Change, evolution, and landmark shifts in California corrections were hallmarks of 2023. From pledging to increase the number of female cadets to shuttering the Division of Juvenile Justice, the department is entering a period of evolution, much like when it was founded in 1944.
Improving the department through change in 2023
The department continually seeks to improve, such as through rehabilitation for the incarcerated, technology, workplace environment, and employee wellness.
Secretary signs 30×30 pledge to increase female cadet recruitment
In 2023, Secretary Jeffrey Macomber signed the “30×30” pledge, setting a goal to have women make up 30 percent of correctional officer cadets by 2030.
Further, CDCR committed to ensuring the Department is representative of the jurisdictions it serves by taking steps to improve gender equity. Plans also include implementing strategies and solutions to advance women in the department.
Currently, women make up of 17 percent of CDCR’s sworn officers and 19 percent of correctional leadership classifications. While higher than the national average of 12 percent of sworn officers and 3 percent of police leadership being women, CDCR is committed to improving. Read the story.
New data dashboard launches on CDCR website
A new institutional dashboard launched in July helps users quickly find information. The dashboard is the result of Senate Bill 601.
“Instead of having to sort through individual reports, this data dashboard allows end-users to quickly and efficiently access current and historical COMPSTAT indicators for all California state prisons in one environment,” said Amber Lozano, Chief Risk Officer (A) for the Office of Research. “In addition to providing a quality resource for CDCR’s stakeholders, the new dashboard provides filtering options and line charts to identify trends and patterns.” Read the full story.
California Institution for Men partially deactivates Facility D
Facility D at California Institution for Men was partially deactivated April 16, 2023. It was the third oldest prison facility in the state of California. Dating to 1941, the facility’s primary mission was vocational training combining farming with industry. In 1941, South and West Dorms were the only two housing units at the institution. As of the 2023 deactivation date, there are 12 housing units. See the full story.
Division of Juvenile Justice shutters after decades of service
Originally founded at the California Youth Authority in 1941, the modern Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) ceased operations June 30. The last youth were transferred to county care and DJJ facilities were closed in traditional flag lowering ceremonies attended by retirees, employees and program providers. Read the full story.
Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp employees were honored for their service as the camp transitioned from DJJ to the Division of Adult Institutions in January 2023. Read the Pine Grove story.
Operating since 1945, Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp in Amador County offers rehabilitation and re-entry services for incarcerated youth through career training, therapy, and teamwork. In April, Tessa Outhyse narrated a two-part video discussing the camp, its history and programs. Read the story and watch the video.
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