Salinas Valley State Prison, also known as SVSP, is a California male-only state prison located in Monterey County. The facility is managed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and has been operational since May 1996. It is situated on 300 acres of land, just 5 miles north of Soledad, adjacent to the Correctional Training Facility (aka Soledad State Prison).
Salinas Valley State Prison is an all-male facility that can house up to 2,452 inmates. The prison provides minimum to maximum security for inmates and offers productivity and self-improvement opportunities through academic programs, vocational training, and work assignments. The facility’s mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates while preparing offenders for reintegration into society.
| Security | Maximum |
| Capacity | 2,452 |
| Physical Address | 31625 Highway 101, Soledad, CA 93960 |
| Mailing Address | P. O. Box 1050, Soledad, CA 93960-1050 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (831) 678-5500 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Location and Facilities
Salinas Valley State Prison is located in Soledad, California, approximately 5 miles north of the city. The maximum-security prison is situated on a 300-acre property adjacent to the Correctional Training Facility and houses 2,452 inmates.
Physical Address
The physical address of Salinas Valley State Prison is 31625 Highway 101, Soledad, CA 93960. The prison can be reached via Highway 101, which runs through the city of Soledad. The facility is located near the intersection of Highway 101 and Arroyo Seco Road.
The prison consists of five separate facilities: A, B, C, D, and M. Each facility is designed to house different types of inmates, including general population, reception center, sensitive needs, and administrative segregation. The prison also has a medical and mental health unit, which provides care to inmates with medical and mental health needs.
The facilities at SVSP include housing units, administrative buildings, a dining hall, a visiting center, and recreational areas. Inmates have access to educational and vocational programs, including adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training in various fields such as construction, welding, and auto mechanics. The prison also offers substance abuse treatment programs and counseling services.
Overall, Salinas Valley State Prison is a maximum-security facility that provides housing, medical care, and rehabilitative programs to inmates. The prison is staffed by a team of dedicated professionals who work to ensure the safety and security of both staff and inmates.
Inmate Programs and Education
Salinas Valley State Prison offers a variety of programs and educational opportunities for inmates to help them develop skills and prepare for their future. These programs are designed to help inmates become productive members of society upon release.
Adult Basic Education
The prison offers Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses to help inmates improve their reading, writing, and math skills. These courses are designed to help inmates obtain a high school diploma or GED. The ABE program is a self-paced program that allows inmates to work at their own pace.
Career Technical Education
Salinas Valley State Prison provides vocational training in various fields such as HVAC, welding, and electrical work. These Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are designed to help inmates develop marketable skills that can help them find employment upon release.
General Education Certificate (GED)
Inmates who do not have a high school diploma can enroll in the General Education Certificate (GED) program. This program provides inmates with the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency certificate.
Inmate Self-Help Programs
The prison offers several self-help programs, such as Breaking Barriers and Alternatives to Violence (AVP). These programs are designed to help inmates develop life skills, improve their self-esteem, and learn how to manage their emotions.
Volunteer Programs
Salinas Valley State Prison has several volunteer programs, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and a Veterans Group. These programs are designed to provide inmates with support and guidance from their peers.
In addition to these programs, Salinas Valley State Prison also offers a variety of other programs such as the Developmental Disability Program (DDP), Enhanced Outpatient Program (EOP), Lifer Support Group, The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI), and the Bridging Program. These programs are designed to help inmates with specific needs and challenges.
Inmate Visitation
Inmate visitation is an important aspect of the rehabilitation process for inmates at Salinas Valley State Prison. The prison offers both contact and non-contact visits, with specific visiting hours and rules that visitors must follow.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours at Salinas Valley State Prison are:
- Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Visitors should check the CDCR website for possible changes. It is important to note that visiting hours may be canceled or modified due to institutional needs or security reasons.
Contact Visits
Contact visits allow inmates to have physical contact with their visitors. These visits take place in designated areas within the prison and are subject to search and monitoring by prison staff. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list and must present valid identification before being allowed to visit.
