Manzanita
10-13-2004, 08:34 PM
Wyoming Correctional Facility
Box 501, Dunbar Road
Attica, New York 14011
(585) 591-1010
(Wyoming County)
Medium Male
Visitation Information:
Visits are from 8:30-3:30 on Saturdays & Sundays .Overcrowding will terminate on a first come first out basis.
Has two visiting areas all year around and outside during nice weather. The overflow visiting room is nicer and more room with a partial partition and a TV on the left side of the room. (usually a sporting event on) Inmate must sit facing the front of the room. Tables are assigned by at the visitation desk for the CO. The walk from the visitation center to the facility is about 60 yards. You can drive up to the facility but parking is limited as usually reserved for people with mobility limitation (elderly).
This facility seemed the most inconsistent with visitation dress and clearing the metal detectors. They have a very large problem with short skirts, see-through blouses even if they have camesols on. Depending on the day sleeveless tops is an issue. They may allow you to enter the facility by putting a jacket on.
To purchase photos you must buy ticket out of machine and write Inmate name on a sheet. Photographer floats between main room, overflow and outside.
When weather is nice outside allows you to walk. Must walk in a circle and keep moving or be seated. Usually the kids enjoy this area, as they have more freedom and movement. Both the main visiting room and overflow have a kid designated area tha are open and in the rear of the room.
Takes a long time to get processed in, and they process 5 visits at a time. Wiat can be between 30 minutes to 45 to get into facility.
I never stayed there but there is lodging at Attica Inn and less than 15 miles away is an amusement park in Darin(?).
Inmate only allow 3 visitors.
Package Information:
Be careful with the sneakers and some gloves because they have velcro and velcro is not allowed. Don't buy him anything with zippers because zippers are no longer allowed. When sending footwear be sure to have your receipts in order. As long as the toiletries don't have alcohol in them and you don't send him any lotions with a pump bottle plus the top has a sealing, you're good to go.
The meat situation is funny so be careful with that. If it needs refrigeration before opening then they're gonna bounce it, but for some reason coldcuts and cheeses are allowed. Cheese -- only slice or solid -- no grated cheese. Be careful with the raisins, like in granola bars and raisin bread -- I think they can only have 4 oz of raisins so the bars and bread may get bounced depending on which officer processes the package.
Very important -- the package room moves kinda slow because they have an awful lot of inmates there but only a couple guys working the package room. I send ALL packages priority with delivery confirmation. To send a package parcel post could take 9 days to get there and then it could sit in the package room for another couple weeks because they get so many packages in DAILY. I'm petrified to send a package without delivery confirmation. Why? Because the ONE time I took a chance -- he didn't get the item -- a hot pair of sunglasses. Delivery confirmation, however, will show it was left at the post office and that's it. The officers pick up the mail from the post office. So if you send a package with delivery confirmation and your loved one doesn't get it, though you have confirmation your confirmation doesn't show the Facility picked it up, only that it was left at the post office in Attica. The post office in Attica will tell you it was received and that they put all packages in a huge crate for the officers to pick up, but the officers could say they brought everything that was there and if they didn't bring yours, then check with the post office. You may know this already but when you send food, mark the box PERISHABLES on all sides and he should get it the next day no later than two days after the Facility picks it up. If you don't mark it perishables then the officers will regard it as a regular package and it may sit for up to two weeks, sometimes longer, before he gets it because they process the food packages before they do the general packages. Do feel free to ask the package room officers a question or two when you're at the facility if you have any questions.(bigdaddysbaby)
Forget the shampoo- just leave money in commissary for him, the only way you MIGHT get it in is if it's a two-pack of shampoo shrink-wrapped together, clear and no alcohol, which I have never found. They don't allow any "extras" attached to the shampoo (or anything else) whether there is alcohol or not- like a sample of soap- so rule that out. I found cocoa butter soap at the dollar store that they let in- High Endurance is also a brand they have let in (both the soap and the deodorant). Forget toothpaste- there isn't ANY type you are going to get in, that also goes for microwave popcorn. Oatmeal depends on the week and what CO is on. They let in most snack stuff, cans 16 oz and under, playing cards and puzzles (the ones from Walmart- {Rose Art- 89 cents} and there are some at the dollar store that are the right size.) Poptarts are good and not considered breakfast.(evil)
FRP available: No
Number of prisoners: addtional info on wyoming
-well so far they got 1800 and they are being housed in dorms! each dorm has two sides to it and each side holds 60 inmates (120 in one dorm with with 2 CO's watching over them/ one each side and one in the middle) the dorm god from a to q i believe ... i think it was 15 dorms and the chow hall and other places ... its pretty huge! as far as the visit it was pretty easy going and to say something about body piercing well i had called upfront sincei have pieces i really cant/ dont want to remove and the CO's said its no problem cuz the metal detector is set not to pick up the piercings since they have medical metal in them or some like that so its not a problem at all! when you at visit they have a shift change at 3 pm so you have to wait to leave until they get settled i guess and nobody is allowed to leave the visiting room between 2:30 and 3pm ... i think that would be it for right now if i see or hear something else i will let you know oh yeah most of the dorms have microwaves and the one my friend is in even have a stove so he gets to cook "real meals"!!!
