California’s blueprint for the future of its prison system proposes significant changes to programming at San Quentin. The plan would add nine new vocational training programs that would teach nearly 300 inmates skills that could help them find jobs once released. Prisoners’ housing would also be dramatically restructured.
If the plan is approved by the legislature and signed by the governor, it would be put in place gradually, beginning July 1, 2012.
Under the proposal, the new vocational programs would be building maintenance, computer literacy, and electronics. Current programs are machine shop and sheet metal.
Carpentry, high-voltage electricity, masonry, plumbing, and small engine repair are proposed to be added the following fiscal year. Another unnamed program will be added in the future.
Vocational programs could affect California’s high recidivism rate. One study shows that for every dollar spent on prison vocational training, prison costs are reduced by $13.01. The same report shows that even a small decrease in recidivism saves a significant amount of money for taxpayers.
San Quentin’s housing would be restructured in the following manner:
• West Block would house 674 Level II inmates
• Fire House would house 15 Level I inmates
• The Adjustment Center would house 102 inmates
• Alpine would house 371 Level II inmates
• Badger would house 371 Reception inmates
• Carson would house 96 Death Row and 137 Administratively Segregated inmates
• Donner would house 146 Level II inmates and 144 Administratively Segregated inmates
• East Block and North Seg would house 588 Death Row inmates
• North Block would house 621 Level II inmates
• H-Unit would house 750 inmates