Pelican Bay Correctional Institution Overview
Pelican Bay Correctional Institution is one of California’s most notorious maximum-security prisons, located in Crescent City. Opened in 1989, it was designed to house the most dangerous and violent criminals in the state. The prison is divided into different units, including the infamous Security Housing Unit (SHU), which keeps inmates in long-term solitary confinement, often for years. This prison is home to some of the state’s most hardened offenders, including gang leaders and those deemed too dangerous to live in the general population. The SHU has been at the center of many controversies, including accusations of human rights violations due to its harsh confinement conditions
The prison also includes a Level I Minimum Support Facility, where inmates nearing the end of their sentences engage in rehabilitative programs like vocational training. Additionally, Pelican Bay has an inmate firefighter program, which trains eligible prisoners to fight wildfires
Contact Information for Pelican Bay Correctional Institution
- Address: Pelican Bay Correctional Institution, 5905 Lake Earl Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531
- Phone Number: (707) 465-1000
- Inmate Mailing Address: Inmate Name, CDCR #, Pelican Bay State Prison, P.O. Box 7500, Crescent City, CA 95532
- Email Contact: You must use the Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA) or contact the prison directly for specific queries regarding visits.
Visiting Information at Pelican Bay Correctional Institution
Visiting an inmate at Pelican Bay requires advance scheduling through the Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA). Approved visitors can schedule their visits from web-enabled devices. The prison offers visitation slots on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at different hours depending on the facility within the prison.
- Visiting Hours:
- General Population: Friday 12:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 8:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
- SHU & ASU Units: Visits are more restricted, requiring special scheduling and approval
When visiting, you must bring a valid government-issued ID, and only those pre-approved on the inmate’s visitor list will be allowed entry. Keep in mind that there are strict rules regarding dress codes and items you can bring with you. Be prepared for security checks before entering the facility
How to Book a Visit at Pelican Bay Correctional Institution
To book a visit, you need to use the Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA). Visitors must complete a registration form and await approval. You’ll need:
- A valid ID
- The inmate’s CDCR number
- Approval from the prison after submitting the required paperwork
Each inmate is allowed a limited number of visitors per session, and visits typically last around 2 hours depending on the facility. Make sure to follow the dress code and visitor guidelines to ensure your visit goes smoothly
Getting to Pelican Bay Correctional Institution: Directions & Parking
Pelican Bay Correctional Institution is located in Crescent City, near the Oregon border. The address is 5905 Lake Earl Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531. If you’re driving, Crescent City is accessible via US Route 101. Parking is available on-site, but it is advisable to arrive early to ensure a spot. Due to the remote location, public transportation options are limited, so driving is the most reliable way to reach the prison
What is Life Like Inside Pelican Bay Correctional Institution?
Life inside Pelican Bay varies drastically between inmates in general population and those in the Security Housing Unit (SHU). In the SHU, inmates are confined to their cells for up to 23 hours a day with little human interaction. This isolation has been heavily criticized for its psychological effects, with many inmates suffering from mental health issues after extended periods of confinement
In the general population, inmates have access to educational and vocational programs, including the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) laundry program and Tsunami Adult School, which offers academic courses like GED preparation and college courses
Famous Prisoners at Pelican Bay Correctional Institution
Over the years, Pelican Bay has housed some notorious inmates:
- Charles Manson, infamous cult leader, spent 14 months in the SHU before being transferred
- Joe “Pegleg” Morgan, one of the first non-Hispanic members of the Mexican Mafia, was imprisoned here until his death(
- Curtis Carroll, known as “Wall Street,” gained fame for his self-taught financial acumen while incarcerated
FAQs about Pelican Bay Correctional Institution
What security level is Pelican Bay Correctional Institution?
Pelican Bay is a maximum-security prison, designed for California’s most dangerous inmates, including those in long-term solitary confinement.Can you visit inmates at Pelican Bay Correctional Institution?
Yes, but you must schedule visits through the VSA. Visiting times vary by unit, and all visitors must be pre-approved.What are the visiting hours at Pelican Bay Correctional Institution?
General visiting hours are Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.Does Pelican Bay have rehabilitation programs?
Yes, inmates in the general population can participate in educational and vocational training programs, but those in the SHU have limited access.What is the SHU at Pelican Bay?
The Security Housing Unit is a solitary confinement unit where inmates are held in isolation for 22 to 23 hours a day.How do you contact an inmate at Pelican Bay Correctional Institution?
Inmates can receive mail at P.O. Box 7500, Crescent City, CA 95532, addressed with their full name and CDCR number.What items can you bring during a visit to Pelican Bay?
Visitors are restricted to bringing a valid ID, and all personal belongings must adhere to prison guidelines.Who are some famous inmates that have been housed at Pelican Bay?
Notable inmates include Charles Manson and Curtis Carroll, among others.What kind of housing does Pelican Bay offer?
The prison has general population housing, the SHU for high-risk inmates, and a Level I facility for those nearing release.Are there inmate work programs at Pelican Bay?
Yes, the prison offers various work assignments including laundry services and firefighter training for select inmates.
For more information, you can visit the