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

Part 7: Inmate Programs

5-ACI-7D-09 (Ref. 4-4495)

Written policy, procedure, and practice require that, excluding weekends and holidays, or emergency situations, incoming and outgoing letters are held for no more than 48 hours and packages (if allowed) are held no more than 72 hours. Comment : Inspection for contraband letters should take no longer than 48 hours to complete, so that incoming letters should be distributed to inmates and outgoing letters sent to the post office within 48 hours of receipt. Similarly, inspection of packages normally should take no longer than 72 hours to complete. The standard does not prohibit the holding of mail for inmates who are temporarily absent from the facility (for example, in a hospital or court).

Protocols : Written policy and procedure.

Process Indicators : Mail records and logs.

Forwarding of Mail

5-ACI-7D-10 (Ref. 4-4496)

Written policy, procedure, and practice provide for forwarding first-class let- ters and packages after an inmate’s transfer or release.

Comment : All first-class letters and packages should be forwarded provided a for- warding address is available. If an address is not available, such letters and packag- es should be returned to the sender. Postal Service policy and procedure should be made available to inmates.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure.

Process Indicators : Documentation of forwarded mail. Mail logs.

Telephone

5-ACI-7D-11 (Ref. 4-4497)

Written policy, procedure, and practice provide for inmate access to public telephones.

Comment : Inmates should not be denied access to visits with persons of their choice except when the warden/superintendent or designee can present clear and convincing evidence that such visitation jeopardizes the safety and security of the institution or the visitors.

Protocols : Written policy and procedure. Facility plans/specifications.

Process Indicators : Observation. Inmate interviews. Documentation of inmate ac- cess to telephones.

236 Adult Correctional Institutions, Fifth Edition