Application to Conduct Research

(1) The Sheriff/facility administrator shall in conformity with the parent agency's policy review and approve all facility research projects prior to implementation. (2) The Sheriff/facility administrator shall require, at a minimum, that the following information be provided in any application to conduct research in the facility: (a) the name, address, and telephone number of the principal researcher and of all research staff; (b) an endorsement by a recognized research organization, such as a university, private foundation, consulting firm or public agency certifying that the research is for valid scientific, educational, or other public purposes; (c) a summary of the goals of the study; (d) a description of the research design including procedures for data collection, procedures which will be followed to protect inmate privacy, details of any compensation to be paid to inmates; and (e) when a study requires access to criminal offender record information (CORI), the researcher shall apply for access to the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS) and shall provide the Sheriff/facility administrator with a copy of the DCJIS' letter of approval before being allowed to begin the research. (Refer to M.G.L. c. 6, § 173.)