California High Desert State Prison: Inside the Facility

California High Desert State Prison (HDSP) is a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) facility. Incorporated in 1995 in the vicinity of Susanville in Lassen County California, it is a prison facility that holds prisoners in various custodial categories. The institution is an important place in California’s correctional system to secure the custody of inmates and help them rehabilitate through education, health care, and structured correctional programs.

In addition to day-to-day prison staffing, HDSP has the opportunity to provide eligible incarcerated individuals with academic education, career technical training, behavioral treatment, substance use recovery services, and reentry preparation. The facility complies with CDCR’s statewide policies on visitation, inmate communication, healthcare, and family services. Changes in institutional procedures and visitation requirements can occur, so it is important to check the current changes in such procedures and requirements before planning a visit or utilizing inmate services through official CDCR resources.

California High Desert State Prison Quick Facts

Information	Details
Official Name	High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
Operator	California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)
Location	Susanville, Lassen County, California
Physical Address	475-750 Rice Canyon Rd., Susanville, CA 96127
Opened	September 1995
Facility Type	California State Prison
Main Phone	(530) 251-5100
Official Resource	CDCR High Desert State Prison Facility Page

Where Is California High Desert State Prison Located?

High Desert State Prison is in Lassen County about eight miles east of Susanville in northeastern California. The facility is located in a rural area with adequate space for the prison and good access by major highways in the region.

It is located in a place that is conveniently close to Reno, Nevada, and Reno is one of the closest major cities to the institution from outside California.

Susanville and Lassen County

Lassen County seat and closest city to High Desert State Prison: Susanville. The area features mountains, forests, and recreational opportunities. Since the prison is situated away from the city centre, guests might want to take extra travel time once they’ve arrived in Susanville.

The facility was built on state land near the California Correctional Center (CCC) to allow some regional resources to be shared with the CCC, but CDCR runs both separately.

Nearby Cities and Transportation Access

While HDSP is in a rural area, it is accessible by road. California State Route 36 and U.S. Highway 395 are used by many visitors to travel by private vehicles. Northern Nevada visitors are likely to head first to Reno before heading northwest to Susanville.

Public transportation is not available in the immediate vicinity, so it is important to arrive by car. Visitors should check with the institution and with the parent or guardian for their date of visitation before leaving, as schedules may be subject to change due to operational or institutional needs.

Physical Address

High Desert State Prison (HDSP)
475-750 Rice Canyon Road
Susanville, CA 96127

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has the institution’s primary phone number and the current visitation policy. All visitors must obtain the most up-to-date contact information, directions, visitation procedures, and institutional announcements from the official CDCR facility page before traveling.

History of California High Desert State Prison

Planning and Construction

California High Desert State Prison (HDSP) was planned by the State of California when the prison system was in need of more facilities to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of inmates in the state. In July 1993, construction started on state property located close to Susanville in Lassen County. The site was chosen to be close to the California Correctional Center (CCC) so that certain regional infrastructure could be shared by both facilities while maintaining separate correctional facilities.

In September 1995, HDSP officially opened its doors to incarcerated persons after about two years of construction. It has been a part of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) since its inception and will still be governed by statewide correctional policies and standards.

When the Prison Opened

High Desert State Prison, one of California’s newer state prisons, opened its doors officially in 1995. The facility was designed in a manner that would allow for secure housing while meeting the long-term correctional objectives of CDCR.

In the years that followed, the prison has gone beyond its role of simply holding people in custody, with greater access to educational and vocational offerings, health and rehabilitation services, and programs for eligible prisoners. These programs are part of CDCR’s statewide efforts to prepare persons for successful reentry into society when appropriate.

Major Operational Changes Over the Years

As with other California correctional facilities, the evolution of HDSP has been a result of changes in CDCR policies. Improvements in rehabilitation services, educational opportunities, healthcare delivery, and institution-wide operational practices have been made.

The prison also reports to statewide programs and reporting systems that include data on prison operations, inmate counts, and various other performance metrics. These reports are made regularly, so those seeking the latest information on operations should check with the most current CDCR publications.

Security Levels and Housing Units

Custody Levels

High Desert State Prison is home to inmates who are held at various levels of custody by CDCR. Housing is determined by various factors including security needs, institutionalization, medical needs, classification review, etc.

CDCR, instead of placing all inmates in the same security classification, uses a classification procedure set by the department to assign an appropriate security classification for every inmate housed in the institution.

Housing Design

The prison has several housing units for various custody levels and requirements. Housing units offer secure supervision and access to approved educational, vocational, medical, and rehabilitative services.

In addition, there are specialized residential units available for residents with medical, mental health, and/or access needs that meet the requirements of the applicable CDCR policies.

