Wende Correctional Facility

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision maintains a searchable public database of all of the inmates they have in custody.

In addition, the offender search contains information about prisoners, parolees, and probationers who are currently under supervision, and who have been discharged. It also contains those inmates who have absconded, or escaped.

The actual prison that an inmate is assigned to depends on factors such as security classification, remaining time of their sentence, gang affiliation, and location of their residence.

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision began in 1796, with the first state prison, Blackwell's Island Penitentiary, was built on the Hudson River's east bank on Manhattan Island's western shoreline, in Greenwich Village.

Today the state of New York's Prison System maintains 11 state correctional facilities.

With a staff of 18,200 correctional workers, as of the end of 2023 they oversee approximately 33,000 inmates, with another 25,000 on parole.

The following will explain the instructions, tricks and hacks you can use to find any inmate in custody with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Inmate Search Instructions

The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision provides a limited amount of information you may want to know about any inmate in their system, however they do list every inmate. Inmates in custody have their crimes listed, as well as previous convictions. They also list all inmates who have been discharged.To look up an inmate, you need the full last name.  

• You can also list all inmates who share the same last name, or the same first name.
• You can also list all inmates who share the same first letter of the last name.

The first set of results if you used the full last name will list their Name, Offender Number (DIN), Date of Birth, Race and Status. Click on the linked DIN to get to the inmate's page.  

The inmate's page will have quite a bit of information, including an inmate's mugshot.

You can also look up a Parolee by either entering their name, or bring up a list by just entering a partial name, even just the first intitial of their last name.

Wende Correctional Facility uses the services of JPAY for you to send money to an inmate's trust fund / commissary account. In addition you can drop off cash or a money order when visiting an inmate.  



You can send money to an inmate/offender's commissary/spendable account through the Send Money page.
There are several ways to send money to an inmate/offender.

1. Online payments
2. Over the phone by calling 800-574-5729
3. MoneyGram
4. If you wish to send cash you can use MoneyGram. MoneyGram has many convenient locations nationwide.
   The following establishments will always have MoneyGram services:
   Walmart
   7-11
   CVS Pharmacy

You will need:
Inmate's Correctional ID number and last name
The facility name or receive code.
You can visit the MoneyGram website to find locations near you.

        5. Money Order - Inmate's Name must be on the Money Order

        6. Lobby Kiosk
            You can use a debit or credit card in the lobby kiosk to send funds to an inmate/offender.

Visit Day Fund Deposits

Visitors can leave cash, money orders and checks in the conventional visitor deposit lockbox located at each DOCCS facility.

Money orders and checks require the use of a facility-provided JPay deposit slip, and will be sent by DOCCS directly to JPay for processing.

Cash deposits are processed by DOCCS facility staff.  

Please note the maximum amount you can leave for a money order/check is $999.99. 

Wende Correctional Facility Inmate Information and Schedules

You can look up the addresses, schedules and special visitation requirements and policies for each of New York State's prisons on this page. 

Visiting days and times are different for each facility. They are influenced by the security level and population concerns of the facility. At many facilities, you may visit only on certain days of the week, for example, by last name or incarcerated individual's DIN.

Visiting hours also vary by facility. Some may include evening hours while others don't. 

Who can Visit an Inmate in Wende Correctional Facility?

Anyone can visit an inmate except the following will need special consideration from the Superintendent’s Office. Permission in this case may take several months before approval is granted or denied.

 - Persons currently under community supervision or probation.
 - Department employees.
 - Current, active Department volunteers.
 - Current contract employees.
 - Persons with pending or past criminal proceedings may be denied pending approval by the Superintendent.
 - Probation or Parole offenders - In this case you will also need permission from your respective Probation or Parole Officers.

What type of Photo Identification is required?

Acceptable forms of photo identification must be valid and current (not expired), and may include:
 - A driver’s license with photo
 - A Department of Motor Vehicles non-driver photo identification
 - Government issued photo identification
 - Armed Services I.D. with photo
 - Employment identification with a photo

For minor children only, birth or baptismal certificates may be used for identification. The incarcerated individual's name should appear on the child’s birth certificate as verification of relationship. No visit will be permitted if a court order prohibiting such visit is on file with the facility.

The Wende Correctional Facility Inmate Phone System is Securus. 

Sign up with Securus by clicking the banner below.

1.  AdvanceConnect – Good Option - You control all phone numbers your inmate can call.

This type of account offers you the following benefits:
•    You are able to receive inmate calls as long as funds are available in your account.
•    You can add multiple phone numbers to your account so your inmate can reach your home phone, work phone, cell phone, other relatives, neighbors, friends, etc.
•    Calls WILL connect to cell phones.

