VSP is a Level II (medium security) facility which houses Sensitive Needs Yard (SNY) inmates.

[4] As of July 31, 2022, VSP was incarcerating people at 152.2% of its design capacity, with 3,014 occupants, making it the most over-capacity state prison in California.

[7] Ted Koppel interviewed many staff, including Dr. Anthony DiDomenico, the chief medical officer of VSPW, in October 1999 for series of episodes of Nightline.

"[10] Starting in April 2007, VSPW received some inmates from California Rehabilitation Center after closure of the women's wing at that prison.

[14] In addition to inmate-facilitated self-help programs, outside volunteer groups also conduct classes and workshops, some of which have been featured in national and international media.