my husband was denied shock and is currently being "housed" in lakeview waiting for an e-mail to come from albany to put him in his permanet facilitie does anyone know how long he could be there waiting i can't send no packages or anything because he's not in there permanet jail any info would help

they could hold him as long as they want, i believe.....make sure he is careful because they go out of there way to get the inmate's tickets! i know from my fiance's experiences with that place!

i don't know if im even doing this right i hope u get this message Thanks for writing back its horrible what these guys have to endure in there the c.o's in lakeview have such a power trip I guess I'll just pray that they move him quick how long did it take for your man to finally get moved from there?they could hold him as long as they want, i believe.....make sure he is careful because they go out of there way to get the inmate's tickets! i know from my fiance's experiences with that place!

i don't know if im even doing this right i hope u get this message Thanks for writing back its horrible what these guys have to endure in there the c.o's in lakeview have such a power trip I guess I'll just pray that they move him quick how long did it take for your man to finally get moved from there?

I have tried to do a search on this topic.. but its hard to. My boyfriend might be going to a shock camp (God willing). From what I gather he can't have no packages, he needs to earn his visits which are every other weekend. The weekends that he doesn't have a visit he can make a 10 minute phone call. Is this info. correct? Can anyone add anymore? I'll be enternally grateful.

what facility would he be going to...or do u just want general information?

i will ask Joe because he was in shock at Lakeview SICF. i'll get back to ya with this...

...hopefully others will be along, too. :)

I know if he goes he'll start out in Lakeview, that is the starting point from what I understand. He got the impression that he'll be moved from Lakeview and be placed in a facility within 200 miles from his home. Jessica, anymore info. that you have about Lakeview will be great... thanks so much.

Sorry this was a duplicate message

My baby is also going to a shock program, the Willard, it is military for 3 months. He gets one visit every 2 weeks (on the weekend) and only 1 ten minute phone call every other week. I think he is being transfered from the Downstate facility in fishkill this tuesday but I am not 100%. you can call the actual program he is going ot and ask them for the mailroom, the person nt he mail room will be able to give the best description of what is allowed and what is not. If anyone else has someone who is goign to or is already at the willard program please contact me

i will find out from Joe on saturday what Lakeview Shock is like........then get back to ya. i have been there when he was in the box but that is a whole 'nother story! :)

try to be patient! i will eventually get the info to ya! :) u know i love to help!

Thanks Jessica, I have learned to become patient dealing with NYS DOCS. I spoke with Sam today, he has a feeling that he is going to be moved this week.

LOL sam's girl!

yes, the patience just seems to come to us! :D

like i said, i will get back to u ASAP. most likely, over the weekend.

My boyfriend is also at Lakeview. I have not been able to see him yet (no transportation). I'd just like some general info-he can't have packages but wants me to bring him some things. He wrote and told me that things have to be in original packaging, have to have receipts, etc. True? I also wondered about visiting (I've only ever visited him in county). Do I have to let them know I'm coming? Do I have to be there at 9:30-or can I show up any time? Any info would be of help. He thinks he'll be there at least until December. He's not really in the "program" they are apparently just holding him there for now.
Thanks for any help with all the confusion.

Toonkey

Welcome to PTO Toonkey. My boyfriend called yesterday, he isn't in the program yet either. He said he can only call once a week on Saturday and the CO's tell him when he can call. As far as I can understand visiting is on Saturday's only from 9 to 3. You don't have to let the facility know you're coming. Its difficult for me to visit on Saturday's because I work. Lakeview from my house is like 8 or 9 hours oneway. Its just impossible for me to visit him right now. I hope they move him to another shock camp closer to home. To be on the safe side I would save all the receipts and bring them with you. Good luck!

I have tried to do a search on this topic.. but its hard to. My boyfriend might be going to a shock camp (God willing). From what I gather he can't have no packages, he needs to earn his visits which are every other weekend. The weekends that he doesn't have a visit he can make a 10 minute phone call. Is this info. correct? Can anyone add anymore? I'll be enternally grateful.My fiance was @ the Lakeview shock program he siad it was not easy but he served less time being there. They all go through stages,
1. He will go to anger management classes and that is not easy they want to see how much you can take.
2. They are constantly making you do all sorts of excercise it's just like a military camp.
3. For some reason they start them off with wearing green caps then as they pass each course the colors change. From green to red to yellow I think. But my fiance told me it was no joke. And yes they can recieve packages.:thumbsup:

thanks Citos girl! I got an unexpected phone call from him tonight... it was just what I needed. He passed the two test and in the next few weeks he might be going to Moriah or Summit.

Hi i'm new in here and i was wondering if maybe someone can help me. My soon to be husband is in Lakeview right now in the shock program. i was wondering if anyone has or had a loved one there and can give me any information at all. thank u so much for your time,help, and support. :)

Hey there Babygirl2002..
SHOCK IS ROUGH!! My husband got thrown out from there a few years back.. He caught an assault on staff. They used to make my little brother carry his mattress around and all crazy kinds of things but I guess it's all to teach them discipline. My knuckleheads didn't make it to graduation but my best friends man did and after graduation, real nice ceremony bty, they get out! So it's a rough few months but if you man can manage to keep his cool he'll be alright babygirl.. You stay strong and keep your head up and P.S. your man will come out looking so buffed you'll love what shock did to his body girl* LOL ;)

Hi i'm new in here and i was wondering if maybe someone can help me. My soon to be husband is in Lakeview right now in the shock program. i was wondering if anyone has or had a loved one there and can give me any information at all. thank u so much for your time,help, and support. :)



i just spoke to someone at Lakeview yesterday (a counselor, I think). My best friend is in the process of being transferred to a shock facility so I called to get some information about it. I was told that phone calls were restricted to once every 2 weeks for 10 minutes and visits are also once every 2 weeks. They can recieve letters but no packages.

Hope this helped a little. If I get any more info I will let you know, please do the same.

The typical shock day starts at 5:30 am and ends at 10PM. They day is chock full of exercise, programs and work. The head gets shave every few weeks and it is a tough program. Every single personinthe platoon will get singled out for special attention fron the Drill Instructors. Lakeview is the hardest to do. There are 4 SHOCK camps. Theyare Moriah, Monetrey, Summit and lakeview. LV is th eonly one with a fence. The food is good and plentiful and commissary is $25 every two weeks. No packages of any kind.

If you have specific questions feel free to ask

hi! my husband is at rikers island in ny and i wanted to know two things...1. is a possession of a weapon considered violent crime and 2. and if non-violent how long could it be to find out if he is eligible and accepted to shock? any info on these topics would help tremendously...i'm gettin nothing but B... s... From my lawyer..thanks in advance

my finacee was there 4 years ago..He said it was tough bit not that bad,,,,Needless to say 4 years later he is back in prison....

