CDCR Most wanted Web Page

CDCR Unveils ‘California's Most Wanted' Feature Web Page

New Web Feature Highlights Parolees-at-Large to Enhance Apprehension Efforts

SACRAMENTO - Some of the state's most wanted parolees are now more visible than ever, thanks to a new tool being used by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to raise visibility by posting their pictures and other identifying information on the Internet.

In addition to the new web page, the recent passage of the budget signed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger enhances California's effort to bring non-compliant parolees into custody by increasing agents in CDCR's Fugitive Apprehension Team.  This highly trained team of agents uses contemporary investigative tools and specialized tactics to apprehend fugitive parolees.  The expansion and full development of these units as well as staff training is currently being formulated with full activation expected will in early 2010.

"With the full support of the Governor, California is doing everything possible to locate parolees who have absconded from their required supervision," said CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate. "Additional agents will assist us greatly in addition to this valuable new Internet tool that provides immediate 24-hour access to alert the public to help us locate these individuals."

The California's Most Wanted parolee page was created in conjunction with CDCR's Office of Correctional Safety (OCS), which represents nearly all major adult and juvenile law enforcement, investigative, security, and intelligence functions for the department.  The web site includes a photograph, physical description, birthplace and birth date, as well as how to contact CDCR's Fugitive Apprehension Team to report a wanted parolee. The department warns not to attempt to apprehend the individual on one's own. 

"This effort focuses on public safety," said Anthony Chaus, the Acting Assistant Secretary of OCS.  "These individuals have shown a blatant disregard for their parole terms and/or conditions, and therefore pose a real threat to society.  We are going to do all we can to bring them in, and we feel this tool will help us do that."

A partnership forged between the CDCR's Division of Adult Parole Operations and the OCS Fugitive Apprehension Team has resulted in thousands of arrests of offenders, including parolees-at-large, or parolees wanted for some major violations of their parole terms.  Many of CDCR's fugitive team members are also sworn United States Marshals, allowing them to make arrests anywhere in the nation.  The CDCR/U.S. Marshal relationship grew from working closely together on high profile cases.