Hi all, I have been reading about the out of state transfers that are taking place at some of the other prisons on California. The "Govenator" has signed an emergency bill to send over flow inmates to out of state facilities.

Inmates housed in gyms or dormitory type housing are the ones who will be transferred. One article said up to 8,000 California inmates will be moved.

The reasoning is that it poses a security risk when too many inmates are housed together, also infectious disease is transmitted faster through the population, and bunk style beds, three or more tiers of bunk beds, pose a safety hazard from beds collapsing or inmates falling.

You can google search "out of state prison transfers" for more information.
Anyone who's loved one has been transfered please post here and share your information. Let us know where your loved one went (state) and how they are doing. Transfers to Tennessee near Nashville has started. And some private facilities will be used temporarily.

I talked to my daughter who is housed in the gym at CCWF, Chowchilla with 5 months to go. She has not heard of any transfers yet from there but the the girls heard that Valley (sister facility next door) was transferring since they have a bigger overflow.

I need all the info I can get. My husband is at Corcoran and we need him to be transfered to Tennessee asap. Any names, numbers, email addresses would be very helpful. He wants to get a transfer,but keeps getting the run around. If anyone can help us get him transfered please let me know. He would gladly trade places with someone not wanting to transfer(if thats is possible). He is level 1 and all restituation paid. All we can do now is pray.

hughesgirl - I don't know if they are sending inmates to TN. he would have to talk to his counselor and find out. If they are I'm sure they would take him. Otherwise, when he paroles he can request an out of state transfer.

This is a copy of the press release from CDCR, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations website.



For Immediate Release
Friday, June 1, 2007
Contact: Seth Unger or Bill Sessa
(916) 445-4950
CDCR Resumes Temporary Out of State Inmate Transfers

Moves will reduce overcrowding and increase rehab space while new reforms are fully implemented.
In an effort to reduce severe overcrowding and increase space for rehabilitation programs, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today resumed its transfer of inmates to private correctional facilities in other states.
This morning 38 inmates who volunteered for out of state transfers were bused to the Florence Detention Center near Phoenix, Arizona. The Florence Detention Center, operated by the Correctional Corporation of America (CCA), has housed 280 California inmates since last November. In addition to Florence, Arizona, CDCR has housed 76 inmates in the West Tennessee Detention Facility. The total number of California inmates now housed out of state is 394.
“Temporary out of state inmate transfers will provide immediate relief to California’s prison system, while the rest of the Governor’s comprehensive reforms are implemented,” said James Tilton, Secretary for Corrections and Rehabilitation. “Relieving overcrowding will improve the safety of our prisons both for inmates and staff. It will also give us breathing room to restore rehabilitation programs, reduce inmate population that will increase access to medical care, and ultimately protect public safety by reducing recidivism rates.”
The transfer of inmates out of state was begun in response to an Emergency Order issued by Governor Schwarzenegger in October 2006, but was halted in November while the state’s authority to move the inmates was challenged in lawsuits. In February 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 900, The Public Safety and Offender Rehabilitation Act of 2007, that clarified the authority of CDCR to temporarily transfer inmates to private facilities in other states.
It is expected that CDCR will process up to 400 inmates per month for transfer out of state over the next two years, and that approximately 8,000 inmates will be transferred by March 2009. Transfers will continue thereafter as needed, as AB 900 authorizes transfers until July 1, 2011.
Inmates transferred to out-of-state facilities undergo a comprehensive medical screening. Only those inmates who meet criteria established by the federal court appointed Receiver overseeing inmate medical care are eligible for transfer.
CDCR’s contract with CCA, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, is for 4,056 beds and discussions with other private correctional companies are expected. CCA facilities in Tallahatchie, Mississippi and North Fork, Oklahoma are also likely to house California inmates.

I know someone, a sister of a friend of mine, whose son is at CRC. They visit, they have many family members in the area. He was put on the list for transfer. I thought that if you have family members who visit, they are not to be transferred?
My son called me today. He said that he has a committee review this week. It's not a scheduled review, so he's worried that he might be transferred. Anyone have any updated information on transfers? What do they base it on?

