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 Centinela State Prison.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Centinela State Prison 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 Centinela State Prison.

Frequently asked questions about Centinela State Prison

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 Centinela State Prison.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Centinela State Prison?

   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 Centinela State Prison?

   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 Centinela State Prison. 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 Centinela State Prison. 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 Centinela State Prison?

   Mailing address:

   Centinela State Prison
   2302 Brown Rd
   Imperial, CA 92251
   Phone: (760) 337-7900

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Centinela State Prison?

   Visiting hours at Centinela State Prison 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 (760) 337-7900 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 Centinela State Prison?

   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 Centinela State Prison for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Centinela State Prison?

   You can send money to an inmate at Centinela State Prison 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 Centinela State Prison?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Centinela State Prison, 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 Centinela State Prison?

   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 Centinela State Prison 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 Centinela State Prison, 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

The Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program represents a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Centinela State Prison, implemented as part of a comprehensive evidence-based approach to addressing addiction and behavioral challenges. This cross-divisional program works alongside the facility's Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) and Long-Term Offender Program (LTOP) to provide residents with structured pathways toward personal transformation. The facility's diverse programming includes specialized workshops such as Alternatives to Violence Programs, Creative Conflict Resolution, and Cage Your Rage sessions, which typically focus on developing healthy coping mechanisms and conflict management skills.

Educational and vocational opportunities form a significant component of daily life at the facility, with academic programs ranging from Adult Basic Education levels through GED preparation and the Voluntary Education Program. Residents may participate in vocational training across multiple trades including electrical work, auto mechanics, welding, roofing, and electronics, providing practical skills for post-release employment. The facility often incorporates literacy development through specialized labs and independent study options to support residents at various educational levels.

Spiritual and peer support services typically include religious programs accommodating multiple faith traditions, along with established recovery groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Additional programming may feature the Kairos Christian Fellowship, TUMI Discipleship Program, and Choice Theory/Internal Empowerment Coaching sessions. Service crew opportunities often provide residents with work experience and responsibility within the facility environment, while Life Without a Crutch workshops may focus on developing independence and personal accountability skills.

Daily Life & Visitation

Incarcerated individuals at Centinela State Prison in Imperial, California, typically begin their days with structured routines that revolve around the facility's extensive programming opportunities. The institution operates across multiple facilities (A through E), each with its own mailing address, suggesting a campus-style layout that may influence how residents move between housing units, work assignments, and program locations throughout the day. Morning hours often include counts, meal service, and preparation for various vocational training programs such as electrical work, auto mechanics, welding, or building maintenance, which provide practical skills and structure to the daily schedule.

Educational and therapeutic programming forms a significant portion of daily activities, with residents participating in Adult Basic Education classes, GED preparation, or the Voluntary Education Program depending on their academic needs and goals. The facility's Cognitive Behavioral Treatment programs and specialized offerings like the Long-Term Offender Program typically involve group sessions and individual work that may be scheduled during specific time blocks. Religious services accommodate all faiths, while programs such as Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous, Alternatives to Violence, and various workshops like "Cage Your Rage" provide additional structured activities throughout the week.

Family connections remain an important aspect of life at Centinela, with established visitation procedures and multiple facility-specific mailing addresses that allow loved ones to maintain contact. The institution's location in Imperial County means that many residents may have visitors traveling considerable distances, making scheduled visitation times particularly meaningful. Evening hours typically include additional programming opportunities, recreational activities, and personal time for correspondence, reading, or participating in religious study groups like the TUMI Discipleship Program, helping to create a routine that balances rehabilitation, education, and personal development.