Calipatria State Prison is a male-only state prison located in the city of Calipatria, in Imperial County, California. Operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Calipatria State Prison has a design capacity of 2,308 inmates. The prison is situated approximately three miles from the center of Calipatria and is within the city limits.
One of the most unique features of Calipatria State Prison is its location, which is 184 feet below sea level. This makes it the lowest prison in the Western Hemisphere. The facility covers more than 1,200 acres and houses inmates of all security levels. The prison is known for its strict security measures, which include a double fence, razor wire, and electronic surveillance.
Despite its remote location, Calipatria State Prison is a significant institution in the California prison system. The facility has a long history of providing rehabilitation and education programs to its inmates. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to reintegrate into society successfully. The prison also offers vocational training in areas such as welding, auto mechanics, and construction.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,308 |
| Physical Address | 7018 Blair Road, Calipatria, CA 92233 |
| Mailing Address | Facility A, P.O. Box 5004, Calipatria, CA. 92233-5004 Facility B, P.O. Box 5005, Calipatria, CA. 92233-5005 Facility C, P.O. Box 5006, Calipatria, CA. 92233-5006 Facility D, P.O. Box 5007, Calipatria, CA. 92233-5007 MSF/FH/ASU, P.O. Box 5008, Calipatria, CA. 92233-5008 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 760-348-7000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Facilities
Geographical Location
Calipatria State Prison (CAL) is a male-only state prison located in the city of Calipatria, in Imperial County, California. The prison is situated about 3 miles (4.8 km) from the center of Calipatria and is within the city limits. It is called the lowest prison in the Western Hemisphere, as it lies 184 feet (56 m) below sea level. The prison covers more than 1,200 acres of land, with 300 acres used for the actual facility.
Facilities
Calipatria State Prison has four main facilities, namely Facility A, B, C, and D. The prison has a maximum capacity of 2,308 inmates. The prison houses all security levels, from minimum to maximum security, and has air conditioning, heating ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems installed.
Facility A is the main housing unit of the prison, with a capacity of 1,152 inmates. It houses Level III inmates, who are considered high-risk inmates. Facility B has a capacity of 576 inmates and houses Level II inmates, who are medium-risk inmates. Facility C is the reception center of the prison, where newly arrived inmates are processed and classified. It has a capacity of 384 inmates. Facility D is the administrative segregation unit of the prison, where inmates who pose a threat to the safety and security of the prison officials and other inmates are housed. It has a capacity of 196 inmates.
In addition to the four main facilities, Calipatria State Prison also has several support buildings, including a medical clinic, dental clinic, food service building, and a visiting area. The prison has a central control room that monitors all the activities in the facility, including the movement of inmates and staff. The prison also has a perimeter fence with electronic detection systems, manned towers, and roving patrols to ensure the security of the facility.
Overall, Calipatria State Prison is a modern correctional facility with adequate facilities to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates.
Inmate Population and Custody Levels
Population
Calipatria State Prison is a male-only state prison located in the city of Calipatria, in Imperial County, California. As of July 31, 2022, the prison was incarcerating people at 110.1% of its design capacity, with 2,543 occupants. The inmate population at Calipatria State Prison has fluctuated over the years, with a high of 4,180 in 2007 and a low of 2,200 in 2019.
Custody Levels
Calipatria State Prison has a range of custody levels, from minimum-security Level I to maximum-security Level IV. The prison’s primary mission is to provide housing and supervision for inmates who have been convicted of felonies and sentenced to prison for a term of one year or more. The prison also houses inmates who are awaiting trial or sentencing.
Inmates at Calipatria State Prison are classified into one of four custody levels based on their behavior, criminal history, and other factors. These custody levels are:
- Level I: Minimum security
- Level II: Low security
- Level III: Medium security
- Level IV: Maximum security
The majority of inmates at Calipatria State Prison are classified as Level III or Level IV. Inmates at these custody levels are housed in secure, locked facilities and are subject to strict rules and regulations.
Inmates at Calipatria State Prison are also classified based on their medical and mental health needs. The prison has a medical and mental health staff who provide care and treatment to inmates who require it.
