2022 was another busy year for CDCR! This year we honored employees for bravery, implemented groundbreaking technology, celebrated many graduations and rehabilitative accomplishments, and gave back to our communities in impactful ways. Please join us for a trip through 2022’s top moments.
JANUARY
On January 9, CDCR Secretary Kathleen Allison thanked all CDCR peace officers. For National Law Enforcement Appreciation day, she recognized their outstanding service and commitment to all Californians.
(Read Secretary Allison’s message.)
“Whether your role is in an institution, parole, Headquarters, or any other location, please know how much you are appreciated, today and every day,” she shared. “If you are not a peace officer, please take a moment to reflect on how officers have kept you safe, and take the time to thank one for their service. We could not do the important work we do without them.”
Incarcerated artists showcase talents
Artistic expression and the power of rehabilitation are on full display at California State Prison, Corcoran. Recreation Coach Heidi Wippel and TV Specialist Hugh Neely often work together to create and capture positive recreation programs.
To help inspire others, Wippel proposed focusing on the arts and music. It started with a mural project to beautify the gym, acknowledging the many talented artists at the facility.
Inspired by their talents, a creative culture emerged. The men of 3A Facility, led by Inmate Advisory Council Chairman Knight, focused on the power of rehabilitation and giving back to the community.
Wippel decided to showcase these incarcerated artists through a series of monthly interviews. This allows them the chance to express themselves through art and music.
The first showcase focuses on the talents of incarcerated musician Justin Smith, one of many creative artists at the prison.
FEBRUARY
CALPIA names new General Manager
The Prison Industry Board appointed Bill Davidson in February 2022 to serve as CALPIA’s General Manager and Executive Officer.
UC Study: CALPIA participants less likely to return to prison
A University of California, Irvine study shows incarcerated individuals who participate within the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) have lower rates of rearrests, reconvictions, and reincarcerations compared to those who were qualified to, but did not, participate in CALPIA. By three years after release, only 15.4 percent of CALPIA participants had been returned to custody.
Introducing … the CDCR Hub!
As part of the Department’s overall efforts to enhance communication, on March 1 CDCR unveiled the CDCR Hub. The site is designed for employees to provide important updates, division information, training and personnel resources. Working collaboratively, Enterprise Information Services (EIS) and the Office of Public and Employee Communications (OPEC) completely overhauled the Intranet into the Hub.
The Hub is the Department’s primary tool to communicate with all staff. It is imperative that content on the Intranet be timely, accurate, relevant, and continuously monitored for updates.
MARCH
CDCR teams brave chilly water for Special Olympics
CDCR Polar Plunge teams took a dip into Folsom Lake on a chilly morning, while also raising more than $6,500. The chilly deep helped Special Olympics of Northern California (SONC).
The department’s Polar Plunge teams joined other law enforcement agencies from the greater Sacramento area. CDCR teams included Freezin’ for a Reason (Division of Adult Institutions), First 2 Chill, and CSP-Sacramento.
CDCR employees were recognized for raising the most funds by a law enforcement agency. They also swept the competition for best group costume with their superhero and St. Patrick’s Day themes.
HBOMax streams documentary on DJJ’s Pine Grove camp
In March, HBOMax began streaming the documentary Fireboys. The documentary follows Division of Juvenile Justice youth from their arrival at the Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (PGYCC) through training and deployment as fire hand crews and discharge to their communities. Pine Grove camp is the oldest continuously operated fire camp in California. State law requires that even as juvenile justice realigns to counties, PGYCC remain open to train youth as wildland firefighters. Don’t subscribe to HBOMax? No problem.
(Watch the CDCR-produced short video overview of PGYCC, entitled, A Special Place.)
APRIL
CDCR leaders improve education
CDCR leaders joined corrections professionals from across the country for the annual Correctional Education Association (CEA) Leadership Forum in Long Beach.
Participants shared current initiatives and discussed opportunities to expand e-learning, create culture change in California’s state correctional adult schools, nurture vocational interests, ensure equity, and use education to improve reentry outcomes.
Participants were treated to three days of inspirational speakers and more than 60 workshops. Exhibitions and networking opportunities allowed attendees to share creativity and connections.
