Montgomery County, PA

P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Courthouse Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:15p.m.
Phone: 610-278-3000
Website: www.montcopa.org

Office Hours

610-630-9390
Monday through Friday
8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

Work Release/Work Program Office hours

9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Medical/Mental Health Hotline

610-630-9390 Menu Option 2

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Public Transportation

General

MONTGOMERY COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

60 EAGLEVILLE ROAD

NORRISTOWN, PA 19403-1400

PHONE- (610) 630-9390

INMATE GUIDELINES

BOARD OF INSPECTORS

PRESIDENT

David Dubner

VICE PRESIDENT

Nancy T. McFarland

MEMBERS

Jude C. Pierce

Jeffrey R. Delp

Wendy Demchick-Alloy

Donald J. Gracia

ADMINISTRATION

WARDEN

Julio M. Algarin

Assistant Warden/Custody/Operations

James A. Frey

Assistant Warden Administration

Dennis J. Molyneaux

Deputy Warden Work Release/Out Programs

Anthony Bucci

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BOARD OF INSPECTORS/ADMINISTRATION 1

Table of Contents 2

General Information and Policy Statement 4

Processing 4

Bail Procedures 6

Telephone Privileges 6

Meal Procedures 8

Visiting 9

Prison Contraband, Controlled Substances 11

Mail Privileges 12

Public Defenders, Private Attorneys, Probation and Parole Officers.......................................................... 14

Commissary 15

Inmate Accounts 17

Medical, Dental, and Psychiatric Services 17

Inmate Medical Financial Responsibility Program-PAY FOR MEDICAL......................................................... 18

Articles from Outside the Facility 19

Radios and Televisions 20

Recreational Library 20

information Inserts

Law Library 21

Law Library for Special Housing Units 21

Religious Services, Chaplain and Religious Counseling 22

Recreation 23

Personal Cleanliness 23

Cleaning of Gymnasium 23

Request Slips 24

Complaints/Requests & Grievances 24

Discharges, Hearings, Writs of Absence from Cells 25

Notary Services 25

Montgomery County Correctional Facility Task 25

Good Conduct Deductions: “GOOD TIME” 25

Conduct 26

Rules 26

Inmates May Not Posses Contraband 27

Inmates May Not Incite Disorder 27

Regulations 27

Disciplinary Violations 29

Payment of Restitution Ordered 30

Disciplinary Procedures 30

Voluntarily Waive Disciplinary Hearing 31

Social Services 32

Education 32

Work Release/Farm 32

Alcoholics Anonymous 33

Narcotics Anonymous 33

Sexual Offender’s Treatment Program 33

Montgomery County Correctional Facility Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program... 33

Earned Early Release Program (E.E.R.P.) 33

Victim Awareness Program 34

Girl Scouting Beyond Bars Program 34

Parenting Program 34

Pre-Release Program 35

Veteran’s Administration Drug and Alcohol Program 35

Pennsylvania Prison Society 35

Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole 35

Pennsylvania Law 36

ACT 84 of 1998 (Mandatory Pennsylvania State Law) Restitution, Reparation

Fees, Costs, Fines, and Penalties 36

Inmates Serving Weekend Sentences 37

Emergency Evacuations 38

Release of Excess Personal Property 38

General Knowledge for Basics of Personal Hygiene 39

INMATE GUIDELINES

MONTGOMERY COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - MEMORANDUM

TO: All Inmates

RE: Inmate Disturbances

FROM: Julio M. Algarin, Warden

In the event of an inmate disturbance, the Correctional Staff of this Facility will issue direct orders to all inmates as to the proper procedures to be followed in regard to

the specific emergency situation.

Failure on anyone’s part to comply with these direct orders will leave this administration no alternative but to consider you as an active participant of the disturbance and consequently will be treated accordingly.

Section 1. Rules and Regulations

A. The rules, regulations, and information stated below will explain what is expected of you and what may be done for you while you are detained at this Correctional Facility. These Rules and Regulations may not cover all situations that may arise, but rather serve as a basic guide for inmate and staff safety, decent living conditions and fair treatment to all concerned. If you do not understand these Rules and Regulations, request to speak with a Social Service Counselor assigned to your area or any Correctional Staff to explain them to you.

B. A copy of all the Rules and Regulations of the Montgomery County Correctional Facility will be given to each inmate upon admission during the week by a Social Service Counselor upon initial contact. These Rules and Regulations are subject to change without prior notice. All changes of the Rules and Regulations will be posted on the bulletin board in each Housing Section.

Section 2. Management

A. This Correctional Facility is managed by the Warden and his staff.

B. No inmate has the right to exercise supervision or control in any manner over another inmate.

Section 3. Processing

A. Immediately upon entering the Facility, the inmate will be searched.

B. Upon admission all personal property removed from the prisoner shall be listed and described in detail, item by item in the presence of the prisoner. The Admission Officer and the prisoner shall both check the listing together and each sign a duplicate receipt form. One copy of the receipt shall be given to the prisoner and the original filed in the property records.

C. All of the personal property of the prisoner shall be stored in a safe place until the prisoner is released or until he or she releases their property to persons designated in writing by them. Personal Property released to persons designated by the prisoner shall be transferred only when the person is present.

D. Prisoners shall be permitted to mail, at their own expense, items of their personal property to designated persons by submitting a Request Slip to their Social Service Counselor.

E. Two questionnaires will be completed giving the authorities pertinent information regarding your medical and personal history and then you will be showered.

F. Using information gathered, a representative of the Classification Committee will temporarily classify the inmate for custody purposes.

G. Within a reasonable period of time, a Social Service Counselor will interview the inmate, gather all pertinent information and then classify the individual for custody and treatment purposes.

H. All classification decisions will be reviewed by the Classification Committee within a reasonable period of time on working days only.

I. If an inmate disagrees with their classification, they may request a classification hearing by submitting a request slip to the Classification Committee, in care of the Major.

J. Information will be gathered, fingerprints secured, and a photograph taken.

K. If your photo identification card has to be replaced for any reason there will be a $10.00 fee charged to your account.

L. Allowable items for inmates shall be itemized on a property record and may include any of the following:

Legal documents/papers

Prescription glasses

Small (non-spiral) address book

or list of addresses

Medical Alert Tags

Combs (no picks)

Family pictures (not to exceed 10)

Dentures

Wedding Band

Three books and or magazines

10 letters and/or cards

Religious medal (no larger than a fifty cent piece

One bible or one Koran

Underclothing (as limited) (See Section 11. Commissary

and Section 15. Articles From Outside the Facility)

Religious materials and medals (Refer to Section 20.)

Religious service, Chaplain and Religious Counseling.

M. Upon completion of the booking process, each inmate will be issued the following articles:

Prescribed uniform Admission Kit

Sheet Towel

Blanket Laundry Bag

Sneakers (only issued to Mattress (In Section)

inmates wearing footwear

not permitted in institution)

1. All issued items must be returned upon discharge from this facility or you will be charged the cost of the item and/or your discharge date will be delayed.

N. After being completely processed, the inmate is entitled to a phone call.

O. The inmate will then be seen by the Medical Department within a reasonable amount of time and a screening and physical will be done.

P. All new admissions shall be temporarily housed in designated “intake” sections (classification permitting) of the Facility for a period not less than fourteen (14) days, whereas the following shall be conducted:

(1) Initial contact with Social Service Department

(2) Visiting list compiled

(3) Classification Committee Review

(4) Public Defender Application and/or contact completed

(5) Bail review

(6) Housing Assignment

Q. Visits will not be granted until at least forty-eight hours after an individual is committed to the institution.

Section 4. Bail Procedures

A. All inmates upon commitment to Montgomery County Correctional Facility will be asked whether they desire a bail bondsman providing there is a bail set on their commitment.

B. A list of bondsman will be supplied by the Social Service Department at the inmate’s request.

C. Inmates who have a status of being held for trial and are unable to post bail,

may have their name placed on a list to be seen by the Bail Director in an attempt to have their bail lowered.

D. Inmates are also encouraged to seek outside help in arranging for their release.

Section 5. Telephone Privileges

A. Telephones for inmate use are located within each housing section and certain work areas.

B. Permission to make a telephone call must be obtained from the Officer in charge of your housing section. Time periods are scheduled for telephone use. Only “collect calls” will be permitted.

C. All telephone calls after the first call are a privilege. Institutional Staff may restrict your use of the telephone.

D. Abuse , damage, or tampering of telephones will result in loss of telephone privilege and will be brought to the attention of the Disciplinary Hearing Board.

E. Inmates are not permitted to call any County Officials.

F. In the event of an emergency situation and maximum security level is ordered, all telephones shall be turned off and no inmate will be permitted to use the telephones.

G. INMATES MAY NOT RECEIVE INCOMING TELEPHONE CALLS OR MESSAGES, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY THE WARDEN, DEPUTY WARDEN, ASSISTANT WARDENS, MAJOR, CAPTAIN OR DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES. STAFF IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM PROVIDING MESSAGES TO INMATES WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORIZATION.

Section 5a. Telephone Use and Instructions:

(1) You must complete a Telephone System Form upon your transfer to General Population housing section.