If you have any additional information, you can PM me- and it will be added accordingly
---
Wyoming Correctional Facility
Officers staffing Attica's towers are so close that they overlook this medium-security prison in western New York, one of the dozen "cookie cutter" prisons of identical design to be stamped out in the 1980-90's to accommodate a burgeoning prison population. Opened in 1984 with a capacity for 550 inmates, it was repeatedly asked to expand to today's 1,722 inmates in order to meet demand -representing only one of the challenges being met by facility staff.
But while operating in the shadow of arguably what is the state's most infamous prison, Wyoming has carved its own niche in the modern history of New York corrections.
That's despite the fact, as shown from the picture above, the low-profile of the facility is dwarfed by a facility sign and its a truck trap as visitors drive a winding road into the complex.
Even Attica has been affected by its relatively new neighbor. In an effort to hold the line on costs and save taxpayer dollars by operating more efficiently, employees in Wyoming's maintenance department are now responsible for the care of the out-side grounds and vehicle maintenance for both Wyoming and n Attica. Wyoming employees also monitor and maintain the water tanks, sewers and the power plant for both facilities, ensuring the delivery of critical services like water, heat and emergency generating power on a daily basis. Wyoming staff and inmates arc also a leader in recycling to help save local and state taxpayers big bucks. Their professionalism and dedication is a testament to the concept of the family that is corrections.
Empowered with a multi-disciplined mission
Like other prisons throughout the state, Wyoming's main mission is to ensure the safety of staff and inmates and provide the latter with the skills, education, counseling and programming they need to increase their chances of success upon their eventual reintegration into the community.
The facility offers a full range of academic and vocational programs aimed at achieving that objective. Wyoming, however, has a few more weapons in its arsenal than most other medium-security facilities.
Wyoming is one of just seven facilities in the state prison system to offer CASAT -Comprehensive Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment. This initiative provides a continuum of intensive substance abuse treatment that begins with Phase I in a designated Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Center (ASATC) facility setting. Phase II follows, a transitional period in a work release community reintegration setting. This program is only available to inmates who meet the restrictive criteria for presumptive work release. A total of 100 ASATC slots are available at Wyoming with an additional 20 slots available for select inmates nearing enrollment in the program.
The program operates under the direction set forth in the Department's CASAT manual, in conjunction with the substance abuse treatment concept of embracing the discipline of a therapeutic community. After six months of successful treatment and preparation during Phase I, program participants are moved into the community reintegration phase. Like Phase I, Phase 11 typically lasts about six months. It is during this phase that program participants find and obtain employment to sup- port themselves and their families; they also continue individualized treatment and counseling during Phase II.
The goals of the Department's CASAT program are:
To better prepare chemically addicted inmates for re- turn to their families and communities upon release.
To focus on the total needs of inmates with histories of alcohol and substance abuse.
To ensure appropriate aftercare services in the community in which they will live.
To increase coordination with appropriate state agencies, local agencies, service providers and various community organizations.
To reduce relapse and recidivism rates.
For inmates to be considered for admission to the program, they must have a documented history of alcohol and/or substance abuse; be with In 10-24 months of' earliest possible release; have received presumptive work release approval from Central Office and be classified as cither minimum- or medium-security.
