North Kern State Prison, also known as NKSP, is a medium-security state prison located in Delano, California. It was opened in April 1993 and has a design capacity of 2,694 incarcerated individuals. North Kern State Prison serves as a reception center for incoming inmates and is responsible for diagnosing and classifying many prisoners from all over the state.
As a state prison, North Kern State Prison is responsible for the custody and care of inmates who have been convicted of crimes in California. The facility contains both male and female offenders of different levels of custody, ranging from minimum security to maximum and death row. In addition to its role as a reception center, North Kern State Prison also acts as a transportation hub for when inmates are transported over long distances through California.
Despite its role in the state’s criminal justice system, North Kern State Prison has faced criticism and controversy over the years. However, it remains an important part of California’s prison system and plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of incarcerated individuals back into society.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 2,694 |
| Physical Address | 2737 West Cecil Avenue, Delano, CA 93215 |
| Mailing Address | Facility A and M, P.O. Box 5000, Delano, CA 93216-0567 Facility B, P.O. Box 4999, Delano, CA 93216-0567 Facility C, P.O. Box 5004, Delano, CA 93216-0567 Facility D, P.O. Box 5005, Delano, CA 93216-0567 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (661) 721-2345 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Overview
North Kern State Prison is a medium-security prison located in Delano, Kern County, California. It was opened in April 1993 and has a design capacity of 2,694 incarcerated people. NKSP serves as a reception center for incoming inmates and is also a transportation hub for inmates being transported over a long distance through California.
History
North Kern State Prison was built in response to the growing population of incarcerated individuals in California. The prison was designed to provide processing, reception, and long-term custody for male inmates. Since its opening, the prison has undergone several expansions and renovations to improve its facilities and increase its capacity.
Facilities
NKSP consists of three yards, A, B, and C, and each yard has its own housing units, dining halls, and recreational areas. The prison also has a Level I Firehouse that provides fire protection services to the surrounding area. In addition to its housing units, NKSP has several support facilities, including a medical clinic, a dental clinic, and a mental health services unit.
Custody Levels
NKSP is a medium-security prison, but it also has minimum support facilities for inmates who require less supervision. The prison is responsible for diagnosing and classifying many inmates from all over California. Inmates are classified based on their custody level, medical and mental health needs, and other factors.
In summary, North Kern State Prison is a medium-security prison located in Delano, Kern County, California. It serves as a reception center and transportation hub for incoming inmates and has a design capacity of 2,694 incarcerated people. The prison has undergone several expansions and renovations to improve its facilities and increase its capacity.
NKSP consists of three yards, A, B, and C, and each yard has its own housing units, dining halls, and recreational areas. The prison also has a Level I Firehouse that provides fire protection services to the surrounding area. NKSP is responsible for diagnosing and classifying many inmates from all over California based on their custody level, medical and mental health needs, and other factors.
Inmate Life
Life for inmates at North Kern State Prison involves a variety of programs and services designed to promote rehabilitation, education, and successful reintegration into society upon release.
Education and Vocational Programs
NKSP offers a range of educational and vocational opportunities to inmates, including GED and academic classes, vocational training, and apprenticeships through the Prison Industry Authority (PIA). These programs aim to equip inmates with the vocational skills and knowledge necessary to secure gainful employment upon release.
Rehabilitation and Treatment
NKSP also provides a variety of treatment and rehabilitation programs to address substance abuse, mental health, and other issues that may have contributed to an inmate’s incarceration. These programs include the Drug Rehabilitation Program (DRP), which offers individual and group counseling, as well as the Family Liaison Service Specialist, who assists inmates and their families in maintaining social relationships during incarceration.
Visitation and Communication
Visitation hours are:
- Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Visitor lists must be pre-approved and scheduled, and visitors must pass a background check. Inmates also have access to mail and phone services, although there are restrictions on the frequency and content of communication.
Overall, NKSP strives to provide inmates with the tools and support necessary to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. Through education, vocational training, treatment, and communication with loved ones, inmates are given the opportunity to turn their lives around and become productive members of their communities.
Family and Community Involvement
Family and community involvement is an essential aspect of the rehabilitation process for inmates at North Kern State Prison. The facility recognizes the importance of maintaining family ties and building community relationships to help inmates successfully reintegrate into society upon release from prison.
Family Reunification
North Kern State Prison offers various programs to facilitate family reunification for inmates. The facility has a Family Liaison Service Specialist who is available to answer questions and provide support to family members. The specialist can assist with scheduling prison visits, providing information on visitation hours, and helping families navigate the prison system.
In addition, North Kern State Prison offers a Family Reunification Program that aims to strengthen family relationships and help inmates prepare for reentry into their communities. The program includes family counseling, parenting classes, and communication skills training.
Community Outreach
North Kern State Prison is committed to building positive relationships with the community. The facility offers various outreach programs to help inmates give back to the community and develop new skills.
One such program is the Community Service Program, which allows inmates to perform community service projects such as cleaning up parks, painting buildings, and assisting with local events. This program not only benefits the community but also helps inmates develop a sense of responsibility and accountability.
Another program offered by North Kern State Prison is the Community Resource Center, which provides inmates with access to educational and vocational resources. The center offers classes on topics such as resume writing, job search strategies, and financial management.
Overall, North Kern State Prison recognizes the importance of family and community involvement in the rehabilitation process. The facility offers various programs and resources to help inmates maintain family ties, build community relationships, and develop new skills.