(2) You will be notified by your assigned Caseworker/Counselor of your specific PIN number required for telephone use.

(3) You will be permitted to list a maximum of ten (10) names and telephone numbers. Please include correct area code and telephone number. Please write clearly.

(4) Submit your completed form into the request slip box located in your assigned housing section and permit at least forty-eight (48) hours for activation. Until your telephone numbers have been verified and placed into the system, telephone calls cannot be processed.

(5) It is recommended that before your transfer to General Population

housing assignment, that you notify your friends and relations that it may take 48 hours before you may be able to contact them again.

(6) Telephone Usage Procedures:

(A) REMOVE HANDSET AND LISTEN FOR DIAL TONE

(B) ENTER YOUR PIN NUMBER THEN DIAL 0, THE AREA

CODE AND THE NUMBER YOU WISH TO CALL.

ON YOUR APPROVED TELEPHONE LIST, THE CALL

WILL BE COMPLETED.

(D) IF THE NUMBER DIALED IS NOT ALLOWED, YOU WILL HEAR A MESSAGE THAT SAYS “YOUR CALL CANNOT BE COMPLETED AS DIALED.”

(E) THE CALLING PARTY WILL NOW HEAR THE NORMAL “RINGING” OF THE CALLED PARTY’S TELEPHONE.

(F) WHEN THE CALLED PARTY ANSWERS THE TELEPHONE, THEY WILL HEAR THE MESSAGE “BELL ATLANTIC (OR AT&T) HAS A COLLECT CALL FROM INMATE JOHN DOE AT THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY. TO REFUSE THIS CALL HANGUP. IF THE PARTY ACCEPTS, THEY CANNOT USE CALL WAITING OR THREE-WAY CALLING FEATURES OR YOU WILL BE DISCONNECTED. AN ADDITIONAL MESSAGE WILL NOTIFY BOTH YOU AND THE PARTY BEING CALLED THAT ALL CALLS WILL BE RECORDED AND MAY BE MONITORED, EXCEPT FOR IDENTIFIED ATTORNEY TELEPHONE CALLS. IF THE PARTY CALLED ACCEPTS THIS CALL THEY WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO DIAL “1" NOW.

(G) THE CALLED PARTY MAY ACCEPT THE CALL WITH

EITHER A TOUCH TONE OR ROTARY TELEPHONE.

WHEN THE CALL IS ACCEPTED THE CALLED

PARTY WILL HEAR THE MESSAGE “THANK YOU.

(H) EITHER PARTY MAY END THE CALL BY HANGING UP.

(I) IF THE CALLED PARTY ATTEMPTS A THREE-WAY

CALL, AT ANY TIME, THE TELEPHONE CONTROLLER

WILL TERMINATE THE CALL . IF THE CALLED PARTY ATTEMPTS TO RETRIEVE A CALL USING A CALL WAITING, THE CALL WILL TERMINATE.

(J) ACCESS TO VARIOUS NUMBERS INCLUDING THE

OPERATOR, 800, 900, 978, 411, 611, 911 AND 555-1212 ARE BLOCKED FROM THE TELEPHONES.

(K) THINGS THAT MAY DISCONNECT YOUR TELEPHONE

CALL INCLUDE:

OTHER PARTY ACCEPTS A CALL WAITING TONE

OTHER PARTY TRYING TO MAKE A THREE-WAY CALL

PLAYING WITH THE BUTTONS, SWITCH HOOK OR

RECEIVER DURING YOUR CALL

ANSWERING MACHINES

ALL 800 OR 900 NUMBERS

ANY NUMBER THAT DOES NOT ALLOW COLLECT

CALLS

(L) YOU MUST INCLUDE YOUR ATTORNEY/PUBLIC

DEFENDER AS ONE OF THE TEN PERMITTED TELEPHONE NUMBER. YOU MUST CLEARLY IDENTIFY THAT NUMBER AS BEING YOUR ATTORNEY/PUBLIC

DEFENDER. ATTORNEY/PUBLIC DEFENDER TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS WILL NOT BE RECORDED OR MONITORED. ALL ATTORNEY/PUBLIC DEFENDER TELEPHONE NUMBERS LISTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THIS FACILITY.

(M) IF YOU COMPLETELY FILL OUT YOUR LIST AND USE

ALL TEN ALLOWED NUMBERS, YOU CANNOT MAKE

ANY CHANGES FOR A PERIOD OF THIRTY (30) DAYS.

(N) IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO USE ALL TEN ALLOWED

TELEPHONE NUMBERS, YOU MAY MAKE CHANGES

AT ANY TIME UNTIL ALL YOUR ALLOWED TEN

NUMBERS ARE USED (LIST IS FULL).

(O) WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM OR WISH TO

CHANGE/DELETE OR ADD A NUMBER, YOU MUST USE

THE “TELEPHONE SYSTEM DISCREPANCY FORM.”

THIS FORM CAN BE OBTAINED FROM CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS, SUPERVISORS, AND/OR CASEWORKER/COUNSELORS.

Section 5b. Telephone Sessions:

(1) All telephone calls will terminate in thirty (30) minutes.

(2) You can choose to make one telephone call up to 30 minutes in length or several calls totaling 30 minutes (example: three calls each 10 minutes in duration - 30 minutes).

(3) Two announcements advising you that the call will be terminated is automatic. One is announced two minutes before the end of your call. The second announcement is thirty seconds before the end of your allowed 30 minutes session.

(4) You are permitted to make a total of two (2) hours of telephone calls per day. Four sessions are scheduled providing you, upon telephone availability, with 30 minutes during each session.

(5) Telephone hours are posted in your housing section.

Section 6. Meal Procedures

A. One tray shall be served to each inmate in their assigned Housing Pod.

B. Each tray shall consist of one portion of each food listed in the daily menu.

C. Special diets shall be the only variation from the daily menu and this shall only be authorized by the Medical Department.

D. All trash, and cups will remain on the tray and tray lids shall be placed back on the trays when the meal is completed.

E. No food or trash from meal trays shall be thrown in the Pod trash cans.

F. Inmates who eat at tables may leave as meals are completed.

G. The assigned task worker shall collect and stack all trays and wipe off the tables.

H. It is the sole responsibility of the inmate to be awake when meals are served.

Section 7. Visiting

A. Visits will not be granted until at least forty-eight hours after an individual is committed to the institution. Upon admission to MCCF, inmates may provide a list of possible visitors by submitting a Visiting List to the Social Service Counselor. The forms are available in the housing area. Each inmate is permitted to have eight (8) individuals placed on their list. All visitors placed on the visiting list are subject to approval by the Warden or his designee. The Warden or his designee may remove the name of any visitor from your list with cause.

B. If you place a minor (under the age of 18) on your visiting list, you must meet with your counselor before approval can be granted for them to visit. The facility, at the inmate’s expense, will notify the parent or guardian of the minor child, (including a child of the inmate), in writing of the inmate’s charges and that he/she is requesting they be placed on the list. The child’s parent (not the inmate) and/or legal guardian must indicate back in writing, that he/she approves or objects to the minor visiting. We must also receive a birth certificate and/or custody order etc., proving parental relationship and/or guardianship. If the parent or legal guardian objects, and or no response is received, the request will be denied. The response must be delivered to the institution through the mail.

C. If the inmate is the child’s parent, in addition to the requirements in B, the inmate must designate who will accompany the minor and a notice will be sent to that party. They will be placed on the visiting list along with the minor and must be approved. In other circumstances, if a minor child is approved and comes to visit, a parent/legal guardian, County Children and Youth agency staff must accompany them, or an adult approved by the parent/legal guardian. The parent or legal guardian must also be approved by the facility and must be in the visiting list. Persons under 18 years old may not be left unattended in the visiting room, the waiting room, or in vehicles.

D. Any inmate who has been convicted of a sexual offense against a minor is prohibited from having a contact visit with any minor child.

E. The following individuals are prohibited from visiting:

1) Any employee of Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

2) Any former employee of Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

3) Any current active volunteer of Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

4) Any victim of the inmate.

5) Anyone who has a Protection from Abuse Order filed against an inmate.

6) Any former or current contractor who has toured and or done work at the facility.

7) Any former inmate of Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Any person who is currently on parole or probation from any jurisdiction.

F. Special permission, however, may be granted for ex-inmates who have been discharged for no less than one year to visit occasionally by submitting a Request Slip for prior approval to Deputy Warden/Custody/Operations or his designee.

G. Visiting days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday as scheduled for your specific Housing Section.

H. Visiting hours will be posted on the bulletin board of your assigned Housing Section.

I. All visits are contact visits except for Maximum Security, Medium Maximum Security, Pre-Hearing Segregation, Disciplinary Segregation, Administrative Segregation and Intake Classifications who shall have secured visits.

J. Visits for inmates housed in Medical Sections shall be scheduled and approved by the Medical Department Supervisor.

K. Any name approved and placed on your Visiting List must remain on the list for one month.

L. If you request to review your visiting list, you must submit “Visiting List Changes” request form to the Social Service Counselor assigned to your area. Request to review your visiting list is limited to one (1) every thirty (30) days.

M. No name can be removed from the visiting list until one month has elapsed from date it was approved and placed on list.

