National Night Out: Department engages with community

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

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.

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

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Office of Correctional Safety connects with Sacramento community

Live music, food and bounce houses brought Sacramento families and the Office of Correctional Safety together on National Night Out in August.

The event, hosted by the Franklin Boulevard District at La Familia’s Neighborhood Center, featured a backpack giveaway for children, train rides, bounce houses, toy giveaways and free meals for the first 500 attendees.

Families also connected with local law enforcement and community groups. That connection is one of the goals of National Night Out.

Submitted by Mary Xjimenez, information officer II
Story by the Office of Correctional Safety

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San Bernardino Parole District at Rancho Cucamonga National Night Out

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

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OVSRS staff volunteer at three National Night Out events

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

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Pelican Bay State Prison interacts with community

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.

“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

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Recruitment and Career Services Unit, DAPO joins National Night Out

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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