CDCR Secretary Kathleen Allison kicked off the forum by recognizing the significance of education in rehabilitation. She reinforced the department’s commitment to advancing these opportunities for the incarcerated population.
CDCR recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
The Department joined other organizations across the country to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 24–30.
This year’s theme, “Rights, Access and Equity for all Victims,” underscored the importance of helping crime survivors find their justice by enforcing victims’ rights, expanding access to services, and ensuring equity and inclusion for all.
CDCR Secretary Kathleen Allison and Katie James, Chief of the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services, commemorated this national initiative with a video message. In it, they honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.
Interactive Data Points report now available online
The Office of Research (OR) announced the CDCR Offender Data Points (ODP) dashboard. This dashboard replaces the traditional ODP report, which included a hard-copy and PDF version available on the CDCR website. The report was only produced twice a year. To provide more current data related to CDCR’s incarcerated and parolee population, OR developed the ODP Public Data Dashboard. This dashboard reflects virtually all of the data points included in the traditional ODP report such as gender, age, ethnicity, sex registration, sentencing details, California Static Risk Assessment Score, mental health designation, admissions, releases and parole. The dashboard offers date filtering options, interactive maps, trend indicators and charts, and tool-tips containing pertinent information about the data.
Human Resources overhaul better serves staff
For employees, retirees, and new staff, CDCR’s Human Resources (HR) received an overhaul to better fulfill the department’s mission.
“We want our current and new HR hires to understand and connect with the mission of HR and our values,” said Jaclyn Padilla, Deputy Director, HR. “The entire headquarters HR team has been involved in the rebrand using Outlook voting, small crowd-sourcing activities and management discussions. This rebrand was really done by the team.”
MAY
Firefighters graduate from Ventura Training Center
Twenty-six men graduated from the Ventura Training Center (VTC), an 18-month program where formerly incarcerated fire crew members can continue their enhanced firefighter training. Seventeen graduates had already accepted positions with CAL FIRE and other municipal departments. They now serve as wildland firefighters in California.
“Graduations like this one are monumental considering the VTC program is still in its first few years of operation. We look forward to the many lives—and generations—changed precisely because of this innovative program,” said Undersecretary (now Secretary) Jeff Macomber.
53 earn certifications at MCSP
Participants received apprenticeship certifications in CALPIA’s Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, Fabric Products and Coffee Roasting programs. Speakers included CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson, MCSP Warden Patrick Covello, and CALPIA Assistant General Manager of Operations, Nicole Collins.
JUNE
CDCR employees carry torch for Special Olympics
CDCR employees started their morning with a four-mile run to the State Capitol for a great cause: the Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics Northern California. They joined law enforcement agencies from throughout Northern California for the 25th annual run.
“It was so inspiring to see all the athletes from all the various law enforcement agencies come together, and of course the wonderful speakers,” Secretary Kathleen Allison said. “Everybody comes here with a pure heart to do the right thing, and I’m really excited to be part of it.”
In May, staff from the California Institution for Men (CIM) participated in the Special Olympics of Southern California (SOSC) Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), in the Inland Empire. The CIM team consisted of managers, cast records technicians, custody and non-custody personnel. Additionally, Chino Police Department also ran the 4.9 mile leg with CIM.
Each year, more than 100,000 law enforcement members around the world hold events to raise money for the cause. These “Guardians of the Flame” then carry the “Flame of Hope” in a relay from agency to agency. The torch flame represents the courage of athletes and celebrates the diversity of the Special Olympics community.
CDCR launches ‘Unlocked’ podcast
CDCR is taking a new step to better educate its staff and their families through the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
The podcast features episodes from the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP), Office of Public and Employee Communications (OPEC), and Peace Officer Selection and Development (POSED). This allows the podcast to reach a diverse audience such as current, retired, and potential employees and their families as well as incarcerated people’s families and loved ones. The podcast also informs community members interested in learning more about the Department.
(Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.)
