Arizona State Prison Complex – ASPC Yuma

ASPC-Yuma is a modern, medium-security prison, one of 13 prison facilities operated by the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC). ASPC-Yuma is located in San Luis, Yuma County, AZ, 190 miles southwest from the state capital of Phoenix, AZ. It lies about 12 miles south of downtown Yuma and only about three miles north of the Mexican border. ASPC-Yuma has an inmate capacity of 2,245 in 3 housing units, at security levels 2, 3 and 4. The ADC uses a score classification system to assess each inmate's appropriate custody and security level placement. The scores range from 2 to 5, with 5 being the highest risk or need. (1 no longer exist).

The Cocopah Unit, a 250-bed minimum-security facility, readied for inmates in 1986 but was not used until 1987 due to a possible sale to the Federal government that never occurred. The Cocopah Unit is a level two (low custody) unit. In October 1992, ASP Yuma became part of the Arizona State Prison Complex – Perryville until November 1995 when it became its own prison complex.

In June 1995, the Cheyenne Unit began construction using both commercial and inmate labor. In September 1996, the Cheyenne Unit, a level three (medium custody) was opened to receive inmates.

In June 1997, the Dakota Unit began construction with only commercial labor and was expected to open in September 1998.

Work Programs – WORK INCENTIVE PAY PLAN (WIPP) allows inmates to utilize experience, training, and expertise in meaningful employment while supporting their needs. Arizona Correctional Industries contracted positions, Wild Land Fire Crew, kitchen positions, groundskeepers, and janitorial positions are available depending upon the inmate's skill level, education, and security classification. Both full and part-time positions are available.

Education Programs – Adult Basic Education classes are required for inmates who fall below the Literacy Standard. A high school education program is available for inmates who have not graduated from high school. Vocational education is contracted through a local community college and provides instruction in carpentry, masonry, and plumbing. Higher education is available through correspondence courses at the inmate's own expense.

Treatment Programs are under the supervision of ADC programs staff or outside facilitators include:

• Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA)
• Drug Treatment
• Money Smart
• Re-entry preparation program
• Thinking Straight
• Parenting
• High School education mentoring
• Music appreciation
• Spanish language class
• Yoga

Volunteer Programs – Inmates are also actively involved in giving back to our communities by way of fundraising for victims' services and community betterment. The fundraising committee is a group of inmates and staff who work together in coordinating these fundraising efforts. The inmates at ASPC-Yuma have donated tens of thousands of dollars and volunteered many hundreds of hours of labor to designated agencies, organizations, and projects.

Religious/Spiritual Programs – The Arizona Department of Corrections facilitates opportunities for religious expression by inmates in accordance with ADC policies and procedures. Chaplains, in concert with other staff, contract service providers, volunteers and community religious leaders provide worship, counseling, support, and crisis intervention to accommodate the religious needs of a diverse inmate population.

Recreational Programs – Outdoor activities include softball, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and various track and field events. The variety of activities available depends upon the inmate's security classification level. Indoor activities include a variety of board and card games. All activities are supervised and monitored by staff. In-house hobby craft include arts and crafts, drawing, painting, bead craft, plastic model kits, and other small crafts depending upon the inmate's security classification