North Kern State Prison Overview
North Kern State Prison (NKSP), located in Delano, California, is a multi-functional correctional facility that serves as both a reception center and a medium-to-minimum security prison. Primarily, it processes inmates from across California, classifying them based on their security needs before transferring them to other prisons. This process can take up to 90 days, during which the inmate’s health, criminal background, and psychological history are evaluated. The prison also holds inmates who are serving their sentences at this facility. It has a designed capacity of approximately 2,694 inmates, but it often exceeds this limit due to overcrowding.
At NKSP, inmates can participate in various educational and vocational programs aimed at rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Programs include adult education (GED), small engine repair, and substance abuse treatment. The prison also serves as a transportation hub for inmate transfers across the state
Contact Information for North Kern State Prison
Address:
North Kern State Prison
2737 West Cecil Avenue
Delano, CA 93215
Phone Number:
(661) 721-2345
Inmate Mailing Address:
(Inmate’s Name, CDCR Number)
Facility A or M, P.O. Box 5000, Delano, CA 93216
Facility B, P.O. Box 4999, Delano, CA 93216
Facility C, P.O. Box 5004, Delano, CA 93216
Facility D, P.O. Box 5005, Delano, CA 93216
Visiting Information for North Kern State Prison
To visit an inmate at North Kern State Prison, you must first complete and submit a visitor’s application for approval. Visits are held on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Visitors are also allowed on New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It’s essential to check in before 2:00 PM as late arrivals will not be permitted.
During a visit, you will need to bring a valid government-issued ID and follow the prison’s dress code and conduct rules. Depending on the inmate’s security level, you may either have contact visits or non-contact visits where communication is through a glass partition. Reception Center (RC) inmates usually only have non-contact visits, while general population inmates can have more relaxed, contact visits.
How to Book a Visit at North Kern State Prison
Booking a visit at North Kern requires an online reservation through the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) website. You’ll need to provide the inmate’s full name, CDCR number, and your contact information. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed per session, usually up to three adults, and children must be accompanied by a guardian. It’s important to book well in advance, as visits can fill up quickly.
How to Get to North Kern State Prison
Driving Directions:
North Kern State Prison is located in Delano, California, a rural area in Kern County. From Highway 99, take the Cecil Avenue exit and head west until you reach the prison’s main entrance at 2737 West Cecil Avenue.
Parking Information:
Visitor parking is available onsite. However, it can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. Plan to arrive early to ensure you find parking and make it through security in time for your visit.
What is North Kern State Prison Like for Inmates?
Inmates at North Kern State Prison face a mix of environments depending on their security level and whether they are in the Reception Center or general population. The Reception Center holds most of the inmates temporarily while they await placement in other facilities, with their movement restricted, and most visits happen behind glass partitions. The prison also has a history of overcrowding, with cells often double-bunked. Despite this, there are opportunities for rehabilitation through educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling, which aim to prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society.
Famous Prisoners at North Kern State Prison
Several high-profile inmates have passed through North Kern. Most notably:
- Danny Masterson, former actor, is serving a 30-year sentence for sexual assault convictions. He is currently housed at NKSP, with eligibility for parole in 2042.
- Tory Lanez, a hip-hop artist, is serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
FAQs About North Kern State Prison
1. What type of facility is North Kern State Prison?
North Kern is a medium-to-minimum security prison and serves as a Reception Center for inmates awaiting transfer to other facilities.
2. How can I send mail to an inmate at North Kern State Prison?
To send mail, include the inmate’s name and CDCR number with the appropriate yard (A, B, C, or D) to the following address: P.O. Box 5000, Delano, CA 93216.
3. How do I book a visit at North Kern State Prison?
Visits can be scheduled online via the CDCR’s visitation portal. You will need the inmate’s name and CDCR number to reserve a slot.
4. Can inmates at North Kern State Prison make phone calls?
Yes, but inmates cannot receive incoming calls. Instead, they can make outbound calls during designated hours using calling cards or collect call services.
5. Are there educational programs for inmates at North Kern State Prison?
Yes, inmates can pursue education through GED programs, basic adult education, and vocational training, including small engine repair and carpentry.
6. What are the visitation hours at North Kern State Prison?
Visiting hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, and on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
7. What kind of inmates are housed at North Kern State Prison?
NKSP holds a variety of inmates, including those in the reception process as well as medium-security and minimum-security prisoners.
8. How do I contact North Kern State Prison?
You can reach the prison by phone at (661) 721-2345 or by mail at 2737 West Cecil Avenue, Delano, CA 93215.
9. What is the capacity of North Kern State Prison?
The prison was designed for about 2,694 inmates but often operates well over capacity.
10. Are there any notable incidents at North Kern State Prison?
The prison has had its share of incidents, including an escape in 2007 and a shooting in 2015 where a guard was injured by an external shooter.
For more detailed information, visit the official CDCR website.