This past weekend, one of our fellow Correctional Supervising Cooks at the California Institution for Men was attacked by an incarcerated individual. First and foremost, our thoughts are with our colleague and their family. This incident is a sobering reminder of the environment we work in every day—an environment that can turn dangerous in an instant.
As CSCs, we are not just cooks—we are peace makers, mentors, and frontline staff in California’s correctional system. We work in kitchens, yards, and facilities where vigilance is not optional—it’s essential. This recent attack underscores the importance of working in numbers, following safety protocols, and always watching out for one another.
Buddy Up. Communicate. Stay Visible.
Let your partners know where you are and what you’re doing. If you’re stepping away from your post, make sure someone knows. If you’re entering a confined space or working alone, check in and check out. These simple steps can make all the difference in an emergency.
Use the Safety Language in Our Contract
Our contract isn’t just paperwork—it’s protection. Article 10.33.15 establishes an extra seat for Bargaining Unit 15 employees to participate in monthly Health and Safety Committee meetings at your institution. Use it. Speak up. Be heard.
Article 10.9.15 ensures that employees receive the safety equipment required to do their jobs. And under Section C, you have the right to request additional safety equipment if you believe it will enhance your safety. Don’t hesitate to ask. Your safety is worth it.
Human Life Is Not Replaceable
We’re not saying this incident could have been prevented—but we are saying it’s time to remind the State how valuable our lives are. We are not expendable. We are professionals, and we deserve to come home safely every day. That must be the priority.
So tonight, when you get home, hug your loved ones a little tighter. Let them know you’re okay. And tomorrow, when you return to work, make safety your first priority. Watch out for each other. Speak up. Stand together.
If you’d like to send your love and support to the CSC who was attacked, please send your messages to [email protected]. We’ll make sure they receive every word of encouragement.
Stay safe. Stay strong. Stay united.
In solidarity,
Eric Murray
Chair, Bargaining Unit 15
I’m a CSC’s at Calipatria State Prison, Level 4, I want to raise a serious concern. The only equipment we are issued is a personal alarm. We are not provided with protective vests—unlike the nurses and correctional officers, who all wear them.
Additionally, we are not given hand-held radios, which are essential for real-time communication. There are times when CSCs and COs are in different areas, and without a radio, we have no way of knowing when a Code #1 or other incident is happening in the yard. This puts our safety—and the safety of others—at risk.
Every site should ensure CSCs are equipped with both vests and radios. Our safety matters too.
#CorrectionsSafety #CalipatriaPrison #CSCSafety #ProtectAllStaff #Level4Facility
My prayers go out to the individual in question and I hope that all is well, as he recovers. We need more protection. It’s vital that we continue to raise the points of having safety measures in place at all of our departments throughout state jobs. We all deserve to go home back to our families.
Or maybe we can be trained with combat skills for more pay.