Institution Security Features

HDSP employs several security protocols to keep staff, visitors, and incarcerated persons safe. They range from controlled movement procedures to secure housing units, electronic monitoring systems, perimeter security, and routine security inspections.

Operating procedures are subject to change as a function of institutional need, emergencies,s or statewide CDCR directives.

Who Is Housed at California High Desert State Prison?

Inmate Population

Adult incarcerated persons are committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and are housed at High Desert State Prison. The number of prisoners changes from one year to another because of transfer from one prison to another and because of the entry and exit of prisoners.

Therefore, CDCR reports on the facility overview page numbers that are updated as the population changes, rather than a fixed number.

Design Capacity

All California State prisons are designed for a certain number of inmates. Because of the changing requirements of correctional institutions in the state, the actual number of inmates housed in any institution may change at any given time depending on the availability of housing, court orders, correctional state needs, or CDCR decisions regarding population management.

The CDCR’s official statistical reports (available periodically) should be consulted by readers for the latest capacity information.

Accessibility and Specialized Housing

The institution has special facilities and services for people incarcerated who have a qualifying medical condition or disability. These are intended to enable access to health care, institutional programs and other essential services, in conjunction with institutional safety and security measures.

Females who qualify also may be provided medical care in the prison’s medical facilities in accordance with medical needs and CDCR policies.

Education, Career Training, and Rehabilitation Programs

One of CDCR’s main goals is to assist individuals in prison in getting ready for life after prison. Participants at California High Desert State Prison may be eligible for education, vocational, and rehabilitation programs to enhance job skills, personal growth and decrease the risk of recidivism. The programs are available depending on the operation of the institutions, security classification and eligibility of the individual.

Academic Education

HDSI provides academic programs for inmates to enhance their educational skills. Instruction can involve Adult Basic Education (ABE), High School Equivalency preparation, and/or other learning activities which contribute to literacy and academic achievement.

Education has a vital role in rehabilitation as it empowers the participants to build their core reading, writing, communication, problem-solving and other relevant skills, which may assist them in their post-release life.

Career Technical Education (CTE)

Career Technical Education is a delivery system for skilled trades and occupations. Eligible participants are able to receive hands-on training, depending on institutional programming and resources, to prepare for employment opportunities upon release from incarceration.

These programs are designed to prepare for work and a job, to build employment skills, and to promote career readiness on a permanent basis.

Behavioral and Recovery Programs

Additionally, HDSP advocates for rehabilitation with evidence-based behavioral programs. Qualifying prisoners can engage in programs such as substance abuse rehabilitation, cognitive behavioural therapy, anger management and other therapeutic programs to help address factors that are linked to criminal behavior.

Generally, participation is determined by individual case planning and CDCR rehabilitation objectives.

Reentry Services

Successful community reintegration is a process that starts prior to the person’s release. Reentry services can cover employment readiness, financial literacy, life skills, identification and community resource planning.

These services are designed to assist eligible participants to make successful post-sentence transitions.

How to Visit an Inmate

Positive relationships while incarcerated can be important in maintaining relationships with family and friends. The visitation program for High Desert State Prison is administered by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation using consistent statewide policies.

All visitors must be eligible to visit and be approved by the department’s visitor processing system before they can visit.

Visitor Eligibility

The majority of adult visitors have to apply for a visitor before they are granted permission. CDCR will review the background and approve as soon as possible (up to several weeks depending on individual circumstances).

Visitors are encouraged not to make travel plans until officially approved.

Scheduling a Visit

Visitations may be different for institutional operations and housing assignments. Most appointments are made via the CDCR’s visitation system.

Since schedules may vary based on operational requirements or institutional constraints, it is always best to check the most up-to-date information on the official CDCR website before visiting.

Identification Requirements

All adult visitors will need to bring proof of government-issued photo ID to the institution. Additionally, visitors might be required to pass security checkpoints prior to entering the visiting area.

If not identified or security concerns are not met, the visit may be denied.

Rules During Visitation

Visitors must abide by all institutional dress code, approved property, conduct and security procedures. Staff may end the visit if institutional rules are not followed.

It is helpful to read the official visitation guidelines prior to arrival to avoid delays or unanticipated problems at the visitation.

Mail, Phone Calls, Packages, and Money Transfers

Family and friends of inmates at California High Desert State Prison (HDSP) may keep in touch via approved mail, telephone, visitation and trust account services. California’s Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) sets security policies for all communications and financial transactions.

Sending Mail

Personal correspondence must include the incarcerated person’s full name and CDCR identification number to help ensure proper delivery.

