CDCR Time Capsule
Much like opening a time capsule, these CDCR stories are reprinted from their original sources. Explore the history of CDCR as written at the time.

Revisit this 1987 story originally published in Correction News. -- When Daniel J. McCarthy first became a correctional officer in...
Read More About 1987: Department publication highlights need for females in corrections

A mid-1990s report penned by San Quentin Associate Warden Dick Nelson looks closer at the inmate identification numbering system and...
Read More About By the numbers: History of the inmate numbering system

During the 1980s and '90s, California expanded the prison system. The original 12 prisons were supplemented with new facilities ranging...

To help stabilize San Quentin, Governor John Weller, Lieutenant Governor Joseph Walkup and Secretary of State Ferris Forman in 1858...
Read More About 1858: San Quentin’s first Rules for Convicts issued

In 1874, the Joint Commission of the Senate and Assembly reported on the condition of the State Prison at San...
Read More About 1874 SQ report: School, library, rehabilitation

A late 1870s report by the State Board of Health included a section on the conditions at San Quentin State...
Read More About Medical inspection shows 1878 San Quentin conditions

Created by the Graphic Arts Vocational Program at Folsom State Prison, a 1961 brochure offers a glimpse of rehabilitation programs...

A 1923 souvenir program guide for San Quentin's annual New Year's celebration hearkens back to a time before modern films,...
Read More About 1923: Booklet offers glimpse into San Quentin New Year’s celebration

From food stores to work routines, the 1857 Appendix to the Assembly Journals included detailed descriptions of the inner workings...
Read More About 1857: Records shed light on early San Quentin

A 1956 report of the state prison library program emphasized education, rehabilitation and personal growth. The report was written by...
Read More About 1956: Prison library program is rehabilitation cornerstone