I know a little bit about the shock program. Usually the person is 39 years old or younger. They go through several test before they are approved for shock. One is a physcial test and the other is a back ground check. Everyone starts off at Lakeview, then some of them go to the different shock camps throughout the state. They have a time limit for all that they do from making their beds, to showers and eatting. They get to buy things there once every two weeks. But they can only buy stamps, envelopes, writing paper, cigarettes, matches, personal hygene products. They are allowed visits only on Sundays every other week, and phone calls on the Sunday's they don't have visits. For only 10 minutes. The program is tough getting up at 5 or 5:30 and not going to bed until 930 or later. If anyone has any other questions you can PM me, and I'll try to answer.

Hello Everyone,
I am looking for any and all information regarding visits, packages, phone calls and mail allowances for lakeview shock camp, just in case I need it, even if I can't use it someone else might. Thanks in advance for your time and attention to this matter.

I have no answers,sorry, if no one answers you, do a search, that always brings things up...

I believe that they can't have any packages, phone calls I'm not sure about. Letters you can write every day... they probably can't write too much for all the programs they are in not too much time for writing. I'm not sure about the visits... I think they are only on the weekends. I'm sure someone will come along that has more info. then me...

http://www.ncjrs.org/txtfiles/shockny.txt visit here for info on lakeview.

Hello everyone!
Thanks for the replies, this is a wealth of information, it answered almost all of my questions. I don't know what I would do without this site. I think the rest of the questions might have to be answered by a facility. But here's one if anyone would like to give it a try? I've sent packages via a vendor while he's in reception, since they aren't allowed packages in shock, would it help if I stocked him up on things while he's still in reception or will they make him send it home? I don't want to see him go without being able to even get commisary, or any packages. Are vendor packages allowed? I could of read it, but might not remember, so much info to take in! Again thanks. God Bless you all!!

When Sam went from reception at Elmira to Lake View he wasn't allowed to bring any type of food, now cigarettes and personal hygiene items I'm not sure about.

my son left reception in Elmira on Saturday. He is on his way to Collins, (lakeview) but had to go via Auburn. He is still not @ Collins yet(unless he arrived in the last hour). What in the world is wrong with this picture? Elmira and Auburn are miles apart and not even anywhere close to each other in an "on the way" sense. Lets not even talk about the inconvience of being in transit 4 days. I'm sure that these people are not getting showers or even decent meals, let alone being allowed to use the facilities when they have to use them. What about the cost to me, the taxpayer? I KNOW I am financing this joy ride. With the price of gas not to mention the OT paid to the DOCs workers, I am outraged. The person who runs DOCs in NYS is going to hear from me and if I get no satisfaction I will be going directly to Pataki. These people need to realize that I am a registered voter and I pay their salary. In effect, they work for me. When you are using my money, I want it used effiecently.

Hello Everybody,
I just had my 1st visit with my son, since he has started the program at Lakeview, I got at the cf at 11:30 and sat at the visitor's center until 2:00. By 2:15 I was able to see my son for exactly 45 minutes. How depressing :( ! I felt really bad for the woman who drove 10 hours to see her son and waited for over 4 hours to see her son. They were canceling visits, so that others could get in. The next visit I will be sure to get there before the buses, so I might get a chance to visit a little longer. The visits are kind of chaotic, 4 officers working the desk. I had only brought with me $20 and $10 dollar bills, which I was not allowed to take in, there are no change machines. Some nice lady gave me change for one of the tens, so I could get my son a little food. Like I said before he thinks he is the poster boy for starvation, so I always bring plenty of money for him to eat :o . He told me that they have approximately 6 minutes to eat and if someone isn't in military form that they take minutes off of their time for eating. So even though he eats very fast he never gets to finish a meal, nor does anyone else for that matter. It's a very rigorous program. Also very abusive, mentally and physically, they are made to stand outside in boxers,sox and towels if someone twitches during count. They are called rude names, I am not permitted to repeat here :angry: . He say's they do this to break down the inmates to start them fresh. If he didn't have so much time, I would want him to quit and go to a regular facility. The officers also have a hands on approach, this I won't go into, for legal reasons. When leaving it broke my heart to see all of the tears that were flowing, everyone leaving their loved ones behind. It's a wonder I could see anyone through all of my tears. I will be better prepared for the next visit. There are rooms to freshen up in and there are lockers if they don't run out. Refreshments, cookies, coffee, and a pop machine in the visitor's center for donations. I hope that anyone visiting their loved one in this facility gets there early and has a good visit. Many blessings to all.

I am told my son is eligible for shock, but once he gets to Lakeview, they may look upon arson in and of itself as a violent act and may consider him a threat to community afterwards? Anyone know of someone charged with 3rd degree arson getting shock?

Petey,I'm not sure your experience will be the same but I can tell you what has transpired so far with my son
His sentence 2-6yrs- class b felony -possession and possession with sale
1st offense , non-violent ,( shock suggested by the Judge at sentencing )
he stayed six weeks in county where he was taken right from court,
sent to Elmira for reception into state custody stayed 4 weeks,
to Lakeview for reception into Shock stayed three weeks,
now housed for the 6 month program at Summit Shock I.C.F.
hope it helps I'm not sure what you wanted to know

Marc's mom has it right.

It can take around 3 -4 months from the time of sentencing to the time you enter that actual program. After entering Riker's, you will be transferred to a reception center like Elmira or Ulster. At the reception center, you will meet with a conseulor to discuss your options. If Shock is one of them, you will be transferred to Lakeview reception to see if you qualify. The testing is educational, physical and mental. If approved, you will be notified with in 2 days of the testing. Your age will depend if you stay at Lakeview or transfer to one of the other Shock facilties. This transfer can take 2-4 weeks. It depends on how soon a platton is graduating.

I also have found this article to be very useful.

www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles/shockny.pdf (http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles/shockny.pdf)

As for parole review, that is done 2-3 months before your graduation date. I have heard that drug offenders are usually given parole before DWI. 90-95% of DWI's graduate but there are 1 or 2 that don't. Also the DWI's are the last ones to know if they are going home.

If you have any other questions, please don't hestitate to post. That is what we are here for.

hi my man is now in lakeview in ny when can i see him and when will he call me im so worry about him right now

can someone tell me about lakeview? my man is there or going there

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83125

that is the link for lakeview, read around

is he going for shock or the box? 'cuz my honey was there for solitary. I might be able to help you if that is the case for you... :)

Hello,
My son was just transfered to Lakeview. Does anyone know how long it takes to get your 1st visit? or phone call? or letters?
Also we had money on its way 10 days ago at elmira will it be forward or sent back. He also had a package waiting to be delivered this week end and hes' gone what happens to that?

Man this is so tough
thanks for any replys
Christophers' Mom

What happens now?
He is not eligable for shock so what will they do with him?
I can't stand the not knowing it is so hard to take!
he's in Lakeview as of this morning but where will they send him since he can't go to shock?
Anyone know or been through it?????
HELP!!!

Christophers' Mom

Does anyone know of inmate that have been denied parole after successfullly completing shock camp? Next week my son is to graduate from the shock program at Lakeview, and now we were told that there is a possibility that he may not be paroled due to the fact that he was originally charged with Felony Assault, Possession of a weapon, etc. These charges were all reduced to Contempt of Court E Felony in satisfaction of a guilty plea. Just wondering if anyone has been through this type of situation. I could use some sound advice and some pointers on how to prepare myself and my son in case this should happen. Blessings to you all and your loved ones.