Sorry exployer I was just going to PM you on this since our son's are at the same facility. My son goes before the committee tomorrow, and I am wondering what it's all about. I spoke with someone else that has a son there and they hadn't heard about this before. One knowledgeable person did say it's counselors and they go over each case to see if where they are placed is best for them or to see if the inmate has issues that need addressed. I'm not sure if I will talk to him tomorrow night, I told him to say 'pick up' if there were any issues - if so I will post what I know tomorrow night.

Mahkena are you sure the ones in the gym cause my husband was transfered to a gym and he was told cause he only has three months left. But then was transferd back because he was deemed a threat to general population.

If someone only has 3 months left they are highly unlikely to be transferred. Transferred inmates are still released/paroled out of CA, so it would be a huge waste of money for them to transport him just to turn around and send him back a month or so later.

TN does not generally take requests. Most of the guys being transferred are being sent to MS and AZ. TN took the initial 80 volunteers, and with 80 inmates they are at capacity for out-of-state transfers. The MS location is not far from the TN location - well, it's all relative anyway, they both share the Memphis airport as the closest major airport to their facilities.

I don't think they are transferring people just based on being located in dorms. They initially took volunteers, then they did look at INS status and visitor records. Since this has all been going on for about 1 1/2 years now since the first 80 transfers, I think they have pretty much moved beyond those as criteria...now they are just kind of taking whoever they want, to a certain degree, I'm sure.

To my knowledge, lifers are not being transferred. Inmates housed in the SHU are not being transferred. For the most part, since this is a contract CA wants to work and therefore keep, it is my understanding they aren't looking to send CCA (the private prisons CA has the out-of-state contract with) their "problem" inmates.

I have heard that the MS facility is regularly on lockdown. I have had people ask about family visits. I can tell you that all of the rules stated under Title 15 still apply to transferred inmates. In other words, as a CA inmate they are entitled to family visits. However, most of the CCA prisons have never offered trailers since only 6 other states have them. So far, I know the TN facility does not have a trailer set up or in place (and since they were the first to receive CA inmates, I'm guessing that means the others don't either - other than perhaps MS since MS offers family visits to begin with...not sure about the CCA facility though), and no one has received a family visit yet - nor has anyone pushed the issue. Fear not, though...that is going to change. :) CA is working on this and while I will not hold my breath for anything to go quickly...they are supposed to be providing a trailer for those eligible for family visits in the future.

As I said, MS is on lockdown a lot so that doesn't sound too great. But I can tell you that at least TN is considered to be a good deal. It's very laid back, while nothing is perfect (hey, it is still prison) the cells are larger, you can shower whenever you want (just about), they have 78 cable channels, phones are on all day with no limits, they rarely go on lockdown, etc.

Hope this helps.

Meeganv where did you get your information? Is there an article to read, I can't seem to find any thing on what you said, what's your source??? Let us know where you found your information, I would like to see what has been written.

The information I am talking about is straight from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's site. According to the CDCR the state of California has contracts with Tennessee and other states for out of state transfers. If you do the research you will find that the state of Arizona is also faced with over crowding and is also doing transfers. Looks like California is sending inmates where ever there is room.

Some times you have to do a little homework to understand the scope of what our government is implementing. It is amazing what goes on behind closed doors. So with a little digging I found that this is an extension of AB 900 the Public Safety and Offender Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007 that the Governor signed in 2007.

The links below for CDCR's site says... "temporarily transferring inmates out of state will immediately reduce overcrowding, and allow for the Governor’s comprehensive prison reforms to be fully implemented. (AB 900) It will allow for emergency beds in places like gymnasiums and day rooms to be taken down, (which means eliminated) and increase access to medical and mental health care, and effective rehabilitation programs".
"California’s prison system houses an historic high of 173,000 inmates, about 18,000 of whom are sleeping in gyms, day rooms and other areas of the prisons that were not intended for housing". Another article says, "The dorm style beds that are often 3 tiers (bunk beds) are a safety hazard, overcrowded dorms pose security risks, and the spread of infectious disease is accelerated in crowded populations posing health risks"."CDCR anticipates that continued transfer of inmates to private facilities will reduce 2,050 of those inappropriate beds by June, 2008 and 3,800 by June, 2009, when the full allotment of transfers is completed".