N. Changes and additions to the visiting list will be on Fridays only.

O. Requests for changes or additions must be submitted before 3:30 P.M. on Thursdays to your assigned housing Social Service Counselor.

P. If a particular Friday is a legal holiday, the changes will be submitted by Wednesdays at 3:30 P.M. and done on Thursday.

Q. Only those individuals whose names have been approved and placed on the visiting list are permitted to visit.

R. Visiting sessions are no longer than sixty (60) minutes.

(1) Upon entering Contact Visiting Area, inmate and visitor are permitted to kiss, or embrace only during the initial contact and upon termination of visit. During the visit, the inmate and visitor shall sit in separate seats. Hands must remain on the table at all times.

(2) Visitors shall be responsible for accompanying children. Unruly or uncontrolled children shall cause visit to be immediately terminated.

(3) All visitors must remain in Visiting Room during visit. If necessary to leave Visiting Room for any reason, visit shall be terminated.

(4) An inmate is permitted to have no more than four (4) visitors at one time.

(5) Visitors and inmates must maintain orderly conduct during visits, respecting the rights and courtesy of other visitors. Disorderly visitors or inmates shall cause termination of visits.

(6) Inmates may not obtain any item whatsoever from visitors.

S. When your visit is over, you must leave the Visiting Room when the Officer

supervising the Visiting Room directs you to leave.

(1) Refusing or ignoring the direction of Staff to leave Visiting Room is a direct violation of visiting privileges.

(2) All inmates shall be stripped searched after Contact Visits.

(3) Refusal to submit to the strip search shall immediately cause the cancellation of Contact Visiting Privileges, and shall delay the exiting of your visitor from this Facility.

T. All first time visitors except those under five (5) years of age, must

be photographed at this facility and an identification badge made up. There will be a one-time charge of $3.00 for this badge. The visitor will be given the badge and it is their responsibility to produce the badge each time they visit. Any visitor that claims they have lost their visiting I.D. card will be charged $5.00 for second photo, and $10.00 for a third photo. A fourth card will not be issued, visitor will be restricted. No card will be issued to the visitor without prior payment of the I.D. card. The correctional staff are not permitted to issue temporary identification cards.

U. The Pod Control Officer will contact you if you have a visit.

V. When your name is called, you shall be directed to the Visiting Room.

W. It should be noted that, as in the past, special visiting privileges would be granted to visitors who have traveled long distances and for other unusual circumstances, with prior approval and identification during the inmates assigned visiting time.

X. Except in the most extreme circumstances, inmates in need of special visiting privileg must obtain approval in advance from theDeputy Warden/Custody/Operations.

Y. Inmates are not permitted to carry anything into the Visiting Rooms.

Z. All Visitors are subject to search.

AA. The maximum amount of cash accepted for an inmate during visiting times will be two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00)

BB. The facility does not accept currency larger than a twenty-dollar ($20.00).

CC. The facility does not accept checks.

DD. Money Orders accepted thru mail only.

Section 8. Prison-Contraband, Controlled Substances

ACT NO. 1995-18 (SS1), H.B. NO. 24

An Act Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for a mandatory minimum penalty for delivery of contraband to certain confined persons; and prohibiting possession of a controlled substance by an inmate.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1. Section 5123 if Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statues is amended by adding subsections to read:

5123. CONTRABAND

(A.1) Mandatory minimum penalty-Any person convicted of a violation subsection to read:

(a) Shall be sentenced to at least two years of total confinement notwithstanding any provision of this title or any other statue to the contrary. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the sentencing court from imposing a sentence greater than that provided in this subsection, up to the maximum penalty prescribed by this title for a felony of the second degree. There shall be no authority in any court to impose on an offender to which this subsection is applicable any lesser sentence than provided for in subsection (a) or to place such offender on probation or to suspend sentence. Sentencing guidelines promulgated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing shall not supercede the mandatory sentences provided in this subsection. If a sentencing court refuses to apply this subsection where applicable, the Commonwealth shall have the right to appellate review of the action of the sentencing court. The appellate court shall vacate the sentence and remand the case to the sentencing court for imposition of a sentence in accordance with this subsection if it finds that the sentence was imposed in violation of this subsection.

(a.2) Possession of controlled substance contraband by inmate-prohibited.-A prisoner or inmate commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if he unlawfully has in his possession or under his control any controlled substance in violation of section 13(a) of the Controlled Substance, Drug Device and Cosmetic Act. For purposes of this subsection, no amount shall be deemed de minimis.

(d) Drug-sniffing animals.- Any jail or prison may use dogs or other animals trained to sniff controlled substances or other contraband for such purposes in or on any part of the jail or prison at any time.

Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days. Approved July 6, 1995.

Section 9. Mail Privileges

A. Effective July 26, 1999, in compliance with Act 76 of 1998, the Inmate Guidelines, Section 8. Mail Privileges, Page 10, will be rescinded and replaced with the following.

B. If you wish to receive mail or send mail out, you must give the Warden or his designee the authorization to open and inspect your mail. This will be asked of you at the time of commitment. If you agree with the facility’s request you may send and receive as much mail, including letters, packages, and publications as you desire, except where there is convincing evidence to justify the limitation for reasons of public safety, or facility order and security.

C. The facility reserves the right in accordance with the federal case law to limit the volume of publications received by the facility due to storage limits, reduction of fire hazards, preserving sanitary conditions, and limiting opportunities for the introduction and hiding of contraband. Limitations will be related to legitimate penological interests.

D. The facility does not permit distribution of sexually explicit materials to inmates under eighteen (18) years of age, in compliance with 18 Pa. C.S.A. 5903.

E. The facility does not distribute sexually explicit materials to inmates in compliance with 18 Pa. C.S.A. 5903.

F. Effective July 26, 1999, for your convenience, the facility has a list of subscriptions through a authorized vendor that you may order magazines and or books. It is not mandatory however to order from this list. This subscription list is made available in the library, or send a request slip in care of the Librarian for information. Regardless of whether you order from this list, only prepaid magazines, newspapers, and books sent directly from publishing companies and book stores shall be accepted, and shall be given to the inmate after inspection for contraband. You must request money be deducted from your account and a check be sent to the publishing company and or book store, by submitting a request slip to the Librarian. We will not accept any books, magazines, or newspapers without a check being sent from your inmate personal account to the vendor. (Refer to Inmate Guidelines, Section 15. Articles from outside the facility, for limitations.)

G. Each issue of a publication will be inspected separately by a Committee of employees designated by the Warden, to review sexually explicit material and make a determination within the guidelines, of whether it is or is not sexually explicit. If a determination is made to withhold any such material, the inmate will be advised in writing as to the reason (s) the material was withheld. If any material is withheld, the inmate may appeal the decision to a designated member of the administration. If the material is disapproved it shall be returned to the sender or retained along with records of the decision.

H. For purposes of this document, pictures in a magazine are not considered photographs.

I. The facility does not accept bulk mail. Bulk mail is defined as advertising materials, catalogs, and flyers mailed at less than first or second class mail rates. Inmates may however, prepay the postage on catalogs and other materials and have them mailed first or second class mail.

J. Inmates are prohibited from sending or receiving battery operated greeting cards.

K. Inmates are prohibited from sending or receiving “bill me later” or free gift transactions.

L. Writing paper, postage stamps and envelopes must be purchased from the commissary.

M. Mail and packages to and from inmates shall not be held for more than 24 hours before delivery, excluding weekends and holidays. Incoming mail is opened, examined for contraband, and must include a return address. Magazines after review, will be delivered within a reasonable period of time.

N. A Correctional Facility employee will open and examine for contraband all incoming “Legal Mail” in the presence of the addressee.

O. The return address on all incoming mail which is to be treated as “Legal Mail” must make the source of the mail clearly identifiable as an elected or appointed Federal, State, Local Official, or as a Lawyer.

P. If the return address does not make the source of the mail immediately identifiable as an elected or appointed Federal, State, Local Official, or as a Lawyer, then the mail will not be opened in the presence of the inmate.

Q. All new admissions without funds are eligible to receive one postage paid first class envelope during commissary.

R. All newly admitted eligible inmates must request the envelope and stamp by submitting a Request Slip to the Commissary Supervisor.

S. Forms for Return Receipt, Registered and Certified Mail are available with appropriate postage purchased through the Commissary.

T. The “Receipt for Certified Mail” (white copy) should be kept by any inmate who sends a piece of mail as Certified Mail. The request for “Return Receipt” (green card) should be attached to the piece of mail.

U. A postal scale and a list showing the postage rates is available for use by inmates by contacting the assigned Social Service Counselor.

V. Outgoing mail must have your full name, Pod, Section, Cell and Facility

Address, ex.: NAME (LAST, FIRST)

POD, SECTION CELL

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

60 EAGLEVILLE ROAD

NORRISTOWN, PA 19403-1400

1. Inmates are permitted to seal all outgoing mail.

2. Outgoing letters must be placed in the mailbox of Housing Section.

3. All outgoing letters are mailed.

4. All outgoing mail must be placed in the envelopes purchased from the Commissary, indicating the return address.

The following requirements must be met in order for your mail to be properly processed:

(1) Return address: Full name, booking number, Facility address.

(2) Proper mailing address of person being sent to.

