Welcome to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Office of Public and Employee Communications

For Immediate Release
Contact: Seth Unger
(916) 445-4950

June 18, 2008

CDCR Releases Coordinated Construction Plan to Reduce Overcrowding in State Prison System

Cate Addresses MediaWatch Video

Watch video of Secretary Cate Addressing Media

 

 

Plan Coordinates Reform and Construction Efforts

SACRAMENTO - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today released a comprehensive, integrated strategy for prison reform and construction to address inmate overcrowding. In the report, CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate outlined plans for new construction and coordinating reform efforts that will take into account progress on implementing AB 900, the Receiver’s building plans, recent population projections, developments in recent court proceedings and other factors.
 
“This integrated plan is a realistic approach that will allow California to move forward with much-needed prison reforms, even as the courts and other outside entities continue to influence our corrections system. The construction, reform and interim components described as part of this integrated strategy are necessary to reduce overcrowding,” said Secretary Cate.  “It is imperative that lawmakers, stakeholders and law enforcement partners across the state support this plan, and are able to unite behind a common goal of implementing comprehensive prison reforms that improve public safety.”

The report notes that in order to effectively reduce overcrowding, CDCR must implement an integrated strategy that includes:

  • Expanded capacity through implementation of AB 900;
  • Construction of the Receiver’s health-related facilities;
  • The Administration’s proposed budget and policy reforms;
  • Analysis of short and long-term population trends; and,
  • Consideration of three judge panel proceedings.

Recognizing that a number of factors have shifted since AB 900 was enacted in May 2007, CDCR has concluded that the following key components of an integrated approach are necessary, and that the state must:

  • Immediately begin construction of AB 900 infill beds: 4,800 beds in Phase1/Priority 1 (up to 8,600 total in Phases 1 and 2);
  • Support the Receiver’s construction of health-related facilities: 10,000 beds;
  • Continue acquisition and construction of AB 900 secure community reentry facilities: 3,000 in Phase 1 (up to 11,000 total in Phases 1 and 2); and,
  • Implement policy reforms: Summary parole or other effective reform measures.

CDCR proposes to begin implementation of this integrated strategy immediately.  Given the uncertainty of future population changes, CDCR proposes to implement Phase I/Priority 1 of the Infill Plan as soon as possible while continuing to evaluate the direction for the remainder of Phase 1 and 2.  The total number of infill beds currently proposed is lower than originally anticipated due to a number of factors, including a greater need for high-security beds for level 4 inmates, and increasing construction cost projections.

Expected outcomes as a result of implementing these reforms mean that California will be able to:

  • End its practice of using “temporary” beds in adult prisons;
  • Begin to show a significant reduction in overcrowding; and,
  • Position itself to demonstrate to external stakeholders, including our partners in local government and the courts, that we are committed to addressing overcrowded institutions, reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety through prison reforms.

CDCR will continue to evaluate the timing and direction for Phase I/Priority 2 and Phase 2 of the construction plans based on changes in the inmate population or direction from the court in the three judge panel proceedings.  While the integrated strategy takes into account the potential of a settlement in the three judge panel proceedings, this plan is not dependent upon a settlement.  Instead, it will allow the State to be able to take immediate steps to demonstrate a reliable plan and actual progress toward reducing overcrowding irrespective of court proceedings. 

RESOURCES:

# # #

NOTE TO MEDIA: all images are available in hi-res format.
Please call (916) 445-4950, to request larger file images