Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP) is a state prison located in Blythe, California, operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The facility incarcerates minimum to medium security male inmates and was constructed to hold almost 2,000 inmates. However, it currently houses 1,738 inmates and occupies approximately 125 acres within 1,735 state-owned acres in Riverside County.
CVSP has been in operation since 1988 and is adjacent to Ironwood State Prison. The prison has been the subject of controversy over the years due to issues such as overcrowding, violence, and poor living conditions. In December 2022, the CDCR announced the planned closure of CVSP, with an anticipated closure in March 2025. The decision to close the prison was made as part of a larger effort to reduce the state’s prison population and improve conditions for inmates.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 1,738 |
| Physical Address | 19025 Wiley’s Well Rd., Blythe, CA 92225 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 2349, Blythe, CA 92226 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 11:15 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Beginning July 9, 2023) |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (760) 922-5300 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison is a male-only state prison located in the detached section of Blythe, California, in Riverside County. The facility was opened in December 1988 as a Level II, Medium Security Facility covering 1,720 acres (700 ha).
Establishment
CVSP was established as a result of a collaboration between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the local community. The prison was built in response to the need for additional correctional facilities in the state. The facility was constructed on land donated by the local community.
Expansion
Over the years, CVSP underwent several expansions to increase its capacity. In 1991, a 200-bed Minimum Support Facility was added to the prison. In 1997, a 200-bed Reception Center was constructed to house newly arrived inmates. In 2005, a 200-bed Mental Health Crisis Bed Unit was added to the prison.
CVSP is adjacent to Ironwood State Prison, which is also a male-only state prison. Ironwood State Prison was opened in 1984 and is a Level II, Medium Security Facility. The two facilities are separated by a fence and share a common perimeter. The California Rehabilitation Center, a state prison located in Norco, California, is responsible for the medical and mental health care of inmates at CVSP.
Overall, CVSP has played an important role in the California correctional system by providing a secure and safe environment for inmates.
Facilities
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison is a medium-security prison located in Blythe, California. The facility occupies approximately 125 acres, within 1735 acres owned by the State of California. The prison has a Level II security rating and can house up to 1,738 inmates.
Campus Layout
The prison is situated on a vast expanse of land, and the entire campus is surrounded by a double fence with razor wire on top. The facility is divided into four main yards, each with eleven open dormitory-style buildings. Each housing unit contains 340 beds. There is also a Level I yard, which consists of two buildings with 200 beds each.
Housing Units
The housing units at CVSP are designed to accommodate minimum to medium-security inmates. The units are open dormitory-style buildings, and each inmate is assigned a bed, locker, and a designated area for their personal belongings. The housing units are equipped with communal showers, toilets, and sinks. Inmates are allowed to decorate their living space with approved personal items, such as pictures and posters.
Administrative Buildings
CVSP has several administrative buildings that house the prison’s staff and provide various services to the inmates. The prison has a medical facility that provides healthcare services to the inmates. The facility has a hospital that can provide emergency medical care to inmates who require it. The prison also has a visiting room where inmates can meet with their family and friends. The visiting room is equipped with vending machines, televisions, and games to keep the visitors entertained.
In conclusion, CVSP is a well-equipped prison with all the necessary facilities to house and care for its inmates. The prison has a comprehensive campus layout, with several housing units and administrative buildings that provide various services to the inmates.
Inmate Programs
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison offers a range of inmate programs to help inmates develop skills and prepare for re-entry into society. These programs are designed to address the unique needs of both violent and nonviolent offenders.
Rehabilitation
CVSP’s rehabilitation programs aim to help inmates address the underlying issues that led to their incarceration, including substance abuse, anger management, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These programs are available to all inmates, regardless of their offense.
Education
CVSP offers a variety of educational programs, including adult basic education, high school equivalency, and vocational education. Inmates can also take college courses through a partnership with nearby community colleges. These programs help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce and in life.
Vocational Training
CVSP’s vocational training programs provide inmates with the opportunity to learn a trade and gain valuable work experience. These programs include welding, carpentry, auto mechanics, and more. Inmates who complete these programs are better equipped to find employment upon release.
CVSP’s inmate programs are designed to help inmates become productive members of society upon release. By addressing the underlying issues that led to their incarceration and providing them with the skills they need to succeed, CVSP is helping to reduce recidivism and create safer communities.
Contact Information
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison is located in Blythe, California. The prison’s contact information is as follows:
Physical Address
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP)
19025 Wiley’s Well Rd.
Blythe, CA 92225
Visitors can use the above address to send mail to inmates. Inmates should include their names and ID numbers in all correspondence.
Telephone
The main phone number for Chuckawalla Valley State Prison is (760) 922-5300. Inmates can call approved numbers using the prison’s phone system. Friends and family members can also set up prepaid accounts to receive calls from inmates. The prison has specific guidelines on phone usage, which can be found on the CDCR website.
In case of emergencies, visitors can contact the prison’s watch commander at (760) 922-5300 ext. 2910.
Visitation Hours
CVSP is open at full capacity for in-person visiting for Facilities A, B, C, & D.
In-Person Visiting at CVSP will take place on Fridays from 11:15-6:30, and Saturdays from 8:00-2:30 and on designated holidays. Walk-in appointments are welcome to approved visitors based on availability on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Please note visitors are not allowed onto institution grounds until 30 minutes prior to their respective visit.
Please review the Visiting Rules (proper attire, allowable Items, etc.) prior to your appointment. The Esperanza Center is available to accommodate in-person visitors. Picture ducats are available during processing. Visiting rooms have vending machines stocked with food and beverages for purchase by visitors ($70 per adult and & $40 per minor).
Overnight Family Visiting
Family visiting is conducted Tuesdays – Thursdays – Sundays. Please arrive at Visitor Processing between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Walk-in visits will be allowed during regular visiting hours and will be granted, space permitting.
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison is under the jurisdiction of the CDCR, which is headed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The prison is located in the 56th Assembly District, represented by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, and the 28th Senate District, represented by State Senators Steve Padilla, Joey DeConinck, and Robin Grundmeyer.