Visiting loved ones at correctional facilities is crucial for maintaining family bonds and supporting rehabilitation. For those planning a visit to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, understanding the visitation policies and schedules is essential. This guide provides comprehensive information regarding visitation hours, days, and regulations, ensuring a smooth and respectful visiting experience. Careful planning and adherence to these guidelines are paramount for a successful visit.
Driving Directions and Visiting Days
Bedford Hills Correctional Facility is accessible via the directions provided here. Visits are permitted daily, including weekends, offering flexibility for visitors.
Regular Visiting Hours
General population visiting hours are consistent throughout the week and on weekends:
- Weekdays: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (latest arrival by 3:00 PM)
- Weekends & Holidays: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (latest arrival by 3:00 PM)
It is crucial to arrive before the latest arrival time to allow sufficient time for processing and the visit itself.
Special Housing Unit (SHU) Visitation
For incarcerated individuals in the Special Housing Unit (SHU), visitation policies differ slightly. SHU residents are allowed one non-legal visit every seven-day period, from Sunday to Saturday.
- SHU Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (latest arrival by 2:45 PM)
Note the earlier latest arrival time for SHU visits.
Weekend Visitation Schedule and Capacity
Weekend visits for the general population operate on a schedule segmented alphabetically by the incarcerated individual’s last name. Refer to the 2025 Visitation Schedule for specific dates assigned to each alphabetical segment.
While there is no limit on the number of visits per day or week for general population inmates (weekday visits are unlimited, weekend visits on scheduled days), overcrowding in the visiting room can occur.
Visiting Room Overcrowding Policy
To manage overcrowding and ensure everyone has a chance to visit, Bedford Hills Correctional Facility has an overcrowding policy. In case of reaching maximum capacity:
- Voluntary visit terminations are requested first.
- If necessary, visits for visitors within 100 miles of the facility may be terminated after three hours, on a first-in, first-out basis.
- Subsequently, visits for those who traveled over 100 miles may be terminated after three hours, also first-in, first-out.
Special consideration may be given to visitors who have traveled long distances, especially with young children, or if the incarcerated individual has not received a visit in over six months. Decisions regarding special consideration are at the discretion of the facility Watch Commander or the highest-ranking official present.
Visitor Limits and Further Information
- Maximum Visitors per Visit: Three (3) visitors are permitted per visit, along with one (1) child under five years old who must sit on an adult’s lap.
For more detailed visitation rules and regulations, please consult the DOCCS Visitors Page. Understanding and respecting these guidelines contributes to a positive and supportive environment for both visitors and incarcerated individuals at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.
