Division of Adult Parole Operations, Featured Stories, Jobs, Training and Facilities

Watch: Meet Parole Agent Kesteloot

October 2, 2026

A decade after earning his correctional officer badge, Kyle Kesteloot returned to the academy, this time to become a parole agent.

Kesteloot attended the Basic Correctional Officer Academy in 2016, reporting to California Medical Facility as his first assignment.

The father of one of his friends then encouraged Kesteloot to consider a job in parole.

“(He) kind of explained what the job was to me, kind of what they do back then, and I was like, ‘You know what? That sounds like a really good idea.’ And then I had some amazing opportunities (to) promote (and) do those cool things (like) training. I love instructing,” he said.

He said one of the main reasons he joined CDCR was to become a parole agent.

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Career goal achieved

“Three months ago, I came here to the academy, back to where it started. (My goal was to go) to parole and becoming a parole agent working with the community around you,” he said. “I grew up in the area I’ll be going to now. You’re out in the street (in) the community. The controlled environment kind of goes away, so you have to be a little more mindful of everything you’re doing out there. Entering people’s homes, driving around the community in uniform possibly, going on those operations. You have to be much more aware of what’s going on in the community.”

Kesteloot praised said the parole academy has been a rewarding experience.

Parole Agent Kyle Kesteloot with Director Bryan Bishop. — *Parole Agent Kyle Kesteloot with Division of Adult Parole Operations Director Bryan Bishop.*

“The instructors here have been awesome,” he explained. “They bring in instructors from all over the area as well to provide reality-based training, which is so important in our department.”

Kesteloot said he bonded with the others in Class 3-26P.

“Everybody’s taken these last 13 weeks really seriously,” he said. “Lots of picking people up after they’ve taken a scenario and feel like they could absolutely do better. Maybe they didn’t pass a certain part, but everybody has stepped up to help each other out. It’s been (great) to be a part of this group.”

>> Learn more about becoming a parole agent.

Video and story by the Office of Public and Employee Communications

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