California

How to contact an inmate at Centinela State Prison

Last Updated on May 21, 2023

A friendly help guide for Centinela State Prison. Learn how to find an inmate and send letters, photos, and more.

How to contact an inmate at Centinela State Prison

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 Centinela State Prison
  5. Overview of Centinela State Prison
  6. Inmate services at Centinela State Prison

Here's a short video on how to contact an inmate at Centinela State Prison:

How to message an inmate

How to message an inmate at Centinela State Prison

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 Centinela State Prison .

Sending Photos and Postcards

How to send photos and postcards to Centinela State Prison

A great way to send love and support to 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 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 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 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 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
    (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

Overview of Centinela State Prison

Centinela State Prison is a level IV maximum-security facility located in Imperial, California. The prison has been operational since 1993 and currently houses over 5,000 male inmates. The facility was designed to house 2,300 inmates but soon became overcrowded due to the rise in the number of incarcerated individuals in California.

Centinela State Prison is designed to meet the needs of maximum-security offenders. The prison offers various programs aimed at reducing violence, drug abuse, and recidivism rates. These programs range from vocational training, educational programs, and faith-based practices. Inmates can also receive substance abuse treatment, mental healthcare, and social services.

However, Centinela State Prison has received criticism for its high level of inmate-on-inmate assaults and use of force by correctional staff. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has been working to reduce violence in the facility and provide necessary training for correctional staff to uphold safety and security standards.

The overcrowding in Centinela State Prison has also resulted in poor living conditions for inmates. Some have reported issues with insufficient healthcare, food quality, and hygiene. Efforts have been made to address these concerns, including reforms in the state parole system aimed at reducing the prison population and improving living conditions.

Overall, Centinela State Prison is a significant correctional facility in California that plays a role in reforming inmate behavior and preparing them for re-entry into society. However, it also presents several challenges, including overcrowding

What services are provided by Centinela State Prison?

Centinela State Prison, located in Imperial County, California, provides a variety of programs and services for its approximately 4,334 male inmates. The facility's programs are designed to help promote inmate wellness, responsibility, education, cultivation of different skills, cooperation, and compatibility toward proper social skills.

Academically, Centinela has educational programs ranging from the elementary level to post-secondary education over mainly Adult Basic Education and GED preparation awards substantial learnership internationally. Opportunities are also provided for vocation work experience stress-relieving worksheets paving the way for differentiated avenues to other distinct world jobs returning citizenaries choose.

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