High Desert State Prison - Mission Statement
The primary mission of High Desert State Prison (HDSP) is to provide for the confinement of general population and sensitive needs high security (level IV) and medium security (level III) inmates. The institution also serves as a Reception Center for New Commitment, Parole Violators with a New Term and Parole Violator inmates accommodating ten Northern California Counties.  Our inmate population consists of three (3) level IV yards, two (2) of which are 180 design buildings and one (1) 270 design yard.  Our 270 design yard, Facility B, was converted to a Sensitive Needs Yard (SNY) in October 2007, which houses level IV SNY inmates within the 270 design housing units and level III SNY inmates in the Gymnasium (GYM).  On our 270 design medium level III Facility A, approximately three of five buildings are designated Reception Center (RC) housing.  The level III Facility also houses level I and II inmates within the Gymnasium.  The majority of the level I inmates in the Gym are pending classification action for placement in our Minimum Support Facility (MSF).  The MSF houses non camp eligible level I inmates who perform job duties in various areas of the institution outside the secure perimeter, such as the warehouse, garage, out grounds, staff snack bar, etc.  Our Administrative Segregation Unit (ASU) is located on our Facility D, 180 design housing and consists of two buildings, D7 and D8, and an overflow building, D6, in the event it becomes necessary.  Approximately three years ago, a “stand alone” ASU was constructed, which is our Z-Unit.  We house inmates with the lowest level custody, Minimum B all the way up to Maximum custody (ASU inmates).  Design capacity for the entire institution is approximately 4,500 inmates


Institution Details
The majority of the prison's population is comprised of younger inmates who are serving long sentences and/or those who have proven to be management problems while in prison. Provided by HDSP are vocational programs, educational programs, and work assignments for those inmates who are willing to participate. HDSP has a 35 bed Correctional Treatment Center (CTC) to provide for the health care needs of the inmates. Additionally, HDSP is designed to house inmates with disabilities who require specialized placement to accommodate accessibility issues under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).


Institution Operation
In September 1995, following completion of construction, HDSP received our first inmates.  In order of importance, the first housing units activated were on our Minimum Support Facility (MSF) followed closely by our two level III 270 design facilities.  As the final stages were being completed, early in 1996, inmates began arriving for placement on our two High Security level IV 180 design facilities.  Shortly thereafter, a 200-bed Reception Center (RC) was established.  Since that time, the RC has grown in numbers to approximately as much as 600 inmates, which does fluctuate.  In May 1997, one of our level III 270 design facilities was converted to a level IV general population to accommodate departmental needs.  In October 2007, once again we converted our level IV 270 design general population facility to a level IV/III sensitive needs facility based on departmental needs.


HDSP has an electrified fence surrounding the perimeter of our level III and IV facilities which provides a secure and cost effective method for preventing escapes.  

Institution Statistics
High Desert State Prison was opened August 1995, and covers 325 acres.  As of Fiscal Year 2005/2006, the following statistics apply:

Number of custody staff: 967
Number of support services staff: 377
Number of medical staff: 167
Total number of staff: 1,511
  
Annual budget: 
General: $134 million
Education: $4 million
Medical: $31 million

Inmate Programs:
PIA:  None

Vocational:  All Vocational programs are located on Facility B. Vocational programs offered include, auto body repair and refinishing, and building maintenance.
Academic: Adult Basic Education, High School/GED, English as a Second Language, and Literacy Program.
Other:  Religious, Victim Awareness, Alternative to Violence project, Alcohol/Narcotics Anonymous, Veterans group, Lifers Group, and Inside Out Dad.

Special Historical Notes
In early 1990, the CDC initiated discussions for a new prison in Lassen County on the grounds of the California Correctional Center (CCC). This location took advantage of existing state property and the ability to share operations with an existing prison.

Construction of the new prison began on July 14, 1993, with a budget of $240 million. In just 24 months the new prison became a dominant part of the surrounding landscape. The construction of the prison consumed 71,985 yards of concrete, 20,000 tons of steel, 364 miles of electrical wire and 7 miles of chain link fencing, combined with the multitude of other required construction materials necessary in the completion of this modern prison complex.

Named High Desert State Prison by the Lassen County Board of Supervisors, the prison is located approximately eight miles east of the town of Susanville, or about a 1 hour 30 minute drive northwest of Reno, Nevada.

Visiting Hours and Directions

General Population

Saturdays, Sundays, Designated Holidays* from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Processing hours from 8:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.


Administrative Segregation
(by advance appointment only)

Saturdays, Sundays, Designated Holidays* from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Processing hours from 8:00 a.m. to 10:40 a.m.

* New Year's Day, Independence Day,
Thanksgiving, Christmas


For additional visiting information, please call the Visitor Processing Center at (530) 251-5100, ext. 5708.


Visiting Assistance:

A CDCR funded Visitor Center is at the institution operated by a community-based organization under contract to CDCR. The Visitor Center provides visiting assistance to family members and friends including a sheltered place to wait before and after visits, transportation to and from local transit terminals, childcare, clothing appropriate for visits on loan, and information about local resources, visiting rules and regulations.


General Directions:

High Desert State Prison is located 210 miles North of Sacramento, 298 miles North East of San Francisco. It is next to California Correctional Center.