Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center

Last updated by Mark Miclette

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in New York County

Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center

The 1000-bed Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center offers inmate information over the phone 24 hours a day at 212-266-1500.

This facility is the first stop for people arrested in the county on misdemeanor and felony charges. Everyone goes through booking and processing, and those who are held stay until they are bonded out, released on their own recognizance, or until their trial is finished.

You can search for current inmates using the inmate search tool.

Inmates sentenced to less than one year serve out their time at this jail. Inmates sentenced to longer terms are transferred to the New York State Prison System or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

This page tells you how to search the official jail roster, reach the facility, and use services like visitation, inmate account funding, mail, phone calls, voicemail, email and texting, tablet rentals, bail bonds, and commissary.

The inmate’s jail ID or booking number is required for many services, so save it. If it’s not online, call Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center at 212-266-1500.

Inmate Services

Who’s in Jail? About the Facility Recent Bookings & Arrests Directions / Map Bail & Bond On Site Inmate Visitation Inmate Money Inmate Phones Inmate Mail Commissary Tablets Nearby Jails

Phone

212-266-1500

Physical address

16-00 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Get directions

Mailing address (personal mail)

Inmate's Full Name & Book and Case#
Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center
16-00 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Mailing address (legal mail or subscriptions)

Inmate's Full Name & Book and Case#
Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center
16-00 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370

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To search for an inmate in the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center, review their criminal charges, the amount of their bond, when they can get visits, or even view their mugshot, go to the Official Jail Inmate Roster, or call the jail at 212-266-1500 for the information you are looking for. You can also look up an offender's Criminal Court Case online for New York County Court or any other county court in New York. This information includes future court appearances.

Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center Inmate Search

The Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center maintains an average of 1000 offenders in custody on any given day. The Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center has a monthly turnover of 40% of their inmate population, another 30% turnover every 90 days, another 20% every six months, and approximately 10% stay incarcerated between six and twelve months. Every year New York County law enforcement agencies arrest and detain approximately 207,420 offenders.

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Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center has been open since 1985 and houses over 1,000 adult male inmates. It has had several expansions over the years and has a history of having riots. It's currently located on Rikers Island, where several other jails are located, but the Department of Corrections is shifting to a five-borough based system, where facilities will be localized in each of the five boroughs of New York. This major plan is being constructed in phases and is supposed to be finished in 2027.

While housed at this facility, inmates may be already sentenced and serving their term of incarceration, or they may be in the initial detention phase and not yet sentenced.

There are full meals that are created to meet all nutritional requirements, access to both exercise and recreation spaces, the ability to contact their friends and family through phone calls, mail, and visits, and inmates are supposed to have all mental health and medical needs cared for.

Visitation:  Visits are permitted during approved visiting hours. Visiting days are Wednesday & Thursday, and Saturday & Sunday.

Click here or scroll down for Commissary information.

How to Get Property Back From Rikers Island: Step by Step

When someone leaves a New York City jail on Rikers Island, their belongings don’t always leave with them. Everything is picked up at one place: the Samuel L. Perry Center, 16-16 Hazen Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370. You can get there on the Q100 bus.

The jail sorts belongings into two groups, and each group has its own rules:

  • Valuable property: you can pick it up any time, day or night, and you don’t need an appointment.
  • Bulk property: this means larger belongings. You need an appointment, and you must ask for one within 30 days of release.

Pick the steps that match your situation:

  1. I was released and want my valuable property
  2. I was released and want my bulk property
  3. I’m picking up for someone who is still in jail
  4. I’m picking up for someone who has been released
  5. Phone numbers, address and tips

I was released and want my valuable property

This is the easy one. No phone call or appointment is required.

  1. Get your numbers ready. Have your Book and Case number or your NYSID number (your New York State ID number). Both are on your release paperwork. Bring a photo ID too.
  2. Go to the Samuel L. Perry Center at 16-16 Hazen Street, East Elmhurst, NY 11370.
  3. Go whenever it works for you. Valuable property can be picked up 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  4. Check that everything is there before you leave the counter.

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I was released and want my bulk property

Bulk property needs an appointment, and the clock starts ticking the day you’re released.

