Week in Review: May 23, 2025 - Inside CDCR
In this May 23 Week in Review, we spotlight recruitment success, Eric Genius “Concerts for Hope,” and ask Lt. William Hume three questions.
– Inside CDCR recently caught up with the fire crew at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla to discuss the ABCs of saving lives.
“In honor of National EMS Week, here at CCWF we have already run 47 medical calls this year. When arriving on a medical scene, it’s important to know your ABCs,” said one of the incarcerated firefighters. “This will determine your next course of action.”
Correctional Lt. William Hume has helped CDCR fulfill its public safety mission for over two decades. Beginning his career in 2001, Hume was assigned to the California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville as a correctional officer. He remained at CMF, where he steadily promoted, eventually becoming a lieutenant in 2013. Inside CDCR caught up with Hume to discuss his career, motivation, and passion.
When I joined the department, I was looking for an opportunity to better provide for my family and this was the perfect job for that. As far as what motivates me, I would say the people I have met and the relationships I have developed over the years.
We spend a lot of time at work, so co-workers become friends and family. Of course, my family has been a major motivating factor. I have been able to raise my children and put them through college with this career. That’s what made the sacrifices, working holidays and missing some of their sporting events worth it.
I am passionate about the outdoors. Just breathing the fresh air and interacting with nature makes me feel energized and provides mental clarity.
I’ve been hunting and fishing my whole life, and recently I placed second in the Angler’s Press Pro Team Tour for competitive bass fishing.
Competitive bass fishing has given me an outlet to focus on things outside of the institution walls.
I’d have to say my ability to train and teach young officers to better their career and promote their upward mobility in the department.
The biggest lesson I teach new staff is to find their passion in something outside of work because we don’t live to work but rather work to live.
High Desert State Prison (HDSP) in Susanville welcomed classical musician Eric Genuis to perform his “Concerts for Hope.”
Genuis travels worldwide to perform “Concerts for Hope” at veterans’ administration hospitals, prisons, and homeless shelters. The performances are a combination of music and inspirational reflections, taking the audience on a spiritual journey of loss, forgiveness, acceptance, and hope.
For two days, Genuis played at each HDSP housing facility. According to the institution, his concerts were enjoyed by the incarcerated population and staff alike. Community Resources Manager Jolene Speers received plenty of positive feedback.
“As I was leaving the concert, an incarcerated individual approached me and said he felt peace and comfort listening to Eric play,” she said.
Chief Deputy Warden Kimberly Thornton said she was grateful for the experience.
“I am so impressed how well the concert was, everything from Eric and all the performers for playing so well and the staff for making this flawless performance happen,” she said.
Staff Peer Support Programs (PSP) at Calipatria State Prison (CAL) and Centinela State Prison (CEN) completed annual training with help from Crisis Response Team (CRT) Negotiators.
As subject matter experts in communication during high stress situations, CRT Negotiators provided training on active listening skills and crisis intervention. The lecture followed up with a practical application exercise, where PSP members put their new skills to work.
“All of these people are here voluntarily. To be in a room, filled with people who just want to help others in their time of need is an honor and a privilege.”
CRT Negotiator Danny Garcia
PSP members volunteer from a variety of job classifications. Some are office technicians, food managers, custody staff, nurses, and even chief physicians. Volunteers meet quarterly, off-ground, to discuss topics or receive additional training.
Avenal State Prison (ASP) emphasizes the importance of mental wellness in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.
The Mental Health Department collaborated with staff, Peer Support Specialists, and various healthcare departments to organize events in six facilities.
Peer Support Specialists hung awareness banners and played a crucial role in encouraging the incarcerated population to participate in events. Green ribbons were distributed to staff and incarcerated individuals to promote awareness and support for healing, recovery, and new beginnings.
Activities included musical performances from facility bands, introductions of Peer Support Specialists and their roles, personal testimonials, a Mental Health Awareness Walk, and informational booths for mental health, dental, nursing, medical, and custody staff. Participants were grateful for the opportunity to attend and engage in these activities.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to support mental well-being and highlighted resources and encouragement for all members of the institution.
The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) and State Prison at Corcoran hosted an informational health fair for the institution’s incarcerated population.
Organized by medical staff, incarcerated individuals received education on a variety of topics including high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer screenings, immunizations, and more.
Over 700 incarcerated persons attended the weeklong event. With such success, the SATF medical team plans to expand this event to reach more of the population’s needs.
Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) correctional officers recently participated in alarm response training.
This quarterly reality-based training takes officers through various scenarios and incidents that have occurred in institutions throughout the state. Officers completed their training in a large scenario requiring everyone’s participation.
Acting Warden Jerry Ourique and his administrative team were out in full support, fielding questions and building bonds between custody and administrative staff.
, appointed Chief Deputy Warden, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center
CDCR made a significant impact at the annual Country in the Park Music Festival at Sacramento’s Cal Expo.
Represented by the Peace Officer Recruitment Unit (PORU) with recruiters from the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center (CTC) and agents from the Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO), a record number of potential recruits were met at this two-day event.
Statewide Recruiter and Event Coordinator Danny Royster made a strategic move to leverage the event’s large crowd, drawing in record recruitment numbers for the second consecutive year. “Country in the Park offers a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse and engaged audience that is traditionally pro-law enforcement,” said Royster.
CTC and DAPO recruiters worked seamlessly together to provide detailed information about the challenging yet fulfilling careers as peace officers and parole agents. The collaborating teams answered questions about the hiring process, academy training, daily duties, and the competitive benefits CDCR offers.
San Diego State University on Thursday celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class of students in a program aimed at helping incarcerated individuals obtain a bachelor’s degree from behind bars.
Twenty-three men serving time at the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad are helping save dogs from being euthanized through a special training program called TAILS (Transforming Animals and Individuals’ Lives).
Staff appreciation shown at CDCR institutions
CTF mourns passing of Annie Covarrubias
Staff, families make Mother’s Day visiting special
DAI Director Jones tours CCI-Tehachapi
Safety and Security Update Archives – Inside CDCR
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