Inside CDCR News Blog
FEATURED STORIES
CTF holds memorial for those who’ve fallen
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) held their first memorial honoring all staff and retirees who passed away over the last year. The memorial included the Presentation of Colors by the CTF/Salinas Valley State Prison Color Guard, guest speakers, honor guard presentation, 21-gun salute and four blasts from the institutional horn.
VIDEOS
Future Fire Academy fosters firefighting careers
In 2019, we met Anthony Pedro, a devoted young father who had recently paroled after serving time as an incarcerated firefighter, climbing his way back into the fire service, this time as a civilian. “I’ve now promoted to engineer. So I’m the one that drives the engine and makes all that loud noise with the horn honking, that’s me,” Pedro said.
Meet the CDCR, CCHCS Accessibility Coordinators
Ensuring CDCR and CCHCS meet web accessibility requirements are two Accessibility Coordinators: Ann Alejandria and Jennifer Corcoran.
Academy graduates 258 new correctional officers
The Basic Correctional Officer Academy saw 258 graduates in the class of 3-22A on March 13.
REHABILITATION
DJJ Psychologist discusses mental health, rehabilitation
In honor of May as Mental Health Professionals Month, Inside CDCR caught up with Psychologist Deborah Leong.
CDCR retiree Dobson‑Davis has passion for service
These days it’s common to see CDCR employees running rehabilitative programs, sharing their skills and expertise with the population. From art and fundraising to horse care and fitness, these employees are going above and beyond to engage the population in positive activities.
Future Fire Academy fosters firefighting careers
In 2019, we met Anthony Pedro, a devoted young father who had recently paroled after serving time as an incarcerated firefighter, climbing his way back into the fire service, this time as a civilian. “I’ve now promoted to engineer. So I’m the one that drives the engine and makes all that loud noise with the horn honking, that’s me,” Pedro said.
ABOVE THE CALL
Watch Gold Medal presentation for Sergeant Villarreal
Correctional Sergeant Hector Villarreal was recently honored with a Gold Medal for his heroic actions in protecting the citizens of Kerman and his family from a serial shooter in 2018.
CDCR K‑9 units help rescue two from crash
While driving on Highway 99 near Madera, three K-9 officers spotted a vehicle flipped on its side. As the first to arrive at the March 6 crash, the officers pulled their state vehicles onto the shoulder and rushed to help.
Inside CDCR looks back at 2021
As 2021 comes to a close, Inside CDCR looks back at the top stories for the year. The month logging the most views this year was November. The story logging the most views deals with employment and how to become a correctional officer in CDCR.
BEYOND THE BADGE
CDCR retiree Dobson‑Davis has passion for service
These days it’s common to see CDCR employees running rehabilitative programs, sharing their skills and expertise with the population. From art and fundraising to horse care and fitness, these employees are going above and beyond to engage the population in positive activities.
Ken Kojima talks cyber security, rehabilitation, tech trends
Ken Kojima, the agency information security officer (AISO) for CDCR, was highlighted in Techwire in October 2021.
Associate Warden Glucksman retires after 27‑year career
After 27 years of helping fulfill CDCR’s mission, Associate Warden Donald Glucksman is looking forward to the next chapter: retirement.
HISTORY
1987: Department publication highlights need for females in corrections
Revisit this 1987 story originally published in Correction News. — When Daniel J. McCarthy first became a correctional officer in 1949, the California Department of Corrections prohibited women from working inside a prison. In fact, women weren’t even allowed to tour prisons.
By the numbers: History of the inmate numbering system
A mid-1990s report penned by San Quentin Associate Warden Dick Nelson looks closer at the inmate identification numbering system and how it got started in California. Some who have been assigned numbers include stagecoach bandits Black Bart, Rattlesnake Dick and Charley Dorsey. Inside CDCR revisits Nelson’s report to put the number system into context.
Photo Timeline: CSP‑Corcoran
During the 1980s and ’90s, California expanded the prison system. The original 12 prisons were supplemented with new facilities ranging from Pelican Bay State Prison in Crescent City to R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. Today, CDCR operates 35 adult institutions. One of those newer facilities is California State Prison, Corcoran. The men’s facility was activated in 1988 after two years of planning and another two years of construction.