K. Wong, San Quentin’s new acting warden, says he is making a thorough review of all of the prison’s inmate programs with the goal of improving security, eliminating duplication and strengthening activities overall.
Wong, who took control of the prison Dec. 31, shared some of the details of his professional history, his current position and his vision for S.Q. during our one-hour interview with him Jan. 13. Wong agreed to the interview with the S.Q. News, and present were Editors Kenneth R. Brydon and Michael R. Harris, as well as S.Q. News volunteer adviser and retired journalist John Eagan and Wong’s administrative assistant, Lt. R. Luna.
S.Q. News asked the new warden what changes may be expected under his guidance. “I haven’t really made any changes as of yet,” Wong responded. “I’ve spent a lot of time observing and seeing what types of programs are going on.” Wong continued, “Do I plan on making any changes? I’m sure there will be some.”
Wong begins his tenure here in the warden’s office looking at the overall operation of the institution and how the wide variety of programs at S.Q. is working. Wong says that he is looking at the volunteer programs, and that his immediate intentions are to assess what kinds of programs are actually benefiting the prison population at S.Q. “I know that there was a rumor that Wong was going to suspend them,” he said. “No, I’m not suspending programs. What I’m trying to do is to get a handle on the programs that we have. Which ones are evidence- based, and which ones are actually benefiting the inmate population.”
The new acting warden is trying to get a handle on just how many volunteers are actually coming into S.Q. He stated, “It ranges from hundreds to thousands.” Wong says that his intentions are to tighten up the security processes and develop more accountability for where these people are going. “We have a responsibility to know where they’re at,” Wong explained.
Wong realizes that the multitude of programs compete for a limited amount of space at S.Q., and he figures to evaluate what might better accommodate the needs of the prisoners and where the sharing of space might help to achieve that end.
“Right now I’m meeting with the Community Partnership manager,” Wong says. “Every program manager is getting on my calendar, and I’m having a one-on-one discussion.” Wong is seeking to determine what counties these programs are coming from and directed to, and exactly how the various programs are being funded.
He is questioning each group as to their purpose, who specifically among the inmate population they are targeting and the barriers that they are facing. Wong used “San Quentin’s Utilization of Inmates’ Resources, Experiences and Studies” (S.Q.U.I.R.E.S.) as an example, a program he remembered from his early days at S.Q.. He recognizes the program’s benefits to the public and the youth that it serves as having a significant value and purpose.
There is a possibility of some programs being expanded, while those being duplicated are likely to be cut back. Wong is not saying that one group is better than another. “I’m asking the volunteers to come in,” he said. “You’re telling me that your program’s the best, but I’m hearing that from every other volunteer program, too.”
SQ News asked acting Warden Wong if he was expecting the programs to conduct their own evidence-based surveys. “Yes,” he stated, “I’m looking at evidence-based programs.” With AB900 mandating certain expectations, he is searching out those programs that will meet those qualifications. “How many people have completed these programs,” he stated, in looking to the specifics of what the program is doing. “We need the data; is this program successful?” he questions.
Wong points out the many possible reasons that programs are either succeeding or failing. He spoke of possible conflicts with work hours and yard schedules, as well as if they are being held during institutional count. The new acting warden asks: “Are we getting the full potential of the programs we’re offering?”
Looking more at the difficulties, he states: “I see that this program is not going to work if we have this program going on at a particular time of the day when the majority of those people are on the job assignment.”
SQ News asked if he was looking at the various vocational programs here at S.Q. “I’m walking around looking at every vocation,” he said. He spoke of how AB900 will impact many of the programs throughout the state and possibly programs associated with S.Q. Recidivism and re-entry are at the core of the new law enacted by the legislators that sets aside funds for implementation of various training programs. “What are some of the things they’re going to need to assist them so they can get viable skills,” Wong said.
Acting Warden Wong went on to speak of his previous position at Solano State Prison, and how it was one of the pilot programs that came about through AB900. Comparing S.Q. with Solano, he is asked if perhaps more updated skills would better serve those in re-entry. Looking over the current programs, Wong considers what might better serve parolees. “What about programs that will make the inmates competitive with skills that bring them up to the standard with the 21st Century,” he replied. His specific goal for participants in the programs is to be competitive in the outside markets upon their release from prison.
SQ News asked about the possible creation of vocational programs involving “Green Technology.” Seeing that as realistic, Wong stated, “When someone wants to offer such a program, there’s a process one has to go through.”
He indicated that the program still had to fit with the availability of funding and the hiring of instructors, but saw the training to be within the vision he has for S.Q.
With his sights set on community involvement, Acting Warden R.K. Wong is searching for what he feels is most important for the future of S.Q. as his vision and the vision of previous wardens is realized. Through S.Q.’s location near an urban center, Wong sees many valuable opportunities for networking in the community while increasing the success of rehabilitation in S.Q., while adding meaning to the “R” in CDCR.
More on the interview in the next edition of the SQ News
