Cdcr Gang Management Report 2012

• Topics: Organizing, Prison Gangs

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
AND REHABILITATION

Security Threat Group
Prevention, Identification
and Management Strategy

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Proposed Implementation of the
Security Threat Group Identification System and Step Down Program for Gang Interdiction
and Management
March 1, 2012 (3/01– version 5.5)

Preface
The management of gangs nationally in both communities and custodial settings has created an
enormous challenge for law enforcement agencies. Gangs jeopardize public safety as they promote
violence, drug trafficking, extortion and create substantial risks in prisons, jails and local
communities. Managing criminal gangs requires a comprehensive strategy to identify involved gang
members, target interdiction strategies, and remove their threat towards others.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) historically has approached gang
identification and management through intervention and suppression strategies and has been
successful in reducing the impact sophisticated gang members have in CDCR facilities. To combat
gangs, CDCR has identified the gangs with the greatest propensity for violence and has separated the
affiliated offenders from the general offender population by placement into a Security Housing Unit
(SHU) environment. Currently, these gangs are referred to as prison gangs as they have originated
and have their roots in the CDCR or another prison system.
Despite the successes the CDCR has had in removing violent and disruptive gang members from the
general population settings of the institutions, the Department has recognized a need to evaluate
current strategies and implement new approaches to address evolving gang trends consistent with
security, financial, and offender population management needs. Fortunately, the CDCR population
reductions associated with Public Safety Realignment is affording CDCR the opportunity to
reconstruct aspects of its gang management policy that are consistent with successful models used
in other large correctional agencies. The Public Safety Realignment will result in easing
overcrowding and providing CDCR with more housing options to support this effort.
CDCR’s current policy for identifying prison based gang members and associates and isolating them
from the general population will be replaced with a more effective model that identifies, targets and
manages Security Threat Groups (STG) and utilizes a behavior based “Step Down” Program (SDP).
This program will afford offenders the opportunity to work their way from a restricted program back
to a general population setting by demonstrating a willingness and commitment to discontinue gang
activity while in a CDCR facility.
This proposal is comprised of recommendations made by subject matter experts within the CDCR as
well as consideration of strategies and best practices used by agencies outside of California.
These proposed changes were based on the 2007 study entitled, “Security Threat Group
Identification and Management” (reference Attachment A), conducted by the California State
University, Sacramento, incorporating ideas generated by five national gang experts who served as
consultants to CDCR. The study incorporated national standards and approaches to the handling of
Security Threat Group (STG) members housed in California’s adult institutions. Documents and
related STG information were collected from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the following states
– Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Connecticut and New York. As CDCR moves to expand the
concepts contained in the 2007 study, a follow-up literature review was conducted in 2011 by the

California State University, Sacramento, to identify national studies that evaluated correctional
programs, including management and treatment approaches for validated gang members.
These research studies and national reviews of best practices were considered by a combined group
of correctional experts in developing this proposed model for managing gangs in California prisons.
This complex retooling of CDCR’s gang management strategy will require significant changes to
regulations, practices, and institutional culture to ensure success. Any change of this magnitude and
its associated potential risk must be done thoughtfully, methodically and deliberately. While these
changes will not happen overnight, the recommended policy described in this document will support
California’s efforts toward establishing a more effective model of managing gangs in a prison
environment.

Table of Contents

Background

II.

Definitions

III. Purpose and Scope
IV. Roles and Responsibility
V.

Certification Process

VI.

Validation Process

VII. Security Threat Group Management
VIII. Debriefing
IX.

Implementation Process

I. Background
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) manages arguably the most
violent and sophisticated gang members and associates in the nation. California prison gangs are
routinely and consistently connected to major criminal activities in communities, including such
crimes as homicides, drug trafficking, prostitution, human trafficking and extortion. As such, the
responsibility and challenges facing CDCR relative to the management of gangs are immense.
Criminal gang problems throughout the country have grown more serious in both the local
communities and correctional settings. Criminal gangs are largely responsible for criminal activities
within the institutions, to include the trafficking of narcotics, committing and/or directing violence
against staff and offenders, and directing criminal activity between the correctional institutions and
the community.
Prisons are especially vulnerable to internal disruption by criminal gang members who, through their
violent nature, routinely victimize each other, uninvolved offenders and staff, in addition to creating
heavy demands on personnel and fiscal resources.
Efficient and effective gang management within prisons requires a comprehensive gang
management strategy that includes prevention, interdiction and rehabilitation. CDCR’s current
strategy, which was initially developed more than 25 years ago, is that of a crime prevention strategy
through suppression. The Department recognizes a need to evaluate the current strategies and
adopt new approaches to addressing constantly evolving gang trends.
This proposal introduces a comprehensive strategy designed to:
Provide graduated housing with increased program and privileges based on positive
programming and consequences for non-compliance associated with gang related behaviors.
Enable an offender to engage in reintegration from a SHU environment back to general
population or sensitive needs yard (SNY) through a SDP.
Support and educate offenders desiring to disavow and/or disengage from the gang lifestyle.
Prevent or reduce gang influence and gang violence.
Promote safe and efficient prison operations.
Weaken gang organization and communication through intelligence and behavior based
management strategies.
Curtail the ability of gangs to participate in crimes that transcend the boundaries of the
institution into the community.
Provide programs designed to promote social values and behaviors in preparation for the
offenders’ return to the community.
Essential to achieving these goals is the continuing evolution of our existing intelligence network to
identify and document gang activities/behaviors and track gang trends. A sound strategy supported
by reliable intelligence will enhance the prison managers’ ability to anticipate, prevent, respond and

control gang problems proactively rather than relying on defensive or reactive means of suppression
and intervention.
This proposal includes an enhanced intelligence based identification system needed to identify
members, associates and suspects who are believed to present a clear threat to the safety of staff,
offenders, and the security of the institutions. This, in association with documented gang behavior
will provide prison managers the necessary information to make decisions regarding the appropriate
housing and program needs for the offender. This strategy supports the CDCR strategic plan through
effective classification of offenders and placement of the right offender, in the right program, at the
right time.
Offenders who do not engage in disruptive gang behavior will be allowed privileges and provided
support through programs designed to reintegrate them back into the general population or SNY
and ultimately into society once released from prison.
Offenders who continue to engage in disruptive and/or violent gang behavior, regardless of the gang
with which they are involved, will be classified and housed in programs that by design discourage
gang behavior. These programs will provide alternatives to the gang lifestyle, while maintaining
necessary custody and security considerations to control the gangs’ influence and gang violence.
This model identifies concepts, strategies, and methods developed through a focused workgroup,
built upon strategies currently used by CDCR and other corrections departments throughout the
United States.
During the development of this document it was recognized that although some correctional
systems employ similar strategies, there is no one “best practice”. Success of any gang strategy
requires an objective evaluation of specific gang dynamics and development of methods to meet
these needs. Operational strategies and methods of carrying them out must be systematically
integrated. Of particular importance is the development of gang policies that differentiate between
gang and non-gang involved behaviors and their seriousness for particular correctional programs. It
is believed that this model recognizes the distinction between these behaviors.