  1. Call 311 within 30 days of your release. That’s the NYC information line. Ask for a property pickup appointment for Rikers Island. If you wait longer than 30 days, you could lose the chance to get your things back.
  2. Give your Book and Case number or NYSID number when 311 asks for it.
  3. Write down your pickup window. 311 gives you a three-day window to collect your property. It starts at 12:00 p.m. (noon), three business days after your call. For example, if you call on a Monday, your window would usually start Thursday at noon and run for three days. Weekends and holidays don’t count as business days.
  4. Call ahead before you go. Hours can change, so call the Samuel L. Perry Center to confirm (see the phone numbers at the bottom of this page).
  5. Pick up your property at the Samuel L. Perry Center during your window. The pickup area is always open, so any time inside your three days works.

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I’m picking up for someone who is still in jail

Friends and family can collect a person’s belongings, but only with permission from that person first. Here’s the order to do things in:

  1. The person in jail fills out a form. They must complete a Person in Custody Property Release Form at their jail. The form names you as the one allowed to take the property. Let them know your full legal name so it matches your ID.
  2. Call 311 to book an appointment if the person is housed on Rikers Island. Have their Book and Case number or NYSID number ready.
  3. Call the Samuel L. Perry Center Property Pick-up Area at (718) 546-8811 (or 8812 or 8813). Ask whether they have received the release form. Don’t skip this call. If the form hasn’t reached them, you can’t take the property, and you’ll have made the trip for nothing.
  4. Go to the Samuel L. Perry Center at 16-16 Hazen Street during your appointment window. Bring your photo ID.

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I’m picking up for someone who has been released

If the person is already out of jail but wants you to collect their things, you’ll need a letter from them instead of a form.

  1. Get a notarized letter. The released person writes a letter saying you have permission to pick up their property, and signs it in front of a notary. A notary is an official who checks ID and stamps the signature; many banks, shipping stores and some pharmacies have one.
  2. Call 311 to schedule an appointment for bulk property on Rikers Island. Remember, the appointment has to be requested within 30 days of the person’s release.
  3. Call ahead to the Samuel L. Perry Center to double-check the hours.
  4. Bring the notarized letter and your photo ID to the Samuel L. Perry Center. Staff will not hand over property without the letter.

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Phone numbers, address and tips

Samuel L. Perry Center
16-16 Hazen Street
East Elmhurst, NY 11370
Bus: Q100

Quick tips

  • Mark the 30-day deadline for bulk property on your calendar the day of release.
  • Keep the Book and Case number or NYSID number handy. You’ll need one of them for every call.
  • Always call before making the trip, because hours and rules can change.
  • More details are in the Department of Correction’s valuable property pickup notice.

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Booking process details at Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center

When someone is arrested, they are taken to Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center for booking. This process involves verifying identity, assessing charges, and determining whether the person will be released on bail or detained.

It's crucial to remain silent during this process, as any statements could be used in court. Legal counsel should be consulted before making any comments about the arrest.

The booking process at Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center typically involves the following steps:

  • Identifying the individual.
  • Taking a mugshot.
  • Health assessments and questions about criminal background.
  • DNA collection if applicable.
  • Conducting a full-body search.
  • Confiscating personal property.
  • Allowing a phone call.

For details on posting bond for an arrestee, call the facility at 212-266-1500.

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How to post bail for a loved one in New York County

Once booked at Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center in East Elmhurst, the individual has several possible outcomes:

1. Release without posting bail, with a commitment to appear in court.
2. Remaining in custody until their court date.
3. Posting bail or bond for release. For the exact amount, call 212-266-1500.

Several payment methods are available for bail.

  • Cash bonds are settled in full at the jail's bonding window or the clerk of court with cash, a cashier's check or a money order, and card payments are often available at a lobby kiosk or through an online bond vendor for a fee; bring the inmate's full name and booking number, and the jail can be reached at 212-266-1500.
  • Licensed bail bondsmen in New York County can assist with the process.
  • Many courts accept land or a house as bond collateral; the owner proves clear title and equity worth at least the bond amount, often double, with a deed and a recent tax or appraisal value, and the court that set bail approves the property.

For more details on the bail process in New York County, New York, visit the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center Bail Information Page.

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How Do You Visit an Inmate in the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center? What is the Schedule?

TELEVISITING AT Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center

Instructions for televisiting can be found on this page:  TELEVISITING PAGE

  • Televisiting will take place from 8:00am to 1:30pm on Friday.
  • Refer to the Visit Schedule in order to determine your time slot.

