Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

State of California

Memorandum
Date

September 27 2011

To

All CDCR Inmates

Subject:

REVIEW OF SECf.jRITV HOUSING UNIT AND GANG POLICIES

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ttl f\!I@Y _ ~: ,tbe Department began the complex process of assessing the policies,
';and\-~pracealJ(es"associated with the Gang Validation Process, Indeterminate Gang
Security Housing Unit (SHU) Program l as well as privileges associated with inmates
on Indeterminate S.H U status. The purpose of the review is 'to improve our policies by
Before
adopting national standards in gang/disruptive group management.
commencing this review. the Department received input from internal and external
experts. other state and federal correctional systems, inmates t and other
stakeholders. While the process of policy review and change will take several more
months to implement, much has already been done. In facti a draft of the new policy
should be ready for stakeholder review next mo'nth. In addition, several changes
have already been made by the Department, including:
Short-term Action Items:
•
•
•
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•
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Authorization of watch caps for purchase and State issue.
Authorization of wall calendars for purchase in canteen.
Authorization of exercise equipment in SHU yards (installation of permanent
dip/push':up bars is still under review).
Authorization of annual photographs for disciplinary free inmates.
Approval of proctors for college examinations.
U~~, ,qf, C·iJllfornia Department ",of C.Qrrec.tiqn$ ,an.q" _
ReQF!,l~t~lit"a.t~Qn:$ (Co.Q~)
CTmbudsman-for monitoring and auditing of food services.
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Authorization of sweat pants for purchase/annual package.
Authorization of Hobby items (colored chalk, pen fillers, and drawing paper).

Mid-term Action Items:
As noted above, the Department is conducting a comprehensive review of SHU
policies that includes behavior-based components, increased privileges based upon
disciplinary free behavior,.8 step down process for SHU inmates. and a system that
better defines and weighs necessary points in the validation process. The initial
policies will be completed shortly and upon Secretary approval will be sent for
stakeholder review and comment. Upon receipt of this input, the Department will

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All coeR Inmates
Page 2

initiate any regulation changes in the administrative law process necessary and
implement the first major changes to the validation process in the last two decades.
Of course this work may be delayed by large-scale inmate disturbances or other
emergency circumstances.
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SCOTT KERNAN
Undersecretary (A), Operations
cc: Terri McDonald
George J. Giurbino
R. J. Subia
Kelly Harrington
Tony Chaus
Wardens

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Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

State of California

Memorandum
Dale

September 27, 2011

To

All CDCR Inmates

Subject:

INMATE PROGRAMMING EXPECTATIONS RELATIVE TO HUNGER STRIKES
Information has been received that a number of inmates have engaged in behavior
consistent with initiating a demonstration/hunger strike event. The Department will not
condone organized inmate disturbances. Participation in mass disturbances, such as hunger
strikes or work stoppage will result in the Department taking the following action:
•
•
•

Inmates participating will receive disciplinary action in accordance with the California
Code of Regulations.
Inmates identified as leading the disturbance will be subject to removal from general
popuiation and placed in an Administrative Segregation Unit.
In the event of a mass hunger strike, additional measures may be taken to more
effectively monitor and manage the participating inmates' involvement and their
food/nutrition intake, inclUding the possible removal of canteen items from participating
inmates.

All inmates are encouraged to continue with positive programming and to not participate in
this or any other identified mass strike/disturbance. These types of disturbances impact
inmate programming and day-to-day prison operations for the entire population. While every
effort will be made to continue normal programming for nonparticipating inmates, a large
scale disturbance of this type will unavoidably impact operations. The Department will notify
inmates and families when and if normal programming is impacted.

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SCOTT KERNAN
Undersecretary (A), Operations
cc: Terri McDonald
George J. Giurbino
R. J. Subia
Kelly Harrington
Tony Chaus
Wardens