I've got a couple of questions and I'm hoping someone can help me out. My husband's going to be sentenced to a 4 1/2 flat bid for a non-violent drug offense on Jan. 29th. I'm wondering if they'll send him to reception to Ulster or to Downstate. I've gotten different answers from a bunch of people. I was told that since he's non-violent and ending up at a medium or minimum that they would send him to Ulster. Also, a friend who did time told me about a cadre program at Ulster and that my husband should try to get into it. Does anybody know what this is exactly and if so, how do you get in it? Thanks alot for any info. I really appreciate it.:D

Ulster is a medium where I've been told that most non-violent offenders are sent for reception. Downstate is a max where violent offenders usually go, BUT I want to say that it probably depends on availability since reception is meant to last for a short period of time.
The cadre program at Ulster is the general population program. My boyfriend was sent to Ulster for reception and he considered staying there for cadre, but they didn't have ASAT, which is the drug program he needs to increase his chances of making his merit board.
In cadre I believe the inmates are put to work for the facility, as well.

Hope that helped some.