Centinela State Prison Inspection

Centinela State Prison is reportedly operating efficiently and effectively.

Like many other prisons in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, overcrowding of inmates is a problem at the Centinela facility. Dormitory style beds (called e-beds or ugly beds) are used in the common areas of seven housing units to provide sleeping and living quarters for approximately 280 inmates. These beds are not in conventional cells and pose special safety and security challenges for correctional staff. Prison officials anticipate deactivating the e-beds during the coming year. In addition, the prison uses two former gymnasiums on two yards to house approximately 27 120 inmates in dormitory style settings. Officials anticipate that these facilities also will be deactivated by the end of 2009.

During the past twelve months, about 135 inmates were released to Imperial County from Centinela State Prison. The majority of these inmates consisted of Parole Violators With a New Term (PVWNT) who had their parole revoked, were resentenced, and finally released again from prison. Prison officials estimate an additional 120 inmates will be released into Imperial County over the next twelve months.

There were no escapes or escape attempts during the past year.

There were no suicides, but there were three suicide attempts during the past year.

In 2007, there were 33 incidents of battery on staff and 130 incidents of battery on inmates.

The recent establishment of a Fabric Products manufacturing operation run by Prison Industries exemplifies the prison’s efforts to provide productive and meaningful rehabilitative programs for inmates. This practical program employs 38 inmates and produces approximately 2,200 men’s boxer shorts per day which it supplies to prison facilities throughout California.

Morale among staff is reportedly high.

The facilities examined during the tour were clean and well organized.

Prison administrators are proud of their relationship with the Imperial County community. Many of the prison’s employees are from the county, and many who have come to the area because of their employment have chosen to make it their home. Prison officials expressed a strong interest in working with the Imperial County community.