The California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino is one of the largest state prisons in Southern California.
CIM is a CDCR prison for men, with several distinct housing facilities. Its current housing role should not be confused with an automatic reception assignment for every Los Angeles sentence.
CDCR determines the actual institution and housing assignment from classification, health and operational needs. Confirm the location in CIRIS before sending money, addressing mail or arranging a visit.
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.
Housing level and custody designation are separate considerations. A person can be transferred to CIM for a permanent assignment or specified temporary needs; the name of the prison alone does not establish the person’s status.
How bail works for CIM
Most people are not bailed out directly from CIM.
Ordinary pretrial bail is not posted at a CDCR prison to release someone serving a state sentence. Any exceptional release pending appeal or postconviction order must be addressed in court; it is a different process from posting county-jail bail.
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.
Transfers can change the correct housing address and visiting arrangements. Recheck the assigned facility before each transaction or trip.
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
Calls are initiated by the incarcerated person. CDCR pays for ordinary audio calls, so family members do not need to fund a prepaid account for those calls. Access and monitoring rules still apply.
CDCR is moving from ViaPath to Securus by institution. Its rollout schedule, dated August 21, 2026, lists CIM as pending transition. Check the current institution schedule before opening an account for paid messaging or video services.
Personal mail must be addressed with the inmate’s full legal name and CDCR number.
Use the P.O. box for the assigned CIM housing facility, with the person’s full name, CDCR number and housing information:
California Institution for Men
Incarcerated person’s full name, CDCR number and housing
Facility A: P.O. Box 368; Facility B: P.O. Box 441; Facility C: P.O. Box 500; Facility D: P.O. Box 600
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
Electronic messaging requires the platform used at the person’s actual institution. Review CDCR’s transition instructions; phone and tablet vendors can change at different dates.
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 and other approved paid services can be sent through CDCR’s authorized methods. Ordinary audio calls are free.
- Online or by phone – Through JPay, Access Corrections, or GTL/Viapath ConnectNetwork.
- By mail – Send a money order payable to CDCR with the inmate’s full name and CDCR number clearly written.
Always include the inmate’s CDCR number on all mail, payments, and online transactions to make sure they are credited to the correct person.
How to get legal help
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 has practiced criminal defense since 1984. His State Bar record confirms his active license and his Super Lawyers profile lists selection for 2020 through 2023. Call 800-834-6434 for a free case evaluation.
Published September 25, 2025.
What changed at CIM in 2026?
The California State Auditor’s September 2026 report states that CIM reactivated Facility D dormitories in May 2026 to accommodate transfers associated with California Rehabilitation Center’s closure. CDCR records that CRC closed September 30, 2026. A transfer can change the housing unit and mail destination even when the person remains in the same regional prison system.
| Confirm before acting | CIM-specific reason |
|---|---|
| Facility letter and housing | Facilities A, B, C and D have different inmate P.O. boxes. |
| Current visiting approval and status | Approval does not guarantee a visit during a restriction or transfer. |
| The communications platform | CIM was listed as pending the Securus transition on the August 21, 2026 schedule. |
| Appeal or other court deadline | Institutional transfer does not extend a legal filing deadline. |
Sources and legal standards
- CIM addresses and facility information
- California State Auditor: CIM, September 2026
- CDCR closure timeline
- CDCR telephone and tablet transition
- CDCR sending money
- CDCR visiting
Legal information checked October 10, 2026. The charge, evidence and applicable version of the law control the analysis of an individual case.
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