High Desert State Prison
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- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Maximum-Supermax
- Inmate Capacity
- 2,324 approx.
- Established
- 1995
- Operated By
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
High Desert State Prison Inmate Communication Overview
High Desert State Prison (HDSP) is a high-security state prison near Susanville in Lassen County, California, operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Opened in 1995, it houses Level IV inmates with a design capacity of 2,324. This is the California facility, not the High Desert State Prison in Nevada.
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. The prison sits in a remote area of northeastern California, so many families rely on the tablet services to stay in touch.
Communication Options
Available communication services at High Desert State Prison.
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 High Desert State Prison
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 High Desert State Prison
- Ask your loved one which tablet they currently have, ViaPath or Securus, since CDCR is mid-transition.
- This is the California High Desert State Prison near Susanville, not the Nevada facility of the same name.
- 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.
- All calls, messages, and video calls are monitored under CDCR policy.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — High Desert State Prison
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- How do phone calls work at High Desert State Prison in California?
- 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.
- Is this the same as the High Desert State Prison in Nevada?
- No. This entry covers the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation facility near Susanville, California. Nevada has a separate High Desert State Prison near Indian Springs.
- Can I message an inmate at HDSP?
- 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 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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