2.  Inmate Debit – Inmate can call anyone they choose (subject to jail's approval)

This type of account offers you the following benefits:
•    You can fund an Inmate Debit account without having your own calling account.
•    Inmates can call anyone on their approved calling list without requiring friends and family to create separate prepaid accounts.
•    Calls WILL connect to cell phones.
•    Funds placed in the Inmate Debit account will become the property of the inmate and friends & family members will not be able to receive refunds on this account. 

3. Direct Bill - You receive calls from your inmate, and the charges are billed to you monthly.

• Requires a credit check. 
• Costs more.
• Good for lawyers, bail bonds, long-term inmates, etc.

Resources
Contact Securus by Phone:  972-734-1111 or 800-844-6591
Contact Securus Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Submit a Question for Securus Online
Online Rate Quote

Wende Correctional Facility Inmate & Family Voicemail

Securus Outbound Voicemail provides your inmate an opportunity to leave a message for their family and friends when a call to their mobile goes unanswered. Once the inmate leaves a voicemail, a text message containing a link will be sent to the dialed number. The recipient of the inmate's voicemail is then sent to a web form to pay and listen to the message. The voicemail will be available for up to 30 days after it is sent, and then another 30 days after it is paid for.

Securus Phone System Cost & Fees - *Subject to Change

ADVANCE CONNECT Phone Calls 
$0.21 per minute

INMATE DEBIT Phone Calls
$0.21 per minute

DIRECT BILL Phone Calls
$0.25 per minute

TRADITIONAL COLLECT Phone Calls
$0.25 per minute

VOICEMAIL Message
One minute - $0.75 per minute

For current online rate quote, go here.

Wende Correctional Facility Inmate Mail Guidelines

Postcards
The Wende Correctional Facility 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. It is best to only use blue or black ink. Always include your name and return address.

Envelopes
The Wende Correctional Facility also allows envelopes to be mailed to inmates. It is best to only use blue or black ink.

Postcards and envelopes MUST HAVE the incarcerated individual's name and Department Identification Number (DIN), and the sender's return address in the left top corner of the envelope.

Envelopes may include personal letters and photographs.

Postcards and envelopes MUST be mailed to the following address:
Confirm the Mailing Address here

Legal Mail

Send all Legal Mail to this Address:
Confirm the Mailing Address here

Newspapers
Newspapers may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher.

Magazines
News, special interest or sports magazines may also be mailed to an inmate as long as they are shipped directly from the publisher. 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.

Books
The Wende Correctional Facility allows books to be mailed directly to the jail from a reputable source such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Books-A-Million. You can order them directly from your computer and have them shipped to the inmate at the address noted.
Books must NOT contain images or content that are considered excessively violent, pornographic or obscene. Any book that does not meet the Wende Correctional Facility standards will be disposed of. 
Hard cover books will not be accepted by the jail due to their potential to be used as a weapon.

All newspapers, magazines and books are to be shipped to:
Confirm the Mailing Address here

Sending an Inmate a Package

Most New York State prisons allow incarcerated individuals to receive packages.  

A few facilities, specifically, Shock Incarceration, Drug Treatment Program, Work Release, CASAT, and I-ASAT, do not allow packages. 

Packages and articles will only be allowed to be received directly from vendors via U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, etc.

Inmates can receive up to two non-food packages per year from family and friends. In addition, inmates may receive up to three packages a month containing foodstuff, and not exceeding 40 lbs. in weight.

Contents of packages must be gender-specific based upon the gender of the inmate.

Send packages to:
Inmate's name and DIN#
Confirm the Mailing Address here

Sending an Inmate a Package

Most New York State prisons allow incarcerated individuals to receive packages.  

A few facilities, specifically, Shock Incarceration, Drug Treatment Program, Work Release, CASAT, and I-ASAT, do not allow packages. 

Packages and articles will only be allowed to be received directly from vendors via U.S. Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, etc.

Inmates can receive up to two non-food packages per year from family and friends. In addition, inmates may receive up to three packages a month containing foodstuff, and not exceeding 40 lbs. in weight.

Contents of packages must be gender-specific based upon the gender of the inmate.

Send packages to:
Inmate's name and DIN#
Confirm the Mailing Address here

Wende Correctional Facility uses Jpay for Inmate Email.

Register here. (You are already registered if you signed up with Jpay for 'Phone' or 'Remote Visitation').

Steps: 
1.  Sign up for eMessaging
2. Find your inmate.
3. Purchase a book of Jpay ‘stamps’.
4. Type & Send message.

