Community Release Programs

The county correctional facility shall provide a program of release preparation which may include temporary release programs for all eligible inmates to prepare them for parole or discharge from the facility. The program shall contain the following: (1) Written policy and procedure shall provide for escorted and unescorted leaves into the community for eligible inmates; (2) Any temporary release programs established in accordance with statute, containing the following elements: (a) written operational procedures; (b) established eligibility and suitability criteria; (c) careful screening and selection procedures; (d) written rules of inmate conduct and a community release agreement signed by the inmate, agreeing to abide by the written rules of conduct; (e) a system of supervision; (f) a complete record-keeping system; (g) a system for evaluation of program effectiveness; (h) efforts to obtain community cooperation and support; and, (i) if applicable, a system to provide 14 days advance notice by telephone and mail to persons certified under the citizens initiated petition process; such notice shall include a description of the program activity release, i.e., the date, approximate time and duration, general location and a description of the level of supervision being provided; in the event of an emergency furlough, immediate notification of the victim shall be provided; the notification actions shall be documented, and entered into the Criminal History Systems Board database (victim certification notification program). This requirement is not applicable in jail facilities.