Kern Valley State Prison (KVSP) is a maximum security prison located in Delano, California. It was opened in June 2005 and has a design capacity of 2,448 inmates. KVSP is a male-only facility that is adjacent to North Kern State Prison. It is one of the most dangerous prisons in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) system.
The prison houses about 5,000 adult inmates, and it is a level IV high-security state prison. KVSP has two administrative segregation units and 500 beds in the substance abuse treatment facility. Additionally, minimum-security offenders are also housed at Kern Valley State Prison, but they are separated from the general population. The prison has an annual operating budget of US$123 million.
Incarcerated individuals at KVSP have been convicted of serious crimes and are serving long sentences. The prison is known for its strict security measures and the challenges that come with housing some of the state’s most dangerous criminals. Despite the challenges, KVSP remains an important part of the CDCR’s efforts to maintain public safety and provide rehabilitation opportunities for incarcerated individuals.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,448 |
| Physical Address | 3000 West Cecil Avenue, Delano, CA 93216-6000 |
| Mailing Address | Facility ‘A’, P.O. Box 5101, Delano, CA 93216 Facility ‘B’, P.O. Box 5102, Delano, CA 93216 Facility ‘C’, P.O. Box 5103, Delano, CA 93216 Facility ‘D’, P.O. Box 5104, Delano, CA 93216 Facility ‘M’, P.O. Box 5105, Delano, CA 93216 ASU1, P.O. Box 5107, Delano, CA 93216 ASU2, P.O. Box 5106, Delano, CA 93216 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (661) 721-6300 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Physical Address
Geographic Location
Kern Valley State Prison is located in Delano, California, a city in Kern County. Delano is situated in the San Joaquin Valley and is approximately 30 miles north of Bakersfield, the county seat of Kern County. Delano is also located about 135 miles north of Los Angeles.
Physical Address
The physical address of Kern Valley State Prison is 3000 West Cecil Avenue, Delano, CA 93216-6000. The facility is located on the west side of Delano, about 2 miles west of Highway 99. The prison is situated on a 640-acre site and has a total of 33 buildings. The facility is surrounded by a double perimeter fence, which is topped with razor wire.
The prison is divided into two facilities, Facility A and Facility B. Facility A houses Level IV inmates, while Facility B houses Level III inmates. The prison also has a Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF), which provides treatment to inmates with substance abuse problems.
Visitors to the prison must enter through the main gate, which is located on Cecil Avenue. Visitors must pass through security screening before being allowed to enter the facility.
Overall, Kern Valley State Prison is located in a rural area of California, surrounded by farmland and orchards. The facility is located in an arid region of the state, and temperatures can be extreme during the summer months.
Facilities and Security Level
Kern Valley State Prison is a maximum-security facility located in Delano, California. The prison has a design capacity of 2,448 inmates and is adjacent to North Kern State Prison. KVSP is a Level IV facility, which means it houses the most dangerous and violent prison inmates in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation system.
Level IV Facility
As a Level IV facility, KVSP has a higher level of security than most other prisons in the state. The prison is equipped with a lethal electrified perimeter fence, which is designed to prevent inmates from escaping. The prison also has a number of security measures in place, including surveillance cameras, metal detectors, and X-ray machines, to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.
Administrative Segregation Units
KVSP has two administrative segregation units, which are used to house inmates who are considered a threat to the safety and security of the prison. Inmates in administrative segregation are kept in their cells for 23 hours a day and are only allowed out for one hour of exercise.
Lethal Electrified Perimeter Fence
The lethal electrified perimeter fence at KVSP is designed to prevent inmates from escaping. The fence is electrified and can deliver a lethal shock to anyone who tries to climb over or cut through it. The fence is monitored 24 hours a day by security cameras and guards.
High-Security and Minimum-Security Facilities
KVSP has both high-security and minimum-security facilities. The high-security facilities are used to house the most dangerous and violent inmates, while the minimum-security facilities are used to house inmates who are considered less of a threat. Inmates in minimum-security facilities are allowed more freedom and are often involved in work programs and other activities.