(3) Must have money in inmate account to cover postage charges, unless it is a pre-stamped envelope.

(4) If an envelope is over stuffed it muts be sent to Commissary Department to be weighed to add additional postage. If not it will be returned by the Post

Office to be resubmitted for additional postage due.

(5) All Over Seas mail must be sent to the Commissary Department to be

weighed and proper postage assigned.

(6) Any mail received to have postage put on, and the inmate account does not have enough to cover the cost, the mail will be sent back to the inmate

via the Social Service Department.

W. This Facility will not accept mail that contains a bank order of blank checks and/or a blank check or checks that are not signed by the issuer and the amount of check filled out by the issuer. This Facility will also not accept bank books such as savings and withdrawal slips and or any bank transaction documents.

X. The facility does not accept stamps and envelopes for inmates through the mail.

Y. The Institution reserves the right to retain and or return any mail which:

(1) The material contains instructions for the manufacturing of explosives, drugs or any other unlawful substance.

(2) The material advocates violence within the institution.

(3) The material is of a type which has demonstrably caused violence or other serious disruption of institutional security.

(4) The material advocates racial, religious, or national hatred in such a way so as to create a serious danger of violence in the institution.

(5) The material encourages sexual behavior which is criminal and/or in violation of institution rules or detrimental to rehabilitation.

(6) Maps, (United States, state, local , area maps, road atlas, etc.).

Z. Such mail shall be referred to the Assistant Warden-Administration or designee for a decision. A written decision shall be forwarded to the inmate. If the material is disapproved it shall be returned to the sender or retained along with records of the decision.

AA. If the institution receives mail for any inmate contrary to these guidelines, the mail will be returned at the inmates expense.

BB. Polaroid pictures must have backs removed. If a Polaroid picture arrives without the back removed the entire package will be refused and returned to sender.

Section 10. Public Defenders, Private Attorneys, Probation and Parole Officers

A. You will be offered an opportunity to apply for a Public Defender upon your initial interview with your assigned Social Service Counselor. No staff member is authorized to recommend any specific attorney ( public or private) to inmates.

B. If you do not apply then and wish to apply later, you may obtain an application by contacting your assigned Social Service Counselor.

C. After you return your completed Public Defender application, the application will be forwarded to the Public Defender Investigator.

D. When the Public Defender Investigator receives your form and, if you are eligible, he will assign a Public Defender to your case.

E. Once you have been interviewed by the Public Defender’s Office any further contact you have with the Public Defender would be through the Public Defender Investigator, Social Services, the Public Defender Liaison Attorney, or directly with the Public Defender Assigned to your case.

F. If you wish to contact the Public Defender’s Office, through your Social Service Counselor, you must submit a Social Service Request Slip to your assigned Social Service Counselor.

G. Public Defenders, Private Attorneys, Probation and Parole Officers may visit inmates on the following days and times if the inmate is not in a visit, at court, etc.:

Monday thru Sunday

8:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.

11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.

2:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M.

5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P. M.

8:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.

Section 11. Commissary

A. Commissary is a privilege offered to qualified inmates. The Commissary Department offers for purchase, radios, color T.V.’s, snacks, toiletries, OTC medications, clothing,sneakers and other items not provided by the facility.

B. All commissary slips must be complete and in the section request box no later then the first (1st) headcount on second (2nd) shift. Orders are not permitted to be put on your cell door to be collected. Officers are not permitted to physically handle any inmates order. It is the responsibility of each inmate to follow the procedure in order to ensure it will be processed. Any order not received with the rest of the section the following morning will not be honored. No exceptions.

C. Your purchase amount will be deducted from your inmate account, from the balance shown in account when processed the morning of commissary.

D. Orders cannot exceed $50.00 total. If Commissary Department is scheduled to be closed the limit is $80.00. Items will be deducted from your order if over. If amount exceeds $5.00 or more the entire order will be canceled.

E. Orders for the following week’s newspapers except K5 and K6 must be ordered on your commissary day from the commissary form received. Intake, Disciplinary Segregation, and Special Housing units are not permitted to order newspapers.

F. Inmates classified PHS/DS are restricted from purchasing food items, razors, nail clippers, tweezers, hot pots, radios, or TV’s. Also any item deemed restricted not enumerated above.

G. Inmates classified Medical are restricted from purchasing razors,nail clippers,tweezers,hot pots, radios or TV’s. Also any items deemed restricted not enumerated above.

H. You must be in your own housing cell before commissary enters your section. Your cell door must also be secured before any commissary bags will be distributed. No exceptions.

I.Any disorderly conduct or disruption will automatically cause the whole section to forfeit the distribution of commissary for that day.

J. Before any inmate can receive a commissary order an inmate I.D. must be shown to prove the order is theirs. If unable or unwilling to provide proof of identity the order will not be provided.

K. The following items if requested must be exchanged upon receiving commissary order: Razors, Battery(s) and Headphones. Under no circustances is it permitted to purchase batteries or headphones if you do not own a radio.

L.If out of section for any reason during assigned commissary time order will not be received until that Friday.

M. It is the responsibility of each inmate to make sure they have received all items ordered before the commissary worker leaves the cell. Any discrepancies or questions must be addressed before you sign your name on commissary sheet. Under no circumstances is an inmate permitted to insinuate after the transaction is complete, commissary sheet is signed, and the inmate worker has moved on to the next cell that they did not receive an item.

N. No inmate is permitted to sign for, or receive a commissary order for any other inmate. Doing so will be considered and treated as stealing.

O. If you have a commissary question a reqest slip is to be sent to the Commissary Department. It is not permitted to have the control booth officer to call to get an answer.

P. Inmates are only permitted to order the following items one time only while incarcerated in this facility: TV’s and Radios ( distributed on Friday’s only), Hot Pots ( order from commissary sheet).

Q. Inmates who are indigent, that is have no money in their account, have had no money on their account within the last thirty (30) days, and will not be receiving money in the near future, who need hygiene items sold in the commissary, may submit a request slip to the Social Service Counselor for items, and may carry a negative balance until monies are received. Items eligible to receive are limited to:

(1) Toothpaste Toothbrush Shampoo Deordant Razor ( If permitted).

(2) All indigent sentenced inmates, except those with medical restrictions, must except a work assignment when offered or available. If an offer is refused when assignment is offered or available the above items will be denied.

(3) Depending upon classification and / or restricted housing assignment the above items may be denied when they are deemed dangerous. If denied certain grooming items staff may be required to supervise the use of restricted items.

R. Indigent inmates requiring stationary and postage for legal purposes may request them by submitting a request slip to the Librarian.

S. Inmates must leave a balance of three ($3.00) on their inmate accounts for transportation purposes upon discharge, excluding inmates intransit from other Correctional Facilities.

T.. The facility will provide the following articles through the Commissary Department at reasonable prices for the convenience of the inmates and their visitors. No inmate may be permitted to have more than the stated limitation of each article in their possession. All excessive articles will be confiscated and treated as contraband, and will not be returned.

T-Shirts (white only) (10) Wave Cap (black only) (1)

Undershorts (white only) (10) Thermal (tops and bottoms) (2)

Socks (white) (10) Shower Shoes (Flip Flops) (1)

Gym Shorts ( gray only) (2) Panties ( white only) (10)

Pajamas ( blue only) (2) Non-White Wash Cloths (2)

Non-White Towels (2) Athletic Shoe Laces (1)

Sweat Shirts ( gray only) (2) Sneakers ( white only) (1)

U. The Commissary Department strives to provide a varied and complete line of merchandise to meet inmate needs. Limitations of certain items must be expected. Items and prices are subject to change without notice.

V. New inmates admitted to the facility after commissary for the assigned housing section and have funds available may request to see a Social Services Counselor and obtain a intake commissary form. Order will be delivered on that Friday.

Section 12. Inmate Accounts

A. All money you had with you when you were admitted to the Facility and any money brought or sent to this Facility for you will be deposited in your store account.

B. Withdrawals are made only in your signed order.

C. Wages you earn are credited to your account.

D. TRANSFERS OF FUNDS FROM ONE INMATE ACCOUNT TO ANOTHER ARE

STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

E. Account printouts are only available for court/legal requests. Balances are provided on your commissary day.

F. Montgomery County Correctional Facility does not accept responsibility for any cash sent to you in the mail.

G. Personal checks will not be accepted.

H. The Social Service Department will be available to assist inmates in removing money from their inmate account only.

I. Requests for release of checks must be submitted to the Social Service Counselor assigned to your section. Requests are to be submitted on the Third Friday of Each Month. It will take approximately five (5) days for your request to be approved.

J. Once your request has been approved, you will sign a form authorizing a release of check from your inmate account. This form will list the exact amount of money to be processed (Form MC 15).

K. All authorized release of check forms must contain the name and address of the party for which check(s) are being processed. You will be responsible for providing a self-addressed, stamped envelope for each authorized release of check. It will take approximately three (3) working days for the authorized release of check to be processed and your letter mailed.

L. Any inmate requesting to pay bail, court related fines and costs, or send money to their attorney(s) may submit a request at any time to the Director of Social Services. You are not required to submit a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your request, however, you will be charged for processing, i.e., stamp and envelope.

