Welcome to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Visitors
Ironwood State Prison (ISP)
Aerial view of Ironwood State Prison. CLICK to download a copy. Hit browser <back> arrow to return to this page.

Warden Dexter
Debra Dexter, Warden

Physical Address:
19005 Wiley's Well Road
Blythe, CA 92225

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 2229
Blythe, CA  92226
(760) 921-3000


Ironwood State Prison - Mission Statement

The primary mission of Ironwood State Prison (ISP) is to improve public safety through the confinement of minimum and medium custody male offenders, while providing them the life improvement skills needed to successfully re-integrate back into society upon parole.

Institution Details

ISP is comprised of four (4) Level III (medium security) facilities within it’s security perimeter and (1) Minimum Support Facility (minimum security) outside of the security perimeter area. ISP currently has a 15 bed Correctional Treatment Center under construction. Once completed it will be a licensed medical facility.

An emphasis is placed on providing all inmates with programs for self-improvement. These programs include academic and vocational education as well as inmate self-help group activities. ISP has partnered with the Palo Verde Valley Community College in a distance education program where inmates may earn an AA/AS degree in General Studies, Business Management, Liberal Arts and Business Administration. This program is funded by the Extended Opportunities Programs and Services (EOPS).


Institution Statistics

ISP was opened February 1, 1994, and covers 1,700 acres. As of Fiscal Year 2006/2007, the following statistics apply:

Number of custody staff:
783

Number of support services staff:
338

Total number of staff:
1,061

 
 

Annual operating budget:
$113 million

 
 





Designed Bedspace & Count
Facility Level
Design Capacity
Count

I
200
386

III
2,000
4,278

Total
2,200
4,664




Special Historical Notes

Ironwood State Prison’s name was derived from the surrounding area’s native Ironwood trees, which share with the prison the qualities of strength, solidity and firmness.



Inmate Programs
  • PIA:  None
  • Vocational:  Air condition and refrigeration, auto body repair, auto mechanics, carpentry, drywall, electronics, graphic arts, janitorial, landscaping, maintenance, masonry, mill and cabinet, office equipment repair, office services and related technologies, plumbing, small engine repair, welding and machine shop
  • Academic:  Adult Basic Education, High School/GED, Re-Entry Program, English as a second language, Literacy program, College Correspondence and Palo Verde Community College
  • Self Help Programs:  Religious, Arts in Corrections, Substance Abuse Program, AA/NA, Life’s too short, Incarcerated Fathers group, Ironwood Veterans Group, Music Group and the Desert Star educational program

Visiting Hours and Directions
Saturdays, Sundays and Designated Holidays* 
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

* New Year's Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas


General Directions:

Ironwood State Prison is located approximately 90 miles east of Palm Springs, off of Interstate 10, next to Chuckawalla Valley State Prison. For additional information, visit this link  to customize your driving directions.