1.1 Inter/intra-institutional inmate letter system, as described in section 916.02 of this Order.

1.2 Inmate Grievance System. (See Department Order #802, Inmate Grievance System.)

1.3 Ad Hoc inmate information committee.

1.4 Inmate newsletters and publications.

1.5 Authorized inmate clubs, or other authorized groups.

1.6 Informal staff/inmate contacts.

1.7 Individual and/or group counseling sessions.

1.8 Other methods of communication approved by the Director, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Regional Operations Directors Warden, Deputy Warden or Administrator.

1.1 An inmate found in violation of this restriction shall be subject to disciplinary action.

1.2 The tape recorder and recording tape shall be confiscated and permanently removed from the inmate's possession.

1.1.1 The Inmate Letter shall be used for all staff/inmate correspondence other than grievances and disciplinary appeals. (See Department Order #802, Inmate Grievance System, and Department Order #803, Inmate Discipline System.)

1.1.2 No other written forms shall be accepted in place of the Inmate Letter.

1.1.3 The Inmate Letter may be obtained from the inmate's counselor or other staff member designated by the Warden, Deputy Warden or Administrator.

1.2 Each Inmate Letter shall be limited to one issue, and written contents shall be limited to the space provided on the form. No attachments shall be accepted.

1.2.1 Non-compliance may result in the Inmate Letter being returned to the inmate. Inmates may provide additional information pertaining to the issue when requested by staff.

1.3 Inmate Letters shall be mailed, via the Department's internal mail system, either sealed or unsealed. They shall be addressed to the appropriate staff member.

1.4 The receiving staff member shall review the Inmate Letter and shall respond to the inmate using an Inmate Letter Response, Form 70501168-B. The Inmate Letter response shall be completed and forwarded to the inmate within 20 working days from receipt of the Inmate Letter, except as described in 1.4.1 below.

1.4.1 If staff determines that the issue addressed in the Inmate Letter is an emergency the response shall be made within 24 hours from receipt of the Inmate Letter.(An emergency exists when normal processing time frames could result in serious physical or psychological harm to the inmate or pose a threat to the safe and secure operation of the institution)

1.4.2 When the receiving staff member determines that an alternative communication method (such as grievance or disciplinary appeal) is more appropriate, the staff member shall provide an explanation with the Inmate Letter and return both to the inmate.

1.5 No staff member shall intercept, stop, destroy, delay or otherwise attempt to interfere with staff/inmate correspondence.

1.6 The Inmate Letter shall not be used for any action for which there is an alternative method, such as grievances and disciplinary appeals.

1.7 Staff may consult with the Department's Attorney General Liaison concerning legal issues raised in an Inmate Letter.

FORMS LIST

70501168-A, Inmate Letter

70501168-B, Inmate Letter Response