CDCR History

CDCR California prison history explores the stories of the people, places and programs that shaped the current state penal system. Within the CDCR History category, there are two sub-categories. The Unlocking History series uses extensive research culled from historical records while CDCR Time Capsule republishes historical documents as originally written.

Former Folsom Warden Archibald Yell and another man speaking.

Archibald Yell, the new warden at Folsom State Prison, sought to stop contraband, improve job prospects for the incarcerated population,...

"Twenty years ago, the only place you would see a female in a male prison was in an office behind...

Two women in uniform stand beside a truck with the words Folsom State Prison Fire Dept.

"Folsom recently hired the department's first full-time women firefighters. Marianne Breeland and Kathy Williams, both former correctional officers, transferred to...

Bright yellow newspaper with the word "extra" in big bold type.

"As he left the stands at the conclusion of San Quentin's seventeenth annual field and track meet, Warden James B....

Mugshots of women layered over a canvas background texture.

A yellowed, typed spreadsheet titled "Report of Inmates, Women's Ward, San Quentin Prison, May 1922" gives some insight into the...

Folsom prison buildings spread out near a river.

A 1921 Folsom Prison inspection report, penned by Agent AC Jensen, landed on the Inside CDCR desk. Photographs and detailed...

Group of people pose for a photo, sitting and standing, at Sierra Conservation Center.

This 1967-68 departmental Progress Report outlined numerous shifts in managing the state's prison system including a new family visiting program...

Aerial view of California Men's Colony as East Facility was being built.

The department's biennial report dated 1959-1960 outlined the new facility coming online at California Men's Colony. This document provides a...

Three uniformed men stand in front of a brick wall with flyers on a board. One man points to them.

A job description for a Correctional Officer in the 1950s included pay scale and information on the examination. The position...

In 2003, the department had three institutions using dogs to sniff out contraband. Learn more about the first K-9s --...

1 … 21 22 23 24 25

CDCR History

Folsom Warden Yell advocated rehabilitation

1989: Director declares women a major force in corrections

1989: First full‑time women firefighters hired in department

1930: SQ warden thanks volunteers

1922 SQ Women’s Ward report offers insight

1921: A snapshot of life in Folsom Prison

1967‑68: Biennial report outlines progress

1960: New facility at California Men’s Colony

1957: Correctional Officer job duties, pay described

2003: For these four‑legged employees, work is always fun