II. Definitions
Administrative Gang Directive: An Administrative Gang Directive is an administrative order declaring a
gang’s threat to the safety of staff, offenders, and the security of the institution based on a documented
history of, and future propensity for violence. This directive is designed to prevent and protect
individuals, institutions, and communities from gang related violence. This process will formalize the
current practice of making a prison gang designation and support sanctions of a STG-I gang.
Certification: The formal designation of a group or gang as a criminal gang based upon a threat
assessment conducted by the Office of Correctional Safety (OCS).
Confirmed Criminal Gang Behavior: Criminal gang behavior which was discovered and confirmed to
have occurred. Confirmation can be obtained through two processes; 1) a guilty finding in a serious
Rules Violations Report; and/or 2) any document that clearly describes the gang behavior and is
referred to the Institution Gang Investigator (IGI) for confirmation.
Criminal Gang: Any ongoing formal or informal organization, association or group of three or more
persons which has a common name or identifying sign or symbol whose members and/or associates,
individually or collectively, engage or have engaged, on behalf of that organization, association or group,
in two or more acts which include, planning, organizing, threatening, financing, soliciting or committing
unlawful acts of misconduct classified as serious pursuant to the California Code of Regulations (CCR),
Title 15, Division 3, Section 3315.
Criminal Gang Behavior: Any documented behavior that promotes, furthers, or assists a criminal gang.
Conduct of any person that leads to and includes the commission of an unlawful act and or violation of
policy demonstrating a nexus to a criminal gang.
Debriefing: Debriefing is the formal process by which a gang coordinator/investigator determines
whether an offender has disavowed gang affiliation and dropped out of a gang. A subject shall only be
debriefed upon their request, although staff may ask if he or she wants to debrief. Debriefing is a two
step process that includes an interview/investigative phase and an observation phase within the
Department’s Transitional Housing Unit (THU) Program.
Dropout: Designates an offender who was either a gang member or associate who has discontinued
gang affiliation. This identification as a dropout requires the offender to have cooperated in, and
successfully completed the two step debriefing process.
Security Threat Group I (STG-I): A term used to identify and prioritize criminal gangs into groups based
on the level of threat the group presents that affects the safety and the security of the institution and
public safety. STG-I designation will be reserved for criminal gangs that pose the greater of these
threats. STG-I designation will include gangs such as traditional prison gangs, or similar disruptive
groups or gangs that the department has determined to have a history and propensity for violence
and/or influence over subservient gangs. Housing and program needs are established based on this
designation.
Security Threat Group II (STG-II): A term used to identify and prioritize criminal gangs into groups based
on the level of threat the group presents that affects the safety and the security of the institution and
public safety. STG-II designation will be reserved for all other criminal gangs as defined in CCR, Title 15,

Division 3, Section 3000. STG-II designation will include gangs such as traditional disruptive
groups/street gangs. Housing and program needs are established based on this designation.
Security Threat Group Associate: Any offender who, based on documented evidence, is involved
periodically or regularly with the members of a criminal gang. STG Associates will be identified by the
IGI through the validation process and reviewed by OCS. This identification requires at least three (3)
independent source items with a value of 10 points or greater coupled with intelligence indicative of an
Associate. Validation of an offender as an Associate of a prison gang shall require that at least one (1)
source item be a direct link to a current or former validated member or associate of the gang.
Security Threat Group Member: Any offender who, based on documented evidence, has been accepted
into membership by a gang. STG Members will be identified by the IGI through the validation process
and reviewed by OCS. This identification requires at least three (3) independent source items with a
value of 10 points or greater coupled with intelligence indicative of a Member. Validation of an offender
as a Member of a prison gang shall require that at least one (1) source item be a direct link to a current
or former validated member or associate of the gang.
Security Threat Group Monitored: Any offender who has successfully completed Steps 1-4 in the SDP
and has been returned to a general population or sensitive needs yard setting. This period of
monitoring will include continuous and on-going cell searches, mail and phone call monitoring, and
periodic interviews with the Investigative Unit Staff.
Security Threat Group Suspect: Any offender who, based on documented evidence, is suspected of
being involved in or assisting a STG in the commission of criminal gang behaviors or gang behaviors in
violation of CDCR policy. The STG suspect is tracked by the OCS pending validation. Suspects will
require 2 or more points and would not be officially validated but tracked for intelligence purposes and
decisions that impact the institutions daily program needs. Suspects shall be identified by the IGI and
will not require OCS validation review.
Step Down Program (SDP), Step 1 and 2 Security Housing Unit (SHU): First two of five steps in the step
down process with a minimum of 12 months in each step, dependent upon successful completion. SHU
housing unit/program specifically designated for housing of criminal gang affiliates determined to pose a
threat to the safety of staff/offenders and security of the prison based upon intelligence and/or
confirmed behaviors. This housing designation is intended to isolate the most dangerous STG affiliates
with a high degree of monitoring placed on all avenues of communications.
Step Down Program (SDP), Step 3 and 4 Security Housing Unit (SHU): Two of five steps in the step
down process with a minimum of 12 months in each step dependent upon successful completion. A
SHU housing unit/program specifically designated for housing of criminal affiliates who have completed
step 1 and 2 but have been determined based upon intelligence and/or confirmed criminal gang
behaviors still to pose a threat to the safety of staff and security of the prisons. This housing designation
is intended to begin reintegration of the STG affiliates by offering program and privilege incentives
within a controlled setting and monitoring of program progress.
Step Down Program (SDP), Step 5 General Population Housing: Upon successful completion of all four
steps, as determined by Institutional Classification Committee (ICC) and based on individual offender
behavior, the offender will be referred to the Classification Staff Representative (CSR) for endorsement
to a Level IV, 180 design facility (male offenders only) for a 12 month observation period, regardless of
the offender’s placement score unless otherwise directed by a Department Review Board (DRB) action.

After completion of the 12 month observation period with no evidence of continued gang involvement,
the offender may be placed in a facility consistent with their placement score and case factors.
Threat Assessment: An official assessment ordered by the OCS specifically identifying why a criminal
gang, based on documented evidence of violence, threat of violence and or other criminal gang
behaviors, poses an immediate clear and present danger to the safety of any person or the security of
the prison.
Transitional Housing Unit (THU): Transitional Housing Unit is a general population program designated
for the observation phase of the Prison Gang Debriefing process. This program houses those offenders
who are in the second phase of the debriefing process.
Validation: The formal and objective process for identifying and documenting criminal gang members
and associates. Validation is the term used to describe the quality control review of gang identifications
and is done to ensure that gang affiliate identifications are in compliance with departmental regulations.

III. Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this document is to establish updated policies and procedures for the identification of
criminal gangs and their affiliates. Further, this proposal establishes a uniform process for the
management of these groups and other individuals within the CDCR. The Department prohibits
offenders from creating, promoting or participating in any criminal gang, association or organization.
Any offender engaging in criminal gang behavior may be subject to criminal prosecution, to include gang
enhancements, in addition to any administrative sanctions imposed as a result of the CDCR’s disciplinary
process. This document creates a graduated privilege process associated with individual offender
behaviors.
Minimizing criminal gang behavior and effectively managing high security housing populations shall be
accomplished by the following:
Uniform certification of criminal gangs by the OCS into STG and identifying those that pose the
greatest threat to the safety and security of the prisons and public safety.
Identification and validation of criminal gang affiliates.
Provide a SDP for offenders placed in SHU for gang behaviors, and provide an evaluation of their
behavior, which includes the ability to return to a general population setting or SNY without
engaging in gang activity.
Utilizes the step down process to afford program and privilege incentives to promote positive
behavior.
Utilizes a step down process with increased privileges for offenders who discontinue to engage
in gang activities.
Debriefing for offenders who choose to disassociate themselves from criminal gangs and
criminal gang behavior.
Female Offenders
The CDCR recognizes the need to implement gender responsive policies as it pertains to female
offenders. Existing regulations and this policy have granted discretion to Wardens and the ICC relative
to the housing and programming of STG female offenders. Female offenders shall continue to be
reviewed and evaluated for gang validation. Wardens and the ICC may elect to forgo SHU placement
requirements as described in this proposal based upon a case by case consideration of the female
offender’s institutional behavior and threat to public safety. For female offenders who are identified as
benefitting from a SDP; the curriculum and components of the program will be developed by the Female
Offender Programs and Services Mission of the Division of Adult Institutions.

