Victor Valley Times

Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) and Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) have called on the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to reinstate the Main Entrance Officer post at California State Prison, Los Angeles County (CSP-LAC) in Lancaster. The position was cut due to budgetary restrictions.

“No one is immune to the state's budget challenges, but that’s no justification for cutting such a critical position,” said Senator Wilk. “Without proper oversight of the prison’s entrance, the people of Lancaster and surrounding communities are exposed to unnecessary risk. Their safety is paramount. I strongly urge CDCR to reverse its decision.”

“This latest disregard for our community is an affront to our sense of safety,” said Assemblyman Lackey. “Residents of the Antelope Valley deserve to feel safe in our neighborhoods. It is imperative that CDCR reverse its decision and protect our homes and families.”

CSP-LAC, located at 44750 60th Street West, Lancaster, is the first and only California State Prison in Los Angeles County. The facility houses minimum and maximum security male inmates. The armed Main Entrance Officer acts as the first and last line of defense, safeguarding the prison grounds from unauthorized entry and potential inmate escapes every day from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm.

In their letter, Senator Wilk and Assemblyman Lackey noted oversight issues have already arisen:

“It has also come to our attention that the Main Entrance Officer night shift has already been eliminated, and as a result, a parolee was recently discovered wandering the parking lot after gaining unauthorized access to the prison. This is deeply concerning and serves as a warning of what could happen if the post is completely eliminated.

[CDCR] has a fundamental responsibility to protect law-abiding Californians from the individuals housed in its facilities. The safety of the citizens of Lancaster and the rest of the Antelope Valley must remain a top priority.

This position is too critical to sacrifice. We strongly urge CDCR to reverse its decision and reinstate the Main Entrance Officer post, to ensure the continued safety and security of CSP-LAC and surrounding communities.”

Click HERE to read the full letter.