Locating someone housed in a state correctional facility requires navigating official state databases rather than relying on third-party aggregators. If you're trying to find an individual at this specific medium-security prison in Malone, New York, you need to use the centralized database managed by the state.
The primary tool for this process is the New York DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup system. Because individual prisons rarely maintain independent, searchable online public rosters for security and administrative reasons, state-level databases serve as the definitive source for current housing assignments, identification numbers, and projected release dates.
Understanding the New York DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision operates a unified electronic database that tracks every person currently housed in state custody, as well as certain individuals released since the early 1970s.
When searching for someone at this facility, you don't search a portal specific only to that campus. Instead, you query the statewide system, which will output the exact facility assignment—such as Bare Hill—if the person is currently housed there.
Required Information for Your Search
To get accurate results quickly, you should gather specific identifying details before opening the search portal. While a broad name search is possible, common names often yield dozens of matching profiles.
- Department Identification Number (DIN): This is the most reliable identifier. Assigned upon admission, a DIN stays with the individual through their entire term of commitment.
- NYSID Number: The New York State Identification Number issued by the Division of Criminal Justice Services.
- Full Legal Name and Birth Year: If you don't have an identification number, you'll need the exact last name, first name, and the birth year to narrow down common name matches.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Find an Inmate
Executing a search takes just a few minutes if you follow the correct sequence on the state portal.
- Navigate to the official NYS DOCCS Incarcerated Lookup Tool. Note that the system undergoes brief maintenance nightly and is typically unavailable late Saturday evenings into Sunday mornings.
- Input your known identifiers into the search fields. Entering a DIN bypasses the need for name matching entirely.
- Review the search results page. If the person is in state custody, their current facility location will be listed explicitly as Bare Hill Correctional Facility alongside their statutory parameters.
- Note down their DIN and housing block details if you plan to send correspondence, deposit funds, or schedule a physical visit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
People often run into roadblocks when searching for incarcerated individuals because of common database misunderstandings.
Don't confuse county-level holding facilities with state prisons. For example, local county jails handle individuals awaiting trial or serving short misdemeanor sentences, whereas Bare Hill handles individuals convicted of felonies sentenced to state prison terms. If someone was arrested very recently, they might still be sitting in a local holding facility like the Franklin County Jail before being processed and transferred into the state system.
Another frequent error is relying on unofficial third-party lookups that charge fees for public data. The official state database is completely free. If a website asks you to pay to reveal a prison location or inmate ID, leave the site immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the online lookup yields no results?
If a search fails, double-check the spelling of the name or verify the birth year. If the person was just sentenced within the last few days, their file might still be processing through a reception center before appearing in the active database.
How do I send money or letters once I find them?
Once you confirm their location and obtain their DIN, you can use approved electronic platforms like JPay for communication and financial deposits, or follow strict facility guidelines for sending physical mail.
Are historical records available for former inmates?
Yes. The state database retains records for individuals released since the 1970s. If an individual completed their sentence or was paroled, the lookup tool will display their release status and date.