Wyoming is also one of the facilities that continues to see eligible inmates enrolled in college programs, at no cost to taxpayers. The program, known as the Consortium of the Niagara Frontier, began in 1975 and now serves 49 inmates.
Instructors come in from Canisius College, Daemen College, Niagara University and other institutions of higher learning in western New York. Faculty members provide a strong foundation for the inmates through their teaching of a liberal arts curriculum.
Fourteen inmates have earned bachelor's degrees thus far in the 2002-03 academic year. The goal is to provide inmates with the education they need to acquire good-paying jobs to support themselves and their families.
Wyoming also offers inmates a sex offender treatment pro- gram. Intensive group counseling is a major component of this program but it also includes individual counseling and education. Emphasis is placed on developing an awareness of predisposing factors and alternative skills and behaviors in order to avoid deviate sexual activities.
The length of Wyoming's sex offender program is six months. To be considered for admission, an inmate must be incarcerated for a sex-related offense or found guilty at a Tier Hearing for a sexually abusive/ assaultive act; be willing to identify and address problems related to their deviate sexual behavior, and be willing to employ alternative thinking and behavior patterns. Inmates must also have a referral from their counselor.
Wyoming also runs an Hispanic Inmate Needs program that serves as a liaison between the Department and Hispanic in- mates. Some of the functions of the program are in the areas of research, planning, recruitment, training, transitional services, community networking, materials development and evaluation. The goal is to assist the Department in meeting the needs of its Hispanic inmates when it comes to issues like health services, education, library services, counseling, mental health, pre- and post-release issues and ethnic awareness training.
Providing basic job skills and a work ethic
Besides its various educational and programming offerings, Wyoming offers various vocational and other programs aimed at providing inmates with the skills they need to find a job when they return to society.
Among these programs is the farming program, which for many years was handled by Attica inmates. It was taken over by Wyoming shortly after the facility opened a little less than two decades ago. Local residents, however, continue to refer to the operation as the Attica Prison Farm.
Twenty-four inmates work the farm. Last year, one million quarts of milk were processed and distributed to 11 facilities, resulting in a substantial savings to state taxpayers. The 128 dairy cows produced 48,000 pounds of butter. Each cow produces an average 23,000 pounds of milk per year.
Milk isn't the only focus of this busy farm. There are 118 heifers to be cared for and an average of 20 beef cattle. The beef is processed at Eastern for distribution throughout the system. The farm encompasses 300 acres that provide crops for animal feed; corn is planted on 160 acres and hay on the balance.
Wyoming will soon be involved in the Farm Employment Program, which will only be offered to inmates meeting specific criteria. Inmate candidates from facilities throughout the state will be transferred to the facility to participate in this 100- hour initiative. Training will include the curriculum from the New York State Agriculture Work Force Certification Program. The program will be sponsored by DOCS and the state Department of Agriculture and Markets with cooperation from the state Department of Labor and Division of Parole.
Extensive vocational programming
Wyoming inmates also have the opportunity to receive instruction in the installation of air conditioning and refrigeration units, as well as diagnosis and repair of defective parts. Intensive practice is also provided on soldering, pipe cutting and threading- courses geared to entry-level industry jobs.
Wyoming also offers an auto mechanics course that ranges from training in basic preventative maintenance to accurate diagnosis and repair of complex problems. Training is provided in areas including engine rebuilding, brake and clutch services, performing tune-ups, tire servicing, lubrication and repair of exhaust systems. Actual live work experience is provided wherever possible. The course is geared to provide the inmate with entry-level skills as general auto mechanics or auto mechanic helpers with the possibility of specializing in any of the subdivisions in the trade.
Upon completion of the course, inmates receive certificates from the state Department of Labor, the state Department of Motor Vehicles and the Ford Motor Company, asserting that they are qualified to work in the profession.
Several of the other vocational courses available to Wyoming inmates include:
Building maintenance, which provides inmates with the fundamental skills required to make minor repairs in carpentry, masonry, electricity and plumbing.
Computer repair, where inmates learn to build and repair personal computers. They also learn about basic electronics, computer hardware and computer software peripherals. No inmates, however, have any modem or Internet access.
