North Kern State Prison (NKSP)

North Kern State Prison (NKSP) is a significant facility located in Delano, California, and is part of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation system. Opened in April 1993, NKSP serves a crucial role as a reception center for incoming inmates, processing their records and determining their classification within a 90-day period. This process includes compiling an inmate’s criminal, medical, psychological, and social history, which helps in deciding their appropriate institutional placement.

The prison has a design capacity to house 2,694 inmates, but currently, it accommodates a significantly higher number of inmates due to the state’s prison overcrowding issues. NKSP’s infrastructure includes a general population medium custody facility and a minimum support facility with a ten-bed Level I firehouse.

NKSP places a strong emphasis on educational and vocational programs aimed at rehabilitating inmates and equipping them with skills for gainful employment upon their release. Some of the programs include adult basic education, high school/GED courses, English as a Second Language, and vocational training in areas such as small engine repair and electrical work. 

Furthermore, the prison offers integrated substance use disorder treatment (ISUDT) and various cognitive behavioral interventions to support inmate rehabilitation.

In addition to its correctional and rehabilitative functions, NKSP is involved in significant environmental conservation efforts. Three hundred and sixty acres of the prison’s property have been designated as protected wildlife habitat for species such as the Blunt-Nosed Leopard lizard, San Joaquin kit fox, and the Tipton kangaroo rat. Moreover, the prison activated a 5.7-megawatt solar photovoltaic power plant in October 2012, expected to save approximately $13.3 million over 20 years and offset nearly 1 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions.

Visitation at NKSP is an integral part of maintaining inmate morale and family connections. The latest visitation schedule includes visiting hours from:

• Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

This schedule allows for meaningful interaction between inmates and their loved ones, contributing to the overall rehabilitative atmosphere of the facility.

For further information about the North Kern State Prison, 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.