Author: Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor

Female inmates and others pose with large oversized checks.

Offenders give back to crime victims’ groups through CALPIA’s Joint and Free Venture Programs

CDCR inmates who participate in California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) programs are giving back to various crime victims’ support groups...

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Two staff met with Oleg Yanchuk

Finding common ground: CDCR leaders tour Ukraine prison system

While Secretary Ralph Diaz, Division of Adult Institutions Director Connie Gipson, and several governmental leaders, reform advocates and formerly incarcerated...

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Prison staff members gather under a tent.

First suicide prevention events held at VSP

Valley State Prison (VSP) held its first Suicide Prevention events during the fall -- one for staff and one for...

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California prison staff walk with Norway prison officials on a paved walkway surrounded by trees.

California leaders learn from Norwegian prison system

Over six days, CDCR Secretary Ralph Diaz and Division of Adult Institutions Director Connie Gipson toured Norwegian prisons, training facilities...

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A pile of frozen turkeys is in front of a table full of food. Behind the table are two uniformed staff and others in civilian clothing.

Thanksgiving sees staff helping community; over 400 turkeys donated

Talking turkeys, there were 214 birds donated from California Correctional Health Care Services, 182 for the Division of Adult Institutions,...

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Men and women stand in the center of a prepared garden bed.

Gardening program nurtures parolees’ good nature

Parolees are able to nurture their good nature thanks to a pilot program, the Restorative Gardening Project. The Division of...

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CMC wall remembers staff with small name plaques and the words "CMC Memorial Wall" across the top.

CMC project remembers staff who have died

While he was teaching a Suicide Prevention class at the California Men’s Colony (CMC), Correctional Counselor Corey Tomasini passed around...

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Correctional staff run on a street as people cheer from the sidewalks.

CDCR officers run in full uniform to honor fallen

Nine officers from CDCR spent a recent Sunday morning completing the Peace Officer Memorial Run in full uniform.

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Correctional staff in uniform stand at attention while holding flags.

CSP‑Corcoran honors staff veterans

California State Prison, Corcoran, staff thanked veterans the entire month of November. Three banners were also placed around the prison...

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Smiling woman wears dark shirt with a badge logo on it and the name V. Melendez.

Sergeant looks back at academy training

Meet Vanessa Melendez, a CDCR Sergeant committed to ensuring people interested in becoming Correctional Officers are screened in a comprehensive...

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