Research Requests

Any individual researchers or research institutions seeking to conduct research must follow the steps for the Research Oversight Committee (ROC) process. The ROC process provides a standardized and comprehensive approach for approving research projects. The Office of Research facilitates the ROC process for the Department. The process provides a continuous application submission opportunity and applications are reviewed during bi-monthly scheduled meetings (see schedule below).

The following steps summarize the ROC application process:

Flow Chart of the ROC process. Each step is detailed in the guidelines.

Details regarding each step may be found in the Research Guidelines and FAQs. All applicants must submit a completed Application and supporting documentation. Please contact us if you prefer a MS Word Application. All communications between the applicant and CDCR should be directed to Data.Requests@cdcr.ca.gov.

The scheduled ROC meeting dates for 2025 are as follows:

February 27, 2025
April 24, 2025
June 26, 2025
September 11, 2025