Mule Creek State Prison Inmate Search helps families, legal teams, and the public locate individuals held at this California correctional facility. The prison is located in Ione, California, and houses over 2,000 inmates across multiple security levels. Whether you’re checking custody status, visitation rules, or how to send money, accurate and up-to-date information is essential. This page covers every way to search for an inmate, contact the facility, visit, send funds, and stay informed using official state tools and direct communication.
How to Search for an Inmate at Mule Creek State Prison
There are three main ways to search for someone at Mule Creek State Prison: online, by phone, or by mail. The fastest method is using the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) online inmate locator. You can search by CDCR number or last name. The system updates every night and shows full name, birth date, housing unit, custody level, and admission date. If you don’t have the CDCR number, start with the person’s full name and narrow results using birth date or known aliases.
You can also call the prison directly at (209) 274-4911. Staff answer calls from 7 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Have the inmate’s full name and CDCR number ready. For mailed requests, send a letter to P.O. Box 409099, Ione, CA 95640. Include your contact details and the inmate’s full name and CDCR number. Responses may take up to two weeks.
Using the CDCR Online Inmate Locator
The CDCR Public Inmate Locator is the most reliable tool for Mule Creek State Prison inmate search. Visit the official CDCR website and select “Mule Creek State Prison” from the facility list. Enter either the CDCR number (a 9-digit ID) or the inmate’s last name. You can also use the first two letters of the first name to narrow results. The system returns a list of matching names with links to detailed profiles.
Each profile includes current housing location, custody level, projected release date, and program participation. Some records show disciplinary actions and parole eligibility. The database refreshes every 24 hours, so information is current. If you can’t find someone, they may have been transferred, released, or are in a different facility. Always verify with a phone call if online results are unclear.
Visitation Rules and Approval Process
Visitation at Mule Creek State Prison requires advance approval. The inmate must add you to their approved visitor list. You cannot visit unless your name appears on this list. To apply, submit a completed visitation form, a copy of your government-issued photo ID, and pass a background check. The review takes 7 to 10 business days. Only approved visitors may enter the facility.
Visiting hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Each session lasts 30 minutes after a 15-minute security screening. Visitors must arrive early for processing. Only two visitors are allowed per inmate per visit. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All visitors go through metal detectors and bag checks. No cell phones, cameras, or food are allowed inside.
Sending Mail to an Inmate
Mail is a key way to stay in touch with someone at Mule Creek State Prison. Send letters to P.O. Box 409099, Ione, CA 95640. Include the inmate’s full name and CDCR number on the envelope. Use a return address. All mail is opened and inspected. Letters longer than six pages may be returned unopened. Do not send cash, stamps, or contraband.
Incoming mail is photocopied. The original is kept for security. Inmates receive the copies. Packages must be sent through approved vendors only. No personal packages are accepted. Books and magazines must come directly from publishers or bookstores. Avoid sending anything that could be seen as a security risk.
Sending Money to an Inmate
Families can send money to inmates using JPay, the official money transfer service. You need the inmate’s CDCR number and full name. Deposits start at $5. Funds are available within 24 hours. You can send money online, by phone, or at JPay kiosks in some locations. JPay accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers.
Do not send cash or checks through the mail. Money orders are not accepted. Only JPay is approved for electronic deposits. Inmates use these funds for commissary items, phone calls, and other approved expenses. Keep your transaction receipts. If a deposit fails, contact JPay customer service immediately.
Phone Calls and Communication
Inmates at Mule Creek State Prison make outbound calls only. They cannot receive incoming calls. Calls are handled through GTL, the prison’s phone service provider. Inmates must buy prepaid minutes to make calls. Families can fund these accounts online or by phone. Each call is limited to 15 minutes and may be monitored.
Phone numbers are assigned based on housing units. The main prison number is (209) 274-4911, but this is for administrative use only. Inmates use internal extensions for calls. Families should not call the main line expecting to speak to an inmate. All calls are recorded and may be reviewed for security.
Inmate Housing and Security Levels
Mule Creek State Prison has multiple housing units with different security levels. The facility includes Level II (medium security) and Sensitive Needs Yard (SNY) units. SNY houses inmates who need protection from the general population. This includes former law enforcement, informants, gang members seeking to leave gangs, and sex offenders.
