Q
How do I find someone at California Men's Colony?
Use CIRIS, CDCR's statewide inmate search tool, at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov. Search by name or CDCR number, then confirm the result lists California Men's Colony.
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Find Someone at California Men's Colony
CMC is the San Luis Obispo institution split into two complexes on one property, a Level III East Facility and a Level I and II West Facility. Search below, then start sending photos and letters from your phone.
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Overview
Search CDCR’s statewide CIRIS locator by name or CDCR number at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov, then confirm the result lists California Men’s Colony, the San Luis Obispo institution split into two separate complexes on one property, a Level III East Facility and a Level I and II West Facility.
Quick Facts
- 1 Search CIRIS at ciris.mt.cdcr.ca.gov, CDCR's one statewide inmate locator.
- 2 California Men's Colony is two separate complexes on one property: a Level III East Facility and a Level I and II West Facility.
- 3 Results typically show age, admission date, current location, commitment county, and parole hearing information.
- 4 CIRIS only covers people currently in CDCR custody, not county jail, federal, or parole status.
- 5 New commitments and transfers can take a few days to appear or update in the system.
Families Also Ask
5 of 5 questions
Q
Why can't I find someone I know is at CMC?
They may be a recent booking that hasn't updated in CIRIS yet, they may have been released or paroled, they may have transferred to a different institution, or the name entered doesn't exactly match CDCR's records. Try name variations, or call CDCR's ID Unit at (916) 445-6713 with a date of birth.
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Q
Is California Men's Colony the same as California Institution for Men?
No. They're two different CDCR men's prisons. California Men's Colony (CMC) is in San Luis Obispo. California Institution for Men (CIM) is in Chino, San Bernardino County. Check the full name on your CIRIS result so you plan around the right one.
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Q
Do I need a CDCR number to search?
No, a name is enough to start, but the CDCR number is more reliable and you'll need it for the visitor questionnaire, mail, and JPay deposits regardless.
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Q
What happens if he's transferred out of CMC?
CIRIS updates to show his current institution, though it can lag a few days behind the actual move. Recheck it before you send money, mail anything, or travel for a visit, since JPay deposits and mail are both tied to whichever institution he's currently at.
Inmate SearchOther Guides for This Facility
Visitation
How to Visit Someone at California Men's Colony
Once you've confirmed their location, start the CDCR Form 106 approval process.
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How to Send Money to California Men's Colony
Confirm the correct CDCR number before you send a deposit.
View Article Phone Calls
California Men's Colony Phone Calls
All outgoing calls are free once you've confirmed their location.
View Article Mail & Photos
Mail and Photos to California Men's Colony
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All information on this page comes directly from official government and facility sources. How we verify information › Last verified July 20, 2026.