Can someone give me any information on visiting at Lakeview Annex? Also information on hotel in that area? :confused:Thank u!

if you want to see the pictures too, go to the DOCS website, click on DOCS today and open the issue from Autmn 2004. some PR but good info.

31,284 nonviolent Shock graduates work hard to earn early release
Return rate lower than comparable groups,

while saving New York taxpayers $1 billion

New York embarked upon a unique and innovative program

on September 10, 1987, when it offered a group of

nonviolent, first felony offenders a second chance.

That’s the day the initial platoon of 38 male inmates, all older

than 16 but younger than 24, entered the state’s first

Shock Incarceration program at the minimum-

security Monterey prison in Schuyler County.

Through July 2004, 31,284 Shock graduates have

earned early release from prison – a savings to taxpayers

of more than $1 billion. And once released, these

graduates stay out of prison at higher rates than inmates

who did not complete the program.

The Shock Incarceration concept was as simple to

describe in the late 1980s as it would be a monumental

effort to implement:

• Screen selected, nonviolent offenders within

three years of release and allow those who meet

program criteria to volunteer for this new, intensive

six-month program.

• Mandate these inmates undergo intensive academic

education, drug treatment and personal counseling –

balancing the program with tough military-style regimens

and hard physical labor.

• Approve early parole for those who completed the program,

allowing them to earn a sentence reduction of as

much as 30 months off their minimum sentences,

thereby also reducing prison operating and capital

costs.

• Generate a “win-win” for the public: A reduction in

crime shown by reduced recidivism, which reduces tax

dollars necessary to support the prison system.

By every reasonable standard, Shock has met the goals originally

set for it since 23 inmates from that first platoon graduated

at Monterey on March 8, 1988:

• Only 32 percent of Shock graduates return to prison

within three years of release, compared to a return rate

of 40 percent among Shock-eligible non-participants

and 48 percent among Shock drop-outs, who together

serve an average of 18 months in prison.

• That means Shock is accomplishing a better success

rate in six months than the return rate of comparable

inmates spending a year longer in a traditional prison.

• New Yorkers saw a budget savings of $878 million in

operating costs because, without Shock, inmates

would have spent at least another 12 months in prison.

Those longer prison stays would also have necessitated

$126 million in capital construction of the additional

prison beds that would have been necessary to

house them.

Shock, never a silver bullet, grows

The program has long been recognized as the largest and

among the most successful programs of its type in the nation.

Its half-year duration and intensive treatment components

differentiate it from other programs across

the country lumped together under the heading

of “boot camps.” Many of them are of

shorter duration, typically 30 to 90 days.

Most are based on aversion therapy. They focus

solely upon hard labor that is designed to

dissuade conduct that might earn offenders a

return to prison.

In 1987, then-Commissioner Thomas A.

Coughlin III observed at Monterey that “Our

Shock program will not be a silver bullet because

there are no silver bullets in corrections.

We’ll see how our program fits

long-term with what else is happening around

the country.”

Shock Incarceration would eventually ex-

National media record Monterey’s first Shock graduation in 1988.

Moriah Shock inmates fill sandbags to help reduce flooding in Essex County. Continued on facing page

Autumn 2004 Page 7

pand by 1992 to a maximum of

1,850 beds at five minimum-

security facilities. The

declining inmate eligibility

pool led to its down-sizing to

today’s four facilities with

1,410 beds, which allow for

2,820 annual participants.

Today’s Shock capacity includes

1,290 beds for males

plus 120 for females. Beds for

males include 540 at Lakeview,

a 750-bed prison where all

Shock-eligible inmates are processed,

plus 300 beds each at

Monterey andMoriah and 150 at Summit. There are 120 beds at

Lakeview for females, who were first admitted into the program

at Summit in 1988.

Pataki’s efforts reduce crime, enhance Shock

Governor Pataki’s “right-sizing” plan called for alternatives

for nonviolent offenders but longer prison terms for violent, repeat

and predatory felons.

It led to the construction of 4,800 maximum-security prison

beds. That is the largest such building project in the history of

the prison system.

But his support for and expansion of Shock Incarceration has

contributed greatly to its record of success: Two-thirds of its

graduates and savings have occurred

with his support since he

took office in 1995.

It was during his administration

that physical requirements

were altered to allow participation

by otherwise eligible but

disabled inmates. In 1999, he

raised the age limit on entry into

the program from those under

age 35 to those under age 40.

Pataki also created the

highly-successful, 90-day Willard

Drug Treatment Campus

program in 1995 that builds upon

many of Shock Incarceration’s

concepts.

Nearly 56,400 nonviolent inmates have earned early release

from 1995 through March 2004 under the alternative programs

supported by the Governor, including Shock and Willard.

On the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Shock program

atMonterey, Governor Pataki said, “As we continue with

our efforts to increase penalties for violent offenders, Shock Incarceration

offers nonviolent, first-time offenders an alternative

to traditional prison incarceration. Providing alternative

punishments for nonviolent offenders helps create the space we

need in our prison system to house violent offenders.”

Taken together, alternative programs for nonviolent offenders

have contributed to a 10 percent decline in the state’s prison

population, from a high of

71,538 inmates in December

1999 to 64,092 in October

2004. Meanwhile, state

prison populations around

the nation actually increased

by an average of six percent

during the same period.

The prison population decline

is also driven by the

Governor’s other criminal

justice initiatives, that have

contributed to an historic 45

percent decline in crime

across the state since he took

office in 1995.

While that decline, coupled with alternative programs, has

reduced the pool of Shock-eligible inmates, the program’s success

assures that it will remain a key component of the Department’s

offerings for years to come.

Shock is as selective as it is demanding

Even though Shock saves money and reduces recidivism, not

all prisoners are eligible for Shock; not all of those statutorily

eligible for it are accepted, and many of them “flunk out” or are

removed because they cannot withstand its rigors.

Of the 85,948 inmates statutorily eligible for the program

and screened through July 2004, only 46,763 of them – 54 percent

– were allowed to enter the program. Reasons for disapproval

include the unacceptable

public risk posed by some

eligibles, certain medical and

mental health disqualifications,

and inmates who opt not to participate

in the program.

Once they enter the program,

the real work toward earning

early release begins: only

31,284 of those entering the

program through July 2004, or

67 percent, actually completed

the program.

The program subjects Shock

inmates to a rigorous, comprehensive

therapeutic community

model that includes alcohol and

substance abuse treatment, decision

making and life skills, community servicework, and academic

education to the high school equivalency level. All that

occurs within the context of a military model, which emphasizes

self-discipline, pride, and behavioral growth.

Reveille sounds at 5:30 a.m. week days and, before breakfast,

inmates have dressed, squared away their barracks and

participated in an hour’s worth of military-style calisthenics on

the prison parade grounds.

