Consideration of Other Research Related Requests

The Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Research or designee reserves the right to determine whether some research related requests are such that the request may be granted with the submittal of a less extensive application than required by 103 CMR 180.06. Such research requests posed to the Department may include, but are not restricted to: (a) existing longitudinal studies whereby the researchers need to establish that participants of their original study currently reside at the Department. Researchers shall request permission to conduct research involving an inmate, whether it is to interview the inmate(s), have the inmate(s) complete a questionnaire, or some other means of participation in a research study. However, in such cases, researchers are required to submit at a minimum the information required by 103 CMR 180.06. The Executive Director of Strategic Planning and Research or designee may request additional information related to the study and grant permission for inmates to participate along with approval from the Superintendent at the institution where each identified inmate resides; (b) surveys sent to Department staff, a copy of which should be provided to the Research and Planning Division; (c) requests for information that involve research staff or other Department staff to ascertain data not already in the public domain. (d) requests to interview or otherwise study five or fewer inmates. Approval from the Superintendent(s) at the institution where each identified inmate is housed is required. (e) requests to interview or otherwise study five or fewer employees of the Department. Approval from the Superintendent(s) or Division Head(s) where the employees work is required.