California Men’s Colony (CMC) is a state prison located in San Luis Obispo County, California. It is a male-only facility that houses over 6500 inmates from minimum to medium-security custody levels. CMC has two physically separate facilities on its 356 acres, named East and West. The medium-security East facility has level III with individual cells, fenced perimeters, and armed coverage.
The prison system in California is one of the largest in the United States, and CMC is a significant part of it. The state prison system has been subject to criticism in recent years due to overcrowding, poor living conditions, and high recidivism rates. Despite these challenges, CMC has implemented various inmate programs to help reduce recidivism and promote rehabilitation. These programs include educational and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
As with any prison system, the inmate population at CMC is diverse and includes individuals from various backgrounds. The prison also has a visitation program that allows family and friends to visit inmates. However, due to security concerns, visitors must go through a rigorous approval process and follow strict rules during their visit.
Overall, California Men’s Colony plays a vital role in the state’s prison system, and its mission to promote public safety through rehabilitation and reintegration remains an ongoing challenge.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 3,816 |
| Physical Address | Colony Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93409 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 8103 San Luis Obispo, CA 93409-8103 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (805) 547-7900 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Facilities
California Men’s Colony is a state prison located northwest of the city of San Luis Obispo, California, along the central California coast. The facility covers 356 acres and has two physically separate facilities: East and West.
East Facility
The East Facility of CMC is designed to hold medium-custody level offenders in individual cells. The facility has a fully functioning hospital that cares for sick and injured inmates, as well as providing support for mental health issues. The hospital has a 24-hour medical staff available to provide care. In addition, the East Facility has a dental clinic, a pharmacy, and a mental health clinic.
The East Facility also provides various educational and vocational programs to its inmates, which include adult basic education, GED preparation, vocational training, and college courses. The facility also provides various self-help groups and religious services to its inmates.
West Facility
The West Facility is a minimum-security facility that has open dorms. It is designed to house Level I and Level II inmates. The facility provides various vocational programs, such as auto mechanics, welding, and horticulture. The West Facility also provides various educational programs, such as adult basic education and GED preparation.
The West Facility provides various self-help groups and religious services to its inmates. The facility also has a fully functioning dental clinic and a 24-hour medical staff available to provide care.
Overall, CMC provides its inmates with various educational, vocational, and self-help programs to help them prepare for their reentry into society. The facility also provides various medical and mental health services to its inmates.
Address and Contact Information
California Men’s Colony is a state prison located in San Luis Obispo, California. The facility houses medium-security inmates and has a capacity of 3,838 inmates. The prison has several contact points for visitors, family members, and other interested parties to get in touch with the facility.
Physical Address
The physical address of the California Men’s Colony is:
- Colony Dr, San Luis Obispo, CA 93409
Visitors can use this address to locate the facility and visit inmates during scheduled visitation hours.
Inmate Mailing Address
Friends and family members can send mail to inmates using the following addresses:
- Inmate Name, ID
- California Men’s Colony EAST
- P.O. Box 8101
- San Luis Obispo, CA 93409-8103
- Inmate Name, ID
- California Men’s Colony WEST
- P.O. Box 8103
- San Luis Obispo, CA 93409-8103
Make sure to include the inmate’s name and ID number when sending mail to ensure that it reaches the intended recipient.
CDCR Number
The California Men’s Colony is part of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The facility has a CDCR number of 056.
Contact
For general inquiries, visitors can contact the facility using the following phone number:
- (805) 547-7900
Alternatively, visitors can reach out to the facility via mail using the following address:
- California Men’s Colony
- P.O. Box 8101
- San Luis Obispo, CA 93409-8101
Note that the facility may have specific rules and regulations regarding visitation, mail, and other forms of communication with inmates. Visitors should review the facility’s guidelines before attempting to contact or visit an inmate.
Visitation
Visitation is an essential part of an inmate’s rehabilitation and reentry process. Family and friends can visit inmates at California Men’s Colony during designated visiting hours. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations set forth by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to ensure the safety and security of the facility.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at CMC are:
- Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:45 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Visiting hours may be subject to change due to operational needs.
