CDCR Shares New Techniques to Improve Safety and Wellness for Staff and Incarcerated People

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Correctional officials from the states of Connecticut and Washington toured three California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) institutions this month to observe new safety and wellness techniques. The purpose of the visit was to share cutting-edged innovations that can be exported from California to other jurisdictions. It's part of the California Model, a transformative effort to change prison culture through staff training and resources that promote the well-being of those who work and live in prisons.

"California is a trailblazer when it comes to promoting rehabilitation alongside Corrections 101 within prisons as the way to improve public safety inside and outside prison walls. We are not alone in this transformation. We welcome the opportunity to share with others what we are learning and collaborate with our counterparts around the world."

CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber

Staff from Washington State Penitentiary, Washington Corrections, Clallam Bay Corrections Center (WA) and Garner Correctional Institution (CT) visited CDCR institutions.

BIGGER PICTURE: Specialized staff, referred to as Resource Teams, at Salinas Valley State Prison; California State Prison - Corcoran, and the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison - Corcoran led tours October 7 to 11 to show CDCR's leading practices and day-to-day operations promoting positive, proactive engagement with incarcerated people inside facilities where the California Model has been implemented.

The techniques used demonstrate evidence-based approaches focused on pro-active, positive activities and respectful communication. This new approach encourages incarcerated people to change negative behavior and creates a safer environment for people who live and work in the institutions. Early indicators at these institutions demonstrate these methods are having a positive impact reducing the use of force, violence and rules violations.

The Connecticut, Washington visit will lay the foundation for future collaboration and innovation as partnering organizations work toward creating safer, more effective correctional environments nationwide.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

"Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the Salinas Valley State Prison and experience the California Model. One of the highlights is the attention to staff wellness. As a supervisor and veteran of the Connecticut Department of Correction, I am focused on improving the correctional atmosphere for my colleagues. I found the California Model refreshing. The concepts support them in their daily duties, encourage critical thinking, and improve outcomes. Their progressive approach to rehabilitation and restorative justice transforms the lives of incarcerated people and their loved ones, by reducing recidivism through the implementation of their evidence-based practices. I left the tour feeling inspired and grateful to see how the State of Connecticut can include the ideas connected with the California Model to make our current Restorative Justice practices more robust. I believe this is the future of the correctional system and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Connecticut Department of Correction Captain David Camp

"This unique opportunity allowed us to explore the similarities and differences between various correctional systems while expanding our collaborative network. Being able to share experiences and best practices on trips like this is a huge step toward reversing the negative impact of incarceration on a global level."

Washington Corrections Specialist Jennifer Adams

"I loved that the resource team was large enough to accommodate a couple of activities at a time. Watching their team in action and the rapport they had with their incarcerated was impressive. The cohesiveness among their team is amazing. I hope that my team takes advantage of what they learned and hopefully will come up with ways to make sure we continue our path of success in promoting Amend principles. I appreciated all the insight from the Salinas Valley Team. They work hard and you can see how involved and how much they believe in what they are doing. I appreciate that and hope they continue to be a resource for us to reach out to."

Washington Correctional Unit Supervisor Barbara Bannan

"Our institution is seeing first-hand that new approaches used by the Resource Team are working. Strategies that emphasize positivity and aim to create an environment similar to life outside prison create a safer environment. We believe that by leading by example, the Resource Team is helping to make the California Model successful at SATF."

Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, CorcoranWarden Raul Morales (A)

"Since the inception of the California Model here at Salinas Valley State Prison, we have witnessed a remarkable improvement in staff well-being and an increased willingness to work within our (violent offender) Psychiatric Inpatient Programs. This shift reflects the model's positive impact on fostering a supportive and safe environment."

Salinas Valley State Prison Chief Deputy Warden Veronica Lomeli

RESOURCE TEAMS

In August 2023, staff from California Model test sites received extensive introductory Resource Team training to develop operational skills and understand California Model safety requirements. In March 2024, all Resource Teams began activities with high-risk populations to reduce violence against staff and provide a safer environment for both the staff and population. Learn more about the teams in our first edition of the California Model Magazine.

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