What is the primary purpose of inmate discipline within the CDCR?

The primary purpose of inmate discipline within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is to promote socially desirable changes in attitude and behavior. This approach recognizes that discipline is not simply about punishment; rather, it focuses on rehabilitation and the transformation of inmates into better citizens.

By encouraging positive behavioral changes, the disciplinary system aims to help inmates understand the consequences of their actions and foster an environment that supports their development. This can lead to improved conduct not only while incarcerated but also after their release, ultimately contributing to public safety and decreasing recidivism rates.

While punishment may be a component of the disciplinary process, it is secondary to the overarching goal of helping inmates learn from their mistakes and develop skills and mindsets that will aid them in reintegrating into society successfully. Other potential goals, such as reducing the inmate population or simply preparing inmates for release, do not encompass the holistic and rehabilitative focus that is central to the discipline framework within the CDCR. Thus, promoting beneficial changes in attitude and behavior stands as the most significant aim of inmate discipline.