Wasco State Prison is a state prison located in Wasco, Kern County, California. It is a 634-acre facility that primarily serves as a reception center for new inmates. The prison’s mission is to provide short-term housing for new inmates while they are being processed, classified and evaluated both physically and mentally.
The prison has six facilities, A, B, C, D, E, and H, each with its own mailing address. Inmates are housed according to their custody level. The prison has a capacity of 2,984 inmates.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) oversees the operations of Wasco State Prison, which has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1991. The prison has seen its fair share of challenges, including inmate unrest and correctional officer misconduct, but it continues to operate as an important part of California’s correctional system.
| Security | Medium |
| Capacity | 2,984 |
| Physical Address | 701 Scofield Avenue, Wasco, CA 93280 |
| Mailing Address | Depends on the Unit |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Depends on the Unit |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | (661) 758-8400 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Facility Overview
Wasco State Prison is a medium-custody correctional facility located in Wasco, California. It serves as a reception center for new inmates, providing short-term housing to process, classify, and evaluate them physically and mentally, to determine their security level, program requirements, and appropriate institutional placement. The following subsections provide more information about the facility.
Location
The physical address of Wasco State Prison is 701 Scofield Avenue, Wasco, CA 93280. The facility is located in Kern County, California, and is one of two reception centers in the county.
Security Level
The security level of Wasco State Prison is medium-custody. The primary mission of the facility is to provide short-term housing to new inmates, but it also houses inmates of various custody levels from minimum security to death row.
Institutional Maintenance
The minimum-custody section of Wasco State Prison provides institutional maintenance and landscaping services. Inmates in this section help maintain the facility, including the grounds, buildings, and equipment. The facility also has a healthcare CEO who oversees the healthcare services provided to inmates.
Overall, Wasco State Prison is a medium-custody facility that serves as a reception center for new inmates. It provides short-term housing necessary to process, classify, and evaluate new inmates physically and mentally, to determine their security level, program requirements, and appropriate institutional placement.
Inmate Services
Wasco State Prison offers a variety of services to inmates, including educational programs, visitation, mail, money, and inmate locator.
Programs
The prison provides various programs to inmates to help them with their rehabilitation. These programs include education, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. Inmates can enroll in these programs based on their eligibility and availability.
Visitation
Visitation is an essential part of an inmate’s rehabilitation process. Wasco State Prison allows inmates to have visits from their families and friends. Visitors must follow the prison’s visitation rules and schedule their visits using the Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA).
Visitation hours are 11:30 am – 6:30 pm for Facilities A/M and Reception Center on Friday and 8:00 am to 2:30 pm for Facilities A/M and Reception Center on Saturday. Beginning July 7, 2023, Reception Center visitation will be by appointment only. ASU visitation hours are Friday 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and Saturday 8:00 am to 10:00 am. All ASU visits are by appointment only.
Inmates can receive and send mail while in prison. They can receive letters, cards, and photographs from their family and friends. However, the prison has specific guidelines for sending mail, and all incoming mail is subject to inspection. Inmates can also purchase postage stamps from the prison commissary.
Mailing address for an inmate:
- Facility A, 701 Scofield Ave., P.O. Box 4400, Wasco, CA 93280
- Facility B, 701 Scofield Ave., P.O. Box 5500, Wasco, CA 93280
- Facility C, 701 Scofield Ave., P.O. Box 6600, Wasco, CA 93280
- Facility D, 701 Scofield Ave., P.O. Box 7700, Wasco, CA 93280
- Facility E, 701 Scofield Ave., P.O. Box 3300, Wasco, CA 93280
- Facility H, 701 Scofield Ave., P.O. Box 9900, Wasco, CA 93280
Money
Inmates can receive money from their family and friends to purchase items from the prison commissary or make phone calls. The prison has specific guidelines for sending money, and all incoming money is subject to inspection. Inmates can also earn money by participating in the prison’s work programs.
Inmate Locator
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides an inmate locator tool that allows anyone to search for an inmate in the state’s prison system. The tool provides information such as the inmate’s location, release date, and custody status. Family and friends can use this tool to locate an inmate and stay updated on their status.
Overall, Wasco State Prison offers various services to inmates to help them with their rehabilitation and stay connected with their families and friends. However, all services are subject to specific guidelines and restrictions set by the prison and the CDCR.
Rehabilitation Programs
Wasco State Prison offers a variety of rehabilitation programs to help inmates prepare for their eventual release. These programs are designed to address different areas of need and help inmates develop skills that will be useful in their lives outside of prison.
Anger Management
The anger management program at Wasco State Prison helps inmates learn to control their emotions and avoid violent outbursts. Through group therapy sessions and individual counseling, inmates learn techniques for managing their anger and resolving conflicts in a non-violent way.
Breaking Barriers-A Cognitive Awareness Model
The Breaking Barriers program is a cognitive awareness model that helps inmates identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Through group sessions and individual counseling, inmates learn to challenge their beliefs and develop more positive ways of thinking.
Batterer’s Intervention
The Batterer’s Intervention program is designed for inmates who have a history of domestic violence. Through group therapy sessions and individual counseling, inmates learn to take responsibility for their actions and develop healthier relationships.
Parenting Education
The parenting education program at Wasco State Prison helps inmates develop the skills they need to be good parents. Through group sessions and individual counseling, inmates learn about child development, effective communication, and positive discipline techniques.
Creative Conflict Resolution
The creative conflict resolution program teaches inmates how to resolve conflicts in a non-violent way. Through group sessions and individual counseling, inmates learn to communicate effectively and find mutually beneficial solutions to problems.
Physical Education/Recreation
Physical education and recreation programs at Wasco State Prison help inmates stay fit and healthy. Inmates can participate in a variety of activities, including basketball, weightlifting, and yoga.
Vocational Electronics
The vocational electronics program at Wasco State Prison provides inmates with the skills they need to work in the electronics industry. Inmates learn about circuit design, soldering, and other relevant skills.
Office Services
The office services program teaches inmates valuable skills that can be used in administrative and clerical positions. Inmates learn about data entry, record keeping, and other office-related tasks.
Overall, the rehabilitation programs at Wasco State Prison are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to be successful after their release. By addressing different areas of need, these programs help inmates become better equipped to handle the challenges of life outside of prison.