Location Storrs, Connecticut Security class Level 2 (Low) Capacity 600 | Status Closed Closed August 12, 2011 | |
Managed by Connecticut, Department of Correction Director Wardens
1989-1991 William D. Morabito
1991-1994 Mary H. Buell
1994-2001 Evelyn Bush
2001-2003 Sandra A. Sawicki
2003-2009 Eileen Higgins | ||
Bergin Correctional Institution was a low-security state prison for men in Storrs, CT. It was built in 1988 as the Northeast Correctional Institution and received its first inmates on 13, 1989. After briefly closing in 1997 and re-opening in 1999, the prison closed for good on August 12, 2011 due to years of declining prisoner population.
History
The buildings and campus of Bergin Correctional Institution have been put to a number of uses by the State of Connecticut. Before being used as a prison, the site was first home to the Mansfield Training School and Hospital for people with mental disabilities. After closure as a prison, the University of Connecticut leased the space for offices and laboratory space. As the Mansfield Training School, portions of the property are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The Northeast Correctional Institution was established as a pre-release center for inmates nearing the end of their sentences and specialized in preparing inmates for re-integration into society. It had a number of occupational and substance-abuse treatment programs available, and housed inmates in dormitory-style housing and in cottages. On February 3, 2001 the name of the prison was changed to honor late Captain Donald T. Bergin, who had helped open the institution.