All Inside CDCR stories
A Day in the Life
Correctional Business Manager duties goes beyond numbers
Since 2006, Sarah Shepherd has charted a unique career path, now serving as Correctional Business Manager at California State Prison, Sacramento. Someone unfamiliar with the job classification may think it is solely about number crunching. To reach her current position, Shepherd has gained experience working in different areas of the department, ranging from parole to the Division of Adult Institutions.
Above the Call
DJJ Psychologist discusses mental health, rehabilitation
In honor of May as Mental Health Professionals Month, Inside CDCR caught up with Psychologist Deborah Leong.
Appointments & Promotions
Academy graduates 258 new correctional officers
The Basic Correctional Officer Academy saw 258 graduates in the class of 3-22A on March 13.
Awards & Appreciation
CTF holds memorial for those who’ve fallen
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) held their first memorial honoring all staff and retirees who passed away over the last year. The memorial included the Presentation of Colors by the CTF/Salinas Valley State Prison Color Guard, guest speakers, honor guard presentation, 21-gun salute and four blasts from the institutional horn.
Beyond the Badge
CDCR retiree Dobson‑Davis has passion for service
These days it’s common to see CDCR employees running rehabilitative programs, sharing their skills and expertise with the population. From art and fundraising to horse care and fitness, these employees are going above and beyond to engage the population in positive activities.
CALPIA
Bill Davidson appointed CALPIA general manager
The California Prison Industry Board has appointed William “Bill” Davidson to serve as General Manager of the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) and Executive Officer of the Board.
CDCR Time Capsule
1987: Department publication highlights need for females in corrections
Revisit this 1987 story originally published in Correction News. — When Daniel J. McCarthy first became a correctional officer in 1949, the California Department of Corrections prohibited women from working inside a prison. In fact, women weren’t even allowed to tour prisons.
Community Involvement
CMF incarcerated population donates to Vacaville students
The California Medical Facility (CMF) incarcerated population raised funds through its quarterly food sale with all proceeds donated to charitable organizations or local schools.
DAPO
Parole Agents target Fresno gang violence
CDCR Division of Adult Parole Operations parole agents, as part of the Fresno Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) that included local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, executed “Operation No-Fly Zone” earlier this month, targeting Fresno and Central Valley gangs.
Division of Juvenile Justice
DJJ Psychologist discusses mental health, rehabilitation
In honor of May as Mental Health Professionals Month, Inside CDCR caught up with Psychologist Deborah Leong.
Dog News
New CDCR K‑9 officers graduate academy
The first K-9 Academy cohort for 2022 successfully completed their seven-week training at the former Northern California Women’s Facility in Stockton and celebrated their graduation on Monday, April 18.
Employee Wellness
CDCR recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month
Since 1949, the United States has observed May as Mental Health Awareness Month. First started by the Mental Health America (MHA) organization, Mental Health Awareness Month attempts to raise awareness and increase understanding about mental health.
Firefighters
Future Fire Academy fosters firefighting careers
In 2019, we met Anthony Pedro, a devoted young father who had recently paroled after serving time as an incarcerated firefighter, climbing his way back into the fire service, this time as a civilian. “I’ve now promoted to engineer. So I’m the one that drives the engine and makes all that loud noise with the horn honking, that’s me,” Pedro said.
Inside CDCR Videos
Future Fire Academy fosters firefighting careers
In 2019, we met Anthony Pedro, a devoted young father who had recently paroled after serving time as an incarcerated firefighter, climbing his way back into the fire service, this time as a civilian. “I’ve now promoted to engineer. So I’m the one that drives the engine and makes all that loud noise with the horn honking, that’s me,” Pedro said.
Jobs & Training
CDCR HR Customer Connect launches May 23
CDCR Human Resources Office is launching the new HR Customer Connect (HRCC) Remedy System on May 23. This new system has been designed to improve customer service through digital innovation solutions, to better connect CDCR staff with their human resource partners, as well as ensure your Human Resources Office is guided with the mission to provide a positive employee experience to all CDCR staff.
Obituaries
CTF holds memorial for those who’ve fallen
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) held their first memorial honoring all staff and retirees who passed away over the last year. The memorial included the Presentation of Colors by the CTF/Salinas Valley State Prison Color Guard, guest speakers, honor guard presentation, 21-gun salute and four blasts from the institutional horn.
Prison Health Care
Q&A with Health Care Executive Rainbow Brockenborough
Meet Rainbow Brockenborough, the Health Care Executive for Region I in CCHCS.
Rehabilitation
DJJ Psychologist discusses mental health, rehabilitation
In honor of May as Mental Health Professionals Month, Inside CDCR caught up with Psychologist Deborah Leong.
Secretary's Corner
Secretary, Receiver thank staff for their dedication to public service
As we enter the month of May, and reflect on the year behind us and the one before us, we wanted to send a collective thank you to all of our incredible staff across the state. Whether you are in one of our 35 prisons, working in a parole office, in DJJ, in a field office, or in headquarters, thank you for your hard work. Thank you for your dedication and for serving the people of our great state, your communities, and your families with love and unwavering commitment, even as we faced the biggest health crisis our world has seen in a century.
Sports
CDCR runners brave heat for Challenge Cup Relay
Banding together as a united team, CDCR runners showed displayed endurance and athletic skill during the grueling 120-mile Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay.
Other stories
Remember to set clocks back one hour Saturday night
Daylight Saving Time officially ends at 2 a.m., Sunday, November 7, 2021, when the clocks “fall back” one hour. To best follow the time change, it is recommended to set the clock back an hour when heading to bed Saturday night.
Unlocking History
Warden Hoyle volunteers ensured lasting changes
Prior to San Quentin Warden Hoyle arriving in 1907, volunteers were rare. Thanks to his reforms, and the volunteers who helped see them through, rehabilitation received a significant boost.
Victim & Survivor Rights
Staff, incarcerated walk for Ukraine war victims
Ironwood State Prison’s incarcerated population, led by Warden Neil McDowell and Chief Deputy Warden John Merchant, walked to raise funds for victims of the war in Ukraine.