Visiting Rules
Visitors must follow the CDCR’s dress code policy, which prohibits revealing clothing, gang-related attire, and provocative clothing. Visitors must also bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Visitors are subject to search and must pass through a metal detector before entering the facility.
Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal belongings, including cell phones, purses, or bags, into the visiting area. Lockers are available for visitors to store their belongings. Visitors may bring up to $50 in quarters for vending machines.
Approved Visiting List
Inmates must submit a list of approved visitors to the facility. Visitors who are not on the approved list will not be allowed to visit. Inmates may add or remove visitors from their list at any time. Visitors who have been removed from an inmate’s approved list must wait six months before reapplying.
In conclusion, visiting is an important part of an inmate’s rehabilitation and reentry process. Visitors must follow the rules and regulations set forth by the CDCR to ensure the safety and security of the facility. Visitors should check with the facility to ensure that visiting hours have not changed due to operational needs.
Inmate Programs and Services
The California Men’s Colony offers a range of programs and services for its inmate population. These programs are designed to help inmates develop skills and knowledge that will assist them in successfully reintegrating into society upon their release. The following sub-sections provide an overview of some of the programs and services available at the California Men’s Colony.
Arts in Corrections
Arts in Corrections is a program that provides inmates with the opportunity to participate in various art forms, including music, dance, theater, and visual arts. The program is designed to promote self-expression, creativity, and personal growth. Inmates who participate in Arts in Corrections have reported increased self-esteem, improved communication skills, and a greater sense of purpose.
Correctional Treatment Center
The Correctional Treatment Center is a program that provides mental health and substance abuse treatment to inmates. The program is designed to help inmates identify and address underlying issues that may have contributed to their criminal behavior. Inmates who participate in the Correctional Treatment Center have reported improved mental health, reduced substance abuse, and a greater understanding of the impact of their actions.
Anger Management
The Anger Management program is designed to help inmates learn how to manage their emotions and respond to situations in a non-violent manner. Inmates who participate in this program have reported improved communication skills, reduced aggression, and a greater understanding of the consequences of their actions.
PIA
PIA, or Prison Industry Authority, is a program that provides inmates with job training and work experience. Inmates who participate in PIA have the opportunity to learn valuable skills that can help them secure employment upon their release. The program also provides inmates with a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can be beneficial for their mental health and overall well-being.
Academic
The Academic program provides inmates with the opportunity to earn high school diplomas and college degrees. Inmates who participate in the Academic program have reported increased self-esteem, improved critical thinking skills, and a greater understanding of the importance of education. The program also provides inmates with a sense of hope for their future, which can be beneficial for their mental health and overall well-being.
Overall, the California Men’s Colony offers a range of programs and services that are designed to help inmates develop skills and knowledge that will assist them in successfully reintegrating into society upon their release. These programs are an important part of the rehabilitation process and can have a positive impact on the lives of inmates.
Specialty Units
Mental Health
CMC provides mental health services to its inmates through its Mental Health Services Delivery System (MHSDS). The MHSDS provides a range of services, including crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, medication management, and discharge planning. The goal of the MHSDS is to identify and treat mental health issues early to reduce the risk of self-harm and violence.
Specialty Units
CMC has several specialty units that cater to the specific needs of its inmate population. These units include:
- Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF): SATF is a 500-bed facility that provides substance abuse treatment to inmates with a history of drug and alcohol abuse. The program combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and life skills training to help inmates overcome their addictions and develop the skills they need to lead a sober life.
- Correctional Treatment Center (CTC): CTC is a 50-bed facility that provides intensive treatment to inmates with mental health issues. The program includes individual and group therapy, medication management, and discharge planning.
- Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOP): EOP is a 300-bed program that provides intensive mental health treatment to inmates who do not require hospitalization but need more than routine mental health services. The program includes individual and group therapy, medication management, and discharge planning.
- Psychiatric Inpatient Program (PIP): PIP is a 50-bed facility that provides acute psychiatric care to inmates who require hospitalization. The program includes medication management, individual and group therapy, and discharge planning.
Overall, CMC’s specialty units aim to provide the necessary treatment and support to help inmates overcome their specific challenges and reintegrate into society.