Phone & Messaging
How to Contact an Inmate at Facility
If your loved one is at a CDCR facility, phone calls, video calls (called VideoConnect), and electronic messaging all go through Securus.
Contact an Inmate at Shafter Community Correctional, CA.
Mail, photos, messaging, and phone/call options for staying in touch.
Overview
Shafter Community Correctional's communications setup may change during California's statewide transition from ViaPath to Securus. Timing differs by institution. If Shafter has moved to Securus, families can use Securus Video Connect, a web-based system for scheduling and joining video sessions from a mobile app, computer, or tablet. For prepaid video calls, create an account on the provider's platform and add money through the app's prepaid option (often called AdvanceConnect or similar). Before you register or add funds, confirm which platform Shafter Community Correctional currently uses. Some sites stay on the older system until their rollout date.
Find an Inmate at Shafter Community Correctional, CA
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Quick Facts
- CDCR is transitioning inmate communication services from ViaPath to Securus.
- Securus Video Connect is a web-based video system accessible via an app, computer, or tablet.
- AdvanceConnect in the Securus app is the prepaid feature used to add funds for video calls.
- During the statewide rollout, some institutions will remain on their current communications platform until they switch.
Contact & Communication Guides
Who to Call When You Have Questions About Visiting Shafter
Got questions about visiting at Shafter MCCF? Start with the main line: 661-746-8900. The two most helpful extensions are the Visiting Facility Supervisor / Watch Commander at ext. 5114 and the Visiting Facility Officer (Senior Corrections Officer) at ext. 5139 (also listed as /28). Calling the right extension saves time—especially when you're confirming a last-minute detail before heading out.
Common Questions
Is Shafter Community Correctional switching to Securus for phone and video?
CDCR is rolling out Securus statewide, moving services from ViaPath. Rollout timing varies by institution, so confirm which platform Shafter Community Correctional currently uses before you register.
How do I set up video visits or calls for someone at Shafter Community Correctional?
Create an account on the facility's communications provider platform and register for Video Connect if supported. Add funds through the app's prepaid option (such as AdvanceConnect) to pay for scheduled video sessions.
Will I have to pay for calls or messages at Shafter Community Correctional?
Standard audio calls from institution phones and tablets are free in California. Prepaid video visits and some messaging features require adding funds through the app's prepaid option.
Other Guides for Shafter Community Correctional, CA
How to Schedule Your First Visit at Shafter: VPASS vs. Walk-In
Once you're approved to visit at Shafter, you have two options: schedule through VPASS up to a week ahead, or show up as a walk-in. Walk-ins are first-come, first-served, but VPASS appointments get processed first—so booking ahead can save you a lot of waiting.
Sending Commissary
How to Send Money to Facility
Want to get money set up for a loved one? CDCR highlights two key actions: create a Securus account before any facility transition, and use ViaPath's help site if you need a refund for unused ViaPath funds.
Visitation
How to Visit Facility
Planning ahead makes visiting easier. Here's what CDCR's visitor resources tell us, plus what you should confirm before you go.
