Comprehensive Guide to San Quentin State Prison Inmate Search and Survival

San Quentin's Location and Contact Information

Perched on Point San Quentin, the prison gazes over the northern side of the San Francisco Bay. Inmates' families should note the distinct mailing address for correspondence, which is San Quentin, CA 94974, to avoid confusion with the physical address of San Quentin, CA 94964. In 2001, the estimated value of San Quentin State Prison ranged from $129 million to $664 million. Despite the passage of time, it remains unclear if any private entity would consider purchasing the facility. However, it is well-known that San Quentin is the sole California correctional institution authorized to carry out capital punishment.

The Evolution of Capital Punishment at San Quentin

Until 1996, the gas chamber served as one of the primary methods for executing death row inmates at San Quentin. However, due to mounting pressure from prison and human rights advocates who deemed it excessively inhumane, the gas chamber was decommissioned. The current method of execution is lethal injection. In September 2010, a new execution chamber was unveiled, replacing the old one at a cost of over $180,000 to the state. This modern facility, encompassing 230 square feet, includes three observation areas designated for family members, victims, and media representatives.

Interesting Statistics and Facts

• San Quentin is not only the oldest but also one of the most overcrowded prisons in California, with a population exceeding its capacity by over 58%.
• The annual budget for San Quentin is part of the CDCR's total budget, which was approximately $13.6 billion for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, according to the California Department of Finance.
• The cost of housing an inmate at San Quentin is significantly higher than the national average, with California spending about $81,000 per inmate per year, as reported by the Legislative Analyst's Office.
• San Quentin has a unique rehabilitation program called the Prison University Project, which is the only on-site higher education program in California's prison system, offering Associate of Arts degrees in liberal arts.

For those seeking information on inmates at San Quentin State Prison, the CDCR provides an inmate locator tool on their website, which allows users to search for inmates by name or CDCR number. This tool is essential for family members and friends to stay connected with their loved ones during incarceration.

In conclusion, San Quentin State Prison is a complex institution with a rich history and a challenging present. Its overcrowded conditions, significant workforce, and role in capital punishment highlight the ongoing debates surrounding the American penal system and the balance between punishment and rehabilitation.