If you would like to read the current updates from the CDCR on out of state transfers the links are below. Articles say a total of 8,000
inmates will be transfered by 2011.

http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/News/2008_Press_Releases/April_21.html
http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/news/2007_Press_Releases/Press20071005.html

If you look down the "California General Prison Talk" threads you will see several PTO members have posted threads about their loved ones being transfered out of state involuntarily. One guy was transfered with 8 months to go to Tennessee. If you hear of anyone being transfered please post the details. It will be interesting to hear their story.

Where's the NEWS in this thread?

Am I missing something?

This is from LAST SUMMER (2007)!

Aurora - it's news because the out of state transfers are still occurring and at much faster rates. It's NEWS because family members of inmates here in Cali are concerned that their loved ones might be moved out of state.

Hope this helps clarify for you.

Aurora - it's NEWS because the out of state transfers are still occurring and at much faster rates. It's NEWS because family members of inmates here in Cali are concerned that their loved ones might be moved out of state.

Hope this helps clarify for you.

No need for sarcasm. I TRULY was wondering if I was missing something in the NEW news department! I just didn't see anything in the initial post of this thread that wasn't from 2007!

I happen to BE a family member of someone in Cali. So.....'xcuse ME!

I think when they meant eliminating the gymnasium and Dorms it meant when they do all the transfers all the Gym and Dorm guys will be moved to two man cells. And the gym will be used for what it is for.

Aurora, Thanks for asking it does seem a little confusing. The top thread is from 4/2008 which was last month as stated in the thread. The bottom thread is from 2007, which was one of the original articles that was released when the Governor signed AB 900 in 2007. I added the thread from last year 2007 as reference to show that this was not new "news".

If you go to the CDCR site it states the date of the article in the upper left hand corner, you can't miss it. Also you will find it in the thread if you look. These links are only two on a series of press releases that are available on the same site. ALSO the same information has been written in several California newspapers including the Orange County Register, and L.A. Times. However it looks like you may be from out of state so you may not be familiar with those newspapers. The articles they wrote are also on the internet, that is were I found them.

These are press releases, meaning this is what the newspapers write articles on and put in the paper, also what you hear on TV. So I am assuming it is accurate and "news" as you say. If not then I would imagine a lot of communications companies (newspapers and TV) are really ticked off at the CDCR for doing "fluff" pieces that are speculation and not really happening!

The purpose for this thread/post is not to inform folks that this is going on. It is and already started last year, I just wanted information from anyone on PTO about their loved one who was shipped out of California. Also I am not here to report "news" about what is going on with transfers though I was happy to share the information I found. I am certainly NO expert!! I just wanted to know if someone had experienced this and what happened. I was more concerned about my daughter who is housed in the gym at her facility, she only has 4 and 1/2 months to go. Wondered if anyone knew if the 250 girls housed there were going to be sent??????

Thanks for your input! I hope to find some more information soon. I called my daughter's facility last week and YES they are looking at shipping inmates out but could not comment further. I was told that there are more coming in than going out!

Hey 13Lazy...what a beautiful picture of you and your man, I noticed you only have 2 months, 3 weeks , and 5 days until your honey comes home...HOW WONDERFUL!!! I would be so excited I'd be walkin' on air!

4 and 1/2 months before my daughter comes home, it's been 3 years in county and 5 months in state so far. Homecoming date of October 6th!!
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D :D:D:D:D:D:D

Sorry, my information is not based on anything written by CDCR. It is based on my dealings over the phone with CDCR, my dealings with the counselors and associate warden at the TN facility, and my dealings with my fiance who has been in TN since November, 1996. Just trying to give the "inside" scoop, as it were. May not be official, but it is based on what is actually happening.

I know they just had several guys sent back to CA for pending release, and received new CA guys. About 5, I think, over the past few months. I didn't say or mean to imply that TN is not accepting any transfers...just that they only have 80 beds, do not have any current plans to expand the CA program, and so getting a transfer there is a long shot. The majority of the transfers to date have been sent to AZ and MS.

