California operates three state-owned women’s prisons: the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), the Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW), and the California Institution for Women (CIW) (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.). These facilities are located in the Central Valley and Corona, respectively (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.). The combined capacity of these three prisons is 5010 (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.).
Key Facts
- Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) located in the Central Valley.
- Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW) also located in the Central Valley.
- California Institution for Women (CIW) in Corona.
These three prisons have a combined capacity of 5010.
As of May 2023, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) reported that 8268 prisoners were being held in these three facilities, resulting in an occupation rate of 161% of design capacity (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.).
Incarceration Rates and Demographics
African American women are disproportionately represented in California’s prison population, constituting 29.8% despite making up only 7% of the state’s female population (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.). White women, on the other hand, are underrepresented, accounting for only 39% of the female prison population while comprising 47% of the state’s female population (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.). Latinas constitute 26.6% of the female prison population (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.).
Prison Conditions and Challenges
Women in California prisons face numerous challenges, including persistent privacy violations, inadequate healthcare, and a lack of comprehensive support for drug addiction (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.). Additionally, prisoners who work earn as little as $0.08 per hour, and those who are indigent are provided only five sanitary pads per month (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.).
Incarceration Trends
Since the implementation of mandatory sentencing laws in the mid-1980s, California’s female prison population has skyrocketed (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.). At the end of 1986, there were 3,564 women in California’s prisons, a number that increased to 10,897 by 1998 (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.). As of December 2005, 65.7% of women in California prisons were imprisoned for non-violent offenses, the majority of which were drug-related (Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP, n.d.).
Prison Population Trends
California’s prison population has stabilized since 2017, with the institutional population hovering around 115,000 inmates (California’s Prison Population, 2019). However, 13 of the 35 state-owned facilities operate beyond their design capacity (California’s Prison Population, 2019). In addition to the institutional population, approximately 15,000 inmates are housed in camps or contract facilities (California’s Prison Population, 2019).
Aging Prison Population and Healthcare Costs
The prison population in California is aging, with the share of prisoners age 50 or older increasing from 4% in 2000 to 23% in 2017 (California’s Prison Population, 2019). This aging population may be contributing to the state’s high prison healthcare costs, which are the highest in the nation (California’s Prison Population, 2019). In fiscal year 2015, California spent $19,796 per inmate on healthcare, more than three times the national average (California’s Prison Population, 2019).
Length of Sentences
Many prisoners in California serve decades or more before being released (California’s Prison Population, 2019). Approximately 55,000 prisoners will be released after serving about half of their 4-year sentences, while 33,000 are “second strikers” who are released after serving about 3.5 years (California’s Prison Population, 2019). Another 7,000 are “third strikers” who are released after serving about 17 years, and approximately 33,000 are serving sentences of life or life without parole (California’s Prison Population, 2019).
Nature of Crimes Committed
The most common crimes that led to imprisonment in 2017 involved assault, weapons, or robbery (California’s Prison Population, 2019). Additionally, 91% of all prisoners had criminal records that included convictions for violent or serious crimes, and 80% were admitted to prison after being convicted of such a crime (California’s Prison Population, 2019).
Sources
- Facts About California Women’s Prisons – CCWP
- California’s Prison Population
- By the Numbers: How Many Men in California Prisons Identify as Women
FAQs
How many female prisons are in California?
California has three state-owned women’s prisons: the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), the Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW), and the California Institution for Women (CIW).
What is the combined capacity of these three prisons?
The combined capacity of CCWF, VSPW, and CIW is 5010.
What is the current occupation rate of these prisons?
As of May 2023, the occupation rate of these three prisons is 161% of design capacity, with 8268 prisoners being held.
What are some of the challenges faced by women in California prisons?
Women in California prisons face numerous challenges, including persistent privacy violations, inadequate healthcare, a lack of comprehensive support for drug addiction, low wages, and a lack of basic hygiene products for indigent prisoners.
What is the racial breakdown of the female prison population in California?
African American women are disproportionately represented in California’s prison population, constituting 29.8% despite making up only 7% of the state’s female population. White women, on the other hand, are underrepresented, accounting for only 39% of the female prison population while comprising 47% of the state’s female population. Latinas constitute 26.6% of the female prison population.
What percentage of women in California prisons are incarcerated for non-violent offenses?
As of December 2005, 65.7% of women in California prisons were imprisoned for non-violent offenses, the majority of which were drug-related.
What is the average length of stay for prisoners in California?
Many prisoners in California serve decades or more before being released. Approximately 55,000 prisoners will be released after serving about half of their 4-year sentences, while 33,000 are “second strikers” who are released after serving about 3.5 years. Another 7,000 are “third strikers” who are released after serving about 17 years, and approximately 33,000 are serving sentences of life or life without parole.
What is the most common type of crime committed by women in California prisons?
The most common crimes that led to imprisonment in 2017 involved assault, weapons, or robbery.