Folsom State Prison is a maximum-security state prison located in Folsom, California. It is one of the oldest prisons in California and has a violent and bloody history. The prison was opened in 1880 and has since been home to some of the most notorious criminals in California’s history.
Folsom State Prison is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). It is one of 34 adult institutions operated by the CDCR and is primarily designated for medium-security general population level II institutions. The prison has a capacity of over 2,065 inmates and is known for its strict security measures.
The prison gained national attention in the 1960s when country singer Johnny Cash performed two concerts at Folsom State Prison. The concerts were recorded and released as an album, which became a commercial success. The album, titled “At Folsom Prison,” was a tribute to the inmates and helped raise awareness about the conditions inside the prison. Today, Folsom State Prison continues to operate as a maximum-security state prison, housing some of California’s most dangerous criminals.
| Security | Mixed |
| Capacity | 2,065 |
| Physical Address | 300 Prison Road, Represa, CA 95671 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 715071, Represa, CA 95671 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (916) 985-2561 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Folsom State Prison is a maximum-security prison located in Represa, California. It was established in 1880 and is one of the oldest prisons in the state. Over the years, the prison has seen numerous violent incidents, riots, and inmate and staff deaths.
Establishment
Folsom State Prison was established in 1880 and was one of the first maximum-security prisons in the United States. The first cell blocks were completed in 1878, and the prison saw numerous escape attempts before the completion of its granite wall in the 1920s.
Notable Inmates
Folsom State Prison has housed several famous inmates over the years, including Suge Knight, the former CEO of Death Row Records, who was incarcerated at Folsom in 2018 for a hit-and-run incident. Rick James, the famous singer and songwriter, was also incarcerated at Folsom in the 1990s for assaulting a woman. Charles Manson, the notorious cult leader, was also housed at Folsom for a brief period in the 1960s.
In addition to these famous inmates, Folsom State Prison has housed many violent offenders over the years. The prison has seen numerous riots and incidents of violence, including the infamous 1927 riot in which three inmates were killed and several others were injured.
Despite its violent history, Folsom State Prison has also been known for its rehabilitation efforts. In 1961, a brochure was published highlighting the prison’s rehabilitation efforts, including educational programs and vocational training for inmates.
Overall, Folsom State Prison has a long and storied history, with a reputation for both violence and rehabilitation.
Facilities and Programs
Folsom State Prison (FSP) is a correctional facility located in Represa, CA, that houses primarily medium-security male inmates but also contains minimum-security facilities for both males and females. The prison offers a variety of programs and vocational training opportunities to its incarcerated population to help improve their chances of success upon release.
Vocational Programs
FSP offers a range of vocational programs to its inmates, including auto mechanics, masonry, welding, metal fabrication, and office services. Inmates can also participate in the Prison Industry Authority (PIA) program, which provides them with job training and work experience in a variety of industries, including the license plate factory, print shop, sign shop, and maintenance.
Education Programs
FSP provides a variety of educational programs to its inmates, including adult basic education, English as a second language, general education development, and adult high school. Inmates can also take college courses through the Correctional Learning Network and correspondence courses.
Modular Building Enterprise
FSP’s Modular Building Enterprise program provides inmates with hands-on training in construction and building maintenance. Inmates in the program learn skills such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC maintenance, and have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications.
Self Help Groups
FSP offers a variety of self-help groups to its inmates, including those focused on youth diversion, parenting, fitness for life, healthful living, and more. Inmates can also participate in the Alpha Re-entry Program and the California New Start Prison to Employment Transition Program to help prepare them for success upon release.
Overall, Folsom State Prison offers a variety of facilities and programs to its incarcerated population to help them develop skills, gain work experience, and improve their chances of success upon release.
Visiting and Contact
Visiting and contact with inmates at Folsom State Prison are subject to certain rules and regulations. The prison encourages family and friends to visit their loved ones in custody, but visitors must comply with the rules to ensure safety and security.
Visiting Rules
Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list and must provide valid photo identification. Visitors are subject to search by correctional staff, and all personal belongings must be left in a locker. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting area except for a clear plastic bag containing a small amount of money, a clear plastic bottle of baby formula, or a clear plastic bag containing baby diapers and wipes.
