Avenal State Prison: General Overview

Avenal State Prison, located in Kings County, California, is a male-only correctional facility housing a mix of minimum- and medium-security inmates. Opened in 1987, Avenal State Prison was the first in California to be actively solicited by a local community, driven by economic growth ambitions. Currently, it can hold approximately 4,000 inmates and focuses on rehabilitation, offering extensive educational, vocational, and self-help programs to prepare inmates for reentry into society. These programs range from substance abuse treatment and anger management to vocational training and parenting programs.

Avenal State Prison

Avenal State Prison Contact Information

  • Address: 1 Kings Way, Avenal, CA 93204
  • Mailing Addresses (Facilities):
    • Facility C: P.O. Box 903, Avenal, CA 93204
    • Facility D: P.O. Box 904, Avenal, CA 93204
    • Facility E: P.O. Box 905, Avenal, CA 93204
    • Facility F: P.O. Box 906, Avenal, CA 93204
  • Phone Number: (559) 386-0587
  • Official Website: CDCR Avenal State Prison

Visiting Information at Avenal State Prison

Visits at Avenal State Prison occur on weekends and holidays. Visitors must schedule their visit ahead of time using the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) online scheduling system. Visiting hours are typically between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM. Visitors should arrive early to allow time for processing, and visits usually last around two hours. Inmates are allowed contact visits depending on their security status.

  • What to bring: A valid government-issued ID, appropriate clothing (strict dress codes apply), and if applicable, children’s identification. Visitors are not allowed to bring items such as phones or large bags into the facility

How to Book a Visit at Avenal State Prison

To book a visit, you will need the inmate’s full name and CDCR number. The CDCR’s Visiting Scheduling Application (VSA) is the platform for booking visits. You can bring up to three visitors per visit, including children, but all visitors must be pre-approved. Dress appropriately as there are strict rules regarding attire

Directions and Parking for Avenal State Prison

Avenal State Prison is located off Interstate 5, roughly 20 miles south of Coalinga, CA, and around an hour’s drive from Fresno. There is visitor parking available on site. Visitors should follow posted signs for the designated parking area, and it is recommended to arrive early due to potential security screening delays​

Famous Prisoners at Avenal State Prison

Avenal State Prison has housed several notable inmates, including:

  • Robert John Bardo – Convicted of the 1989 murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer, Bardo has been serving his life sentence at Avenal​
  • Gerald Parker – A serial killer known as the “Bedroom Basher,” he was held at Avenal during his trial.
  • Billy Preston – A renowned musician, Preston was incarcerated at Avenal for drug possession and violation of probation​

What is Avenal State Prison Like for Inmates?

Avenal State Prison is noted for its extensive rehabilitative programs that support inmates in preparing for life after release. It offers vocational training in fields like auto mechanics, carpentry, and welding, all of which lead to industry-recognized certifications. Additionally, the facility provides educational services, including high school diploma programs and college courses

Despite these opportunities, the prison has faced challenges, such as a 2005 outbreak of valley fever and a significant number of COVID-19 cases during the pandemic, which affected both inmates and staff. These incidents have led to improvements in health protocols within the facility

FAQs About Avenal State Prison

  1. How do I contact an inmate at Avenal State Prison?
    You can write letters to inmates using their full name and CDCR number along with the prison’s mailing address. Phone calls from inmates must be arranged through the prison’s phone service provider​

  2. What types of programs are available at Avenal State Prison?
    Avenal offers a wide range of rehabilitation programs, including substance abuse treatment, anger management, vocational training, and educational courses

  3. How do I book a visit to Avenal State Prison?
    Visits must be scheduled through the CDCR’s online system. You’ll need the inmate’s name and CDCR number

  4. Can I send care packages to inmates at Avenal State Prison?
    Yes, but packages must be sent through approved vendors. Check with the prison for specific guidelines

  5. What is the visiting dress code?
    Visitors should wear conservative clothing. Items such as tight-fitting clothes, revealing tops, and gang-affiliated symbols are prohibited​

  6. What is the capacity of Avenal State Prison?
    The prison has a capacity of approximately 4,000 inmates

  7. What rehabilitation programs are available?
    Programs include substance abuse recovery, vocational training in auto mechanics, plumbing, and other trades, as well as educational opportunities like high school diplomas​

  8. What are visiting hours at Avenal State Prison?
    Visiting hours typically run from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM on weekends and holidays

  9. Are there any famous inmates currently held at Avenal State Prison?
    Yes, Robert John Bardo, who was convicted of the murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer, is one of the most notorious inmates

  10. How has Avenal State Prison handled COVID-19?
    The prison has faced significant challenges with COVID-19, implementing strict safety protocols to manage outbreaks​

Conclusion

Avenal State Prison plays a critical role in California’s correctional system, offering vital rehabilitative services to its inmate population. From education to substance abuse treatment, the prison provides tools for inmates to succeed upon release. Though it has faced challenges such as health crises, Avenal remains a central hub for inmate reentry preparation.

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