California Rehabilitation Center: The View From Behind Bars

California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) is a state prison located in Norco, California, which is in Riverside County. The facility provides rehabilitation services to inmates who have been sentenced to prison for various crimes. CRC was established in 1962 and has since been providing educational and vocational programs to inmates to help them reintegrate into society upon their release.

CRC is one of the largest rehabilitation centers in California, with a capacity of over 3,000 inmates. The facility offers a variety of programs, including academic and vocational education, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can also participate in work programs that allow them to earn a wage while learning valuable skills that can help them find employment after their release.

Overall, CRC plays an important role in the California criminal justice system by providing inmates with the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into society. The facility’s programs have been successful in reducing recidivism rates and helping inmates lead productive lives after their release.

SecurityMedium
Capacity1,822
Physical Address5th Street & Western, Norco, CA 92860
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 3535, Norco, CA 92860
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursFriday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Starting July 9, 2023)
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(951) 737-2683
JurisdictionState

History

The California Rehabilitation Center is a state prison located in Norco, Riverside County, California. It was opened in 1928 as the Lake Norconian Club, a lavish inn. In December 1941, President F. D. Roosevelt transformed the hotel into a Maritime clinic. The clinic closed in November 1949 but reopened in 1950 during the Korean War. It closed again in June 1957 and was later converted into a prison.

Early Years

In the early years, CRC was designed to be a rehabilitation prison, but due to severe overcrowding, it has become a maximum-security prison. The prison has 98 acres (40 ha) and is located next to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division. The prison houses approximately 3000 inmates even though the capacity is 1,822. It is often referred to as “Norco” or “Norco Prison.”

Recent Developments

In recent years, CRC has undergone many changes to improve the rehabilitation of its inmates. In June 2021, CRC recognized 13 incarcerated students in a graduation ceremony under the new Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) model. The students completed Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) – Life Skills, making them the first graduates under the new model. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders and improving the overall health and well-being of inmates.

Glen E. Pratt served as the warden of CRC from 2013 to 2016. During his tenure, he implemented several programs to improve the rehabilitation of inmates, including vocational training, educational programs, and substance abuse treatment. Under his leadership, CRC also implemented a program to reduce the use of force by staff and improve the safety of both staff and inmates.

Overall, CRC has a complex history, having been a hotel, a maritime clinic, and now a prison. Despite its challenges, the prison continues to strive towards improving the rehabilitation of its inmates through various programs and initiatives.

Facilities and Staffing

Facilities Overview

The California Rehabilitation Center is a state prison located in Norco, Riverside County, California. The prison is sometimes referred to as “Norco” or “Norco Prison”. CRC has 98 acres (40 ha) and is located next to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division. The facility has a capacity of 1,822 inmates and is designed to house medium-security adult male offenders.

CRC provides a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and re-entry into society. These programs include academic education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, anger management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The facility also offers conservation (fire) camps, which allow eligible inmates to work on fire suppression crews and earn time off their sentences.

Staffing Details

CRC has a staff of approximately 1,000 employees, including custody staff, medical staff, and support staff. The custody staff includes correctional officers, sergeants, lieutenants, and captains, who are responsible for the security and safety of the facility and its inmates. The medical staff includes physicians, nurses, and mental health professionals, who provide medical and mental health care to the inmates.

According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), nurse staffing levels at CRC meet or exceed state and federal requirements. The facility has a nurse-to-inmate ratio of 1:10 during the day and 1:20 at night. The medical staff provides a range of services, including primary care, specialty care, dental care, and mental health care.

In addition to custody and medical staff, CRC has a range of support staff, including teachers, vocational instructors, counselors, and administrative personnel. These staff members provide a variety of services to the inmates, including education, job training, counseling, and administrative support.

Overall, CRC is staffed by a dedicated and professional team of individuals who are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the inmates, while also helping them prepare for a successful re-entry into society.

Treatment Programs

The California Rehabilitation Institute offers a range of treatment programs to help patients overcome substance abuse and addiction. These programs are designed to provide patients with the tools and support they need to achieve lasting recovery.

Substance Abuse Programs

The substance abuse programs at the California Rehabilitation Institute are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. These programs may include medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and a 12-step program modality. The facility also offers faith-based treatment and a Native American treatment program.

During the medical detox phase, patients undergo a supervised withdrawal process to rid their bodies of drugs or alcohol. Residential treatment may last from 30 to 90 days, depending on the patient’s needs. The PHP program is a step down from residential treatment and involves a structured program of therapy and counseling. The IOP program is designed for patients who have completed residential or PHP treatment and need continued support as they transition back to their daily lives.

Life Skills Training

In addition to substance abuse treatment, the California Rehabilitation Institute offers life skills training to help patients develop the skills they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life. These skills may include communication, stress management, anger management, time management, and problem-solving. The facility also offers vocational training and job placement services to help patients build successful careers after treatment.

Patient Outcomes

The California Rehabilitation Institute is committed to providing patients with the highest quality of care. The facility tracks patient outcomes to ensure that patients are achieving their treatment goals and making progress toward lasting recovery. The facility also offers a comprehensive care plan that includes ongoing support and aftercare services to help patients maintain their sobriety after treatment.

Overall, the California Rehabilitation Institute offers a range of treatment programs and services to help patients overcome substance abuse and addiction. The facility’s commitment to patient outcomes and ongoing support ensures that patients have the best chance of achieving lasting recovery.

Visitation Hours

  • Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Starting July 9, 2023)

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