What is NY Shock Incarceration and How Do i Qualify?

New York State offers a 6-month boot camp program called shock incarceration that allows some inmates to earn early release from prison. This intensive program aims to rehabilitate inmates through strict discipline, rigorous physical training, and substance abuse treatment. But not everyone qualifies for shock incarceration. Let’s break down the eligibility requirements and program details so you can understand if you’re a candidate for this program.

Shock Incarceration Eligibility

To be eligible for shock incarceration in New York, you must meet all of these criteria according to Section 1800.4 of the NY Correction Law:

• Be between 18-50 years old
• Have been between 16-50 years old when you committed the crime
• Not convicted of a violent felony offense
• Eligible for parole or conditional release within 3 years

There are a few other considerations as well. You can’t have any physical limitations that prevent you from completing the program’s rigorous training requirements. And you can’t have any mental health issues that would make you unable to complete the program either. Lastly, you have to volunteer for shock incarceration and be approved by the screening committee. The program is limited to 200 inmates at a time, so even if you qualify, you aren’t guaranteed a spot.

How Shock Incarceration Works

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are selected for shock incarceration, you’ll be transferred to one of New York’s two shock facilities – Lakeview in Chautauqua County or Moriah in Essex County. The program lasts 6 months and includes:

• Military-style physical training and drills
• Hard labor like maintaining the facility, landscaping, or cleaning
• Counseling, education, and substance abuse treatment
• Phase system to earn privileges through good behavior

The daily schedule is demanding, starting at 5:30am and continuing until lights out at 10pm. According to the Department of Justice, a typical day includes:

• Physical training: Running, calisthenics, obstacle courses
• Military drill and ceremony
• Hard labor like construction, groundskeeping, janitorial work
• Classroom education and counseling
• Substance abuse treatment meetings
• Limited free time

Shock aims to instill discipline, hard work, and personal responsibility through this intensive schedule. But it’s not easy. You have to fully commit to the program and follow all the strict rules. Failure to do so can result in removal from the program and return to regular prison.

Benefits of Completing Shock Incarceration

If you successfully complete the 6-month shock program, you get these main benefits:

• Early release – You earn a certificate of earned eligibility that moves up your parole eligibility date by 6 months. So you get released from prison 6 months early.
• Parole advantage – Completing shock shows your rehabilitation and lowers your risk, which helps in getting parole approved.
• Life skills – You learn discipline, responsibility, job skills, education, and treatment that help you succeed after release.

According to the law, the certificate of earned eligibility you receive upon completion has the same force and effect as an earlier parole eligibility date. It provides a real advantage at your parole hearing.

Downsides of Shock Incarceration

While completing shock incarceration allows early release, there are some downsides to consider as well:

• The program is very demanding physically and mentally – Some struggle with the rigorous training, labor, and strict rules
• You may be far from family – Shock facilities are limited so you could be moved farther away
• Risk of failure – If you don’t complete the program, you gain nothing and hurt your parole chances
• Temporary release – You still must serve parole after release and follow all conditions

It’s not an easy 6 months. You have to be fully committed to completing the program and changing your ways. Some find shock incarceration too demanding and fail to graduate.

How to Apply for Shock Incarceration

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in volunteering, follow these steps:

1. Request an application from your correction counselor
2. Complete the application and return it
3. You’ll be scheduled for an interview with the shock screening committee
4. The committee will review your eligibility and suitability for shock
5. If approved, you’ll be transferred to Lakeview or Moriah to begin

The screening committee considers your criminal history, physical/mental health, correctional record, and overall attitude when deciding whether to accept you. Not everyone who applies gets approved. But it’s worth applying if you meet the criteria and want early release. Just be ready to work hard.

What Else Should I Know?

Here are some other key facts about New York’s shock incarceration program:

• Separate housing for men and women – Women are housed in a separate dorm at Lakeview.
• Must be in DOCCS custody – Shock is run by DOCCS so you must be in their custody, not a county jail.
• Violent felony exclusion – Having any prior violent felony conviction excludes you from eligibility.
• Age criteria – You had to be between 16-50 when committing the crime, even if now older than 50.
• Parole stipulations – Your release comes with parole supervision and conditions you must follow.
• Aftercare – You get some transitional services to aid your reentry after release.

The goal of shock incarceration is to rehabilitate inmates through discipline and hard work. It provides an opportunity for early release if you complete the program. While challenging, it can be a life changing experience for some inmates. If you meet the eligibility criteria, it may be worth applying to see if you’re approved. Just be ready to work hard and follow the strict rules.