Four week days are spent on outdoor projects performing

manual labor for government entities or non-profit groups. The

Annual number of inmates entering the Shock Program

Calendar years 1987 - 2003

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

First platoon of females arrive for Shock at Summit in 1988.

Continued from facing page

Continued on next page

Page 8 Autumn 2004

fifth week day is spent in academic classrooms at the prison.

Evenings are spent in academic classrooms, counseling and

drug treatment programs.

The weekend program includes peer support group sessions

and organized activities directed by staff, religious services on

both Saturday and Sundays,

family visits twice a month and

collect-only calls home to

loved ones.

Weekend time is also spent

on physical training, military

drill and ceremony and taking

care of such personal work as

ironing prison-issue clothing

while cleaning and “squaring

away” personal property and

quarters.

When the program first began,

some critics wondered if

all inmates eligible for the program

would be “allowed” to

complete the program regardless

of their fitness, in order to

inflate program “successes” to

vacate precious and expensive prison beds and reduce the

crowded conditions that then affected the system.

History has shown Shock eligibility and suitability are two

different things. The rigorous demands and exacting evaluation

standards of the program have resulted in a dropout or removal

rate of more than 30 percent.

Shock saves tax dollars and inmate lives

Although the avoidance of hiring more staff and building

new prisons generated $1 billion in savings, Shock has done

more than save money.

Commissioner Goord helped devise and implement the program

in the 1980-90s, first as an Assistant and then as Deputy

Commissioner for Correctional Facilities. He said, “I believe

that Shock also saves lives. It provides a therapeutic environment

designed to address a wide range of inmate problems. It

should never be mistaken for the ‘boot camp’ programs around

the country that are based upon aversion therapy.”

Offenders who remain in the program are motivated to make

changes in their lives. For example, they are more likely to improve

their reading andmath scores and earn aGEDand are also

less likely to return to prison than similar offenders who did not

complete the Shock program.

In terms of practical, measurable results, inmates who participate

in Shock Incarceration are twice as likely to take and pass

General Equivalency Degree (GED) tests as inmates in general

confinement facilities – despite being in the program nine to 14

months less than inmates in comparison minimum- and medium-

security facilities, respectively.

Shock inmates who entered prison with a high school diploma

volunteer to participate as Literacy Volunteers, helping

their peers to learn basic academic skills, including reading.

Of the inmates who are eligible to take the GED test while in

the Shock program, an average of 82 percent pass it. Some platoons

have had a 100 percent passing rate. Those are far better

rates than the 56 percent “pass rates” among New Yorkers in

general who took the exam on the outside last year, and the 62

percent “pass rate” among prison inmates statewide.

Shock stresses a highly-structured and regimented routine,

physical work and exercise,

and intensive substance

abuse treatment. It seeks to

build character, instill a

sense of maturity and responsibility,

and promote a

positive self-image for offenders

so they can return to

society as law-abiding citizens.

The program’s intention

is to help instill positive,

pro-social values by addressing

the physical, mental,

spiritual, and emotional dimensions

of everyone in the

program, staff and inmates

alike.

In addition to

cost-avoidance measures

used to determine how much the Shock Incarceration program

has saved taxpayers, Shock Incarceration has also served the

community through community service projects to local areas.

Community service work, so important to cash-strapped localities

near prisons, has greatly benefitted local areas, providing

services for which there is no budget. Local governments

and non-profit groups can apply to use inmate labor for public

work, as long as they certify they can provide tools and equipment

but cannot afford to pay labor costs.

Those projects have included cleaning up of state parks or

public cemeteries, working on state forestry and stream projects,

cleaning up debris and litter along state and local highways,

while also painting and renovating public structures.

Among the most significant services provided to the community

is in response to fire, flooding, ice storm and other natural

disasters that strike communities surrounding the prison.

Shock continues upon release

Studies of Shock Incarceration’s therapeutic approach have

shown that strategies for redirecting the lives of young offenders

have been effective. It has helped a significant number of offenders

to stay out of the criminal justice system once they have

paid their debt to the community.

The post-prison phase of the Shock Incarceration program is

called “AfterShock,” operated by the state Division of Parole.

It continues the intensity of supervision begun during the incarceration

phase, while providing opportunities and programs in

the community to improve parolees’ chances for successful societal

reintegration.

Many graduates have distinguished themselves in careers

after being released from prison. Some have become

well-known, though the majority have returned quietly to their

A Shock platoon graduates at Lakeview.

Continued from previous page

Continued on facing page

Autumn 2004 Page 9

home communities – to live productive and crime-free lives,

successfully caring for their children and other loved ones,

holding down responsible jobs, and generally contributing positively

to the quality of life in their communities.

It is important that New York graduates learn the program’s

behavioral model and apply it once they are back in their communities.

Yolanda Johnson is one of the program’s most successful

graduates. She has continued to distinguish herself

since her graduation in 1990 by successfully handling many

challenges with dignity and style. (See related story on page

11.)

In 2002, Yolanda married Keith Peterkin, a 1989 Shock

graduate who is today awell-respected counselor in the field of

substance abuse treatment.

Daniel Lopez, who also graduated in 1989, overcame many

obstacles, convincing employers and educators alike of his

commitment and responsibility. He is now an Executive Chef

for the United Nations and highly-regarded by his employees.

Cheryl Moran, a 1993 graduate, has become an advocate for

the homeless as well as for women released from prison. She is

a sought-after speaker on the issues that offenders face when

they return home. She has spoken before the New York state

Legislature as well as before the U.S. Congress.

There are hundreds of similar stories, as well as thousands of

different ones, to be told by other, less well-known Shock graduates.

They are

“regular citizens”

working in a wide

variety of jobs,

taking care of their

children and living

successful lives in

the community.

The Shock Incarceration

program

seeks to have

participants internalize

a positive,

pro-social system

of values that is

designed to raise

self-esteem. The

program emphasizes helping inmates acknowledge how their

old values and choices led to their exclusion from society and

restriction of freedom. Inmate participants learn positive values

produce positive results – an important step toward realizing

that a system of values is the key to changing behavior.

Shock Incarceration in NewYork has become a credible correctional

treatment alternative that affords early release to

younger, nonviolent offenders, thereby allowing the State to

save prison space for more violent and incorrigible offenders.

Beyond this, Shock is a complex correctional treatment program

that employs a wide variety of methods to change inmates’

attitudes and behavior.

The Corrections Yearbook™for 2002 lists 31 states and the

federal Bureau of Prisons as offering “boot camp” programs.

They housed 6,169 inmates on January 1, 2002, including

1,206 in New York’s programs. Of the 517 female inmates in

such programs on that date, 92 of them – 18 percent – were in

New York.

The National Institute of Justice issued a report last year that

reviewed a decade of research on “boot camp” style programs

operating around the nation. It concluded that, unlike New

York’s, many of the programs around the country failed to meet

their objectives of public protection through reduced recidivism,

and reducing the demand for prison beds.

Researchers documented that successful programs shared

these four components found in New York’s Shock Incarceration

Program:

• Selection of participants by corrections officials once

offenders enter the system.