If you look down the "California General Prison Talk" threads you will see several PTO members have posted threads about their loved ones being transfered out of state involuntarily. One guy was transfered with 8 months to go to Tennessee. If you hear of anyone being transfered please post the details. It will be interesting to hear their story.

I just scrolled down the list and found a post by Bob-bi-lu. I saw that her cousin has 8 months remaining and was just transferred. Not sure if that is who you were referring to, but her cousin was transferred to AZ, not TN. Gonna keep looking! I don't come on CA that often, honestly. But since there are only 80 CA guys in TN and they are all housed together and kept separate from the local TN inmates, it'd be fun to find someone else who's man is in TN with mine. :)

My son and a co-worker of my sisters son were in jail together, rode on the bus to NKSP together. Both saw couseler and both waiting for transfers to home prison. Last week friends son was told they are transfering him to TN. I have notice that there are a lot of post from Concoran "Out of State Transfer" This is where they said my sons home prison might be. Are they transfering out of Corcoran more than other prisons or is it just that they post more? I really had not given this much though until now, any help would wonderful. Like there is not enough to worry about. Do they get anything from transfering like less time?

I know TN just got 2 new CA guys last week from Corcoran.
I asked my man last night and right now they do have a few spots open.
TN apparently only takes voluntary transfers, it's not usually where they send the involuntary transfers...at least that was what my man told me last night. Of course, just because that is the process they've been following for the past 1 1/2 years doesn't mean that they won't change things up. They do what they want, as you all know.
Hughesgirl, I know you've been trying to get your man to TN. Who have you spoken to about this? Have you contacted CDCR?
Judean, if your friend's son does end up in TN, let me know! :)

This would be a involuntary transfer, from what I have been told no one wants a transfer, so they are not giving a choice any more. A good inmate has a better chance of going, problem inmates state in California. Things that make you go UMMM.....

Judean07's correct. CAs' only transferring inmates out of state if they are on good behavior. It doesn't make any sense. I guess it doesn't pay off to be good in there.

All I can do is shake my head and think what a shame. Does anyone know anything about filing a hardship case?

Cool .......Meeganv you can be our main source of info for TN. If you don't mind checkin' in now and then to give us updates that would be awesome!! We don't seem to get much info until it happens (or after).

Judean....sorry to hear about your sister's co-workers son. These are suppose to be "temporary" transfers so I wonder what that means?????? Do you know yet if your son will be transferred?

I first found out about the transfers on the CCC Susanville thread about closing the gym. When I posted there asking about my daughter's prison I was told by the moderator that I needed to go to a thread about my daughter's prison since they were only talking about CCC. I didn't see one so I started this thread hoping someone had some info regarding other prisons as well.

I will still be diggin' to see what I can find.

Hey 13Lazy...what a beautiful picture of you and your man, I noticed you only have 2 months, 3 weeks , and 5 days until your honey comes home...HOW WONDERFUL!!! I would be so excited I'd be walkin' on air!

4 and 1/2 months before my daughter comes home, it's been 3 years in county and 5 months in state so far. Homecoming date of October 6th!!
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D :D:D:D:D:D:D

Thank you so much. It is scary cause it's been so long with out him. But I am ready I got us our new spot and new furniture the kids and I are ready. And I am glad that your duaghter is coming home also. Good Luck.

MY HUSBAND WAS TRANFERRED TO TCCF IN MS. FIRST THEY SAID THEY WERE TAKING VOLUNTEERS, BUT SOON THEY JUST DECIDED TO SEND WHOEVER THEY WANTED. SUM THEY TRANSFERRED BECAUSE OF INS STATUS BUT THEN THEY ALSO TRANSFERRED WHOEEVER THEY WANTED. SO THERES REALLY NO CRITERIA ANYMORE. THE ORIGINAL BILL SAID THERE WAS, BUT THERE REALLY NONE
WE ARE SUPOSE TO HAVE FAMILY VISITS AND CONTRARY TO WHAT MEGAANV SAID, WE ARE PUSHING IT. BUT AS YOU ALL WELL KNOW, NO ONE REALLY CARES. I MYSELF HAVE CALLED TO SACRAMENTO AND HAVE ALSO CALLED TCCF ABOUT THE FAMILY VISITS AND KNOW OF A BUNCH OF OTHER WOMEN WHO HAVE PUSHED HARD ALSO, BUT NOTHING GETS DONE

