Intake Process Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025–February 2026

Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Intake Processing Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025 – February 2026 Independent Published in April 2026 Prison Oversight The Office of the Inspector General (the OIG), as part of our statute, maintains an Intake Processing Unit that receives complaints from the incarcerated population and the public. Staff in the Intake Processing Unit respond to complaints the OIG receives through U.S. Postal mail, phone calls (toll-free hotline), and inquiries through our website, which can exceed 1,100 monthly claims. Below are 13 complaints the Intake Processing Unit reviewed from December 2025 through February 2026. These cases highlight the OIG’s impact and efforts to resolve the complainant’s concerns. Incident Date December 27, 2025 Case Type Release Date Calculation; Rules Violation Report Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region II (Fresno Area) and Region IV (Rancho Cucamonga Area) OIG Case Number 26-0106202-PI Complaint Summary From January 6, 2026, through January 9, 2026, the OIG received multiple complaints from an incarcerated person (complainant) at a Region II prison who alleged he was being held past his release date. The complainant stated he received a rules violation report (RVR) at a Region IV prison and requested his hearing be postponed pending the outcome of referral for prosecution by the district attorney’s office. Furthermore, the complainant alleged the Region IV prison never referred the case to the district attorney’s office. OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records and found that on January 1, 2025, Region IV prison staff issued the complainant an RVR, and on January 13, 2025, the complainant requested his hearing be postponed pending the outcome of referral for prosecution by the district attorney’s office. The OIG did not locate documentation showing that Region IV prison staff referred the RVR to the district attorney’s office. The OIG found that on December 27, 2025, the department’s computer system automatically applied a 150-day credit loss because the complainant was near his release date and his disciplinary hearing was still pending. Thus, the complainant’s release date changed from January 11, 2026, to April 14, 2026. On January 9, 2026, because the RVR was still pending after one year and the complainant’s original release date was January 11, 2026, the OIG notified both wardens and requested an expedited review of the RVR to determine whether a due process violation occurred. Disposition On January 9, 2026, the Region II warden notified the OIG that they would conduct the hearing on the same day. The Region II prison staff held the hearing that day, finding the complainant not guilty of the RVR. The department released the complainant from custody on January 14, 2026. The OIG is highlighting this case to commend the Region II warden for the expedited review and follow-up intervention. Page 1 of 10 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Intake Processing Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025 – February 2026 Independent Published in April 2026 Prison Oversight Incident Date December 16, 2025 Case Type Safety Concerns: Contraband Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region III (Bakersfield Area) OIG Case Number 25-0104900-PI Complaint Summary On December 16, 2025, the OIG received a complaint from an anonymous source alleging an incarcerated person made knives from parts of his wheelchair. OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records, identified the incarcerated person, and confirmed he had been issued a wheelchair. The incarcerated person had previously been issued several rules violation reports (RVRs) for possession of a deadly weapon and battery with a deadly weapon. On December 16, 2025, the OIG notified the warden of the alleged makeshift weapons and included the name, departmental identification number, and housing assignment of the incarcerated person who allegedly possessed the makeshift weapons. Disposition Within one hour of the OIG’s notification, the investigative services unit searched the incarcerated person and his cell and discovered two makeshift weapons. The first makeshift weapon appeared to be constructed from cylindrical metal, sharpened to a point at one end, with white medical tape fashioned as a handle on the opposite end. The weapon measured approximately 8 inches in length by 1.25 inches in width. The second weapon appeared to be constructed from cylindrical metal, sharpened to a point at one end, with white and brown fabric fashioned as a handle on the opposite end. The weapon measured approximately 6 inches in length by 1 inch in width. The incarcerated person was subsequently issued a rules violation report for possession of a deadly weapon. Photo 1. The first makeshift weapon. Photo 2. The second makeshift weapon. Photographed by CDCR staff on February 24, 2026. Photographed by CDCR staff on February 24, 2026. Page 2 of 10 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Intake Processing Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025 – February 2026 Independent Published in April 2026 Prison Oversight Incident Date January 28, 2026 Case Type Safety Concern: Contraband; Incarcerated Person Advisory