News Media Access to Correctional Institutions

It is the Department’s policy to provide an information program that encourages interaction and contact with representatives of the news media. In an effort to provide the news media with opportunities to become better educated about correctional institutions and/or issues related to incarceration, the Commissioner may schedule planned “media days” at which time news media tours and information sessions shall be provided within designated correctional institutions. (1) Requests for visits by news media representatives shall not be unreasonably denied. As a general rule, subject to the superintendent’s recommendation and Commissioner’s approval, the legitimate requirements of maintaining security and order within a correctional institution, the protection of the privacy rights of inmates and employees, and the maintenance of other legitimate penological interests, news media representatives may be admitted to state correctional institutions for one of the following purposes: (a) To interview an inmate(s); (b) To interview an employee(s); (c) To take a scheduled tour; (d) To create a documentary; (e) To observe a program; (f) To take photographs or video recordings. (2) Prior to the director of public affairs scheduling the access of news media representatives with the facility superintendent, the director of communications and outreach shall obtain approval from the Commissioner. (3) A news media representative granted access to a state correctional institution, is subject to the visiting rules and regulations of that institution which include, but are not limited to the following: (a) The need for proper identification; (b) Adherence to the dress code as required in the 103 CMR 483:000: Visiting Policy; (c) Consent to routine search procedures; and (d) Consent to a criminal background check. News media representatives must provide their date of birth and driver’s license number for that purpose.