CDCR Unlocked

CDCR is hiring 2,000 correctional officers in the next year to fill statewide vacancies. Sergeant Corey Ringer sits down with Captain Dennis McTaggart from the Backgrounds Investigation Unit and former Cadet/ now Correctional Officer Esmeralda Rodriguez as they share insight into the online features in the hiring process to fast track candidates. Come join our diverse family with a rewarding caree...

This week's episode shines the light on two highly successful programs for incarcerated women that are designed to transition them back into the community. Joseph Reese and Pamela Dixson-Stamps from the Division of Rehabilitative Programs discuss the ways that the Custody to Community Transitional Reentry Program (CCTRP) and the Community Prisoner Mother Program (CPMP) help women prepare for life...

A candid conversation with the Director of the Division of Juvenile Justice, Dr. Heather Bowlds, that describes the arc of treating incarcerated youth in California. As this division nears closure in 2023, Dr. Bowlds explains the transition for staff members and those entrusted in their care mixed with some thoughtful reflection. Recorded on: 08-23-2022 Hosted by: Tessa Outhyse & Krissi Khokho...

Representatives from CDCR's Office of Employee Wellness share memories of their first day at CDCR, including Custody and Administrative experience. Their diverse experiences share a common thread - Corrections is a workplace unlike any other, with stressors and duties not easy to relate to. The OEW experts share their tips for recognizing the signs of stress in ourselves and our loved ones, and re...

This podcast focuses on three currently incarcerated individuals at Central California Women’s Facility, who are serving as mentors in the Divison of Rehabilitive Programs' Offender Mentor Certification program. Katherine, Rachel, and Rosa recently took time out of their busy schedules to share some of their experiences serving as mentors, and how some of their personal experiences aid them and th...

Meet Joseph Piazza, CDCR State Supervisor of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs. In this episode, Piazza and host Joe Orlando discuss the many CTE programs preparing incarcerated people for good jobs and stability once they leave prison. Learn more . Recorded on 04-22-2022 Hosted by Joe Orlando & Tessa Outhyse Produced by Dave Novick & Joe Orlando

John Badgett looks back on his 30+ years of incarceration and the journey he took to become a certified Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Counselor. Badgett credits his family, rehabilitative programs, and his fellow Offender Mentor Certification Program mentors for helping him learn how much good he has to offer in the world. Hosted by: Joe Orlando & Tessa Outhyse Produced by: Frank Harrison

In this episode, Brenda Grealish, Executive Officer of The Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health (CCJBH) walks us through the past, present and future goals of the Council in recognition of it’s 20th anniversary. Grealish discusses how CCJBH councilmembers use their expertise and experiences to assist and advise the administration and legislature on ways to reduce the incarceration of...

Dr. Briana Rojas, Kathryn Jue, and Officer Jonathan Wilson from CDCR’s Office of Employee Wellness share valuable information about wellness resources available to staff and their families. Mental health and wellness is a huge part of the department. That’s why CDCR is committed to making every effort possible to assist staff and their families with mental health. Topics include: CDCR Wellness app...

Dr. Brant Choate, Director of CDCR's Division of Rehabilitative Programs (DRP), sat down with Kevin Wortell to talk all things rehabilitation, including education, vocation, substance use disorder treatment, and community reentry. Episode recorded on April 28, 2022 Hosted by: Tessa Outhyse Episode interviewer: Kevin Wortell Produced by: Frank Harrison & Kevin Wortell

The first episode of CDCR Unlocked, “The New Normal,” features a conversation with all three of CDCR’s undersecretaries of administration, operations and health care services, Jennifer Barretto, Jeffrey Macomber and Dr. Diana Toche respectively, about the reopening of state prisons and offices after the COVID-19 pandemic. Episode recorded on March 28, 2022 Hosted by: Tessa Outhyse and Joe Orlando...