Opened in 1989, Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) is a maximum-security facility located in Crescent City, California. It was built to address the growing need for a maximum-security facility in California.
The prison is spread over 275 acres and is located on the North Coast, just 13 miles from the Oregon/California border. It takes its name from a shallow bay on the Pacific coast, about two miles to the west.
It is one of the most notorious prisons in the United States, known for its strict security measures and high-profile inmates. The prison is designed to house some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in the state, including gang members, murderers, and rapists.
The facility is divided into two main sections: the Security Housing Unit (SHU) and the general population unit. The SHU is where the most dangerous and violent inmates are housed, while the general population unit is for inmates who are considered less of a threat.
| Security | Supermax |
| Capacity | 2,380 |
| Physical Address | 5905 Lake Earl Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 7500, Crescent City, CA 95532 |
| Can you send a gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone number | (707) 465-1000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
History
Pelican Bay State Prison has a controversial history that began in 1989. The prison was built to house the most dangerous and violent criminals in California.
It is located near Crescent City, California, and covers 275 acres. Pelican Bay is divided into two parts, the main prison and the Security Housing Unit (SHU), which is where the most dangerous inmates are housed.
Construction and Opening
Pelican Bay State Prison was constructed in the late 1980s. The prison was designed to hold California’s most dangerous and violent criminals.
The prison was built with the latest security features, including electronic gates, surveillance cameras, and a high-tech alarm system. The prison was also designed to be self-sufficient, with its own power plant, water treatment plant, and sewage treatment plant.
Expansion
Over the years, Pelican Bay State Prison has undergone several expansions.
In 1995, the prison added a new maximum-security unit, which was designed to house the most dangerous and violent inmates.
In 2002, the prison added a new medical facility, which was designed to provide medical care to inmates.
In 2012, the prison added a new mental health facility, which was designed to provide mental health care to inmates.
Despite the expansions, Pelican Bay State Prison remains one of the most controversial prisons in the United States.
The prison has been criticized for its use of solitary confinement, which has been described as inhumane and cruel. Inmates in the SHU are often kept in their cells for 23 hours a day, with limited human contact and no access to natural light. The use of solitary confinement has been linked to mental illness and suicide.
Facilities
Pelican Bay State Prison is a maximum-security facility that houses some of the most dangerous criminals in California.
The prison has three main facilities: the Security Housing Unit (SHU), the Level I Minimum Support Facility, and the Inmate Firefighters.
Security Housing Unit (SHU)
The Security Housing Unit (SHU) is a supermax prison unit that houses the most dangerous and violent inmates.
The unit is designed to keep inmates in solitary confinement for long periods, with limited human interaction. The SHU has been controversial due to allegations of human rights violations and the psychological effects of long-term solitary confinement.
Level I Minimum Support Facility
The Level I Minimum Support Facility is a minimum-security unit that houses inmates who are nearing their release dates.
The facility is designed to help inmates transition back into society by providing them with vocational training, education, and counseling. Inmates in this facility have more freedom than those in the SHU, but they are still subject to strict rules and regulations.
Inmate Firefighters
Pelican Bay State Prison has a unique program that trains inmates to become firefighters. Inmates who are selected for the program undergo rigorous physical training and are trained to fight wildfires.
The program has been successful in reducing the risk of wildfires in California, and it also provides inmates with valuable skills that they can use when they are released.
Inmate Life
Inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison are divided into two categories: General Population and Solitary Confinement.
The prison offers rehabilitation programs to help inmates reintegrate into society upon release. However, the conditions of the prison have been criticized for being inhumane, especially for those in solitary confinement.
General Population
Inmates in the General Population live in dormitory-style housing units where they share living spaces and have access to common areas like the yard, gym, and library.
They are allowed to participate in rehabilitation programs such as educational classes, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment.
Inmates can also receive mail and visitation from approved family and friends.
Solitary Confinement
Inmates in Solitary Confinement are housed in a Security Housing Unit (SHU) where they are isolated in individual cells for 22 to 24 hours a day.
They are allowed limited access to the yard and are not allowed to participate in rehabilitation programs.
