Colorado State Penitentiary, commonly known as CSP, is a maximum-security prison located in the state of Colorado. It is part of the East Cañon Complex, which comprises six other state correctional facilities of various security levels. CSP is designed to house the most violent and dangerous offenders in the state, including those who have committed murder, assault, and other serious crimes.
The Colorado State Penitentiary was opened in 1993 as a designated level V/Administrative Segregation Facility. The facility was constructed in two phases, with Phase I completed in 1993 and Phase II completed in 1995, bringing the current capacity of the prison to 725 inmates.
The facility is managed by the Colorado Department of Corrections, which is responsible for the custody, care, and control of inmates in Colorado’s state prisons. The department’s mission is to protect the public by safely and securely managing offenders while providing opportunities for positive change.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 725 |
| Physical Address | 50 Evans Rd, Cañon City, CO 81212 |
| Mailing Address | COLORADO STATE PENITENTIARY PO BOX 777 Canon City, CO. 81215-0777 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Thursday (MCU): 8:30 am-10:30 am, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm Friday (Incentive): 10:30 am or 12:30 pm-2:30 pm Friday (CCTU): 12:30 pm-2:30 pm Saturday (CCTU): 8:30 am-10:30 am Saturday (Incentive): 8:30 am-10:30 am Sunday (Incentive): 8:30 am-2:30 pm |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 719-269-5120 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
The Colorado State Penitentiary has a long and storied history dating back to its inception in 1868. The Territorial Legislature declared that such an institution should be established in Colorado at Canon City for the protection of society against offenders of the law.
East Cañon Complex
The East Cañon Complex, located in Fremont County, was the original site of the Colorado State Penitentiary. It was established in 1868 and remained in use until 2010. The complex consisted of several prison buildings, including cell houses, administrative offices, and support facilities.
Throughout its history, the East Cañon Complex saw several notable events, including a prison break in 1947 that was chronicled in the semi-documentary film “Canon City.” The prison break involved 12 inmates and resulted in a massive manhunt that spanned several states.
Sterling Correctional Facility
The Sterling Correctional Facility, located in Logan County, was opened in 1995 and is the current home of the Colorado State Penitentiary. The facility has a capacity of 2,610 inmates and is the largest prison in Colorado.
The Sterling Correctional Facility is a maximum-security prison that houses some of the state’s most dangerous inmates. It is also home to the state’s death row, where prisoners who have been sentenced to death are held pending execution.
Over the years, the Colorado State Penitentiary has played a significant role in the state’s criminal justice system. It has been the subject of numerous documentaries, books, and other media, and has become an iconic symbol of the state’s law enforcement efforts.
Programs and Education
Colorado State Penitentiary offers a variety of programs and educational opportunities for its inmates. These programs aim to help inmates develop skills, enhance their lives, and prepare them for re-entry into society.
GED
One of the educational opportunities available to inmates at Colorado State Penitentiary is the ability to earn a General Education Development (GED) certificate. This program allows inmates to obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma, which can improve their chances of finding employment upon release.
Adult Basic Education
In addition to the GED program, Colorado State Penitentiary also offers Adult Basic Education (ABE). This program helps inmates improve their literacy and numeracy skills, which can be beneficial for daily life and future employment opportunities.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Colorado State Penitentiary has limited programs for substance abuse treatment, but they do offer some options for inmates with drug and alcohol problems. These programs aim to help inmates overcome their addictions and develop the skills necessary to maintain sobriety after release.
Rehabilitation
Colorado State Penitentiary offers a variety of rehabilitation programs, including Thinking for a Change, Anger Management, and Moral Recognition Therapy. These programs aim to help inmates develop the skills necessary to lead a productive and successful life after release.
Overall, the programs and educational opportunities available at Colorado State Penitentiary aim to help inmates develop the skills necessary to successfully re-enter society and lead a productive life.
Visitation and Communication
Colorado State Penitentiary allows inmates to communicate with their loved ones through various means. Visitation, email, and phone calls are the primary ways for inmates to stay in touch with their families and friends.
Contact Visits
CSP offers contact visits for prison inmates, which allow them to have physical contact with their visitors. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, certain restrictions have been put in place to ensure the safety of both visitors and inmates. Visitors are required to follow social distancing guidelines during their visit. Additionally, visitors must schedule an appointment in advance and complete a visitor application form, which can be found on the CSP website.
Visitation Hours
- Thursday (MCU): 8:30 am-10:30 am, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
- Friday (Incentive): 10:30 am or 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
- Friday (CCTU): 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
- Saturday (CCTU): 8:30 am-10:30 am
- Saturday (Incentive): 8:30 am-10:30 am
- Sunday (Incentive): 8:30 am-2:30 pm
For more information, see here.
Inmates can also communicate with their loved ones through email. The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) provides a secure messaging system called “JPay,” which allows inmates to send and receive emails. To use this service, inmates must purchase “stamps” through the JPay website or kiosks located within the prison. Visitors can also send emails to inmates by creating a JPay account and purchasing “stamps.”
Phone
Inmates at CSP can make phone calls to their loved ones using the phone system provided by the CDOC. Inmates are allowed to make collect calls or purchase phone time through their commissary account. Visitors can also set up a prepaid account to receive calls from the inmate.
It is important to note that all communication between inmates and their loved ones is subject to monitoring and recording by the CDOC. Additionally, any inappropriate or illegal communication can result in disciplinary action for the inmate and the visitor.
Overall, CSP provides several options for inmates to stay in touch with their families and friends. Whether it’s through contact visits, email, or phone calls, inmates can maintain a connection with their loved ones despite being incarcerated.