IV. Roles and Responsibilities
Director, Division of Adult Institutions (DAI):
The Director, DAI, in conjunction with the Director, Enterprise Information Services (EIS), and
the Chief, OCS, shall ensure departmental compliance with this model.
Director, Enterprise Information Services:
The Director, EIS. in coordination with the Chief, OCS, shall have management responsibility for
the criminal gang data base system
Chief, Office of Correctional Safety:
The Chief, OCS, in coordination with the Director, DAI, shall ensure departmental compliance
with this proposal.
The Chief, OCS, shall supervise and coordinate the CDCR's gang intelligence, identification,
validation, and suppression program and coordinate that program with other law enforcement
agencies.
Develop and update policy; and management of the data for the criminal gang data base.
Serve as departmental repository for criminal gang intelligence, identification and certification.
Provide oversight, review, and approval for STG validations.
Responsible for providing training and oversight to Investigative Service Unit (ISU) and IGI staff
in the application of STG identification and behavior management.
Provide essential training to all department personnel in the implementation of this policy.
Approve/disapprove validation packages for STG Members and Associates.
Associate Director, High Security Mission:
Ensure compliance with this document as it relates to SHU, operations, and programs relative to
male offenders.
Associate Director, Female Offender Programs and Services:
Ensure compliance with this proposal as it relates to SHU, operations, and programs relative to
female offenders.
Warden:
Wardens shall have management responsibility for their respective Institutional Gang
Investigators.
Each institution shall have a STG investigator designated as an IGI or investigative lieutenant.
STG investigators shall be Correctional Lieutenants, who shall be selected by their Wardens.
Wardens shall ensure that gang related incidents, intelligence, and information is referred to the
appropriate personnel for review and disposition.
Each Warden shall ensure a Classification Committee reviews offenders who are validated gang
members, and associates every 180 days. During this review, consideration will be given to:
o Initial placement in the appropriate step of the SDP.

Verify step completion and provide approval for placement into the next step.

Retention in step based on case factors presented.

Loss of privileges, removal or regression from the SDP, and retention in SHU, based on
offender’s nonparticipation or documented continuation of criminal gang behavior.

Classification Services Unit:
Evaluate issues related to SHU placement, disciplinary, CSR reviews, housing restrictions etc.
Ensure department compliance with regulations managing SHU terms and placement.
Provide feedback to DAI and OCS on issues relating to the application of this proposal.
Institution Gang (Security Threat Group) Investigator (IGI):
Responsible to identify, track and document STG Members, Associates, and Suspects in
accordance with this model. Identify gang trends and report gang intelligence to the prison
management and the OCS.
ISU/IGI staff representative may be a member of the classification committee for gang
Members, Associates and Suspects.
The IGIs are directly responsible through their chain of command to their respective Wardens
and are functionally supervised by the Special Agent in Charge, OCS, and the Senior Special
Agent, Gang Intelligence Operations, SSU.
Conducts complex criminal gang investigations and documents gang intelligence and behavior in
accordance with this document. Prepares formal recommendations to the classification
committee for placement of STG affiliates into the SHU SDP in accordance with this proposal.
Maintain the local criminal gang data base system.

V. Security Threat Group Certification Process
Criminal gangs will be certified and categorized through the OCS. The CDCR will categorize criminal
gangs into STG, based on a documented severity of the threat to the security of the institution and
safety of staff and offenders. With the implementation of this proposed policy, the CDCR will no longer
utilize the terms “Prison Gangs” and “Disruptive Groups,” and will adopt the recommended designation
of STG with subcategories I or II based upon the level of the threat posed by the STG activity:
Security Threat Group I (STG-I) - Criminal gangs that the CDCR has determined to be the most severe
threat to the security of the institutions and communities based on history and propensity for violence
and/or influence over other gangs. Upon implementation of this policy, CDCR will consider for
designation the following criminal gangs as STG-I gangs:
Aryan Brotherhood (AB)
Black Guerilla Family (BGF)
Mexican Mafia (EME)
Nazi Low Riders (NLR)

Northern Structure (NS)
Nuestra Familia (NF)
Texas Syndicate
Security Threat Group II (STG-II) – Other criminal gangs such as street gangs or disruptive groups
comprised of members and associates who, may be determined to be in a subservient role to the more
dominant STG-I type gangs. The following includes examples of STG-II gangs:
Crips
Nortenos
Bloods
2-5’s, Northern Riders, and other SNY gangs
Surenos
White Supremacist
A recommendation for certification of a STG will be made to the respective Warden by the IGI and
forwarded to OCS for consideration by the Chief, OCS, or designee. The Secretary, CDCR, will be the
final approving authority for all STG-I certifications. All STG-II designations will be considered for
acceptance by a Special Agent or Senior Special Agent, OCS.
Security Threat Group Certification and Category Criteria:
Acceptance by OCS of any STG will include consideration and documentation of the following
information:
Information from other state departments of corrections, jail or prison facilities, State, County,
or City law enforcement agencies, as to the potential disruptive nature of the group under
consideration.
Consideration with regard to whether the group meets the definition of a gang consistent with
California Code of Regulations Section 3000.
History of criminal gang behavior in the community.
Evidence that the group presents a potential threat to the security of the institution and safety
of staff and offenders.
History of threatening behavior to staff or offender safety involving such activities as riots, group
disturbances, possession or manufacture of weapons, assault/battery, trafficking of narcotics,
extortion and/or coercion of offenders.
Documentation of violent and/or illegal activities which may also include planning, organizing,
threatening, financing, soliciting, or committing unlawful acts.
Group evolution, structure, formalized procedures or bylaws, and/or membership
characteristics.
Information concerning group meetings and membership criteria.
Chronology of events or other information evidencing a threat to institutional security or safety
of staff and offenders through group activities, associations and potential security alignments.
Tattoo and graffiti documentation.
Group association evidence, including offender and staff interviews.
Available information concerning group philosophy and affiliations.

Newly designated criminal gangs determined to present a severe threat to the security of institutions
and safety of staff and offenders, considered for STG-I designations will require an official threat
assessment investigation and position paper prepared and submitted by the OCS. The threat assessment
report will contain a conclusion either supporting or not supporting STG-I designation. STG-I
designations shall require approval from the Special Agent-In-Charge; Chief, OCS; and the Secretary,
CDCR. Once approved, an official Administrative Gang Directive (described below) will be issued by the
Secretary (reference Attachment B).
An Administrative Gang Directive for STG I will contain a threat assessment report and position paper,
which will include but not be limited to the following:
Evidence, including staff and offender interviews and staff information, relative to each STG
criteria considered in the recommendation for certification.
Information relating to the groups from other states, county, city or private correctional
facilities.
Information from law enforcement agencies.
Information from incident reports.
Evidence of specific tattoos or graffiti.
Evidence that the group’s bylaws or other mechanisms regulate group activity and/or that the
group has a structure.
Evidence of drugs, weapons involvement, extortion or protection rackets.
Overall assessment relative to the safety and security threat that the group poses to the
institutions, its staff and other offenders.
Security Threat Group I Certification Procedure:
The Chief, OCS, shall review the threat assessment report and position paper to determine whether the
group should be recommended to the Secretary for certification as STG-I under any of the following
conditions:
Criminal gang activity within the CDCR or in any other correctional system operated at the city,
state, or federal level or contract facility.
Propensity for violence and/or crimes involving possession of weapons or weapon-making
material, or other contraband related to violent acts.
Committing or threatening violent acts at the direction of and for the benefit of the gang.
Absent a documented history of violence, the group possesses the unique resources, training,
skills, documents stating intent, or other evidence that presents a clear potential to threaten the
safe and secure operation of the department, its institutions and public safety.
Any evidence of current or developing leadership structure.
The Chief, OCS, shall report to the Secretary, CDCR, or designee, requesting certification of a group as a
STG-I. The Secretary or designee makes the final decision regarding certification. Such determination
shall be based upon a reasonable and non-discriminatory assessment of certification criteria. The CDCR
shall review its certification of STG-I designations at least every two years, with the first review of
certification to be scheduled within 6 months of this policy implementation. The recertification will be
based on the same criteria for original certification as described above.

