All Inside CDCR stories
Above the Call
Parole Agent Garcia saves teenager
Thanks to recently graduated Parole Agent Hector Garcia, a teenager is safe after threatening self-harm. Parole Agent Hector Garcia was…
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CDCR, CCHCS staff gather for 40th Medal of Valor
CDCR and CCHCS staff gathered at the academy in Galt for the 40th annual Medal of Valor Ceremony. The Sept.…
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Parole Agent Madri Sherman saves two from house fire
Madri Sherman, a parole agent based out of the Ceres Parole Office, entered a smoke-filled house, saving two mobility-impaired residents…
Read MoreA Day in the Life
Watch: Meet Hector Castillo, parole agent
Inside CDCR caught up with Hector Castillo, a parole agent in Salinas who works with the GPS unit. He discussed…
Appointments & Promotions
Espinoza begins CDCR career same day her father retires
Editor’s note: Isabella Espinoza graduated the academy with Class 3-26A, beginning her CDCR career the same day her father retired…
Awards & Appreciation
North Kern honors longtime volunteer Gregory Arrout
For a quarter of a century, the men of North Kern State Prison have looked toward the chapel doors and…
Beyond the Badge
Centinela holds first Dodgeball Tournament
The first Centinela State Prison Dodgeball Tournament was held as a fundraiser for Officer Aguilar, a staff member battling illness.…
CALPIA
CALCTRA celebrates 56 graduates at CCWF
A milestone achievement was celebrated at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla as 56 graduates completed the California Correctional…
CDCR Time Capsule
1990: Folsom Prison prints calendar of historic photos
In 1989, Folsom State Prison’s vocational graphic arts class designed and printed a 1990 calendar packed with historic photos and…
Community Involvement
CCI staff participates in high school career day
Staff from California Correctional Institution (CCI) recently participated in the annual Tehachapi High School career day, giving students a firsthand…
DAPO
Watch: Meet Parole Agent Kesteloot
A decade after earning his correctional officer badge, Kyle Kesteloot returned to the academy, this time to become a parole…
Dog News
Meet the CDCR K‑9s: Skipper, Tokyo, Yankee
Three CDCR K-9s assisting their handlers to help keep institutions safe are Skipper, Tokyo and Yankee. Every day, CDCR K-9s…
Employee Wellness
Watch: CDCR launches staff alcohol awareness campaign
The department recognizes the difficult job performed by staff and the sacrifices they make every day. We also recognize staff…
Firefighters
CCWF Fire Captain Ries is making a difference
While CDCR firehouses and camps are battling fires across California, Inside CDCR caught up with Fire Captain Robert Ries, a…
While rebuilding barbershop, camp participant rebuilds self
A participant at Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp #41 rebuilt the barbershop while ultimately rebuilding himself. At the camp in Valyermo,…
In historic first, 8 incarcerated students earn forestry degrees
For the first time in the state, eight incarcerated students have earned associate of science degrees in forestry, marking the…
Inside CDCR Videos
Watch: Meet Parole Agent Kesteloot
A decade after earning his correctional officer badge, Kyle Kesteloot returned to the academy, this time to become a parole…
Jobs & Training
Watch: Meet Parole Agent Kesteloot
A decade after earning his correctional officer badge, Kyle Kesteloot returned to the academy, this time to become a parole…
Obituaries
Valley State Prison mourns passing of Jose Lopez, staff member
Valley State Prison staff are mourning the loss of Jose Lopez, a program director, who passed away Sept. 27, 2026.…
Prison Health Care
WSP‑RC holds joint emergency responder training
Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) held simulated lifesaving medical emergency responder training. The drill was held in the minimum support…
Rehabilitation
NKSP walks for Suicide Prevention
North Kern State Prison (NKSP) staff, leadership and the incarcerated population united to raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention Week.…
Secretary's Corner
Secretary Macomber thanks staff for hard work
In this video message, CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber thanks staff for their hard work while looking back at 2024 milestones.…
Sports
Centinela holds first Dodgeball Tournament
The first Centinela State Prison Dodgeball Tournament was held as a fundraiser for Officer Aguilar, a staff member battling illness.…
Unlocking History
CDCR history requests come from families, writers, professors
Requests for CDCR history can come from a variety of sources. They range from family members tracking down a rumor…
Victim & Survivor Rights
OVSRS helps victims know, access legal rights
In 2025, the Office of Victims and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) contacted over 40,000 victims’ families to aid them…