{"id":3236,"date":"2023-03-24T15:40:04","date_gmt":"2023-03-24T22:40:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cdcr.ca.gov\/adult-operations\/?page_id=3236"},"modified":"2026-05-06T13:44:47","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T20:44:47","slug":"restricted-housing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.cdcr.ca.gov\/adult-operations\/restricted-housing\/","title":{"rendered":"Restricted Housing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In May 2026, CDCR has updated its Restricted Housing Unit regulations to address safety and security needs while maintaining key elements of the 2023 RHU framework. These updates are targeted, evidence-based adjustments in response to increases in violence and overdoses and are not a rollback of prior reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Individuals in RHU continue to have access to programming, required out-of-cell time and rehabilitative opportunities. They may also earn credits that reduce their RHU term only, not their overall sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The updated regulations include changes related to privilege group designation and tablet access, including the potential for short-term tablet restrictions based on behavior and security considerations. Tablets remain available for programming, education, legal access and other essential services remain active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The updated regulations do not change current RHU housing practices, which remain based on case-by-case decisions and available housing configurations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below are answers to common questions about the updated regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"accordion\">\n\t\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>Why did the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation make these changes?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) implemented targeted, evidence-based regulatory updates after reviewing safety trends, misconduct data and operational needs across institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Comparative reviews showed increases in:<br>\u2022 Battery on staff<br>\u2022 Overdoses<br>\u2022 Attempted murder<br>\u2022 Deadly weapon incidents<br>\u2022 Murder<br>\u2022 Battery on incarcerated people<br>\u2022 Serious bodily injury incidents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These trends created safety concerns and operational challenges for staff and the incarcerated population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The changes are intended to:<br>\u2022 Improve safety and reduce violence<br>\u2022 Strengthen accountability for serious and repeat misconduct<br>\u2022 Support staff in addressing behavior before it escalates<br>\u2022 Maintain access to rehabilitation, education and reentry programming<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Safe institutions are necessary for rehabilitation to succeed.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong><strong>When did these changes happen?<\/strong><\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CDCR began using the updated Restricted Housing Unit (RHU) framework in late 2023 as part of efforts to standardize housing practices and expand access to programming and out-of-cell time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 changes are additional targeted updates that are now in effect and are intended to address observed increases in violence, overdoses and serious misconduct.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>Are these entirely new Restricted Housing Unit rules?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The RHU framework established in 2023 remains in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The May 2026 changes are targeted at refinement to that system. They strengthen accountability for serious and repeat misconduct while maintaining access to programming, education and rehabilitative opportunities.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>What is a Restricted Housing Unit?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Restricted Housing Unit is temporary housing used when someone cannot be safely housed in a less restrictive setting because they pose a serious safety, security or misconduct concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This housing may also be used for non-disciplinary reasons during an investigation into an individual\u2019s safety concerns.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>What was in place before the Restricted Housing Unit system?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CDCR previously used older restrictive housing models such as Administrative Segregation Units (ASU) and Security Housing Units (SHU).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What has changed with the Restricted Housing Unit regulations?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recent updates focus on serious and repeat misconduct and include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 Longer RHU terms for selected serious violent offenses<br>\u2022 Repeated acts of battery may lead to RHU placement<br>\u2022 Drug distribution may lead to RHU placement<br>\u2022 Greater flexibility in how multiple RHU terms are applied<br>\u2022 Updated Administrative RHU authority<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These updates restore accountability tools while maintaining the overall RHU framework established in 2023.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>What is Administrative Restricted Housing Unit term?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An Administrative RHU term is an indeterminate RHU term in restrictive housing reserved for incarcerated people who present an immediate and significant threat to the safety and security of the institution, staff and the incarcerated population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Administrative RHU placement is intended for high-risk cases involving individuals with a history of serious rules violations, including Division A-1 and A-2 offenses such as murder, attempted murder and rape.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>Will Restricted Housing Unit placements still be reviewed?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Review processes remain in place to ensure placements continue to be appropriate and necessary.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>What are privilege groups?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Privilege groups are behavior-based classifications that may affect access to incentives such as canteen, packages, property and recreation. They are separated from RHU housing.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>Which privilege groups changed?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only Privilege Group C and D were updated.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>What changed with Privilege Group C?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Privilege Group C no longer reverts to the incarcerated person\u2019s previous privilege group upon transfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, Privilege Group C may be assigned more quickly in cases involving battery or repeated misconduct.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>What changed with Group D?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For individuals placed in Group D, updates align certain privileges with Group C while maintaining restrictions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 Canteen limited to hygiene and personal care items<br>\u2022 Packages restricted<br>\u2022 Access to phone calling, messaging and paid services restricted<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These adjustments are behavior-based and tied to accountability.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>What is tablet deactivation?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tablet deactivation is a short-term, behavior-based tool used to address lower-level misconduct and prevent escalation to more serious discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deactivation is generally limited to up to 24 hours and restricts access to phone calls, messaging and other non-essential paid services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is intended to create an immediate, proportionate response to misconduct while avoiding the need for formal disciplinary action when appropriate.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>What behavior may lead to tablet deactivation?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 Refusing to stand for count<br>\u2022 Refusing to remove obstructions<br>\u2022 Failing to report as directed<br>\u2022 Repeated minor misconduct<br>\u2022 Misuse of messaging functions<br>\u2022 Other similar misconduct<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>Will someone lose access to education or programs if a tablet is deactivated?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Core access to education, rehabilitation, legal resources, medical services and other essential functions remain available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tablet restrictions apply only to non-essential services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Individuals also continue to have access to phones, mail, visits and programming.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>How will the population report staff misconduct?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Incarcerated individuals may access incarcerated person telephones within their housing units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 Office of the Inspector General: *7732#<br>\u2022 CDCR Office of Internal Affairs: 279-210-4200<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These numbers are posted next to incarcerated person telephones for reference.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>Who are these changes aimed at?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These changes focus on individuals involved in serious, repeated or disruptive misconduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are not intended to impact individuals who are following rules and participating in programming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The updates are designed to:<br>\u2022 Address behavior early<br>\u2022 Prevent escalation into more serious incidents<br>\u2022 Improve safety for staff and the incarcerated population<br>\u2022 Maintain a stable environment where rehabilitation can take place<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<button class=\"accordion-header\" type=\"button\"><strong>What is the goal of these changes?<\/strong><\/button>\n<div class=\"accordion-content\">\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is to maintain safe, orderly institutions while supporting rehabilitation and successful reentry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These updates are designed to balance accountability, access to programming and overall safety by addressing misconduct early, preventing escalation and preserving rehabilitative opportunities.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In May 2026, CDCR has updated its Restricted Housing Unit regulations to address safety and security needs while maintaining key [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":167,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"hide_featured_image_on_mobile":false,"hide_featured_image_on_post_details":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3236","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Restricted Housing - Division of Adult Institutions 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