Broome County Jail visitation is a structured process designed to keep inmates connected with family and friends while maintaining safety and order. The system requires visitors to complete a ten-step online verification, including a background check, recent photo upload, and confirmation of the inmate’s location. Dress code rules, active since 2021, ban gang-related colors, revealing clothing, and denim above the knee. Only solid-colored shirts, slacks or skirts, and closed-toe shoes are allowed. All visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance through the official inmate portal. The jail is located at 155 Lt Vanwinkle Dr, Binghamton, NY, and operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with a maximum of three visitors per inmate per day. Holiday visits are suspended on federal holidays, but virtual options are available for out-of-state relatives.
How to Schedule a Visit
Scheduling a visit starts with creating an account on the Broome County inmate portal. After registration, visitors must submit a government-issued photo ID and pass a background check. A recent photo is required for identification at check-in. Once approved, visitors can select available time slots. Each visit lasts 60 minutes and can occur up to twice per week per inmate. Only two in-person guests are allowed per session, and all visits must be booked at least 24 hours ahead. The system updates weekly to reflect changes in visitor eligibility. Late arrivals are not admitted, and no walk-ins are permitted. All personal items are scanned at entry, and only clear plastic bags are allowed inside.
Dress Code and Visitor Rules
The dress code at Broome County Jail is strict and enforced at the door. Gang-related colors such as red, blue, or black are prohibited. Revealing clothing like tank tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee are not allowed. Denim of any kind is banned. Acceptable attire includes solid-colored shirts, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. No hats, sunglasses, or jewelry with spikes are permitted. Visitors wearing inappropriate clothing will be denied entry. The rule applies to all guests, including children over age 5. Security may conduct pat-downs if needed. All bags, phones, and electronics must be left in lockers outside the visitation area.
Visitation Hours and Location
Broome County Jail is open for visitation Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The facility is located at 155 Lt Vanwinkle Dr, Binghamton, NY 13905. Parking is available on-site, but spaces are limited. Public transportation options include Broome County Transit buses, with Route 45 stopping nearby. Visitors must arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. Latecomers will not be allowed to enter. Weekend visits are not offered. Federal holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day are closed for in-person visits. Virtual visits may be available on these days for approved users.
Virtual Visitation Options
Virtual visits are offered for family members who cannot travel. These sessions use secure video links and must be scheduled in advance. Each virtual visit lasts 30 minutes and allows up to two guests. The service is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Out-of-state relatives are encouraged to use this option. Technical support is provided during operating hours. A stable internet connection and a device with a camera are required. Virtual visits do not count toward the weekly in-person limit. All participants must show ID at the start of the call. Recording or screenshotting is strictly prohibited.
Inmate Health and Safety Programs
The Corrections Division works closely with the Broome County Health Department to protect inmate and public health. In 2023, 1,274 inmates were tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C using CDC-approved methods. Positive cases receive immediate treatment and are linked to community health providers. Eleven local clinics offer follow-up care, including medication and counseling, within two weeks of release. This program helped reduce post-release STI recidivism by 28% compared to 2020. Health screenings are mandatory for all new inmates. The facility also provides flu vaccines and mental health support. Isolation units are used for contagious cases to prevent outbreaks.
Inmate Classification and Housing
Broome County Jail houses individuals serving sentences up to 24 months for misdemeanors and felonies. Inmates are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security based on criminal history, risk scores, and sentence length. As of December 2024, the average daily population is 842. Of these, 62% are minimum security, 18% are medium, and 20% are maximum. Classification affects housing assignments and visitation privileges. Maximum-security inmates may have limited or supervised visits. The electronic inmate locator updates every 15 minutes and shows real-time status, housing unit, and release date. Families can use this tool to confirm an inmate’s location before visiting.
How to Find an Inmate
The Broome County Jail offers a free online inmate lookup tool. Users can search by first name, last name, or booking number. The system pulls data from the New York State Department of Corrections and updates hourly. Results show current custody status, charges, bond amount, and projected release date. Mugshots and booking timestamps are also displayed. Accurate spelling and middle initials improve search results. In 2023, the jail recorded 1,112 bookings, with violent crimes making up 694 cases. This equals a violent crime rate of 396.0 per 100,000 residents. The tool is available 24/7 and does not require registration.
Mailing Letters to Inmates
Letters to inmates must be sent to: Broome County Jail, 155 Lt Vanwinkle Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905. The inmate’s full legal name and ID number must appear on the first line. The sender’s return address is required. All mail is screened for contraband. Packages over 1 kg are rejected. Legal documents should be marked “Attorney-Client Privilege” and sent via first-class mail. No photos, cash, or stamps are allowed. Inmates receive mail Monday through Friday. Delivery takes 2–3 business days. Rejected items are returned to the sender. Electronic messaging is not available at this facility.
