CDCR-Calipatria State Prison (CAL)

You can support your loved ones at CAL on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 760-348-7000.

Located at 7018 Blair Rd in Calipatria, CA, CAL carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. CAL 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-Calipatria State Prison (CAL) 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.

CAL, situated in the city of Calipatria, Imperial County, serves as a male-only state prison accommodating CDCR inmates across a spectrum of custody levels, from minimum to maximum. Notably, the facility also houses immigrants detained by Immigration and Naturalization (ICE), awaiting release. Despite its initial capacity expectations, CAL now grapples with an inmate population exceeding 4,100 individuals.

Renowned as the lowest prison in the Western Hemisphere, CAL sits approximately 184 feet below sea level, within the city limits of Calipatria. Spanning a total of 1,230 acres, with the prison occupying 300 acres, the institution faces challenges of overcrowding, evident in its occupancy rates exceeding 160%.

The primary mission of CAL is rooted in safeguarding public safety through secure custody, quality healthcare, and effective supervision of sentenced offenders. In tandem, the institution endeavors to cultivate a rehabilitative environment by promoting meaningful work assignments, vocational training, and educational opportunities for inmates, facilitating positive behavioral changes.

The secondary mission of CAL revolves around providing constructive work programs for inmates ineligible for conservation camp assignments. These initiatives encompass facility maintenance roles, food service positions, and other support assignments, contributing to inmate engagement and skill development.

CAL offers a diverse array of vocational studies aimed at equipping inmates with marketable skills for post-release employment. These programs, provided free of charge, empower individuals with expertise in auto body and paint, consumer electronics repair, carpentry, electrical work, masonry, and more, bolstering their prospects for sustainable livelihoods upon reintegration into society.

Despite operational challenges posed by overcrowding, CAL remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its dual mission of ensuring public safety and promoting offender rehabilitation. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing secure custody, vocational education, and rehabilitative programming, the institution strives to effect positive change in the lives of its inmates, ultimately contributing to safer communities and successful reintegration outcomes.