Furloughs

Written policy and procedure shall specify a system for reviewing applications for furlough for eligible inmates pursuant to M.G.L. c. 127, § 90A. In accordance with those provisions: (1) An inmate shall be limited to 14 days furlough in any one calendar year and not more than seven days furlough at any one time; (2) Furloughs or emergency escorted trips may be granted for any of the following purposes: (a) to attend a funeral of a relative; (b) to visit a critically ill relative; (c) to obtain medical, psychiatric, psychological or other social services when adequate services are not available at the facility and cannot be obtained by temporary placement in a hospital as provided in M.G.L. c. 127, §§ 117A and 118; (d) to contact prospective employers; (e) to secure a suitable residence for use upon release, parole or discharge; and (f) for any other reason consistent with the reintegration of a committed offender into the community. (3) The Sheriff/facility administrator may require that an inmate on furlough be escorted by an employee of the county correctional facility; (4) An inmate may not leave the Commonwealth on furlough; and, (5) The county correctional facility shall inform local law enforcement or the victim, if a citizen initiated petition is on file, of any furlough. Furlough procedures are not applicable to jail facilities. However, emergency escorted trips are applicable to both jail and houses of correction.