Through this site we hope to build a community of family and friends of Pelican Bay prisoners for mutual support and for support of our loved ones.

The driving distance from Los Angeles is approximately 13 hours and, from the Bay Area, about 7 hours.  Visits might become more possible and more frequent if groups could charter buses or folks could simply get together to share rides.

Family and Friends can be a watchdog agency to monitor the prison and make sure that legal rights are respected.

Prison Talk Online is an excellent nationwide site with a Pelican Bay subsection where family and friends can communicate. It's easy to join and filled with valuable information and support.
Click on the link below for Prison Talk Online

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/archive/index.php/f-196.html

TO LOCATE A PRISONER

To locate an inmate within the California Department of Corrections, please call (916) 445-6713, which is available 24 hours a day. You must have either the inmate's CDC number, or the inmate's full name and date of birth to receive information. The Inmate Locator/ID Warrants will
provide an inmate's location, mailing addresses and relevant phone numbers. The Inmate Locator/ID Warrants will not provide any future release date information. Please note that for new or transferring inmates it can take up to seven business days to update location information.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS VISITING GUIDELINES

The inmate should sign a Visitor Questionnaire (CDC Form 106) and send it to family members and friends to visit. All adult visitors must complete the questionnaire and return it to the Visiting Sergeant by mail. The Visiting staff must approve the questionnaire before the person may visit. This should take approximately 30 working days. The CDC Form 106 must be filled out completely and accurately. Failure to provide all requested information might result in the request being
either denied or delayed. Note: Visitors who are traveling from a considerable distance may apply for extended visits provided they visit infrequently. Given the location of Pelican Bay, this will be true in many cases. You have nothing to lose by making this request in writing to the Warden.

The California Department of Corrections (CDC) Visiting Information Toll-Free Telephone Number is (800) 374-8474. This toll-free number will provide most visiting information for all CDC institutions in English and Spanish. Visiting hours and days could vary from one institution to another. This phone number will lead you to the information for each institution. Note: If you have any questions not answered by the
recorded message, call Pelican Bay directly at (707) 465-1000 x5425. Be very patient; the wait time can be long.

TYPES OF VISITS

The following describes the different types of visits and their
limitations. If the number of visitors on a particular day is especially high, visits may be terminated to allow all visitors the opportunity to use the visiting facilities.

Contact Visits

Visitors may visit with the inmate in the visiting room or in the
visiting patio area where approved. The number of visitors is limited to no more than five visitors per inmate, including children at the same time. Groups of visitors in excess of five may be accommodated only once per visit by means of rotation through the visiting area. Such a rotation shall be considered a single visit in the event it is necessary to terminate a visit in accordance with Title 15, Section 3176(a)(9) and (10). No time limit is imposed on contact visits except when the visiting room reaches capacity. Visits may be terminated to make room
for other visitors as they arrive. The "first in, first out'' rule is
applied in this case.

Non-contact Visits

Non-contact visits are conducted in non-contact booths. The number of visitors is limited to no more than three visitors, including children at the same time, for each inmate due to the limited space in the booths. Groups of visitors in excess of three may be accommodated only once per visit by means of rotation through the visiting area. Such a rotation shall be considered a single visit in the event it is necessary to terminate a visit in progress in accordance with Section 3167(a)(9) and (10). Non-contact visits shall be scheduled in on-hour increments
and may be extended based on space availability. Visitors arriving without an appointment will be subject to space available and a visit is not guaranteed.

VISITING GUIDELINES

Family Visiting (Overnight)

Eligible inmates may apply for family visits. These visits are in an apartment-type setting and are for up to 43 hours in duration. Family visits involve only the inmate's approved immediate family members. The inmate purchases food from the institution. The inmate and their family may review the different menus and make purchases prior to the visit.
Minors may not normally participate in a family visit without the presence of another adult member of the inmate's immediate family. Exceptions are made on a case by case basis.

Normal Visiting Schedules

Each institution/facility has established a visiting schedule, which provides a minimum of 12 visiting hours per week. Institution heads have developed a local operational supplement, which includes their respective visiting schedules as follows:

Visiting Days

" Two Days: Saturday and Sunday Hours: 9am-3pm; 2 hours in SHU scheduled 24 hrs in advance by calling (707) 465-1000 x 5425. Note: It is wise to arrive early, even though processing of papers may cause delays. If you are able to visit for both morning and afternoon sessions, the break
between them is short. By bringing a box lunch and leaving it in your car to eat during the break, you will save time.