The justification for the STG certification and recertification will be considered law enforcement
confidential, as it will contain restricted and confidential information to assist CDCR in making the
recommendation and determination.
ADMINISTRATIVE GANG DIRECTIVE
An Administrative Gang Directive will be an order by the Secretary, CDCR, declaring a gang’s threat to
the safety of staff, offenders, and security of the institution based on a documented history of, and
future propensity for violence. It is designed to prevent and protect individuals, institutions and
communities from gang related violence. Once the Administrative Gang Directive is issued, it would
determine the housing of those offenders who have been validated as Members or Associates of the
identified group as described later in this document. Approval of an Administrative Gang Directive
would require sufficient evidence that the group identified poses a clear and present danger to the
safety of staff, offenders, and security of the institution.
All Administrative Gang Directives shall be assessed by the OCS at least every two years and a
recommendation made to the Secretary, CDCR, to either retain or remove the directive. With the
approval of this proposal, an administrative gang directive will be issued for STG-I gangs.
The Secretary, CDCR, or designee will notify, in writing, the Chief, OCS, that a group has been certified as
a STG-I. The Chief will then notify, in writing, all DAI Wardens, and IGI that a group has been certified as
a STG-I and that an Administrative Gang Directive has been issued. The Administrative Gang Directive
will be transmitted as an Administrative Bulletin under the guidelines of the Department Operations
Manual (DOM) Article 6 Policy Directives.

VI. Offender Validation Process
The validation process is a strategy for identifying and documenting criminal gang Members, Associates
and Suspects. This process delineates the formal objective criteria which an IGI must utilize to
determine an individual’s affiliation with a known STG. Each determining factor is weighted in regards
to the nexus of the information in establishing a link to the STG. Once the initial validation process is
completed at an institution, it is then forwarded to the OCS for review and approval or rejection
pursuant to existing regulations. The formal validation process shall include a quality control
certification review of gang identifications at a classification level no lower than that of a Special Agent
to ensure that gang affiliate identifications are in compliance with CCR, Title 15, Division 3, Section 3378,
Documentation of Critical Case Information.
This proposed offender validation policy will be prospective and changes departmental regulations that
will dictate the validation of newly determined gang affiliations in addition to changing a current gang
affiliate’s status. This validation process will go into effect with the official change in regulations and
affect offenders who are validated subsequent to the regulations. For those inmates currently validated
as members or associates of a recognized prison gang, their validation status as a STG would occur
concurrent with their identified prison gang being certified as a STG. The program determination for
existing gang members and associates will be provided by means of a case by case review.

As is the current expectation, it is the responsibility of all Department employees to be diligent in
observing and reporting gang activity. The discovery of gang identification, indicia, or intelligence, shall
be appropriately documented.
As with CDCR’s current validation process, the IGI will continue to conduct intensive investigations into
allegations of gang activities and to prepare a validation package identifying suspected STG Members or
Associates for submittal to OCS for approval or rejection of validation. The IGI will identify and track
gang Suspects at the local level, which will not require review by OCS.
The validation process is a critical component of curtailing criminal gang behavior. Once an offender has
been identified as a STG affiliate and vetted through the validation process, CDCR staff will have the
capability to track their movement, monitor their conduct, and take interdiction action, as necessary, if
the offender is found to be involved in criminal gang activity.
Validation Procedure:
This proposal incorporates the current CDCR gang identification and validation procedures per CCR, Title
15, Division 3, Section 3378 and DOM, Article 22, Section 52070.1, Gang Management, which will remain
in effect with added language intended to improve application of policy. These additions will include
but are not limited to: Introduction of a new STG category and a weighted point system for validation as
identified in this proposal. Due process rights in accordance with CCR, Title 15, Division 3, Section 3378,
will remain in place.
CDCR currently validates gang affiliates into two categories, Gang Members and Gang Associates. This
proposal incorporates the STG designations as referenced and adds two additional STG affiliation
categories. The new category of Suspect will not be officially validated, but tracked for intelligence
purposes and decisions that impact the institution’s daily program needs. The new category of
Monitored represents any offender who has successfully completed Steps 1-4 in the SDP and has been
returned to a general population or SNY setting. Additionally, the introduction of these new STG
management strategies will serve to reduce CDCR’s current reliance upon segregation for managing STG
members, associates and suspects. The language to be incorporated into the current categories is
identified in the following chart:

Current gang validation categories

NEW STG validation categories

MEMBER

A member is an offender/parolee or any
person who has been accepted into
membership by a gang. This identification
requires at least three (3) independent source
items of documentation indicative of actual
membership.
Validation
of
an
offender/parolee or any person as a member
of a prison gang shall require that at least one
(1) source item be a direct link to a current or
former validated member or associate of the
gang.

Any offender or any person who, based on
documented evidence, has been accepted into
membership by a gang. STG Members will be
identified by the IGI through the validation process
and reviewed by OCS. This identification requires at
least three (3) independent source items with a
value of 10 points or greater, coupled with
intelligence indicative of a Member. Validation of
an offender or any person as a Member of a STG
shall require that at least one (1) source item be a
direct link to a current or former validated member
or associate of the gang.

No weighted point system currently applied.

ASSOCIATE

An associate is an offender/parolee or any
person who is involved periodically or regularly
with members or associates of a gang. This
identification requires at least three (3)
independent source items of documentation
indicative of association with validated gang
members or associates. Validation of an
offender/parolee or any person as an associate
of a prison gang shall require that at least one
(1) source item be a direct link to a current or
former validated member or associate of the
gang.

Any offender or any person who, based on
documented evidence, is involved periodically or
regularly with the members of a criminal gang. STG
Associates will be identified by the IGI through the
validation process and reviewed by OCS. This
identification requires at least three (3)
independent source items with a value of 10 points
or greater, coupled with intelligence indicative of an
Associate. Validation of an offender or any person
as an Associate of a STG shall require at least one
(1) source item be a direct link to a current or
former validated member or associate of a gang.

No weighted point system currently applied.

Current gang validation categories

NEW STG validation categories

SUSPECT

N/A

Any offender who, based on documented evidence,
is suspected of being involved in or assisting a STG
in the commission of criminal gang behaviors or
gang behaviors in violation of CDCR policy and/or
state law and is tracked by the OCS pending
validation. Suspects will require 2 or more points
and would not be officially validated, but tracked
for intelligence purposes and decisions that impact
the institution’s daily program needs. Suspects shall
be identified by the IGI and will not require OCS
validation review.

MONITORED

INACTIVE

Any offender who has successfully completed Steps
The offender has not been involved in gang 1-4 in the SDP and has been returned to a general
activity for a minimum of 6 years.
population or SNY setting.
This period of
monitoring will include continuous and on-going
cell searches, mail and telephone call monitoring
and periodic interviews with the Investigative Unit
Staff.

The level of gang recognition, from Suspect to Member, will be based on source criteria and an objective
point system. The point value chart below is comprised of current source items identified in CCR, Title
15, Division 3, Section 3378. The incorporated change is the point value of each source item listed.

Validation Source Criteria:

Source

Description

Item

Symbols

Informants

Point
Value

Hand signs, distinctive clothing, graffiti, etc., which have been
identified by investigators as being used by and distinctive to
specific gangs. Staff shall describe the symbol and articulate
why it has concluded the symbol is used by and distinctive to
a specific gang. Staff shall document and disclose this
information to the offender/parolee in a written form that
would not jeopardize the safety of any person or the security
of the institution.

