Colorado State Penitentiary (CSP) - Inmate Guide
Overview of the Facility
Colorado State Penitentiary (CSP) is a maximum-security prison located in Cañon City, Colorado. It is part of the Colorado Department of Corrections and is known for housing some of the state's most dangerous offenders. The facility operates on a 23-hour lockdown system, with inmates spending most of their time in single-occupancy cells.
Contact Information
Address: Colorado State Penitentiary, E US Highway 50, Cañon City, CO 81215
Phone: (719) 269-5100
Website: Colorado Department of Corrections - CSP
How to Locate an Inmate
To locate an inmate at CSP, use the Colorado Department of Corrections Inmate Locator tool available on their website. You will need the inmate's full name or DOC number to perform a search.
Visitation Information and Hours
Due to the high-security nature of CSP, visitation is strictly regulated. All visits are non-contact and conducted through video visitation systems. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitor list and schedule appointments in advance. For the most current visitation schedule and procedures, contact the facility directly.
How to Send Money
Funds can be sent to inmates at CSP through the following methods:
- Online: Use JPay for electronic deposits
- Mail: Send money orders to JPay, P.O. Box 173070, Hialeah, FL 33017
- Phone: Call 1-800-574-5729 to make a deposit using a credit or debit card
Phone Calls and Video Options
Inmates at CSP have limited access to phone calls. They can make collect calls or use pre-paid phone accounts managed by GTL (Global Tel Link). Video visitation is the primary form of visitation at this facility.
Inmate Services and Programs
Due to the high-security nature of CSP, programs and services are limited. Some available services include:
- Mental health counseling
- Religious services
- Limited educational programs
- Law library access
History of the Facility
Colorado State Penitentiary opened in 1993 as a response to the need for a more secure facility to house the state's most violent offenders. It was designed to be a "supermax" prison, with advanced security features and strict inmate management protocols.
Security and Management Information
CSP is a Level V facility, the highest security level in the Colorado prison system. The prison utilizes advanced technology, including surveillance cameras and electronic locking systems. Inmates are closely monitored, and movement within the facility is highly restricted.
Legal and Visitation Rights
Inmates at CSP have the right to legal counsel and can access the law library. Visitation rights are limited due to security concerns, but inmates are allowed video visitation with approved visitors. All communication is monitored and recorded, except for privileged legal communications.
Booking and Release Process
Inmates are not directly booked into CSP from county jails. They are typically transferred from other facilities within the Colorado Department of Corrections system. The release process involves a thorough review of the inmate's behavior and risk assessment before they can be considered for transfer to a lower-security facility or release.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mailing address for inmates at CSP?
Inmate Name, DOC Number
Colorado State Penitentiary
P.O. Box 777
Cañon City, CO 81215-0777
Are inmates allowed to receive packages?
No, inmates at CSP are not allowed to receive packages directly. All items must be purchased through approved vendors or the prison commissary.
How often are inmates allowed out of their cells?
Inmates at CSP are typically confined to their cells for 23 hours a day. They are allowed one hour of recreation time, which may be solitary or in small groups, depending on their status and behavior.
Notable Inmates
Some notable inmates who have served time at Colorado State Penitentiary include:
- Nathan Dunlap - Convicted for the 1993 Chuck E. Cheese murders in Aurora, Colorado.
- Edward Montour Jr. - Convicted of killing a corrections officer while serving a life sentence for murdering his infant daughter.
- Robert Ray - Sentenced to death for his role in the murders of Javad Marshall-Fields and his fiancée Vivian Wolfe in 2005.
- Sir Mario Owens - Convicted and sentenced to death for the same murders as Robert Ray.
