Pelican Bay State Prison

The in–house infirmary is well­stocked and offers many services for the inmates. Dental, ​ Optometry, X­Rays, disease and wound care are available on site. Telemedicine is being utilized on an increasing basis for medical issues requiring outside expertise.

The classrooms are clean. Courses include, computer literacy classes, Adult Basic Education ​ classes, Arts in the Prison and college courses leading to a BA/BS degree. The GED is being administered on site.

Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotic Anonymous, Choices for Common Ground, Incarcerated ​ Veterans and Reaching Out Convicts to Kids (ROCK) are programs available to inmates. 45

Various paid work assignments are available to inmates. ​

The SHU (Secured Housing Area) has implemented a “Security Threat Group Step Down ​ Program”, where inmates may return to the General Population upon completion of all 5 designated steps. Phone Calls and extra vendor packages are allowed after completing certain steps. These inmates have access to physical activity, visiting, library and legal representation while confined to the SHU.

The Fire Crew of Pelican Bay employs and trains 8 inmates from the minimum security area ​ of the prison. These inmates live and work in the Prison Fire House. Various certifications are available to inmates. Upon completion of these diverse training opportunities, there is potential for employment in emergency services once the inmates are released from the prison system.

Pelican Bay State Prison has on­staff a Crisis Response Team (CRT) that is highly trained ​ and well­equipped. Specific officers are trained in negotiations, especially for use in hostage situations. The main objective of the CRT Team is to diffuse any crisis by utilizing their expertise in special tactics and negotiations and bring it to a non­ violent resolution.

The atmosphere of the complex is one of professionalism where security is stressed at all ​ times.