Council Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region I (Sacramento Area) OIG Case Number 26-0106826-PI Complaint Summary On January 28, 2026, the OIG received a complaint from a third party (complainant) alleging an Incarcerated Person Advisory Council (IPAC) representative had been receiving preferential treatment from staff and manufacturing alcohol, and was in possession of a weapon. The complainant also alleged the incarcerated person had hurt, extorted, and intimidated other incarcerated people. OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records and confirmed the incarcerated person was currently assigned as an IPAC representative. We also reviewed the incarcerated person’s disciplinary history and located a recent rules violation report (RVR) for fighting. On February 4, 2026, the OIG notified the warden of the alleged inappropriate behavior by the incarcerated person, including the alleged contraband. Disposition On February 4, 2026, approximately one hour after our notification, the investigative services unit (ISU) searched the incarcerated person and discovered a makeshift weapon. The weapon appeared to be a black piece of flat metal stock, sharpened to a point. The weapon was approximately 7.5 inches in length and three-quarters of an inch in width. On February 4, 2026, the incarcerated person was issued an RVR for possession of a deadly weapon. On March 3, 2026, we reviewed departmental records and found the incarcerated person remained an IPAC representative. We followed up with prison management who stated that the incarcerated person was allowed to retain his position as an IPAC representative because he was an effective communicator and because the RVR for possession of a weapon was not staff-related. We believe this IPAC representative should have been removed from the IPAC because his conduct presented a threat to facility security and the safety of both staff and incarcerated people.1 Incident Date September 22, 2025 Case Type Safety Concerns: Contraband Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region IV (Rancho Cucamonga Area) 1. Per California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 15, section 3230(b)(4), “The membership of representatives or the activities of the entire council may be suspended when the warden determines that the representative or council presents a threat to facility security or the safety of persons.” Page 3 of 10 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Intake Processing Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025 – February 2026 Independent Published in April 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Case Number 25-0103225-PI Complaint Summary On September 22, 2025, the OIG received a complaint from a citizen (complainant) alleging an incarcerated person had a mobile phone in his cell and had been using it to conduct illegal business, including selling drugs to other incarcerated people. The complainant stated the incarcerated person obtains narcotics from visitors and conceals the narcotics on his person. OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records and identified the incarcerated person involved. We did not locate documentation indicating the department had been aware that the incarcerated person allegedly possessed a contraband mobile phone and drugs. On September 23, 2025, the OIG notified the warden of the possible contraband mobile phone and drugs. Disposition On October 6, 2025, two weeks after the OIG’s notification, custody staff conducted a random body search and found the incarcerated person in possession of a contraband mobile phone for which he was issued a rules violation report. On October 12, 2025, the incarcerated person was found guilty of possession of a mobile phone for which the department imposed a 90-day loss of credits. Incident Date October 28, 2025 Case Type Allegation of Staff Misconduct: Conduct or Job Performance Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region III (Bakersfield Area) OIG Case Number 25-0104358-PI Complaint Summary On October 28, 2025, the OIG received a complaint from a citizen (complainant) alleging that a staff member improperly accessed confidential information outside the scope of her duties. The staff member allegedly accessed confidential departmental records of a previously incarcerated person, whom the complainant had been dating, and shared the information with an unauthorized individual. OIG Actions On November 4, 2025, the OIG requested the complainant sign a waiver, which would allow the OIG to share the complaint information with the department. On November 19, 2025, the OIG received the signed waiver. The complainant also provided evidence indicating the staff member offered to access and share confidential information with the complainant in the future. The OIG determined the staff member was a sergeant. On November 20, 2025, the OIG shared the complaint and additional evidence with the warden for consideration as an allegation of staff misconduct. Page 4 of 10 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Intake Processing Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025 – February 2026 Independent Published in April 2026 Prison Oversight Disposition On November 21, 2025, the warden notified the OIG that the allegation of staff misconduct had been forwarded to the department’s Centralized Screening