O.H. Close operations cease, but DJJ rehab work continues
The Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) continues to provide treatment, education and rehabilitative services to youth even as its population drops and prepares to close all facilities by June 30, 2023. The Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp transfers from DJJ to CDCR administrative control on January 1, 2023, but in conjunction with CALFIRE will continue to train eligible youth as wildland firefighters under contractual agreements with counties. A video overview of camp for use for counties, courts and families was produced as an educational and recruitment tool. In June, the O.H. Close Youth Correctional Facility effectively closed, with all but a few operations successfully transferred to N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton.
JULY
CDCR expands college programs through valuable partnerships
As part of groundbreaking partnerships with higher education systems, CDCR this year expanded its bachelor’s degree programs at two institutions. A four-year college program was added at R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility through a partnership with University of California, Irvine; and with an additional partnership, California State University, Los Angeles, started the BA program at California Institution for Women. These pathways join six existing programs: Folsom and Mule Creek State Prisons have been partnering with California State University, Sacramento; Valley State Prison and Central California Women’s Facility have been partnering with California State University, Fresno; California State Prison, Los Angeles County has a partnership in place with Cal State LA; and California Rehabilitation Center has been partnering with Pitzer College.
More coverage:
- How this California program is making it easier for those leaving prison to earn degrees
- Prisoners will soon be eligible for federal grants, opening new educational opportunities
- Valley prison residents can now earn a Fresno State bachelor’s degree
- Reentry participants attend college on campus
- Incarcerated students in Central Valley prisons can earn bachelor’s degree through Fresno State
- UC Irvine receives $1.8 million from state to fund pilot B.A. program for incarcerated students
Governor, DAPO Director thank parole professionals
The week of July 17-23 is recognized as Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week (PPPS Week).
PPPS Week recognizes the incredible work done by community corrections professionals to foster trust and create hope while keeping our communities safe. It’s a time to celebrate the efforts of over 100,000 community corrections professionals across the country who supervise close to 6.4 million individuals.
(Read Governor Gavin Newsom’s recognition.)
CCJBH celebrates 20 years
In a July episode of the CDCR Unlocked podcast, Brenda Grealish, Executive Officer of The Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health (CCJBH) walks listeners through the past, present and future goals of the Council in recognition of its 20th anniversary.
(Listen to the CCJBH episode of CDCR Unlocked.)
Grealish discusses how CCJBH council members use their expertise and experiences to assist and advise the administration and legislature on ways to reduce the incarceration of youth and adults with mental illness and substance use disorders. The focus of these efforts are on prevention, diversion and reentry strategies.
AUGUST
Secure laptops transform correctional education
CDCR began a phased roll out of laptops for incarcerated students, starting with those enrolled in college programs. Students can access prerecorded lectures, course materials and professor feedback. They are able to take the device to their housing unit to study, complete homework and turn in assignments. Eventually 32,000 laptops will be distributed throughout CDCR’s institutions.
CALPIA graduates earn job certifications, apprenticeships
CALPIA held back-to-back graduations honoring the men and women in CALPIA programs such as Healthcare Facilities Maintenance, Commercial Diving, Pre-Apprentice Construction Labor, Pre-Apprentice Carpentry, Laundry, Fabric Products and Computer Coding. Some participants achieved apprenticeships. Speakers included CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson, CIM Warden James Hill, CIW Acting Warden Jennifer Core, and CALPIA Assistant General Manager of Operations Randy Fisher. Both graduations has multiple CALPIA Success Stories return to visit, including Vera Salcedo, Timothy Jackson, Kenyatta Kalisnana, Billy Pham, and Ruben Minijarez.
SEPTEMBER
CDCR honors employees at 2022 Medal of Valor
At its 2022 Medal of Valor Ceremony, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) honored 43 people for their bravery in responding to crises and life-threatening situations as well as exemplary work of benefit to the department and the community.
(View the complete list of Medal of Valor awardees.)
“Today’s awards demonstrated the impressive reach CDCR staff honored today have through their courageous acts and an unyielding commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives,” CDCR Secretary Kathleen Allison said. “Quickly responding to dangerous incidents and even putting their own lives at risk to save others means our communities are safer as a direct result of the dedication, humanity, and valor CDCR staff show day after day.”
