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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.

A retired correctional officer discusses Folsom Prison History at the museum after it reopened Saturday, July 25, 2026.

History on display: Folsom Prison Big House Museum re‑opens

The Big House Museum at Folsom State Prison re-opened its doors to the public Saturday, July 25. The museum will...

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A team of correctional professionals from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) and California State Prison, Solano defended their title at the 2026 United States Police & Fire Championships, earning back-to-back gold medals in the 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

San Quentin Jailblazers capture back‑to‑back gold

A team of correctional professionals from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) and California State Prison, Solano, defended their title at the...

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A parole staff member pitches the ball at the DAPO softball tournament benefiting Special Olympics of Northern California.

DAPO softball game pitches in for Special Olympics

CDCR’s Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) hosted its second softball fundraising event July 11 to support Special Olympics Northern...

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Teams representing San Quentin Rehabilitation Center pay their respects during the opening ceremony honoring fallen correctional professionals.

Solano Fallen tourney raises over $12,500 for staff, families

Correctional professionals, law enforcement partners and community supporters came together to raise more than $12,500 during the recent Solano Fallen Resource...

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Wasco State Prison-Reception Center welcomed staff who took the win at the first Fallen Fund Softball Tournament held in Vacaville.

Staff triumph at first Solano Fallen Resource Fund Tournament

CDCR correctional staff from various institutions claimed victory at the first Solano Fallen Resource Fund Softball Tournament held June 13-14....

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Correctional Officer Scott Lawson stands in front of Salinas Valley State Prison.

Officer Scott Lawson hangs up duty belt after 30 years

When Correctional Officer Scott Lawson began working at Salinas Valley State Prison in May 1996, the institution was still under...

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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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