Team (CST). On December 10, 2025, the OIG followed up with CST and learned that the allegation had been returned to the warden for an inquiry because the allegation did not involve an incarcerated person. On December 30, 2025, the investigative services unit (ISU) provided the OIG with documentation indicating its inquiry determined the sergeant did not engage in any staff misconduct violation deemed to be referable to the department’s Office of Internal Affairs. However, ISU recommended on-the-job training for the sergeant to ensure that departmental databases are only utilized to complete required job duties. Incident Date September 14, 2025 Case Type Allegation of Staff Misconduct: Conduct or Job Performance Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region III (Bakersfield Area) OIG Case Number 25-0104243-PI Complaint Summary On October 23, 2025, the OIG received a complaint from an anonymous source (complainant) alleging four officers found an altered or broken steel cane approximately two months prior and, in violation of policy, did not report it to their supervisor until October 22, 2025. The complainant alleged custody staff completed a cell search that did not locate the altered cane, which was a safety concern. OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records and did not locate documentation indicating the prison had been aware of the alleged staff misconduct by four officers. Therefore, on October 24, 2025, the OIG notified the warden of the officers’ alleged staff misconduct, and the warden responded that prison staff would review the allegation. On November 13, 2025, and December 9, 2025, the OIG followed up with the warden to determine what, if any, actions had been taken based on our notification. Disposition On December 9, 2025, prison management notified the OIG that they had become aware of the missing cane on October 22, 2025, and initiated an inquiry. Furthermore, prison management advised that on November 19, 2025, the prison issued a letter of instruction to one of the four officers. The warden determined the officer violated departmental policies and a local operating procedure, which compromised the safety and security of the prison. Incident Date November 11, 2025 Case Type Allegation of Staff Misconduct: Integrity, Other Misconduct; Centralized Screening Team (CST): Screening Decision Page 5 of 10 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Intake Processing Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025 – February 2026 Independent Published in April 2026 Prison Oversight Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region III (Bakersfield Area) OIG Case Number 25-0104999-PI Complaint Summary On November 21, 2025, the OIG received a complaint from an incarcerated person (complainant) alleging that on November 11, 2025, during an escort, he had reported to two officers that his cellmate had three weapons in their cell, and he feared that his cellmate was going to kill him. Despite the complainant’s alleged safety concerns, the two officers did not search the cell for weapons before returning the complainant to the cell. Once the complainant was returned to the cell and still in handcuffs, the complainant’s cellmate stabbed him in the head and chest. OIG Actions On November 25, 2025, the OIG reviewed departmental records and located the relevant incident report. However, we did not locate a grievance or other documentation indicating the department had been aware of the allegation that two officers had failed to address the complainant’s alleged safety concerns prior to placing him back in the cell. We contacted the complainant and recommended he report the alleged misconduct using the department’s grievance process. We also offered the complainant the option of providing a signed waiver so we could share the complaint with the department for further review. On December 17, 2025, the OIG received the complainant’s signed waiver. We reviewed departmental records and found that on December 8, 2025, the complainant filed a grievance against the two officers alleging staff misconduct. On December 17, 2025, the department’s Centralized Screening Team (CST) reviewed the grievance but did not identify the allegation against the two officers as an allegation of staff misconduct. We disagreed with CST’s decision, and on December 19, 2025, the OIG elevated the concern to CST and recommended referral to the Office of Internal Affairs for an investigation. Disposition On December 19, 2025, CST referred the allegation of staff misconduct to the Office of Internal Affairs, which opened an investigation into the allegation the same day. Incident Date October 27, 2025 Case Type Allegation of Staff Misconduct: Integrity Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region III (Bakersfield Area) OIG Case Number 25-104281-PI Complaint Summary On October 27, 2025, the OIG received a complaint from an anonymous incarcerated person (complainant) alleging that while medical staff were administering COVID-19 shots, they improperly allowed incarcerated people to handle other incarcerated people's confidential health care forms. The complainant shared the date, time, and location of the alleged staff misconduct. Page 6 of 10 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Intake Processing Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025 – February 2026 