Documentation of information evidencing STG affiliation from
an informant shall indicate the date of the information,
whether the information is confidential or non-confidential,
and an evaluation of the informant’s reliability. Confidential
material shall also meet the requirements established in CCR,
Title 15, Division 3, Section 3321. Staff shall articulate how
the information specifically relates to the offender’s
involvement with the STG. The information may be used as a
source of validation if the informant provides specific
knowledge of how he/she knew the offender to be involved
with the gang. Multiple confidential sources providing
information regarding a single gang related incident or
behavior shall constitute one (1) source item. Exclusive
reliance on hearsay information provided by informants will
not be used for validation purposes. Staff shall document
and disclose this information to the offender in a written
form that would not jeopardize the safety of any person or
the security of the institution.

Two (2)
Points

Three (3)
Points

Source

Description

Item

Debriefing Reports

Written Material

Point
Value

Only information referencing specific gang related acts or
conduct shall be considered as a source item, when utilizing
information from another offender’s debriefing. Multiple
sources of information relative to a single gang related act or
conduct shall be considered a single source of validation.
Staff shall document and disclose this information to the
offender/parolee in a written form that would not jeopardize
the safety of any person or the security of the institution.

Any document such as membership or enemy lists,
constitutions, organizational structures, codes, training
material, etc., of specific gangs or STG. Staff shall articulate
why, based on either the explicit or coded content, the
written material is reliable evidence of affiliation with the
gang. Staff shall document and disclose this information to
the offender/parolee in a written form that would not
jeopardize the safety of any person or the security of the
institution.

Three (3)
Points

Offender
Identified in
written
Material not
in his
possession:
Two (2)
Points

Personal
Possession:
Four (4)
Points

Source

Description

Item

Photographs

Staff Information

Other Agencies

Point
Value

Individual or group photographs with gang connotations such
as those which include insignia, symbols, or other identified
STG affiliates. The date of a photograph shall be reasonably
ascertained prior to any photo being relied upon for inclusion
as a source item. No photograph shall be considered for
validation purposes that is estimated to be older than six (6)
years. Any photograph being utilized as a source item that
depicts gang members shall require that at least one of the
individuals be previously validated by the Department, or
validated by the Department within six (6) months of the
photograph’s established or estimated date or origin. Staff
shall document and disclose this information to the
offender/parolee in a written form that would not jeopardize
the safety of any person or the security of the institution

Documentation of staff’s visual or audible observations, e.g.
roll call, cadence, and group exercise, etc., of gang activity.
Staff shall articulate the basis for determining the content or
conduct at issue is gang related. Staff shall document and
disclose this information to the offender/parolee in a written
form that would not jeopardize the safety of any person or
the security of the institution.

Information evidencing STG affiliation provided by other
agencies. Any information from another agency shall be
documented by the staff person who receives such
information, citing the source and validity of the information.
Staff shall document and disclose this information to the
offender/parolee in a written form that would not jeopardize
the safety of any person or the security of the institution.

Four (4)
Points

Source

Description

Item

Association

Visitors

Point
Value

Information relative to the offender/parolee’s association
with identified STG affiliates. Information including
addresses, names, identities and reasons why such
information is indicative of STG involvement. Staff shall
document and disclose this information to the
offender/parolee in a written form that would not jeopardize
the safety of any person or the security of the institution.

Visits from persons or entities that are documented as
willfully promoting, furthering or assisting STG affiliates in
activities associated with the STG. Staff shall articulate the
basis for concluding the relationship between the visitor(s)
and offender is gang related in nature or that the visitor(s)
and offender engaged in conduct related to the STG. Staff
shall articulate the basis for identifying the visitor(s) as
associated with the STG. Staff shall document and disclose
this information to the offender/parolee in a written form
that would not jeopardize the safety of any person or the
security of the institution.

Four (4)
Points

Source

Description

Item

Communications

Self Admission

Offenses

Documentation of telephone conversations, conversations
between offenders, mail, notes, greeting cards, or other
communication, including coded messages evidencing STG
activity. Staff shall articulate why, based on either the explicit
or coded content, the communication is reliable evidence of
association or membership with the STG. Staff shall
document and disclose this information to the
offender/parolee in a written form that would not jeopardize
the safety of any person or the security of the institution.

Staff shall document information about an offender/parolee’s
verbal, written or otherwise implied admission and specific
involvement with the STG. Staff shall document and disclose
this information to the offender/parolee in a written form
that would not jeopardize the safety of any person or the
security of the institution.

Where the circumstances of an offense conclude that the
offense was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of,
or in association with any STG; such as where the offense is
between rival STGs, the victim is verified STG affiliate, or the
offender/parolee’s crime partner is verified STG affiliate.
Staff shall articulate why an offense is gang related. Multiple
sources of information relative to a single incident or offense
will be considered one (1) source of validation. Staff shall
document and disclose this information to the
offender/parolee in a written form that would not jeopardize
the safety of any person or the security of the institution.

Point
Value

Four (4)
Points

Five (5)
Points

Six (6)
Points

Source

Description

Point
Value

Item

Tattoos and/or Body
Markings

Legal Documents

Tattoos and/or body markings identified by investigators as
being used by and distinctive to a specific STG. Staff shall
describe the tattoo and/or body marking and articulate why it
concluded the tattoo and/or body marking is used by and
distinctive to a specific STG. Staff shall document and
disclose this information to the offender/parolee in a written
form that would not jeopardize the safety of any person or
the security of the institution.

Court transcripts, Probation Officer’s reports, crime reports,
arrest reports, or other legal documents evidencing gang
conduct. Staff shall assure the document containing this
information is disclosed to the offender/parolee in a written
form that would not jeopardize the safety of any person or
the security of the institution.

Six (6)
Points

Seven (7)
Points

Change of Validation status:
A validated STG Associate can have their validation status upgraded to Member with the validation of 1
additional source item, any point value, containing intelligence indicative of a Member. The status of a
validated Subject will remain unless updated, changed or deleted with final approval by OCS.
After the initial validation, gang behavior of validated offenders will be addressed based on this
proposal. The current “INACTIVE” category will be revised to incorporate the term “MONITORED”. A
monitored offender is one who has successfully completed Steps 1-4 in the SDP and has been returned
to a general population or sensitive needs yard setting. This period of monitoring will include
continuous and ongoing cell searches, mail and phone call monitoring, and periodic interviews with
investigative unit staff. After the initial validation, a monitored offender’s confirmed gang behavior will
be addressed through housing placement by the decision of the ICC.

Validation Files:
The OCS gang intelligence/validation file (reference Attachment C) will be used to retain documents
related to the STG validation process. The file will be comprised of the following:

Current Validation file

Revised Content of the Validation file

Gang Activity Chronological listing/log
IGI Validation on a CDC Form 128B (Rev.4/74),
In addition to the current file contents, the new
General Chrono
validation file will contain:
Validation Evidence Disclosure on a CDC Form
128B (Rev. 4/74), General Chrono
Source Documents (Documentation from the Gang Validation Score Sheet
Central File evidencing gang involvement)
Confidential Information Disclosure Forms, CDC
Form 1030

VII. Security Threat Group Management
The Department Operations Manual (DOM), Section 52070.6, states “The CDCR's gang management
strategy shall be to identify gang affiliated offenders/parolees, track them, monitor their conduct, take
interdiction action, and apply sanctions when they are found to be involved in illicit or unlawful gang
activity”. With this proposal policy, the Department will adopt prevention strategies for offenders in an
effort to deter them from becoming involved, or discontinue involvement in STG activity/behavior, in
addition to the current interdiction and suppression strategies utilized by the Department.
A behavior based STG management model will provide for gang behavior to be appropriately
documented to assure offenders are placed into the appropriate programs and/or subject to a loss of
privileges. Documentation may be in the form of disciplinary reports, counseling chronos, confidential
memorandums and/or other sources documenting behaviors and intelligence.
Additionally,
departmental employees shall use the disciplinary process to hold offenders accountable for alleged
violations of departmental rules and regulations.