Overall, Calipatria State Prison has a diverse prison population with a range of custody levels and medical and mental health needs. The prison’s staff works to provide a safe and secure environment for all inmates while also addressing their individual needs and helping them prepare for reentry into society.
Programs and Services
Calipatria State Prison provides a variety of programs and services for its inmates. These programs and services are designed to help inmates develop new skills, improve their education, and prepare for life outside of prison.
Education Programs
Calipatria State Prison offers a range of educational programs to its inmates. These programs include adult basic education, General Education Development (GED), and academic and elective programs. Inmates can also take correspondence courses and access the prison’s law library. Televised education program channels are available to inmates as well.
Vocational Programs
Vocational training is an important component of Calipatria State Prison’s rehabilitation program. Inmates can participate in programs such as the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) and computer literacy courses. Substance abuse treatment and Narcotics Anonymous are also available to inmates.
Recreational Programs
Recreational programs are available to inmates to help them stay physically active and mentally stimulated. The prison offers a recreational library service, and inmates can participate in creative conflict resolution classes.
Health Care Services
Calipatria State Prison provides comprehensive health care services to its inmates. Inmates have access to medical, dental, and mental health care services. The prison also offers a volunteer literacy/peer tutor program.
Family Services
Family services are available to help inmates maintain relationships with their families. The prison has a family liaison service specialist and a family reunification liaison to help inmates stay in touch with their loved ones.
In summary, Calipatria State Prison provides a range of programs and services to its inmates, including educational, vocational, recreational, health care, and family services. These programs and services are designed to help inmates develop new skills, improve their education, and prepare for life outside of prison.
Visitation and Communication
Visitation and communication are important aspects of an inmate’s life at Calipatria State Prison. The facility recognizes the importance of maintaining family and community ties during incarceration. Here is a guide to visitation and communication at Calipatria State Prison.
Visitation Guide
To visit an inmate at Calipatria State Prison, visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list. Visitors can be added to the list by the inmate or by submitting a visiting questionnaire. The questionnaire can be obtained from the prison’s website or by contacting the Visiting Sergeant. Visitors must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and must be at least 18 years old.
Telephone and Mailing Addresses
Inmates at Calipatria State Prison have access to telephones during certain hours. They can call approved numbers, which include friends, family, and attorneys. Inmates may also send and receive mail. The mailing address for inmates is as follows:
- Facility A, P.O. Box 5004, Calipatria, CA. 92233-5004
- Facility B, P.O. Box 5005, Calipatria, CA. 92233-5005
- Facility C, P.O. Box 5006, Calipatria, CA. 92233-5006
- Facility D, P.O. Box 5007, Calipatria, CA. 92233-5007
- MSF/FH/ASU, P.O. Box 5008, Calipatria, CA. 92233-5008
Visiting Hours and Rules
Visiting hours at Calipatria State Prison are
- Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Walk-In visits are accepted and processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Overnight Family visiting is conducted Mondays – Wednesdays – Fridays. Please arrive at Visiting Processing between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. If you are going to be later than 11:00 a.m., please call Visiting Processing to notify a correctional staff member.
For updates and more information see https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/facility/calipatria-state-prison/
Visitors must adhere to strict dress codes. Clothing that is provocative, revealing, or gang-related is not allowed. Visitors must also pass a security check before entering the facility. The security check includes metal detectors and a search of personal belongings.
Inmates in general population are allowed to have contact visits. However, inmates in administrative segregation or on disciplinary status may have non-contact visits. Visitors must follow all rules and regulations during visits, including no physical contact, no exchange of items, and no inappropriate behavior.
Approved Visiting List
Inmates are responsible for maintaining their approved visiting list. Visitors can be added or removed from the eligibility list by the inmate. The list must include the visitor’s full name and relationship to the inmate.
Pass and Documents
Visitors must obtain a pass before entering the facility. The pass is obtained during the registration process. Visitors must also bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Visitors who are not U.S. citizens must bring their passport or other valid identification.
In conclusion, Calipatria State Prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family and community ties during incarceration. Visitors must follow all rules and regulations during visits to ensure the safety and security of the facility.