California Institution for Men (CIM – Chino): What You Need to Know About Visits, Commissary, and Inmate Information

The California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino is one of the largest state prisons in Southern California.

It serves as a reception and housing facility for men convicted of state crimes.

Many defendants from Los Angeles County who receive a state prison sentence are first processed through CIM before being assigned to another California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) facility.

The address for CIM is:

California Institution for Men
14901 Central Avenue
Chino, CA 91710
(909) 597-1821

Driving directions: Google Maps

CIM is a sprawling complex with several yards and housing units. People held here have either been sentenced in state court or are temporarily at CIM for processing.

Because it serves as an intake center, the facility houses a wide range of security levels.

How bail works for CIM

Most people are not bailed out directly from CIM.

If bail is an option, it must be posted before sentencing, while the defendant is still in county custody (for example, at the IRC or Men’s Central). Once a defendant has been sentenced to state prison and transported to CIM, bail is no longer available.

If you’re trying to arrange release before sentencing, you will need to post bail at the county jail or in the courthouse handling the case.

Looking up an inmate at CIM

The CDCR maintains an online inmate locator that lists people currently housed in state prisons.
You can search using either the inmate’s CDCR number or their full legal name.

You can also call the CIM information line at (909) 597-1821 to confirm an inmate’s location.

Because CIM handles intake and transfers, inmates may move in and out relatively quickly, so it’s best to confirm before sending mail or planning a visit.

Visiting someone at CIM

CIM allows visits by approved friends and family, but the process is more formal than at county jails.

Here’s what to know:

  • All visitors must register through the CDCR’s visitor approval system before their first visit.
  • Once approved, visits must be scheduled in advance through the CDCR online appointment system.
  • Visitors must show valid photo ID and comply with CDCR dress code and property rules.
  • Visiting schedules may vary by housing unit and can change due to security needs, so check the current schedule before you go.

Because CIM is a state prison, visits tend to be longer and more structured than in county facilities, often taking place on weekends or designated weekdays.

Communicating with inmates

Inmates at the California Institution for Men can stay in touch with family and friends in a few ways:

Phone calls

All calls are outgoing only. Inmates use the CDCR’s contracted phone system (currently operated by GTL/Viapath).

Calls can be made as collect calls billed to the recipient’s landline, or by using prepaid phone accounts that friends and family can fund online or by phone.

Mail

Personal mail must be addressed with the inmate’s full legal name and CDCR number.

Use this mailing address:

Inmate’s Full Name, CDCR #
California Institution for Men
P.O. Box 368
Chino, CA 91708

Include the CDCR number on the envelope and on any money order you send.

Of course, do not include prohibited items. All mail is screened before delivery.

Email and electronic messaging

Many inmates have access to CDCR’s electronic messaging system, provided through the ConnectNetwork (GTL/Viapath) platform.

To use it, friends and family must set up an account with the approved vendor and be added to the inmate’s contact list.

Messages are monitored, and fees may apply.

Sending funds

Funds for commissary, phone calls, and other approved expenses can be sent in several ways:

Always include the inmate’s CDCR number on all mail, payments, and online transactions to make sure they are credited to the correct person.

Once someone has been transferred to CIM, their case has usually reached the sentencing stage, but there are still opportunities for post-conviction motions, appeals, or sentence reductions.
The sooner you speak with an experienced defense attorney, the more options you may have.

Robert M. Helfend is a SuperLawyers and National Trial Lawyers Top 100 rated trial attorney who has practiced in the Los Angeles area for more than 40 years. Call today for help – 800-834-6434.

Published September 25, 2025.