M. Once a release of check has been processed, your designated Social Service Counselor will inform you of money removed form your inmate account.

Section 13. Medical, Dental, and Psychiatric Services

A. Medical, Dental and Psychiatric services are available and provided to all inmates by a medical contractor. The medical department provides seven day a week coverage for all inmates.

B. Sick call will be administered to the entire population Monday thru Friday only.

C. Inmates may request sick call by filling out a medical sick call request slip and placing the slip in the designated box in each section. The slips may be obtained from the correctional staff or medical personnel. Please note on the Request Slip whether you are requesting medical, dental or psychiatric care. Nursing personnel will review all the inmate request forms daily. Inmates will be called at sick call according to need.

D. Emergencies, usually reported by telephone, will be handled immediately. Requests for information will be handled at cellside during medication rounds. All other medical needs will be scheduled for the appropriate nursing, medical, dental, psychiatric or psychological sick call.

E. If you brought your medications from home, as a rule the medical department will not use them. They will be stored for 14 days, after which the medical department reserves the right to dispose of them. Your family member may pick them up.

F. Controlled substances are not allowed and will be disposed of immediately by the Medical Department.

Section 14. Inmate Medical Financial Responsibility Program

PAY FOR MEDICAL

A. This Facility has implemented an inmate medical financial responsibility program which consists of established fees for medical services. You will be charged $3.00 fee for a medical evaluation (Sick Call) by the nurse.

B. If you are referred to the Medical Doctor and/or Dentist after your visit to sick call, you will be charged $5.00 to see the Doctor and/or Dentist for that particular referral. Additional referrals will be considered on a case basis.

C. If you are not referred to the Doctor or Dentist, but wish to see them, you will be charged a $5.00 fee.

D. There is no charge for prescription medication provided by the medical

department. This does not include over the counter drugs which are available in the commissary at your own expense.

E. NO INMATE WILL BE REFUSED TREATMENT BECAUSE OF LACK OF FUNDS.

EXCEPTIONS FROM CHARGING A FEE FOR SERVICE.

Initial Screening

Psychiatric Services

Chronic Illness (Diabetes, dressing changes, AIDS related, hypertension, colostomy changes)

F. Charging a fee for an emergency is determined by the medical supervisor (all accidents do not qualify as emergencies).

G. A twisted ankle from activities in the yard, weight room, and/or gym is not an emergency and is a fee situation. A cut requiring stitches would be an emergency and will not be assessed a fee.

H. Any treatment required as a result of activity in violation of Montgomery County Correctional Facility rules and regulations and policy will result in a medical fee being charged.

I. A medical service fee form is required to be signed by you whenever a medical service is rendered. If you refuse to sign this form the attending nurse and staff will sign the form and indicate that you refused to sign. The appropriate fee will be charged and deducted from your account if applicable.

J. Inmates who request dental services, will be assessed by a nurse at the triage room during sick call. They will be charged $3.00 for this service. Those inmates who have been identified as needing to see the dentist will be placed on the “Dentist’s list” according to the severity of their condition and given medication (if warranted) until it is their turn to be seen by the dentist.

K. Glasses. Reading glasses are not provided. If you have prescription glasses at home, they may be mailed in by a family member. Approval must be obtained from the Health Services Administrator, and Security before the glasses arrive at the jail. Please send a request to the medical department, if approved the request will be forwarded to Security. Soft glass cases only are allowed and tinted lenses are considered contraband.

L. In keeping with our intent not to deny any inmate medical attention we anticipate that this program will result in some inmates having a negative balance. When an inmate is charged for medical services, and a negative balance occurs, and future money is received by the inmate, the full amount received will be deducted from the balance owed.

M. All inmates receiving medication must bring their ID and a cup of water to the medication cart to take medication in front of the Nurse .

Section 15. Articles from Outside the Facility

A. The Facility will only accept cash from attorney and visitors on your visiting list with proper I.D., which will be credited to your account.

B. Money Orders will only be accepted through the mail, but cash should NOT be sent through the mail.

C. No personal checks or traveler’s checks will be accepted.

D. No currency larger than a twenty dollar bill ($20.00) will be accepted by the facility.

E. The maximum amount of cash accepted for an inmate will be two hundred fifty ($250.00) dollars.

F. Non-Court Clothing

(1) The facility will accept the following items in new unopened packages only within stated limitations during visiting sessions only.

FEMALES

Bras (NO Wire) (10)

G. Magazines and books may be ordered and pre-paid through the Library. An inmate is permitted to have only (3) books (only one hardback out of three),(3) newspapers and (3) magazines in their cell at one time. Legal books not included. (Refer to Section 20, Religious Services pertaining to Religious Books). Newspapers are ordered through the Commissary. (Refer to Section 9 Mail Privileges)

H. New unopened packages of authorized items sent via mail will not be accepted without prior approval for all items that may be in the package.

I. If the ” Limited Item” clothing is damaged, worn, or stolen, the inmates must be contact Clothing Officer Monday through Friday so that he may update the Incoming Clothing Record.

J. Any clothing classified excessive or not reflected by “Incoming Clothing Record” shall be confiscated, considered contraband and not returned.

K. “Limited Item” clothing for exchanged requests must be given to the Clothing Room Officer Monday thru Friday, seven (7) days prior to exchange. There will be a reasonable delay before inmates receive clothing. Last minute requests shall not be

permitted.

L. Articles received contrary to these will be confiscated and not be returned.

M. Any article which is left upon discharge will be given to charity after (30) days.

N. Borrowing or exchanging of clothing between inmates is prohibited.

O. It is the responsibility of the inmate to have appropriate seasonal clothing for court appearance.

P. Court Clothing

(1) The Facility will accept dress clothing for inmates awaiting trial or hearings during your scheduled visiting sessions only.

(2) Court clothing and items for exchange must be given to Clothing Room Officer Monday to Friday, seven (7) days prior to exchange. There will be a twenty-four (24) hour delay before inmates receive clothing. LAST MINUTE REQUESTS SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED. A Request Slip must be submitted in accordance with the above.

(3) Dress clothing will be accepted on an exchange basis only. This means, if an article of clothing is delivered for an inmate, the individual dropping off the clothing must pick up a similar or matching item unless the inmate does not have that item to exchange. All inmates are limited to one (1) entire dress clothing exchange during their incarceration.

(4) No sweat suits or short sets are acceptable.

Q. Only the Articles listed will be accepted.

(1) Articles received contrary to these will be confiscated and will not be returned.

(2) Any article which is left after discharge will be given to charity after thirty (30) days.

Section 16. Radios and Televisions

A. This Facility prohibits LOUD radios and televisions after “lights out”. Many inmates repeatedly complain about inmates who refuse to adhere to this regulation. Misconduct reports have partially lessened this problem, but only temporarily. We have refrained from confiscating radios and televisions in the hope that this problem would be resolved, however, it is apparent that violators continue to disturb others.

B. Blatant disregard for fellow inmates and orders from staff shall result in the power being turned off to the outlets of your assigned cell.

(1) Continued disregard shall result in confiscation of the radio or television with disciplinary action.

(2) Radio and televisions shall only be permitted intact, as originally purchased.

(3) SALES/TRANSFERS OF RADIOS AND TELEVISIONS FROM ONE INMATE TO ANOTHER ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

(4) THE RADIO AND TV PURCHASED BY YOU AT THIS FACILITY IS REQUIRED TO LEAVE WITH YOU UPON TRANSFER OR DISCHARGE.

(5) All radios and TVs found in your possession without proper markings or documentation shall be confiscated.

(6) All lights and outlets will be turned off at 12:00 AM (2400 hours)

(7) Any radios found playing outside of cell (Day Room), will be confiscated.

Section 17. Recreation Library

A. Montgomery County Correctional Facility has developed a circulating recreational Library for use by inmates in Pods C, D, E, F, G and H. (General Population)

B. Recreational Materials for Pods A , B, N, and P are provided in the Housing Areas.

C. Male inmates being transferred to the Farm or Work Release Programs must turn all library materials into the Library Department before the housing transfer. Failing to do so will result in your inmate account being charged for the material.

D. Absolutely NO reference materials, magazines, hard back books or legal materials will circulate through the Facility from the Library.

E. An inmate will not have more than three (3) books checked out in his name at any given time.

F. Books will be checked out for a seven (7) day period only.

G. An inmate will assume full responsibility for any book checked out in his/her name.

H. All inmates are subject to search upon leaving the library.

I. All requests for recreational materials for L Pod must be put on a Request Slip to the Librarian’s attention.

(1) All requests must be received by the Librarian by Friday afternoon.

(2) There is a limit of three (3) books. There is a card catalog available in the weight room.

(3) Books requested (if available) will be delivered to cells on Monday, (Tuesdays if Monday is a Holiday).

(4) Books delivered the previous week will be collected at the time new requests are delivered.

J. An inmate will not receive any additional books until all previously borrowed books have been returned.

K. Should a book become destroyed, lost, or stolen, you will be considered in violation of Facility Rules and Regulations. A misconduct will be placed against you. Any action taken will be determined by the Disciplinary Hearing Board.

