The Great Upstate New York Inmate Escape...Except You're Trying to Find One
Let's face it, sometimes life takes a weird turn and you find yourself needing to locate a friend, family member, or perhaps a frenemy who enjoyed a bit too much free cheese at the county fair (hey, we've all been there). If your search has led you to the wonderful world of upstate New York's correctional facilities, then this guide is for you!
| How Do I Find An Inmate In Upstate New York | 
Forget Bloodhounds, We're Going Digital
Bloodhounds are cool, but they're expensive and can't decipher a website. Thankfully, the good folks at the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) have a nifty inmate lookup tool that takes the guesswork out of your investigative adventure.
Here's the thrilling part (well, kind of): You can search by either the inmate's Department Identification Number (DIN) or their name.
The DIN is basically their prison library card number, and if you happen to have it handy, then congratulations! You're a private investigator in the making.
QuickTip: Read a little, pause, then continue.
But fear not, even if you're clueless about the DIN, fret no more! The name search is there for you. Just pop in their moniker and the system will, with the grace of a librarian shushing a sneeze, present you with a list of possible matches.
Pro Tip: If your search yields multiple matches because apparently there are a ton of Johnsons upstate who've gone astray, don't despair! You can usually narrow it down by adding additional info like a birthdate (unless they're a vampire, that should help).
You Found Them! Now What?
So you've navigated the digital jungle and found your quarry. Now what? Well, depending on the facility, you might be able to:
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
- Write them a letter: Let them know you haven't forgotten about their impressive sock puppet collection.
- Send them some money: Ramen gets old fast, just sayin'.
- Schedule a visit: Just remember, social distancing guidelines might still apply in the slammer.
But wait! There's more! DOCCS also has a nifty [Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) program](URL vine link ny) that can keep you updated on an inmate's housing status and potential release date. Think of it as Facebook for the incarcerated, minus the cat videos.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Determined Detective
How to find out if someone is in jail in upstate New York?
Head over to the New York State DOCCS inmate lookup https://nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov/kinqw00.
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
How to lookup someone by inmate ID number in New York?
On the DOCCS inmate lookup, you can search by the inmate's Department Identification Number (DIN).
How to find someone in jail upstate NY if you don't know their DIN?
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
No worries! The DOCCS lookup also allows searching by name.
How to write to an inmate in upstate New York?
Each correctional facility has its own guidelines for inmate correspondence. Check the DOCCS website or contact the specific facility for details.
How to visit an inmate in upstate New York?
Inmate visitation procedures vary by facility. Contact the correctional facility you plan to visit for their specific rules and requirements.
There you have it! Now you can channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and track down that elusive soul in the great correctional landscape of upstate New York. Remember, responsible inmate-finding, everyone!