High Desert State Prison (HDSP) is a high-security state prison located in Leavitt, Lassen County, California. Opened in 1995, it has a capacity of 2,324 persons and is one of the largest prisons in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) system. HDSP is designed to house level IV offenders, which are considered the most dangerous in California’s prison system.
The prison was built to incorporate much of the best technology available to provide for officer safety and the management and control of inmates. HDSP is the first institution in what will become a large Southern Nevada prison complex.
The prison is located in the northeastern part of California near Susanville, and the area offers year-round outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, biking, snow skiing, and riding all-terrain vehicles. Nearby Eagle Lake and Thompson Peak, located in Honey Lake Valley, are popular destinations for visitors and tourists.
The Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) also operates a facility named High Desert State Prison in Indian Springs, Nevada. The prison is the largest major institution in the NDOC system, and it was designed to incorporate much of the best technology available to corrections to provide for officer safety and the management and control of inmates.
| Security | Maximum – Supermax |
| Capacity | 2,324 |
| Physical Address | 475-750 Rice Canyon Rd., Susanville, CA 96127 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 3030, Susanville, CA 96127-3030 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (530) 251-5100 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
High Desert State Prison is a state prison located in Leavitt, Lassen County, California. It was opened in 1995 and has a capacity of 2,324 persons. The prison is designed to house level IV inmates and is considered a high-security facility.
Construction and Management
In early 1990, the California Department of Corrections (CDC) initiated discussions for a new prison in Lassen County on the grounds of the California Correctional Center (CCC). This location took advantage of existing state property and the ability to share operations with an existing prison. The prison was named High Desert State Prison by the Lassen County Board of Supervisors.
The construction of HDSP was completed in 1995, and it was designed to incorporate much of the best technology available to corrections to provide for officer safety and the management and control of inmates. The prison is managed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Expansion
As of July 31, 2022, High Desert was incarcerating people at 78.4% of its design capacity, with 1,823 occupants. The prison has undergone several expansions over the years to accommodate the increasing number of inmates. In 2000, a new facility was built at the prison to house inmates with special needs. In 2008, a new 64-bed mental health crisis bed unit was added to the prison.
High Desert State Prison is not to be confused with the High Desert State Prison in Nevada, which is a state prison in unincorporated Clark County, Nevada, near Indian Springs, northwest of Las Vegas. It is the largest institution of the Nevada Department of Corrections and the newest, having opened on September 1, 2000. It has a capacity of 4,176.
Location
High Desert State Prison is located in the northeastern part of California, in Leavitt, Lassen County. The prison is situated on 1,340 acres of land and is approximately 20 miles east of Susanville. The area offers year-round outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, biking, snow skiing, and riding all-terrain vehicles.
The prison is adjacent to the California Correctional Center and shares some operations with the facility. The location of HDSP took advantage of existing state property and the ability to share operations with an existing prison.
The physical address of High Desert State Prison is 475-750 Rice Canyon Road, Susanville, CA 96127. The facility is located approximately 300 miles northeast of San Francisco and 275 miles northwest of Reno, Nevada.
Overall, the location of High Desert State Prison provides a unique opportunity for outdoor activities while being situated in a remote area of California. The prison’s proximity to the California Correctional Center allows for shared operations and efficient use of state resources.
Facilities
High Desert State Prison is a modern prison complex that was constructed using 71,985 yards of concrete, 20,000 tons of steel, 364 miles of electrical wire, and 7 miles of chain link fencing, among other materials. The facility is designed to incorporate much of the best technology available to corrections to provide for officer safety and the management and control of inmates.
Reception Center
The Reception Center is the first stop for new inmates at High Desert State Prison. The center is responsible for processing all new inmates, including conducting medical, dental, and mental health screenings, and assigning inmates to appropriate housing units. The center also provides orientation to new inmates, including information on rules and regulations, programs, and services.
Housing Units
High Desert State Prison has several housing units that are designed to accommodate different levels of security and custody. The facility has a total of 2,324 beds. The housing units are equipped with a range of amenities, including dayrooms, exercise yards, and showers. Inmates are housed in single or double cells, depending on their classification level and behavior.
Prison Industries Building
The Prison Industries Building at High Desert State Prison provides vocational programs and work assignments for those inmates who are willing to participate. Inmates can learn valuable skills in areas such as carpentry, welding, and auto mechanics. The facility also has a garment factory that produces clothing and other items for state agencies and non-profit organizations.
Infirmary
The Infirmary at High Desert State Prison provides medical and mental health care to inmates. The facility has a 35-bed Correctional Treatment Center (CTC) to provide for the health care needs of the inmates. The CTC is staffed by medical professionals who provide a range of services, including primary care, dental care, and mental health care.
Overall, High Desert State Prison is a modern facility that provides a range of programs and services to inmates. The facility is designed to provide for the safety and security of staff, prison officials, and inmates, while also promoting rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.
Inmates
High Desert State Prison is home to a diverse population of inmates, including those who have been convicted of serious crimes and are serving long sentences. While many inmates at HDSP are serving time for violent offenses, the prison also houses inmates who have been convicted of non-violent crimes such as drug offenses and white-collar crimes.
Visitation
Visitation hours are:
- Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
GED and Vocational Training
Inmates at HDSP have access to a variety of educational and vocational training programs. These programs are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison. One of the most popular programs at HDSP is the GED program, which allows inmates to earn their high school equivalency diploma. In addition to the GED program, HDSP also offers vocational training programs in fields such as welding, carpentry, and auto mechanics.
College Courses
For inmates who are interested in pursuing higher education, HDSP offers a variety of college courses. These courses are offered through partnerships with local colleges and universities and are designed to help inmates earn college credits and work towards a degree. In addition to traditional college courses, HDSP also offers distance learning programs that allow inmates to take courses online.
Release and Parole
As inmates approach the end of their sentences, they may be eligible for release or parole. HDSP has a number of programs in place to help inmates prepare for life outside of prison, including job training programs and counseling services. Inmates who are granted parole are required to meet certain conditions, such as finding a job and staying out of trouble, in order to remain free.
Overall, HDSP is committed to providing inmates with the resources they need to succeed both inside and outside of prison. By offering educational and vocational training programs, as well as support services for those who are preparing for release or parole, HDSP is helping to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for inmates.