Section 18. Law Library

A. Montgomery County Correctional Facility has set up a legal collection for use by the inmates.

B. The Law Library is open for exclusive use on Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings from 8:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. for General Population and Intake Sections. The Recreational Library will not be used during these times.

C. Additional hours for the Law Library may be available on Wednesday and Thursday at the discretion of the Librarian.

D. Inmates must submit a Request Slip to the Librarian in order to use the Law Library during the appropriate Law Library periods. No exceptions!

E. Inmates must report directly to and stay in the Library for the entire period.

F. All inmates must sign the sign-in log located on the counter.

G. Absolutely no legal materials will circulate from the Law Library.

H. Typewriters will be used for legal purposes only during these periods.

I. Any type of inappropriate behavior or socializing will not be tolerated.

J. Any Material removed or destroyed will result in you being charged for its total cost.

K. Montgomery County Correctional Facility has developed a Satellite Law Library for use by Female inmates (classification status permitting).

(1) There is posted schedule of Law Library hours available. Submit request slips to gain access in the Request Slip Box on the wall outside the Library.

(2) Upon receipt of the request slip, the Librarian will authorize no more than 5 inmates (including Library Aide) at any one time. Requests will be handled on a rotating basis.

(3) Upon entering the Law Library, each inmate will legibly print their name, enter

the date, time in and time out in the log that is located on the counter.

(4) Absolutely No Materials will be removed from the Law Library under any circumstances.

(5) If any inmate requires any additional material that is not provided in the Female Law Library but is contained in the main Library’s inventory, submit a request slip

to the Librarian. The material will be provided as soon as possible.

(6) Females with a segregated classification status will follow the procedures

outlined in Section 17 to gain access to legal materials.

Section 19. Law Library or Special Housing Units

A. All requests for legal and recreational materials must be put on a Request Slip to the attention of the Librarian.

B. Upon receipt of the request for legal materials by the Librarian, the materials will be delivered to the cell in the late afternoon and will be retrieved the following morning.

C. No more than three (3) volumes will be lent out at any one time.

D. Specific volumes will be delivered on a rotating basis when necessary.

E. No requests will be honored on Fridays, the day of or before a holiday.

F. An inventory of the Law Library’s holdings will be posted on the dayroom’s bulletin board.

G. Upon request, in restricted housing, typewriters will be delivered to the cell at 8:30 A.M., and returned at 4:00 P.M. This is on a rotating basis, when available.

Section 20. Religious Services, Chaplain and Religious Counseling

A. Religious activities are offered according to the Activity Schedule as posted.

B. All eligible inmates may attend ONE religious service of their choice. Form MCR-6, RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES SIGN-UP FORM, indicating the choice of service must be submitted, at the time of the intake interview, to the Chaplain. The Chaplain will maintain the lists of inmates who may attend any religious service. Only those on the lists will be permitted to attend. In case of multiple requests, the Chaplain will assign the service to be attended. Changes may be made by Request Form to the Chaplain.

C. All eligible inmates may attend other religious activities and classes according to the Activity Schedule. Form MCR-6, RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES SIGN-UP FORM, indicating the choice of activity must be submitted, at the time of the intake interview, to the Chaplain. The Chaplain will maintain the lists of inmates who may attend any religious activity. Only those on the lists will be permitted to attend. Any inmate who does not attend a requested activity for two (2) consecutive sessions of that activity will be dropped from that activity. The Chaplain reserves the right to limit the number of inmates attending any activity. Changes may be made by Request Form to the Chaplain.

D. Inmates classified other than General Population or Intake may request to participate in religious activities as available through videotape. Videotapes will be shown once per week according to a schedule in each non-general population section where requested.

E. Ecclesiastically endorsed religious visitors (such as Ministers, Priests, Rabbis, Imams, etc.) Are permitted to visit inmates for personal religious interviews between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. except during mealtimes and headcounts. Such ecclesiastically endorsed religious visitors will not be permitted these special visiting privileges if they are on the visiting list of the inmate they desire to visit. Also, if these visitors choose to visit during regular visiting hours, they will be treated as regular visitors and will be required to hold their interviews in the Visiting Rooms with the other regular visitors.

F. All volunteer individuals who request to conduct religious services, religious counseling, religious classes, or other religious activities must seek prior approval from the Assistant Warden-Administration, through the office of the Chaplain.

G. No inmate, regardless of being an ordained, accredited clergy person, will be permitted to conduct any scheduled religious activity.

H. The Facility Chaplain is available for personal religious counseling as the opportunity arises. Those desiring such counseling must submit a Request Form to the Chaplain.

I. Personal religious items that inmates wish to receive from visitors, through the mail, etc., must be pre-approved by a Request Form submitted to the Chaplain. If the item is approved, it will be delivered to the inmate through the office of the Chaplain.

J. The following religious items will be accepted with prior permission within these guidelines:

RELIGIOUS MEDALLIONS

A. To be approved a Religious Medallion must be:

1. Pertinent to an inmate’s faith.

2. Must not be larger than a fifty (50) cent coin.

3. Must be worn on jewelry type chain not to exceed twenty-four (24) inches in length.

4. The medallion symbolism must not be inflammatory.

5. Each inmate will be permitted only one (1) religious medallion.

6. Medallions designed with pin attachment are not permitted.

RELIGIOUS GARMENTS

B. Head Coverings

1. Male inmates whose religion requires that a head covering be worn will be permitted to maintain no more than two (2) at one time.

2. Female inmates of the Islamic Faith will be permitted to wear head scarves.

3. Head scarves must not be worn to cover the face.

4. Scarf size must be no larger than 28" x 28".

5. Each female Islamic Inmate is limited to two (2) scarves at one time.

C. PRAYER RUGS

1. Inmates of the Islamic Faith are permitted only one (1) prayer rug.

D. RELIGIOUS BEADS

1. Religious Beads of Catholic, Islamic, Buddhist religions and other faith groups are permitted as long as security concerns are not jeopardized.

2. All Religious Beads are limited to 1/4" diameter and inmates are limited to one set of beads.

E. Religious Books

1. The Chaplain maintains a Religious Library available to all inmates on request.

F. The Chaplain does not perform marriages.

Section 21. Recreation

A. In good weather an outdoor exercise period will be held.

B. Gymnasiums and Weight Rooms are also available on a scheduled basis.

C. TV privileges are provided in day rooms of Housing Sections.

D. Inmates in need of exterior clothing for outside reacreation may purchase such through the commissary.

E. No item is permitted to be hung on the doors in the recreation yards.

F. No inmates shall touch or tamper with the razor ribbon located in the recreation yards for any reason.

G. Scheduled and planned sporting events shall be conducted by the Recreation Supervisor.

H. Requests for instruction on any recreation equipment may be directed to the Recreation Supervisor.

Section 22. Personal Cleanliness

A. This Facility is sprayed by a professional contracted exterminator once a week.

B. All inmates must keep their cells and persons clean.

C. Showers are available in each section daily, except during lockup times. Shower shoes are to be worn at all times when showering and returning to your cell.

D. The Barber Shop is available to all inmates free of charge.

E. The Beauty shop is available to all female inmates free of charge.

F. Schedules are posted listing days for a change of clothing. Clothing is provided for a change once a week.

G. Clean clothing will then be issued to each inmate.

H. Laundry Services are available on a scheduled basis for your specific Housing Assignment. Laundry bags will be issued and collected on a scheduled basis for cleaning of personal laundry.

I. Any inmate who places his personal laundry in the bag does so at his own risk. Any personal clothing received for cleaning that has another inmate’s name will be confiscated and not returned.

J. Schedules for clothing changes and linen changes are posted.

Section 23. Cleaning of Gymnasium

A. Each Housing Section scheduled for gym will be responsible for cleaning the gym after its use. The gym will be inspected prior to your scheduled time period and inspected prior to the end of your scheduled time period. Gym time will be reduced fifteen (15) minutes in order to provide each section the opportunity to clean the gym used.

B. The Recreation Director will conduct inspections whenever possible. In addition, Housing Supervisors and/or assigned Correctional Officers will also conduct inspections.

C. Failure to maintain a clean gym or refusal to participate in the cleaning of the gym WILL RESULT IN SUSPENSION OF GYM PRIVILEGES FOR THE ENTIRE SECTION. DO NOT SPIT ON OR IN THE VENT, WALLS OR FLOORS BECAUSE YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO CLEAN IT YOURSELF. DO NOT BANG ON GYM DOORS! Banging on doors will result in immediate removal from the gym for the entire section and a misconduct for the inmate banging on door. Each failure to pass inspection will be accompanied by a longer period of suspension of gym privileges.

D. Reports by staff of recommendation for suspension of privileges will be forwarded to the Deputy Warden or his designee. Report will include the section, time period, inmates involved, specific problem discovered during inspection and section notification.

E. This action is necessary in order to address the repeated disregard for property and sanitation. Inmates SPIT on walls, vent, and floors and expect other inmates to clean their mess. If you cannot practice basic sanitary behavior or demonstrate regard for property, then it is suggested that you remain in your section and do not use the gym.

Section 24. Request Slips

A. A Request Slip may be obtained from any staff member.

B. You must fill the form out completely and place the request in the request slip box in your section.

C. The individual who receives the slip will sign it and forward it to the staff member best able to help you.

Section 25. Complaints/Requests & Grievances

A. If you have a complaint or request, explain it calmly and rationally to a staff member and he will attempt to help you.