Custodial maintenance, which emphasizes custodial services including floor care, carpet and fabric care, upholstery care, sanitation chemicals, window care, rest room care and the use and operation of power cleaning equipment.
Drafting and blueprint reading. This course affords inmates the opportunity to obtain entry-level skills to prepare and interpret mechanical detail, assembly and technical illustrations and blueprints. A wide range of skills is also taught including free- hand sketching, orthographic projection, geometric constructions and basic drafting techniques.
Electrical trades, which emphasizes the installation and servicing of all types of residential and commercial wiring systems.
Floor covering, which includes the installation of most floor covering materials including carpeting, floor tiles, sheet goods, wall tile and quarry slate.
Small engine repair, which provides training in the repair and maintenance of lawn and garden equipment, recreational vehicles and motorcycles.
Upholstery, which provides instruction in the identification and stripping of furniture as well as the installation and application of springs, webbing, padding and other materials.
A helpful neighbor who's much appreciated
Like many other facilities throughout the state, Wyoming refuses to operate in a vacuum despite its visibly secured perimeter.
And for that, local residents are grateful.
Wyoming employees are a vital force in the local communities surrounding the prison. Among other things, they work as volunteer firefighters and sports coaches, serve on school, town and other local community boards and donate their time for the needy in the community. They also host fund-raisers for the needy and perform other tasks to benefit all in the region.
Staff also held a fund-raiser luncheon to benefit the family of a local Boy Scout who was struck by lightning while at camp in 2001 and had been living in a wheelchair at Monroe Community Hospital since then. The family needed the money to build an addition on their home.
And the facility's ongoing assistance to the local community doesn't only involve the efforts of staff.
Mirroring their counterparts at other facilities, staff and inmates at Wyoming arc involved in annual Make a Difference Day fund-raisers and other activities to help their less-fortunate neighbors. In 2002, inmates constructed a variety of wooden toys that were distributed to needy local children.
Wyoming is also one of several facilities in the state that offers the Department's highly successful Youth Assistance Program (YAP). Unlike the "Scared Straight" program that's long been a staple in prisons in other states, the Department's youth program is designed to provide positive guidance and direction to at-risk youth who reflect a tendency toward becoming involved with the criminal justice system in a negative manner.
Through the program, inmates relate to youngsters the problems that caused them to wind up in prison. They also help young people by teaching and showing them how to develop positive attitudes that will help them realize that they can make changes in their life- styles and avoid incarceration. Many teachers, law enforcement personnel and others have been repeat visitors, at- risk youth in tow, to the Wyoming program for many years, a testament to its success.
The effort of staff and inmates at wyoming have also drawn kudos from area sports enthusiasts.
In late 2000, at the request of the " state Department of Environmental (DEC) and the Western New York Sierra Club, Wyoming staff and inmates embarked on a new' mission to raise pheasant chicks for release into the wild on public grounds in western New York.
The initial phase entailed construction of a 48-by-80- foot wooden building on the facility grounds, to house the chicks until maturity. In the spring of 2001, and in subsequent springs, some 5,000 pheasants chicks at the ripe age of two or three days old are delivered to the facility by DEC officials.
Inmates under the supervision of staff then raise the chicks until they reach the age of five or six months, at which time they are taken from the facility and released into the wild on public lands.
Wyoming's continued assistance to the community impacts more than just sportsmen. Program assignments include out-door work assignments in supervised community service crews working for local governments and non-profit groups. Projects include snow and debris removal, church repairs and fighting floods, ice storms and forest fires. If not for DOCS, many of those projects would not otherwise be completed. Since 1995, Wyoming crews have logged more than 110,000 work hours with more than 24,000 hours of security supervision.
Wyoming is considered a friend of the western New York environment as well. The facility is the home of the largest recycling program in the Department. The massive complex is comprised of five buildings situated on 10 acres. The facility services 14 prisons as well as seven communities and two school districts, resulting in a cost savings for state and local taxpayers.
The center processes cardboard, tin cans, plastics, paper, food waste and wood waste. It handles some 51/2 million tons of materials each year, one million pounds of which is cardboard. The coordinator of this special unit is responsible for identifying distributors and often works with various brokers to secure contracts throughout the United States and the world.