Visitors are also prohibited from wearing provocative clothing, revealing clothing, or clothing that resembles inmate clothing. Visitors are not allowed to bring any food or drinks into the visiting area, and smoking is prohibited.
Visitation hours are:
- Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Visit https://cdcr.gtlvisitme.com/app to schedule a visit. In person, visiting is on Friday and Saturday with video visiting on Sunday. For Friday visiting the schedule is open from (Thursday 06:00 am -Sunday 11:59 pm), Saturday (Friday 06:00-Tuesday 11:59 pm), and Sunday (Saturday 06:00-Wednesday 11:59 pm).
Visitors arriving for in-person visiting may arrive on Institutional grounds 30 mins prior to the processing time (Fridays at 11:30 am and Saturdays at 6:30 am).
Visitors will NOT be processed after 5:00 pm on Fridays and 1:00 pm on Saturdays. Visitors who arrive 30 minutes or more late for their scheduled visit will not be accepted. However, if capacity permits, you may try to come in as a walk-in.
Inmate Mailing
Inmates at Folsom State Prison are allowed to receive mail, but all incoming mail is subject to search for contraband. Incoming mail must include the inmate’s name and CDCR number, and the sender’s name and return address.
Family Liaison Service Specialist
Folsom State Prison has a Family Liaison Service Specialist who provides support to the families of inmates. The specialist can answer questions about visiting, mail, and other issues related to inmate custody. The specialist can also provide information about community resources and support groups.
The specialist can be reached by phone or email and is available to assist families during regular business hours. The specialist can also provide information about the prison’s volunteer program, which allows community members to provide support to inmates through mentoring, education, and other activities.
Overall, Folsom State Prison strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for inmates, staff, and visitors. Visitors and families are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the prison’s rules and regulations and to contact the Family Liaison Service Specialist with any questions or concerns.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Folsom State Prison provides a range of treatment and rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for successful reentry into society. These programs aim to address the root causes of criminal behavior and help inmates develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Substance abuse is a common problem among inmates, and Folsom State Prison offers several programs to help inmates overcome addiction. The Substance Abuse Treatment program is a comprehensive program that includes individual and group counseling, education, and support. The program is designed to help inmates understand the effects of drug and alcohol abuse, develop coping skills, and learn how to make positive changes in their lives.
DRP Programs Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment
The DRP Programs Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment is a specialized program that provides treatment for inmates with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. The program includes individual and group counseling, medication management, and support services. The goal of the program is to help inmates address both their substance abuse and mental health issues in a comprehensive and integrated way.
Fitness and Health Programs
Folsom State Prison offers a range of fitness and health programs to help inmates improve their physical and mental health. These programs include fitness classes, nutrition education, and stress management techniques. The Fitness for Life program is a popular program that helps inmates develop healthy habits and learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition, the prison library offers a range of books on healthful living, including books on nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
Overall, Folsom State Prison is committed to providing inmates with the resources and support they need to successfully reintegrate into society. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation recognizes the importance of treatment and rehabilitation in reducing recidivism and helping inmates lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Folsom Museum
The Folsom Museum is located within Folsom State Prison, which was founded in 1880. The museum was founded in 1975 by the Retired Correctional Peace Officers (RCPO) and is now annexed by the Old Guard Foundation (OGF). The museum chronicles the prison’s history, including its bloody past.
The museum is run by volunteers and is open to the public for a small fee of $2.00 per person. Visitors can also make additional donations to help support the museum. The museum is housed in an old house just outside the gates of the old section of Folsom Prison.
Inside the museum, visitors can see a variety of exhibits and artifacts related to the prison’s history. Some of the exhibits include:
- Historical artifacts such as weapons, uniforms, and photographs
- Displays about the prison’s famous inmates, including Charles Manson and Johnny Cash
- Information on the history of the prison’s industries, such as the license plate industry and the furniture factory
Visitors can also take a guided tour of the prison itself, which includes a visit to the historic cell blocks and the execution chamber. The tour is led by a retired correctional officer and provides an in-depth look at the prison’s history and operations.
Overall, the Folsom Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of California’s prison system. The museum provides a unique look at the prison’s past and offers visitors a chance to learn about the lives of the inmates and staff who lived and worked there.