The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has developed non-designated programming facilities in almost all its minimum and medium security housing units, depicting a California Model surge. 

All inmates are expected to program together and comply with integrated housing regardless of general population and/or sensitive needs status, according to the California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Section 3269.4.

This designation has added difficulty for some residents and is a relief for others. A question has surfaced: Is this an experimental study or pilot program?

“I feel relieved to be at a facility in which most people are trying to go home,” said San Quentin resident T. Beck.  “People can be who they are and not worry about being pressed to be in or join a gang.” 

There is no data that states that NDPF are to remove gangs in CDCR. Nor is there any data that shows Non-Designated Programming Facilities create safer or more dangerous environments. 

Some suggest the adoption of widespread NDPFs could be a result of shifting views on security threat groups within CDCR. It also demonstrates uniformity throughout CDCR prisons. The more regular NDPF’s are, studies suggest better adherence.

“I don’t like that there is no screening process. It’s [SQ] a non-designated place, but they’re still bringing active gang members here,” said resident A. Mendez. “Depending on the predominance, there’s still racial segregation that was established before NDPF.”

There have been major moves toward respecting and acknowledging people as who they are instead of the old grouping of all inmates as one. This is illustrated by some classification actions and questions now being conducted by CDCR.

“It was the first time in my life I had been asked what are my pronouns. I had no idea what my counselor was talking about. I thought she was joking,” said SQ resident M. Mitchell on intake gender identity questions.

There are some who feel CDCR is better equipping residents for a smoother transition to society. This follows the California Model, which is a developing pilot program within CDCR.

“I’ve been on the shelf [incarcerated] for 30 years. What CDCR and San Quentin has allowed me to see and do is break old institutionalized behaviors, like personal space, or what I thought was respect,” said SQ resident T. Montgomery.  

Many who have spent a lot of time on upper security levels find non-designated yards challenging.

“Because all that time on the other side made me live and believe a fantasy world existed – One that ain’t real in society. This is a needed transition on my journey back to the real world,” Montgomery said.