• Commitment by the state to funding and offering a

high-quality of treatment services.

• Longer program durations rather than the 30- to

60-day programs offered in some jurisdictions.

• Intensified post-release supervision of graduates.

Employee dedication fuels Shock success

Just as his predecessor Thomas Coughlin set the standard for

what Shock should be, Commissioner Goord has shepherded

the program through its first 17 years.

“Every study has shown that what we created has stood the

test of time,” the

Commissioner said.

“Governor Pataki has

demonstrated his

commitment to ensuring

that Shock remains

relevant and viable

in the future – in

terms of safeguarding

the public, husbanding

its tax dollars and

offering deserving,

nonviolent offenders

a second chance.

“The success of

this program speaks

to the dedication and

professionalism of the employees who have worked in our

Shock facilities. Without their on-going support and commitment,

Shock would not have become the success and the national

model that it is today.

“Once again, the employees of this Department have shown

they are equal to the challenge that we place before them,” the

Commissioner said of staff, who must undergo a four-week

training regimen that is as physically rigorous as that undergone

by inmates.

“Who dares, wins” is the motto of Lakeview Shock.

It may well be the motto of all who have worked to make

NewYork’s Shock Incarceration program the on-going success




I know shock is a harsh place just by the stories i've heard about it, just don't understand the secrecy behind it. Some people i've talked to locally say that people who have done it or have been kicked out don't say much about what is done in the program besides the running etc.....I've heard stories of abuse etc....just like state time in general, that's why I need to see about work release instead maybe. Thanks for all the info, when I start my sentence I will have my wife come on here to get info and such.

I'm not sure what you want to know besides the things I've so far posted in other threads here .I've noticed the additional posts here so I need to give this a go.

The information I have found most helpful to me was in experience in this not what I read everywhere.
The shock camps are all different.Each one has to be run with similar ideas and expected outcomes but as with all other incarceration the place you are in is good or bad depending on the officers and the atmosphere ,not to mention the platoon members you must finish this with.
The actions of the platoon members are dealt with as a whole in most circumstances.Summit is the best place I could have found for my son to go.
The mental and physical demands are difficult but so what ?It's a whole lot better than having to worry about everything all the time.
You get out of bed at 5:00 a.m. you have 6 minutes to make your bed and get a shower and get in line for a.m. PT...3 mile run regardless of weather ...push-ups and squat thrusts for an hour before the run.If it's really cold icy or raining really hard you can do the PT inside otherwise it's outside but still the run is outside.When done change your clothes get to mess ..line up ..when you get your tray.... get in line.... get your food ....get to a table in order of arrival and when the last guy is at the table sit and get 7-8 minutes to eat.Eat all you take or carry it in a sandwich bag in your pocket the rest of the day.No sharing or trading either.Then the classes or work for the day ..until lunch... same as breakfast, then more classes or work at something ...cleaning , cutting wood , recycling trash etc.
You get graded on your bunk and your locker and it's contents ...it / they need to be perfect (they carry a ruler to measure the folds in the sheets in you made up bunk and the space between the things in your locker )or demerits.Your clothes have to be ironed with precision seams , your boots are to be kept shining (all of your shoes are lined up under he correct side of the bottom bunk for you and in perfect line clean and laces tucked,you must walk straight upright and turn corners heel to toe.You must be in tip top inspection shape at all times...no talking only very little and only in group sessions or calling cadence or speaking to officers .You may not look an officer in the eye.You get graded on your classwork , you get graded on your PT.
If one person gets an attitude and slacks or goofs off...nobody cops to it ,,, the whole platoon faces reprimand.."a learning experience " maybe carry this 50lb rock for 3 hrs. or write a 6 page essay on what why and how.At the same time you can't be ratting on everyone either that's gone over in all the classes and group meetings .You have to be aware you are in a group and the whole group needs to tow the line...certain things can get you booted out and then the whole sentence is due payable...in a prison. No more camp.

It is safer than prison...you must be strong willed and committed to completion or don't bother.It's a tough thing to do but only months instead of years is a huge factor.I have seen my son go through this and know that I can sleep at night and believe this will bring him home a "BETTER" man.


You will not know if you can be accepted into the shock program until you are at Lakeview , and a lot of guys don't get accepted or don't even want to try.You will then have to wait if accepted for a platoon to graduate and your new platoon to form.They don't send two or three guys at a time only full platoons my son's started with 36 and so far they're down to 22.

Ask me anything you still wonder about ..I know how hard it is to really find information.It really does seem like it's secretive,but it's because so few do it and where my son is ,,,the place is in the middle of nowhere.The majority of all the guys there... come from the NY city areas so maybe they just don't have family that comes here to the web or PTO.
For Summit Shock I can say these things for sure but they all are similar.
Four Sundays in each month = one 10 minute phone call between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the Drill instructor gets your platoon to the phone if other work needs to be done first it's done and if your platoon is misbehaving no call ...every other Sunday ..visits are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m the alternate Sundays..
NO PHOTOS at all on any of the property...Nobody is allowed to stay in the car..if your visitors aren't in the visiting room they must leave the property immediatly ... or pets either..saw someone get told to leave ..they had brought a dog with them and left it in the car....then just the basic stuff...one hug and BRIEF kiss at the beginning and end.It may take a little while for you to get to the visiting room they call down to the officers after your visitor is seated at an assigned table.Sometimes they are a little slack if they know more visitors are on the way in so they can call down to the barracks one time not 25.They have forms at the door to fill out.visitors info and vehicle info.No clothing that would be questionable is permitted , thin strapped shirts , belly shirts , shorts , real tight pants,hooded sweatshirts,etc.Two adults and one lap child or One adult and two children...it's really no place for kids..you speak in library tone and not much good food in the vending machines as well .


hope you see something to ease your mind and ask for anything you still wonder about





MRS.G. I wasn't trying to avoid this I was just trying to not repost anything I've already said...sorry it seemed like that...

hey my fiance is going to a nys prision but i dont know where yet. how do i find out information about visiting and everything i need to know i would greatly appreciate any help.

Where is he at right now?

Joeys - there's no real answer until he is in somewhere. Each place has variations on the rules that are specific to them, so until you know the where, we can't help much with the how and when stuff.

once he gets to where he is going, you can check out the info here for the specific facility or call the facility itself.

is there anyone who recieves collect calls on there cell phone in ny. I have to figure out away so he will beable to call when he heads up north. any info would be appreciated :(

Welcome to PTO!!! Jeff is in New York and he is able to call me on my cell, because I have my home phone calls forwarded to my cell. If you have a home phone, then this is the best way to go. If not, then I would try Prison calls online, but I am telling you, you will pay so much more.

I live in Baltimore and phone calls from New York, are I think about 8 or 9 dollars for 30 minutes, but with prison calls online, someone I know pays like 17 dollars for 30 minutes!! That is double the price!!!

I hope it all works out for you!! Good luck and welcome!!!

i am wondering if any one knows what day they are taking upstate from riverhead correctional facility because i want to see him as much as i can before i dont know where he is

:wave: Hello and welcome to PTO!

