Shock Factor at Visit to Yaphank Correctional Facility

Even if you are free to leave whenever you want to, a visit to the Suffolk County correctional facility in Yaphank can be a jarring experience.

Let’s face it, jail is never a good place to be. About three dozen Huntington High School students recently visited the East End lock-up through Suffolk Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr’s Youth Enlightenment Seminar program.

The Huntington students are enrolled in Criminal Justice, Personal Law and Business Law courses. “The goal of such a trip is to expose young people to a realistic glimpse into the inner workings of the county correctional facility,” said Suzi Biagi-Quigley, the Huntington business teacher who accompanied the teenagers. “From the very beginning, the students knew this was a serious trip when they were met on the bus by three correctional officers.”

The YES program is popular with schools. Students have an opportunity to meet with a deputy sheriff prior to the trip and then tour the correctional facility and spend time with a select group of inmates who share their personal stories in an effort to dissuade others from getting into trouble.

“Our YES program stresses education and reality,” Sheriff Toulon said. “By giving kids a realistic view of what lies ahead if they cross that line, we hope that it will leave a strong enough imprint in their minds to stop them from engaging in criminal acts.”

The YES initiative got off the ground in 2010. It is available to school groups or even parents, who accompany their son or daughter into the jail for a personal tour arranged by special appointment. The program stresses education, communication, and accountability.

The YES program tour of the jail is interactive in nature as students proceed through a series of “steps” ranging from the arrest and intake process to fingerprinting and mug shots. Students met with actual inmates in a special area of the facility. Known as the “How I got to this point in my life” segment, inmates provide a description of how bad decisions can lead to arrest, conviction and a prison sentence.

“Once the group was inside, the three corrections officers shared the history of the Yaphank facility, answering questions throughout their lecture,” Ms. Biagi-Quigley said.  “Rules and regulations were reviewed and then the students went through the same process as any visitor would have to when first entering. After signing in and going through metal detectors the students were led through the corridors in single file with strict no talking instructions. There was a tour of the visitors’ room and one set of tiers where the prisoners live. Students gingerly walked through and were encouraged to look inside the cells, but not to engage with the inmates. Next they were led to the chapel, where they then met with three, encouraging well-spoken orators who also happen to be inmates in the facility. The individuals shared the poignant stories of their lives, their regrets and their homes for the future, all hoping to prevent our young people from getting in trouble as they had.”

It's considered a privilege for the inmates chosen to participate in the session with the students. They all hope to return home and start life anew when their sentence concludes.

“I am so, so proud of our kids, they asked insightful questions, were super respectful to the speakers and I truly believe that many of them had a memorable experience today,” Ms. Biagi-Quigley said.