PREVENTION
Advisement of Expectations:
Every offender will be served an Advisement of Expectations (reference Attachment D) of the
departmental policy relative to gang involvement. The advisement will outline the CDCR’s STG policy, to
include consequences of gang involvement, as well as support for those desiring to disavow from the
gang lifestyle or select participation in a SDP. The advisement shall be provided to each offender upon
arrival to a Reception Center. For those offenders currently housed throughout the DAI, departmental
managers will be responsible to ensure that each offender receives the Advisement of Expectations.
Proof that the Advisement of Expectations was issued shall be recorded on a CDC 128B information
chrono and maintained in the offender’s central file.
Gang Diversion Video:
A comprehensive gang diversion video, currently under development by the OCS, will be made available
for viewing during the orientation process and periodically thereafter. Additionally, the OCS is
developing associated literature as a prevention/diversion effort. Both the diversion video and
associated literature shall be completed prior to the implementation of this document. Department
managers shall be responsible to ensure the video and literature are made available to the existing
offender population.
Gang Diversion Programs:
It is recognized that gang diversion programs are an important component of a STG management
strategy. CDCR will continue to seek innovative programming, such as Alternatives to Violence, Thinking
for Change, The Change Companies journaling series, 7 Habits on the Inside, Cage Your Rage, Gangs
Anonymous and Breaking Barriers to assist offenders in assimilating into the general population or SNY.
The programs will also provide tools for offenders in segregated housing to facilitate their return to a
general population or SNY setting.

INTERDICTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY
It is a goal of this document to significantly reduce or eliminate the influence of gangs and the effects of
gang violence through proactive gang strategies. STG-I Members because of their status within their
own gang, influence over affiliate gangs, potential for creating mass disruption, and violence or threat to
security, shall be placed in SHU based upon their validation as a member. STG-I Associates or any STG-II
offenders who choose to engage in serious criminal gang behavior and/or a pattern of violent behavior
will be removed from the general offender population and housed in more secure environments based
on the offender’s behavior. The offender’s gang behavior will be documented and considered in
determining appropriate privileges, housing and program.

SECURITY HOUSING UNIT (SHU) PLACEMENT
The SHU is specifically designed to house offenders whose conduct endangers the safety of others or the
security of the institution. SHU is not designed nor intended as punishment for misbehavior, but rather

designed to protect the public, staff and other offenders from offenders whose conduct endangers the
safety of others or the security of the institution.
Under this policy, the length of SHU placement for gang activity will no longer be based solely on
validation to a STG designation. Additionally, this model provides for a “Step Down” model comprised
of five distinct program steps that allow an offender to facilitate their way out of the SHU program and
back to a general population or SNY setting by demonstrating a willingness to disengage from criminal
gang behavior.
Offenders will normally begin the SDP in Step 1 and progress through to completion of Step 4. Upon
completion of all four steps, the offender will be considered for release to Step 5 and returned to the
general population or SNY. The following is an overview of the placement criteria and step down
program.

STG STEP DOWN PROGRAM
The SDP will establish an incentive based multi-step process for the management of STG offenders. This
program will assign, transition, and monitor offenders who by their behavior have demonstrated the
need for CDCR’s utilization of special strategies for their management. This program is designed for STG
offenders who require structured activities and programming, who choose to discontinue criminal
activity. Additionally, it affords offenders the opportunity to earn enhanced privileges proportionate to
their ability to reintegrate and effectively interact with others. As an alternative to the SDP, offenders
may choose to participate in the debriefing process at any time. As part of the program development,
an assessment will be conducted to determine additional resource needs. CDCR will seek resources
where available, to assist with this effort.
The STG SDP shall be normally completed in five steps and provides a process for offenders engaged in
STG behavior to demonstrate their ability to refrain from criminal gang behavior, preparing them for
return to a general population, or SNY program setting. The initial four steps are generally designed to
be completed within 48 months. The fifth step which consists of observation and monitoring of
behavior within the general population or SNY will normally be completed within the 12 months
following Step 4. Each step will consist of programs and privileges that increase as the offender
progresses through the SDP.
Participation in the SDP is a selective option, which will require the offender to agree with the program
conditions and sign a personal contract (reference Attachment E). The contract will outline the goals,
expectations for successful completion, and potential consequences for failure to fully participate and
complete the program at any step of the process.
Each program step is progressive and it is the responsibility of the offender to demonstrate they can be
released to a less restrictive environment while abstaining from criminal gang behaviors. If the offender
chooses not to progress through any step of the program, the offender may be returned to a previous
step until they demonstrate a desire and behavior for movement into the next step.
Participants in Steps 1, 2 and 3 will be reviewed by ICC at least every 180 days for evaluation of program
participation. If, during the ICC review, it is determined that the offender has participated in the
required programs for successful step completion, the offender may be considered for placement into
the next successive step. Participants in Step 4 shall be reviewed by ICC at least every 90 days. The
successful completion of each step will require a minimum of 12 months program participation.

Failure to maintain acceptable behavior and/or refrain from criminal gang behavior may result in the
loss of privileges and/or regression to a previous step, inclusive of return to Step 1 from any subsequent
step, including Step 5.
The following chart identifies programming requirements and privileges currently applicable to
offenders housed in a SHU in comparison to the programming requirements and privileges for validated
STG affiliates who participate in the SDP.

SHU

SDP STEP 1

SDP STEP 2

SDP STEP 3

SDP STEP 4

For Males - To
be operated at
PBSP SHU

For Males - To be
operated at PBSP
SHU

For Males - To be
operated at CCI
SHU or COR SHU

For Males - To be
completed at CCI
SHU or COR SHU

For Females – To
be operated in a
designated SHU
unit

If the offender’s
case factors
preclude
housing at PBSP,
appropriate
placement will
be determined

If the offender’s
case factors
preclude housing
at PBSP,
appropriate
placement will be
determined

If the offender’s
case factors
preclude housing
at CCI or COR,
appropriate
placement will be
determined

If the offender’s
case factors
preclude housing
at CCI or COR,
appropriate
placement will
be determined

CURRENT

SHU
HOUSING
LOCATION

For Males - SHU is
currently operated
at Pelican Bay
State Prison
(PBSP),
California
Correctional
Institution
(CCI),
California
State Prison
Corcoran
(COR) or
California
State Prison
Sacramento
(SAC)
For Females –
SHU is
currently
operated at
Valley State
Prison for
Women
(VSPW) or
California
Institution for
Women (CIW)

SHU

SDP STEP 1

SDP STEP 2

SDP STEP 3

SDP STEP 4

CURRENT

REVIEW
PERIODS

180 day ICC
review in
accordance
with CCR, Title
15, Division 3,
Section 3341.5
(c)(2)(A)1.

180 day ICC
review
in accordance
with CCR, Title
15, Division 3,
Section 3341.5
(c)(2)(A)1.

90 day ICC
review

MINIMUM
LENGTH
OF
TERM
REQUIRED
FOR
REVIEW OF
SHU
RELEASE

6 Years
in accordance
with CCR, Title
15, Section
3378(e)

Minimum of 12
months prior to
movement to
Step 2.

Minimum of 12
months prior to
movement to
Step 3.

Minimum of 12
months prior to
movement to
Step 4.

Minimum of 12
months prior to
review for
release to Step 5
in a general
population or
SNY setting

MAIL

Mail
procedures
and
parameters in
accordance
with CCR, Title
15, Division 3,
Subchapter 2,
Article 4

Mail procedures
and parameters
in accordance
with CCR, Title
15, Division 3,
Subchapter 2,
Article 4

SHU

SDP STEP 1

SDP STEP 2

SDP STEP 3

SDP STEP 4

Canteen draw
limit
Per CCR, Title
15, Section 3044
Privilege Group
SDP @ 25% of
the maximum
monthly
canteen draw
(Presently would
be $55 per
month.)