Any routine modification to visiting hours and/or days shall be posted in areas accessible to visiting participants at least two weeks prior to implementation. Inmates may visit only during non-work/training hours except as provided in Title 15 Section 3045.2. Since you are likely to be coming from a distance, call in advance to be sure no changes have been made.

Visiting On Five Major Holidays

Each Institution shall have visiting scheduled on the following
Holidays. The five major holidays may or may not be on a regularly
scheduled visiting day.
or
" New Year's Day
" July 4 (Independence Day)
" Labor Day
" Thanksgiving Day
" Christmas Day

Adult Visitors

The inmate will let each visitor know that they are approved. Any visitor approved at one institution shall be approved to visit the same inmate upon transfer to another institution. A visitor may be required to update the Visitor Questionnaire after 24 months.VISITING GUIDELINES Page 3

Children

Minors are only allowed to visit when they are accompanied by an approved adult visitor such as a parent, a court appointed legal guardian, or they have written, notarized permission to visit from the child's parent or legal guardian and a certified birth certificate or embossed abstract of birth. Notarized letters must have the notary stamp on the original document, it must not be stapled or attached as an amendment and must be updated each calendar year.

Visiting with minors shall be prohibited for any inmate convicted for violating Penal Code Section(s) 187 or 192 involving a minor, 243.4, 261, 261.5, 262, 264.1, 266c, 266j, 273a, 273d, 273.5, 285, 286, 288, 288a, 288.2, 288.5, 289, 289.5, 311.1, 311.2, 311.3, 311.4, 313.1, 314, and 647.6 unless specifically authorized by a juvenile court, pursuant to Welfare and Institution Code Section 362.6. Arrests without a
conviction and substantial evidence shows the crime has taken place may be used to prohibit visits.

Attorneys/Legal Representatives

An attorney of record or legal representative must make an appointment with the institution designee, usually the Litigation Coordinator or Visiting Room personnel to interview an inmate.

Persons on Active Parole/Probation

It is a felony for a former inmate or parolee/probationer to be on the grounds of any prison for any reason without prior written approval from the Warden of that institution. Persons discharged from parole must provide proof of discharge along with the Warden's written permission to visit.

Acceptable Identification

" A valid state driver's license with picture (not laminated).
" A valid state Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card with picture (not laminated).
" A valid Armed Forces Identification Card with picture.
" Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Services with picture.
" Picture Passport.
" Picture identification Matricula Consular De Alta Seguridad (MCAS) issued by the Mexican Consulate.

Visitor Attire

It is recommended that visitors dress conservatively and with the following guidelines in mind. Inappropriate attire will be reason to deny a visit. Any alteration to clothing once a visitor is inside the visiting area will be grounds for terminating the visit.

Prohibited Attire

" Clothing which, in any combination of shades or types of
material/fabric, resembles California State-issued inmate clothing, (Note: No shades of blue) blue denim or chambray shirts and blue denim pants. Note: these rules apply regardless of age. Visitors have been turned away because INFANTS were dressed in blue!
" Clothing that resembles law enforcement or military-type clothing, including rain gear.
" Hats, wigs or hairpieces (except with prior written approval of the Visiting Sergeant).
" Clothing that exposes the breast/chest area, genital area, or buttocks.
" Dresses, skirts, pants, and shorts exposing more than two inches above the knee, including slits when standing.
" Sheer or transparent garments.
" Strapless or "spaghetti" strap tops and short-sleeved tops.
" Clothing exposing the midriff area.
" Clothing or accessories displaying obscene or offensive language or drawings.
" Brassieres with metal underwires or any other detectable metal are not permitted.
Clothing the color of which is associated with particular gang
affiliations (Not part of printed regulations, but a probable guideline.)

