A Day in the Life
Take a closer look at a day in the life of a CDCR employee, highlighting jobs and the people who do them. This series casts a spotlight on various correctional careers ranging from custody staff to support, including medical, accounting and fire department. Each CDCR institution is like a small city, complete with infrastructure to ensure the safety and security of those who live and work in each one.

Senior Emergency Services Coordinator Jason Ortiz shares how CDCR prepares for emergencies within each institution.

For over two decades, Correctional Officer Michael "Mike" Webb has helped CDCR fulfill its mission. As the General Population Entrance...

Since 2006, Sarah Shepherd has charted a unique career path, now serving as Correctional Business Manager at California State Prison,...
Read More About Day in the Life: Correctional Business Manager

CDCR plant operations keep the institutions running. From lights to water, they provide infrastructure for staff and incarcerated residents.

When Brandon Lugar attended the Basic Correctional Officer Academy in 2013, he didn't realize he would later become a parole...

For a quarter century, Special Agent Karen Mory has worked to dismantle preconceptions and stereotypes in her own life as...
Read More About Special Agent Karen Mory shatters preconceptions

Meet Correctional Officer Mike Begley, a 14-year San Quentin veteran and a man of few words, who is the desk...
Read More About 2002: San Quentin officer keeps death row running smoothly

In 2002, the department published a “Day in the Life” story featuring Correctional Officer Mike Begley as he worked on...
Read More About San Quentin death row officer reflects on career

Harvey Watson, Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps, also becoming a parole agent. Inside CDCR caught up with the younger...
Read More About Parole Agent Harvey Watson Jr.’s career is in his blood

In 1975, the department profiled Los Angeles Parole Agent Harvey Watson. He'd been an agent for three years and before...
Read More About 1975: LA Parole Agent Harvey Watson is on the job