How to Send Messages to Inmates

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 a message, start by searching for an inmate at California Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a 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 an 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 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
   Phone: (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

5. What are the visiting hours at California Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at California Correctional Institution vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (661) 822-4402 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to California Correctional Institution?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with California Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at California Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at California Correctional Institution through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at California Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At California Correctional Institution, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at California Correctional Institution?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact California Correctional Institution for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at California Correctional Institution, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Through its Prison Industries Authority (PIA) textile manufacturing program, California Correctional Institution (CCI) provides residents with hands-on vocational training while producing clothing for various state agencies, including uniforms for the California Youth Authority, CDCR facilities, and state hospitals. This industrial program operates alongside comprehensive vocational training opportunities in computer and cabling, automotive repair, welding, auto body repair, air conditioning and refrigeration, and building maintenance, giving residents marketable skills for successful reintegration into their communities.

The facility's educational services span from basic literacy instruction through GED preparation, with specialized programming available for residents under 21 through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Academic offerings typically include Adult Basic Education and may extend to post-secondary educational opportunities. CCI's self-help programming addresses substance abuse and behavioral issues through Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, anger management courses, and specialized groups like Criminals and Gang Members Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery. The facility also provides Understanding My Addictions programming and may offer veteran-specific support services for eligible participants.

Religious and spiritual services at CCI accommodate diverse faith traditions through staff chaplains who facilitate programs for Native American, Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Jehovah's Witness, Church of Latter-day Saints, and Wiccan communities. The institution may also provide additional counseling services, recreational activities, and family support programs to help maintain connections between residents and their loved ones. These comprehensive programming efforts typically work together to address the educational, vocational, therapeutic, and spiritual needs of the population while preparing individuals for successful community reentry.

Daily Life & Visitation

The California Correctional Institution operates across multiple facilities (A through E) in Tehachapi, with each housing unit maintaining its own mailing address system to manage the large population. Incarcerated individuals typically begin their days with early morning counts and meal service, followed by work assignments that may include manufacturing clothing and textiles through the Prison Industries Authority program, where they produce items ranging from CDCR uniforms to specialized garments for the California Youth Authority and State Hospital systems.

Throughout the week, residents may participate in vocational training programs covering practical skills like automotive repair, welding, air conditioning and refrigeration, or computer and cabling work. Educational opportunities often include literacy classes, Adult Basic Education, and GED preparation, with specialized programs available for those under 21 through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The facility typically maintains active religious programming with chaplains serving various faiths including Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Native American, and other spiritual traditions, alongside self-help programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and anger management courses.

Family connections remain an important aspect of institutional life, with visitation procedures managed through the main facility phone line at (661) 822-4402. Families and friends can typically send correspondence and approved packages to their loved ones using the specific facility addresses, ensuring proper delivery within the complex's multi-unit structure. The institution generally maintains standard visiting schedules and communication policies consistent with CDCR guidelines, though specific details may vary based on security level and individual circumstances.