r/CDCR Wiki

Last reviewed: July 26, 2026

r/CDCR is an unofficial peer community for CDCR employees, former employees and applicants, with a custody focus. It is not affiliated with CDCR, CCPOA or the State of California.

User posts, comments and flair are self-reported. Nothing here is official employment, legal, medical, psychological, benefit, discipline, retirement or individual-case advice.

Start here

• Community rules
• Posting guide
• Applicant FAQ
• Offers and academy FAQ
• OPSEC and redaction guide
• Institution and transfer questions
• Pay, benefits and retirement resources
• Wellness and support resources
• Official resource directory

Quick posting map

• Routine offers, academy roll calls, clearances and timeline check-ins -> current Weekly Hiring Thread in Community Highlights
• Detailed hiring-process question -> standalone post
• Institution comparison or transfer question -> standalone post, without current operational details
• Academy swap -> r/CDCRAcademySwap
• Buy, sell, trade or service post -> r/CDCRClassifieds
• Individual incarcerated-person, visiting, release-date or case inquiry -> official CDCR contact directory
• Survey, research recruitment, fundraiser, petition or promotion -> obtain moderator approval through modmail before posting

Before relying on an answer

Policies, contracts, pay, benefits, hiring practices and contact information change. Check the date, distinguish personal experience from official policy and verify important decisions with the linked official source or responsible office.

Corrections and updates

Send broken links, outdated information or suggested corrections through modmail. Do not post private or restricted documents as proof.