Pelican Bay

The most notorious and violent prison in California. Located in Del Norte County, Pelican Bay State Prison consists of a maximum security general population housing unit, the Security Housing Unit (SHU), and a minimum security unit. The SHU is home to validated prison gang members including those affiliated with the Aryan Brotherhood, Black Guerrilla Family, Mexican Mafia, Nazi Low Riders, and Nuestra Familia. The general population yard is regarded as the most violent in California due to it being a transitional facility for inmates going in and out of the SHU.