Centinela State Prison – California (2024)

Know somebody incarcerated at Centinela State Prison? Centinela State Prison is a state prison in the California state prison system. This guide will tell you information about everything a person needs to know about Centinela State Prison,like the following: Find an inmate at Centinela State Prison. How to visit Centinela State Prison inmates. Centinela State Prison’s address and phone number. Sending money and mail. And everything else.

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On this page you will find: (click to jump to section)
General InformationLocation
AddressPhone Number
Inmate Search
RecordsStatistics
ParoleRelease
Life In PrisonSend Money to Inmate
News
Family ResourcesVictim Resources
JobsReviews
HistoryLinks

General Prison Information

Official Name:Centinela State Prison
State:California
County:Imperial
DOC:California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Warden Name:Domingo Uribe

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Contact Information

In this section you have the street address and mailing address for Centinela State Prison. Use the mailing address if you are going to mail a letter or package to a prisoner there, and make sure to use the physical address if you want to know the actual location of Centinela State Prison.

Mailing Address

Be sure to read the Inmate Mail and Package Procedures section below before you send something to an inmate to learn how to correctly write the address, and do the right protocol for sending a letter or package. If you do not follow the correct protocol, it might get sent back.

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER
Centinela State Prison
P.O. Box 731
Imperial CA, 92251-0731

Street Address / Prison Location

Address

Centinela State Prison
2302 Brown Road
Imperial CA, 92251

Phone Number and Fax Number

Phone: (760) 337-7900
Fax:

Use the street address if you are going to visit a prisoner. Make sure to read over the Inmate Visitation Procedures and Inmate Visitation Schedule sections on this page if you are going to visit an inmate at Centinela State Prison.

Centinela State Prison
2302 Brown Road
Imperial CA, 92251

Directions

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Phone Number

Inmates don’t have phones, so you won’t be able to call inmates, but, there are times when it may be helpful to have the telephone number to the facility.

(760) 337-7900

Prisoners may be able to make phone calls using:

  • Calling Cards
  • Collect Calls
  • Dedicated Phone Line
  • Prison Calling Plan

Fax Number

Centinela State Prison inmates don’t have access to fax machines, so you won’t get to fax a letter to inmates, but there might be times when it is helpful to know the fax machine number to the facility.

Email Address

This is the main email address for Centinela State Prison. You won’t be able to contact prisoners using this email. If you want to send an email to a prisoner, read the Inmate Email information further down on this page.

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Inmate and Staff Statistics

Total Inmates:
Total Staff:

Inmate Email

To email a letter to an inmate at Centinela State Prison you must use an exact process to make sure that the message gets to the inmate.

Inmate Internet Access

Prison inmates are not allowed to access the Internet.

Inmate Mail and Package Procedures

There are special protocols that are necessary to follow when mailing mail to a prisoner. If you don’t follow these rules then what you sent might not be received.

Before you send a package or letter, be sure to read the sections below:

Mail Monitoring

Institution guards open and inspect and read all incoming general mail. Received general correspondence can be read as frequently as is deemed necessary to keep safety and security or monitor a problem having to do with a certain inmate.

How to Address a Letter to an Inmate

Shown here is the correct format for how you should address a letter to a state prisoner at Centinela State Prison:

INMATE NAME & REGISTER NUMBER
Centinela State Prison
P.O. Box 731
Imperial CA, 92251-0731

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Inmate Money

Every prison has a Commissary that serves to provide inmates a bank type account for inmate monies and for buying things not issued regularly by the correctional facility.

How to Send an Inmate Money

Family, friends, or other sources may deposit money into these accounts by sending it by Western Union or by mail.

Via U.S. Postal Service: An inmate’s family and friends can choose to send inmates funds through postal mail and must send it to the following address and follow the rules listed below:

The funds must be in a money order that is made out to the inmate’s full committed name and complete eight-digit register number. It is best if you use a U.S. Postal Service money order, since all non-postal money orders that are processed through the National Lockbox will be kept for a 15-day hold period, and during this period the inmate will not have access to the money. The Bureau of Prisons will return funds that do not have correct prisoner info if the envelope it was sent it has a return address. Checks and cash will not be deposited to the inmate’s account so do not send cash or checks.

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Inmate Locator

Inmates are from time to time changed to different prisons throughout the California prison system, so sometimes you may have to look up what facility an inmate is at using the inmate locator. Follow the link here to find an California prison inmate.
Inmate Search

To find other California state prisons: California State Prisons

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Inmate Search

Inmate Visitation

Before you visit an inmate at Centinela State Prison, you must know the following:

  • Visitation Schedule
  • Visitation Rules
  • Visitation Application

Inmate Visitation Schedule

Inmate Visitor Procedures

Each prison has its own procedures for prison visitation and they get changed often. The policies listed here could be changed when you are reading this, so you should also read Centinela State Prison’s official website to read the most up to date rules for visitation.

Visitation Sign-In and Check-In

The visitation guard will make sure each visitor signs the prisoner visitors log upon entering the prison and also when they leave.

Identification Required

Picture ID of visitors is required. Acceptable forms of ID are Driver’s License and Social Security Card; although, a state picture ID is acceptable.

For all of the things listed below, check out the main prison facility site because this info is changed frequently:

  • Visitation Rules
  • Visitation Dress Code
  • Things You Can and Cannot Take to Visitation
  • Special Rules For Children, Special Visits, Pastoral or Attorney Visits

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Prison Records

Information about Centinela State Prison records will be posted ASAP.

Such as:

  • Inmate records
  • Health records.

If you have any information on these topics to share, please post a comment using the form below.

Death Row

Details about Centinela State Prison death row to be added later.

If you have any information on these topics to share, please post a comment using the form below.

