California City Correctional Facility (CAC) is a state prison located in California City, Kern County, California. It is owned by CoreCivic, a private company, and operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The facility is designed to house a maximum of 2,304 state inmates at Level II security (low-medium security).
CAC was built on speculation, without any customer contract to fill it. It was completed in 2006 and has been operational ever since. The facility offers various inmate programs and services, including vocational education, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The goal of these programs is to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon their release.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,304 |
| Physical Address | 22844 Virginia Blvd., California City, CA 93505 |
| Mailing Address | Facility A, P.O. Box 2696, California City, CA 93504, Facility B, P.O. Box 2610, California City, CA 93504 Facility C, P.O. Box 2760, California City, CA 93504 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (760) 246-7600 |
| Jurisdiction | CoreCivic |
History of California City Correctional Facility
Opened
California City Correctional Facility (CAC) is a state prison located in California City, California. It was opened in 1995 and is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The facility was built to house minimum to maximum-security male inmates and has a prison population of 2,304.
Parts
CAC is part of a larger complex that includes the California Correctional Institution (CCI) and the California City Correctional Center (CCCC). CAC is a Level IV maximum-security facility, CCI is a Level III medium-security facility, and CCCC is a Level I minimum-security facility. The complex also includes conservation (fire) camps.
In 2020, the CDCR announced plans to close CAC, along with two other prisons, and shut down parts of six others. However, the CDCR later reversed its decision to close CAC and instead ceased its lease with CoreCivic, a private company that had been operating the facility with state staff.
Tehachapi, another state prison located nearby, has also been involved in the history of CAC. In 2009, a riot occurred at CAC, resulting in the death of an inmate and injuries to several others. The riot was believed to have been sparked by tensions between rival gangs. In response, the CDCR transferred some of the inmates involved in the riot to Tehachapi.
Overall, CAC has had a controversial history due to its use of private companies to operate the facility and its involvement in incidents such as the 2009 riot.
Facility Details
California City Correctional Facility is a secure prison facility located in California City, California. The facility is owned by CoreCivic and is currently staffed and operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation as a men’s level II (low-medium) security prison.
Staff
The facility is staffed with trained and experienced correctional officers who are responsible for maintaining order and security within the facility. The staff is trained to handle any situation that may arise and ensure the safety of both the inmates and the staff members.
Package
Inmates at CAC are allowed to receive packages from family and friends. However, the packages must meet certain guidelines, rules and restrictions. Inmates are not allowed to receive any items that are considered contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or any other prohibited items.
Food
The facility provides nutritious meals to the inmates three times a day. The meals are prepared by trained kitchen staff and are designed to meet the dietary needs of the inmates. Inmates are also allowed to purchase snacks and other food items from the canteen list choices.
Facility D
The facility is designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the inmates. The facility is equipped with modern security features, such as cameras and alarms, to ensure that the inmates are safe and secure at all times. Inmates have access to various programming opportunities, including college degree programs, self-help groups, hobby craft programs, and the Pawsitive Change Dog Program. Inmates also have microwave access for heating up food items.
Overall, CAC is a well-maintained facility that provides a safe and secure environment for the inmates. The prison staff is well-trained and experienced, and the facility provides various programming opportunities for the inmates to help them prepare for their reentry into society.
Visitation Hours
- Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Inmate Life
Life for inmates at California City Correctional Facility (CAC) revolves around a strict routine, but there are opportunities for recreation, communication, and self-improvement.
Recreation
Inmates at CAC have access to a variety of recreational activities, such as sports and game tournaments, including basketball, softball, and volleyball. The facility also offers a fitness center with weightlifting equipment and cardio machines.
Commissary
Inmates have access to a commissary where they can purchase a variety of items, including snacks, hygiene products, and electronics. The canteen list choices are limited, but inmates can purchase food items like chips, candy, and instant noodles.
Mail and Drop
Inmates at CAC can receive mail from family and loved ones. Incoming mail is inspected for contraband, but inmates are allowed to receive letters, cards, and photographs. The facility also offers a drop box where inmates can deposit outgoing mail.
Sports and Game Tournaments
Inmates have the opportunity to participate in sports and game tournaments, including basketball, softball, and volleyball. The facility also offers a chess club and other board games.
Programming Opportunities
CAC offers self-help groups and hobby craft programs for inmates who want to improve their skills and learn new things. The facility also offers the Pawsitive Change Dog Program, where inmates can train and care for dogs.
College Degree Programs
CAC does not offer college degree programs at this time.
In conclusion, while life at CAC is highly structured, there are opportunities for recreation, communication, and self-improvement. The inmate population has access to a commissary, mail, and recreational activities, and can participate in self-help groups and hobby craft programs.