The recycling center and the facility are developing a program to recycle unusable inmate clothing for the entire state.
Box 501, Dunbar Road
Attica, New York 14011
(585) 591-1010
(Wyoming County)
Medium Male
Visitation Information:
Visits are from 8:30-3:30 on Saturdays & Sundays .Overcrowding will terminate on a first come first out basis.
Has two visiting areas all year around and outside during nice weather. The overflow visiting room is nicer and more room with a partial partition and a TV on the left side of the room. (usually a sporting event on) Inmate must sit facing the front of the room. Tables are assigned by at the visitation desk for the CO. The walk from the visitation center to the facility is about 60 yards. You can drive up to the facility but parking is limited as usually reserved for people with mobility limitation (elderly).
This facility seemed the most inconsistent with visitation dress and clearing the metal detectors. They have a very large problem with short skirts, see-through blouses even if they have camesols on. Depending on the day sleeveless tops is an issue. They may allow you to enter the facility by putting a jacket on.
To purchase photos you must buy ticket out of machine and write Inmate name on a sheet. Photographer floats between main room, overflow and outside.
When weather is nice outside allows you to walk. Must walk in a circle and keep moving or be seated. Usually the kids enjoy this area, as they have more freedom and movement. Both the main visiting room and overflow have a kid designated area tha are open and in the rear of the room.
Takes a long time to get processed in, and they process 5 visits at a time. Wiat can be between 30 minutes to 45 to get into facility.
I never stayed there but there is lodging at Attica Inn and less than 15 miles away is an amusement park in Darin(?).
Inmate only allow 3 visitors.
Package Information:
Be careful with the sneakers and some gloves because they have velcro and velcro is not allowed. Don't buy him anything with zippers because zippers are no longer allowed. When sending footwear be sure to have your receipts in order. As long as the toiletries don't have alcohol in them and you don't send him any lotions with a pump bottle plus the top has a sealing, you're good to go.
The meat situation is funny so be careful with that. If it needs refrigeration before opening then they're gonna bounce it, but for some reason coldcuts and cheeses are allowed. Cheese -- only slice or solid -- no grated cheese. Be careful with the raisins, like in granola bars and raisin bread -- I think they can only have 4 oz of raisins so the bars and bread may get bounced depending on which officer processes the package.
Very important -- the package room moves kinda slow because they have an awful lot of inmates there but only a couple guys working the package room. I send ALL packages priority with delivery confirmation. To send a package parcel post could take 9 days to get there and then it could sit in the package room for another couple weeks because they get so many packages in DAILY. I'm petrified to send a package without delivery confirmation. Why? Because the ONE time I took a chance -- he didn't get the item -- a hot pair of sunglasses. Delivery confirmation, however, will show it was left at the post office and that's it. The officers pick up the mail from the post office. So if you send a package with delivery confirmation and your loved one doesn't get it, though you have confirmation your confirmation doesn't show the Facility picked it up, only that it was left at the post office in Attica. The post office in Attica will tell you it was received and that they put all packages in a huge crate for the officers to pick up, but the officers could say they brought everything that was there and if they didn't bring yours, then check with the post office. You may know this already but when you send food, mark the box PERISHABLES on all sides and he should get it the next day no later than two days after the Facility picks it up. If you don't mark it perishables then the officers will regard it as a regular package and it may sit for up to two weeks, sometimes longer, before he gets it because they process the food packages before they do the general packages. Do feel free to ask the package room officers a question or two when you're at the facility if you have any questions.(bigdaddysbaby)
Forget the shampoo- just leave money in commissary for him, the only way you MIGHT get it in is if it's a two-pack of shampoo shrink-wrapped together, clear and no alcohol, which I have never found. They don't allow any "extras" attached to the shampoo (or anything else) whether there is alcohol or not- like a sample of soap- so rule that out. I found cocoa butter soap at the dollar store that they let in- High Endurance is also a brand they have let in (both the soap and the deodorant). Forget toothpaste- there isn't ANY type you are going to get in, that also goes for microwave popcorn. Oatmeal depends on the week and what CO is on. They let in most snack stuff, cans 16 oz and under, playing cards and puzzles (the ones from Walmart- {Rose Art- 89 cents} and there are some at the dollar store that are the right size.) Poptarts are good and not considered breakfast.(evil)
FRP available: No
Number of prisoners: addtional info on wyoming
-well so far they got 1800 and they are being housed in dorms! each dorm has two sides to it and each side holds 60 inmates (120 in one dorm with with 2 CO's watching over them/ one each side and one in the middle) the dorm god from a to q i believe ... i think it was 15 dorms and the chow hall and other places ... its pretty huge! as far as the visit it was pretty easy going and to say something about body piercing well i had called upfront sincei have pieces i really cant/ dont want to remove and the CO's said its no problem cuz the metal detector is set not to pick up the piercings since they have medical metal in them or some like that so its not a problem at all! when you at visit they have a shift change at 3 pm so you have to wait to leave until they get settled i guess and nobody is allowed to leave the visiting room between 2:30 and 3pm ... i think that would be it for right now if i see or hear something else i will let you know oh yeah most of the dorms have microwaves and the one my friend is in even have a stove so he gets to cook "real meals"!!!
