4520 for further assistance.

Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center?

TELEVISITING AT Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center

Instructions for televisiting can be found on this page:  TELEVISITING PAGE

• Televisiting will take place from 8:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, and Sunday.
• Televisiting follows the Department's existing in-person visit schedule, which organizes visit days based on the first letter of the person in custody's last name.
• Refer to the Visit Schedule in order to determine which day of the week you may visit your loved one.

Scheduling a Televisit:

• If you would like to schedule a televisit, you must fill out the Online Televisit Web Form.
  ONLINE TELEVISIT WEB FORM 
  When filling out the form, you will be directed to select three potential dates for your televisit to occur.
• In order to make sure equal access is afforded to everyone, you are only able to fill out a request form for the upcoming week. Requests for dates beyond the following week will not be fulfilled.
• IMPORTANT: A visit is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email at the email address you provided on the televisit request webform. The confirmation email will provide you with the date and time for your visit as well as an access link.
  If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of the last requested visit date this means that none of the dates you requested were available. 
  In that case, you must resubmit another web form with different dates and times.
• Online Televisit Web Forms will not be processed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and no confirmation emails will be sent out on those days.

  ---

  VISITATION HOURS - ALL  FACILITIES

• Wednesday -Thursday:  In-Person Visits: 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

• If you do not have a scheduled visit appointment, your walk-in visit may not be honored if you arrive after 6pm.

• Friday:  In-Person Visits: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• If you do not have a scheduled visit appointment, your walk-in visit may not be honored if you arrive after 12pm.

• Saturday - Sunday:    Televisits: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

  It is strongly suggested that all visitors pre-register for their in-person visits.
  Visitors who do not pre-register, and who do not receive confirmation of their scheduled visit, cannot be guaranteed a visit upon their arrival.
  Visitors who do not pre-register also may not be able to wait inside, due to social distancing space constraints.
  To pre-register for an in-person visit please click here.

All Televisits must be scheduled in advance. Click here to schedule a Televisit.

• NOTE: the start of visiting hours can be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Facility lockdowns may affect regularly scheduled visit hours.

• There are no visits on Mondays and Tuesdays.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 718-546-4520 for further assistance.

How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center?

How to Deposit Money in the Account of an NYC DOC Inmate in Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center

To deposit money in the commissary account of an NYC DOC inmate, follow these instructions:

• You can deposit money online using Jpay, Western Union or Moneygram. The money can also be used for bail.
• You can mail a money order of cashier's check into Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center.
• You can deposit cash into a kiosk that is located in the Vernon C. Bain Center in the Bronx.

For all the information, including links to all of the online deposit methods and addresses fo mailing money orders, check out our Send Money Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 718-546-4520 for further assistance.

How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center?

How Inmates in Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center, Rikers Island and the entire NYC DOC Jail System Make Phone Calls

To find out how Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center makes phone calls, read this information:

• Inmates in the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center can make 21 minutes worth of domestic calls every three hours, with no call going longer than 15 minutes.
• Inmates in Segregation get less time, and only once a day maximum.
• There is a fee if an inmate wants to buy more phone calling time when incarcerated in the NYC DOC.

For all the information on how to buy time, using tablets to make calls, how much it costs and more, check out out Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 718-546-4520 for further assistance.

How do I Mail an Inmate in the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center, and what can I send them?

Postcards

The Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center allows inmates to receive pre-metered postcards like the type purchased from the post office. They may also allow certain photo postcards as long as they have not been tampered with or contain images that may be considered to be obscene or violent in nature.

Envelopes

The Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center also allows inmates to receive letters in envelopes as long as they aren’t altered by things such as perfume or lipstick.

Click here  to look up the inmate’s Booking and Casing number. Once the link opens, click on inmate look-up. Input the inmate’s first and last name and locate the Booking and Casing number.

Address the envelope or postcard like this:

Inmate Name, Inmate ID#
Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center
15-15 Hazen Street
East Elmhurt, NY 11370

You must also place your full name and address in the left-hand top corner of the envelope or postcard.

