Auburn Prison Classification Board Record Cards

Statement on Language

Some content in this finding aid may contain offensive terminology. For more information on why this language is occasionally retained, see: New York State Archives Statement on Harmful Language in Descriptive Resources.

Overview of the Records

Repository
New York State Archives
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Summary
Auburn's Classification Board evaluated each individual incarcerated in the prison and decided the appropriate level of administrative custody and rehabilitation program. This series consists of cards with information on those individuals and Classification Board decisions. Many individuals were transferred from Sing Sing Prison. The cards list name and consecutive number, birthdate, color; crime; sentence; probable release date; dates and locations of previous confinements; results of psychological tests and psychiatric examinations; psychiatric and administrative classification. Records are restricted to protect personal privacy.
Title
Classification Board record cards
Quantity
1 cubic foot
Inclusive Dates
Series Number
B1276
Creator
Arrangement

Alphabetical by name.

Scope and Content Note

The function of Auburn's Classification Board was to evaluate each individual incarcerated in the facility and decide the appropriate level of administrative custody and rehabilitation program. The Board interviewed each individual, examined results of psychological and psychiatric examinations and other records, and planned their work program during confinement. This series consists of approximately 1,500 individual record cards providing information on individuals received at Auburn throughout the 1930s and on decisions made by the Classification Board relating to these individuals. Many were transferred from Sing Sing Prison.

Each card includes the following information: name, birth date, color, Auburn consecutive number; crime, court, sentence, and probable release date; dates and locations of previous confinements; results of psychological tests (date and location of test, mental age, I.Q.); results of psychiatric examinations (date of exam with diagnosis); date case reviewed by Board; psychiatric classification (e.g., normal, normal-alcoholic, normal-unstable, psychotic, neuropathic-psychotic personality); and administrative classification (e.g., psychiatric-ambulatory, restricted-temporary, restricted-prolonged tractable).

W0006Series W0006, Auburn Correctional Facility Incarcerated Individual Case Files and

B0082Series B0082, Auburn Prison Incarcerated Individual Parole files contain related records.

Custodial History

This series was separated out from old series B0087, Auburn Prison Classification Clinic Case Files.

Access Restrictions

Summary information on adults incarcerated in New York's prisons is disclosable under law. State Archives staff will review records containing probation, parole, medical, and juvenile criminal history data and disclose information pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law and Personal Privacy Protection Law. The identity of victims of sex crimes is not disclosable. Unless a specific law forbids disclosure indefinitely, all records must be disclosed after 75 years.

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