The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation does not believe in transparency. When staff are assaulted within CDCR’s institutions, the Department does not wish the information to become public choosing instead to hide the too often occurrences. From time to time The Toughest Beat gets information regarding staff assaults which we desire to inform the public about.
On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Inmate Daniel Mendoza, 37, at Kern Valley State Prison attacked a correctional officer. Inmate Mendoza was being released from his cell when he punched an officer. The attack appeared to be unprovoked. Several applications of pepper spray and physical force was needed to subdue Mendoza. According to our source, the officers involved did not sustain serious injuries.
On the same day, at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility, Inmate Christian Smith, 26, battered a correctional officer. Inmate Smith was being non-compliant while several officers were attempting to secure the inmate in handcuffs while on the yard. During the struggle to place Smith in handcuffs, the inmate struck an officer in the shoulder area. According to our source, the officers involved did not sustain serious injuries.
Despite CDCR attempting to hide the criminal activities inmates engage in, we at The Toughest Beat wish to keep the public informed regarding the threats correctional professionals face every day.