A new study by California’s state auditor reported that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has failed to meet the rehabilitative needs for more than half of inmates released. The study indicated that the CDCR has been unsuccessful in its efforts to place inmates in proper rehabilitation programs. This situation leads to many inmates paroling from prison without needs being met that contribute to high recidivism—reintegration being the most problematic. “Corrections has neither consistently placed inmates … [Read more...] about State auditor reports CDCR has been unsuccessful in rehabilitation needs
CDCR
Landmark Prop.57 ruling: In re McGhee
Petitioner Tijue Mcghee with his legal guide Rudy Wilkins A California appeals court has ruled that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has improperly denied parole hearings to thousands of incarcerated individuals. Approximately 4,450 non- violent offenders who were denied parole consideration due to in-prison rules violations will now be eligible for early release due to the land- mark ruling, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. “The whole objective was to not only find relief for me, but for all … [Read more...] about Landmark Prop.57 ruling: In re McGhee
Report: Prison commissaries have legal monopoly
lack of competition results in soaring costs for prisoners The costs taxpayers spend to incarcerate men and women are often augmented by prisoners and their families, according to a study by Prison Policy Initiative (PPI). For the basic necessities state prisons do not provide, prisoners must find a way to fill this deficit. Prison commissaries are one method of transference of a state’s obligation to care for prisoners. The result, more often than not, is the enrichment of private companies that provide packages to prisoners, PPI … [Read more...] about Report: Prison commissaries have legal monopoly
Convicts and San Francisco Cops San Quentin News hosts forum for public safety
Jason Samuel with Commander David Lazar, Asst. Chief Toney Chaplin, Marisa Rodriguez and Steve McNamara Chiefs and Commanding Officers from the San Francisco Police Department converged on San Quentin State Prison to confront preconceived biases by mingling with prisoners for a candid discussion. Former SF Deputy District Attorney Marisa Rodriguez helped spearhead the unprecedented March 24 event. Recently appointed director for the city’s new Office of Cannabis, Rodriguez also brought her own staff to join in the conversation. … [Read more...] about Convicts and San Francisco Cops San Quentin News hosts forum for public safety
Public Defender Brendon Woods visits SQ
Alameda County Public Defender Brendon Woods Brendon Woods, Alameda County’s Chief Public Defender, knows that prisoners take a dim view of lawyers from the PD’s office. And he wants to change that. Woods, 48, and a native New Yorker, is the only Black chief public defender among the 58 California counties. He visited San Quentin and met with inmates and discussed how to make California communities safer—that was also a first time event. “I’m annoyed at myself for taking so long to get here,” said Woods. “There’s a lot for us public … [Read more...] about Public Defender Brendon Woods visits SQ
Significant improvements in prisoner health care expected from streamlining and automating CDCR medical data system
California Correctional Healthcare Services staff The prestigious HIMSS Davies Award of Excellence was given to the California Correctional Healthcare Services for developing an automated risk classification system in an effort to improve care and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, according to a Healthcare IT News article. In past years, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation relied on paper as a basis for maintaining and storing inmate patient records—a system that was “unwieldy” and prone to losing papers. As … [Read more...] about Significant improvements in prisoner health care expected from streamlining and automating CDCR medical data system
Governor Gavin Newsom appoints new players in three key CDCR positions
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in late March three key appointments for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). All three appointments require Senate confirmation. His appointments include a Republican, a Democrat and a person without political affiliation. Secretary of CDCR Ralph Diaz Ralph Diaz has been appointed Secretary of the CDCR. He began his corrections career as a CO at Wasco State Prison in 1991. He worked multiple jobs as counselor supervisor, captain, chief deputy administrator and warden of the … [Read more...] about Governor Gavin Newsom appoints new players in three key CDCR positions
AB32 would prohibit contracts with private prisons
California would phase out the use of private prisons under pending legislation. AB32 would prohibit new contracts with private prisons and phase out existing contracts over four years, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The measure was introduced by Assemblyman Rob Bonta, D-Alameda. Bonta said he introduced the bill because corporations that run private prisons put making money for their shareholders above rehabilitating inmates, according to the March 31 Chronicle article. “It’s just the wrong approach to a government … [Read more...] about AB32 would prohibit contracts with private prisons
La baja autoestima puede manifiestarse en agresividad
Alberto Mendez sufrió abuso emocional y físico desde muy temprana edad. En su hogar, su padre lo golpeaba con un palo, cinturón o lo que tuviera a la mano. Alberto Mendez “Cuando me estaba golpeando me decía que era un bueno para nada. A los nueve años me fui de mi casa porque creí que mi padre me iba a matar a golpes”, recuerda el hombre de 62 años, de los cuales lleva 29 años en la prisión. El abuso continuaba en la escuela, en donde sus compañeros le hacían comentarios hirientes. “Me decían que era feo y que los espantaba. … [Read more...] about La baja autoestima puede manifiestarse en agresividad
Guards union seeks better relationship with Gov. Newsom
California’s Governor Gavin Newson California’s prison guards union is taking steps to foster good relations with new Gov. Gavin Newsom. The union withdrew a $2 million contribution to a ballot initiative opposed by Newsom, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Feb 17. The $2 million check was in support of the Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of 2020. It was made by then-President Chuck Alexander of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) just before his term ended on Dec. 31. It was pulled back … [Read more...] about Guards union seeks better relationship with Gov. Newsom