Avenal State Prison (ASP) is a male-only state prison located in the city of Avenal, Kings County, California, United States. The facility houses minimum to medium security inmates and is designed to hold up to 2,909 inmates. The structures on ASP’s 640 acres include 17 open dorm buildings, six 200-bed open dorm E-bed buildings, six converted gymnasiums, a 100-cell administrative segregation unit, and a 10-bed firehouse.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) manages Avenal State Prison, which is responsible for the custody and care of inmates. ASP offers various inmate programs, including education and job training, to help prepare them for reentry into society. ASP also has a Statewide Inmate Family Council, which provides support and resources to families of inmates.
Despite its size and capacity, Avenal State Prison has faced criticism for overcrowding and inadequate healthcare for inmates. In recent years, the CDCR has implemented measures to address these issues, including expanding healthcare services in its correctional facilities and reducing the prison population through early-release programs.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,909 |
| Physical Address | 1 Kings Way, Avenal, CA 93204 |
| Mailing Address | Facility A, P.O. Box 901, Avenal, CA 93204 Facility B, P.O. Box 902, Avenal, CA 93204 Facility C, P.O. Box 903, Avenal, CA 93204 Facility D, P.O. Box 904, Avenal, CA 93204 Facility E, P.O. Box 905, Avenal, CA 93204 Facility F, P.O. Box 906, Avenal, CA 93204 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday and designated holidays: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sunday: 08:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Beginning July 9, 2023) |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (559) 386-0587 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Avenal State Prison (ASP) is a male-only state prison located in the city of Avenal, Kings County, California. It was built in response to the rapid growth of California’s prison population in the 1980s. The prison was constructed on a 640-acre site in the western part of Kings County, with the first inmates being received in 1987.
Establishment of Avenal State Prison
Originally referred to as the Kings County State Prison, it was officially named Avenal State Prison in 1988. The prison was designed to hold 2,640 inmates and was constructed at a cost of approximately $100 million. ASP was the first all-new prison built in California in twenty years at the time of its construction.
The structures on ASP’s 640 acres include “17 open dorm buildings, six 200-bed open dorm E-bed buildings, six converted gymnasiums, a 100-cell administrative segregation unit, and a 10-bed firehouse.”
ASP has been the site of several notable incidents, including a 2008 riot that resulted in 97 inmates being injured, and a 2011 incident in which 54 inmates were injured. The prison has also been the subject of criticism for its use of solitary confinement and the quality of its medical care.
Despite these issues, ASP has continued to operate and serve the state of California as a reentry hub programming facility. It offers a variety of inmate programs, including education and job training, to help prepare prisoners for their eventual release.
Location and Visiting
Avenal State Prison is located in Avenal, California, at #1 Kings Way. The facility is divided into six different housing units, each with its own mailing address. Inmate mailing addresses are as follows: Facility A – P.O. Box 901, Facility B – P.O. Box 902, Facility C – P.O. Box 903, Facility D – P.O. Box 904, Facility E – P.O. Box 905, Facility F – P.O. Box 906, Avenal, CA 93204.
Physical Address
The physical address of Avenal State Prison is #1 Kings Way, Avenal, CA 93204. The facility is located in Kings County, California, and is easily accessible from major highways.
Visiting Hours and Rules
Visiting hours at Avenal State Prison are subject to change, and visitors are encouraged to check the visiting status online before making the trip to the facility. Video visits are also available for those who cannot visit in person. Video visiting days and times are on Sundays, and the hourly video visits run from 08:30 to 15:30.
Visitors must follow strict rules and regulations when visiting Avenal State Prison. Contact visits are allowed for immediate family members only, and visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list. Visitors must provide a valid photo ID and must dress appropriately. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items into the visiting area, including cell phones, purses, and cameras.
In addition, visitors are not allowed to bring any gifts or money for the inmates. All gifts must be sent through the mail, and inmates are only allowed to receive money through approved channels.
Visitation Hours
- Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday and designated holidays: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 08:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Beginning July 9, 2023)
Overall, Avenal State Prison has strict rules and regulations in place to ensure the safety and security of all visitors, staff, and inmates. Visitors are encouraged to review the facility’s visiting rules and regulations before visiting to ensure a smooth and successful visit.
Inmate Programs and Education
Inmate programs and education are essential components of the rehabilitation process at Avenal State Prison. These programs aim to provide inmates with the tools and skills they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release. The prison offers a variety of programs that cover substance abuse treatment, education and vocational training, and leisure time activities.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Avenal State Prison offers a range of substance abuse treatment programs to help inmates overcome addiction. These programs include Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and 12-Step Recovery Programs. The prison also provides counseling and therapy services to help inmates address the underlying issues that contribute to their addiction.
Education and Vocational Training
The prison offers a variety of educational programs to help inmates improve their skills and knowledge. These programs include adult education, college courses, and adult basic education. Vocational training programs are also available in fields such as auto body and fender, auto mechanics, carpentry, electrical works, and small engine repair. These programs provide inmates with the skills and certifications they need to secure employment upon their release.
Leisure Time Activities
Inmate leisure time activity groups are available to promote positive social interactions and healthy lifestyles. These groups include sports teams, music and art programs, and religious services. The prison also provides access to a library and educational materials to encourage inmates to continue learning and self-improvement.
Reentry Hub Programming
Avenal State Prison serves as a reentry hub programming facility, with a focus on the successful reentry of inmates upon their release. The prison offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for life outside of prison. These programs include job readiness training, financial planning, and family reunification services.
Overall, Avenal State Prison’s inmate programs and education aim to provide inmates with the skills and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society and lead productive lives.
Security
Avenal State Prison is a level 3, level 4, and level 5 prison security class. The facility has a secure perimeter fence that surrounds the entire prison. The fence is made of steel and is over 20 feet high, and it is designed to prevent inmates from escaping the facility.
Secure Perimeter Fences
The secure perimeter fence is equipped with several security features, including Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and ILT tags. The IDS is a system that detects any breach in the fence and alerts the security staff immediately. The ILT tags are small devices that are attached to the fence and can detect any attempt to cut or damage the fence.
The fence is also equipped with surveillance cameras that monitor the perimeter 24/7. The cameras are connected to a central monitoring station, where the security staff can view the footage in real time. The monitoring station is staffed by trained security personnel who are trained to respond to any security breaches immediately.
In addition to the secure perimeter fence, the prison also has a number of internal security measures in place. These include secure housing facility units, metal detectors, and regular searches of inmate cells. Within the prison walls, there is also a K-9 unit that is trained to detect drugs and other contraband.
Overall, Avenal State Prison has a comprehensive security system that is designed to prevent inmates from escaping and to keep the facility secure. The prison is staffed by trained security personnel who are dedicated to maintaining the safety and security of both staff and inmates.