DAI Director Jones tours CCI‑Tehachapi

May 12, 2025

DAI Director Gena Jones speaks with correctional officers at CCI-Tehachapi.

Gena Jones, director of the Division of Adult Institutions (DAI), visited California Correctional Institution (CCI) at Tehachapi on May 8.

Jones toured several facilities at CCI-Tehachapi, meeting with staff, discussing future departmental endeavors, and speaking about current events surrounding CDCR. The tour was well received. Line staff, the incarcerated population and management expressed the value in her presence and the ability to have an open conversation with a member of the departmental executive staff.

Director Jones spoke with staff, asking one important question: “What do you need from me?”

Gena Jones, director of DAI, speaks with CCI staff in the in-service training room.

Each time, this triggered a dialogue with officers, reinforcing her commitment to staff safety while maintaining a productive and rehabilitative environment.

Jones toured CCI’s level 4 Facility, speaking to the incarcerated population and staff assigned to the Strategic Behavioral Based Housing (SBBH) and (PPH) Progressive Program Housing.

The SBBH is a unique housing unit occupied by individuals who require additional attention due to behavioral issues. The PPH is designed for incarcerated individuals who promote positivity and with common rehabilitative goals.

Both housing units house Level IV residents and have proven to be effective tools in the application of accountability when necessary, and rehabilitative opportunities for those who seek to better themselves.

CCI houses approximately 2400 level IV, III, and II incarcerated individuals. The institution provides rehabilitative opportunities such as:

Pawsitive Change Program, where incarcerated individuals train rescued dogs and prepare them for adoption
Occupation Mentorship Certification Program (OMCP), which is a voluntary program for long-term and life-term incarcerated individuals who train others
Youthful Offender Program (YOP) which encourages younger incarcerated individuals to create a positive outcome while service their sentence.

All these programs support the CDCR mission while assisting in the efforts to reduce the rate of recidivism.

“Thank you, Director Jones. We value your transparency, trust, and 28 years of dedication. It was a pleasure to share our exceptional staff, programs and along with our incomparable incarcerated population,” according to a statement issued by CCI.

Submitted by Lt. T. Harrison