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California State Prison - Centinela (CEN): Inmate Guide

Overview of the Facility

California State Prison - Centinela (CEN) is a state prison for men located in Imperial County, California. It is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). The facility primarily houses Level III and Level IV inmates, which are considered medium to high-security risk prisoners.

Contact Information

Address: 2302 Brown Road, Imperial, CA 92251
Phone: (760) 337-7900
Website: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/facility-locator/cen/

How to Locate an Inmate

To locate an inmate at CEN, you can use the CDCR Inmate Locator tool available on their website: https://inmatelocator.cdcr.ca.gov/

Visitation Information and Hours

Visiting hours are typically Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. However, it's essential to check the CDCR website or contact the facility directly for the most up-to-date information and any COVID-19 related restrictions.

How to Send Money

You can send money to inmates at CEN through the following methods:

  • Online: JPay
  • Phone: 1-800-574-5729
  • MoneyGram: Use Receive Code 1279

Phone Calls and Video Options

Inmates can make collect calls or use pre-paid phone accounts. Video visitation may be available, but you should check with the facility for current options and procedures.

Inmate Services and Programs

CEN offers various educational, vocational, and rehabilitative programs, including:

  • Academic education (GED, college courses)
  • Vocational training
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Anger management
  • Religious services

Security and Management Information

As a Level III and IV facility, CEN has high-security measures in place, including armed perimeter guards, electric fences, and controlled movement of inmates.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Inmates have the right to legal representation and visits from their attorneys. Family and friends can visit during designated hours, subject to approval and facility rules.

Booking and Release Process

Inmates are typically transferred to CEN from reception centers after being processed into the state prison system. The release process involves coordination with parole officers or probation departments, depending on the terms of release.

Frequently Asked Questions

What items can I bring to visitation?

Visitors are generally allowed to bring a small clear plastic bag with identification, car keys, and a small amount of cash for vending machines. All other items must be approved by the facility.

How often can inmates receive packages?

Inmates are typically allowed to receive quarterly packages, with specific restrictions on content and weight. Check with the facility for current guidelines.

What medical services are available to inmates?

CEN provides basic medical, dental, and mental health services to inmates. More specialized care may require transfer to other facilities or outside hospitals.

General Visiting and Contacting Information

We provide detailed visiting and contact information for California State Prison - Centinela (CEN). If you are have completed a California State Prison - Centinela (CEN) inmate search and have located an inmate, the information on this page will help you to stay in contact. We help you send money to jail, send & receive text messages, and provide the address for in-person visits.

Sending Money

Inmates who are currently imprisoned in California State Prison - Centinela (CEN) can receive money into their commissary account via money order, check or cash. Inmate visitors can also deposit money directly into the inmate's account at prison administrative office. Note: When sending the money via money order or check, mention the inmate id and full name on the back of the slip.

Sending a Package / Mail

You can send any mail to the inmates who are imprisoned in California State Prison - Centinela (CEN). Please send the mail or package to the address mentioned below.

Inmate Name,

Inmate ID,

2302 Brown Road, Imperial, CA, 92251-0731

Please make sure the mail or package that you are sending comes under the list of approved items. For further clarification on the allowed items, contact the prison administration directly on 760-337-7900 .

Note: In case you want to send packages, you need to get prior approval from the prison administration. Contact the prison / jail staff for more information.

Phone calls

Inmates can call to any person outside who are on the approved members list between 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The cost of the call is beared by the receiver and the call can be of maximum 30 minutes. During rush hours, the calling time is reduced drastically to 10 minutes.

Visitation Rules

You need to get yourself registered in the visitors list before visiting any inmate in the prison. If you are visiting someone in California State Prison - Centinela (CEN), make sure you are in approved visitors list. Confirm with the prison authorities before coming to visit the inmate.

Listed below are the basic visitation rules which one must adhere to:

  • Visitor must not be a prior felon.
  • Visitor must have a valid government ID.
  • A legal guardian must be accompanied for children below 16 years of age.

California State Prison - Centinela (CEN) Inmate Searcher

Fill out the form below and receive a detailed report on an inmate. This includes current and previous arrest records, social media handles, current and previous addresses & phone numbers.

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Steps to follow for finding
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California State Prison - Centinela (CEN) driving directions

You can use the map plotted on the righ to find the driving directions to California State Prison - Centinela (CEN).

General Stats for California

California Total Number of Inmates

176,449

California Total No. of Inmates

Number of people under Probation Supervision

183,334

Number of people under Probation Supervision

Prison population rate

259

Prison population rate: 100,000 residents

Parole Population

110,349

Parole Population

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

40,878

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

Sex

Sex

%

Total

Male

96.14

97,474

Female

3.86

3,915

Youth

Type

%

Total

Committed

49.75

2,055

Detained

48.58

2,007

Diverted

0.29

12

Prisons and Jails in California