North Kern State Prison: The Inside Story of One of California’s Toughest Correctional Facilities
Visiting North Kern State Prison
Planning Your Visit
If you intend to visit an inmate at North Kern State Prison, there are some essential steps to follow. First and foremost, you must complete an approved visitors’ application in advance.
Visiting Hours
Visiting hours are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. It’s important to note that if you arrive after 2:00 pm, you will not be permitted to visit. Additionally, the prison allows visits on four holidays: New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Online Scheduling
To streamline the visiting process, North Kern State Prison now offers the convenience of scheduling a visiting appointment online. This modern approach ensures a smoother experience for both visitors and inmates.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or concerns, you can reach out to North Kern State Prison using the following contact details:
- Physical Address:
North Kern State Prison
2737 West Cecil Avenue
Delano, CA 93215 - Telephone:
(661) 721-2345
Inmate Mailing Address
If you need to send mail to an inmate, ensure you use the correct mailing address format:
- Inmate Name, ID Number
A Yard
PO Box 5000
Delano, CA 93215-5000 - Inmate Name, ID Number
B Yard
PO Box 4999
Delano, CA 93216-4999 - Inmate Name, ID Number
C Yard
PO Box 5004
Delano, CA 93216-5004 - Inmate Name, ID Number
D Yard
PO Box 5005
Delano, CA 93215-5005 - Inmate Name, ID Number
E Yard
PO Box 5000
Delano, CA 93215-5000
Introduction
North Kern State Prison, located in Delano, California, is one of the most notorious correctional facilities in the state. This maximum-security prison is known for housing some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in California, and it has a reputation for being a tough and unforgiving place to be incarcerated. In this article, we will explore the history, operations, and controversies surrounding North Kern State Prison.
History of North Kern State Prison
North Kern State Prison was opened in 1993 as a response to overcrowding in California’s prison system. It was built on the site of an old prison farm and was originally designed to house about 4,400 inmates. However, due to the ongoing problems of overcrowding in California’s prison system, North Kern State Prison quickly became filled beyond capacity, and today it houses over 5,700 inmates.
Operations at North Kern State Prison
North Kern State Prison is a maximum-security prison that houses some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in California. The prison is divided into different yards, with each yard housing a different security level of inmates. The highest-security yard is called the Security Housing Unit (SHU), which is where the most dangerous and violent inmates are housed.
The prison also has a number of programs and services designed to help inmates rehabilitate and prepare for reentry into society. These include educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
Controversies Surrounding North Kern State Prison
Despite its efforts to provide services and programs to inmates, North Kern State Prison has been plagued by controversies and criticisms over the years. One of the most significant controversies is the use of solitary confinement in the Security Housing Unit. Critics argue that the use of long-term solitary confinement is cruel and inhumane and can have serious negative effects on an inmate’s mental health.
Another controversy surrounding North Kern State Prison is the issue of overcrowding. The prison has been consistently overcrowded since its opening, and this has led to a number of problems, including violence, inadequate medical care, and poor living conditions for inmates.
Violence at North Kern State Prison
North Kern State Prison has a reputation for being a violent and dangerous place, and unfortunately, this reputation is not unfounded. The prison has seen a number of violent incidents over the years, including riots, stabbings, and assaults on staff members.
The prison has taken steps to address the issue of violence, including increasing staffing levels and implementing new security measures. However, violence remains a serious problem at North Kern State Prison.
Conclusion
North Kern State Prison is one of the toughest and most notorious correctional facilities in California. While it provides a range of services and programs to inmates, it has been plagued by controversies and criticisms over the years, particularly in regards to the use of solitary confinement and issues of overcrowding. Violence is also a serious problem at the prison, and efforts to address this issue have been ongoing.
FAQs
- What is the Security Housing Unit at North Kern State Prison?
The Security Housing Unit (SHU) is the highest-security yard at North Kern State Prison, where the most dangerous and violent inmates are housed.
- How has North Kern State Prison addressed the issue of overcrowding?
North Kern State Prison has taken steps to address the issue of overcrowding, including increasing staffing levels and implementing new security measures. However, the prison remains consistently overcrowded.
- What kinds of programs and services does North Kern State Prison offer to inmates?
North Kern State Prison offers a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
- What is the history of North Kern State Prison?
North Kern State Prison was opened in 1993 as a response to overcrowding in California’s prison system. It was built on the site of an old prison farm and was designed to house about 4,400 inmates. However, due to ongoing problems of overcrowding in California’s prison system, North Kern State Prison quickly became filled beyond capacity and today it houses over 5,700 inmates.
- What steps has North Kern State Prison taken to address the issue of violence?
North Kern State Prison has taken steps to address the issue of violence, including increasing staffing levels, implementing new security measures, and providing additional training to staff members. However, violence remains a serious problem at the prison.
- What criticisms have been leveled against North Kern State Prison?
North Kern State Prison has been criticized for a number of issues, including the use of long-term solitary confinement, inadequate medical care, and poor living conditions for inmates. The prison has also faced criticism for its handling of violence and its efforts to address the issue of overcrowding.
- How does North Kern State Prison compare to other correctional facilities in California?
North Kern State Prison is one of the largest and most notorious correctional facilities in California. It has a reputation for being a tough and unforgiving place to be incarcerated, and it houses some of the most dangerous and violent criminals in the state.
- What impact does overcrowding have on inmates at North Kern State Prison?
Overcrowding at North Kern State Prison can have a number of negative effects on inmates, including increased violence, inadequate medical care, and poor living conditions. It can also make it more difficult for inmates to participate in programs and services designed to help them rehabilitate and prepare for reentry into society.
In conclusion, North Kern State Prison is a maximum-security correctional facility in California that has a reputation for being a tough and unforgiving place to be incarcerated. Despite its efforts to provide programs and services to inmates, the prison has been plagued by controversies and criticisms over the years, particularly in regards to the use of solitary confinement and issues of overcrowding. Violence is also a serious problem at the prison, and efforts to address this issue have been ongoing.