Things you CAN do:
1.  You CAN ONLY send messages from the Jpay website, or with the Jpay app. (links below).
2. You CAN deposit money to your inmate, and they can use the credit on their end.
4. Each time you send a message, you CAN pay for them to reply.
5. You CAN send photos. (Jail staff will review for appropriateness) 

Things you CANNOT do:
1.  You CANNOT use your own personal email to send messages.
2. You CANNOT send any message or photo that would normally be rejected by regular mail.

Other Things:
1.  Photos must be .jpg, .jpeg or .png.
2. eMessages and photos must meet the jail’s standards for regular mail.
3. If your eMessage or Photo is rejected you will be notified of the reason, but you will NOT get a refund.

What is the cost of sending inmate messages?

• Send a text Message - 1 stamp
• Purchase a reply for your inmate - 1 stamp
• Attach up to 5 photos - 1 stamp each photo
• Share up to 5 eCards - 1 stamp each eCard
• Send just a photo with no text - 1 stamp
• Send a 30 second VideoGram - 3 stamps

What can your inmate do with digital 'stamps'?

• Reply to your eMessage if you attach a return stamp
• Receive transferred stamps you share with them (no cost to transfer)
• When available, they can purchase their own stamps from their Inmate Debit Account

Contact Information and Help:
eMessaging FAQ  
eMessaging Signup & Helpful Information  
Online Customer Service Support 
Phone Support: 800-574-5729
iphone app
Android app

Wende Correctional Facility now offers Jpay Tablets to their inmates.

  
Jpay is the same company that handles money deposits, 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.
• 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.
• 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 - 800-574-5729

Once an inmate is convicted and sentenced for a violation of that state’s felony laws (and their sentence is more than one year in length), they are moved from the City or County Jail and sent to a State Prison in New York. If the violation they are convicted of is a federal crime, they will be sent to a Federal Prison, but will not necessarily be doing their time in New York.

New York State Prisons are operated and maintained by the state government and are used to confine and rehabilitate criminals. State prisons are funded by state tax money. The fund is used to provide food and clothes to inmates and to hire employees to keep the prison running. Inmates in state prison enjoy certain privileges such as TV use and recreation, both indoor and outdoor. The number of privileges allowed depends on the security level of the prison, the inmate and the overall needs of the prison on a specific day.

New York has minimum, medium and maximum security prisons. The Corrections Department in New York also maintains low (or no) security residential settings and camps where inmates assist in state property maintenance and duties such as fighting fires. Almost all prisons provide ‘jobs’ where an inmate can earn a small hourly wage and even learn a trade. Some prisons even contract with call centers and handle phone calls on issues related to their state government. Criminals who have committed a violent crime or killed someone are likely housed in a maximum security prison. If the inmate in these prisons behave, they are also eligible to recreate and/or work as well.

In New York Prisons rehabilitation is the stated goal but the reality is that they exist to punish inmates for their crimes and keep them from hurting or harming innocent people on the outside who follow the laws and live and act responsibly. The fact is that most prison systems are underfunded, overcrowded and are not able to spend time and money rehabilitating offenders. This is not the fault of the people hired to work in prisons, they are just victims of the lack of resources due to budgeting constraints.

State Inmate

Most states have Department of Corrections websites that allow you to type in a felon's first and last name and pull up inmates in that state.

If you need to find a sentenced inmate serving time in a state other than New York, go here. To find an inmate in New York, just scroll to the top of the page and click on the Inmate Search button.

Once you locate them click next to the inmate's name or on the link provided and it will show you which prison the inmate is housed in. If the inmate is no longer incarcerated, but is on parole/probation or discharged, it will tell you that as well. In addition, many state prison inmate pages show recent mug shots.

Federal Inmate

The federal prison system has its own inmate locator called the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator.

Type in the inmate's name and it will tell you where he or she is incarcerated and their projected release date. It also lists released federal prison inmates and the date they were released.

Federal inmates who are moved from one prison to another will show as "No longer in federal custody" on the system until they reach their next federal prison destination. This movement can take a few days to several months to complete, so keep checking back to find out where the inmate was taken.

ICE Inmates

The ICE Detainee Lookup allows friends, family members and interested parties to locate illegal and/or undocumented immigrants that are in the United States without permission.

Has the Inmate been recently arrested?... Try a County Jail

In many cases, the person you are looking for has either not been convicted or sentenced or has been sentenced and is awaiting transport to a State or Federal Prison and is still incarcerated in a City or County Jail.

To locate that person, go here to first find the State, and then the County where they were originally arrested or have been transported to. From there you can begin your search in our databases that contain the names and information of millions of inmates.

Jailexchange.com has all information on every jail and prison in the United States.