Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad is among eight California prisons placing high-security housing units under restrictions following a reported rise in violence against prison staff and incarcerated people.
In a statement Friday, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said modified movement restrictions will take effect immediately and apply only to Level IV general population housing units.
The other affected institutions are California State Prison-Los Angeles County, California State Prison-Sacramento, California State Prison-Centinela, Calipatria State Prison, High Desert State Prison, Kern Valley State Prison and Pelican Bay State Prison.
CDCR officials emphasized that the modified program is not a lockdown. Incarcerated people will continue to have access to medical care, legal proceedings, and other essential appointments.
Meals will be delivered directly to housing units, while showers and other movement will take place under controlled conditions, prison officials said. Visitation is suspended, but access to tablets will remain available.
The restrictions are intended to maintain safety and security while protecting the well-being of prison staff and incarcerated people, the CDC