National Night Out: Department engages with community

August 6, 2026

Across California, CDCR and CCHCS staff engaged with the community during National Night Out. The event is a way for law enforcement agencies to positively interact with the communities they serve.

This round-up will be updated as more submissions are received. Send submissions to OPEC.submissions@cdcr.ca.gov.

Correctional Training Center interacts with families

A CDCR cadet interacts with children during Galt's National Night Out.

A family checks out the transportation bus during National Night Out in Galt, California.

Academy cadets at CDCR's booth during National Night Out in Galt.

CDCR staff with a Galt police officer at National Night Out in Galt.

National Night Out was a great opportunity for the CDCR Academy, Division of Adult Parole Operations and Northern Transportation Hub to connect with the Galt community at two local parks.

They enjoyed interactive activities, spending time with the people who make this community special.

National Night Out at the CDCR booth in Galt.

Academy cadets in Galt during National Night Out.

The Academy is an important part of Galt, and for many of our staff, this is more than where they work, it’s also where they live, raise their families, and call home.

Events like National Night Out give our staff an opportunity to strengthen those community connections while giving our cadets a chance to step outside the training environment, engage with the public, demonstrate leadership and proudly represent CDCR.

Staff said they had a great time getting out into the community, meeting families and building positive connections.

Submitted by Lisa Hamrick
Peace Officer Selection and Employee Development
and Capt. S. Boyack, acting Academy Commander
Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center

San Bernardino Parole District at Rancho Cucamonga National Night Out

National Night Out booth with Division of Adult Parole Operations San Bernardino District.

A parole agent helps a child try on some equipment during National Night Out with the San Bernardino Parole District.

The Division of Adult Parole Operations, San Bernardino Parole District, the Southern Region Community Compliance Unit and the Southern Region Community Reentry Unit joined the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department’s National Night Out event Aug. 4 at Victoria Gardens, engaging with the community and supporting public safety initiatives.

Attendees enjoyed meeting local law enforcement and other community partners, exploring crime prevention tips, and taking part in exciting activities, including K-9 demonstrations, emergency vehicle displays, child safety resources, live music, tasty food samples and raffles. The event was well received, bringing everyone together for a fun and educational evening that strengthened ties between the community and law enforcement.

Submitted by Andrew Meyer, acting Chief Deputy Regional Administrator
Division of Adult Parole Operations, Southern Region

OVSRS staff volunteer at three National Night Out events

A staff member from Victim Services attends National Night Out in West Sacramento. — West Sacramento National Night Out.

Information table at the Winters National Night Out. — West Sacramento National Night Out.

Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) staff attended National Night Out at three locations: West Sacramento, Winters and Woodland. Staff offered information on the services provided by the unit while connecting with other agencies as well as the public. Staff said they enjoyed the evening and learning how they can better serve their communities.

Submitted by Elizabeth Shafer, analyst II

Pelican Bay State Prison interacts with community

Staff from Pelican Bay State Prison at the Crescent City National Night Out.

Pelican Bay State Prison (PBSP) staff joined first responders and law enforcement agencies at Beachfront Park Aug. 4 for Crescent City’s annual National Night Out celebration.

The event fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and positive community interaction between local public safety partners and Del Norte County residents.

PBSP personnel set up a community resource booth. They interacted with local families while answering questions regarding CDCR employment opportunities and recruitment. Highlighting the evening’s festivities, multi-talented PBSP staff members took to the stage to perform live music. Their actions support positive engagement with the community.

“Our team is proud to stand alongside our local public safety partners to connect with the neighborhood outside of emergency situations.”
Acting Warden M. Betzinger, Pelican Bay State Prison

A staff member from Pelican Bay State Prison speaks to children at National Night Out in Crescent City, California, Aug. 4, 2026.

“Events like National Night Out allow us to humanize the badge, show that we live and raise families in this community,” said acting Warden M. Betzinger. “(And it) reinforces our shared goal of building a safer, more caring Del Norte County.”

The family-friendly evening brought together the Crescent City Police Department, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Crescent City Area, Division of Adult Parole Operations, Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire and medical first responders.

In addition to the musical performances, attendees enjoyed local food, including contributions from Sea Quake Brewing. There were also bounce houses and opportunity drawings sending local children home with brand-new bicycles and other prizes.

Submitted by Lt. John Hartgrove

Recruitment and Career Services Unit, DAPO joins National Night Out

CDCR staff interact with community at National Night Out in Natomas.

Two parole agents with CDCR recruitment unit staff at National Night Out in Natomas.

The CDCR Recruitment and Career Services (RCS) Unit joined the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) to bring community engagement to National Night Out at North Natomas Regional Park.

Recruitment Supervisor Martina Espinoza and Analyst II Inderpal Dhaliwal joined Parole Agents Nicholas Couture and Matthew Orpesa to build trust and strengthen local relationships.

Neighborhood block parties and festive crowds brought the park to life. Meanwhile, the partnership provided an ideal environment for meaningful public engagement. By meeting face-to-face with residents, the team highlighted the human element of public safety and state service.

While interactive conversations drew people to the booth, the primary mission for CDCR staff was to foster open communication. They answered questions about parole operations while dispelling common misconceptions about working for CDCR.

Many attendees enjoyed discovering the wide range of career paths available across the department. They also learned how parole agents work every day to support community safety and successful reintegration.

“National Night Out gives us a chance to truly connect with people on a personal level,” said CDCR organizers. “When community members can sit down and talk with our staff and agents in a relaxed setting, it breaks down barriers. It’s not just about sharing career opportunities. It’s also about showing up as neighbors, building real trust and strengthening the ties that keep our communities safe.”

Staff from both units said they had a great time getting out into the community, meeting local families, and building positive connections that will continue long after the event.

Submitted by Inderpal Dhaliwal, analyst II
Peace Officer Recruitment Unit

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