Independent Published in April 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records and did not locate any documentation indicating the prison had been aware of the allegation. On October 27, 2025, the OIG shared the allegation of staff misconduct with both the warden and the hiring authority over medical. Disposition On December 3, 2025, the hiring authority referred the allegation of staff misconduct to the Centralized Screening Team (CST) for review. On December 12, 2025, CST assigned the allegation to California Correctional Health Care Services as an allegation inquiry. Incident Date November 26, 2025 Case Type Parole Operations Mission Division of Adult Parole Operations OIG Case Number 25-0105118-PI Complaint Summary On November 26, 2025, the OIG received a complaint from a supervised person (complainant) alleging he had been reassigned from the Southern California parole region to the Central California parole region, and the parole officer did not allow the complainant to take his vehicle and medications with him. The complainant also stated he was unable to transfer his prescription to a local pharmacy. Furthermore, the complainant alleged this transfer was in retaliation for a prior staff complaint filed against his previous parole agent. OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records and confirmed that on November 26, 2025, the complainant had been reassigned from the Southern California parole region to the Central California parole region. On December 1, 2025, the OIG notified a Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) administrator that the complainant was not permitted to retrieve his medications or take his personal vehicle when he was transferred to the Central California parole region on November 26, 2025. The OIG notification also indicated the complainant had been unable to transfer the prescription to a local pharmacy. Disposition On December 3, 2025, a DAPO administrator notified the OIG that on December 2, 2025, the current parole agent contacted the complainant, who indicated he had developed a plan to obtain his car and medication and was able to transfer his prescription to a local pharmacy. Subsequently, the OIG followed up with the parole agent and confirmed the complainant was able to retrieve his vehicle and his medications. The OIG is highlighting this case to commend DAPO for its quick response to our notification. Page 7 of 10 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Intake Processing Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025 – February 2026 Independent Published in April 2026 Prison Oversight Incident Date February 20, 2026 Case Type Safety Concern Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region III (Bakersfield Area) OIG Case Number 25-0107486-PI Complaint Summary On February 20, 2026, the OIG received a complaint from an incarcerated person (complainant) alleging he was going to attack an officer if he was not transferred out of the prison as soon as possible. The complainant provided the name of the officer he was going to attack. OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records and our internal records to confirm information about the complainant. However, based on the complainant’s prior correspondence to our office, we identified discrepancies leading us to believe he was impersonating another incarcerated person. We did not locate documentation indicating the department had been aware of the complainant’s threat to attack an officer. On February 20, 2026, the OIG notified the warden of the threat to attack an officer. Due to the discrepancies described above, we provided the original complaint to prison staff to help identify the complainant. Disposition On February 21, 2026, prison staff notified the OIG that they identified the complainant and confirmed the complainant was not who he claimed to be when he contacted our office. The prison did not take any disciplinary action against the complainant for impersonating another incarcerated person or making threats. However, the complainant was moved to a different facility at the same prison to separate the complainant from the incarcerated person he had been impersonating. Incident Date July 23, 2025 Case Type Allegation of Staff Misconduct: Other Misconduct Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region IV (Rancho Cucamonga Area) OIG Case Number 25-0104388-PI Complaint Summary On October 30, 2025, the OIG received a complaint from a citizen (complainant) alleging that on July 23, 2025, a sergeant threatened to have an incarcerated person assaulted if he did not share information about a gang member with the sergeant. When the incarcerated person stated he had no information to share, the complainant wrote that the sergeant allegedly told the incarcerated person, “Okay since you want to be a tuff guy I’m gonna make sure you get what you have coming.” Page 8 of 10 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Intake Processing Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025 – February 2026 Independent Published in April 2026 Prison Oversight OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records and did not locate documentation indicating the department had been aware of the allegation of staff misconduct that the sergeant threatened the incarcerated person. On November 7, 2025, the OIG notified the warden of the allegation