Training ensures processes, rules are consistent across prisons
On June 8, visiting staff supervisors representing every CDCR institution throughout the state gathered in Galt for mandated training.
The training aimed to give all prisons consistent guidance for their visiting policies and procedures. This helps visits go smoothly and visitors can expect the same rules and processes at each prison. The Richard McGee Correctional Training Center hosted the training.
This marked the first time since 2019 that the training took place in-person. Since the COVID-19 public health emergency, visiting training has taken place virtually.
On hand was Dan Ross, Associate Warden of Female Offender Programs (FOPS) and Services/Special Housing for the Division of Adult Institutions (DAI).
“It was great to have everyone in-person. This valuable training provided space for us to reinforce policies, ensure consistency and have productive conversations,” he said. “Attendees were incredibly engaged, provided helpful insight, and asked a lot of great questions.”
Topics discussed include general visiting policies and procedures, using the Visitation Scheduling Application (VSA), video visiting, problem-solving and customer service.
Visiting training included presenters from the department
The training featured presentations from:
- Ombudsman office
- Enterprise Information Services (EIS)
- Office of Legal Affairs
- Office of Legislation
- and the Office of Public and Employee Communications (OPEC).
“I value the engagement and the conversations that came out of this training,” said Kyle Clark, who helps manage VSA and spoke about EIS’s role in visiting. “Some of these conversations may drive application changes once they can be fully reviewed. This was a great opportunity to put a face to the name for all of the customers we support.”
The normal visiting program for Friday, June 10, was canceled so attendees could share training with the rest of the prison’s visiting staff.
By Alia Cruz, Public Information Officer, OPEC
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