I'm originally from the Northeast and have been in Cali since 2005. Actually, 5yrs since 2005 have been spent outside of Cali but that doesn't have much to do with this post.
There's a big difference in who carries keys in the jails and prisons here in Cali and the CO's back East. We don't have CO's in Cali. We've got deputies who split time turning keys and patrolling the streets. You can be apprehended and arrested by a cop in May and then see him in a few months tossing the cells on your tier. This makes a huge difference in every situation I can think of involving inmates and their jailers.
I've never encountered a more ruthless group/gang than that of the CDCR. I've witnessed savagery in the system here in Cali that is unheard of where I grew up. Back East I remember CO's being arrested for all kinds of things and it wasn't at all uncommon. Its a big deal when it happens out here in Cali. They cover for each other out here. I know a CO in PA who is doing a 3 month sentence. He is losing his job over the situation. He's fine doing his little bid. It's a much different story when a cop out here in Cali is sentenced to do time.