California State Prison, Corcoran (CSP-COR) is a state prison located in the city of Corcoran, in Kings County, California. It is a male-only facility and is one of the largest state prisons in California. The facility is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and has a capacity of 3,115 inmates.
CSP-COR is known for its high-security measures and strict rules. The facility has been the subject of controversy due to allegations of inmate mistreatment and excessive use of force by correctional officers. In 1996, the prison gained notoriety when a group of correctional officers known as the “Green Wall” were accused of abusing and killing inmates. The incident led to a federal investigation and several officers were convicted of civil rights violations.
Despite its troubled past, CSP-COR remains an important part of California’s state prison system. The facility provides a range of programs and services to help residents prepare for their eventual release. These include educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. The prison also offers a number of work assignments to inmates, including positions in food service, maintenance, and landscaping.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 3,115 |
| Physical Address | 4001 King Avenue, Corcoran, CA 93212 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 8800, Corcoran, CA 93212-8309 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Sunday: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (559) 992-8800 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Facilities
California State Prison, Corcoran is a male-only state prison that houses a variety of different security levels. The prison has a total capacity of 3,115 inmates and is located in Kings County, California. CSP-COR is comprised of several different facilities, including Level I, Level III, and Level IV, as well as several specialized housing units.
Capacity
CSP-COR has a total capacity of 3,115 inmates. The prison is divided into several different correctional facilities, each with its own capacity.
Security Housing Units
CSP-COR has several different security housing units (SHUs) that are designed to house inmates who pose a significant threat to the safety and security of the prison. The SHUs are designed to provide a highly secure environment that is separate from the general population. The SHUs at CSP-COR include the Administrative Segregation Unit (ASU), the Security Housing Unit (SHU), and the Protective Housing Unit (PHU).
Administrative Segregation Unit
The Administrative Segregation Unit is designed to house inmates who need to be separated from the general population for their own safety or the safety of others. Inmates in the ASU are typically housed in single cells and have limited access to the rest of the prison.
Protective Housing Unit
The Protective Housing Unit) is designed to house inmates who are at risk of being attacked or killed by other inmates. Inmates in the PHU are typically housed in single cells and have limited access to the rest of the prison.
General Population
The general population at CSP-COR is housed in several separate facilities, including Level I, Level III, and Level IV. Inmates in the general population have access to a variety of different programs and services, including education and vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and religious services.
Overall, CSP-COR is a highly secure state prison that is designed to house inmates of different security levels. The prison has a variety of different facilities and specialized housing units that are designed to meet the unique needs of its inmate population.
Location and Infrastructure
California State Prison, Corcoran is a male-only state prison located in the city of Corcoran, in Kings County, California. It is situated at the edge of what was once a giant lake known as Tulare Lake until farms diverted the water from the Kings, Kaweah, Tule, and Kern rivers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The facility is just north of the newer California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran (Corcoran II).
Address
The prison has two different addresses: a physical address and an inmate mailing address. The physical address of the prison is 4001 King Avenue, Corcoran, CA 93212. The inmate mailing address is P.O. Box 8800, Corcoran, CA 93212-8309.
Physical Address
The physical address of the prison is where visitors can go to visit inmates during visiting hours. The visiting hours are determined by appointment only and can be found on the CDCR website. Visitors must make an appointment in advance and arrive early to go through security checks. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items into the visiting area, and they are subject to search before entering.
Inmate Mailing Address
The inmate mailing address is where friends and family can send mail to inmates. All mail must be addressed to the inmate, including their CDCR number. The CDCR website has specific guidelines for what can and cannot be sent to inmates, including books and magazines. Inmates are allowed to receive photographs, but they must be no larger than 4×6 inches.
The current location of the prison has unique challenges due to its history with Tulare Lake and the surrounding infrastructure. The J.G. Boswell Co. is a major agricultural company in the area and is responsible for much of the groundwater pumping that occurs in the region. This has caused runoff and snowpack to be diverted away from the lake, leading to a decline in the lake’s size and an increase in flooding risk. The Cross Creek Flood Control District was established to help manage the flooding risk in the area.
In recent years, the prison has faced threats of flooding due to heavy rainfall and rising groundwater levels. The Los Angeles Times reported in April 2023 that floodwaters were threatening to drown the city of Corcoran and the prison. Emergency services and evacuation plans are in place in case of flooding. The prison also has its own infrastructure, including industrial kitchens, boilers, electrical generators, and wastewater treatment plants, to support the daily care of thousands of inmates and ensure public safety.
Visitation Hours
- Saturday Visiting Hours are 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
- Sunday Visiting Hours are 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.
For more information see.
Programs
California State Prison, Corcoran offers a variety of programs to its inmates, including educational courses, substance abuse treatments, and correctional treatment center programs. These programs aim to help inmates develop skills and knowledge that will allow them to reintegrate into society after their release.
Correctional Treatment Center
The Correctional Treatment Center at Corcoran provides a range of services to inmates, including medical, dental, and mental health care. The center also offers vocational training and educational programs to help inmates acquire skills that will make them more employable upon their release.
Long-Term Restricted Housing
The Long-Term Restricted Housing program is designed for inmates who have been deemed a danger to themselves or others. Inmates in this program are housed in a separate unit and receive specialized mental health care and counseling services.
Enhanced Program Facility
The Enhanced Program Facility is a specialized unit designed for inmates who have demonstrated a willingness to participate in programming and have shown a commitment to changing their behavior. Inmates in this program receive intensive counseling and participate in educational and vocational training programs.
Education Courses
Corcoran offers a range of educational courses to its inmates, including basic education, GED courses, and college-level courses. These courses are designed to help inmates acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce upon their release.
Substance Abuse Treatments
Corcoran offers a variety of substance abuse treatment programs to inmates who struggle with addiction. These programs include individual and group counseling, as well as specialized treatment programs for inmates who have co-occurring mental health disorders.
Overall, the programs offered at California State Prison, Corcoran are designed to help inmates develop the skills and knowledge they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon their release. Whether an inmate needs vocational training, substance abuse treatment, or educational courses, Corcoran has a program that can help.