USP Atwater (high-security)

MALE

Gender

HIGH

Security Level

1096

Population (as of 2024)

No RDAP

Facility Overview

United States Penitentiary Atwater is a high-security federal correctional institution for male inmates operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The facility is located in Atwater, California, in the San Joaquin Valley. The institution shares its campus with Federal Prison Camp Atwater, a minimum-security satellite facility that houses a separate inmate population. USP Atwater houses inmates who require a higher level of security and supervision than medium or low-security facilities can provide.

The high-security penitentiary operates under strict protocols designed to manage inmates who have histories of violence, escape attempts, or other serious infractions. The facility features enhanced perimeter security, controlled movement procedures, and restrictive housing units for inmates requiring separation from the general population.

Recent Incidents and Accountability

In November 2023, a significant staff misconduct case emerged when correctional officer Sandra Munagay assaulted an inmate at USP Atwater and subsequently attempted to cover up the incident. Munagay pleaded guilty in 2024 to federal charges of deprivation of rights under color of law and falsification of records in a federal investigation. Court documents revealed that Munagay struck the inmate multiple times and then falsified an incident report to justify the use of force. The case was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California.

The facility has also been the site of high-profile criminal prosecutions. In recent years, members of the Aryan Brotherhood gang have been sentenced to life imprisonment following convictions for conspiracy and other serious offenses stemming from activities connected to inmates housed at USP Atwater.

Safety concerns extend beyond inmate behavior to workplace hazards affecting correctional staff. The American Federation of Government Employees has highlighted drug exposure incidents at federal prisons, including concerns about synthetic substances that can be absorbed through contact, raising occupational safety issues for personnel at facilities like USP Atwater.

Notes from Alumni

No notes or tips have yet been received from alumni of USP Atwater. Former inmates and their families who have experience with the facility are encouraged to share information that may help others prepare for incarceration here. Useful contributions might include details about daily routines, available educational or vocational programs, commissary experiences, communication procedures, or advice for incoming inmates and their support networks.

Please remember that experiences are unique and may not reflect current conditions at the facility.

Location & Visitation

Location

Physical location: ATWATER, CA 95301

Mailing address: 1 FEDERAL WAY, ATWATER, CA 95301

Visitation

Visiting procedures at high-security federal penitentiaries involve extensive security protocols and advance approval requirements. Prospective visitors must complete background checks and be approved by the Bureau of Prisons before being placed on an inmate's visiting list. All visitors are subject to search procedures, and visits are conducted in controlled environments with supervision by correctional staff. There are many specific rules and procedures to be aware of when considering visiting the institution. Read more on our Visitation Guide.

For full, current visiting rules and scheduling, always check the institution's official page on the Bureau of Prisons website: Official BOP Page.