Video by Jeff Baur
Office of Public and Employee Communications
Last week, we took you behind the scenes of the Pre-Field Orientation Program (PFOP), in which new CDCR parole agents learn from experienced parole professionals. (Watch the first video on parole agents in new tab.) Today, hit the road with the parole agents. Ride along with Parole Academy student Josh Carling and Parole Agent Andrew Brown as they check on formerly incarcerated people now being supervised by CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO).
Carling and Brown are part of the DAPO team of parole agents and other staff committed to helping men and women find success after prison, providing resources and support in addressing needs such as substance use disorder treatment, housing, employment and medical services. Learn more about DAPO at https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/parole/ (link opens new tab).
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Transcript
Joshua Carling
I’m just beginning the process. I’ll be heading to the academy, and I think getting this training prior to the academy will really help me get a feel for what to expect, you know, when I become an agent.
Andrew Brown
There’s a lot going on and you always gotta make sure that you cross your “T”s and dotted your “I”s. If something does go south, one of the first people they’re gonna come back to is you.
I try to stay as organized as I can cuz that’s I would say one of the most important things.
Carling
We were able to visit in home as well as field visits.
Brown
You can look through the windows and make sure, you know?
(Knocking on door)
So let’s get this done real quick and then we’ll discuss anything further. Do a quick search and then let you get on with your busy day as we know.
So we do a quick walk through everything, you know.
Make sure things are on point, nothing out of the ordinary.
We did an A&T test. Came back negative.
They really don’t want to come back, yeah. That was an eye-opener. One, a lifer on parole.
For my homeless guys. Part of the levee comes up right behind it there, so a lot of the transients camps right there. It’s not a very friendly place.
This is 14 Forward. This is the homeless shelter, and the little tuff sheds, which is exactly what they are in case you’re wondering.
It’s structured. You know, they have to be sober.
If there’s any suspicion or anything like that, they’ll kick them out.
(cell phone ringing)
Brown. Yep. I got it. Where are you working at?
Voice on phone
(Today I’m doing siding on apartment complexes.)
Brown
OK, I’m gonna drive over there.
There he is right there.
How are you doing, sir?
Andrew Brown.
Carling
Josh Carling
Man
Josh…hi, Josh. How you guys doing?
Brown
Hanging in there. Just wanted to come check up on him.
Robert, how ya doing?
Man
He’s been great, man.
Brown
Yeah.
Well, this is a big step in the right direction for a guy that’s been out for about a week.
What? A week and a half?
Man
I told you it wouldn’t take long.
Brown
Well, save up some money.
Man
(Laughing)
Brown
I think, did I tell you Hands of Hope?
Man
For the house?
Brown
The help with the down payment?
Man
Yeah
Brown
You can go check it out. Like I said, I’ll talk … I talked to them yesterday. I’ll find out more about how they do that program with the first and last month or the first month rent, whatever it is.
All right gentlemen, we’ll let you get on with your day. It was nice meeting you. Thank you for hiring this guy. Hey, keep it up, all right?
Carling
Keep up the good work, man.
Man
Thank you
Carling
We got to visit an in-patient rehabilitation clinic called Pathways.
Brandy Chastain
We have all levels of care here. So we can bring somebody in who is currently abusing substances, whether it be alcohol, heroin, methadone, methamphetamine.
I am a recovering meth addict as well as alcoholic.
I just celebrated 13 years of sobriety in December.
It’s been a huge blessing for me to be able to work in the community that I took advantage of for so long and to be able to give back.
Off-camera
(What’s the most rewarding thing?)
Chastain
It’s seeing the light come on in their eyes and knowing they can be successful.
Knowing that there is a another way of life out here.
Carling
She really feels for what the people are going through, and I think she’s a great person, you know, to connect with and be able to gain knowledge from.
Brown
I have been fortunate enough to have people that have been in this department for a long time that I know that have told that it’s ups and downs and you gotta roll with the punches.
Carling
It was a really good day