Chowchilla, CA Valley State Prison (VSP) View
Valley State Prison (VSP) is a California state prison in Chowchilla, Madera County. It is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), not the county sheriff. The facility primarily houses sentenced adult inmates serving state prison terms, rather than people held only for pretrial detention. VSP is part of California’s state correctional system and supports custody, supervision, programs, and reentry services for people committed to CDCR by the courts.
Contact and Location Information
How to Find an Inmate at Valley State Prison (VSP)
To find someone at Valley State Prison, use the official inmate search link available on this page for the facility roster or CDCR locator. Inmate records typically list the person’s name, CDCR number or booking identifier, custody status, housing or facility location, and basic case or commitment information. County jail rosters may also show booking date and charges, but state prison records focus on sentenced custody information. New records may take several hours to appear after intake or transfer, so the person may not be searchable immediately. If no result appears, check the spelling, try again later, or contact the facility or CDCR for guidance.
FAQs
How do I visit an inmate at Valley State Prison (VSP)?
Visits are usually scheduled through the facility’s approved visiting process. You may need to be on the inmate’s approved visitor list before you can schedule or attend a visit.
What do I need to bring when visiting Valley State Prison (VSP)?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and follow all dress code and entry rules. Leave prohibited items at home or secured outside the visiting area, because entry screening is required.
How do I make phone or video calls with an inmate?
Inmates generally cannot receive incoming calls, but they may place approved outgoing calls through the facility’s phone system. Video visits, if available, must be scheduled under the facility’s current rules and service provider procedures.
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Use the inmate’s full name, CDCR number if known, and the facility mailing address. Mail is screened, and items such as cash, contraband, or unapproved materials may be rejected.
How does the commissary work?
Inmates may be able to buy approved food, hygiene items, and other basic goods through commissary. Family and friends can usually add funds through the approved deposit system, subject to limits and processing rules.
How is bail set and how do I post bond at Valley State Prison (VSP)?
This is a state prison that generally holds sentenced inmates, so bail or bond is usually not handled here. Bail questions are normally handled by the court or county jail where the person’s criminal case or pretrial custody is managed.
What happens during the intake process at Valley State Prison (VSP) and when will the inmate appear in the system?
During intake, staff confirm identity, review records, assign housing, and complete health and security screening. Records may take several hours or longer to update after arrival or transfer, so the inmate may not appear in the search system right away.