Prisons

Justice

California prisons have a narcotics problem. Now, more people will face canine searches

California prisons will make more use of canine searches on visitors and staff as they attempt to stem the flow of drugs and other contraband among the incarcerated population.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• June 2, 2025

A woman stands at a podium with two microphones in front of a seal for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. She wears glasses, a navy blazer, and a patterned blouse, and smiles slightly while speaking.

Justice

New Alameda County DA changes course on historic death penalty resentencing

Evidence of racial bias in jury selection led Alameda County to review dozens of death penalty cases. A new district attorney is withdrawing from that effort.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• May 30, 2025

A view from behind of a row of people walking through a gated outdoor hallway while wearing blue inmate uniforms that say “Alameda County Jail” in the back. The Alameda County Sheriff Office seal can be seen on a wall in the distant background.

Justice

‘Relic of slavery’: California lawmakers are trying again to raise pay for incarcerated workers

Many people in California prisons and jails work for less than $1 an hour. Lawmakers are advancing two bills that could lead to wage increases for some of them.

By

Joe Garcia

• May 19, 2025

A nighttime view of a prison across a large field of brush and dirt. The prison is lit up by lights as around the prison yard, surrounded by the blue tint from the nighttime surroundings and the view of a mountain range behind the prison.

Justice

Newsom moves to close another state prison. That makes 5 since he took office

California’s falling incarcerated population has allowed Gov. Gavin Newsom to close four state prisons. Now he’s calling for a fifth.

By

Nigel Duara

• May 14, 2025

A blue jacket labeled “CDC PRISONER” in large yellow letters is draped over the back of a folding chair in a dimly lit gymnasium. Rows of empty and occupied chairs are visible, suggesting a group event or meeting in a correctional facility.

Justice

California released 15,000 prisoners early during COVID. New data reveals what happened to many of them

Records obtained and analyzed by CalMatters offer the first glimpse into what happened to some of the former prisoners after state leaders chose to shrink a prison population imperiled by the pandemic.

By

Byrhonda Lyons

• May 13, 2025

An aerial photograph of the Corcoran California State Prison with flood waters coming up to the fence line of the prison yard.

Justice

Floods exposed weaknesses in California prisons’ emergency plans. They still aren’t ready

Earthquakes, wildfires and floods all could cause problems for California prisons. A new audit says they aren't ready to quickly evacuate prisoners.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• May 9, 2025

Prisoners from the McCain inmate crew from San Diego prepare to clear brush from a road in Calistoga on Oct. 11, 2017. Photo by Ben Margot, AP Photo

Justice

Inmate firefighters battled LA’s wildfire. Now a lawmaker wants to help launch their careers

Inmate firefighters say their criminal records make it hard to get a regular firefighting job once they're out. This bill can smooth the way.

By

Deborah Brennan

• May 7, 2025

A view of a recreation area through a couple of fences with barbed wire on the top. Through the fence are a couple of soccer goals and a group of people wearing orange shirts and white shorts.

Justice

California sent investigators to ICE facilities. They found more detainees, and health care gaps

A California law empowers state investigators to check on conditions at ICE detention centers. A new report raises concerns about health care inside them.

By

Wendy Fry

• April 29, 2025

An inmate at San Quentin State Prison on March 17, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Politics

California Republicans want to get tougher on crime. Are Democrats shifting their way?

A California Republican state senator finds his crime bills getting a warmer welcome this year. Democrats say they’re just responding to their voters.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• April 18, 2025

A collage-style illustration in maroon, pink and beige tones that includes three cut-out images. The image on the right shows a Black man holding a shovel while mining for gold. The center image shows the back of an incarcerated person while their hands are handcuffed. The image on the left shows two construction workers wearing hard hats and jumpsuits with the text “CDCR Prisoner” on the back. Cut-outs of white barbed wire can be seen on the upper right and center of the illustration.

Justice

Californians rejected an anti-slavery ballot measure. Lawmakers want to try again

Californians rejected the anti-slavery ballot measure Proposition 6, which would have forbid forced prison labor. Reparations advocates want to try again in 2026.

By

Joe Garcia

• February 13, 2025