Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility: The Inside View

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJDCF) is a state prison located in San Diego County, California. It is a medium to maximum-security facility that houses 2,992 inmates, making it one of the largest prisons in the state. The facility covers an area of 780 acres and is the only state prison in the county.

RJDCF is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), which oversees the custody and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals in the state. The facility provides a range of programs and services to help the prison population prepare for their eventual release, including education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. It also offers visitation and support services for families and friends of inmates.

The acting warden of RJDCF is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility and the safety and security of the inmates and staff. Custody officers play a vital role in maintaining order and discipline within the prison, while also ensuring that the rights of inmates are respected. Incarceration is a challenging experience, and facilities like RJDCF are designed to provide a secure and humane environment for individuals who have been sentenced to serve time in prison.

SecurityMixed
Capacity2,992
Physical Address480 Alta Road, San Diego, CA 92179
Can You Send a Gift?No
Visitation HoursFriday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Dress CodeYes
Phone Number(619) 661-6500
JurisdictionState

Inmate Programs

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility offers a variety of inmate programs designed to help inmates improve their educational, vocational, and life skills. These programs are aimed at reducing recidivism rates and assisting inmates in their successful reentry into society.

Adult Basic Education

The Adult Basic Education program provides inmates with the opportunity to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. The program is designed to help inmates obtain the skills necessary to succeed in other educational and vocational programs.

High School/GED

The High School/GED program at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility offers inmates the opportunity to earn a high school diploma or GED. The program is designed to help inmates improve their job prospects and increase their chances of successful reentry into society.

English as a Second Language

The English as a Second Language program is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their English language skills. The program provides inmates with the language skills necessary to succeed in other educational and vocational programs.

Literacy Program

The Literacy Program at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility is designed to help inmates improve their reading and writing skills. The program provides inmates with the abilities needed to flourish in other educational and vocational programs.

Limited College Courses

Limited college courses are available to inmates at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. These courses are designed to enable inmates to succeed in college-level courses upon their release.

Career Technical Education

Career Technical Education programs at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility provide inmates with the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of vocational fields. These programs include courses in automotive technology, building trades, computer technology, and more.

Self-Improvement

Self-improvement programs at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility are designed to help inmates improve their life skills. These programs include anger management, parenting skills, substance abuse treatment, and more.

Community Service Crews

Community Service Crews at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility provide inmates with the opportunity to give back to the community. Inmates work on a variety of projects, including park maintenance, graffiti removal, and litter cleanup.

Youth Diversion

The Youth Diversion program at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility is designed to help young offenders avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system. The program provides counseling, education, and other services to help young offenders turn their lives around.

Victim Awareness

The Victim Awareness program at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility is designed to help inmates understand the impact of their crimes on their victims. The program provides inmates with the opportunity to hear from victims and learn about the effects of their actions.

Overall, the inmate programs at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility are designed to help inmates improve their educational, vocational, and life skills. These programs are aimed at reducing recidivism rates and assisting inmates in their successful reentry into society.

Visiting Hours and Contact

Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) offers both contact and non-contact visits to inmates. Visiting hours are:

  • Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Contact Visits

Contact visits are a type of visit where the inmate and visitor are allowed physical contact, such as a handshake or a hug. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list and must present a valid photo identification card. Visitors are subject to a search before entering the visiting room and must follow the facility’s dress code. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting room, except for a clear plastic bag containing their identification and a small amount of cash.

Non-Contact Visits

Non-contact visits are a type of visit where the inmate and visitor are separated by a glass partition. Visitors must also be on the inmate’s approved eligibility list and must present a valid photo identification card. Visitors are subject to a search before entering the visiting room and must follow the facility’s dress code. Visitors are not allowed to bring any items into the visiting room, except for a clear plastic bag containing their identification and a small amount of cash.

Inmates who are only allowed non-contact visits must schedule a visiting appointment online. Visitors can schedule a visit by visiting the CDCR website and following the instructions provided.

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