Centinela State Prison
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Guides for This Facility
Scheduling In-Person Visits at Centinela: How GTL VisitMe Helps You Skip the Line
Want to visit someone at Centinela? Reserve your visit time ahead of time through GTL VisitMe. It's the system CDCR uses for scheduling in-person visits—and it helps you skip those long on-site lines.
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What Happens When Centinela Switches to Securus: A Timeline for Families
Centinela's phone and tablet services are switching from ViaPath to Securus on a set schedule. Here's the timeline, what might briefly go down during the changeover, and how to prepare now so you're not caught off guard.
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How Video Call Costs Are Changing at Centinela (And How to Make the Most of Free Minutes)
The biggest change for Centinela families? The per-minute price of video calls. Under the new Securus contract, video calls cost $0.10 per minute — down from ViaPath's $0.16 per minute. Phone calls are cheaper too: $0.016 per minute under Securus versus $0.019 per minute under ViaPath, according to the same CDCR comparison chart.
Read GuideAt a Glance
Visitation
- Centinela State Prison uses the GTL VisitMe portal for online visit scheduling.
- Returning VisitMe users sign in with a Visitor ID or an email address and password.
- New users can create or claim an account using the VisitMe portal’s 'CLAIM ACCOUNT' link.
Communication
- Securus is the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's communications provider for Centinela State Prison.
- Securus will implement telephone calls, video calls, and electronic messaging at Centinela starting in September.
- An online Securus account is not required to receive free telephone calls.
Sending Money
- You can typically add money by online or mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, or U.S. Postal money orders, but each facility accepts a different subset of these methods.
- Trust account funds generally pay for commissary items, phone time, hygiene products, and other permitted purchases and may be reduced by court‑ordered deductions.
- Do not mail cash; most facilities refuse cash sent through the mail and will return it.
Inmate Lookup
- State, county, and federal inmate locators each cover different populations and update on different schedules.
- Third‑party inmate lookup sites may be inaccurate; confirm important details with the official county, state, or federal source.
- Many county sheriff sites publish a 'Who's In Custody' or booking log listing people currently held and recent bookings.
Based on official sources and community feedback. Learn how we verify
Topic Overviews
Visitation
Centinela State Prison uses the GTL VisitMe portal for online visit scheduling. The portal lets you skip long onsite lines and get instant confirmations. Already have an account? Sign in with your Visitor ID or email and password. New to VisitMe? Use the
Read full guideCommunication
Centinela State Prison uses Securus as the CDCR communications provider. Telephone calls, video calls, and electronic messaging will begin rolling out in September. To be ready when services go live, Securus recommends opening an account through its website or mobile app—though free telephone calls don't require one. For paid video visits, you'll need to add funds using the AdvanceConnect prepaid feature in the app and register through Video Connect (select
Read full guideSending Money
Before sending money to Centinela State Prison, confirm the incarcerated person's full name and booking or facility ID number. Then verify which deposit options the facility accepts. Common methods include online or mobile portals, phone deposits, lobby kiosks, and U.S. Postal money orders. Funds placed on a person's trust account typically go toward commissary purchases, phone time, hygiene items, and other approved expenses—though court-ordered deductions may reduce the balance. Different vendors have different account setups: GTL's VisitMe includes a
Inmate Lookup
Start with official state, county, and federal inmate locators—each covers different populations and updates on different schedules. Many county sheriff websites post a
Common Questions
Showing 6 of 12How do I schedule an in-person visit at Centinela State Prison?
Schedule your visit through the GTL VisitMe portal—you can book online and get instant confirmations. Sign in with your Visitor ID or email and password. New users can create or claim an account through the portal.
VisitationCan I create a new VisitMe account for Centinela scheduling?
Yes. Use the VisitMe portal’s “CLAIM ACCOUNT” link to create or claim a new account, then follow the onscreen steps to finish setup before scheduling.
VisitationWhat should I do if I forget my VisitMe password for Centinela scheduling?
Use the VisitMe portal’s “Forgot your password?” link to start password recovery. For questions about account terms or privacy, VisitMe links to its Terms of Use and Privacy Policy at legal.telmate.com.
VisitationWhen will Centinela State Prison switch to Securus for phone, video, and messaging?
Telephone calls, video calls, and electronic messaging will be available at Centinela starting in September through Securus.
CommunicationDo I need a Securus account to receive free calls from someone at Centinela?
No. Free telephone calls don't require an online account. Video calls and electronic messaging will require one once those services are active.
CommunicationHow do I set up and pay for video visits at Centinela State Prison?
Create a Securus account on the Securus website or mobile app. For video visits, add funds using the app’s AdvanceConnect prepaid feature, then register in Video Connect and select “Permitir videollamadas” to enable and schedule sessions.
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Did You Know?
Centinela State Prison in California allows you to schedule inmate visits online through GTL VisitMe. Using the online scheduler lets you skip long lines and receive instant confirmations.
This guide is based on feedback from 59 families and official facility documentation. Learn how we verify