B. If you need immediate assistance call “Officer Up” and the number of the cell to which you are assigned.

C. The Correctional Officers will come to your aid as quickly as possible.

D. Supervisors and Social Service Counselors have been assigned to specific Housing Sections and are available to answer your request/complaint or grievance.

E. If you do not agree with the answer given, you may direct your request to any of the below listed staff:

*Director of Social Services (related Social Service issues only)

Recreational Director Librarian

Chaplain Social Service Counselor

Laundry Supervisor Maintenance

Shift Commander Major

Warden Medical Department

Deputy Warden/Custody/Operations

Assistant Warden Administration

Assistant Warden Work Release/Out Programs

F. You may make requests and register complaints and grievances with the Warden or his staff; either in person or by submitting a Request Slip.

G. You may also make requests and register complaints/grievances with the Board of Prison Inspectors during their monthly inspection tours.

H. No member of the Prison staff will be within hearing distance during inmate’s conversations with Prison Inspectors.

I. All requests/ grievances will be responded to in person or in writing, within

a maximum of ten (10) days.

J. A copy of resolution will be provided, if requested.

Section 26. Discharges, Hearings, Writs of Absence from Cell

A. Inmates being discharged or leaving Facility must return all issued items to Clothing Room.

B. This Facility shall not be responsible for articles left in cell during any absence.

C. Cell assignments shall not be held for any length of absences.

Section 27. Notary Services

A. Any inmate who has documents that need to be notarized, must submit a Request Slip to their Social Services Counselor.

B. Upon receipt of that request, the notary public will be available within five (5) working days.

C. There will be a one dollar ($ 1.00) charge for each page. If an inmate does not have enough money on the books , a negative balance will be run.

D. Request Slips will not be notarized.

E. The Notaries at this time are Deputy Warden/Custody/Operations and Director of Social Services.

Section 28. Montgomery County Correctional Facility Task

A. Montgomery County Correctional Facility has permitted the inmate population to participate in the Task Program by filling out the Task Program Application. This gives you the opportunity to be interviewed for the position of your request. Each department has specific requirements.

B. Each application will be reviewed by the respective Department Head who approves/disapproves inmate workers hired for their departments.

(1) Kitchen Department, Laundry Department, Sanitation, Recreation, Barber Shop, Library & Chaplains Assistants: Bond requires $5,000 or less. No more than three(3) Parole or Probation Violations. No Detainers, and no State Parole Violations. These areas must be approved by the Department Supervisors.

(2) Commissary, Maintenance & Inventory Control: You must be completely sentenced on all charges with no Detainers.

(3) All of these Task Programs require you to be misconduct free for thirty days, physically able to work and approved by the Medical Department.

(4) An individual is considered misconduct free, if he/she has not received a misconduct, and has been found not guilty by the institutional Disciplinary Hearing Board. Or has been found guilty by the Disciplinary Hearing Board but was granted an appeal. An individual who receives a misconduct, and the charge is adjusted by a Supervisor, is not considered misconduct free.

(5) If an inmate initiates a request to participate in any rehabilitative or educational program, all present and future task considerations would be contingent upon an inmates continued positive participation and successful completion of any program.

(6) Failure to maintain a good standing in the program as set forth by the program coordinator will result in the loss of task position.

Section 29. Good Conduct Deductions: “GOOD TIME”

A. All inmates of the Montgomery County Correctional Facility are offered the privilege to accumulate Good time. Good Time is an opportunity for any inmate to have days subtracted from their minimum.

B. There are certain limitations as to who is eligible for Good time. They are as follows:

(1) The inmate must be sentenced to a Montgomery County Sentence (maximum sentence of less than twenty-four (24) months.

(2) The inmate must be sentenced by a Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge or Special Court Judge.

(3) If an individual is sentenced for Violation of Parole to serve twenty-three (23) months backtime, he/she is eligible for Good Time.

(4) No individual will receive Good time if the Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge or Special Court Judge specifies the individual is not eligible for Good time.

C. If the inmate qualifies for Good time (as described above) he or she can receive a total of six (6) good days per month.

D. The amount of Good Time received is determined by the inmate’s ability to abide by Rules and Guidelines of Montgomery County Correctional Facility which are explained in the Inmate Handbook, and by participating in recommended Treatment Programs as well as gainfully attempting to get task Assignments in the Facility.

E. If an inmate is incarcerated for a period of time before going to Court and, upon going to Court, received a County sentence, when he returns from Court he/she should immediately send his Counselor a request. Good time can be accumulated for time served prior to sentencing, starting at the initial date. The Counselor will interview the inmate and explain how the Good time Procedure will affect his eligibility for parole.

F. The Warden may disapprove the Good Time granted if the inmate does not abide by the above factors.

G. It is important to realize that Good time is a Privilege, not a Right and may be taken away from any inmate who fails to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

Section 30. Conduct

A. You must comply with all Rules and Regulations of the Facility and follow routines as prescribed.

B. You must act in a calm and respectful manner to Correctional Officers, staff, visitors, and inmates.

C. If you violate a Rule or Regulation, you will be subject to disciplinary action.

D. YOU MUST PROMPTLY OBEY ALL LAWFUL ORDERS AND INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS AND STAFF.

E. Refusal to obey the orders or instructions of a staff member is insubordination, which is a violation of Facility rules and subject to disciplinary action.

F. Respect for yourself and for the rights of others demands that you act in a decent and orderly manner.

G. Your conduct and attitude, while confined at this Correctional Facility, is presented to the authorities, considering your probation or parole and Good Time.

Section 31. Rules

A. INMATES MAY NOT ESCAPE, ATTEMPT OR PLAN ESCAPES.

B. Inmates who escape, attempt to escape, or plan an escape are violating Montgomery County Correctional Facility’s Rules and the laws of Pennsylvania.

C. “Check” is an inmate headcount for security purposes. Any inmate who is out of place during check is violating the Rules of this Facility.

Lockup Times

10:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.

1:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M.

4:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.

7:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

9:30 P.M. to 8:00 A.M. (Final Lockdown time)

D. Inmates must stay in area to which they are assigned.

E. Any inmate who is permitted to leave this section area for a specific purpose must accomplish that purpose as quickly as possible and must return to his section immediately after the task is finished.

F. Loitering and congregating in the hallways, corridors, stairways, walkways, offices, etc. is a violation of the Facility’s Rules.

G. All workers must remain in their designated work areas unless they are authorized by their Department Supervisor to be elsewhere.

H. Task workers must return to their cells after their work is finished.

I. Inmates are not permitted in cells other than their assigned cell.

J. Inmates are not permitted to gather in front of their cell or others in their assigned section.

Section 32. Inmates May Not Possess Contraband

A. Possession of contraband is a violation of the Facility’s Rules.

B. Contraband is anything which is in the possession of an inmate contrary to the Rules and Regulations of the Facility.

C. Contraband is any item not issued to the inmate, not sold in the Commissary or which the inmate is not permitted to have while confined.

D. Contraband also includes any items in excess of issued amounts such as extra food, sheets, clothes, blankets, mattresses, and letters sent or received outside the established channels, possession of a weapon, or materials which could be used as a weapon, etc.

E. An article will be considered contraband if it is acquired improperly or for improper reason, or if the item is being misused or if an item is unidentifiable shall be confiscated and labeled contraband.

F. Any item confiscated as contraband will not be returned.

Section 33. Inmates May Not Incite Disorder

A. To participate in or encourage another inmate to participate in any riot or disturbance is a violation of the Rules of the Facility.

B. Inciting or encouraging any inmate to violate any Rule or Regulation is a violation of the Facility’s Rules.

C. ALL VIOLATIONS OF THE CRIMINAL STATUTES OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA ARE SUBJECT TO THE PENALTIES PROVIDED BY LAW AS WELL AS BEING VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES OF THE FACILITY AND SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION BY THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FACILITY DISCIPLINARY HEARING BOARD.

D. Crime of aggression (assaults, fighting, etc.) are violations of the Facility’s Rules.

E. Any assault or fight which involves a weapon or results in injury will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for investigation.

F. The District Attorney will determine weather or not there will be prosecution.

G. In addition to possible prosecution through the Courts, disciplinary action will be taken through the Facility’s Disciplinary Hearing Board in the violation of Facility Rules.

H. When inmates engage in a fight, the participants shall be separated at once, seen by the medical department and classified according to institutional classification policy.

I. If an inmate is found guilty by the Facility’s Disciplinary Hearing Board for assault on staff, they shall not be eligible for any future program (Task) participation.

Section 34. Regulations

A. Insolence (insulting manner or speech) is a violation of Facility’s Regulations.

B. Damaging or interfering with the proper functions of the security equipment of the Facility is a violation of Facility’s Regulations.

C. Any radio or television after “Lights Out” must be played softly. Refusal shall result in power being turned off to your cell. (1st Warning). Second offense shall result in disciplinary action through the Disciplinary Hearing Board.

D. Only inmates who have assignments in the basement are permitted in the basement unless the inmate is accompanied by a Correctional Officer, or member of the General Services Department.