Incoming mail without a return name and address may be rejected by jail staff.

There is no limit to the number of pages you send as long as the weight does not exceed 15 pounds, which would be almost impossible with a handwritten letter.

Newspapers & Magazines

Detainees in Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center may receive one cubic foot (12 inches X 12 inches X 12 inches) of non-legal printed materials, including soft and hardcover books, magazines, newspapers, periodicals, pamphlets, advertisements and other printed articles, in any combination.

News, special interest or sports magazines may be mailed directly from the publisher or from a private person. Magazines do not have to be new.

The label should be addressed in the same way you address the letters – with first name, last name and booking number.

 Any magazines that contain profanity, weapons, pornography or other content that is adult in nature will be confiscated by the jail staff and will NOT be delivered to the inmate.

Mail subscriptions to:

Inmate Name, Inmate ID#
Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center
15-15 Hazen Street
East Elmhurt, NY 11370

Books

Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center will also allow the inmate to receive books by mail. They can be sent directly from a vendor such as Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com or you can send them yourself. They do not have to be new.

While there isn’t a rule against hardcover books, the jail staff has discretion in whether to allow hardcovers, therefore, it is best to always send softcover books. Mail them to the same address you mail letters and be sure to put the inmate’s booking number on the label.

It is a good idea to also write the inmate’s first and last name and booking number in the inside flap of each book if they are being sent from home.

Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center standards will be disposed of.

Clothing

You are allowed to mail clothing to an inmate but cannot mail clothing that is camouflage, blue, red or yellow in color.

Jail staff strongly recommends you send brown, grey or white clothing. You cannot send shoes or slippers. They must be purchased from commissary.

Shoes are only allowed for courtroom appearances or other outside needs such as the funeral of a family member,  etc.

Inmates are not allowed to wear button-down white shirts.

The box cannot weigh more than 15 pounds and must be less than 12 inches high, 24 inches deep and 24 inches wide.

Packages

Packages cannot exceed fifteen pounds (15 lbs.) and shall be less than twenty-four inches (24") wide, twelve inches (12") high, and twenty-four inches (24") deep.

All items brought or shipped to the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center will be thoroughly searched for contraband.  Anyone bringing contraband into the facilities will be arrested and prosecuted.

• Toiletries and food items are prohibited. They must be purchased by the inmate in the commissary.
• Cash for inmate fund accounts is no longer being accepted by mail.  Only money orders and cashier checks will be accepted by mail.
• NO clothing, footwear or accessory is permitted in the colors of red, yellow, and light blue. Permissible colors for clothing and accessories for detained persons are: Brown, Grey or White, but no button down white shirts. Permissible colors for footwear are: Black, White or Grey or any combination of the three.

The following is a list of the ONLY items that may be brought in for an inmate or sent by mail. Permissible items delivered to the facility must be mailed or brought in an open paper shopping bag, labeled with the name and address of the sender and the name and facility address of the inmate.

Inmates are allowed to have the following clothing items in their possession:

