Attica Correctional Facility

Attica Correctional Facility exclusively houses adult male inmates classified as maximum security within the New York Department of Corrections system. The population consists primarily of sentenced offenders who have been convicted of serious violent felonies, including murder, armed robbery, assault, and other crimes requiring extended periods of incarceration under heightened security measures. Many inmates at Attica are serving lengthy sentences, including life terms with and without the possibility of parole. The facility does not house pre-trial detainees, as it serves exclusively as a post-conviction institution. Special management inmates who have demonstrated behavioral issues at other facilities or who require protective custody due to their criminal history or notoriety may also be transferred to Attica for secure housing and specialized supervision.

Inmates at Attica Correctional Facility are housed in cell blocks designed for maximum security confinement, with most inmates assigned to single or double-occupancy cells featuring basic amenities including a bed, desk, toilet, and sink. Daily operations include structured meal times where inmates receive three meals per day prepared in the facility's kitchen according to nutritional guidelines and accommodating religious or medical dietary requirements. Recreation opportunities are provided in controlled outdoor yards and indoor spaces, though access is more limited than at lower security facilities due to safety protocols. Medical services are available through an on-site health unit staffed by healthcare professionals who address routine medical needs, chronic conditions, and emergency situations. Mental health services include psychiatric evaluation, counseling, and crisis intervention for inmates experiencing psychological difficulties. The facility maintains a formal grievance process allowing inmates to file complaints about conditions, staff conduct, or policy violations, with review procedures established by the Department of Corrections to address legitimate concerns.

Attica Correctional Facility offers educational programming including Adult Basic Education and GED preparation courses for inmates seeking to complete their high school equivalency credentials. Vocational training programs provide skill development in various trades to enhance employability upon release. Substance abuse treatment services address addiction issues through counseling, group therapy, and rehabilitation programming designed to reduce recidivism among inmates with drug or alcohol dependencies. Religious services accommodate multiple faith traditions with chaplains and volunteer clergy providing worship opportunities, spiritual counseling, and religious education. Re-entry preparation programs assist inmates nearing release with transition planning, including job readiness training, housing assistance referrals, and community resource connections. Program availability may vary based on security classification, behavior history, and sentence length, with maximum security restrictions limiting some opportunities compared to lower security facilities.

Work assignments at Attica Correctional Facility include various inside positions essential to institutional operations, such as food service workers in the kitchen and dining areas, porters maintaining cleanliness in cell blocks and common areas, and laundry workers handling facility linens and inmate clothing. Inmates may work in maintenance departments, the commissary, or administrative support roles depending on their classification and behavior record. New York's Corcraft prison industries program may provide additional employment opportunities in manufacturing or production operations. These work assignments offer inmates structured daily activities, modest compensation, and skill development while contributing to facility operations. Security level restrictions at maximum security institutions limit outside work details compared to medium or minimum security facilities.

Attica Correctional Facility opened in 1931 during an era of prison expansion in New York State, built to address overcrowding in existing facilities and to provide secure housing for the state's most dangerous offenders. The massive stone structure reflected the fortress-style architecture common to prisons of that period, designed to prevent escapes and maintain strict control. The facility gained international attention in September 1971 when inmates staged an uprising that lasted four days, resulting in tragedy and prompting widespread prison reforms across the United States. This historical event fundamentally changed correctional practices regarding inmate treatment, grievance procedures, and use of force policies. Over the decades, Attica has undergone modifications and security enhancements while maintaining its original mission. Today, it continues to serve as a critical component of New York's maximum security correctional infrastructure under the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Attica has had a number of famous inmates, including several notorious serial killers.  David Berkowitz, also referred to as the Son of Sam, is incarcerated there, as is Colin Ferguson, the Long Island Railroad killer, and Kendall Francois who targeted prostitutes.  John Lennon’s killer, Mark David Chapman was confined to Attica, as was the infamous mafia killer Anthony Provenzano.   Willie Sutton, a prolific bank robber who robbed over 100 banks was one of Attica’s most famous inmates who was serving time for a non-homicide offense. 

Visitation at Attica Correctional Facility requires all visitors to obtain prior approval through the New York Department of Corrections visitor application process before being permitted entry. Approved visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification upon arrival at the facility entrance. The dress code prohibits revealing clothing, items resembling inmate uniforms, and clothing with offensive graphics or language. Visitors should avoid wearing excessive jewelry or bringing prohibited items into the facility. Scheduling procedures and visiting hours vary, so families should contact the facility directly before traveling to confirm current policies and availability. Children visiting must be accompanied by an approved adult guardian. The visitation process includes security screening procedures for all visitors. Families are strongly encouraged to call ahead to verify visiting schedules and any policy changes before making the trip to Attica.

Mail sent to inmates at Attica Correctional Facility must include the inmate's full legal name, Department Identification Number, facility name, and complete address: Attica Correctional Facility, 639 Exchange Street, Attica, NY 14011-0149. All incoming mail is subject to inspection for contraband and security purposes. Books and publications must typically be ordered through approved vendors and shipped directly from the publisher or authorized book distributors. Inmates can make outgoing phone calls through the facility's telephone system, which requires families to establish prepaid accounts with the contracted telephone service provider. Some correctional facilities in New York offer electronic messaging services, though families should verify current availability and procedures for Attica specifically through the Department of Corrections communication systems.