What’s New?
TCOPS takes pride in supporting trans law enforcement
In this week’s episode, CDCR Unlocked turns the mic over to Dr. Trisha Wallis, a senior psychologist specialist for CDCR/CCHCS. As an ambassador for the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), Dr. Wallis is committed to helping the department achieve its goals toward diversity, equity and inclusion.
She interviewed Julie Callahan, Executive Director of Transgender Community of Police & Sheriffs, or TCOPS. TCOPS is a peer support network educates executives, organizations, and the law enforcement community about issues related to gender identity and the gender transition of a colleague. They are an international organization, providing resources and support to members of the law enforcement community in the United States and more than 30 countries.
(Listen to the latest episode of CDCR Unlocked.)
California Model
CMF, Solano Community College graduation
Two of California Medical Facility’s (CMF) incarcerated students walked the stage for their graduation ceremony at Solano Community College (SCC) in Fairfield.
James Epperson and Tim Smedley earned an Associate of Arts for Transfer Psychology degree. Both students earned Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. They attained this by completing 12 semester hours of associate degree course work, with a cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher. CMF staff and the incarcerated students’ families attended to show their support.
“I would like to thank our Education Department, our staff and the Dean of Solano Community College who made this all possible. The students who were selected to participate have shown resiliency from their past and have worked hard to earn their degrees. It was wonderful to see our staff and their families come together at SCC to celebrate this achievement,” said Acting Warden Daniel E. Cueva.
San Quentin, Salvation Army Appreciation Day
Marin County first responders celebrated the annual Salvation Army Appreciation Doughnut Day. Last year, the Salvation Army Advisory Board was able to provide doughnuts to the San Quentin Fire Department. They vowed to return each year to thank them for their service. The Fire Department is very appreciative of the recognition. They gathered at the West Gate to celebrate the day of appreciation.
In Our Institutions
CTF, SVSP attend T4T
Correctional Training Facility (CTF) conducted a Training for Trainers (T4T) Course.
The T4T course develops skills necessary to provide trainings to custody and non-custody personnel in CDCR. Upon successful conclusion of T4T, participants are certified in the following areas:
- How to prepare for an In-Service Training
- Fundamental trainer responsibilities
- Basic curriculum delivery methods and strategies
- Instruction of a variety of public speaking tactics
- Elementary principles of adult learning
- Assessment of trainee learning of course curriculum
- and application of class management strategies.
“The T4T Instructors from this course will be able to pass on knowledge in ways their students can understand and learn,” stated Correctional Sergeant Jon Brown.
Fourteen employees from CTF and Salinas Valley State Prison participated in the three-day course. Upon completion of the course, participants received their certification credentials in T4T. Following this certification, the newly certified instructors will be able to teach specific training classes within the In-Service Training Department
In the Community
CMF Acting Warden proclaimed Mayor for a Day
On June 6, Vacaville Mayor John Carli visited California Medical Facility (CMF) to proclaim Acting Warden Daniel Cueva Mayor for a Day. Cueva was born and raised in the city of Vacaville. He and his staff are continuously collaborating with the city and local communities to assist and give back.
“Thank you for being a true leader for CMF and for being so passionate about the city in which we work and reside. It is my honor to proclaim you as ‘Mayor for a Day’ for the City of Vacaville,” stated Mayor Carli.
SQ attends Foodieland
San Quentin State Prison (SQ) Recruitment Team attended Foodieland at San Mateo County Event Center.
The event center filled with families who gathered to listen to music and enjoy a variety of foods. SQ Recruitment was successful in helping applicants apply at the CDCR booth. Children received CDCR stickers and fidget-spinners. Several guests stopped by the booth to express kind words and gratitude for the service CDCR provides.
CMC supports Special Olympics Southern California
California Men’s Colony (CMC) staff and family members participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run supporting Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC.)
The Special Olympics torch was carried through the streets of San Luis Obispo on an approximate 1.75-mile leg of the relay. CMC staff members and dozens of San Luis Obispo law enforcement members attended in support of SOSC.
CMC employees raised over $1,800 on behalf of SOSC by selling t-shirts supporting the torch run.
“If you participate in the Torch Run once, you’ll be hooked and want to do it every year,” said CMC Warden Danny Samuel.
CCJBH
CCJBH Lived Experience Project Showcase
June 23, 2023, 2-4:30 p.m.
As CCJBH’s current Lived Experience Projects (LEP) come to a close, LEP contractors will reflect on their successes and challenges over the past three years. These efforts have supported local community-based organizations, each of which have been implementing unique projects that include individuals with lived experience to help reduce justice involvement of individuals with behavioral health needs.
Visit Zoom to register for the event.
In the Media
Introducing the Uncuffed Playlist
At California State Prison-Solano in Vacaville, incarcerated people are learning how to be radio DJs.
From a small room in the prison’s education building, the students learn how to develop an hour-long playlist of their favorite songs and tell stories about how those songs have shaped their lives. Their shows debut this month on KALW 91.7fm in San Francisco. Join the Uncuffed Playlist launch party on Saturday, June 24.
Visit KALW’s website to read the full article.
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CTF Veterans Hub gives back to those who served