If you have any additional information, you can PM me- and it will be added accordingly
---
Wyoming Correctional Facility
Officers staffing Attica's towers are so close that they overlook this medium-security prison in western New York, one of the dozen "cookie cutter" prisons of identical design to be stamped out in the 1980-90's to accommodate a burgeoning prison population. Opened in 1984 with a capacity for 550 inmates, it was repeatedly asked to expand to today's 1,722 inmates in order to meet demand -representing only one of the challenges being met by facility staff.
But while operating in the shadow of arguably what is the state's most infamous prison, Wyoming has carved its own niche in the modern history of New York corrections.
That's despite the fact, as shown from the picture above, the low-profile of the facility is dwarfed by a facility sign and its a truck trap as visitors drive a winding road into the complex.
Even Attica has been affected by its relatively new neighbor. In an effort to hold the line on costs and save taxpayer dollars by operating more efficiently, employees in Wyoming's maintenance department are now responsible for the care of the out-side grounds and vehicle maintenance for both Wyoming and n Attica. Wyoming employees also monitor and maintain the water tanks, sewers and the power plant for both facilities, ensuring the delivery of critical services like water, heat and emergency generating power on a daily basis. Wyoming staff and inmates arc also a leader in recycling to help save local and state taxpayers big bucks. Their professionalism and dedication is a testament to the concept of the family that is corrections.
Empowered with a multi-disciplined mission
Like other prisons throughout the state, Wyoming's main mission is to ensure the safety of staff and inmates and provide the latter with the skills, education, counseling and programming they need to increase their chances of success upon their eventual reintegration into the community.
The facility offers a full range of academic and vocational programs aimed at achieving that objective. Wyoming, however, has a few more weapons in its arsenal than most other medium-security facilities.
Wyoming is one of just seven facilities in the state prison system to offer CASAT -Comprehensive Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment. This initiative provides a continuum of intensive substance abuse treatment that begins with Phase I in a designated Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Center (ASATC) facility setting. Phase II follows, a transitional period in a work release community reintegration setting. This program is only available to inmates who meet the restrictive criteria for presumptive work release. A total of 100 ASATC slots are available at Wyoming with an additional 20 slots available for select inmates nearing enrollment in the program.
The program operates under the direction set forth in the Department's CASAT manual, in conjunction with the substance abuse treatment concept of embracing the discipline of a therapeutic community. After six months of successful treatment and preparation during Phase I, program participants are moved into the community reintegration phase. Like Phase I, Phase 11 typically lasts about six months. It is during this phase that program participants find and obtain employment to sup- port themselves and their families; they also continue individualized treatment and counseling during Phase II.
The goals of the Department's CASAT program are:
To better prepare chemically addicted inmates for re- turn to their families and communities upon release.
To focus on the total needs of inmates with histories of alcohol and substance abuse.
To ensure appropriate aftercare services in the community in which they will live.
To increase coordination with appropriate state agencies, local agencies, service providers and various community organizations.
To reduce relapse and recidivism rates.
For inmates to be considered for admission to the program, they must have a documented history of alcohol and/or substance abuse; be with In 10-24 months of' earliest possible release; have received presumptive work release approval from Central Office and be classified as cither minimum- or medium-security.
