Impending DVI Closure Still Being Discussed

In accordance with the 2020-21 State Budget, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Correctional Health Care Services (CCHCS) are currently developing a plan to close two state prisons within the next three years. This initiative comes as a result of various reforms and other changes that have significantly reduced the state’s overall prison population.

As a result, the Deuel Vocational Institution (DVI) prison, which according to CDCR records has an annual operating cost of $182 million, is being targeted as an unnecessary expense. DVI is currently scheduled to close on September 30, 2021. The department plans to work with staff during the transition, with the possibility of relocating some personnel to other prisons, according to a CDCR statement.

While the department is still finalizing their timeline and larger closure plan, SEIU Local 1000 is monitoring the situation closely. During a difficult process such as this for numerous members and communities, ready access to accurate information is critical, so we have created a resource at www.seiu1000.org/deuel-vocational-institution-dvi-closure where DVI members can access a collection of FAQs focused on the processes surrounding Voluntary Transfers, State Restrictions of Appointments and other issues that this closure will trigger.

Should you have any further questions or concerns regarding the DVI closure, please reach out to us at DVIclosure@seiu1000.org