Perf-Based Stds, Adult Corr. Inst. 5th ed March 2020

Part 7: Inmate Programs

Access to Publications

5-ACI-7D-04 (Ref. 4-4490)

Written policy and procedure govern inmate access to publications.

Comment : Policy and procedure should define which publications are allowed in the institution and how they will be inspected. Restriction as to access should be related directly to maintenance of institutional order and security.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure.

Process Indicators : Observation. Interview. Documentation of handling of inmate publications.

Inspection of Letters and Packages

5-ACI-7D-05 (Ref. 4-4491)

Written policy, procedure, and practice provide that inmate mail, both incom- ing and outgoing, may be opened and inspected for contraband. Mail is read, censored, or rejected based on legitimate institutional interests of order and security. Inmates are notified when incoming or outgoing letters are withheld in part or in full. Comment : Case law has defined legal limits on censorship of mail. Inmates should be permitted uncensored correspondence so long as the correspondence poses no threat to the safety and security of the institution, public officials, or the general pub- lic and is not being used to further illegal activities. When inmate mail is censored or rejected, the inmate or author should be notified of the reasons for the action and have an opportunity to appeal that decision; such appeals should be referred to offi- cials who did not participate in the original disapproval of the correspondence.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure.

Process Indicators : Forms. Mail logs and records. Documentation of justification for reading, censoring, or rejecting mail. Documentation that inmates are notified when mail is withheld. Inmate interviews. Observation.

234 Adult Correctional Institutions, Fifth Edition