Purpose

The purpose of 103 CMR 483.00 is to establish rules and regulations governing visitation at state correctional institutions which reflect the importance of maintaining contact with family and the community, as well as the need for safety, security, and order in administering visitation. Massachusetts Department of Correction (Department or DOC) staff shall treat visitors with dignity and respect while maintaining proper safety, security, and order. The Department recognizes the importance of ongoing visitation between incarcerated and civilly committed individuals and their family members, especially children, to help promote successful community reentry of its incarcerated and civilly committed population. The Department welcomes and encourages families to visit on a regular basis. The Department shall make every effort to ensure that visits are conducted in a safe and respectful atmosphere. 103 CMR 483.00 is not intended to confer any private right of action or any procedural or substantive rights not otherwise granted by state or federal law.