USP Atwater and Satellite Camp

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

Last Updated: March 22, 2024
Address
1 Federal Way, Atwater, CA 95301
Beds
1450
County
Merced
Phone
209-386-0257
Fax
209-386-4635
Email
atw-execassistant-s@bop.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 019001, Atwater, CA 95301

USP Atwater is for Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offenders found guilty of a federal crime and sentenced to incarceration in accordance with the Department of Justice Sentencing Guidelines.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for Federal Maximum | Minimum facility.

The phone carrier is Global Tel Link (GTL) - ConnectNetwork, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is MoneyGram There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Satellite View of USP Atwater and Satellite Camp

You can support your loved ones at USP Atwater on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 209-386-0257.

When a loved one is in federal prison, they need more than just visits or calls due to their generally longer sentences. This webpage offers insights into USP Atwater procedures, helping you provide the best support possible. From sending magazines to exploring distance learning options, this guide has all you need to assist your loved one effectively.

The United States Penitentiary, Atwater (USP Atwater), located near Atwater, California, stands as a high or maximum-security federal prison solely housing male inmates. Established on land formerly used by Castle Air Force Base, this facility also encompasses a minimum-security satellite camp (SCP). USP Atwater prioritizes a safe and secure environment through a combination of measures. The facility utilizes electrified fences, video surveillance systems, and multiple armed guard towers to deter escape attempts. Additionally, a meticulous Laser Voice system monitors all inmate phone calls.

Inmates at USP Atwater reside in either single or double-bunked cells within six designated units. The total current population is approximately 1030 inmates, with an additional 140 housed in the minimum-security camp. The well-being of the inmate population is a priority, and USP Atwater offers comprehensive medical services. Emergency medical care is available around the clock to address urgent medical needs. Routine care includes scheduled physical examinations, with a particular focus on inmates aged 50 and over. The facility provides medication dispensing, dental care, and reading glasses as needed. Each inmate is assigned to a dedicated healthcare provider for consistent care throughout their sentence.

Recognizing the importance of mental health, USP Atwater provides various services. These include intake screenings, assessments, individual and group therapy sessions, and psycho-educational classes. Inmates struggling with substance abuse can access specialized treatment programs. Additionally, the facility offers specialized mental health programs and the Challenge Program, an intensive residential program designed to address the needs of inmates with mental health challenges.

USP Atwater actively promotes rehabilitation through dedicated educational and vocational programs. Inmates lacking a high school diploma are required to participate in GED classes, offered in both English and Spanish. Additionally, English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs are available for those needing language assistance. The facility incentivizes academic progress by rewarding inmates who demonstrate satisfactory achievement and complete their chosen programs. Adult Continuing Education (ACE) courses delve into various subjects like typing, computer literacy, foreign languages, and business skills. Inmates seeking to further their education beyond high school can pursue high school diplomas and even post-secondary programs through paid correspondence options.

Equipping inmates with valuable skills is another focus of USP Atwater. Vocational training programs are offered in Building Trades and Landscaping, as well as Computer Skills encompassing Illustrator and MS Office applications. Apprenticeship opportunities are available in various fields, including electrician, cook, HVAC technician, teacher's aide, landscape technician, and stationary engineer.

Beyond core programs, USP Atwater offers other essential services. Inmates have access to both leisure and legal libraries. The leisure library provides a vast collection of reading materials, including periodicals, newspapers, fiction, non-fiction, and reference books. An interlibrary loan program allows inmates to access resources from external libraries, and bookmobile services are available to further enrich the selection. The TRULINCS Electronic Law Library provides legal resources and facilitates the preparation of legal documents. Additionally, typewriters and a copy machine are available for inmate use.

Inmates can purchase approved items from the prison store once a week, adhering to a designated spending limit. A variety of goods are available, including snacks, food items, electronics, clothing, beverages, and shoes.

In conclusion, USP Atwater plays a vital role within the federal prison system by incorporating a multifaceted approach. This approach prioritizes security while offering essential services, rehabilitation programs, and opportunities for personal growth. This focus aims to equip inmates with the tools and knowledge necessary for successful reintegration upon release.

Inmate Locator

USP Atwater and Satellite Camp is a facility in the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) that publishes the names of the inmates currently in one of their locations nationwide. To begin your search, simply input the exact first and last name of the individual you are looking for. Alternatively, if you possess an eight-digit BOP Inmate ID number (xxxxx-xxx), you can use that for quicker results.

If your search within the federal system proves unsuccessful, InmateAid Inmate Search provides an additional avenue. This database encompasses inmates currently incarcerated in various prisons, jails, and detention centers nationwide. Utilizing this free inmate locator doesn't require any sign-up process, ensuring convenient access for users. This free inmate locator.

If you are looking for someone who has been recently taken into custody, you may access the Arrest Record Search feature, there is a cost for this fresh information

Visitation Information

Atwater High - Visiting Hours

  • Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Sunday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Holidays 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

SCP - Visiting Hours

  • Saturday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Sunday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Holidays 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

Visiting Information

Ask The Inmate

Ask a former inmate questions at no charge. The inmate answering has spent considerable time in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and in a prison that was run by the private prison entity CCA. Ask your question or browse previous questions in response to comments or further questions of members of the InmateAid community.