Centinela State Prison

By Chris Smith, 27 February, 2024
Name of Warden:
Fidencio Guzman
Description of Facility

Centinela State Prison is comprised of four sub-facilities: A, B, C, and D. Each of these is further divided into five separate two-tiered buildings, with 100 double cells each. Inmates security classifications will determine the available programs and much of their privileges.

Level III and IV inmates are allowed to participate in substance abuse programs, and vocational programs that teach a skill like auto mechanics, electrical services, roofing, building maintenance, welding, and computer literacy.

Facility Telephone Number
760-337-7900
Facility Address

Centinela State Prison
2302 Brown Road
Imperial, CA 92251
United States

Inmate Mailing Address

Inmate Name, CDCR#
Facility A
P.O. Box 901
Imperial, CA 92251-0901
United States

Inmate Name, CDCR#
Facility B
P.O. Box 911
Imperial, CA 92251-0911
United States

Inmate Name, CDCR#
Facility C
P.O. Box 921
Imperial, CA 92251-0921
United States

Inmate Name, CDCR#
Facility D
P.O. Box 931
Imperial, CA 92251-0931
United States

Inmate Name, CDCR#
Facility E
P.O. Box 931
Imperial, CA 92251-0931
United States

What you can send an inmate

   Inmates at Centinela State Prison are allowed the following through the mail:

  • Letters
  • printed pages from the internet, newspaper clippings
  • photos 4x6 (no Polaroids, no nudity)
  • calendars
  • up to forty postage embossed envelopes
  • white or yellow lined writing paper (no cotton paper)
  • typing/legal paper (no cotton paper)
  • children's drawings
  • postage stamps (up to 40)

All mail must have the inmate's name and CDCR number on it, and a full return address.

 Inmates can receive quarterly packages sent through the following approved vendors:

How Inmate Calls Work

As of January 1, 2023 all calls made by inmates are free of charge.

  • Inmates must initiate the call, so provide them your phone number in correspondence
  • Calls are limited to 15 minutes in duration
  • Calls are recorded
How to send money to an inmate

To send money to an inmate incarcerated in California you will need their current location and their CDCR number.

You can send funds in three ways:

  • Through the internet via three providers
  • By mailing a check or money order to the institution
    • Make it payable to "CDCR"
    • Include the inmate's name and CDCR # on the check
    • Your name and address must appear on the check or money order
    • There is no fee using this method but it can take up to 30 days
  • Through the Centralized Banking Lock Box
    • Send personal check, money order, or cashier's check
    • Fill out the Deposit Form Coupon
    • Mail to:
      JPAY
      2002 South Figueroa St
      Box #3001
      Los Angeles, CA 90007
How to do an Inmate Search

   Find an inmate's CDCR number, current location, and sentencing information by searching the California inmate database.

Visiting Information/FAQs

You must have an approved visitors application on file before you can attend a visit.  You must request from the inmate CDCR Form 106.  This is the California Visiting Questionnaire form and it must be signed by the inmate before you can fill it out and send it back to the facility at the inmate mailing address and add: "Attention: Visiting".

The inmate will be informed if you are approved, and they must notify you of the approval.  If you are not approved, you will get a letter from the prison with an explanation of the reason.

Centinela State Prison requires you to schedule your visit through California's VSA system.
   
In-Person Visiting Hours:
Fridays:  11:45pm-6:30pm (processing stops at 5:30pm)
Saturdays and Sundays: 8:15am-3:00pm (processing stops at 2:00pm)

Walk in visitation:
Allowed during normal visiting hours.
Non-Contact visits are not allowed walk-in visitors.

For more information contact the Visiting Sergeant at:
760-337-7900 Ext. 5804

View the visitation status for all California institutions here.

You will need to bring a valid government issued photo ID in order to enter into visitation.  If you are entering visitation with a minor and you are the child's parent you will need to bring a certified copy of the minors birth certificate. 

Dress Code
The following clothing is not allowed:

  • Clothes that resembles the clothes of the inmate
  • Clothes that resemble law enforcement or military including camouflage
  • No skirts, dresses, or shorts that expose two inches above the knee or more
  • No halter tops, strapless tops, sheer, or see through, and may not expose the midriff
  • clothing that exposes any breast, genitalia or buttocks, including sheer material
  • No very tight fit/form fitting attire
  • No wigs or hairpieces or extensions (medical reasons require approval prior to your visit)
  • no flip flops, or shower shoes
  • no hats or gloves

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