California prison guard stabbed by inmate in Chino

CHINO, California. – A California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) official speaks out about growing safety concerns following a brutal attack by inmate Kevin Gerald Roby.

Roby, a violent offender with a history of heinous crimes, stabbed a correctional officer at the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino in the head with a homemade weapon.

“I fear for the safety of my partners and I fear for my safety,” said the employee, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Roby's violent past is well documented. He was convicted of the rape and murder of his sister.

While incarcerated, he continued his violent behavior and even murdered his cellmate at Pelican Bay State Prison in what was described as a satanic ritual. The cellmate was Lloyd Avery II, an actor known for his role in Boys from the area.

“Normally, such an inmate would not be in a level two yard and would not have access to the yard to which he has access,” the staff member explained, pointing to systemic changes within CDCR that have allowed this dangerous situation to occur.

CDCR officials say this is due to new changes in California's prison system. In particular, the California model is a gentler rehabilitation model that gives inmates more freedom. Sources within the department claim that senior management is downplaying the increasing number of attacks on employees in order to protect the model.

“What is disturbing is the language and propaganda being put out by the department to not inform the public and even their own department… to downplay what actually happened and to not talk about it openly,” the employee added.

These allegations indicate a growing divide between rank-and-file staff and management and raise serious concerns about safety in California's prison system.

The ministry issued the following statement denying the allegations:

“The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation takes all security incidents seriously. The California model has not changed the way security classifications are determined. The security level is based on several factors, including the crime committed, whether force was used during the crime, and conduct while incarcerated. Read this detailed Explanation the security level on the CDCR website.

Accommodation of prisoners (security level)

Except as otherwise provided in Section 3375.2, each incarcerated person shall be assigned to a facility with a security level that corresponds to the following placement evaluation ranges:

(1) An inmate with a placement score between 0 and 18 shall be placed in a Level I facility.

(2) An inmate with a placement score between 19 and 35 shall be placed in a Level II facility.

(3) An inmate with a placement score between 36 and 59 shall be placed in a Level III facility.

(4) An inmate with a placement score of 60 or more shall be placed in a Level IV facility.

Placement points are determined by a thorough review of an incarcerated person's case factors including: age, crime committed and whether violence was used, previous incarcerations, gang affiliation, etc. Each year, an annual review is conducted by a counselor to determine if an incarcerated person meets the criteria for a reduction in their placement point. An incarcerated person has the opportunity to have their score reduced if they have participated in programs and have not received any disciplinary action. In contrast, an incarcerated person's score and subsequent housing situation may be increased due to disciplinary action.

What is meant by security levels?

Level I – Facilities and camps consist primarily of open dormitories with low security areas.

Level II – Facilities consist primarily of open dormitories with a secure area, which may include armed security.

Level III – Facilities primarily have a security perimeter with armed guard and housing units with cells adjacent to the perimeter walls.

Level IV – Facilities have a secure perimeter with armed internal and external surveillance and housing units or cell blocks with cells not adjacent to external walls.

After reviewing the case factors and making a recommendation for a specific facility, the Classification Staff Representative (CSR) must approve the facility “admission.” This process may take an additional 45-60 days. The inmate must then wait for a bus seat and an available bed at the recommended facility.

All this information can be found in the California Code of Regulations, Title 15 – Crime Prevention and Corrections.”