All Inside CDCR stories
Above the Call
CIM mourns loss of K‑9 Bosco
The California Institution for Men (CIM) is mourning the loss of retired K-9 Bosco, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois. Bosco served CDCR for three years in the K-9 Unit, passing away May 16, 2023.
Read MoreA Day in the Life
Meet Officer Michael Webb, gate keeper
For over two decades, Correctional Officer Michael “Mike” Webb has helped CDCR fulfill its mission. As the General Population Entrance Gate Officer for Pelican Bay State Prison, he is the first line of defense.
Appointments & Promotions
Academy graduates 230 new officers
After weeks of training, 230 cadets from class 2-23A of the Basic Correctional Officer Academy (BCOA) graduated as officers.
Awards & Appreciation
ASP, city honors staff
Avenal State Prison (ASP) and Golden Hills Adult School staff recently received honors for contributing to ASP and the community.
Beyond the Badge
ASP, city honors staff
Avenal State Prison (ASP) and Golden Hills Adult School staff recently received honors for contributing to ASP and the community.
CALPIA
CCWF celebrates 20 CALPIA graduates
Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) honored 20 graduates for completing their CALPIA Pre-Apprentice Construction Labor, Pre-Apprentice Carpentry, and Healthcare Facilities Maintenance program.
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
Join Special Olympics Torch Run teams
The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run serves as a powerful symbol of unity, bringing together law enforcement officers and personnel, athletes, and communities across the state.
DAPO
CDCR, partners providing critical reentry help
The new Reentry Resource Center at Mather now offers weekly face-to-face help for registered participants with 300 visiting a reentry fair.
Division of Juvenile Justice
Youth honor women in Ventura
A luncheon in Ventura celebrated women while raising awareness of the importance of gender equity. The well-attended event was part of Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (VYCF)’s celebration of Women’s History Month. The luncheon was sponsored by Women of Substance, Men of Honor (WOSMOH), which provides programs at VYCF, and Bank of America.
Dog News
CIM mourns loss of K‑9 Bosco
The California Institution for Men (CIM) is mourning the loss of retired K-9 Bosco, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois. Bosco served CDCR for three years in the K-9 Unit, passing away May 16, 2023.
Employee Wellness
Podcast highlights Mental Health Awareness
Even though May is Mental Health Awareness Month, professionals at CDCR and CCHCS work every day to ensure incarcerated patients’ needs are met. At the same time, the Office of Employee Wellness provides wellness support, education and resources to staff.
Firefighters
CAL FIRE: Jason Barr makes most of rehabilitation
Thanks to rehabilitation opportunities and career training, Jason Barr has earned the chance to prove himself with CAL FIRE. At the Ventura Training Center in 2019, Barr was part of the second cohort in the Firefighter Training and Reentry Program. He graduated in July.
Inside CDCR Videos
Meet Correctional Business Manager Sonia Padilla
Sonia Padilla, the Correctional Business Manager for California Rehabilitation Center (CRC), is a busy woman. In her role, she is responsible for all the business aspects of the institution such as paying the bills or purchasing food.
Jobs & Training
Wellness throughout your correctional career
In the May 11 episode, experts from CDCR’s Office of Employee Wellness discuss what it’s like once you’re not quite “new” in your CDCR career, but also don’t have decades of experience in the department.
Obituaries
CIM mourns loss of K‑9 Bosco
The California Institution for Men (CIM) is mourning the loss of retired K-9 Bosco, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois. Bosco served CDCR for three years in the K-9 Unit, passing away May 16, 2023.
Prison Health Care
New healthy food option put to the test
Executives try new pea protein The selection of nutritious food options is increasing throughout California prisons. CDCR is introducing a…
Rehabilitation
CTF Veterans Hub gives back to those who served
The CTF Veterans Hub held a ceremony in observance of Memorial Day to honor the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Secretary's Corner
Secretary, Receiver thank staff for 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.
Sports
CMF learns the sport of pickleball
Pickleball has conquered community parks, cable television and is scoring big with the population and staff at California Medical Facility (CMF).
Unlocking History
Giving voice to crime victims
Victims and survivors have long fought to have a voice in investigations, trials, sentencing and parole hearings. Since the first incarcerated people boarded the prison ship in 1851, crime victims and their families have fought for their rights.
Victim & Survivor Rights
CMC hosts Day for Atonement ceremony
California Men’s Colony (CMC) created and hosted its inaugural “A Day for Atonement” ceremony. Jonathan Duke, hundreds of incarcerated individuals, and staff members collaborated for this event.