General Info

Correctional Association of New York is an independent, non-profit organization founded by concerned citizens in 1844 and granted unique authority by the New York State Legislature to inspect prisons and to report its findings and recommendations to the legislature, the public and the press. Through monitoring, research, public education and policy recommendations, Correctional Association strives to make the administration of justice in New York State more fair, efficient and humane. Correctional Association envisions a criminal justice system that holds a person accountable for a crime yet does not condemn an entire life based on a person's worst act, a system that goes beyond a process of law and accountability to encompass social and racial equality on all levels. We believe that the operations of our criminal justice system and the conditions inside our prisons reflect the basic values and priorities of our government and society. The driving force of our work is a belief in the inherent dignity of all human beings and a deep faith in the human capacity for change. We recognize that we are all connected in spirit if not experience "a criminal justice system that degrades and demeans certain members of our society degrades and demeans all of us. We believe that the people most affected by the criminal justice system should be involved in debating and shaping criminal justice policy and practice. We believe a more just and balanced approach to incarceration will benefit inmates, their families and communities, and will enhance public safety and the quality of life for all. 2090 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd., NY 10027 New York Suite 200 | ph.: ( 212 ) 254-5700 | fax: 212 ) 473-2807