of staff misconduct. The OIG requested the allegation be considered for review and processing as an allegation of staff misconduct by the department’s Centralized Screening Team (CST). Disposition On November 20, 2025, prison management notified the OIG that the allegation of staff misconduct had been forwarded to CST. On December 1, 2025, CST referred the allegation of staff misconduct to the Office of Internal Affairs, and on February 12, 2026, the Office of Internal Affairs opened an investigation. Incident Date September 21, 2025 Case Type Allegation of Staff Misconduct: Excessive or Unnecessary Use of Force Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region I (Sacramento Area) OIG Case Number 25-0103293-PI Complaint Summary On September 23, 2025, the OIG received a complaint from a citizen (complainant) who alleged an incarcerated person and his cellmate had been attacked by officers and were being denied medical attention. The complainant also alleged one of the incarcerated people sustained a head injury and that their property was taken and destroyed. OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records and located documentation related to the incident. Specifically, on September 21, 2025, the involved incarcerated people started a fire in their cell. According to the incident report, when officers entered the cell, the two incarcerated people assaulted them, resulting in multiple custody staff using force, including physical force and chemical agents. Five staff members struck the first incarcerated person approximately 19 times and pulled him out of the cell by his leg, and two custody staff struck the second incarcerated person approximately 10 times. We reviewed medical records for both incarcerated people and located medical reports of injury, which documented chemical agent exposure and minor facial redness or swelling. On September 23, 2025, the OIG notified the warden and the hiring authority over medical that the involved incarcerated people may have untreated injuries requiring medical attention. Within three hours of the OIG’s notification, medical staff evaluated both incarcerated people. Medical records indicate both incarcerated people reported “traumatic injuries” from the September 21, 2025, incident, and medical providers documented additional scratches and bruises. On September 24, 2025, the complainant filed a citizen’s complaint alleging excessive or unnecessary use of force, and on September 26, 2025, both incarcerated people filed a Page 9 of 10 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov Amarik K. Singh OIG OFFICE of the Inspector General INSPECTOR GENERAL Shaun Spillane Chief Deputy Inspector General Intake Processing Unit Impact Case Blocks, December 2025 – February 2026 Independent Published in April 2026 Prison Oversight grievance alleging excessive or unnecessary use of force by officers. Both grievances, the citizen’s complaint, and the OIG’s safety notification were referred to the department’s Centralized Screening Team (CST) for review and processing as allegations of staff misconduct. On October 3, 2025, and October 6, 2025, CST referred the allegations of excessive or unnecessary use of force to the Office of Internal Affairs, which opened an investigation. Because of the nature of the allegations, including the level of physical force used, the OIG’s Intake staff referred the allegations to the OIG’s Staff Misconduct Monitoring Unit (SMMU) to monitor the OIA investigation. Disposition On October 10, 2025, the OIG’s SMMU elected to monitor the Office of Internal Affairs investigation. Incident Date January 10, 2026 Case Type Allegation of Staff Misconduct: Excessive or Unnecessary Use of Force Mission Division of Adult Institutions: Region II (Fresno Area) OIG Case Number 26-0106505-PI Complaint Summary On January 16, 2026, the OIG received a complaint from an incarcerated person (complainant) who alleged that on January 10, 2026, officers used excessive or unnecessary force while he was in handcuffs and leg restraints. The complainant alleged officers punched him in the head, back, neck, and face. OIG Actions The OIG reviewed departmental records and verified that on January 10, 2026, the complainant had been involved in a use-of-force incident. We did not locate documentation indicating the prison had been aware of the allegation of excessive or unnecessary force. On January 23, 2026, the OIG notified the warden of the allegation of excessive or unnecessary use of force. Approximately two hours after the OIG’s notification, a custody supervisor conducted a video-recorded interview with the complainant regarding the allegation. On March 9, 2026, the OIG reviewed departmental records and did not locate a record showing the allegation of excessive or unnecessary use of force had been referred to the department’s Centralized Screening Team (CST) for review. Therefore, on March 9, 2026, the OIG followed up with prison management to determine whether any action had been taken. Disposition On March 11, 2026, in response to the OIG’s follow-up, prison management forwarded the allegation to CST for review and, on the same day, the Office of Internal Affairs opened an investigation into the allegations of excessive or unnecessary force. Page 10 of 10 10111 Old Placerville Road, Suite 110, Sacramento, California 95827 5 Telephone: (916) 288-4212 5 www.oig.ca.gov