Imperial, CA California State Prison, Centinela (CEN) View
California State Prison, Centinela (CEN) is a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation state prison in Imperial, Imperial County, California. It is a state correctional facility, not a county jail, and primarily houses adult male inmates sentenced to state prison terms. It does not generally serve as the local booking facility for new arrests or pretrial detainees; those cases are usually handled by county jails and the courts before any state-prison commitment. CEN’s role is to provide secure custody, supervision, and correctional programming for people committed to CDCR by California courts.
Contact and Location Information
How to Find an Inmate at California State Prison, Centinela (CEN)
Members of the public can search for a person in custody using the official inmate search link available on this page. County jail rosters commonly list a person’s name, booking date, charges, and custody status; for a California state prison, the CDCR locator may also show a CDCR number, current institution, and basic custody information. Records are not always searchable immediately after arrest, booking, or transfer. Processing and data entry can take several hours, and newly received or transferred inmates may not appear right away. If no result appears, check spelling, try again later, or contact the facility or CDCR for guidance.
FAQs
How do I visit an inmate at California State Prison, Centinela (CEN)?
Visits at the facility are generally scheduled under CDCR visiting rules. Visitors should confirm the inmate’s eligibility, complete any required visitor approval process, and check the current visiting schedule before traveling.
What do I need to bring when visiting California State Prison, Centinela (CEN)?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Follow the facility’s dress code and property rules, because items such as phones, bags, and certain clothing may not be allowed inside.
How do I make phone or video calls with an inmate?
Inmates usually cannot receive incoming personal calls. They may place approved outgoing calls or use approved video services if available, and families may need to create an account with the facility’s authorized communications provider.
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Address mail with the inmate’s full name, CDCR number, and the facility mailing address. Mail is inspected, and items such as cash, contraband, or unapproved materials may be rejected, so check current CDCR mail rules before sending anything.
How does the commissary work?
Inmates may be able to buy approved items such as hygiene products, snacks, and writing supplies through commissary. Family and friends can usually add money through approved deposit methods, but limits, fees, and posting times can vary.
How is bail set and how do I post bond at California State Prison, Centinela (CEN)?
The facility is a state prison for sentenced inmates, so bail is usually not handled here. Bail or bond questions normally apply before sentencing and should be directed to the county jail, the court handling the case, or the inmate’s attorney.
What happens during the intake process at California State Prison, Centinela (CEN) and when will the inmate appear in the system?
During intake, staff confirm identity, review records, assign housing, screen for medical and safety needs, and enter information into custody systems. Records may take several hours or longer to appear online after booking, transfer, or processing, so search results may not show immediately.