Correctional Training Facility (CTF)

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad, California, stands as a hallmark of rehabilitation and correctional education. Established in the aftermath of World War II, the institution’s origins date back to 1946 when the Carlyle Thorpe property was purchased for the construction of a new prison.

Officially opening its doors in 1947 with the capacity to house 600 inmates in repurposed army barracks, CTF initially served as a minimum-medium security facility.

By 1951, the facility expanded to accommodate young adult offenders separately from hardened criminals, thus leading to the creation of the Central Facility. Continued growth led to the construction of the North Facility, which began housing inmates in 1958. In 1968, the name was changed from “Soledad State Prison” to “The Correctional Training Facility” to reflect its extensive educational and vocational training programs.

Today, CTF operates as a Level I and II General Population prison, consisting of three separate facilities. Facilities A and B are Level II Non-Designated Programming units, each with a bed capacity of 2,800. Facility C, also Level II, houses 2,496 inmates and includes an Administrative Segregation Unit with 240 single-bed cells. In total, CTF can accommodate 5,536 inmates.

CTF offers a wide range of programs aimed at rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. Vocational programs include training in auto mechanics, carpentry, electrical work, and welding, among others. Academically, inmates can pursue Adult Basic Education, high school diplomas, GEDs, and college courses. Additionally, various self-help programs such as Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and anger management are available.

The facility’s latest visitation schedule allows for in-person visits, with specific times and dates that can be found on their website or by contacting the institution directly. It’s essential to check for any updates or changes in the schedule, especially considering occasional closures for staff training.

The mission of CTF is to reduce criminal behavior through individualized treatment and education, facilitating successful community reintegration. Their vision is to cultivate a safe, humane, and equitable environment that supports the transformation of residents through focused rehabilitative and reintegrative programs.

For further information about the Correctional Training Facility, including inmate records search and visitation details, individuals can refer to the official website of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation or utilize online inmate search platforms specific to the state of California.