United States Penitentiary, Atwater is a high-security federal prison located in Atwater, California. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and is one of the most secure facilities in the country. The prison was opened in 2001 and has a capacity of 1,085 inmates.
USP Atwater is responsible for housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the country, including terrorists, gang members, and other high-profile inmates. The prison is known for its strict security measures, including a double-fenced perimeter, electronic detection systems, and armed guards. The facility also has a Special Housing Unit (SHU) for inmates who require additional security measures. The SHU is used to house prisoners who pose a threat to other inmates or staff, or who are at risk of escape.
Overall, USP Atwater is a highly secure and well-managed federal prison that plays a critical role in the criminal justice system. While the prison is known for its strict security measures, it also provides offenders with access to a range of programs and services designed to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
| Security | High |
| Capacity | 1,085 |
| Physical Address | 1 Federal Way Atwater, CA 95301 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. BOX 019001 Atwater, CA 95301 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 209-386-0257 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
Facility Overview
History and Location
The United States Penitentiary Atwater is a maximum-security federal prison located in Atwater, California. It was opened in 2001 and is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The facility was built on the site of the former Castle Air Force Base, which was closed in 1995. Atwater USP is located in Merced County, in the western region of the United States.
Structure and Capacity
Atwater USP has a capacity of 1,085 inmates and is designed to house male inmates. The facility is divided into two main sections: the main institution and a minimum-security satellite camp. The main institution consists of multiple housing units, a Special Housing Unit (SHU), and a Communications Management Unit (CMU).
The housing units at Atwater USP are designed to house inmates at different security levels, ranging from minimum to maximum security. The SHU is a high-security unit used to house inmates who have been deemed a threat to the safety and security of the institution or other inmates. The CMU is a unit designed to house inmates who require enhanced communication management due to their involvement in terrorism-related activities.
The facility also has a range of support services and programs for inmates, including education and vocational training, drug treatment, mental health services, and religious programs.
In summary, Atwater USP is a maximum-security federal prison located in Merced County, California. It was opened in 2001 on the site of the former Castle Air Force Base and has a capacity of 1,085 male inmates. The facility is divided into two main sections and has a range of support services and programs for inmates.
Inmate Information
Admission and Registration
Upon admission to the United States Penitentiary, Atwater, inmates are required to complete a registration process. This process includes providing personal information such as their full name, register number, and date of birth. Inmates are also required to provide information about their criminal history and any medical conditions they may have.
Inmates are assigned a register number which serves as their unique identification number within the Federal Bureau of Prisons system. This number is used for all correspondence and communication with the inmate, including mail and visitation requests.
Inmate Contact Details
Inmates at United States Penitentiary, Atwater, are allowed to send and receive mail. Inmates can send and receive letters, postcards, and photographs. However, all incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by prison staff.
To send mail to an inmate, the sender must include the inmate’s full name and register number on the envelope. Inmates can also receive money orders and cashier’s checks through the mail.
Inmates at United States Penitentiary, Atwater, are also allowed to make phone calls. However, all calls are subject to monitoring and recording by prison staff. Inmates are only allowed to call approved numbers on their call list.
Overall, the registration and contact details process at United States Penitentiary, Atwater, is designed to maintain the safety and security of the facility while allowing inmates to maintain communication with the outside world.
Visiting Regulations
Visiting an inmate at United States Penitentiary, Atwater requires visitors to follow strict visiting regulations. The Federal Bureau of Prisons encourages visiting by family, friends, and the community. However, the visiting regulations are put in place to ensure the safety and security of the inmates, staff, and visitors.
Visiting Hours and Schedule
Visiting hours at USP Atwater are determined by the inmate’s unit team. Visitors can find out the specific visiting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays. Visiting hours for SHU are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays and Federal holidays. Visiting hours for Unit 1B are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Federal holidays. Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled visit to allow for processing and security checks. Late arrivals may be denied entry.
Visiting Procedures
Before visiting an inmate at USP Atwater, visitors must be approved and placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list. Visitors must complete the visiting application and submit it to the inmate’s unit team for approval. The application must be submitted at least 30 days before the visit. The application process includes a background check, and visitors with a criminal record may be denied entry.
Visitors must also follow the dress code and bring only approved items into the visiting room. The dress code includes no revealing clothing, no hats, no sunglasses, and no jewelry except for a wedding band. Visitors are not allowed to bring any personal items into the visiting room, except for a small amount of cash for vending machines.
During the visit, visitors must follow all rules and regulations, including no physical contact, no sharing of food or drinks, and no photography. Failure to follow the rules may result in the termination of the visit and the visitor being banned from future visits.
In summary, visiting an inmate at USP Atwater requires visitors to follow strict regulations to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved. Visitors must be approved and placed on the inmate’s approved visiting list, follow the dress code, and bring only approved items into the visiting room. During the visit, visitors must follow all rules and regulations to avoid being banned from future visits.
Communication and Correspondence
Communication with inmates at United States Penitentiary, Atwater is important for maintaining relationships with loved ones and family members. The facility offers several ways for inmates to communicate with the outside world, including phone calls and email communication.
Phone Calls
Inmates at USP Atwater have access to telephones during certain hours of the day. Phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes, and inmates are not allowed to receive incoming calls. Friends and family members can set up a phone account with the facility’s contracted phone service provider, which allows them to receive calls from the inmate.