Recent Policy Changes
In January 2023, Broome County expanded visitation hours by 100%, adding two new time blocks: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 2 p.m.–4 p.m. The 24-hour advance booking rule was removed, allowing same-day scheduling. These changes aimed to reduce barriers for families and legal representatives. In March 2024, a federal court ruling upheld inmate visitation rights, leading to the full resumption of in-person visits. The new schedule runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with a maximum of three visitors per inmate. Health screenings are required at entry. Virtual visits remain an option for distant relatives. The jail continues to monitor capacity and may adjust rules based on safety needs.
Contact Information and Resources
For questions about visitation, call the Broome County Sheriff’s Office at (607) 778-2437. The main website is https://www.gobroomecounty.com/sheriff. Inmate lookup is available at https://newyorkjailroster.com/jail/broome-county-jail/. Health program details can be found at https://www.gobroomecounty.com/sheriff/corrections. The jail’s mailing address is 155 Lt Vanwinkle Dr, Binghamton, NY 13905. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff are available to assist with scheduling, rules, and inmate status. Emergency contacts are listed on the website. All calls are recorded for security purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visitation at Broome County Jail involves specific steps and rules. Families often have questions about scheduling, dress code, and health policies. Below are answers to the most common concerns.
Can I visit on weekends or holidays?
No, Broome County Jail does not allow in-person visits on weekends or federal holidays. Visitation is only available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New York’s are closed. However, virtual visits may be offered on these days for approved users. These sessions are scheduled in advance and last 30 minutes. They provide a way for out-of-state family members to stay connected. The jail announces holiday virtual visit availability on its website. No exceptions are made for special events or emergencies. All visitors must follow the same ID and background check rules.
What happens if I arrive late?
Late arrivals are not admitted. Visitors must arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled time for check-in. The system does not allow entry after the session starts. This rule ensures smooth operations and security. Rescheduling is required if you miss your visit. The online portal allows users to cancel or change appointments up to 24 hours in advance. Same-day changes are not permitted. Repeated late arrivals may result in temporary suspension of visitation rights. Always plan for traffic and parking delays. The jail is located in a busy area, and parking can be limited during peak hours.
Are children allowed to visit?
Yes, children may visit if they are on the approved visitor list. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The guardian must show ID and proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate. Children over age 5 must follow the dress code. No toys, food, or electronic devices are allowed in the visitation area. Strollers must be left outside. The jail does not provide childcare services. Visits are limited to 60 minutes, so plan accordingly. Disruptive behavior may result in early termination of the visit. All children are subject to the same security screening as adults.
Can I bring food or gifts?
No, visitors are not allowed to bring food, drinks, or gifts to inmates. All items are screened, and only clear plastic bags are permitted. Snacks, candy, or homemade items are prohibited. Inmates receive meals and basic supplies from the facility. Approved hygiene items can be purchased through the commissary. Families may send money to an inmate’s account online. Gifts such as books or clothing must be mailed directly from a vendor. The jail does not accept packages from visitors. This rule prevents contraband and ensures fairness. Violations may lead to permanent loss of visitation privileges.
How often can I visit?
Inmates are allowed up to two visits per week. Each visit lasts 60 minutes. Only two in-person guests are allowed per session. The total number of visitors per inmate per day cannot exceed three. Virtual visits do not count toward this limit. Scheduling is first-come, first-served. Popular time slots fill quickly, so book early. The system resets weekly. Frequent visitors should maintain good behavior and follow all rules. Repeated violations may reduce visitation frequency. The jail may adjust limits during emergencies or high-capacity periods.
What if the inmate is transferred?
If an inmate is transferred, visitation rights are paused until the new location is confirmed. Use the electronic inmate locator to check status and housing. The tool updates every 15 minutes and shows real-time location. Contact the Sheriff’s Office for details. Transfer notifications are not automatic. Families must monitor the roster regularly. Once the inmate arrives at a new facility, visitation rules may differ. Some jails have different hours, dress codes, or scheduling systems. Always verify policies before traveling. The Broome County Jail does not coordinate visits at other facilities.
Is legal visitation different?
Yes, attorneys and legal representatives have separate visitation rules. They do not need to be on the general visitor list. Legal visits can occur outside regular hours with prior approval. Attorneys must show ID and proof of representation. These visits are private and not subject to time limits. They are not counted toward the weekly visitor cap. Legal mail is marked “Attorney-Client Privilege” and is not opened by staff. Scheduling is done directly with the jail administration. Emergency legal visits may be arranged by phone. This process ensures inmates’ rights are protected.
For official information, visit https://www.gobroomecounty.com/sheriff or call (607) 778-2437. Visitation hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. The address is 155 Lt Vanwinkle Dr, Binghamton, NY 13905. Always check the inmate locator before visiting.