ALSO THE REASON TCCF IS ON LOCKDOWN ALL THE TIME IS BECAUSE IF SUMTHING HAPPENDS IN ONE BUILDING LIKE CELL SEARCHES OR A SMALL FIGHT THEY LOCK DOWN THE WHOLE FACILITY.......ALL OF IT EVEN IF IT HAPPENDS 5 BUILDING AWAYS


AND FROM WHAT I HEAR FROM MY HUSBAND TCCF HAS BIGGER CELLS AND LESS CHANCE OF VIOLENCE, AT LEAST WHERE HES AT

"temporary" transfers 'm going to do a search I'll let you know.

In May 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 900, The Public Safety and Offender Rehabilitation Act of 2007, that clarified the authority of CDCR to temporarily transfer up to 8,000 inmates to private facilities in other states for up to five years while more permanent reforms to enhance rehabilitation are put in place, such as the creation of reentry facilities for soon-to-be paroled inmates.
http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/News/2008_Press_Releases/April_21.html

temporary" transfers, loop holes, law makers, prison system...LOL

Mrz Ruiz, I am so sorry your husband has been transferred! I can't imagine being so far from him. I don't understand why the Dept of Corrections makes it so hard for the families????? Not only are you torn apart as a family, but now out of state, and no family visits. It's just plain cruel.

I think the real truth is, until some of the law makers/"decision" makers are in this situation there will not be any change. They need to feel the pain like we do in order to change the way things are done.:(

Judean, I think you are spot on! "Temporary" means they can change the rules when they want to with no explanations! :angry:

Mrz Ruiz, I'm glad to hear that your husband reports less violence where he is. That is what I hear for TN as well.

When I said that no one is pushing the issue of family visits, I was basing that upon what I know of TN where my man is. I really don't know what is going on at other locations, other than the fact that they have more CA inmates than TN does, and that MS is rumored to be on lockdown frequently. As for the family visits, I really hadn't even thought that it would be an issue for the MS location, only the AZ and TN facilities. I had thought that since MS is one of the few states that actually still offers FVs it would not be as difficult to get it set up there.

I'm in a different boat than the rest of you...I'm more with hughesgirl, if her man ever gets transferred. I'm sure everyone else reads this stuff about out-of-state transfers and their stomachs drop. For me, I see temporary and my stomach drops. I'm on the east coast and so even though he's still far from me, TN is a lot closer than CA. Also, because there are fewer fights where he is, I get really worried when I think about him returning to CA. He was a voluntary transfer and hopes to serve the rest of his time in TN. He left CA because he figured his ERD is far enough away, he doesn't need to get into trouble for a stupid fight due to stupid prison politics and have any more time added on.

I know it is far from home and I know that must be devastating. But if it offers any comfort whatsoever for those who are dealing with this, let me once again say that it seems the environment at least might be a little bit better, and well...the phone call situation is actually a lot better! (30 minutes uninterrupted, phones are on all day, can be used at any time available...)

I know...not much solace compared to not seeing them regularly, but it's the best I can offer to try to find the silver lining for you. :)

Meeganv sounds like the out of state facilities are better, since California houses the highest number of inmates in the nation, I guess that's why the facilities are in such ill repair. All we here over and over again is how overcrowded we are, but they keep convicting and sending more and more to prison.

My daughter's case was a huge waste of tax payer's dollars. She did her full sentence in county waiting for a trial that never came. County does not calculate time the same, so they sent her to prison. Once there they added 10 more months.

If you complain they make it rough on your loved one. I would imagine my daughter is not the only one that has happened to!!!!!!!!!!!! I can see why we're over crowded. County and state need to get to get on the same page and calculate time the same.