Each housing unit has its own rules and routines. Inmates in SNY have limited contact with others. They receive counseling and vocational training. Housing assignments are based on behavior, risk level, and safety needs. Transfers between units happen regularly. The CDCR locator shows current housing details for each inmate.
Programs and Services for Inmates
Mule Creek State Prison offers education, job training, and counseling programs. Inmates can earn GEDs, learn trades, and attend substance abuse treatment. Programs are voluntary and require application. Participation is noted in the inmate’s profile. Some programs help reduce sentences or improve parole chances.
Vocational training includes welding, carpentry, and computer skills. Counseling covers anger management, parenting, and mental health. Religious services are available weekly. Library access is limited but provided. Inmates can request books through the mail system. All programs aim to support rehabilitation and reduce repeat offenses.
Job Opportunities at Mule Creek State Prison
The prison hires corrections officers, administrative staff, and maintenance workers. Jobs are posted on the CDCR careers portal. Applicants need a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, and clean background check. A 40-hour training program is required before starting. Shifts include nights, weekends, and holidays.
Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Officers earn competitive salaries and receive ongoing training. The prison is a major employer in Amador County. Applications are reviewed monthly. Interviews are conducted on-site. Hiring decisions take several weeks.
Official Contact Information
For questions about Mule Creek State Prison inmate search, use these official contacts. Call (209) 274-4911 during business hours. The physical address is 4001 Highway 104, Ione, CA 95640. Mail goes to P.O. Box 409099, Ione, CA 95640. The CDCR website has the most up-to-date forms and policies.
Visiting hours are posted online and subject to change. Always check before traveling. For technical issues with the inmate locator, call CDCR at (916) 445-6713. Staff can help with search errors or accessibility problems. The locator is updated nightly and covers all state prisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about Mule Creek State Prison inmate search. Below are the most common ones with clear, direct answers. These cover search methods, visitation, mail, money, and phone rules. Each answer is based on current CDCR policies and facility guidelines.
How do I find someone at Mule Creek State Prison?
Use the CDCR online inmate locator. Search by CDCR number or last name. You can also call the prison at (209) 274-4911. Have the inmate’s full name and ID ready. The locator updates every night and shows housing, custody level, and release dates. If you don’t have the CDCR number, try searching with the first two letters of the first name. Always verify results with a phone call if unsure.
Can I visit an inmate without being on the list?
No. The inmate must add you to their approved visitor list. You cannot visit unless your name is on it. Submit a visitation form and ID. Wait 7 to 10 days for approval. Only two visitors are allowed per visit. Children must be with an adult. Visits are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Arrive early for screening.
How do I send money to an inmate?
Use JPay. You need the inmate’s CDCR number. Deposits start at $5. Funds are available in 24 hours. Send money online, by phone, or at a kiosk. Do not mail cash or checks. Only JPay is accepted. Inmates use funds for commissary, phone calls, and other approved items. Keep your receipt in case of errors.
Can inmates receive phone calls?
No. Inmates can only make outbound calls. They use GTL for prepaid calls. Families must fund the account. Calls last 15 minutes and are monitored. Inmates buy minutes with money from their accounts. You cannot call them directly. All calls are recorded for security.
What happens to mail sent to inmates?
All mail is opened and inspected. Letters over six pages may be returned. Original letters are kept. Inmates receive photocopies. Do not send cash, stamps, or contraband. Packages must come from approved vendors. Books must come from publishers. Use the correct mailing address: P.O. Box 409099, Ione, CA 95640.
How often is the inmate roster updated?
The CDCR inmate roster updates every night. It shows current housing, custody level, and program details. Transfers and releases are reflected within 24 hours. The online locator is the most accurate source. Phone staff can confirm details if online results are unclear. Always check the date of last update.
What is the Sensitive Needs Yard?
The Sensitive Needs Yard (SNY) houses inmates who need protection. This includes former police, informants, gang dropouts, and sex offenders. They live in a separate unit with limited contact. SNY offers counseling and job training. Inmates are assigned based on safety needs. Housing details appear in the CDCR locator.
For more help, contact the CDCR Identification Unit at (916) 445-6713. They assist with locator issues and data questions. The main prison phone is (209) 274-4911. Visiting hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Mail goes to P.O. Box 409099, Ione, CA 95640.