I can't answer your question, but I'm sure that someone from New York will be along soon that can help you.
I just wanted to say Hi and welcome!
Take care,
:grouphug:

Hi! How are you doing? did you find out where your fiance went yet?
About the phone, the best thing is what jeffsprincess said, to get the calls forwarded to your cell from your house, I think I am the one she is talking about that she knows who pays $17/call LOL..it is outrageous! I finally stopped the service, it was just too much! I have an mci block on my home phone :( so we just don't do the call thing anymore....

This site will tell you where your fiance is at:
http://nysdocs.docs.state.ny.us/kinqw00

Welcome to PTO!

My cousin have been finally approve for Visit. Rite now he is in Lakeview and everything is going fine..Yet I need someone to inform me if i could visit him even if am just 17 I turn 18 on July but i want to see him NOW!

Welcome!

I do not go to this facility but here is some visit info we have here:

is he in Reception? or Shock?

Is is a reception center as well as a shock faciltiy. It houses both men and women.

Visiting is Sunday 9-2 every other weekend and calls on the weekends with visits are not allowed for people in the program.

For people in reception, visiting is Saturday 9-2. Phone calls are 1 a day but are up to the discersion of the guards to turn the phones on. Lakeview Shock reception - As soon as you are approved for Shock and accept, you are placed under the program restricitions-allowed one call for ten minutes.

Call locations the Friday before visitation to make sure that are still there.

Once in a platoon, you may visit every other Sunday once he gets in to the program. If he is being transfered to another facility then it stays at Saturday while he is at Lakeview. Once he is transfered, it is every other Sunday. The best thing that I can suggest is to call and speak with a someone up at Lakeview. They will tell you if he is going to stay or transfer. If you plan on visiting this weekend make sure that you call on Friday to see what is going on.

go here to read more.
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83125

Good Luck!!!!!

I am new here (about 5 minutes "old") so I am not sure if I am doing this correctly--it does not look like your question has been answered. I believe the hard and fast rule is you must be 18 or have an adult with you and have a notarized letter of permission from your legal quardian if the adult you are with is not that person.
But--July is next month!

I Know July is next month but for me it seem a long time and more that he is getting depress cuz he haven seen none of his family member since March it been a tought month for him his mother turn her back on him and his girlfriend got tired of waiting and dump him it's been a hard month for him yet thank you guess am gonna have to wait after all!!!!!!!!:angry:

Hey , this weekend was an intresting experience, my hubby got brought to ulster for reception. It actually was'nt bad. They were very nice. My visit got cut short but i got to see him for 3 hours on saturday and sunday. I will take that. If anyone has any questions just ask. Dress code wasnt bad either casual but neat not short skirts or low cut shirts. you can were jewelery in there, i was suprised. bring money for vending machines. also bring a jacket or sweater the visitng room is cold.... :)

please ny, anyone know anytrhing about lakeview shock?

not as bad as a thought. only bad thing was my visit was cut short but i got to see him for 3 hours both days of the weekend. i just hope where ever he is transfered to is like that or better any questions dont hesitate to ask.

hey all, he got moved to ulster last week. I went there this weekend it isnt as bad as i thought. they tol him he was shock eligible i hope that he gets it but one day at a time. :o

please list the questions here, thanks ;)

my daughter is in lakeview shock, anyone in new york with info? i haven't heard from her in over a week. no collect service on my phone . anyone with a contact there please write back. she's only 19 worried sick

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71165


from what I read quickly, they get a visit once every other week and a phone call (1) on the week they do not get the visit. So it is very possible she can't call. My suggestion is to get some letters to her. And, if you can swing it, send her a money order so she can buy stamps and paper to write you back. But there is a lot more info in the thread.

My fiance was in ulster and he just got drafted but to where i dont know. He is shock eligible but so where alot of other people in his dorm and he was the only one who got moved. He said that they put a red 7 on his bag what does that mean and how do i know whats next. Any info would be appreciated.... :(

I haven't a clue what the red seven means, but have you thought about calling the facility and asking what is next for him. I would venture a guess the red seven signifies some code as to the facility he is going to. But that is just a guess.

I am sure that perhaps other people who might have loved ones in the same facility may know and can give you a better answer than I can.

I just am a firm believer in calling the facility to find out for sure what is going on. That way you know for sure.

Good luck to you and your fiance both.

welcome :) I am not sure what that means, but I am sure one of the ladies here has gone through this and can helpe you....Hang in there :)

don't know what red 7 was--for what it is worth-my son says the people going to shock camp are usually shipped out on Tuesday.

If you call the above #, they will tell you if he is in transit and when you can call back to find out where he is. They have the info before it is on the web site.

Hello I am new here. I am surprised that there is a forum for shock inmates especially Lakeview. I was sentenced in 8/1990 ofor property crimes, 1st time offender. I did go through the 6 months here and back then it was tougher than the military. I have found that there were even deaths after my release of inmates by DI's.

Toady I am a volunteer firefighter and an Emergency Medical Technician in New York (upstate) I had to fight for 6 months to become an EMT! I faught to volunteer to save lives and my conviction was NOT drug related.

My fire chief happens to be a grade 14 prison guard in camp Monteryey in ny right down the road from me. My issues with him and a fellow firefighter who is the mechanic there is the stolen property in our fire station that they stold from the facility! I was convicted of this very same thing that the shock DI's are commiting!

When I was in the head guy was Ron Moscicki, and it was living hell. Today I hear that it has been watered down so much that it is easy street. I am so angry that shock drill instructors can commit theft and get away with it when I was convicted for no more tha dollar amount of possession of stolen property as the buffers, wax, mop buckets, mop heads, etc... GRRRRRRRRRRR

please ny, anyone know anytrhing about lakeview shock?
Lakeview shock is the processing facility in NY for all shock camps and other facilities. If one signs up and are accepted for the program they will go to Lakeview to be processed out to the nearest available shock facility there is.

Facilities have a graduation every 6 months so new inmates will be sent to wherever one is ready for a new group.

No matter what happens, just do EVERYTHING that is said. It wasnt easy I did my tour in Lakeview in 1990. 15 years later now and I hear it is so watered down anyone can handle it.

It wasnt easy I did my tour in Lakeview in 1990. 15 years later now and I hear it is so watered down anyone can handle it.

this is something you've heard ? from whom ? The so called CO's you fight fire with ?

it isn't a good idea to give false representation ... it's not "watered" down and not just anyone can "handle" it

it's a tough program and quite a few are not even accepted .. please don't minimize .. it gives the impression that this may be easy and it's far from easy

this type of comment leads others to believe they can use the program as an alternative to doing time and I would much rather everyone know that this is a tough program with 24/7 supervision .. ever see the movie Full Metal Jacket ?

Well getting screamed at in your face and given extreme physical workouts are a way of life in Shock ..

watered down ... ? I think not.

