Research

Auburn Prison Classification Board Record Cards


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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
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.
Creator:
Title:
Classification Board record cards
Quantity:

1 cubic foot

Inclusive Dates:
1930-1939
Series Number:
B1276

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).

Related Material

W0006 Auburn Correctional Facility Incarcerated Individual Case Files and

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.

Access Terms

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