One employee was awarded the Medal of Valor, CDCR’s highest award earned by distinguishing themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of correctional service. North Kern State Prison Correctional Officer David Tapia received the Medal of Valor for stopping an attack on a Bakersfield government building and saving lives inside after the assailant set the building on fire.
Reigning NBA Championship team returns to San Quentin
The Golden State Warriors faced off against the San Quentin Warriors for the first time since the pandemic.
On Friday, Sept. 16, Golden State Warriors staff ranging from players and coaches to support, returned to San Quentin State Prison to continue their decade-long face off.
In this year’s matchup, the Golden State Warriors eked out a win, with the final score of 83-65. Although the Golden State Warriors lost the last matchup held in 2019, they still hold the winning record—but the San Quentin Warriors vow to keep putting up some buckets.
Free bus trips for visiting
As part of CDCR’s commitment to increasing access to visiting for incarcerated people and their loved ones, the department has partnered with TransMETRO to provide free bus transportation to all adult institutions in California.
Buses depart Friday, Saturday and/or Sunday from four California regions: Central, Southern, Northern, and the Bay Area. Each region schedules service to all institutions on a rotating basis. All trips are subject to change and based on demand and health and safety factors.
(Visit the “TransMETRO Bus Service” page.)
Salinas Valley grads celebrate
Graduates earned their job certifications in CALPIA’s Healthcare Facilities Maintenance program at Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP). Some participants even earned apprenticeships in Healthcare Facilities Maintenance. Speakers included CALPIA Assistant General Manager of Operations Nicole Collins, SVSP acting Warden Trent Allen, and former CALPIA graduate Richard Barnfield who returned and shared his story of success.
OCTOBER
CDCR takes home three technology awards
CDCR continues to lead the way in technology innovation, earning three “Best of California” awards at the California Digital Government Summit in Sacramento.
Innovative Use of Data Analytics – California Parole Data Management Analytics and Visualization. The Law Enforcement Automated Data System (LEADS) is a web-based application that provides law enforcement agencies with photos and specific information about people on parole supervision, and well as Non-Revocable Parole and Post Release Community Supervision.
Excellence in Project Management – Automated Rehabilitative Catalog and Information Discovery Machine (ARCAID). Information Technology Specialist I Matthew Moore was recognized for his “creative approach and dedication to the successful integration and implementation of this project.”
ARCAID is a self-service search platform that connects the criminal justice-involved population with services and job opportunities throughout California.
Best IT Collaboration – Technology Supporting Incarcerated Students in Educational Programs. This award honors the multidisciplinary team that is working to roll out thousands of secure laptops to incarcerated students. These laptops allow students to interact with teachers and fellow students in new and innovative ways, including accessing academic courses, standardized testing, and digital learning platforms such as Canvas.
Our Promise kickoff
CDCR and the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) launched the 2022 Our Promise Campaign at Headquarters. San Quentin Public Information Officer Sam Robinson was the emcee for the event.
Staff were able to enjoy music from DJ Eddie Z, win door prizes, visit and learn about the 20 non-profits organizations in attendance and enjoy tacos from Food Truck Dos Tacos Y Mas.
Through the statewide campaign Our Promise: California State Employees Giving Back at Work, state workers can volunteer to make a one-time or ongoing donation via payroll deduction to a nonprofit of their choice.
Jackson inspires CMC grads
Graduates earned their job certifications and some participants even earned apprenticeships! Speakers included CDCR Undersecretary of Operations (now Secretary) Jeff Macomber, CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson, CMC Warden Danny Samuel, and former CALPIA graduate Timothy Jackson, who returned to prison and shared his story of success.
Jackson is the owner, founder, and CEO of Quality Touch Cleaning Systems in Southern California. His business is expanding thanks to the training he learned through CALPIA’s Healthcare Facilities Maintenance (HFM) program at the California City Correctional Facility. Timothy graduated from CALPIA’s HFM program and returned to his community in 2017. He and his team clean office buildings, legal firms, and bio-tech companies like Truvian Sciences. Timothy is married and has started growing his family. Timothy says, “I am so blessed to have graduated from CALPIA’s program learning those job skills employers value. I am a proud business owner and committed to making work environments the cleanest and safest they can be by cleaning beyond what the eye can see. Thank you CALPIA.”
