CDCR-California Correctional Institution (CCI)

You can support your loved ones at CCI on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 661-822-4402.

Located at 24900 Hwy 202 PO Box 1031 in Tehachapi, CA, CCI carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. CCI offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on CDCR-California Correctional Institution (CCI) so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Located in the Cummings Valley region, the CCI has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1933. Originally established as a facility for incarcerated women, it was later repurposed as a male institution in 1954. However, its roots as a women's facility trace back even further to 1932 when it served as the original California Institution for Women, marking it as the state's first women's correctional facility.

Over the years, CCI has undergone significant developments to meet the changing needs of the correctional system. In 1985 and 1986, the state invested in constructing two new maximum-security facilities, followed by the addition of a high-medium custody facility in the subsequent year. These expansions enhanced CCI's capacity and capabilities to accommodate various custody levels.

As of September 2021, CCI spans 1,650 acres and comprises several housing levels, including Level I, II, III, and IV, each offering different security measures and accommodations. The facility includes a Security Housing Unit (SHU), designed as the most secure area within a Level IV prison, and a Reception Center (RC) tasked with processing, classifying, and evaluating incoming inmates. In recent years, CCI decided to deactivate its original minimum-security facility due to a decline in the minimum-custody population statewide, reflecting the institution's ongoing adaptations to changing trends and needs within the correctional system.