California – As violence surges inside California’s prisons, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has launched an aggressive crackdown across more than 20 state facilities, including Los Angeles County, in one of its most sweeping enforcement campaigns in recent years.
Between May 29 and June 12, CDCR reported 10 inmate deaths — two confirmed homicides and eight still under investigation, with suspected overdoses among them. The violence escalated rapidly, including three attempted murders of correctional officers and nine attempts on other inmates.
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Officials said three major riots erupted during the same two-week span, involving nearly 170 inmates. Staff injuries and assaults were widespread — 31 incidents involved weapons and 140 more were physical attacks without weapons. Among inmates, CDCR logged 25 cases of armed battery and 109 unarmed assaults.
Contraband seizures underscored the scale of the issue: correctional officers recovered 53 homemade weapons, 66 cellphones, 24 syringes, and 155 miscellaneous items, including narcotics, escape tools, and fabricated metal parts.
In response, CDCR rolled out a comprehensive strategy that included daily cell searches, mail inspections, and K9 drug and phone sweeps. Movement within prisons was sharply restricted under a “limited movement” protocol, curbing access to common areas and halting many programs.
“CDCR has an obligation to ensure public safety for staff, incarcerated individuals, and the communities,” said Secretary Jeff Macomber. He acknowledged that while the measures are necessary, they’ve disrupted rehabilitation programs and family visits — key elements advocates say are vital for reducing repeat offenses.
Each facility is now assessing when to restore normal operations, but lockdowns remain in effect amid ongoing security concerns and the fragile balance between enforcement and rehabilitation.