Parole

Details about California parole process coming soon.

For example:

  • Parole hearings.
  • Review boards.
  • Who qualifies for parole.

If you have any information on these topics to share, please post a comment using the form below.

Release

Details about release procedures to be added later.

Inmate Programs

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Prison Life

Information about prison life at Centinela State Prison coming soon.

  • Activities.
  • Daily schedule and routine.
  • Recreational facilities available.
  • What’s allowed, and what’s not allowed.
  • What the food is like.
  • What to expect.
  • Jobs and work release available.

If you have any information on these topics to share, please post a comment using the form below.

News

A Centinela State Prison news section will be posted ASAP.

Photos

A photo section coming soon.

For example, photos of:

  • Cells at Centinela State Prison
  • The yard.
  • What inmates wear at Centinela State Prison.

If you have any photos of Centinela State Prison that you would like to share, please contact us using the ‘Contact’ link at the bottom of the page.

Prison Jobs & Hiring

Are you trying to find a prison job? Have experience? Have you worked at a correctional facility in your previous job?

If so, click here: Centinela State Prison Jobs

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Website

The official website: Centinela State Prison Website

Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

  • Victims have the right to protection from the accused.
  • Victims have the right to notification.
  • Victims have the right to attend proceedings.
  • Victims have the right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
  • Victims have the right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
  • Victims have the right to restitution.
  • Victims have the right to a speedy trial.
  • Victims have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

  • Spouses and children of all victims.
  • Parents and guardians of minor victims.
  • Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
  • Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to tell about all about it

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Family Resources

Section about resources for family members of inmates at Centinela State Prison will be posted ASAP.

History

Centinela State Prison history coming soon.

Such as:

  • Famous Centinela State Prison inmates.
  • Escapes and prison breaks.
  • Executions.

If you have any information on these topics to share, please post a comment using the form below.

Links

Information About Other California State Prisons: California State Prisons

Centinela State Prison Links

The official website: Centinela State Prison Website
Centinela State Prison Jobs

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Links

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Main Website
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Prison Directory
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Prison Map
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Prison Jobs
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Prison Inmate Search
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Most Wanted

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Visitation Policies
Sending Money to a California State Prison Inmate
JPay Services for California State Prison Inmates
Sending Mail to California State Prison Inmates
Sending Packages to California State Prison Inmates
California State Prison Inmate Phone Calls

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Tell Your Story – Write a Review of Centinela State Prison

Have you ever been an inmate in Centinela State Prison? Do you have a friend or family member that is a prisoner there? Have you ever visited someone at Centinela State Prison?

If you have, then we would like you to write a review about it. Tell us about your experience so others can learn what to expect.

Things you might want to put in your comment:

  • Prison conditions
  • Facility layout and facility
  • Prison staff and Guards
  • Commissary and food
  • Visitation
  • Inmates
  • Inmate safety
  • Gang activity
  • Prisoner activities and programs

If you are currently an inmate at Centinela State Prison, include your address if you want to receive letters from people.


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9096

Centinela State Prison – California (2024)

FAQs

What level of prison is Centinela? ›

Centinela State Prison, CA is a maximum -security level state prison in Imperial, Imperial County County, California. With a capacity of 5097 inmates, Centinela State Prison houses low medium custody detainees—those convicted of California State crimes such as robbery, homicide, arson, and assault.

What is the name of the worst prison in California? ›

Pelican Bay State Prison is home to more than 1,600 inmates according to population data from the state. It's home to some of the most dangerous criminals in the entire world according to the US Department of Justice.

What cities are close to Centinela State Prison? ›

El Centro is the nearest city to Centinela State Prison, has a desert climate, and is the southernmost desert city below sea level in the continental United States. There are two international border crossings for commercial and noncommercial vehicles.

What is the largest prison in the state of California? ›

AVENAL STATE PRISON(ASP)

It is the largest and perhaps most overcrowded of California prisons.

What is the most harshest prison? ›

Bang Kwang Central Prison in Thailand has gained notoriety as one of the world's worst prisons due to its harsh conditions and strict penal policies. Commonly referred to as the “Bangkok Hilton” or “Big Tiger”, it is infamous for overcrowding, unsanitary living conditions, and a high prevalence of infectious diseases.

What does Level 4 mean in prison? ›

Level III – Facilities primarily have a secure perimeter with armed coverage and housing units with cells adjacent to exterior walls. Level IV – Facilities have a secure perimeter with internal and external armed coverage and housing units or cell block housing with cells non-adjacent to exterior walls.

What does cen mean in jail? ›

California State Prison, Centinela (CEN) is a male-only state prison located in Imperial County, California, approximately 20 miles (32 km) from Imperial and El Centro. The facility is sometimes referenced Centinela State Prison.

What's the difference between jail and prison? ›

Jails, with their focus on short-term confinement, cater to pre-trial detainees and those serving brief sentences. Prisons, in contrast, house individuals sentenced to long-term incarceration, reflecting the gravity of their convictions.

Where is the luxury prison? ›

The creation of a luxury prison

Welcome to Halden Prison in Norway, where the traditional bleak cells and harsh conditions are replaced with comfort and care. Here's a snapshot of what it's like: Luxurious Living Quarters: Prisoners have private rooms with cozy beds and personal bathrooms.

What is the safest prison in California? ›

Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) is designed to house California's most serious criminal offenders in a secure, safe, and disciplined institutional setting.

What is the only supermax prison in California? ›

Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) is a supermax prison facility in Crescent City, California.

What is the most popular prison in California? ›

As one of the oldest prisons in the United States, San Quentin was among the country's most well known, referenced in numerous movies, television shows, songs, and books. It gained additional prominence after country singers Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard, a former inmate, performed there in 1969 and 1971, respectively.

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