1. (a) A public official, except as provided in (b) below, of another governmental department or agency who needs to interview staff or incarcerated persons or to conduct an inspection shall request permission of the institution head at least 24 hours before the date and time of their desired arrival, stating the purpose of the proposed visit. Upon their arrival, the official's access shall be subject to the following requirements:

   1. (1) The official shall be required to produce their picture identification and consent to a search.
   2. (2) The official shall be escorted by staff at all times within the facility's security area.
   3. (3) Any equipment required by the official shall be searched and under the control of staff while it is within the facility's security area.
2. (b) An elected state official's access may be denied only during an emergency with the approval of the Secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Access by the guests or staff of such officials may be denied when they have not been previously approved by the institution head.
3. (c) In cases of immediate need, and upon notification by the Secretary in writing, any prohibitions regarding access to incarcerated persons by public officials, their guests or staff may be suspended to assist in the interest of public understanding of departmental operations and responsibilities.

Note: Authority cited: Section 5058, Penal Code. Reference: Section 5054, Penal Code.

History

1. New section filed 11-5-92; operative 12-7-92 (Register 92, No. 45).

2. Amendment of subsection (b) and new subsection (c) filed 8-29-2008; operative 9-28-2008 (Register 2008, No. 35).

3. Change without regulatory effect amending subsections (a) and (c) filed 7-1-2024 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2024, No. 27).