CDCR institutions, divisions and support staff interact with the community each August as part of National Night Out activities. Officially held on August 2, the event is about promoting the community while interacting with law enforcement and public safety agencies.
CCI staff connect with Tehachapi
Principal Brian Cates and Lt. Eric Barthelmes are interviewed by a local news channel during Tehachapi’s National Night Out.
Principal Cates with ISU and CRT staff at National Night Out.
California Correctional Institution (CCI) staff joined the California Highway Patrol, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Kern County Fire Department and Hall Ambulance at the event National Night Out in Tehachapi.
The event was attended by CCI Director Brian Cates, the Investigative Services Unit (ISU), the Crisis Response Team (CRT) and Lt. Barthelmes, Public Information Officer. They greeted residents and shared a little about what CCI does in the community. Local residents were happy to meet the staff and ask questions about the ‘city’ of their town.
The community was excited to meet the Guardian, saying they were surprised that someone like the Guardian would attend.
ISU answered questions about his role in the prison. CRT showed off some of its equipment, allowing people to try on a helmet and hold a ballistic shield.
Channel 23 ABC News Bakersfield covered National Night Out, interviewing Director Cates about why it’s important for CDCR to be out in the community. Lt. Barthelmes was also interviewed about job opportunities within the CDCR.
“Overall, it was a great night for the community to get to know CCI and other departments. But more importantly, it was great for us as a department to connect with the community we serve and protect.” , CCI organizers said.
The staff of the Correctional Training Center interact with the Galt community
Sergeants A. Sawma, R. Hutchison and J. Pease were on hand to meet the community.
Sergeant A. Sawma offers candy to a visitor during the Galt National Night Out.
Staff from the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center (CTC), along with the City of Galt, participated in National Night Out at Galt Community Park.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that improves the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, to help make our neighborhoods safer and restore a true sense of community.
Sergeants A. Sawma, R. Hutchison and J. Pease said they had a great time meeting members of the community and answering any questions the public had about the Department.
By Lisa Hamrick, Richard A McGee Correctional Training Center
Pelican Bay State Prison represents the first national night
Prison staff answered questions about employment and recruitment.
Pelican Bay staff interacted with the public, answering questions and chatting with their neighbors.
Pelican Bay staff represented the CDCR at Crescent City’s first national night.
During Crescent City’s first National Night Out, Pelican Bay State Prison joined police, Del Norte County Sheriff, Fire, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Del Norte Ambulance and Patrol of California Highways.
Local restaurants donated food and prizes were offered throughout the evening. Lots of people attended, socializing and having fun while the kids enjoyed the bounce houses.
Some prizes include new bikes, backpacks filled with back-to-school supplies, and gift cards. Overall it was a success, bringing the community and agencies together.
Organizers say it’s the start of a new tradition for Del Norte County.
By Lieutenant (A) Serafin Leon
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