In conclusion, KVSP is a Level IV maximum-security facility with a number of security measures in place to ensure the safety of staff and inmates. The prison has two administrative segregation units, a lethal electrified perimeter fence, and both high-security and minimum-security facilities.
Inmate Programs and Services
Kern Valley State Prison offers a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release and transition back into society. These programs and services are designed to address the specific needs of each inmate and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.
Substance Abuse Treatment and DRP Programs
Kern Valley State Prison offers a variety of substance abuse treatment programs to help inmates overcome their addictions. These programs include the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) and the Drug Rehabilitation Program (DRP). The ISUDT program provides a comprehensive approach to treating substance abuse, including individual and group counseling, education, and relapse prevention. The DRP program is a 12-step program that focuses on helping inmates understand the root causes of their addiction and develop strategies for staying sober.
Vocational Training and Assessments
Inmates at Kern Valley State Prison have access to a variety of vocational training programs, including auto mechanics, office services and related technologies, small engine repair, and welding. In addition, the prison offers assessments such as the General Educational Development (GED) and Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) to help inmates determine their educational needs and develop a plan for achieving their goals.
Academic and Library Services
Kern Valley State Prison offers a range of academic and library services to help inmates improve their literacy and develop their critical thinking skills. These services include classes in math, reading, and writing, as well as access to a well-stocked library.
Family Liaison Service Specialist
The Family Liaison Service Specialist at Kern Valley State Prison provides support to inmates and their families by helping them navigate the complex legal and administrative processes involved in the criminal justice system. The specialist can provide information about visitation, mail, phone calls, and other important issues.
Physical Education and Certifications
Inmates at Kern Valley State Prison have access to a range of physical education programs, including weightlifting, running, and yoga. In addition, the prison offers certification programs in areas such as forklift operation and food handling.
Television Specialist
The Television Specialist at Kern Valley State Prison is responsible for managing the prison’s television system, which provides inmates with access to educational and entertainment programming.
ISUDT and CBI
The Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) programs at Kern Valley State Prison are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to overcome their addiction and make positive changes in their lives. The ISUDT program provides a comprehensive approach to treating substance abuse, while the CBI program focuses on helping inmates develop the cognitive and behavioral skills they need to succeed.
Visitation and Communication
Kern Valley State Prison allows visitation privileges for friends and family members of incarcerated individuals. Visitors must follow the prison’s guidelines and rules to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.
Visitation Guide
To schedule a visit, visitors must use the Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA) managed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Visitors can schedule in-person and video visits with incarcerated loved ones based on CDCR guidelines. More information about these visits can be found at the CDCR’s official website (https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/visitors/facility/kern-valley-state-prison/).
Visitors must be approved before scheduling a visit. The approval process includes a background check and submitting a visitation application. Visitors must also provide valid identification during the visit.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at KVSP:
- Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Telephone and Inmate Mailing Address
Inmates at KVSP can make collect calls to approved phone numbers. Friends and family members can also add funds to an inmate’s trust account, which can be used to make phone calls or purchase items from the prison commissary.
Inmates can receive mail at the following addresses:
- Facility ‘A’, P.O. Box 5101, Delano, CA 93216
- Facility ‘B’, P.O. Box 5102, Delano, CA 93216
- Facility ‘C’, P.O. Box 5103, Delano, CA 93216
- Facility ‘D’, P.O. Box 5104, Delano, CA 93216
- Facility ‘M’, P.O. Box 5105, Delano, CA 93216
- ASU1, P.O. Box 5107, Delano, CA 93216
- ASU2, P.O. Box 5106, Delano, CA 93216
Include the inmate’s name and CDCR number with the address.
Inmate Locator
The CDCR provides an inmate locator tool on its official website. This tool allows users to search for an inmate by name, CDCR number, or other identifying information.
It is important to note that inmates may be transferred to different correctional facilities, so visitors should confirm the inmate’s location before scheduling a visit.