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Beyond the Badge

In Beyond the Badge, we highlight CDCR employees and retirees, their careers and efforts to achieve work-life balance through hobbies, volunteering and community involvement.

Staff make cotton candy during a special event at Avenal State Prison.

Avenal State Prison shows staff appreciation

Avenal State Prison recognized and celebrated its dedicated staff with a variety of special appreciation events for an entire week....

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Two staff members prepare snow cones for event attendees at LAC.

LAC hosts staff appreciation week

California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), dedicated the week of June 15–19 to staff appreciation, honoring their hard work,...

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Two children hold sign with the words 2026 Junior Peace Officer Academy while adults and other children stand around them.

Watch: CIM hosts second Junior Peace Officer Academy

The California Institution for Men (CIM) at Chino recently held their second Junior Peace Officer Academy for staff children. The...

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Staff volunteers prepare food at the CTF staff appreciation event.

CTF‑Soledad hosts annual Staff Appreciation Day

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad, in partnership with the CTF Employee Action Committee, recently hosted its annual Staff...

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An RJD correctional counselor is shown boxing at Battle of the Badges, held on the deck of the USS Midway Museum.

RJD correctional counselor boxes for charity on USS Midway

Correctional Counselor Patrick Wingo proudly represented RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) and CDCR with a victory at the 21st annual...

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Leadership form Calipatria State Prison prepare food during the Grilling Up Gratitude staff appreciation event.

Grilling Up Gratitude: Calipatria State Prison celebrates staff

Calipatria State Prison hosted Grilling Up Gratitude, a staff appreciation event recognizing their dedication, professionalism and commitment. The July 1...

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Officer Valle at Pleasant Valley State Prison competed in the Battle of the Badge.

Watch: Officer steps into boxing ring for Battle of the Badges

For one correctional officer, boxing has been an outlet, providing a way to connect with family, friends and coworkers. “I...

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Two CDCR correctional officers won medals at the US National Police and Fire Championship in San Diego, California, June 2026.

CDCR, CCHCS show up at US Police and Fire Championship

Staff from CDCR and California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) showed up at the recent US Police and Fire National...

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Staff members hold hands over hearts during the opening of the CTF promotional ceremony.

CTF recognizes 24 staff during promotional ceremony

The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad recognized 24 newly promoted employees during a June 26 promotional ceremony. Held at...

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Deshawn Snell, new parole agent featured image for parole academy spotlight.

From Cadet to Parole Agent: Meet Deshawn Snell

Deshawn Snell joined 39 others June 26 as they graduated from the Basic Parole Agent Academy class 2-26P. “I know...

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