Mule Creek State Prison History

Brief Overview of Mule Creek State Prison and its Significance in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)

Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP) is a vital institution within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Established in 1987, the prison houses medium and minimum-security inmates and has played a significant role in the California prison system. Staff safety evaluations, conducted by the Corrections Standards Authority (CSA), have been crucial in ensuring a safe and secure environment for both the staff and the inmate population.

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The History of Mule Creek State Prison

The Establishment of Mule Creek State Prison and its Role in the California Prison System

MCSP was established in 1987 in Ione, California, as a response to the overcrowded prison system in the state. The prison was designed to house medium and minimum-security inmates, providing various rehabilitation and educational programs to prepare them for reintegration into society.

Expansion and Development over the Years

Over the years, MCSP has undergone several expansions and developments to accommodate the growing inmate population. These expansions have included the addition of new housing units, vocational training centers, and healthcare facilities, among others.

Key Milestones and Events in the Prison's History

Some key milestones and events in MCSP's history include the establishment of innovative rehabilitation programs, the introduction of staff safety evaluations by the CSA, and the incarceration of several high-profile inmates.

Secretary Roderick Hickman's Request and the BOC Proposal

Background on Secretary Hickman's Request for Staff Safety Evaluations

Secretary Roderick Hickman of the CDCR requested staff safety evaluations in response to concerns about the safety and well-being of correctional staff. This request aimed to identify and address any potential issues that could compromise staff safety.

The CSA's Development of a Plan in Response to the Request

The CSA developed a comprehensive plan to conduct staff safety evaluations at various institutions, including MCSP. This plan involved assembling a team of experts, establishing evaluation criteria, and conducting thorough assessments of each institution.

The BOC's Acceptance of the Proposal

The Board of Corrections (BOC) accepted the CSA's proposal, recognizing the importance of staff safety evaluations in maintaining a secure and safe environment for both staff and inmates.

Developing the Evaluation Criteria

The Panel of State and National Subject Matter Experts Convened to Establish Criteria for the Evaluations

A panel of state and national subject matter experts was convened to develop the evaluation criteria. The panel consisted of professionals from various fields, including corrections, law enforcement, and workplace safety.

Criteria Developed and their Importance in Assessing Staff Safety Issues

The panel established several criteria to assess staff safety issues, such as incident rates, staffing levels, inmate population, and safety equipment. These criteria were crucial in identifying areas of concern and developing recommendations for improvement.

The First Staff Safety Evaluation at Mule Creek State Prison

The Team Assembled for the Evaluation

The evaluation team consisted of experts from the CSA, along with professionals from various fields, such as corrections, law enforcement, and workplace safety.

The Evaluation Protocol and its Components

The evaluation protocol included the following components: Request for advance data on staff assaults Preliminary site visit of the physical plant Random interviews with various custody and non-custody staff Review of applicable written policies and procedures governing the operation of the institution Review of documentation, including incidents of staff assaults, staffing levels, inmate population, and safety equipment

Findings and Recommendations from the Evaluation

Key Findings from the Evaluation Process

The evaluation process identified several areas of concern related to staff safety, such as inadequate staffing levels, outdated safety equipment, and a lack of comprehensive training programs for staff.

Recommendations to Address Staff Safety Concerns and Improve Overall Conditions at Mule Creek State Prison

Based on the evaluation findings, the team provided recommendations to address staff safety concerns and improve overall conditions at MCSP. These recommendations included increasing staffing levels, updating safety equipment, implementing comprehensive training programs, and regularly reviewing policies and procedures.

Subsequent Staff Safety Evaluations and Impact on Mule Creek State Prison

Timeline of Subsequent Evaluations and Their Impact on the Prison

Following the first staff safety evaluation, several subsequent evaluations were conducted at MCSP. These evaluations have led to significant improvements in staff safety and overall conditions at the prison.

Changes Implemented as a Result of the Evaluations

As a result of the staff safety evaluations, MCSP has implemented several changes to address safety concerns. These changes include increased staffing levels, updated safety equipment, enhanced training programs, and regular reviews of policies and procedures.

The Current State of Staff Safety at Mule Creek State Prison

Thanks to the staff safety evaluations and the implementation of recommended changes, the current state of staff safety at MCSP has significantly improved. The prison continues to prioritize staff safety and regularly assesses its policies and procedures to maintain a secure environment.

