Admission and Orientation
Effective May 18, 2009MGL c. 124, § 1(c), (d) and (q) MGL c. 127, § 1A MGL c. 127, § 1BMassachusetts Department of Correction
- (1) Written policy and procedure shall govern the admission and orientation of new inmates. Written policy and procedure shall require a system to identify all nonperishable canteen purchased items accrued throughout the inmate’s incarceration.
(2) Written procedure for admitting new inmates to a county correctional facility shall address, at a minimum, the following:
- (a) verification of court commitment papers or other legal documents, and a check for outstanding warrants;
- (b) complete search of the individual and his possessions;
- (c) disposition of clothing and personal possessions;
- (d) medical and mental health screening and health appraisal as required in 103 CMR 932.06;
- (e) telephone calls by inmates;
- (f) showers and hair care if necessary;
- (g) issue of clean clothing;
- (h) photographing or fingerprinting, including notation of identifying marks or unusual characteristics;
- (i) interview for obtaining identifying data;
- (j) screening interview by counselor or other trained interviewer;
- (k) orientation;
- (l) issue of personal hygiene items;
- (m) classification for assignment to a housing unit; and
- (n) assignment to a housing unit.
- (3) Inmates shall be separated from the general population during the admissions process.
- (4) Written policy and procedure shall ensure that all newly admitted inmates receive written or oral orientation information in a language in which the inmate is fluent, to include, but not be limited to: Rules and Regulations, Disciplinary Regulations, Health Services, Mail, Visiting, and Program Services. Completion of orientation shall be documented by a statement that is signed and dated by the inmate and staff person presenting the orientation.