FAQs - General Questions

How do I find out where my family member/friend who was arrested is being housed?

NY DOC – New York Department of Corrections (Criminal)
New York has an online service called Inmate Lookup, where you can enter someone’s name, birth date, NYSID (New York State Inmate Identification Number) or case number and find out where the person is being housed along with other important information such as charges, bail/bond amount, and other identifying information.

ICE – U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (Immigration)
For people who have been detained by immigration, even if after being arrested in a criminal charge and transferred to an immigration facility, the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement has a detainee locator system where using the detainee’s A# or first and last name along with the country of birth, you will be able to locate the facility where the individual is being held.

The New York State Department of Correctional Services has inmate population information search for individuals incarcerated in State prison.

Federal Locator
For individuals who have been arrested on a Federal charge, the Federal Bureau of Prisons also has an inmate locator service.

How do I visit my family member/friend in prison?

Rikers Island, MDC & The Bronx
For information for visiting an inmate at Rikers Island, Manhattan Detention Center (MDC/“The Tombs”) and the Vernon C. Bain Center in the Bronx, click here.

Suffolk County
For information for visiting an inmate at Riverhead and Yaphank Correctional Facilities in Suffolk County, click here.

You do need to make a reservation before visiting someone at one of these facilities. For reservations call (631) 852-1893 or (631) 852-1894.

Nassau County
For information for visitng an inmate at Nassau County Correction Center in East Meadow, click here.

How do I send money to a family member/friend in prison?

There are many ways you can send money to a family member or friend who is being housed by the New York Department of Corrections. You can send money by phone, online or in person. For more information, visit the  NYDOC website.

How do I post bail?

If you are using a Bail Bonds company to post bail for a family member or friend, the Bail Bonds company of your choice will walk you through the process and get all the necessary documentation and information from you. While we DO NOT endorse any of these companies, here is a list of Bail Bonds companies in the New York area.

For information on how to post bail yourself visit the NYDOP website, where there are detailed instructions on where to post bail and the forms of payment accepted.

How to locate a facility? What is the address where my family member/friend is being housed?

For a list of facility’s addresses, click here.

Also, if you use the Inmate Lookup you can find out exactly where your family member/friend is being housed and there is a link with the facility address as well as bail/bond information, charges and other important identifying information such as docket, indictment and case & book number that can be needed for posting bail/bond.

How do I get to Rikers Island?

The best way to get to Rikers Island is by public transportation, since parking space is very limited and you may have trouble finding a spot if you decide to drive. For more information on public transportation to Rikers Island or for driving directions, click here.