Inmates in solitary confinement have been known to go on hunger strikes to protest their confinement conditions.
The conditions of solitary confinement have been criticized for being inhumane and causing psychological harm to inmates. In 2015, a settlement was reached in a class-action lawsuit that required the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to limit the use of solitary confinement and provide more opportunities for rehabilitation.
Inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison are allowed to receive mail from family, friends, and other approved individuals. However, there are strict guidelines that must be followed in order for the mail to be delivered to the inmate.
All incoming mail must be addressed to the inmate and include their full name and CDCR number. Mail that is not addressed correctly may be returned to the sender.
In addition, all mail must be sent through the United States Postal Service (USPS) and cannot be sent through other carriers such as UPS or FedEx.
Pelican Bay State Prison has specific guidelines for what can and cannot be sent in the mail. The following items are not allowed:
- Polaroid photographs
- Stamps, envelopes, or paper
- Cash, checks, or money orders
- Food or snacks
- Clothing or personal items
- Pornographic or sexually explicit material
- Gang-related or violent material
In addition, all mail is subject to search by prison staff. If any prohibited items are found, the mail will be returned to the sender or confiscated.
It is important to note that all mail sent to inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison is subject to screening and monitoring. This means that prison staff may read the mail to ensure that it does not contain any illegal or prohibited content. Inmates are also not allowed to receive mail from other inmates or former inmates.
Visitation
Pelican Bay State Prison allows visits from friends and family members of inmates. Visits must be scheduled in advance using the Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA).
Visitors can schedule visits from a variety of web-enabled devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
Before using VSA, visitors should familiarize themselves with the visiting guidelines and make sure they are approved to visit.
Visiting hours at Pelican Bay State Prison are:
- Friday: 12:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
- Sunday: 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
ASU/C Facility
- Friday: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
- Sunday: 8:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
RCGP
- Tuesday: 8:45 – 2:45 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:45 – 2:45 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:45 – 2:45 p.m.
To be approved for a visit, inmates are required to complete a Visitor Registration form and submit it at Pelican Bay State Prison. Those who are approved on this form will be allowed to visit.
All approved visitors must show a valid ID before visiting. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older. Minors will not be permitted unless accompanied by parents or a legal guardian.
Visitors are subject to a search before entering the prison. They must also follow the dress code, which includes wearing appropriate clothing that covers the entire body, including shoes. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items into the visiting area, including cell phones, cameras, and purses.
During the visit, visitors must follow all rules and regulations set by the prison. They must not engage in any inappropriate behavior, including physical contact with the inmate. If a visitor violates any of the rules, their visit will be terminated, and they may be banned from visiting the prison in the future.
Living Conditions
Pelican Bay State Prison is known for its harsh living conditions which have been criticized by many human rights activists and organizations.
Inmates are subjected to a highly restrictive and isolated environment that can have a significant impact on their mental and physical health.
Windowless Cells
Inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison spend most of their time in windowless cells measuring about 7 x 11 feet.
These cells are designed to isolate inmates from the outside world and limit their sensory input. The lack of natural light and fresh air can have a severe impact on the mental and physical health of inmates.
Some inmates have reported feeling claustrophobic, anxious, and depressed due to the lack of stimulation.
Concrete Exercise Pens
Inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison are allowed to leave their cells for only 90 minutes a day to exercise in concrete pens. These exercise pens are also windowless and provide little to no stimulation for the inmates.
The lack of outdoor exercise and fresh air can lead to physical health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Feeding Slots
Inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison are fed through small slots in their cell doors. This method of feeding is dehumanizing and can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Inmates are often given small portions of food that are low in quality and nutritional value.
Shouting through Steel Mesh
Inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison are not allowed to communicate with each other directly. They are only allowed to shout through steel mesh doors and walls.
This method of communication is difficult and can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Cell Pod
Inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison are housed in a “cell pod” system. Each pod consists of eight cells arranged in a circle around a central control booth.
This system allows guards to monitor inmates more effectively, but it also limits their interaction with each other. The lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.