Centinela State Prison (CEN) is a state prison in Imperial, California, run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The state classifies it as maximum security. Federal facility data from 2020 put its capacity at about 2,308 beds.
Centinela State Prison (CEN) Address and Phone
- Facility type
- State prison
- Address
- 2302 Brown Road, Imperial, CA 92251Open in Google Maps
- Main phone
- (760) 337-7900
- Operated by
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- County
- Imperial County
How to Find an Inmate at Centinela State Prison (CEN)
People serving state sentences are listed in the state's offender search, not on county jail rosters. Search by last and first name, or by the state inmate number if you have it; the result shows where the person is held now, which can change after a transfer.
Visiting, Mail and Phone Calls
Visiting days, visitor approval, dress rules and the mailing format for letters are set by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and can change at short notice. Read the official facility page and call ahead before you travel.
Jails and Police Near Centinela State Prison (CEN)
Anyone arrested near Imperial is booked into the county jail first; a state facility only receives people after sentencing, commitment or transfer.
Other State Prisons in California
Open status checked against the official cdcr.ca.gov facility listing in November 2026. Address and phone come from that listing or, where it shows none, from the federal HIFLD prison dataset. This page lists no inmates.