NOVEMBER
Governor honors three Ironwood State Prison employees
Three Ironwood State Prison (ISP) employees were awarded the Silver Medal in the Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor virtual ceremony for their heroic rescue last year of two adults and two children involved in a rollover vehicle accident. Mayra Mora, a registered nurse (RN), Heriberto Mora, a correctional lieutenant, and John Bradley, a correctional sergeant, are among 33 state employees honored by the state on behalf of Governor Gavin Newsom.
On the morning of Feb. 4, 2021, Lt. Mora and his wife, RN Mora, encountered a car crash on their way to work. Trained emergency first responders, the Moras pulled their vehicle over to the shoulder and ran across the freeway to the mangled truck that had rolled over into a ditch.
“On behalf of our department, we thank Governor Newsom and our colleagues at the California Department of Human Resources for honoring our staff,” said Kathleen Allison, CDCR Secretary. “The actions and bravery of Lt. Mora, RN Mora and Sgt. Bradley helped save the lives of an entire family. The fact that they were able to react as quickly as they did, and work as a team to assess the situation, truly shows their resolve and selflessness. We are so very proud of them.”
(Read the full story about this heroic trio.)
Earlier this year, RN Mora, Lt. Mora and Sgt. Bradley were also honored at CDCR’s 37th Medal of Valor ceremony.
CCWF recruiters, GARE host women’s conference
CDCR/CCHCS are committed to building an inclusive and culturally diverse workplace. We are determined to attract and hire more candidates from diverse communities and empower all employees from a variety of cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and personal experiences. We are proud to foster inclusion and drive collaborative efforts to increase representation at all levels of the Department.
In September, CDCR recruiters from the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) joined forces with GARE and others to host a women’s conference in Fresno.
Along with the CDCR Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), the CCWF Recruitment Team hosted the Central California Women’s Conference with over 3,500 attendees. Recruiters report there were many enthusiastic potential applicants visiting the CCWF Recruitment Booth.
Correctional education takes center stage
The California Community College Foundation recently brought together representatives from each community college currently providing pathways to associate degrees inside CDCR institutions, as well as representatives from California State University Sacramento, California State University, Los Angeles, Fresno State University, San Diego State University, Pitzer College, and University of California, Irvine for a formal “Convening of Colleges.”
This event was designed to inform and inspire, brainstorm and plan, and listen and learn. Superintendent Shannon Swain and Supervisor of Correctional Education Programs Dr. Lynne Ruvalcaba presented a session on the role of technology in higher education within CDCR. Division of Rehabilitative Programs Director Brant Choate and Regional Associate Superintendents Rod Braly and Genevie Candelaria as well as Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Martin Griffin had the opportunity to participate and engage with partners from the various colleges.
The lunch presentation included two special guest speakers. CDCR Secretary Kathleen Allison and Daisy Gonzales, Interim Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, partnered to share their stories and the important role higher education played in their personal and professional lives.
Graduation held at R.J. Donovan
Forty-one graduates earned their job certifications and/or apprenticeships through CALPIA at R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility. Family, friends, and staff were invited to cheer on the graduates. Speakers included CDCR Secretary and Prison Industry Board Chair Kathleen Allison, CALPIA General Manager Bill Davidson, Associate Warden Laurene Payne, and former CALPIA graduates and success stories Kenyatta Kalisana and Timothy Jackson.
DECEMBER
Governor announces CDCR Secretary to retire, names next Secretary
Governor Gavin Newsom announced CDCR Secretary Kathleen Allison will retire by the end of 2022. She has served the people of California for more than three decades.
(Read the full story about Secretary Allison’s retirement.)
Governor Newsom also announced Jeff Macomber will serve as the next CDCR Secretary effective December 28, 2022. Macomber has served as Undersecretary of Operations at CDCR since October 2020. Macomber has nearly 30 years of diverse experience at CDCR, including leadership roles in custody, administration, and health care.
“With his extensive experience at the Department, deep knowledge of the wide-ranging issues at hand and commitment to public service, I am confident that Jeff will more than meet this moment,” said Governor Newsom. “I look forward to his partnership in advancing restorative justice and our work to end the revolving door of the criminal justice system.”