Inmate Mailing Address

High Desert State Prison (HDSP)

P.O. Box 3030

Susanville, CA 96127-3030

Under CDCR regulations, all incoming mail is screened. Letters, approved photograph(s) and legal letters will usually be accepted, and prohibited items or enclosures may be refused or returned. Check the latest CDCR mail policies before mailing books, magazines, or other materials, since there may be other restrictions.

Phone Calls

HDSP inmates can make outbound calls through CDCR’s inmate phone system. No direct incoming calls from family members/friends to the person in prison.

Please send general enquiries about the Institution to:

Main Phone: (530) 251-5100

Any questions about inmate communications, visitation, or institutional issues can also be sent to the prison via the official CDCR facility page.

Sending Money

Money can be deposited into an incarcerated person’s trust account only through CDCR-approved payment methods. To prevent delays in processing, please confirm the entire name and CDCR number of the person you are sending money to before making a transfer.

Trust Account Mailing Address (for approved trust account correspondence)

HDSPO TO – High Desert State Prison Inmate Trust Office

P.O. Box 270249

Susanville, CA 96127

CDCR also offers electronic payments via its approved service providers. By employing official payment channels, deposits are ensured to be made securely and accurately.

Family Support Resources

Please check the latest notices from the institutions on the official CDCR High Desert State Prison Page before sending mail, money, or visiting. Operating procedures, visitation plans, mail rules can vary; please refer to the official CDCR website for the latest information.

How to Find an Inmate at California High Desert State Prison

California Incarcerated Records and Information Search (CIRIS) is the easiest method to find someone housed at California High Desert State Prison offered by CDCR. You can look up an incarcerated person in the database by either their name or their CDCR ID number who is in the California state prison system.

Using the Official CDCR Inmate Locator

For a search, you should go to the official CDCR inmate search page and make a search using the individual’s:

First and last name, or
CDCR identification number.

The system will offer information on custody basics and the institution that a person is in. Information may change if an incarcerated individual is transferred to another facility.

Information Required Before Searching

To get the best results, you need to have the following information on hand:

Full legal name
CDCR number (if known)
Approximate age or date of birth (if needed to distinguish similar names)

Employment Opportunities at California High Desert State Prison

Custody and non-custody staff are frequently hired at the High Desert State Prison by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. These roles may change or include correctional officers, healthcare workers, teachers, maintenance workers, administrative workers, and rehabilitation workers. Postings for current positions can be found on the HDSP facility page and on the statewide CDCR careers page.

Available Careers

Some career paths include:

Correctional Officer
Registered Nurse
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Education Staff, Teacher
Office Technician
Food Service Technician
Maintenance Mechanic
Psychologist and Mental Health Staff

How to Apply Through CDCR

Applications are made via the California State government employment process. Those interested are advised to read the vacancy notice, qualification and exam conditions before submitting their applications. The institution-specific vacancies are also linked to the facility page from this page.

Latest Reports, Statistics, and Official Updates

SB601 statistical reports are published quarterly for High Desert State Prison by CDCR. These reports also contain up-to-date data on inmate populations, personnel, vacancies, overtime, incidents, rehabilitative program participation, seizures of contraband and appeals, among other operational data. These statistics are current at the time of reporting and should not be taken as a reflection of older published statistics.

Its official noticeboard for the institution is also the most up-to-date place to find information on visits, contact details, and notices from the administrators of the institution.

Key Takeaways

California High Desert State Prison (HDSP) is a California state correctional facility that is operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The facility is near Susanville in Lassen County and serves as safe housing for eligible incarcerated persons while they receive education, vocational training, health care, rehabilitation, and reentry services. Always visit the CDCR websites for the most accurate information regarding visitation, inmate searches, contact information, and updates on the institutions, since the procedures and statistics can change over the course of time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is California High Desert State Prison located?

The prison is at 475-750 Rice Canyon Road, Susanville, California 96127, which is about 8 miles east of Susanville in Lassen County.

Who operates High Desert State Prison?

It is run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).

When did High Desert State Prison open?

Construction of the prison was completed in September 1995, with the first inmates being sent there.

How can I visit an inmate?

Visitors must be approved by CDCR before visiting. The official HDSP facility page lists the current requirements for and schedule of visitation.

How do I send mail to an inmate?

No personal mail shall be sent to the inmate’s address unless it is from the person who is incarcerated and includes his/her full name and CDCR identification number.

How can I send money?

CDCR-approved payment methods may be used to deposit funds, or through the instructions provided by CDCR for the inmate trust account.

Does High Desert State Prison offer rehabilitation programs?

Yes. Inmates are able to take part in academic education, Career Technical Education (CTE), cognitive behavioral therapy programs, substance use recovery programs, and reentry services if eligible.

Where can I find official updates?

The official High Desert State Prison page and the Office of Research website of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) have the latest reports, statistics, visitation notices, and institution announcements.