Scheduling a Televisit:

  • If you would like to schedule a televisit, you must fill out the Online Televisit Web Form.
    ONLINE TELEVISIT WEB FORM 
     
  • In order to make sure equal access is afforded to everyone, you are only able to fill out a request form for the upcoming week. Requests for dates beyond the following week will not be fulfilled.
  • IMPORTANT: A visit is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email at the email address you provided on the televisit request webform. The confirmation email will provide you with the date and time for your visit as well as an access link.
    If you do not receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of the last requested visit date this means that none of the dates and/or times you requested were available. 
    In that case, you must resubmit another web form with different dates and times.
  • Online Televisit Web Forms will not be processed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and no confirmation emails will be sent out on those days.

    VISITATION HOURS - ALL  FACILITIES

  • Wednesday and Thursday:  In-Person Visits: 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 

  • If you do not arrive during visitation hours your walk-in visit may not be honored if you arrive after 4pm.

  • Saturday and Sunday:  In-Person Visits: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

  • If you do not arrive during visitation hours your walk-in visit may not be honored if you arrive after 10am.

  • Friday:    Televisits: 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

    Visitors who want an In-Person Visit MUST arrive at Rikers Island Central Visits during the registration hours. If the visitor arrives late to register will NOT get a visit.

    Registration Hours:
    Wednesday and Thursday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM

All Televisits must be scheduled in advance. Click here to schedule a Televisit.

  • Read this carefully! Instructions on how to prepare for a Televisit.

  • NOTE: the start of visiting hours can be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.

  • Facility lockdowns may affect regularly scheduled visit hours.

  • There are no visits on Mondays and Tuesdays.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center’s Inmate Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 212-266-1500 for further assistance.

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Can I Use My Computer or Phone to Have a Remote Video Visit with an Inmate in the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center’s Video Remote Visitation Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 212-266-1500 for further assistance.

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How Do You Deposit Money for an Inmate in the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center?

How to Deposit Money in the Account of an NYC DOC Inmate in Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center

To deposit money in the commissary account of an NYC DOC inmate, follow these instructions:

  • You can deposit money online using Jpay, Western Union or Moneygram. The money can also be used for bail.
  • You can mail a money order of cashier's check into Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center.
  • You can deposit cash into a kiosk that is located in the Vernon C. Bain Center in the Bronx.

For all the information, including links to all of the online deposit methods and addresses fo mailing money orders, check out our Send Money Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center’s Inmate Money and Trust Fund Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 212-266-1500 for further assistance.

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How Do I Receive Phone Calls from an Inmate in the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center?

How Inmates in Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center, Rikers Island and the entire NYC DOC Jail System Make Phone Calls

To find out how Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center makes phone calls, read this information:

  • Inmates in the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center can make 21 minutes worth of domestic calls every three hours, with no call going longer than 15 minutes.
  • Inmates in Segregation get less time, and only once a day maximum.
  • There is a fee if an inmate wants to buy more phone calling time when incarcerated in the NYC DOC.

For all the information on how to buy time, using tablets to make calls, how much it costs and more, check out out Inmate Phone Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center’s Inmate Phone Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 212-266-1500 for further assistance.

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How do I Mail an Inmate in the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center, and what can I send them?

How to Mail, What Can you Mail and What Can't you Mail to an Inmate in Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center, or Rikers Island or NYC DOC Inmates

To understand the Mail Policies for Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center requires a lot of time and attention as NYC DOC Jails are some of the most permissive in America.

1. Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center allows unlimited mail.
2. They allow packages to be sent in to inmates.
3. They allow magazines, newspapers and books to be sent direct from friends and family.
4. They allow clothing, jewelry, art supplies and all kinds of stuff to be sent to inmates.

In short, to fully understand the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center and see the full list of things you can mail to an inmate, check out our Inmate Mail Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center’s Inmate Mail Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 212-266-1500 for further assistance.

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Can I purchase Commissary Online for an Inmate in the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center, and what can I purchase?

Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center contracts with Access Securepak for families to send pre-determined packages of commissary items to your inmate.

