California Correctional Institution
Find messaging, video, and phone options for California Correctional Institution. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Minimum to Supermax
- Inmate Capacity
- Not available
- Established
- 1954
- Operated By
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
California Correctional Institution Inmate Communication Overview
The California Correctional Institution (CCI) is a state prison in Tehachapi, California, operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Opened in 1954, it is a multi-mission institution housing minimum through supermax custody levels, including Level I dorms, Level III and IV cell housing, a Security Housing Unit, and a reception center.
Phone calls for all CDCR institutions are paid for by CDCR, and communication runs on state-issued tablets. CDCR is currently transitioning its tablet program from ViaPath (GTL) to Securus, with incarcerated people exchanging ViaPath tablets for new Securus tablets. Tablets support e-messages, photos, video calls with a free allowance, and phone calls.
Money for CDCR trust accounts is deposited through JPay online, by phone, by MoneyGram, or at lobby kiosks. In-person visits are scheduled through CDCR's visitor reservation system, and visitors must be approved before visiting.
Facility Information
Contact details and location information for this correctional facility.
Official Website
Visit official siteCommunication Options
Available communication services at California Correctional Institution.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Tablet e-messaging is available. CDCR is switching from ViaPath to Securus tablets, so the app depends on the current rollout.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Video calls on the state-issued tablets with a free monthly allowance, plus scheduled in-person visits.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Inbound photos on the state-issued tablets, subject to CDCR content rules.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: GTL
Calls are paid by CDCR. The phone vendor is transitioning from ViaPath to Securus with the tablets.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Provider: JPay
Trust account deposits through JPay online, by phone, by MoneyGram, or at lobby kiosks.
Communication Providers at California Correctional Institution
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
GTL
ViaPath (GTL) has been CDCR's communication vendor for phones and tablets. CDCR is transitioning tablet services to Securus.
View GTL ServicesSecurus
CDCR is rolling out Securus tablets statewide to replace ViaPath tablets, with e-messages, video calls, and photos on the new tablets.
View Securus ServicesJPay
JPay handles electronic money deposits to CDCR trust accounts online, by phone, and by MoneyGram.
View JPay ServicesCommunication Rules at California Correctional Institution
- Ask your loved one which tablet they currently have, ViaPath or Securus, since CDCR is mid-transition.
- In-person visits require approval and an appointment through CDCR's visitor reservation system.
- Send money only through JPay or the other official CDCR deposit methods. Never send cash.
- Mail must include the inmate's full name and CDCR number and follow CDCR mail rules.
- All calls, messages, and video calls are monitored under CDCR policy.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — California Correctional Institution
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do phone calls work at California Correctional Institution?
- CDCR pays for inmate phone calls statewide. Calls run through the state's communication vendor, which is transitioning from ViaPath (GTL) to Securus. Inmates initiate all calls.
- Can I message an inmate at CCI Tehachapi?
- Yes, through e-messages on the state-issued tablet. CDCR is replacing ViaPath tablets with Securus tablets, so confirm which tablet your loved one currently has to use the right app.
- How do video visits work in California prisons?
- Inmates get video calls on their state tablets with a free monthly allowance. In-person visits are scheduled separately through CDCR's visitor reservation system after you are approved as a visitor.
- How do I send money to a CDCR inmate?
- Deposit to the trust account through JPay online, by phone at 1-800-574-5729, by MoneyGram, or at a lobby kiosk. You will need the inmate's CDCR number.
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