Unlocking History
Using extensive research culled from historical records, Inside CDCR explores the rich history of the people, places and programs that helped shape the modern state correctional system.
With the closure of the two previous reform schools in San Francisco and Marysville, the state established two new schools...
To deal with youth crime, San Francisco set aside land to build a reform school, but when plans stalled, the...
Read More About State opens first reform school, acquires ship
Crimes committed by youth ranged from murder to theft but without alternatives to state prison, most ended up in San...
Crime victim and survivor services weren't always readily available but today there are many way to serve the community.
Read More About Timeline: Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services
In 1961, California Medical Facility (CMF) launched an arts program almost by accident when the superintendent at the time wanted...
Read More About Artists made mark at California Medical Facility
Early in the state’s history, incarcerated women were handled by prison matrons but that wasn’t always the case. This is...
In 1951, a young man named Alfredo Santos was busted for dealing heroin, earning him a stint at San Quentin...
Read More About San Quentin historic murals launched artist’s career
Superintendent Roland Wood forged a revolutionary program in 1962 at California Rehabilitation Center (CRC), treating drug addicts as patients rather...
Read More About First CRC Superintendent Roland Wood took non‑punitive approach
Archibald Yell, the new warden at Folsom State Prison, sought to stop contraband, improve job prospects for the incarcerated population,...
A yellowed, typed spreadsheet titled "Report of Inmates, Women's Ward, San Quentin Prison, May 1922" gives some insight into the...
Read More About San Quentin 1922 Women’s Ward report sheds light on prison