Wyoming is also one of the facilities that continues to see eligible inmates enrolled in college programs, at no cost to taxpayers. The program, known as the Consortium of the Niagara Frontier, began in 1975 and now serves 49 inmates.
Instructors come in from Canisius College, Daemen College, Niagara University and other institutions of higher learning in western New York. Faculty members provide a strong foundation for the inmates through their teaching of a liberal arts curriculum.
Fourteen inmates have earned bachelor's degrees thus far in the 2002-03 academic year. The goal is to provide inmates with the education they need to acquire good-paying jobs to support themselves and their families.
Wyoming also offers inmates a sex offender treatment pro- gram. Intensive group counseling is a major component of this program but it also includes individual counseling and education. Emphasis is placed on developing an awareness of predisposing factors and alternative skills and behaviors in order to avoid deviate sexual activities.
The length of Wyoming's sex offender program is six months. To be considered for admission, an inmate must be incarcerated for a sex-related offense or found guilty at a Tier Hearing for a sexually abusive/ assaultive act; be willing to identify and address problems related to their deviate sexual behavior, and be willing to employ alternative thinking and behavior patterns. Inmates must also have a referral from their counselor.
Wyoming also runs an Hispanic Inmate Needs program that serves as a liaison between the Department and Hispanic in- mates. Some of the functions of the program are in the areas of research, planning, recruitment, training, transitional services, community networking, materials development and evaluation. The goal is to assist the Department in meeting the needs of its Hispanic inmates when it comes to issues like health services, education, library services, counseling, mental health, pre- and post-release issues and ethnic awareness training.
Providing basic job skills and a work ethic
Besides its various educational and programming offerings, Wyoming offers various vocational and other programs aimed at providing inmates with the skills they need to find a job when they return to society.
Among these programs is the farming program, which for many years was handled by Attica inmates. It was taken over by Wyoming shortly after the facility opened a little less than two decades ago. Local residents, however, continue to refer to the operation as the Attica Prison Farm.
Twenty-four inmates work the farm. Last year, one million quarts of milk were processed and distributed to 11 facilities, resulting in a substantial savings to state taxpayers. The 128 dairy cows produced 48,000 pounds of butter. Each cow produces an average 23,000 pounds of milk per year.
Milk isn't the only focus of this busy farm. There are 118 heifers to be cared for and an average of 20 beef cattle. The beef is processed at Eastern for distribution throughout the system. The farm encompasses 300 acres that provide crops for animal feed; corn is planted on 160 acres and hay on the balance.
Wyoming will soon be involved in the Farm Employment Program, which will only be offered to inmates meeting specific criteria. Inmate candidates from facilities throughout the state will be transferred to the facility to participate in this 100- hour initiative. Training will include the curriculum from the New York State Agriculture Work Force Certification Program. The program will be sponsored by DOCS and the state Department of Agriculture and Markets with cooperation from the state Department of Labor and Division of Parole.
Extensive vocational programming
Wyoming inmates also have the opportunity to receive instruction in the installation of air conditioning and refrigeration units, as well as diagnosis and repair of defective parts. Intensive practice is also provided on soldering, pipe cutting and threading- courses geared to entry-level industry jobs.
Wyoming also offers an auto mechanics course that ranges from training in basic preventative maintenance to accurate diagnosis and repair of complex problems. Training is provided in areas including engine rebuilding, brake and clutch services, performing tune-ups, tire servicing, lubrication and repair of exhaust systems. Actual live work experience is provided wherever possible. The course is geared to provide the inmate with entry-level skills as general auto mechanics or auto mechanic helpers with the possibility of specializing in any of the subdivisions in the trade.
Upon completion of the course, inmates receive certificates from the state Department of Labor, the state Department of Motor Vehicles and the Ford Motor Company, asserting that they are qualified to work in the profession.
Several of the other vocational courses available to Wyoming inmates include:
Building maintenance, which provides inmates with the fundamental skills required to make minor repairs in carpentry, masonry, electricity and plumbing.
Computer repair, where inmates learn to build and repair personal computers. They also learn about basic electronics, computer hardware and computer software peripherals. No inmates, however, have any modem or Internet access.
