The Gowanda Correctional Facility is a medium-security prison for men located in Gowanda, New York, United States. The prison is located in the south part of Erie County in the Town of Collins. It is adjacent to the Collins Correctional Facility, another medium-security prison.
http://www.doccs.ny.gov/2012_Visiting_Program_Guidelines.pdf
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In response to the many questions about telephone communications with your loved one locked up in New York state prisons, please note the following: TELEPHONE CALLS The Department’s “Call-Home” program allows inmates to make phone calls as a way to maintain contact with family and friends. The inmate may only call you collect. This means you will have to pay for the call. An inmate is only permitted to call persons on their approved telephone list and may only have up to 15 telephone numbers on their approved list at any time. Phone numbers may only be added or deleted… Read more »
How can I setup calls from my husband who is an inmate
Hi Queenie,
please review our additional information on this page regarding telephone calls.
what items am i allowed to bring to the prison or mail to my son
Hi Donna, Please note the following about visitation, Contraband Do not bring weapons, drugs, alcohol, cell phones, memory cards and other prohibited items into the correctional facility. If you do, you may lose your visiting privileges. You may also be arrested and criminally prosecuted. Do not give anything (money, ident ification, medicine, etc.) to an offender without permission from staff. Do not hold anything for another visitor or an offender. please note the following about mailing; SENDING MAIL TO AN INMATE Generally, correspondence is allowed and encouraged. The sending and receiving of mail by inmates will be restricted only to… Read more »
Is there a lot of walking? Can one use a walker there?
Hi Phyllis,
As in any prison, there is some walking. we have seen elderly inmates use canes, but it is rare since a cane can be a weapon. However every prison is different. You should contact his case manager or the prison chaplain.
who is the supt. now ? i was there in 2009 for about 18 months give or take .Things were very bad just wondering how much things changed ….and if they did is it for the better or worst??? when i was there the supt. was an OK guy pretty fair. cant say much for the guards …still taking the state food and things coming up missing out of your package??? my suggestion is to do your time and get the hell do your time don’t mess up i know first hand what happens there when you mess up. I’m… Read more »
What days are visitation on
is there a way to check a person release date – to make sure they are still being release as planned
Hi Joyce,
try this link.
From Prisonpath: We have received numerous inquiries about family emergencies–Please note the following. GRAVE ILLNESS OR DEATH OF A FAMILY MEMBER One of the unfortunate realities that may occur during your loved one’s incarceration may be the grave illness or death of a family member. It is the family’s responsibility to notify the facility in the event of grave illness or death of an offender’s relative. All information related to the illness or death should be provided as soon as possible. You should notify the Chaplain or Supervising Offender Rehabilitation Coordinator if the event occurs during regular business hours. After… Read more »
I have been surfing websites in order to gather information regarding your facilities visitation and packages for inmates. I was unable to locate the answers I was looking for. So I called the facility to get some answers. The operator that took my call was so UNBELIEVABLY RUDE I did not get past my first question. Why?
Hi Michelle, Please note below information about packages. For information about visitation and other issues, click this link For information about tips on surviving prison, click this link. PACKAGES This booklet was put together as a broad guideline. Each facility is different. For specific information, contact the facility in question. Generally speaking, offenders may receive a package through the mail or at a visit from anyone who is not on a negative correspondence or negative vendor list. A package which does not have a return address will not be delivered to the offender. For a complete understanding of packages, refer… Read more »
Thank-you for your reply. The information was very helpful. But, it did not answer my question. Why did the operator who spoke to me have to be so incredibly rude? Are they allowed to treat the general public that way? I have been doing quite a bit of research on Gowanda which has left me less than comfortable with the place. He told me , quote,”Just show up.” That does not agree with what I have found on line regarding visitation. When I get there Saturday will I be turned away?
hi Michelle,
We can only recommend that you follow the rules about visitation as set forth in the New York State prison guide which is online. Unfortunately, your experience is not unusual. There are correctional officers who treat family and friends who are visiting inmates as inmates. You can write a complaint to the warden, but it is very hard to change a mind set.
I really don’t feel like that was a good answer.My opinion why care its not your life smh….People feel like you do a crime its no respect you a low life…Well my opinion just because you are not behind bars doesn’t make you any better..
My nephew Wyatt J. Becker is in your facility. I would like to visit him. How do I find out about his visitation priviledges? What days and time can I visit? Can he receive packages? Can I drop money to him the day of visit? What forms of I.D. do I need? Is there accomodations for handicap parking? Thank you for any help and information that you can provide me. Wyatt is very special to me. I haven’t been able to see him due to my health.
hi Alice,
for information about visitation, click this link..
For information about prison life, click this link.
How many visitors are allowed at gowanda?
Hi Kate,
The number of visitors allowed vary from prison to prison and is subject to change. We recommend that you call directly the facility to confirm the number.
I am trying to find a bus that would take me to gowanda correctional facility can anyone help me find a bus that is not expensive. Thanks
Is there any bus,van service that takes you to the facility from buffalo,ny.