All Inside CDCR stories
Above the Call

Medal of Valor 2023: A closer look
Take a closer look at the 2023 Medal of Valor ceremony, celebrating the bravery of CDCR and CCHCS staff.
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CDCR honors staff at 38th annual Medal of Valor
SACRAMENTO – CDCR honored 27 employees today during its 38th annual Medal of Valor Ceremony. CDCR awards its employees for exceptional work that benefits the department and the community.
Read MoreA Day in the Life

Meet the women behind three CCI positions
To shed light on often overlooked positions, Inside CDCR caught up with three CCI staff members who keep the institution on task.
Appointments & Promotions

Governor Newsom appoints CHCF Warden
Gena Jones was appointed Warden at California Health Care Facility (CHCF) in September. She has served as acting Warden since April 2022.
Awards & Appreciation

Medal of Valor 2023: A closer look
Take a closer look at the 2023 Medal of Valor ceremony, celebrating the bravery of CDCR and CCHCS staff.
Beyond the Badge

Meet the women behind three CCI positions
To shed light on often overlooked positions, Inside CDCR caught up with three CCI staff members who keep the institution on task.
CALPIA

DAPO hosts regional law enforcement leaders
Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) hosted the Sacramento Regional Law Enforcement Executive breakfast.
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

VSP donates refurbished bicycles
Valley State Prison’s (VSP) Bicycle Refurbishing Program (BRP) recently distributed more bicycles to the local community.
DAPO

DAPO attends San Diego training, symposium
DAPO recently attended the National Asian Peace Officer Association (NAPOA) Annual Training Symposium and Exposition in San Diego.
Division of Juvenile Justice

DJJ ceases operations, transfers last youths to counties
On June 30, CDCR announced the last youths in the Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) were transferred to counties, completing juvenile justice realignment as required under Senate Bill 823.
Dog News
Retired CVSP K‑9 Roxy passes away
Roxy, a retired CDCR K-9, passed away Sept. 7, 2023. Roxy graduated K-9 Academy in 2010 and retired from CVSP in 2016.
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

Camp firefighters work on earning GED
Currently, 120 firefighters and camp participants across 10 CDCR Conservation Camps are enrolled in the Camp GED program. Coursework is offered online, in-person, and through independent study packets.
Inside CDCR Videos

Medal of Valor 2023: A closer look
Take a closer look at the 2023 Medal of Valor ceremony, celebrating the bravery of CDCR and CCHCS staff.
Jobs & Training

VSP hosts staff suicide prevention event
Valley State Prison (VSP) recently held their annual staff suicide prevention and awareness event.
Obituaries

Garret Houston, correctional officer, passes away
Garret Houston, a correctional officer at California City Correctional Facility, passed away Sept. 22, 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

ASP, Uncle Chucky’s Kids host basketball game
Avenal State Prison (ASP) hosted a memorable basketball tournament inside institution walls.
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

Historic team, new name: San Quentin Giants
The San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQ) baseball team has a new name, thanks to the San Francisco (SF) Giants. The professional team visited SQ to unveil the new SQ Giants name as well as present them with team uniforms, helmets and other equipment.
Unlocking History

1903 log books discovered, turned in to SQ
Log books for San Quentin and Santa Clara County jail were recently found and turned in to San Quentin (SQ).
Victim & Survivor Rights

Apology Letter Bank program visits VSP
Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS) Apology Letter Bank (ALB) program coordinators visited Valley State Prison (VSP).