Canteen draw
limit per CCR,
Title 15, Section
3044 Privilege
Group SDP @ 30
%
Of the maximum
monthly canteen
draw (Presently
would be $66 per
month.)

Canteen draw
limit per CCR,
Title 15, Section
3044
Privilege Group
SDP @ 40% of
the maximum
monthly canteen
draw (Presently
would be $88 per
month.)

Canteen draw
limit per CCR,
Title 15, Section
3044
Privilege Group
SDP @ 50% of
the maximum
monthly canteen
draw. (Presently
would be $110
per month.)

May include
limitations on
what type of
product can be
purchased

One (1) photo
upon
completion of 1
year disciplinary
free

One (1) photo
upon successful
completion of
Step 1

Two (2) photos
upon successful
completion of
Step 2

Two (2) photos
upon successful
completion of
Step 3

CURRENT

CANTEEN

PHOTO

Canteen draw
limit per CCR,
Title 15,
Section 3044
Privilege
Group D @ ¼
(25%) of the
maximum
monthly
canteen draw.
(Currently $55
per month.)

One (1) photo
annually upon
completion of
1 year
disciplinary
free

SHU

SDP STEP 1

SDP STEP 2

SDP STEP 3

SDP STEP 4

CURRENT

PHONE

Phone call on
an emergency
basis only as
determined by
Institution/
facility staff

Phone call on an
emergency basis
only as
determined by
institution/
facility staff

One (1) call
allowed to an
approved friend
or family
member upon
successful
completion of
Step 1

Two (2) calls
allowed to an
approved friend
or family
member upon
successful
completion of
Step 2

Four (4) calls
allowed to a
friend or family
member upon
successful
completion of
Step 3

T.V. AND
RADIO

May possess
or purchase
one (1)
television or
one (1) radio
or one (1)
television/
radio
combination
unit as may be
available from
vendor. Clear
technology
only.

May possess or
purchase one (1)
television or one
(1) radio or one
(1) television/
radio
combination
unit as may be
available from
vendor. Clear
technology only.

May possess or
purchase one (1)
television or one
(1) radio or one
(1) television/
radio
combination unit
as may be
available from
vendor. Clear
technology only.

May possess or
purchase a TV
and a radio or
one (1)
television/
radio
combination unit
as may be
available from
vendor. Clear
technology only.

SHU

SDP STEP 1

SDP STEP 2

SDP STEP 3

SDP STEP 4

College programs
and proctoring of
college
examinations.

Observation/
Enhanced
Privilege Phase
and to include incell studies
designed to
enhance life skills
e.g., anger
management,
and other
cognitive skill
based
programming
such as “Thinking
for a Change”.

Enhanced
Program,
Privileges and
Peer Interaction
Phase

Transitional
Program,
Privileges, and
Peer Interaction
Phase

Program
components to
include individual
and group
meetings that
provide anger
management,
parenting,
academic and
substance abuse
programs, and
other self help
groups.

Program
components to
include
Alternatives to
Violence
Program, Gang
Anonymous,
Cage Your Rage,
The Change
Companies
Journaling
system, and
identified work
and education
programs within
the housing unit.

CURRENT

SDP
PROGRAM

College
programs and
proctoring of
college
examinations.

College
programs and
proctoring of
college
examinations.
Observation
Phase to include
in-cell studies
designed to
enhance life
skills e.g., anger
management,
and other
cognitive skill
based
programming
such as
“Thinking for a
Change”.

Group meetings
would be limited
in size and will be
facilitated with
the offenders in
individual
therapeutic
treatment
modules.
Group meetings
would be made
up of mixed gang
affiliations to
begin peer
interaction.

Group meetings
would be limited
in size and will
be facilitated
with the
offenders in
individual
therapeutic
treatment
modules or
unrestrained as
determined by
ICC.
Group meetings

would be made
up of mixed gang
affiliations to
begin peer
interaction.
SHU

SDP STEP 1

SDP STEP 2

SDP STEP 3

SDP STEP 4

10 hours of
individual yard
or with
compatible cell
partner
pursuant to CCR,
Title 15, Section
3343(h)

10 hours of
individual yard or
with compatible
cell partner
pursuant to CCR,
Title 15, Section
3343(h)

At least 10 hours
of individual yard
or with
compatible cell
partner pursuant
to CCR, Title 15,
Section 3343(h)

Recreation will
include the use of
isometric and
exercise
equipment as
determined and
deemed
appropriate.

Yard interaction
with inmates of
diverse
affiliations after
6 months of
programming
within Step 4.

Meals consumed
in cell.

Meals consumed
unrestrained in
section with
other SDP
offenders.

CURRENT

YARD
EXERCISE

10 hours of
individual yard
or with
compatible
cell partner
pursuant to
CCR, Title 15,
Section
3343(h)

Recreation will
include the use
of isometric and
exercise
equipment as
determined and
deemed
appropriate.

MEALS

Meals
consumed in
cell.

Recreation will
include the use
of isometric and
exercise
equipment as
determined and
deemed
appropriate.

Meals consumed
in cell.

SHU

SDP STEP 1

SDP STEP 2

SDP STEP 3

SDP STEP 4

Items listed in
DOM, Section
54030.17,
Authorized
Personal
Property
Schedule and all
other items as
provided for in
Current SHU.

Allow possession
of playing cards
as defined in
DOM Section
54030.17.8
Games.

Allow plastic
tumbler; plastic
bowl; pair of
personal tennis
shoes;
combination of
10 books
newspapers, or
magazines;
playing cards;
and domino
game.

Allow plastic
tumbler; plastic
bowl, pair of
personal tennis
shoes;
combination of
10 books;
newspapers
and/or
magazines;
photo album;
chess, checker
and domino
game; and
playing cards.

CURRENT

PERSONAL
PROPERTY

Items listed in
DOM, Section
54030.17,
Authorized
Personal
Property
Schedule and
for all SHU
offenders an
allowance of
calendar,
watch cap and
gray or white
sweats (no
pockets,
logos, or draw
strings).
In addition for
those
offenders
disciplinary
free for one
year, 14 color
pen fillers, 12
pastel color
sticks, and 25
sheets of
drawing
papers.

SHU

SDP STEP 1

SDP STEP 2

SDP STEP 3

Inmates in SDP
permitted one
(1) personal
package per year
not to exceed 30
pounds.

Inmates in SDP
permitted one (1)
personal package
per year not to
exceed 30
pounds.

SDP STEP 4

CURRENT

PERSONAL
PROPERTY
PACKAGE

Per DOM
54030.8
inmates in
SHU
permitted one
(1) personal
property
package per
year not to
exceed 30
pounds.

Inmates in SDP
permitted one
(1) personal
package per
year not to
exceed 30
pounds.

Inmates in SDP
permitted two
(2) personal
packages per
year not to
exceed 30
pounds each.

Non participation in the SDP or failure to complete program requirements and/or confirmed criminal
gang behaviors during any program step, will require the offender to repeat or regress to a prior step as
determined by the ICC. Upon an offender’s successful completion of Step 4, the offender would be
released into the monitoring phase of Step 5 in the general population or SNY setting. The offender will
remain on monitoring status within the general population or SNY setting unless the offender
demonstrates new criminal gang behavior. An offender on monitoring status who is found guilty of a
serious disciplinary offense will be returned to the ICC for review for consideration of loss of privileges
and potential return into the SDP.
Upon successful completion of steps 1-4, as determined by ICC and based on individual offender
behavior, a male offender will be referred to the Classification Staff Representative (CSR) for
endorsement to a Level IV, 180 Design General Population or SNY Facility for a 12 month observation
period (Step 5) regardless of the offender’s placement score. If a determination is made by ICC, that the
offender does not warrant 180 design housing the ICC will refer the case to the Department Review
Board (DRB) for alternate housing consideration, e.g. Level IV/III 270 design facility. After completion of
the 12 month observation period with no documented evidence of continued gang involvement, the
offender may be placed in a facility consistent with his placement score and case factors. Upon the
successful completion of steps 1-4, as determined by ICC, a female offender will be reviewed by ICC for
release to the general population for observation and monitoring.