Famous Inmates of Mule Creek State Prison

Notable Inmates Who Have Been Incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison

Mule Creek State Prison has housed many infamous inmates throughout its history. The prison has been home to serial killers, rapists, kidnappers, and other notorious criminals.

Current Notable Inmates

1. Michael Carson: A convicted serial killer, Carson is responsible for multiple murders.
2. Billy Lee Chadd: Another serial killer, Chadd has a history of multiple killings.
3. Charley Charles (née Charles Rothenberg): Charles gained infamy for the attempted murder of his son David by setting him on fire.
4. John Albert Gardner III: Gardner is a convicted rapist and killer.
5. Joshua Jenkins: Jenkins is a mass murderer with multiple lives claimed.
6. Luis Reynaldo "Tree Frog" Johnson: A pedophile, rapist, and kidnapper, Johnson has a long criminal history.
7. Patrick Kearney: Kearney is a prolific serial killer, rapist, and necrophile with numerous victims.
8. James Michael Munro: An accomplice of serial killer William Bonin, Munro participated in multiple murders.
9. Scott Peterson: Peterson was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn child.
10. Robert Rozier: A former professional football player, Rozier was later convicted as a serial killer.
11. Rollen Stewart: Stewart is a convicted kidnapper with a high-profile case.
12. Anthony Wimberly: Wimberly is yet another serial killer housed at Mule Creek State Prison.

Former Notable Inmates

1. Robert John Bardo: Bardo, a stalker, and killer of Rebecca Schaeffer, was transferred to Avenal State Prison in Avenal, California.
2. John Linley Frazier: A mass murderer, Frazier committed suicide by hanging in 2009.
3. Roger Kibbe: A serial killer and rapist, Kibbe was killed at Mule Creek in 2021.
4. Suge Knight: Record producer, music executive, and former American football player, Knight was released in 2004 but later charged with manslaughter.
5. Bruce Lisker: Lisker was wrongfully convicted of murder and released in 2009.
6. Big Lurch: A former rapper, Lurch was convicted of killing and cannibalizing his roommate. He was later transferred to the California Health Care Facility in Stockton, California.
7. Andrew Luster: A convicted rapist, Luster was transferred to Valley State Prison.
8. Lyle Menéndez: Menéndez, along with his brother, killed his parents and was later transferred to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego.
9. Gregory Matthews Miley: Another accomplice of serial killer William Bonin, Miley was murdered in 2016.
10. Herbert Mullin: Mullin, a serial killer and mass murderer, died in prison in August 2022.
11. Gregory Powell: Powell kidnapped two police officers and killed one of them. He died of prostate cancer in 2012.
12. Geronimo Pratt: A military veteran wrongfully convicted of murder, Pratt was released in 1997 and died of a heart attack in 2011.
13. Hans Reiser: Reiser, a former computer programmer and entrepreneur, was convicted of killing his wife and later transferred to the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, California.
14. David Turpin: Turpin was convicted of kidnapping and torturing his own children. He was transferred to California State Prison, Corcoran. 15. Charles 'Tex' Watson: A member of the Manson family cult, Watson was later transferred to the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.

Rehabilitation Programs and Educational Opportunities at Mule Creek State Prison

Various Rehabilitation Programs Offered at MCSP

Mule Creek State Prison offers a wide range of rehabilitation programs designed to help inmates reintegrate into society upon their release. These programs include substance abuse treatment, anger management, vocational training, and life skills development.

Educational Opportunities for Inmates

MCSP also provides inmates with educational opportunities to help them acquire knowledge and skills that can improve their chances of finding employment upon release. These educational opportunities include GED preparation, adult basic education, college correspondence courses, and vocational training in various fields such as construction, automotive repair, and culinary arts.

Community Involvement and Outreach Programs

MCSP's Efforts to Engage with the Local Community

Mule Creek State Prison actively engages with the local community through various outreach programs and initiatives. These efforts aim to promote a better understanding of the prison's role in public safety and rehabilitation, as well as foster positive relationships between the institution and the community.

Volunteer Programs and Partnerships with Local Organizations

MCSP collaborates with local organizations and community members through volunteer programs that involve educational and rehabilitative services. These partnerships provide valuable resources and support for the prison's rehabilitation efforts while offering community members an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of the inmate population.