:confused: my fiance wa brought to lakeview yesterday and today he called me and told me he was criminally disqualified. why? This is his first state bid and he is there for criminal contempt and violation of probation. Since he is not getting shock now what when are they going to get him out of there. This is killing me i am so lost please help :(

I don't know but someone may come along with more info. Just wanted to wish you luck and a hug!

Well, you won't know when exactly he will be moved as its considered a security risk, so keep checking NYS Doc and it'll tell you where he's at. It all depends, it could be days or it could be weeks. As long as he can call, he'll keep in touch with you and can even call while he's in transit, if he's stopped at another facility overnight.

Hi, I don't know what the other people's experience with forwarding their home phone to their cell phone but I can share my experience. The price of the call is the same as if I accepted it on my home phone. My home phone is with Verizon and my cell phone is Nextel.

I got the call forwarding because I thought the 3.20 connction charge would be billed against my home phone and the minutes we talked against my cell phone minutes. So to save money, my husband called me during the free minutes hours. I got my home phone bill last week and there was no difference in the pricing. The regular price of the call was billed against my home phone.

When I thought about it, after receiving my bill, it made sense. While I received the call on my cell from the call forwarding, the call registered to my home phone because that's where the call was placed to. The forwarding only allowed me to receive the call elsewhere, but it was like he called me at home. It made sense because let's say I was going to your home so I forwarded my home phone to your house -- no charges would be applied against your phone line, only against my home line because that's the number that was dialed.

It's great that some people have been able to save money by forwarding their home phone to their cell, but for me, I didn't save anything. The only benefit I got out of it was being able to speak with my husband while being away from the house.

My friend's man was just sent to Lakeview, but for SHU not Shock.
Can anyone tell me what the visiting rules are for them? How about the subscription rule? THe information posted here is for reception and shock inmates only. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you guys!!
Susan

my daughter is in shock in lakeview. her conditional relaease date is 12/8/05. her parole date is in oct. worst case senario, what if they do not approve her parole? does she still graduate from the platoon and go back to a regular jail.?what do they look for when granting parole? will people come to my house to investigate it since she will be coming home?

Hi Everyone!
My best friend will soon be going to Lakeview. She's hopefully going out on the next draft out. Is there anyone out there that has a loved one at Lakeview and can give me details about it? Can the still get packages/mail? I've already sent her some stuff, can she take it with her? I've asked her these questions, but with the mail delay I'm afraid I'll miss her. I'll be almost 9 hours away and won't be able to visit and need to make sure she gets what she needs...I've looked all over for info, but I can't seem to find much out. Any help is greatly appreciated... thanks! :D

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71165

it does say no packages.

Thanks, Ann! There was a lot of info there ;o)

Welcome to the New York forum!

Marc's Mom...I am very glad for you and your son, that he completed shock "camp". You didn't say if he was back home or not but, I hope he is. My son was just transfered yesterday to Lakeview for shock. I have not heard from him in a week and it is killing me. Tomorrow (2nd) is his birthday and that is hard for me to deal with. First time in 26 years that I will not be able to get him a birthday hug.
Since your son was there recently: could you give me any infor on the do's and don't about Lakeview? I have read all the posts on PTO about the place. But, as one mother to another mother, I thought you might have added facts. Again, I am very glad for your son for sticking it out.


I so agree flora .. it's a godsend and I wish it could be implemented on a more broad spectrum .. my son graduated in June and I made sure to always reinforce the alternative.
You need to make sure she really understands that without completing this she has many years to face in a PRISON and that is worse.I saw and heard a lot of inmates say prison had to be better .. but they hadn't spent time in a prison.
Sure some aspects of prison are different but I wouldn't say better.
Easier at times yes , the physical demands and the constant observation from DI's are tough to handle and not so easy to become accustomed to.

I hope she has the will and you have the strength as well to follow through this and all ends well.

I'm a pm away if you want to talk.

you will be sentenced and sent to County Jail for a week or two. Then you will get shipped to a Reception center (a max prison)--usually Elmira if you are from west/upstate and Downstate if you are from downstate. If going to Shock, you will proably only be in Reception a week or two. At reception ( and I suggest you read the reception threads)--you get tested (academically) and get a physical. You are issued clothes and boots and sneakers. All your stuff can be sent home (at your epense ) or donated. Assuming you can go to Shock, you will go to Lakeview most likely. This is where they test you to see if you can "make it" in Shock. And, yes, they can refuse you on your physical condition, type of charge, attitude etcetc.

My suggestion would be to start getting fit now and come up with a routine you can follow in a cell till you fo there. Because they can and will refuse you for Shock if they think your health will be in jeopardy or if you just won't make it.

If you make it through the screening at Lakeview, you can be sent to any Shock camp in NY. In general there are almost no package privileges and limited visiting in Shock. but read the threads under prison profiles,

Hi can anyone please give me information on visiting at Lakeview ANNEX. Also how long will he be held there untill he is moved again?
Thanks
Angel

Hi Angel, visiting days for the Annex are Saturday and Sunday from 9-3. I have called Lakeview twice to make sure that it is both days. As far as how many visitors: I received two different answers, each time I called. One woman said, "only three people, doesn't matter if one is a child or not, everyone has to set in a chair". A man told me, " three adults and a lapchild are allowed".

My son said that he was told by a couple different CO's that the transfer time is 3-4 months if they are even transfered at all. My son has been at Lakeview five weeks. Hope this info helps you. Kris

My boyfriend was denied shock and is also being transferred to the Lakeview Annex does anyone know how long he will be held there?? I know there is no set time frame and that everyone is different but Im just trying to get an estimate from how long others loved ones were held there..

I Moved To Albany,ny And My Husband Is Now In The Box At Lakeview Correctional. Is There Anyone Out There That Can Share Some Info About Lakeview With Me, And Maybe Share A Ride. I Drive, Sometimes My Car And Sometimes A Rent-a-car. Please Get Back To Me.

Damn I Miss That Man!!

This is where you can post q&a for Lakeview...

if you do a search in Prison Profiles, you will see information for LAKEVIEW as well.

Hi! This weekend will be my first visit to my honey at lakeview. (haven't seen him in over a month) Is anyone leaving Friday night (10/14) from NYC on prison gap? It would be nice to have someone to talk to for the long ride up.
Angel

MY baby was in the lakeview annex for 3 months before he was transferrred thank good he is out if there

My son is in Lakeview Shock and is in a platoon. While you're waiting to be accepted, there are no packages. If youre accepted, there are no packages. If they are denied and will be on the Annex side, you CAN receive packages. Hope this helps a little.,

Hi my name is Lauren and my boyfriend had been coming on this site for the past two months before he left. He has been gone for 1 week and 4 days and man has it been tough! I have been able to speak to him almost everyday bc he is currently in Ulster County (one of the reception areas before heading to shock) He says he is going to be transferred to Lakeview within the next week or so but is hoping to get switch to Summit bc he heard Lakeview is the worst shock camp there is. Anyway I was wondering if anyone knew the graduation dates within the next month for: Moriah, Summit, Lakeview and Montery. This may help us figure out what shock camp he may be heading to. I appreciate any help and information!

