CDCR-California Institution for Men (CIM)

You can support your loved ones at CIM on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 909-597-1821.

Located at 14901 Central Ave PO Box 128 in Chino, CA, CIM carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. CIM offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

The CIM, also known as Chino Men's, is an adult male state prison situated in Chino covering an expansive 2,500-acre area east of Los Angeles. Established in 1941, CIM was the first major minimum-security institution in the United States and stands as the third-oldest state prison in California.

CIM is organized into four distinct facilities, each serving specific custody levels and inmate populations:

1. Facility A: Housing approximately 960 medium Level-II Non-Designated Programming Facility inmates, this facility comprises eight dormitory housing units, accommodating around 137 inmates per unit.

2. Facility B: With an inmate population of approximately 977 medium/maximum custody Level-II Non-Designated Programming Facility inmates, Facility B also includes Palm Hall, designated as an Administrative Segregation Unit.

3. Facility C: This facility houses approximately 760 Level-II Non-Designated Programming Facility inmates, many of whom are serving life sentences. It consists of four housing units with a capacity of around 200 inmates each, located approximately 2 miles east of CIM's main complex.

4. Facility D: Serving as a Secure Level-I facility, Facility D accommodates approximately 2,000 general population inmates across 12 housing units. Level-I facilities primarily feature open dormitories and house low-security level inmates.

CIM offers a wide range of academic and leisure time activity groups for inmates, including educational programs such as high school/GED, English as a second language, and adult basic education, as well as various support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Veterans In Prison. Work programs available to inmates include laundry services, janitorial work, carpentry, and marine technology training.

Initially established on 1,700 acres of land in San Bernardino County, CIM was renowned as the "prison without walls," featuring only a five-strand barbwire livestock fence for security. Over the years, CIM has adapted its security measures to meet evolving challenges, now housing the largest Level I inmate population within the California prison system. The facility has expanded and undergone conversions to better address the needs of its inmate population, including the establishment of mainline facilities like Facility A and Facility C.