STG-I SHU PLACEMENT CRITERIA:
STG-I Members
Newly validated members shall be placed in Step 1 of the SDP based upon their validation as a member.
If an offender selects to participate in the SDP, they will be allowed to progress through the process
earning their return to a general population or SNY facility. For STG-I Members, each of the four steps is
designed to be completed following 12 months free of gang behavior. As a result, the offender should
normally complete the STG SDP in 48 months, providing they remain free of gang activity and
demonstrate compliance with the program requirements.
While in the program, if the STG-I Member exhibits criminal gang behavior(s), staff shall report the
behavior using appropriate documentation, e.g. Counseling Chrono, Rules Violation Report, etc. The
gang behavior once documented by the IGI will be referred to ICC for a program, privilege, or housing
review. The behavior may lead to a loss of privileges, retention in the current step, or regression to a
previous step.
STG-I Associates
STG-I Associates will not routinely be placed in SHU, based solely upon their validation.
STG-I Associates discovered to be involved in serious disciplinary behavior and/or displaying gang
behaviors will be issued a Serious CDC Form 115, Rules Violation Report (RVR), and considered for
placement in segregation. If the Associate is found guilty of the charge or of a lesser included offense
the associate may be referred by ICC to the Classification Staff Representative (CSR) for endorsement to
the appropriate SHU to begin the STG SDP.
STG-I Associates may be placed in a SDP when serious disciplinary and/or criminal gang behavior(s) are
documented and confirmed to have occurred within 48 months of discovery of the behavior. Placement
in the SDP will be based on specific criminal gang behaviors identified during or post STG validation.
Placement into a specific step of the SDP will be determined by ICC dependent upon the severity and
recency of the behavior. Source items that identify a criminal gang behavior older than 48 months may
be used for validation purposes; however, such items cannot be used for placement in the SDP.
At anytime during the SDP if the STG-I Associate exhibits criminal gang behavior(s), staff shall report the
behavior on the appropriate documentation, e.g. Counseling Chrono, Rules Violation Report, etc. The
documented behavior may be confirmed by the IGI and referred to ICC for loss of privileges, or
program/housing review. The review may lead to retention in the current step or regression to a
previous step, as determined by ICC.
STG-II SHU PLACEMENT CRITERIA
STG-II offenders are not currently subject to SHU placement based solely on gang affiliation and this
proposal will not change this practice. However, with the implementation of this policy, STG-II offenders
who engage in repetitive criminal gang behavior may be placed into the SDP by ICC. Examples of severe
and/or repetitive gang related activity that may result in placement into the STG SDP through
Classification Staff Representative (CSR) process for a STG-II offender include but are not limited to:

Homicide
Battery with serious injury
Extortion
Recruitment of gang members
Repeated involvement in gang related riots or batteries.
Once in SDP, if the STG-II inmate displays criminal gang behaviors, the behavior may be confirmed by
the IGI and referred to the ICC for a housing/program review. The ICC review may lead to loss of
privileges, or retention in the current step or regression to a previous step.

DETERMINATE SHU TERMS AND SDP PLACEMENT
There will be circumstances where STG offender has committed an in-custody offense resulting in a
determinate SHU term. ICC will continue to have the authority to suspend any portion of a determinate
SHU term. As determined appropriate for STG I/II offenders, ICC may elect to suspend all or a portion of
an existing determinate SHU term for placement into the SDP at Step 1.

VIII. Debriefing
The debriefing process is designed for, but not exclusive to, validated STG-I Members and Associates.
Debriefing is the process by which a gang coordinator/investigator determines whether a STG-I Member
or Associate has dropped out of a gang. CDCR currently has a comprehensive debriefing process as part
of the gang management policy. CCR, Title 15, Division 3, Section 3378.1, details debriefing and this
proposal does not alter that process.
Debriefing is a comprehensive two step process, which includes an interview/investigative phase and an
observation phase. An offender only takes part in the debriefing process upon their individual request.
The purpose of the debriefing interview is to provide staff with information about the gang’s structure,
activities and affiliates. A debriefing is not for the purpose of acquiring incriminating evidence against
the debriefing offender.
The object of a debriefing is to learn enough about the offender and the offender’s current gang to:
Allow staff to reasonably conclude that the subject has dropped out of the gang
Allow staff to reclassify the subject based upon their needs in conjunction with the security of
the institution, as well as, the safety and security of staff and other offenders.
To evaluate the sincerity of the offender for consideration of housing in a SNY setting
The debriefing process provides law enforcement valuable information necessary to combat criminal
gangs and criminal gang behavior in prison and in the community by providing valuable intelligence
about the criminal gang. The debriefing report should include but is not limited to the following
information:

Reason for disavowing the gang
History of the criminal gang
Identity of other known gang members
Leadership structure within and outside of the prison
Identity of person(s) ordering gang incidents
Reasons for gang incidents (if known)
Gang symbols
Codes
Mail drops
Communication networks (mail, phones, notes, visits, etc.)
Enemies
Crimes (escapes, narcotics trafficking, weapons, etc.)
Misuse of legal and or religious programs
Associates/suspect information (family, friends, etc.) providing support for the gang.
Community gang activities
Future plans for the gang
CDCR views the debriefing process as necessary to provide criminal gang members and associates an
avenue to disavow the gang lifestyle and live a more productive and independent life, free from the
criminal influence of gangs.
If an offender elects to debrief while participating in the SDP they will not be required to complete the
SDP. Rather, the offender will be subject to the Department’s current process which provides support
to the offender through a Transitional Housing Unit (THU) in accordance with CCR, Title 15, Division 3,
Section 3378.3. The THU provides a program of observation to evaluate that an offender has
successfully disassociated from prison gang activity and is capable of programming in a general
population like setting.

IX. Implementation Process
This model represents a significant change in CDCR’s current gang management strategy. Once
approved for implementation, the changes must be incorporated thoughtfully, deliberately and
methodically. Prior to finalization of this proposed policy, CDCR is seeking internal and external
stakeholder review and feedback.
Following stakeholder review and inclusion of any revisions to this proposed policy, CDCR will begin the
regulatory process. In addition to promulgating regulations, CDCR must conduct statewide training for
all staff and engage in discussions with appropriate labor organizations as this new gang management
policy is a change in workload and current practices. CDCR will be further refining the STG SDP model
and will be seeking resources for implementation of a meaningful gang interdiction program.
Implementation of the Security Threat Group Identification and Management Strategy will not be
delayed due to potential limitation of available resources.

In addition to the implementation of this new policy, CDCR will be conducting a case by case review for
program determination of the existing STG population housed in SHU facilities. The program review of
these offenders may release them from a SHU into a general population setting or place the offender
into an appropriate step of the SDP.
It cannot be overemphasized that changes of this magnitude in current housing of SHU offenders must
be done in a thoughtful and security minded manner to avoid compromising the successful and safe
implementation of this policy.
Upon approval of this document, CDCR will develop new regulations consistent with this policy for
submittal to the Office of Administrative Law. Subsequent to approval of this policy, CDCR will initiate a
coordinated effort to conduct a case by case review of all existing validated gang members and
associates housed in SHU.

Attachments
Attachment A

2007 Study entitled Security Threat Group Identification and Management

Attachment B

Administrative Gang Directive (Draft)

Attachment C

Current Validation File (In Development)

Attachment D

Advisement of Expectations (In Development)

Attachment E

SDP Participant Contract (In Development)