Access Securepak's catalog groups items into categories such as:
- Food and Snacks
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Electronics
- Apparel

Registration Process:
1. Register here.
2. Select New York.
3. Select Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center.
4. Find your Inmate.
5. Deposit Funds.
6. Order Commissary Items.
Once you are logged in, you will receive instructions on how much (and what products) you can send your inmate.
Contact Information:
* If you have any questions, you can call Access Securepak at 800-546-6283.
* You can email My Care Pack at customerservice@securepak.net.
* You can write them at:
    Access Securepak
    10880 Linpage Place
    St. Louis, MO 63132

* You can Live Chat with a Representative online: (bottom left corner of page)
   Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. CST, 
   and Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. CST.

*Note* Access Securepak will issue a refund for or replace broken, damaged, or missing products reported by Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center staff. They will not honor reports of discrepancies from inmate's families or friends. They have a very good mix of Chips, Snacks, Candy, Meat, Seafood, Hygiene products, Letter writing materials, Electronics and Apparel items for sale on their website.

*NOTE* -- Once you are fully registered and have selected the inmate you wish to send commissary to, you will receive instructions on how much you can deposit, how much (and what) you can purchase for your inmate, and how often you can send commissary.

How to Order Commissary for Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center, Rikers Island or NYC Jails

Instructions for ordering commissary for Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center will soon be announced.
The New York City Department of Correction is rolling out a new commissary system in the Spring of 2022. Inmates will be able to order commissary directly and have it delivered from an outside vendor. Stay tuned for updates.

This jailhouse 'Uber Eats' system will be replacing the current commissary system.

Stay tuned by checking out our Commissary Page for Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center’s Commissary Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 212-266-1500 for further assistance.

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How Can I Communicate with an Inmate in the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center using an Online Messaging Service?

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center’s Text and Email Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 212-266-1500 for further assistance.

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Do Inmates in the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center have Access to Tablets or Computers?

Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center now offers Securus 'SecureView' Tablet Rentals to their inmates.


  
Securus is the same company that handles the inmate phone system, video visitations, email and texting and digital letters.

The tablets can be rented on a monthly basis and while not directly connected to the internet, the inmates can use them for the following activities:

  • Phone Calls - Inmates may make calls directly from their tablet allowing for more privacy. The rates are the same as the phones in the unit, and the calls are still recorded and monitored.
  • eMessaging - Communicate via a text based message or picture. Fee based system.
  • Job Search - Using JobView, a secure job search application, inmates have the ability to see what jobs are available when they are released.
  • Education - Free educational platform and course catalog that provides thousands of educational resources.
  • Self Help -Inmates have daily access to mental health and addiction recovery programming.
  • Music - Top-40, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Gospel, and more.
  • Law Library -  Legal research with up-to-date case information.
  • eBooks - Thousands of available titles.
  • Religion - Religious resources for spiritual guidance.
  • Games - Inmates can play their favorite games. Available through monthly subscriptions
  • Facility Services - Digital access to submitted forms, requests, facility documents, and notifications from staff.

Here's how it works:

  • Send funds to the inmate and he or she will be able to subscribe and pay at the Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center.

Questions:

How to Rent a Tablet for an Inmate in Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center

To rent a tablet for an inmate in New York County follow these instructions:

  • Register here.  It is recommended you use Chrome or Firefox.
  • Pay for the subscription using Paypal.
  • You get charged the 1st of each month. 
  • You get charged a full month even if it's only used for a partial month.
  • No activation or early termination fees.
  • Your New York County inmate will recieve their tablet in 3-5 business days, after you pay.


If you have any questions:

For all New York County information on Tablet Rentals for your inmate, check out our Tablet Rental Page.

We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for everything you need to know about Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center’s Tablet Policies, Rules and Guidelines. If you still have questions after reviewing these FAQs, call 212-266-1500 for further assistance.

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What are the other Jails in the Neighboring Counties surrounding New York County?

New York County (this county)Hudson County, New JerseyBergen County, New JerseyBronx CountyKings CountyQueens County
New York County Jails listed No jails listed

Nearby counties

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Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in New York County

The Rikers Island - Otis Bantum Correctional Center serves the following cities and towns of New York County: Manhattan.

Human-verified information Manually curated

Every detail on this page is checked by hand, not scraped. This unofficial directory helps friends and family of incarcerated individuals find critical information — inmate lists, locations, bail resources, visitation hours, rules, and text, phone, email, and mail services — for jails, detention centers, and prisons across the United States.