Personal Items

• *One Coat (Non-uniform, No Blue or Camouflage, No leather, "Carhart"  "Dickies" or Bubble Coats, etc.)
• *One Suit Jacket (Non-Uniform, No Blue or Camouflage, No leather or "Carhart").
• *One Pair of Gloves (For outdoor cold weather, October-April).  No work or leather gloves, knit type only.
• *One Hat/Cap (Non-uniform, no stocking type caps).
• *One Raincoat (Non-Uniform or reversible, no black, no camouflage and no hoods).
• ** One pair of Shoes or Sneakers, (No hollow chambers or platform soles, Converse All-Stars high tops, New Balance, Nike or Adidas sneakers or boots, to be used for on-trial court appearances or a significant family event. Shoes cannot have metal supports/shoe shanks).
• ** Two sets of shoelaces to be used for on-trial court appearance or a significant family event.
• Four sets of underclothing (In accordance with the inmate's sex unless otherwise approved by medical).
• Four pairs of socks.
• Four pairs of Stockings, Panty hose, Knee-hi's (Combination) - (female only).
• Two pairs of pajamas (men).
• Two nightgowns or two pairs of pajamas (female only).
• One bathrobe.
• One Housecoat (female only).
• *Two sweaters/sweatshirts (combination) (sweatshirts - no hoods or pockets).
• *Two pairs of Shorts or Cut-off Long Pants.
• *Four pairs of pants (Non-uniform, no dark blue or camouflage).
• *Four shirts/blouses (Non-uniform, no white, dark blue or camouflage).
• *Four dresses (female only).
• *Four skirts (female only).
• *One Belt (Maximum 1 ½" wide, buckle maximum 2 ¼" x 2", Non-elastic).
• *One tie (No black) (male only) (Not allowed for detainees housed in mental health observation).
• Two handkerchiefs (white only).
• Two scrunchies (ponytail holder).

*Items marked with an asterisk (*) are not allowed for any sentenced inmate unless he/she is scheduled for court or is going to attend a significant family event.

** Detainees are not permitted to wear personal footwear, except for scheduled on-trial court appearances or significant family events. Upon admission, all detainees are issued one pair of Department issued footwear. All detainees are allowed to have one (1) pair of personal footwear in their property, which will only be re-issued for scheduled on-trial court appearances or significant family events.

Stationery Supplies

How to Mail, What Can you Mail and What Can't you Mail to an Inmate in Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center, or Rikers Island or NYC DOC Inmates

To understand the Mail Policies for Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center requires a lot of time and attention as NYC DOC Jails are some of the most permissive in America.

1. Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center allows unlimited mail.
2. They allow packages to be sent in to inmates.
3. They allow magazines, newspapers and books to be sent direct from friends and family.
4. They allow clothing, jewelry, art supplies and all kinds of stuff to be sent to inmates.

In short, to fully understand the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center and see the full list of things you can mail to an inmate, check out our Inmate Mail Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 718-546-4520 for further assistance.

Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center, and what can I purchase?

Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center Commissary Ordering

The New York City Department of Correction is rolling out a new commissary system in 2024. Inmates will be able to order commissary directly and have it delivered from an outside vendor. Stay tuned for updates.

This jailhouse 'Uber Eats' system will be replacing the current commissary system in which commissary is fulfilled by the jail, which results in most items being out of stock almost all of the time. 

Call 718-546-4520 for information or stay on top of developments by following stories in the media or by going to this page.

How to Order Commissary for Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center, Rikers Island or NYC Jails

Instructions for ordering commissary for Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center will soon be announced.
The New York City Department of Correction is rolling out a new commissary system in the Spring of 2022. Inmates will be able to order commissary directly and have it delivered from an outside vendor. Stay tuned for updates.

This jailhouse 'Uber Eats' system will be replacing the current commissary system.

Stay tuned by checking out our Commissary Page for Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 718-546-4520 for further assistance.

How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 718-546-4520 for further assistance.

Do Inmates in the Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center now offers Securus 'SecureView' Tablet Rentals to their inmates.

  
Securus is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

• Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
• eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
• Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
• Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
• Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
• Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
• Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
• eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
• Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
• Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
• Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

• Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
• Pay for the subscription using Paypal.
• You get charged the 1st of each month. 
• You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
• No activation or early termination fees.
• Your inmate will receive their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

Questions:

• By phone - 800-844-6591 or 972-734-1111.
• By email - tablets@securustech.net

How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate in Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center

To rent a tablet for an inmate in New York County follow these instructions:

• Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
• Pay for the subscription using Paypal.
• You get charged the 1st of each month. 
• You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
• No activation or early termination fees.
• Your New York County inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.

If you have any questions:

• Call - 800-844-6591 or 972-734-1111.
• Email - tablets@securustech.net

For all New York County information on Tablet Rentals for your inmate, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - George Motchan Detention Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 718-546-4520 for further assistance.

What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding New York County?