SAN QUENTIN, CA - AUGUST 15: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officers patrol San Quentin State Prison's death row adjustment center on August 15, 2016 in San Quentin, California. San Quentin State Prison opened in 1852 and is California's oldest penitentiary. The facility houses the state's only death row for men and currently has 700 condemned inmates. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
California – Following a troubling rise in violence and contraband-related incidents, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has intensified enforcement efforts across more than 20 state prisons, including the Los Angeles County facility. The department’s sweeping response marks one of the most comprehensive crackdowns in recent years.
Between May 29 and June 12, CDCR recorded a sharp escalation in violence behind prison walls: two homicides, eight unexplained deaths—some suspected to be overdoses—and a series of coordinated attacks that left prison staff and inmates at risk. According to the department, three attempted homicides were committed against correctional officers, while nine other attempts targeted fellow inmates.
In that same period, three large-scale riots broke out across multiple institutions, involving nearly 170 inmates. Officials say the violence reflects deeper systemic issues, as staff members were assaulted 31 times with weapons and 140 times without. There were also seven armed assaults and 35 unarmed physical confrontations involving prison staff. Inmate-on-inmate violence was similarly stark, with 25 recorded cases of armed battery and 109 additional attacks without weapons.
The discovery of contraband has added a layer of urgency. In the two-week period, correctional officers confiscated 53 improvised weapons, 66 cellphones, 24 syringes, and 155 miscellaneous items—including narcotics, drug paraphernalia, escape tools, and fabricated metal stock.
To stem the crisis, CDCR officials launched a series of targeted enforcement actions that included daily cell and bunk searches, mail inspections, and K9 sweeps for drugs and phones. During this period, access to common areas and movement within the facilities was restricted, part of what CDCR called a “limited movement” strategy to stabilize prison conditions.
“CDCR has an obligation to ensure public safety for staff, incarcerated individuals and the communities,” said Secretary Jeff Macomber in a prepared statement. He acknowledged the disruption these measures have caused, noting that restricted movement impacts rehabilitation programs and family visitation—elements many advocates argue are essential for reducing long-term recidivism.
The department said each facility is continuing to assess when, and how, normal inmate movement can resume. For now, the lockdown measures remain in place, a reflection of both the volatility inside California’s prisons and the difficult balance between security enforcement and rehabilitation.
