Research: Topics: Genealogy: Department of Corrections: Description: Institutional Records

C. INSTITUTIONAL RECORDS

ATTICA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

Attica Correctional Facility is located in Attica, Wyoming County. It is classified as a maximum security correctional facility for the confinement of male felons 21 years and older who were committed from courts in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th judicial districts. It also receives individuals 16 years of age and older from the Reception Center and other institutions. It functions as a general confinement facility, a detention center for males 16 years of age or older, and as a diagnostic and treatment center. The institution received its present name in 1970, when the Department of Correctional Services was established and its name was changed from Attica Prison. The inmate population is presently around 2,100.

The Laws of 1927, Chapter 56, appropriated funds for the construction of the prison which opened officially on June 14, 1931. Located in the western part of the State, Attica receives many parole violators who are apprehended in other states and returned to the Buffalo area. As a receiving prison, Attica utilizes a Classification Board to examine and classify inmates being received. The facility maintains a large industrial operation producing a variety of textile items and metal products. There is a large program of vocational and academic education. Attica maintains extensive programs in family services, mental health, and youth assistance. Many of Attica's progressive programs and expanded facilities were developed following the tragic September 1971 inmate riot which resulted in the deaths of 32 inmates and 9 hostages.

14610-88F. Inmate case files, ca. 1947-1956. R 49 cu. ft.

Approximately 800 case files relate to inmates confined at Attica from 1947 to 1956. Case files relate to inmates with Attica inmate numbers between #9382 and #14314. Beginning with 1949 files, the records in each case file are divided into three separate folders: a general records folder; a medical records folder; and a Service Unit folder containing records relating to inmate institutional progress and parole. These individual folders were consolidated together in these case files upon the inmate's release.

An online name index to inmates is available.