Custodial maintenance, which emphasizes custodial services including floor care, carpet and fabric care, upholstery care, sanitation chemicals, window care, rest room care and the use and operation of power cleaning equipment.
Drafting and blueprint reading. This course affords inmates the opportunity to obtain entry-level skills to prepare and interpret mechanical detail, assembly and technical illustrations and blueprints. A wide range of skills is also taught including free- hand sketching, orthographic projection, geometric constructions and basic drafting techniques.
Electrical trades, which emphasizes the installation and servicing of all types of residential and commercial wiring systems.
Floor covering, which includes the installation of most floor covering materials including carpeting, floor tiles, sheet goods, wall tile and quarry slate.
Small engine repair, which provides training in the repair and maintenance of lawn and garden equipment, recreational vehicles and motorcycles.
Upholstery, which provides instruction in the identification and stripping of furniture as well as the installation and application of springs, webbing, padding and other materials.
A helpful neighbor who's much appreciated
Like many other facilities throughout the state, Wyoming refuses to operate in a vacuum despite its visibly secured perimeter.
And for that, local residents are grateful.
Wyoming employees are a vital force in the local communities surrounding the prison. Among other things, they work as volunteer firefighters and sports coaches, serve on school, town and other local community boards and donate their time for the needy in the community. They also host fund-raisers for the needy and perform other tasks to benefit all in the region.
Staff also held a fund-raiser luncheon to benefit the family of a local Boy Scout who was struck by lightning while at camp in 2001 and had been living in a wheelchair at Monroe Community Hospital since then. The family needed the money to build an addition on their home.
And the facility's ongoing assistance to the local community doesn't only involve the efforts of staff.
Mirroring their counterparts at other facilities, staff and inmates at Wyoming arc involved in annual Make a Difference Day fund-raisers and other activities to help their less-fortunate neighbors. In 2002, inmates constructed a variety of wooden toys that were distributed to needy local children.
Wyoming is also one of several facilities in the state that offers the Department's highly successful Youth Assistance Program (YAP). Unlike the "Scared Straight" program that's long been a staple in prisons in other states, the Department's youth program is designed to provide positive guidance and direction to at-risk youth who reflect a tendency toward becoming involved with the criminal justice system in a negative manner.
Through the program, inmates relate to youngsters the problems that caused them to wind up in prison. They also help young people by teaching and showing them how to develop positive attitudes that will help them realize that they can make changes in their life- styles and avoid incarceration. Many teachers, law enforcement personnel and others have been repeat visitors, at- risk youth in tow, to the Wyoming program for many years, a testament to its success.
The effort of staff and inmates at wyoming have also drawn kudos from area sports enthusiasts.
In late 2000, at the request of the " state Department of Environmental (DEC) and the Western New York Sierra Club, Wyoming staff and inmates embarked on a new' mission to raise pheasant chicks for release into the wild on public grounds in western New York.
The initial phase entailed construction of a 48-by-80- foot wooden building on the facility grounds, to house the chicks until maturity. In the spring of 2001, and in subsequent springs, some 5,000 pheasants chicks at the ripe age of two or three days old are delivered to the facility by DEC officials.
Inmates under the supervision of staff then raise the chicks until they reach the age of five or six months, at which time they are taken from the facility and released into the wild on public lands.
Wyoming's continued assistance to the community impacts more than just sportsmen. Program assignments include out-door work assignments in supervised community service crews working for local governments and non-profit groups. Projects include snow and debris removal, church repairs and fighting floods, ice storms and forest fires. If not for DOCS, many of those projects would not otherwise be completed. Since 1995, Wyoming crews have logged more than 110,000 work hours with more than 24,000 hours of security supervision.
Wyoming is considered a friend of the western New York environment as well. The facility is the home of the largest recycling program in the Department. The massive complex is comprised of five buildings situated on 10 acres. The facility services 14 prisons as well as seven communities and two school districts, resulting in a cost savings for state and local taxpayers.
The center processes cardboard, tin cans, plastics, paper, food waste and wood waste. It handles some 51/2 million tons of materials each year, one million pounds of which is cardboard. The coordinator of this special unit is responsible for identifying distributors and often works with various brokers to secure contracts throughout the United States and the world.
The recycling center and the facility are developing a program to recycle unusable inmate clothing for the entire state.