New York State Department of Correctional Services Watch Commander's Master Logs

Maintained by the Corrections Lieutenant (Watch Commander) on duty, the logs generally contain routine administrative information, but also include summary narratives of significant events. Such events include riots, escape attempts, suicides, and acts of violence perpetrated by inmates against other inmates or correction officers. A standard entry is recorded at the commencement of each shift indicating the date, beginning and ending time of the shift, Watch Commander and other facility personnel on duty, weather conditions, and current number of inmates at the facility. Individual entries are then recorded chronologically, with the exact time indicated for each item.

Initial entries for most shifts note briefing and inspection of officers on duty, followed by delivery of assignments for the shift. Entries then detail administrative duties carried out such as review of misbehavior reports, completion of facility rounds, supervision of inmate meals, and inspection of dormitories. Logs note inmate transfers and furloughs, movement of inmates within the facility, and updated counts of inmates. Noteworthy incidents, such as altercations between inmates and insubordination, are recorded along with disciplinary measures taken. Discoveries of drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverage containers, and weapons are noted along with accompanying efforts to investigate such incidents.

20037-02, 20037-04, 20037-07A, 20037-08: These volumes were maintained by Watch Commanders at Livingston Correctional Facility, a medium security facility for males located in Sonyea, New York (Livingston County).

20037-07: These volumes were maintained by Watch Commanders at Mid-Orange Correctional Facility, a medium security facility for males located in Warwick, New York (Orange County).

20037-20: This accretion consists of logs from Fulton Correctional Facility for years 1990-2010 (with gaps).

20037-20A: This accretion contains logs from Lincoln Correctional Facility for the years 2008-2010.

20037-20B: This accretion contains logs from Upstate Correctional Facility for the years 2005-2008.

20037-20C: This accretion contains logs from Adirondack Correctional Facility for the years 1982-2009.

20037-20D: This accretion contains logs from Franklin Correctional Facility for the years 2005-2009.

20037-21: This accretion contains logs from Orleans Correctional Facility for the years 1985-2009.

20037-21A: This accretion contains logs from Bare Hill Correctional Facility for the years 2005-2011.

20037-21B: This accretion contains logs from Watertown Correctional Facility for the years 1985-2007.

20037-24: This accretion contains logs from Camp Gabriels Correctional Facility for the years 1999-2006.

20037-07, 20037-08, 20037-13: Volume list is available at the repository.

20037-20, 20037-20A, 20037-20B, 20037-20C, 20037-20D, 20037-21, 20037-21A, 20037-21B, 20037-24: These accretions were transferred under RDA 20037.

Portions of this series are restricted. State Archives staff will review requested records and disclose pursuant to New York State Freedom of Information (FOIL) and Personal Privacy Protection Laws.