Imperial, CA California State Prison (CEN) View
California State Prison, Centinela (CEN) is a state correctional facility in Imperial, California, operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). It primarily houses sentenced adult male inmates who have been committed to state custody by the courts. It is not a county jail and generally does not serve as a local booking facility for newly arrested pretrial detainees. Its role is to provide secure housing, supervision, programs, and services for people serving state prison sentences within California’s correctional system.
Contact and Location Information
How to Find an Inmate at California State Prison (CEN)
For this state prison, the public should use the official CDCR inmate locator or the official inmate search link available on this page. County jail rosters often list a person’s name, booking date, charges, and custody status, but state prison search results may instead show the inmate’s name, CDCR number, age, admission date, current facility, and custody information. Records do not always appear immediately after arrest, booking, or transfer. Processing can take several hours, and state prison transfer information may take longer to update. 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 (CEN)?
Visitors usually must be approved before they can visit here. Check the facility’s visiting rules, schedule, and appointment requirements before traveling, because visiting days and times can change.
What do I need to bring when visiting California State Prison (CEN)?
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Follow the dress code and do not bring prohibited items, as visitors may be searched before entry.
How do I make phone or video calls with an inmate?
Inmates generally must place outgoing calls through the approved phone provider; families usually cannot call an inmate directly. Video visits may be available depending on facility policy, scheduling, and the inmate’s eligibility.
How do I send mail to an inmate?
Use the inmate’s full name, CDCR number, and the facility mailing address. Mail is inspected, and items such as cash, prohibited photos, contraband, or unauthorized materials may be rejected.
How does the commissary work?
Commissary allows inmates to buy approved items such as snacks, hygiene products, and writing supplies. Families can usually add money to an inmate’s trust account through the approved CDCR payment vendor, subject to rules and limits.
How is bail set and how do I post bond at California State Prison (CEN)?
Because this is a state prison, inmates here are usually serving sentences and bail is not normally posted at the facility. If the person has a pending case, contact the court or the county jail that handled the arrest for bail or bond information.
What happens during the intake process at California State Prison (CEN) and when will the inmate appear in the system?
During intake, staff verify identity, review records, assess housing and security needs, and complete medical and classification steps. Online records may take several hours or longer to update after booking, transfer, or intake, so the inmate may not appear right away.