CDCR-Folsom State Prison (FSP)

State Prison

Last Updated: February 16, 2025
Address
300 Prison Rd, Represa, CA 95671
Beds
4427
County
Sacramento
Phone
916-985-2561
Mailing Address
PO Box 715071, Represa, CA 95671

FSP is for State Prison offenders sentenced anywhere from one year to life by the State Court in the county where the charges were filed

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for State - medium facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of CDCR-Folsom State Prison (FSP)

You can support your loved ones at FSP on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 916-985-2561.

Located at 300 Prison Rd in Represa, CA, FSP carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. FSP 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-Folsom State Prison (FSP) 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.

Folsom State Prison (FSP) is comprised of several facilities catering to medium-security male and female inmates, as well as those in minimum security adjacent to the California State Prison at Sacramento. FSP has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1858 and has been at the forefront of inmate rehabilitation and correctional services.

FSP's A Facility houses medium-custody male inmates, while B Facility, also known as Folsom Women’s, accommodates medium-custody female inmates. Additionally, FSP includes a Minimum Support Facility for male inmates.

FSP, California's second-oldest prison, was authorized for construction by the state legislature in 1858. Construction began in 1878, establishing one of the nation's first maximum-security prisons. In July 1880, FSP received its first 44 inmates, who were transported by boat from San Quentin State Prison to Sacramento and then by train to the prison. Situated strategically due to its access to native granite stone and the American River, FSP was built by inmate laborers. It became known for its maximum-security designation and witnessed numerous escape attempts before the completion of the granite wall in the 1920s.

Inmate Programs at Folsom State Prison (FSP) are multifaceted and designed to promote rehabilitation and skill development among the inmate population. Under the auspices of the Prison Industry Authority (PIA), inmates engage in various enterprises, including the operation of the License Plate Factory, Sign Shop, Furniture Shop, Metal Fabrication, Print Shop, and Digital Services. These initiatives provide inmates with valuable vocational training and work experience.

Moreover, FSP offers a range of vocational programs aimed at equipping inmates with practical skills for future employment opportunities. These programs encompass Masonry, Building Maintenance, Office Services, Welding (AWS Standards), and Auto Mechanics (ASE Certification), allowing inmates to acquire industry-specific expertise.

Academic offerings at FSP are diverse and cater to the educational needs of the inmate population. Adult Basic Education (ABE), General Education Development (GED), Adult High School (AHS), and English as a Second Language programs are available to inmates, facilitating their intellectual growth and educational attainment.

Additionally, FSP provides a wide array of supplementary programs to support inmates in their personal development and reintegration into society. These include Correctional Learning Network (CLN), Community Crews, Self-Help Groups (AA/NA), Youth Diversion, Parenting, Fitness For Life, Healthful Living, Library services, Military Veteran’s Group, and college programs. These initiatives foster a supportive and conducive environment for inmates to explore new interests and develop important life skills.

Furthermore, FSP offers specialized programs tailored to assist inmates with their re-entry into society. The Alpha Re-Entry Program and California New Start Prison to Employment Transition Program focus on providing inmates with essential life skills, re-entry preparation, and employment transition support, thereby increasing their chances of successful rehabilitation and integration.

Lastly, within the framework of the Departmental Reentry Program (DRP), FSP offers the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT), which provides comprehensive treatment pathways through Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) programs. These programs, including Intensive Outpatient, Outpatient, and Life Skills modules, aim to address substance use disorders and promote positive behavioral change among participants.

Inmate Locator

FSP maintains a database of current inmates and their locations within the system. To locate an inmate, begin by using the DOC locator tool, which requires entering the first three letters of the inmate's first and last name, allowing for variations in spelling.

If unable to locate the desired information through free resources, users may opt to use the Arrest Record Search, which requires payment. While this option incurs a small fee, it provides access to the most up-to-date data available.

Get an Arrest Record immediately.

Visitation Information

Visiting an incarcerated person: learn how to visit an incarcerated person at our institutions.

Other Resources: explore family & friends resources, including how to contact or send packages to those incarcerated in our institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

CDCR-Folsom State Prison (FSP) – FAQs

  1. What is a state prison?
      A state prison is a correctional facility operated by the California Department of Corrections, housing individuals convicted of state crimes. Inmates typically serve sentences longer than one year. State prisons have different security levels and provide rehabilitation, education, and work programs.

  2. How do state prisons differ from federal prisons?
      State prisons hold offenders convicted of crimes under state laws, while federal prisons house those convicted of federal offenses. State prisons are managed by state DOCs and vary in policies, security levels, and resources. Federal prisons, run by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP), often have more structured programs and uniform policies nationwide.

  3. What are the different security levels in state prisons?
      State prisons are classified as minimum, medium, or maximum security, based on inmate risk assessments. Minimum-security facilities house non-violent offenders with lower risks. Medium-security prisons have higher security protocols and structured daily routines. Maximum-security prisons, or supermax facilities, house the most dangerous offenders with strict confinement measures.

