BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) announced the resumption of normal operations and programming at 21 state institutions, including four in Kern County, following a successful contraband crackdown. Systematic searches conducted by correctional staff led to the discovery of a significant number of prohibited items, including manufactured weapons, cellular devices, and controlled substances.
Since June 12, 2025, correctional staff confiscated 193 improvised weapons, 420 cellular devices, 65 hypodermic needles, and 1,048 additional items, which included controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, escape paraphernalia, and other miscellaneous contraband.
The CDCR employs various practices to limit contraband, such as daily cell and bunk searches, K9 searches for controlled substances and cell phones, and searches of incoming mail. Cameras are also utilized at most institutions…