California

How to contact an inmate at California Correctional Institution

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for California Correctional Institution. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at California Correctional Institution

This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:

  1. How to find an inmate online
  2. How to message an inmate
  3. Sending photos and postcards
  4. Frequently asked questions about California Correctional Institution
  5. Overview of California Correctional Institution
  6. Inmate services at California Correctional Institution

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at California Correctional Institution:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at California Correctional Institution

You can use your phone or computer to send emails letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send an message, start by searching for an inmate at California Correctional Institution .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to California Correctional Institution

A great way to send love and support to loved one at California Correctional Institution is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of California Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about California Correctional Institution

  1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

    If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by California Correctional Institution.

  2. How much does it cost to send a message to California Correctional Institution?

    You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

  3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at California Correctional Institution?
    Penmate

    You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

    Securus messaging

    Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at California Correctional Institution. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

    JPay

    Some county jails and state prisons may support for sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

    Smart Jail Mail

    You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at California Correctional Institution. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

  4. What is the mailing address of California Correctional Institution?
    Mailing address:

    California Correctional Institution
    24900 CA-202
    Tehachapi , CA 93561
    (661) 822-4402

    Business hours:
    • Monday: Open 24 hours
    • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    • Thursday: Open 24 hours
    • Friday: Open 24 hours
    • Saturday: Open 24 hours
    • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Overview of California Correctional Institution

California Correctional Institution, often referred to as CCI, is a state prison complex located in the Tehachapi Mountains, near the city of Tehachapi, California. The institution is under the operation of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The complex consists of four separate facilities; the Minimum Support Facility, Administrative Segregation Unit, Correctional Treatment Center, and the New Reception Center.

CCI is known for its wide array of vocational training programs for inmates, including metal fabrication, horticulture, and computer-aided drafting. In addition, the institution offers educational programs, such as basic and high school equivalency courses, vocational training, and college courses through the Coastline Community College. Substance abuse treatment and counseling are also provided to eligible inmates.

The correctional facility currently houses approximately 3,240 medium- and maximum-security inmates. The minimum support facility, which is designated for employees at the institution, also allows for a limited number of minimum-security inmates. Administrative segregation units, which house inmates requiring maximum security and special management, segregate tight management and suicide prevention.

Inmates are held to a strict daily routine consisting of meals, work assignments, education, and recreational activities. Although recreation can vary based on the individual facility once standard to most prison configurations consist of weightlifting or exercise equipment, outdoor recreational area, TV or other entertainment depending on the schedule. Visitation is available to approved visitors and is monitored by programmatic staff as an incentive for good behavior. The facility also

What services are provided by California Correctional Institution?

California Correctional Institution (CCI), located in Tehachapi in Central California, provides a comprehensive array of programs and services dedicated to improving the lives of the incarcerated population, and promoting safer and healthier communities. The institution manages medium to high custody male inmates, housing approximately 5,977 inmates. CCI offers HIV and Hepatitis C testing, counselling, and support group sessions, as well as mental health services including crisis intervention and psychiatric assessments. Substance use disorder treatment is provided through a multi-level program, and life skills courses are available in basic computing, interpersonal skills, and parenting.

Inmates at CCI have access to a range of different vocational training programs, aimed at providing them with valuable job skills necessary for successful reintegration into today’s workforce. One of the popular vocational training programs is the Wildland Conservation (WCT) which teaches inmates how to maintain and preserve the nature surrounding the institution. Workforce development opportunities are also available through the Pathway to Independence program, designed to assist the inmates with upskilling, career readiness, and job connections while functioning as wings inside a correctional vision called Transformative Reentry.

The Catholic-based program at the institution is made available by Kairos and its essential aim includes theological but not limited to bible studies, introspection and strengthening and rearranging the inmates' relationships with God Law Authority.

The general education programs, offered in partnership in city schools thrive to equip, and defeat any mindset of intellectual deficiency seemingly ingrained due to incarceration as they conspire to create vocational programs leading to a University of California, etc. validity perception In addition to this, pro-inmate programs p9ffered law consortium tutoring prepares detainees in fields of thinking as excellent participation in the conversation relating to the law on the