R251-305-3. Policy

It is the policy of the Department that: (1) Community Correctional Centers shall schedule days and times for visiting; (2) visits at other than established visiting hours may be approved by the Center Director/designee; (3) Community Correctional Centers shall have designated visiting areas; (4) visitors shall not be allowed in unauthorized areas; (5) offenders' visitors, except for non-emancipated minors, shall be approved sponsors; (6) non-emancipated minors shall be accompanied by a parent or guardian; (7) sponsor applicants may be subject to special conditions (i.e., visiting only, leave time only, etc.); (8) offenders shall be advised of visiting rules during orientation; (9) visitors will be advised of visiting rules during the sponsor application process; (10) visiting may be prohibited for offenders in security cells and as part of restrictions ordered by the Offender Discipline Hearing Officer; (11) visitors shall be required to sign a visitor log when entering and leaving the Center; (12) visitors may be required to present picture identification prior to visiting; (13) visitors are to be appropriately attired per staff discretion (i.e. modest attire, no gang-affiliated attire or accessories, etc.); (14) sexual contact between visitors and offenders (i.e., petting, prolonged kissing or bodily contact) is prohibited; (15) visitors shall not bring animals or pets into the Center with the exception of dogs trained to aid individuals with disabilities; (16) visitors shall visit with only one offender at a time unless approved by Center staff; (17) offenders and visitors shall not exhibit abusive, disruptive or other inappropriate behavior; (18) offenders and visitors shall not use loud or offensive language; (19) visitors suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be denied visiting and advised by staff to arrange alternate transportation if they are operating a vehicle; (20) if an intoxicated visitor refuses to seek alternate transportation or becomes belligerent, staff shall attempt to detain the individual and contact the local law enforcement for assistance; (21) visitors shall be responsible for their property and the Department shall not be liable for any loss or damage to visitors' property; (22) visitors may be subject to search of their person or property for reasonable cause; (23) visitors attempting to bring contraband on Center premises may have visiting privileges restricted, suspended or revoked; (24) Center staff may restrict, deny or cancel visiting privileges for the safety, security and orderly operation of the Center or program requirements; (25) offenders may be prohibited contact with individuals as determined by the court, Board of Pardons and Parole, or Center program requirements; and (26) an appeal process shall be available to challenge denial or restriction of visiting privileges.