Email Communication
USP Atwater provides a secure email system for inmates to communicate with their loved ones. Inmates must pay for email credits to use the system, and emails are monitored and screened for security purposes. Friends and family members can set up an email account with the facility’s contracted email service provider to send and receive emails with the inmate.
Correspondence sent through the mail must adhere to specific guidelines set forth by the facility. Inmates are allowed to receive letters and cards, but packages and certain types of correspondence may be prohibited. Special mail, such as correspondence sent to the President or Vice President of the United States, must be sent through the U.S. Postal Service.
To contact USP Atwater directly, individuals can visit the facility’s website or call the facility’s main phone number. The website provides information on visiting hours, mail guidelines, and other important information.
Inmate Services
Inmates at United States Penitentiary, Atwater, have access to a range of services and programs designed to help them prepare for life after incarceration. This section will cover some of the educational and employment services available to inmates.
Educational Programs
USP Atwater offers a variety of educational programs to inmates, including Adult Continuing Education (ACE) courses, GED preparation, and vocational training. The ACE program provides inmates with the opportunity to earn high school credits and work towards a diploma. The GED program helps inmates prepare for the General Educational Development (GED) test, which is equivalent to a high school diploma. Vocational training programs include apprenticeships in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
Inmates who participate in educational programs may be able to earn college credits or industry-recognized certifications. These programs can help inmates develop the skills and knowledge necessary to secure employment after release and build a better future for themselves and their families.
Employment and Vocational Training
USP Atwater offers a range of employment and vocational training opportunities to inmates. Inmates can participate in apprenticeships, work in prison industries, or take vocational courses to develop skills in areas such as welding, HVAC repair, and culinary arts.
Inmates who participate in these programs can gain valuable work experience and develop the skills necessary to secure employment after release. Some of the vocational courses may lead to industry-recognized certifications, which can increase an inmate’s chances of finding employment in their chosen field.
In addition to vocational training, USP Atwater also offers job placement services to inmates. The staff can help inmates create resumes, practice interviewing skills, and connect with potential employers in the community.
Overall, the educational and employment services offered at USP Atwater provide inmates with the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed after release. These programs can help inmates build a better future for themselves and their families.
Inmate Funds and Commissary
Sending Money
Inmates at the United States Penitentiary, Atwater have access to a commissary where they can purchase items not regularly issued by the institution. To purchase these items, inmates need to have money in their commissary accounts. There are two ways to send money to an inmate’s commissary account at USP Atwater: electronically and through the mail.
Electronic funds can be sent using Western Union’s Quick Collect Program. Funds sent between 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST are posted within 2-4 hours. Inmates can receive funds at a BOP-managed facility, which are deposited into their commissary accounts. The process of sending funds electronically is quick and convenient.
If you prefer to send funds through the mail, you must use the United States Postal Service. Inmates can receive funds at a BOP-managed facility, which are deposited into their commissary accounts. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully. Wait until an inmate has physically arrived at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility before sending funds. Also, ensure that the funds are sent to the correct facility and include the inmate’s full committed name, register number, and the sender’s name and address.
Commissary List
The commissary at USP Atwater provides a bank-type account for inmates’ money and for the procurement of articles not issued regularly as part of the institution’s administration. The commissary list at USP Atwater includes a variety of items that inmates can purchase, such as food, hygiene products, electronics, and clothing.
The commissary list is subject to change, and items may be added or removed at any time. Inmates are provided with a copy of the commissary list and can purchase items during designated times. It is important to note that the prices of items on the commissary list may vary from facility to facility.
In summary, sending money to an inmate’s commissary account at USP Atwater can be done electronically or through the mail. The commissary list provides inmates with access to a variety of items they can purchase using their commissary account. It is important to follow the guidelines for sending funds to ensure that they are received and processed correctly.
Notable Incidents
United States Penitentiary, Atwater has been the site of several notable incidents over the years. One such incident occurred on June 20, 2008, when Officer Jose Rivera was conducting his daily count at the correctional facility. Joseph Cabrera Sablan, an inmate at the time, attacked Officer Rivera with an eight-inch homemade knife. Officer Rivera tried to flee, but was knocked backward by Sablan and tackled by Sablan’s co-defendant, James Ninete Leon Guerrero. Sablan was later sentenced to death for the murder of Officer Rivera.
Another incident occurred on November 21, 2022, when two Federal Bureau of Prisons correctional officers were assaulted by inmates at USP Atwater. According to court documents, the inmates, Higgins and Noblitt, punched the officers repeatedly on their heads and torsos, causing bodily injuries to both officers.
In 2015, a cook foreman at USP Atwater, named Bruce, was indicted for conspiracy, attempted drug distribution, and accepting bribes. According to court documents, Bruce conspired with others to provide USP Atwater inmates with marijuana and heroin. In return, Bruce received $1,580 from associates of the inmates.
In September 2015, an inmate named Dickson was indicted for assaulting and inflicting bodily injury on two correctional officers while at USP Atwater.
These incidents are just a few examples of the notable incidents that have occurred at USP Atwater over the years. The facility has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous prisons in the country, with a high number of assaults on staff and inmates.