49ers visit San Quentin
The 49ers brought joy to the children of incarcerated men at San Quentin State Prison earlier this week as part of the NFL’s Inspire Change initiative. Their visit began with a social justice discussion led by team Chaplain Pastor Earl Smith with a panel of incarcerated people and 49ers players. Following the discussion, players toured the prison and learned about the educational programs and career trainings offered to incarcerated people. Finally, the players joined children and their incarcerated fathers for a holiday party in the visiting room.
The 49ers brought holiday gifts for 40 of the incarcerated men’s children, nieces and nephews who had special visitation hours during the players’ visit. 49ers Family, which includes Ownership, Executives, players, and coaches’ families, shopped for each child’s holiday wish list so the incarcerated men could wrap the gifts and present them to their own children.
“It was such an honor to host the 49ers at San Quentin for a social justice discussion and Christmas celebration,” San Quentin State Prison Warden Ronald Broomfield said. “Their generosity toward the children and families of those incarcerated was unmatched. Their willingness to take time out of their incredible season demonstrates the amazing character of the owners, players, coaches, chaplains and the organization as a whole. We are blessed to have the 49ers as part of the San Quentin community.”
Educational accomplishments at DJJ
Education continues to be a bright spot for DJJ, even as Johanna Boss High School was closed. More than 80 percent of DJJ youth have earned high school diplomas or GEDS, and more than 40 percent are enrolled in higher education courses. A DJJ youth earned an associates degree, the first by a DJJ youth in a decade. A first ever curriculum with San Francisco State University conferred 12 unit certificates in Ethnic Studies to enrolled DJJ youth in December 2022.
(Learn more about the SFSU partnership.)
Three youth from DJJ placed essays in the top ten of a national writing competition sponsored by the USC Prison Education Project.
DJJ Youth Kamryn M., pictured here, earned an Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Science at L.A. Mission College. He was the first DJJ youth in more than a decade to earn an A.A.
DJJ youth weren’t the only ones distinguishing themselves with educational achievement. Ventura Parole Agent Desiree Butler earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work and received a prestigious award for leadership and academic excellence from California State University, Northridge.
CDCR staff go above and beyond during the holidays
CDCR staff donated tens of thousands of dollars in cash and toys to children in their local communities across the state—including some making Christmas extra special by donning the red suit and giving messages from Santa Claus.
(See all of the stories in the Inside CDCR Beyond the Badge section.)
CDCR announces prison closures, deactivations
As outlined in the 2022-23 budget with an eye toward fiscal responsibility, CDCR will begin the process to close Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP) in Blythe, with an anticipated closure in March 2025. Additionally, the department will exit the $32 million, annual lease with CoreCivic for California City Correctional Facility, terminating the contract in March 2024, effectively ending the use of that facility as a state prison.
The department is also planning the deactivation of certain facilities in six prisons.
CDCR and the Administration are working to minimize impact to staff and the communities. CDCR will work to limit the impact to employees affected by these closures and deactivations. This will include options to transfer both within and outside of impacted counties, and identification of employees for redirection to neighboring prisons where there are existing identified vacancies.
By the Numbers
Film projects
CDCR recognizes the importance of filming projects in our institutions – both for transparency and in support of California’s film industry – and works to accommodate as many requests as possible. Access is granted to filmmakers, production companies and documentary producers within available resources consistent with the safe and secure operations of the location. In 2022, our partners at the California Film Commission (CFC) issued 32 permits for filming projects that took place in CDCR institutions.
The Department values the work of our partners in rehabilitation and prioritizes assisting them in filming projects that showcase their efforts. This year, we supported projects with Prison Fellowship Ministries, Marin Shakespeare Company, Parole Justice Works and the Insight Garden Program to name a few.
The Department also facilitated major television productions with HBO and Lionsgate. These productions, which lasted several days, supported local economies and strengthened CDCR’s relationships with partnering agencies. It also allowed an opportunity for the Department to assist these companies in producing a more accurate portrayal of our state prison system.
Health Care
- Health care oversight at nearly two-thirds of institutions has been delegated back to state control, with Wasco State Prison the most recent in October.