Non-Contact Visits
Non-contact visits take place in a designated area with a barrier between the inmate and the visitor. The prison provides telephones for communication during these visits. Visitors must also be on the inmate’s approved visiting list and present valid identification.
Visiting Rules
Visitors must follow specific prison rules when visiting Salinas Valley State Prison. These rules include:
- Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit.
- Visitors must present valid identification and be on the inmate’s approved visiting list.
- Visitors must dress appropriately and follow the prison’s dress code.
- Visitors are subject to search and monitoring by prison staff.
- Visitors must not bring any prohibited items into the visiting area, including cell phones, cameras, and tobacco products.
- Visitors must not engage in any inappropriate behavior or language during the visit.
- Visitors must follow any additional rules or instructions provided by prison staff.
Proper Attire
Visitors must dress appropriately when visiting Salinas Valley State Prison. The following clothing items are not allowed:
- revealing clothing, including shorts and skirts above the knee
- clothing with offensive language or graphics
- clothing that resembles inmate clothing, including blue denim or orange jumpsuits
- hats or head coverings, unless for religious or medical reasons
It is important for visitors to follow these rules and dress appropriately to ensure a safe and respectful visit for all parties involved.
In conclusion, Salinas Valley State Prison offers both contact and non-contact visits for inmates, with specific visiting hours and rules that visitors must follow. It is important for visitors to be aware of these rules and dress appropriately to ensure a safe and respectful visit for all parties involved.
Inmate Work Programs
Salinas Valley State Prison offers various work and vocational programs to help inmates develop skills and improve their chances of finding employment after release. These programs aim to increase productivity, provide job training, and reduce recidivism rates.
Productivity
Inmates who participate in work programs are more productive and have a sense of purpose. They learn to work in teams and develop a strong work ethic. Moreover, work programs provide a way for inmates to earn money and support their families.
Work Programs
Salinas Valley State Prison offers a variety of work programs, including farming, landscaping, and maintenance. Inmates can also work in the prison’s garment factory, which produces clothing for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Inmates who participate in work programs are required to work a minimum of six hours per day, five days a week. They are also required to attend classes and complete educational programs.
Vocational Programs
Salinas Valley State Prison offers vocational programs that provide inmates with job training and certifications. These programs include auto mechanics, welding, and construction. Inmates who complete these programs have a better chance of finding employment after release.
The vocational programs at Salinas Valley State Prison are designed to meet the needs of the local community. For example, the welding program prepares inmates for jobs in the agricultural industry, which is a major employer in the area.
In conclusion, Salinas Valley State Prison offers a variety of work and vocational programs to help inmates develop skills and improve their chances of finding employment after release. These programs increase productivity, provide job training, and reduce recidivism rates.
Inmate Communication
Inmates at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) have several options for communicating with their loved ones outside of the facility. These include mail, phone calls, and video visits.
Mail is an important way for inmates to stay connected with their families and friends. Inmates can receive letters, cards, and photographs from their loved ones. However, it is important to note that all mail is subject to inspection by prison staff. Inmates are not allowed to receive packages, except for legal materials and books that are sent directly from the publisher or a bookstore.
Inmate Mailing Address
To send mail to an inmate at SVSP, the sender must use the inmate’s correct mailing address. The address should include the inmate’s full name, CDCR number, and the address of the prison. The correct mailing address for SVSP is:
- Inmate Name, CDCR Number
- Last known housing
- P. O. Box 1050, Soledad, CA 93960-1050
It is important to use the correct mailing address to ensure that the mail is delivered to the correct inmate.
CDCR Number
The CDCR number is a unique identifier assigned to each inmate in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) system. Inmates and their families can use this number to locate an inmate, send mail, and schedule visits. To find an inmate’s CDCR number, individuals can contact the Public Information Officer (PIO) or the inmate locator at the institution. The SVSP PIO can be reached at (831) 678-5500.
Overall, while communication options for inmates at SVSP are limited, mail remains an important way for inmates to stay connected with their loved ones. By following the correct mailing address and using the inmate’s CDCR number, families and friends can ensure that their mail is delivered to the correct inmate.