Former CDCR Lieutenant Alex Duran shares his journey from county jail deputy to prison leadership, offering an unfiltered look at the realities of correctional work and the mental toll it takes on officers.
• Started career at Kern County Detention in 2012 during AB-109 implementation when state inmates flooded county facilities
• Transitioned to CDCR and witnessed Valley State Prison's conversion from a women's to men's facility
• Served on elite Crisis Response Teams that required intense physical testing and specialized training
• Promoted to sergeant at CTF Soledad and later worked at maximum-security Corcoran Prison
• Experienced the implementation of controversial non-designated yards that mixed traditional enemies
• Describes the unique challenges of working with mentally ill inmates in EOP programs
• Details the psychological impact of repeatedly witnessing violence and death in corrections
• Emphasizes the importance of command presence, communication skills, and physical fitness
• Explains why proper mentorship is critical for new officers and supervisors
• Advocates for better officer mental health support and creating stronger bonds among staff
If you want to connect with Alex, check out his TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram under Corrections Unlocked where he continues to share insights from his corrections career.