Okay....Do you guys really get 30 minute calls????? WoW! That would be awesome! You can actually have a conversation without getting cut off abruptly. I can't stand the recorded messages that my call is from a state facility....like I didn't know. Heck I set up the pre-paid account, quit wasting my pre-paid time with you're stupid announcement!!!
You are one lucky girl my friend. :thumbsup:

This is a really touchy subject for me right now. My fiancee has been away 5 years already and now he wrote me a letter which i recieved today telling me according to committy there's a high possibility that he will be shipped out and if so it will happen within the next 30 DAYS!!:( It's a complete heartbreaker because i visit him as often as i can. I looked at the CDCR website and got the number of a Joe Sahagun which works with CTF & Soledad State Prison's Out of State Department. I'm planning on calling tomorrow so if he helps i will give any information possible to everyone because i would hate for you to be put in this situation.

This is a really touchy subject for me right now. My fiancee has been away 5 years already and now he wrote me a letter which i recieved today telling me according to committy there's a high possibility that he will be shipped out and if so it will happen within the next 30 DAYS!!:( It's a complete heartbreaker because i visit him as often as i can. I looked at the CDCR website and got the number of a Joe Sahagun which works with CTF & Soledad State Prison's Out of State Department. I'm planning on calling tomorrow so if he helps i will give any information possible to everyone because i would hate for you to be put in this situation.

Idelamore, I'm sorry to hear your situation, I've been there and it's very frustrating I know. Please be sure to post either way, we are here for you!

Blessings, Ally

Whre is he at, CTF or SVSP? I am just curious since my daughter's godfather is on B yard in SVSP and he was just moved to Arizona. He wanted to go but I understand that you dn't want your man to leave. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help.This is a really touchy subject for me right now. My fiancee has been away 5 years already and now he wrote me a letter which i recieved today telling me according to committy there's a high possibility that he will be shipped out and if so it will happen within the next 30 DAYS!!:( It's a complete heartbreaker because i visit him as often as i can. I looked at the CDCR website and got the number of a Joe Sahagun which works with CTF & Soledad State Prison's Out of State Department. I'm planning on calling tomorrow so if he helps i will give any information possible to everyone because i would hate for you to be put in this situation.

I have a son in CTF right now and I just found out tonight that they are going to send him out of state, is there any way we, the family can stop the process in any way..... a very concerned mother.........................

There's a new lawsuit filed for out of state transfers, but in the meantime I don't think you can stop it. I guess the good news is that inmates say the conditions are better in the private prisons, at least from what I have read here

Does any one know if you can stop the process of transferring prisoners out of state............a very concerned mom:(

The word at this point is they are very hard to stop. I guess we got lucky because they were saying family connections and visitors were a consideration in the beginning (worked in our situation), but now that doesn't seem to be the case. Some have suggested contacting the ombudsmen. Ken.Hurdle@cdcr.ca.gov (http://mrd.mail.yahoo.com/compose?To=Ken.Hurdle%40cdcr.ca.gov) that is the ombudsmen of all the prisons... but I have not heard if it will help or not.

This is the link to the Out of State FAQ sticky.

http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281783

I wish I had more for you. I'm sure the idea of them moving your son farther away is a horrible thought, but from what I have heard the facilities are much better, if that's even a small consolation for you. :( I'm sorry!

Blessings, Ally

I went to visit my son today at Folsom Prison. Just about the first thing he said to me is "they told me that they are transferring me out of state". I wasn't expecting this at all, because all this time I had heard that if they had steady visits from their family and if they weren't in a dorm but in a cell, that they would not get transferred out of state. Well, we visit regularly and he is a level 3 in a cell. He also said that that another inmate in there who has about 6 months more to do is getting transferred also. To me that doesn't make sense, because that inmate will just go there and have to come back really soon to get paroled. I also talked to one of the other visitors and she told me that her man is also being transferred out of state. My son said that they told him it would be in about 2 months.
In some of the other posts, I've noticed that you have spoken about hearings before they are transferred out. He has had no hearing as far as I know. He didn't mention it. Right now, he is one hour away from where I live. If he goes out of state, God only knows when I'll see him again. He has 26 months left on his sentence.