Top 7 Worst Prisons in California

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which is also more known as CDCR, is counted as one of the largest prison systems in the United States. Currently, there are a total of 35 state prisons operated by this department. These prisons house more than 95,000 inmates.

Talking about the prisons operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, sadly, not all of them have a good reputation. In fact, some of them are not safe and inhuman. What are the prisons that are considered the worst in California? Keep reading to find out about them.

Reasons that Make Prison Considered Worse in California

A prison can make it to the list of worst prisons in California due to several reasons, such as:

• Poor conditions
• Drugs
• Gang violence
• Lack of programs
• Overcrowding
• Departmental corruption

Top 7 Worst Prisons in California

The top 7 worst prisons in California include:

1. Pelican Bay State Prison

Details:

• Opened: 1989
• Status: Operational
• Security level: Supermax
• Capacity: 2,380
• Current population: 1,654
• Managed by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

The Pelican Bay State Prison that is located in the Crescent City of Del Norte County was opened in 1989. As a supermax prison, violence was seen every day. In the past, inmates were tortured. They were forced to be naked or their hands were tied up for a long time. Due to its brutality, the facility faced lawsuits. In 2013, there was also a hunger strike. The good news is that their voices were heard. It is no longer over-torturing. Besides, it is also not overcapacity anymore. As of last year, it only houses 69.4% of its capacity.

2. San Quentin State Prison

Details:

• Opened: 1988
• Status: Operational
• Security level: Minimum, maximum
• Capacity: 3,082
• Current population: 3,239
• Managed by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

San Quentin State Prison was established in 1852. However, it was only opened two years later. The facility that is located in north of San Francisco is named as the largest correctional facility in the country. It houses only male inmates.

There are three security levels at San Quentin State Prison, minimum, medium, and maximum. It has a capacity of 3,082. However, it is currently overpopulated. In July 2022, it housed 3,239 inmates.

Actually, overcrowding is not the issue. San Quentin State Prison makes it to the list of the worst prisons in California because it is a brutal environment for inmates. According to reports, guards are usually rude to inmates, making them feel like they are living in hell. Besides, the health care services are also bad. During pandemic, the sick ones did not get the treatment they deserved. The medical care providers neglected them, resulting in some of them dying.

3. California Medical Facility (CMF)

Details:

• Opened: 1955
• Status: Operational
• Security level: Minimum, medium
• Capacity: 2,361
• Current population: 1,887
• Managed by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

California Medical Facility or CMF is located in Vacaville city. It was opened for the first time in 1965. There are two security classes in this facility, minimum and medium. Currently, it has a capacity of 2,361. However, it only houses 1,887. It means it is not overcrowded.

Even though California Medical Facility has only used 79.9% of its ability and is not overpopulated, it is still considered one of the worst prisons in California. The reason is because of its poor medical services. There are a number of inmates who have spoken about how bad their medical services are. They said they are not getting enough medical care they deserve. They added that to get treated, they had to wait for weeks.

Another reason California Medical Facility makes it to the list of the worst prisons in California is the rate of criminality in prison. At this facility, strong criminals act brutally. These gangsters often beat weak inmates. Sadly, the guards do nothing even though they are aware of this thing.

4. Kern Valley State Prison

Details:

• Opened: 2005
• Status: Operational
• Security level: Maximum
• Capacity: 2,448
• Current population: 2,907
• Managed by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Kern Valley State Prison that is located in Delano, California is a prison for male inmates only. While it has a capacity of 2,448, it houses 2,907 inmates, making it overpopulated. Due to its overcapacity, chaos always happens. Usually, powerful inmates act out beating the weaker ones. While some decided to report it and went to court, nothing has changed.

5. California State Prison, Corcoran

Details:

• Opened: 1988
• Status: Operational
• Security level: Minimum, maximum
• Capacity: 3,116
• Current population: 3,447
• Managed by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

The California State Prison, Corcoran is located in Kings County, California. The facility was opened in 1988. It houses male inmates. It is a minimum and maximum security level prison.

According to reports, California State Prison, Corcoran has a capacity of 3,116. However, it has housed 3,440 inmates as of July 2021. It means it is overcrowded because it has 10.3% more inmates than its capacity.

Not only overpopulated, California State Prison, Corcoran is counted as one of the worst prisons in California due to its terrible correctional officers. While the correctional officers are supposed to manage inmates, they do differently. There were some cases when these officers shot inmates. Unfortunately, their cruelty does not stop here. Inmates are also placed in solitary confinement which is known for being too small to stay and dirty.

In July 2013, there was a hunger strike done by inmates. They protested how bad the treatment given by these correctional officers was. While the issue has been partially fixed, there are still inmates who are placed in solitary confinement without getting covered by the news.

6. California State Prison, Solano

Details:

• Opened: 1984
• Status: Operational
• Security level: Medium
• Capacity: 2,610
• Current population: 3,255
• Managed by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

California State Prison, Solano was opened in August 1984. It is located in Vacaville, California. The facility is known to be one of the worst prisons in California because of its extreme population. It is supposed to house 2,610 inmates. However, there are currently 3,255 inmates who are placed in the facility, which is 24.7% more than its actual capacity.

Apart from overcrowded, California State Prison, Solano is also known for its brutality. Gangsters act freely in the facility. What makes it worse is that the guards keep the inmates in dirty cells and use excessive force when dealing with them. While some had reported the case, only some issues were fixed.

7. Folsom State Prison in California

Details:

• Opened: 1880
• Status: Operational
• Security level: Minimum, medium
• Capacity: 2,066
• Current population: 2,2664
• Managed by: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Folsom State Prison in California was built in 1880. It is located in Folsom, California. It is designed for both male and female inmates. Currently, it has a total of 2,907 inmates when it should be 2,066 inmates.

Overcrowding is not the only issue. Folsom State Prison in California is included in the top 7 worst prisons in California because it is a dangerous place to stay. The main reason is because gang fights often happen, resulting in injuries and killings. In the past, there were 10 prisoners who were inhumanely stabbed and one of them was shot dead.

Bottom Line

Prisons are designed to serve as correctional facilities. They are supposed to be places where inmates get the chance to rehabilitate and prepare themselves before reentering the society. However, the reality does not always go as planned. In fact, there are some correctional facilities that are worse than many can imagine. In California, the top 7 worst prisons include Pelican Bay State Prison, San Quentin State Prison, California Medical Facility (CMF), Kern Valley State Prison, California State Prison, Corcoran, California State Prison, Solano, and Folsom State Prison in California.