  4. How are inmates classified in state prisons?
      Classification is based on criminal history, sentence length, behavior, and medical or mental health needs. The DOC assesses inmates upon intake to determine their housing assignment, work eligibility, and rehabilitative program access. Inmates may be reclassified based on behavior or security concerns.

  5. What types of programs are offered in state prisons?
      State prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, substance abuse counseling, mental health treatment, religious programs, and work release opportunities. Many prisons collaborate with colleges and trade schools to provide certificates in fields such as welding, plumbing, and computer technology.

  6. Can inmates earn early release from state prisons?
      Some inmates qualify for parole, good behavior credits, or sentence reduction programs. State laws determine eligibility based on offense type, institutional behavior, and participation in rehabilitation programs. Some states offer compassionate release for elderly or terminally ill inmates.

  7. How do state prisons handle medical care for inmates?
      Inmates receive basic medical, dental, and mental health care inside the facility. For specialized care, they may be transported to hospitals under security escort. State DOCs often contract with private healthcare providers such as Corizon Health, Wellpath, and Centurion Health.

  8. Are state prison inmates allowed to work?
      Yes, inmates can work within the prison (kitchen, janitorial, maintenance) or in prison industries (manufacturing, farming, sewing, furniture-making). Some states allow inmates to participate in work-release programs, where they work outside the prison and return at night. Inmate workers may earn small wages (often $0.10 to $2.00 per hour) depending on the job.

  9. What are the visitation rules for state prisons?
      Visitation varies by facility but generally requires pre-approval of visitors, background checks, dress codes, and scheduled visiting hours. Some prisons allow contact visits (where inmates and visitors can hug or hold hands), while others allow only non-contact visits (separated by glass). Video visitation services are provided by companies like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions.

  10. Can inmates receive mail and packages?
      Yes, inmates can receive letters, photos, and books, but all mail is screened for contraband. Some state prisons require mail to be sent through third-party processors, which convert letters into digital copies. Packages with clothing or hygiene items must often be ordered through approved vendors like Access Securepak, InmateCanteen, JailCanteeniCareGifts, MyCarePack or Union Supply Group.

  11. How do phone calls work in state prisons?
      Inmates can make outgoing calls to approved numbers through prison phone services, but cannot receive calls. Calls are typically monitored and recorded. Services like GTL (ViaPath), Securus, and IC Solutions provide prepaid accounts for families to deposit funds for calls. Some states offer tablet-based calls with limited messaging services.

  12. What are the disciplinary rules in state prisons?
      Inmates must follow prison regulations regarding behavior, movement, and interactions with staff and other inmates. Infractions like fighting, possession of contraband, or rule violations can result in loss of privileges, solitary confinement, or additional time added to their sentence.

  13. Do state prisons offer religious services?
      Yes, state prisons have chaplains and religious volunteers who provide services for various faiths. Many facilities offer Bible study groups, prayer meetings, and religious dietary accommodations for inmates who follow specific religious beliefs.

  14. How does parole work in state prisons?
      Inmates eligible for parole must appear before a parole board, which reviews their behavior, program participation, and risk to society. If granted parole, inmates serve the remainder of their sentence under supervision in the community, following specific rules such as curfews and employment requirements.

  15. Can inmates transfer between state prisons?
      Yes, inmates may be transferred for medical needs, security risks, disciplinary actions, or administrative reasons. Some may request transfers to be closer to family, but approvals depend on facility capacity and eligibility requirements.

  16. What happens when an inmate finishes their sentence?
      Inmates released from state prison may receive reentry services, such as job training, housing assistance, and substance abuse counseling. Some states require certain inmates to remain under supervision (such as parole or probation) after release.

  17. Are state prisons overcrowded?
      Many states struggle with overcrowding due to high incarceration rates. Solutions include alternative sentencing programs, early release initiatives, and building new facilities to accommodate growing populations.

  18. How can family members send money to an inmate?
      Families can deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account through services like JPay, ConnectNetwork, or  Access Corrections. Money is used for purchasing snacks, hygiene items, and phone calls. Some states have limits on how much an inmate can receive per month.

  19. Do state prisons offer educational opportunities?
      Yes, many prisons provide GED classes, college courses, and vocational training programs. Some offer Pell Grants for inmates to take college-level courses. Popular vocational programs include auto repair, HVAC, and culinary arts.

  20. Can inmates be placed in protective custody?
      Yes, inmates who are at risk of harm due to gang conflicts, former law enforcement ties, or other safety concerns can be placed in protective custody (PC). These inmates are housed separately from the general population, often with limited movement and privileges for their safety.

Ask The Inmate

Connect directly with former inmates and get your questions answered for free. Gain valuable insights from individuals with firsthand experience in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and GEO and CoreCivic-run private prisons. Whether you're seeking advice, clarification, or just curious about life behind bars, this unique opportunity allows you to ask questions or explore answers to previous inquiries from the InmateAid community. Engage in meaningful discussions and get informed perspectives from those who truly understand the system.