- Human Resources hosted 13 institution hiring events statewide. A total of 1,757 people attended, 1,364 were interviewed, and 943 were offered jobs. To date, 642 employees have started work with CCHCS as a result of these hiring events.
- Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment (ISUDT) program preliminary reports from April show a 60% reduction in overdose deaths among CDCR residents following the implementation in 2020.
- Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in the resident population is down by more than half from 14% to 5.5%.
- Through the newly developed Nurse-Led Therapeutic Groups (NLTG) program, there are 197 Rehabilitative Achievement Credits (RAC)-eligible weekly groups at six institutions (SAC, MCSP, RJD, LAC, SVSP, and CIM).
- CDCR is now one of the largest Lean Six Sigma programs of any government agency in the country, with nearly 1,300 staff trained. CCHCS has certified 185 Green Belts, 27 Black Belts, and 6 Master Black Belts.
- Timeliness of inpatient rounding by medical providers on patients in Psychiatric Inpatient Program (PIP) beds increased from 64% in mid-July to 94% in December.
- CCHCS performed better than the averages for all external comparison groups for 23 of 29 national health care measures evaluated. Most institutions are exceeding the average performance of community health care organizations on the majority of their metrics.
- CCHCS/CDCR has offered COVID Vaccines to 99% of the institution residents with 70.2% vaccinated (4273/6078). Our resident population continues to retain some of the highest collective vaccine acceptance rates in the country.
- Completed activation of 43 Health Care Facility Improvement Project (HCFIP) sub-projects at 16 institutions which brought closure to six institutions.
Inside CDCR
Total Inside CDCR views for 2022: 3,278,582
Most viewed stories
- 24,792 Academy graduates 258 new correctional officers (May 19)
- 16,085 Governor announces CDCR Secretary to retire (Dec. 12)
- 12,982 181 cadets graduate Basic Correctional Officer Academy (Aug. 24)
- 12,614 254 cadets graduate correctional officer academy (July 13)
- 11,313 Watch Gold Medal presentation for Sergeant Villarreal (March 25)
- 11,242 CDCR honors employees at 2022 Medal of Valor (Sept. 23)
- 10,601 New CDCR K‑9 officers graduate academy (April 21)
- 10,211 185 correctional officer cadets graduate academy (Oct. 19)
- 10,207 Special Agent Michelle Gregory targets crime (March 21)
Most viewed videos:
- 11, 317 Watch Gold Medal presentation for Sergeant Villarreal
- 6,339 VTC graduates 26 formerly incarcerated firefighters
- 5,798 Podcast dives into recruitment, Academy life
- 5,744 Menu changes emphasize healthy diet
- 5,502 Black History Month spotlight: Director Connie Gipson
Social media
In 2022, CDCR’s Facebook posts reached 7,671,079 people – more than double that of 2021. Instagram posts reached over 656,093 people – nearly triple that of 2021. Twitter posts reached over 188,000 people. CDCR’s social media pages have a combined audience of over 83,000 people.
This year’s-highest performing posts recognized cadets graduating from the Basic Correctional Academy in July and March. The third- highest post recognized Lieutenant Manny Martinez of SATF for his promotion to head football coach of Woodlake High School. The fourth-highest performing post of 2022 highlighted the Department’s dedication to higher education, with the announcement of the expansion of Bachelor’s Degree programs in several institutions. Employee news, including welcoming new Correctional Officers, and rehabilitation stories continue to be the most popular social media content on CDCR’s pages.
Visiting
This year, 327,671 in-person and video visits occurred within CDCR’s adult institutions – 20% higher than in 2021. Throughout 2022, institutions eased COVID-19 visiting restrictions, welcoming back children under the age of two, allowing in-person marriage ceremonies, welcoming walk-in visitors, resuming photo ducats and increasing the duration of in-person visits. As institutions eased restrictions, a third day of visiting was added, expanding visiting opportunities to include Fridays. Institutions also continued to offer video visiting at least one day a week as a convenient way for visitors to connect with incarcerated loved ones.
The Visitation Information section is among the most accessed pages on CDCR’s entire website. The Department completely updated the visiting webpages this year, making it easier to access important information and request a visit.