FAQ: What is a Modified Program, June 12, 2025
A modified program is a temporary change to regular prison operations. CDCR uses this status to protect safety and security when there is an elevated threat or ongoing investigations such as after violence, contraband discoveries, or other serious incidents.
Daily activities and movement are significantly limited. Common changes include:
- In-person visitation is suspended
- Phone and tablet communications are paused
- Individuals remain primarily in their housing units
- Incarcerated people assigned to designated Level III facilities may be permitted to dine in the dining halls under controlled conditions. All designated Level IV incarcerated people will have their meals delivered directly to their respective housing units.
- Showers and medical care continue under controlled conditions
- Programming such as education, self-help groups, and religious services are paused.
- Yard and dayroom access is restricted.
A: No. The modified program applies only to the areas of the prison that house Level III and Level IV populations. Facilities housing Level I and Level II individuals are not affected and will continue operating under normal conditions, including visiting. Modified programming is targeted and does not apply institution wide.
The current system-modified program was activated on June 12, 2025, in response to a recent increase in violence, overdoses, and the discoveries of contraband. It is a precaution to protect the safety of both staff and incarcerated people while CDCR conducts a thorough review.
There is no set timeline. CDCR will return each institution to normal programming when it is safe to do so based on security assessments and operational readiness.
During this time, phone calls, tablet messages, and in-person visits are suspended at affected institutions. Legal communication will continue as required. Mail is not impacted and will continue to be processed and delivered.
For visitation-related updates and a list of affected facilities, visit the CDCR Facility Visiting Status page.
For other information, please monitor CDCR’s main website, press releases, and official communication channels.
Earlier this year CDCR implemented modified programming at 11 of the state’s high-security facilities because of an increase in violent incidents.
During the modified program, custody staff completed extensive searches of all cells, housing units, and program areas in the institutions. The following contraband items were confiscated:
- 166 improvised weapons
- 159 cellular devices
- 65 hypodermic needles
- 464 additional items including controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, escape paraphernalia, and other miscellaneous contraband