Los Angeles County and other state prisons are upgrading their security after a recent surge in violence against staff and inmates.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) announced that it’s placing Level IV high-security sections within its facilities on a modified program, effective Saturday.
This upgrade comes after numerous incidents at state prisons, including an inmate homicide that took place on Friday in L.A. County.
CDCR said that this program will affect the following institutions: Calipatria State Prison, Centinela State Prison, California Correctional Institution, High Desert State Prison, Kern Valley State Prison, California State Prison-Los Angeles County, Mule Creek State Prison, Pelican Bay State Prison, California State Prison-Sacramento, Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and Salinas Valley State Prison.
“A comprehensive investigation is underway, and the modified program will remain in place until the assessment is complete,” said CDCR in a statement.
The department noted that this program is different from a lockdown, and it applies exclusively to Level IV housing units.
Officials that that those affected by this measure will retain access to essential services such as medical care, legal proceedings and other critical appointments.
However, CDCR said meals will be delivered directly to housing units, and showers and all other movement will be conducted in a controlled manner.
In addition, phone, ViaPath tablet calls and visiting will be temporarily restricted.
