Visiting an Inmate at Yaphank Correctional Facility
What is it like to visit someone in Yaphank Correctional Facility or Yaphank Jail?
Knowing what to expect will make the experience easier on everyone involved.
Visiting friends or family members who have been
incarcerated can be traumatic, and emotional. It can also do a world of good for
the individual who is in jail. I try to keep this in mind when I have to go
there as the person I visit is a close family memeber. So even though an intimidating event, the experience is well
worth it if he or she get's something out of it. This guide will help visitors
to prepare for the day ahead.
Call ahead (631)
852-1893 or (631) 852-1894
Telephone
the facility ahead of time as per the rules you have to make an appointment to
have a visit with an inmate there. It is
kind of frustrating as the phone is usually busy, so you have to keep
trying. If you're not persistent you run
the risk of all the appointments being filled and then you can't make one and
will have to try to do what they call a walk
in. Walkin's are done by last name. Here is what the visitors guide lists
for Riverhead Correctional facility, which is the same for guide for Yaphank Correctional (although it doesn't say that). Another
thing the manual doesn't state is that they only do 5 walkins so they say to get
there a half hour early for a scheduled visit, I have learned for a walkin get
there 45 min early. That will increase
your chances of an unscheduled visit or AKA walkin.
2:30-3:30 pm
B-E-Z (Odd Days) D-S-V (Even Days)
4:00-5:00 pm
M-P-Q-X (Odd Days) F-G-J-Y (Even Days)
6:45-7:45 pm
C-K-W (Odd Days) L-N-T (Even Days)
8:15-9:15 pm O-U-R
(Odd Days) A-H-I (Even Days)
Example: If
the person that you are visiting has a last name of SMITH, you would be able
to do a walkin on an even day of the month, between the hours of 2:30 to 3:30
pm EST.
Here is the Address:
.
Don’t bring gifts.
There is a list of items they can have and you can always
drop off money, but keep in mind if you are dropping off money for commissary
the rules for Yaphank is the inmate can only spend $25.00 twice a week. So I keep the budget to 50.00 at most,
leaving more is senseless seeing that they can't use it. Here is the list that
again is in the Riverhead Correctional Facility Guide:
PERMITTED ITEMS
2
females/Night gowns (plain & white only)
7
females/Sports bras (no metal)
2
pairs Sweat shirts (green or white)
7 Tee
shirts (white)
2
pairs Sweat pants (green or white)
2 Gym
shorts (green or white)
2
Towels 2’ by 4’ maximum (white)
2
pairs Thermals (white or off-white)
5
Books (paperback only)
5
Magazines
2
Newspapers (current)
15
Photos 5”x 7” maximum (No Polaroid)
1
Prayer rug
1
Kuffi (green or white)
1
Wedding band (plain)
2 sets Court clothes- (see Court clothing)
I purchased a green sweat suit for the person I am
visiting. The cost was about 39.00 from
Models, however if you aren't local and want to send a package here is the
address below. Don't forget to get the inmate ID number and to put your return
address on there to ensure proper delivery.
If you are going to do any clothing remember NO POCKETS and the colors
they are allowed to have is HUNTER GREEN AND WHITE.
Leave Your Personal
Stuff Behind
Visitors are required to lock up personal items, including
jackets, wallets and purses, before being permitted to enter the detainment
area. Leave personal belongings behind, jewelry, pocket books, money,
change. They do give you a locker to
place your stuff in but I don't like doing that. When the visit is over an officer comes out
and opens all the lockers at the same time.
It's very uncomfortable when you are waiting in line to get out of a
cage and see you locker open with all YOUR valuables in it and surrounded by
strangers. If weather permits, leave
these items at home or inside your vehicle. Bring only your photo
identification for check-in.
Check in
Visitors are required to check in at a reception area. You
will be required to state your name of the inmate before being permitted to
visit him or her. Visitors are required to walk through a metal detector before
entering the area where inmates are held. Avoid wearing steel-toed shoes, metal
belts and excessive jewelry. The same standard is held as when boarding an
airplane. You are also required to remove items of clothing such as shoes and
accessories like hair clips before being permitted to visit.
Visiting
When you visit a friend or family member in Yaphank
Correctional facility, you will be able to converse with this person across a
VERY long table. There is no barrier as
it is only a minimum security facility.
It's almost like a big lunch table at a college campus. The inmates on one side of the table and the
visitors on the other. I also did not
mention that they are allowed 2 visitors at a time and 2 visits a week. Your conversations is not recorded but is an earshot
of other visitors or facility staff members. Privacy is not an option.
Visiting any correctional facility with someone or a loved
one that is incarcerated can be an emotionally
draining experience, especially for close family members. Be prepared to ensure
your visit goes smoothly, and know what to expect. I hope you find this information helpful.
