California
Guides and facility information for CDCR (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation) prisons.
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Overview
Visiting
Most prisons and jails allow in-person visits, but visitors typically need to be on an approved visitor list first. This requires filling out an application and passing a background check, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the facility. Visits are usually scheduled in advance, and each facility has its own rules about dress code, approved items, and visit length.
Staying in Touch
Beyond in-person visits, there are several ways to communicate: phone calls, video visits, electronic messaging (similar to email), and physical mail. Each has its own costs and rules. Phone calls from prison are expensive, though recent FCC regulations have brought prices down. Video visits have become more widely available since 2020.
Sending Money
Incarcerated people use commissary accounts to purchase food, hygiene products, stamps, and phone time. Most facilities use third-party services to process deposits, and each charges different fees. The available deposit methods and fee structures vary by facility and state.
Visitor Rights
Visitors have the right to a clear explanation if a visit is denied and the right to file complaints through official grievance processes. Federal regulations and state laws set baseline protections, though enforcement varies. Each state’s corrections department publishes its own visitor policies and complaint procedures.
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Texas
Guides and facility information for TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) prisons and state jails.