My son is currently at Lakeview and has been in a platoon since october 10. The graduation before he got in was October 6, but, there are many platoons in Lakeview. I know there is one a week and it circulates between all the sites so it gives you a start. My son was in Ulster for 2 days and then went to Lakeview, so, it won't be long now. Best of luck to him. Believe me, it's all what you make it in there.....some shine, some don't. It's up to the person individually. keep in touch, maybe i'll have some more info for you after I visit him in 2 weeks.


Amelia

Until my man got transferred there, I never knew that this town existed. He is in Lakeview Shock Incarceration CF. Does anyone have any solid info on how to get there and places to stay? I checked greyhound but got no results for this town.

Thank you:)

I moved this here since it is Lakeview information.

hi hope4us
Not sure where youre coming from, but , take the thruway to exit 59,,,take first left onto rt 60. Take right onto rt 20. Take right onto lake ave in the town of brocton...( at the light for lake ave, above is a big sign,,,Brocton ). Go thru 2 tunnels and it's on your right. also, Days Inn on rt 60, seems to have the best rates...with breakfast....hope this helps.....let me know if u need more info

Dunkirk and Fredonia are two larger towns around Lakeview. The info above is correct. There are also stores right near the Days Inn :Wal-Mart, Tops (A grocery store) etc. There are many restaurnts from Mc Donalds to Appelbees. The cab company in town is A Cab in case you need that. PM me if you have any other questions, I spend the summer in that area and know it pretty well.

I'm a college student at Fredonia State. There should be buses running to the SUNY Fredonia campus and you could take a cab from there. If you need any other info I would be willing to try to help you. There is a busing information office here on campus I could ask for you if you would like. My boyfriend hopefully will be sent to Lakeview Shock. It would be really nice since right now he is 3 hours away and if he gets into shock and placed at Lakeview it would be 10 minutes away. Let me know if I can help. God Bless.

I'm a college student at Fredonia State. There should be buses running to the SUNY Fredonia campus and you could take a cab from there. If you need any other info I would be willing to try to help you. There is a busing information office here on campus I could ask for you if you would like. My boyfriend hopefully will be sent to Lakeview Shock. It would be really nice since right now he is 3 hours away and if he gets into shock and placed at Lakeview it would be 10 minutes away. Let me know if I can help. God Bless.

Thank you thank you!!! I was ready to pull my hair out over this. Just to let you know I will be leaving on a Bus from the Port Authority here in NYC. I'd highly appreciate it if you could find out some info on buses for me. Do you know if the cb ride will be expensive from your campus? Let me know:)

*Thanks everyone for the info:D

Hey I'm willing to go to the transportation office here on campus. I sent you a message I hope you got it. Let me know when you are planning on coming out here and whatnot.
Thanks!

I visited Lakeview the past 2 Saturdays to see my boyfriend. I have information on busing from NYC so if anyone would like it PM me & I'll get back to you.

hi, i just got a letter from my fience from lakeview, does any1 else have a loved 1 there?

i got a letter from my fiance 2day from lakeview, he saids its hell there, the drill instructors r total pricks and they try so hard 2 make u lose ur temper so they can kick u out of the place. he cant get packages and he cant get commansary either, cuz they put any money he gets 2 respitiution, which is total bull. best of love 2 any1 who has loved 1's there.
~Angie

Hello and welcome to PTO :)

yes, my son is there in a platoon. He has been in the shock program since October, and will be home in April. So far, my son is ok....he likes it much better than downstate. The people there are much nicer...so he says. It's a tough program, but my son is only 17 yrs old and I feel it will work wonders.....feel free to im me if you need to. I have a lot of info that can help you

Please tell your fiance to HANG IN THERE. It gets easier once the DI'S know where you stand. It was real hard for my son too, but, this is his third month, and now he's actually getting bored, same old thing. My son loves a challenge, so, if that's the attitude thats needed,,,,,,so be it. I hope your fiance is ok,,,,it takes a lot of strength, but it can be done.

Welcome to you all, I wish you the best :)

I posted this on the reception Q&A, just wanted post this except here about Lakeview.

Lakeview Shock Reception:

If your inmate is shock eligable he will be going to Lakeview no matter what. I'm not going to lie to you it's one of the most stressful places I ever was. Some of the eligibilty requirements for shock are: Under 40, 1st offense, non-violent, less than 3 years to parole eligibilty

Your inmate will still go through regular reception. DOC will then transfer them to Lakeview where they will be told what the program is all about, the next day a counsler will come on the reception dorm; address all the new inmates as a group and answer any questions. By the afternoon of the next day a counsler comes around and reads of a list of names of people who were disqualified. Inmate's who are disqualified are moved to the recycle dorm by that afternoon and then eventually moved to the Lakeview Annex or directly to another prision.

Inmate's who aren't disqualified are taken to the auditorum, given a pep talk on how great the program is then asked to sign a contract to participate in the program (they do not have to)
Visits: Not much information. I believe it's only once every two weeks.

Packages: None; parole clothing when you are near completion

Commisary: Postage, hygene, tobacco and stamps; You have to jump through hoops to get it and there are a lot of restictions compared to other jails.

When I got there I had all my food and tobacco from Downstate. The only thing I was allowed to keep was 10 packs of cigarettes or 1 can of tobacco. The rest was mailed home.

Lakeview Annex:

Visits: Same as other mediums weekend's alternating by DIN

Packages: No packages through the mail only on visits; everything is accepted as at a normal prison

Commisary: Same as shock-side but are allowed to buy a combination lock and batteries.

The annex is a very boring place, they have little to offer and for the most part holds people for transfer.

Important: Most shock transfers from Downstate are sent to Ulster first for a day or two where they wait to get a full bus.

hi, my fience is in lakeview, i was wonderin if any1 else has a loved 1 who is there now?
~Angie

I have a friend there, he should be out in two months though. :)

Welcome ladies ;) you'll find many friends here!

Hi....I'm not sure if this will help anyone, but figured I would post it here anyway. My friend was recently transferred to Lakeview from Downstate.....criminally disqualified for shock. He's waiting to be transferred to the Annex, and from there a different facility within 2-3 months. He has had the opportunity to call me on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.....and was even able to call again until I was home to answer the phone. According to him, the guards give them the opportunity to call everyday, but he doesn't because it costs a lot. He said that it is better to wait until he is at the Annex to visit, since that's the only place that you are allowed to bring packages, and the visiting rules are a little more lax than Shock. Don't bother trying to send anything through the mail (except letters); it will just be returned. Again, this is only for the inmates who are disqualified from Shock, and are in "limbo". I hope this info helps someone in the same position.

Peace,
Lisa

Just to re-iterate what Danee Boy said, once an inmate is in the annex visits are every other weekend, according to their DIN. Make sure you CALL the day before you visit to make sure it's the right weekend. Also, call on a weekday between the hours of 9 a.m and 3 p.m. and ask to speak to someone in guidance. They are very helpful and informative. And any property that they had at their previous facility WILL be sent home. Thanks.

Peace,
Lisa

Thanks Sammi and Dannyboy ;)