Allowable items:

" Identification Card.
" One Handkerchief, no bandannas.
" Tissue Pack, unopened.
" Clear Change Purse.
" $30 Per Adult and $10.00 Per Minor Visitor, in Coin or One Dollar Bills Only.
" Comb or Brush.
" Two Keys On A Ring with No Attachments.
" 10 Photographs.
" Indian Medicine Bag, upon inspection and approval.
" Two small (less than 12 inches in length) solid toys.
" One Infant Carrier.
" Six Disposable Diapers.
" Factory-Sealed Baby Wipes.
" Two Transparent Plastic Baby Bottles of Pre-Mixed Formula/Milk/Juice Per Baby.
" One Transparent Pacifier.
" Three Jars of Factory Sealed Baby Food and One Plastic Baby Spoon.
" One Single-Layer Baby Blanket.
" One Transparent Diaper Bag.
" One Change of Baby Clothing.
" One Single-Layer Burp Cloth.

Visitors may retain only life-sustaining, condition-stabilizing
medication with the prescribing physician's written statement of its immediate need, and only in the physician's prescribed amount immediately required to sustain or stabilize the condition during the visit. The physician's written statement shall include the physician's medical license number, address, and phone number.

All medication shall be in its original pharmacy container with the patient's name, pharmacy, name of medication, prescribed dosage, and the physician's name indicated on the container's label. Nonprescription medicine is not permitted.

Prohibited Items

" All tobacco and tobacco products.
" Food. All refreshments are to be purchased from the vending machines
located in the visiting room, except Camps and Ranches.
" Chewing gum.
" Purses.
" Cameras.
" Pagers.
" Cell phones.
" Writing materials or books, unless approved prior to entering the Visiting Room.

Search Requirements:

All visitors must successfully pass through a metal detector to enter the visiting area. Any items that may set off the metal detector (e.g., hairclips, hairpins, jewelry, belts, belt buckles, suspenders, shoes, etc.), should be removed before attempting to pass through the metal detector. If the visitor cannot successfully pass through the metal detector, the visitor is subject to delay, additional searches, or denial of visit. (Note: for convenience, lock all items you don't need during your visit in your car's glove compartment.) Visitors who have
implants or prosthetic devices must bring a notarized statement from their physician detailing the implant or device and its specific location in the body. Visitors with implanted or prosthetic devices, wheelchairs, or other assistive devices may contact the Visiting Sergeant for information and/or special instructions. The medical verification shall be renewed every two years.

Visiting Room Procedures

Each visitor and inmate is responsible for his or her own conduct while visiting. Violation of the rules and regulations may result in termination, restriction, suspension, or denial of visits. Additionally, disciplinary action may be taken against the inmate. An inmate and his/her visitor(s) are allowed to briefly embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of their visit. An inmate may hold his or her minor children. Inmates may also hold minor children accompanied by an adult. Children are to remain under the direct supervision and control of the
visiting parent or guardian at all times. Holding hands on top of the table in plain view is permitted, with no other physical contact. Excessive contact, (kissing, massaging, stroking, and sitting with legs intertwined or sitting on laps) could result in termination of the visit. Nursing mothers shall be discreet and covered when breast-feeding their baby in the visiting area. Failure to do so may result in termination of visiting for that day. Inmates cannot receive any items, gifts, money, jewelry, or documents during a visit. However, the adult visitor may ask for a pencil and notebook paper as needed. Smoking is not allowed in the visiting rooms or outside patios in the institutions
at any time.

Citizen's Complaint Process

If you have a problem concerning visiting, you should try to resolve it immediately. You should ask to speak with the Visiting Sergeant and/or Visiting Lieutenant.

Visitors may appeal in writing departmental policies, staff decisions, and institution/facility procedures relating to visiting. All appeals by visitors related to visiting shall be submitted in writing to the institution head.

A written response shall be provided within 15 working days from receipt of the appeal. If dissatisfied with the institution/facility response or action, the appellant may refer the appeal, with a copy of the institution/ facility decision, to the Director or designee.

A written response to appeals addressed to the Director shall be provided within 20 working days from the date of receipt.

All subsequent decisions made as the result of an appeal and the reasons for the decisions shall be documented with a copy to the appellant and/or inmate. Visiting privileges shall be promptly approved or restored when an investigation concludes that no violation of rules, regulations, or procedures took place.

SENDING GIFT PACKAGES TO INMATES

Write to your relative/friend in Pelican Bay and tell him you want to send a gift package. He will fill out the appropriate form, have it signed, and send it to you for payment. Gift packages are sent from approved agents only. Books must be sent directly from publishers or dealers "new only".

Let us know how we can help by contacting info@pelicanbayprisonproject.org or calling 718 576-1868.