Pelican Bay State Prison

Security is taken very seriously at the prison. All jury members were checked for ID’s when entering the prison at the main security gate. Grand Jury members were given security passes, asked to sign in and out of the prison, and required to show ID’s when entering and leaving each lock down area.

The prison currently employs 1,421 people, 1000 of whom are custodial employees. Pelican Bay Prison is currently short approximately 100 Corrections Officers; therefore many officers are asked to work double shifts to maintain security.

Pelican Bay operates its own psychiatric unit, hospital, dental facility, pharmacy, and fire department; however inmates are frequently treated by physicians at Sutter Coast Hospital in Crescent City and specialists from out of the area.

Inmates have educational programs available to them such as general education courses, high school diploma, literacy, and college courses; additionally Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other mental health programs are available to the inmates as well. 41

There are many different religious services available to the inmates. Inmates are allowed to have family visits on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. There are four housing facilities available for overnight visits.

There have been no escapes from Pelican Bay’s maximum security prison since its inception in 1989.

Pelican Bay State Prison is a well-run institution. All staff is well-trained and does an excellent job maintaining security.

Pelican Bay State prison is extremely expensive to operate. The cost to California taxpayers to house one general population (GP) inmate is $58,324 per year; one security housing unit (SHU) inmate is $70,641 per year; one administrative segregation unit (ASU) inmate is $77,740; one psychiatric services unit inmate (PSU) is $71,857 per year; and one Level 1 inmate $43,640 per year. In addition, operating costs at Pelican Bay State Prison continue to increase yearly.