E. All inmates must be fully dressed in acceptable Facility attire at all times when leaving Section, except for scheduled gymnasium, weight room, or yard activity.

(1) Minimum acceptable Facility attire is:

Facility issued shirts and Facility issued pants.

(a) Shirts shall be tucked inside trousers.

(2) Socks to be worn at all times when exiting Housing Areas.

(3) Sneakers

F. Pajamas and robes are not acceptable Facility attire.

G. Shoes are not permitted in Housing Areas or Activity Areas.

(1) One pair of shoes for Court shall be permitted to be stored in the Clothing Storage Area.

H. Inmates shall have regulated and limited contact with inmates assigned to other Housing Sections such as religious, group counseling and planned recreational events.

I. Inmates are strictly prohibited from entering Activities or Housing Sections to which they are not assigned.

J. Inmates who have entered their scheduled Activity Area or the Recreation Yard must stay in these areas, except for Library.

K. Cell doors will be opened only once for any general movement of inmates.

L. Cell doors will not be opened again later for the inmates who are still in their cells when the doors are closed.

M. Any inmate and any cell may be searched at any time.

N. Inmates may NOT receive incoming telephone calls or messages.

O. Staff members will not accept reports from inmates of verbal authorizations given by another staff member.

P. If a staff member gives you a privilege or authorizes you to do something which is normally prohibited, the staff member must give the authorization in writing, or he must verbally inform the specific staff member who will have to provide the privilege that the privilege is authorized.

Q. This is a non-smoking facility. Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere in this facility or anywhere on facility property. Carrying, possession of cigarettes, or any tobacco product, matches or anything used to light any type of tobacco product by inmates, visitors or staff is considered contraband.

R. Inmates are strictly prohibited from placing anything on walls, windows or doors.

S. Permitted items in cells shall be recorded by this Facility, any additional items obtained and not documented shall be classified contraband and confiscated.

T. TRANSFER OF PERMITTED PERSONAL RECORDED ITEMS AMONG INMATES IS PROHIBITED BY THIS FACILITY. All personal property shall leave with the inmate upon discharge.

U. Destruction or defacing Facility property shall be subject to immediate disciplinary action which include:

(1) Reimbursement Paying for item destroyed or defaced.

(a) The Disciplinary Hearing Board, when imposing cost to be paid for

destroyed or damaged property, shall inform inmates that payment

plans shall not be available. All costs for damaged property shall be

deducted immediately from any and all monies on account presently and money deposited shall be deducted until costs are paid. Failure to pay may cause your discharge date to be delayed.

(2) Disciplinary Segregation.

(3) Criminal prosecution

(4) Loss of “Good Time”.

(5) Delay of minimum release date. (Set Back)

V. Inmates are not permitted to leave shower room naked. Only one inmate at a time is permitted in the shower.

W. Sanitary conditions shall be maintained at the highest level by the inmate assigned to the cell.

(1) Correctional Staff shall inspect cells for damage to property, contraband and sanitary condition of cell.

X. Correctional staff may search any inmate and cell at any time. Inmates are not required to be present when cell searches are conducted.

Section 35. Disciplinary Violations

A. Major Misconducts

(1) Murder-Manslaughter

(2) Escape

(3) Possession of or Introduction of Contraband or Implements of Escape

(4) Carrying a Deadly Weapon

(5) Arson

(6) Robbery

(7) Burglary

(8) Theft

(9) Tampering with, Destroying, or Damaging Property

(10) Sodomy

(11) Indecent Exposure

(12) Rioting or Inciting to Riot

(13) Conspiracy to Escape, Riot or Disrupt Normal Facility Routine that could cause or result in Bodily injury to Personnel or Inmates.

(14) Bribery of an Employee

(15) Threatening an Employee or inmate with Bodily Harm or Injury

(16) Assaults and Fighting

(17) Adulteration of any Food or Drink

(18) Insubordination

(19) Possession of and/or Use of Alcohol and/or Dangerous or Controlled Substances

(20) Violating any condition of Pre-Release, Work Release or Farm Program

(21) Breaking Restriction of Quarantine

(22) Intoxication

(23) Making Fermented Beverages or Possession of Materials

to Manufacture Fermented Beverages

(24) Lying to an Employee

(25) Conducting a Gambling Operation

(26) Unauthorized Use of Mail or Telephone

(27) Conduct with a Visitor in Violation of Posted Regulations

(28) Loaning or Transferring any Property

(29) Possession of Stolen Property

(30) Other Felonies and Misdemeanors not Specifically Enumerated

(31) Repeated Violations of Minor Misconducts

(32) Obstruction of View into Cell

(33) Tampering with any Security Equipment or attempting to prevent

its Proper Operation

(34) Any inmate who is serving a sentence administered by any Court or Parole Board must participate in Work Program if offered and or is available.

(35) Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse

(36) Voluntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse

(37) Failure to Stand count or interfere with Count

(38) Late Locking Up

(39) Failure to accept a task position including Farm, EERP and Work Release positions.

(40) Inmates are not permitted to gather in front of their cells or others in their assigned section.

B. Minor Misconducts

(1) Body Punching, Horseplay

(2) Taking Unauthorized Food from Dining Area, Kitchen

(3) Possession of Unauthorized Clothing

(4) Tattooing and other forms of Self-Mutilation

(5) Failure to Report to Work or Unexcused Absence from Work

(6) Loaning or Borrowing Property except Legal Materials

(7) Failure to Follow Safety and Sanitation Regulations Regarding his/her Person, Quarters and Equipment

(8) Any violation of Rule or Regulations Contained in the Inmate handbook not Specifically Enumerated above

(9) Insolence

(10) Out of Place

(11) Inmates must keep radios, hot pots, curling irons and blow dryers

in their cells These items are strictly prohibited from day rooms.

(12) Failure to pay restitution for destruction of property or issued items.

(13) Possession of cigarettes, tobacco product(s), matches and/or lighter or flammable lighting material of any sort or fashion.

(14) Destruction, or removal of identification wrist band.

(15) Refusal to properly wear or be issued a identification wrist band.

(16) Intentional waste of water.

A. Attempts to commit any of the foregoing misconducts where the intent to do the prescribed act is clear and the inmate has taken substantial steps toward its completion, may be charged under the applicable misconduct.

B. Violation of Rules and Regulations of the Facility depending on seriousness of the violation may be punished by any or all of the following sanctions by the Disciplinary Hearing Board:

(1) Disciplinary Segregation Thirty (30) days maximum combined on all charges for one (1) Misconduct Report.)

(2) Loss of Privileges

(3) Loss of “Good Time”

(4) Reprimand or Warning Placed on Record

(5) Prosecution for Violations in Local Court

(6) Ordered to pay restitution

(7) Suspended Sentences

(8) Delay of minimum release date. (Set back)

Section 36. Payment of Restitution Ordered by Institutional Disciplinary

Hearing Board

A. The Disciplinary Hearing Board when appropriate, will order

payment of restitution by inmates.

B. The restitution must be paid in full by the inmate before food items in commissary can be purchased.

C. The Administration will continue to impose financial responsibility on inmates who intentionally harm others, disregard and destroy county property or property of others.

Section 37. Disciplinary Procedures

A. All inmates accused of misconducts have the right to a hearing before the Disciplinary Hearing Board before any punishment is imposed.

B. The elements of the Hearing are:

(1) The inmate is informed, in writing, of the violations of which he

is accused.

(2) The inmate is given a hearing before an impartial, objective board.

(3) The inmate is given a reasonable opportunity to explain his/her actions.

(4) The inmate may confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses

(the identity of any inmate who provides information in confidence will be protected).

(5) The inmate may present evidence and/or call witnesses in his/her defense within reason.

(6) The determination of guilt or innocence must be based on evidence raised at the hearing.

(7) The inmate is informed of the Disciplinary Hearing Board’s decision and the termination date of his punishment, if any.

(8) The inmate is informed of his rights to appeal the Disciplinary Hearing Board’s decision to the Deputy Warden/Custody/Operations presiding over appeals.

(9) You may request an appeal within five (5) days to the Deputy Warden/Custody/Operations. If the basis is not stated, an appeal will not be scheduled.

C. An inmate who is accused of misconduct will remain in General Population until the hearing unless he/she has been charged with a violent offense against person or property, or he/she continues to violate the rules after being informed of the charge, or in the written opinion of the Supervisor the inmate must be segregated.

D. If the inmate must be confined before the hearing, he/she will be moved to a segregated housing unit.

E. An inmate’s classification will be effected when placed in pre-hearing segregation status.

F. The pre-hearing segregation status will supersede all others except Medical until a hearing is held.

G. Any inmate confined before the hearing will have all rights and privileges accorded the General Population, except for curtailment of freedom to move about the Facility and engage in programs with the General Population.

H. Normally, this means that the inmate’s rights and privileges to work, eat, exercise, watch TV or participate in scheduled activities with the General Population are suspended.

I. However, if the safety and order of the Facility require it, additional privileges will be suspended pending the hearing.

J. Hearings will be held no less than one day nor more than four working days, excluding monthly inspection days, holidays, weekends and continuances, after the inmate has been informed, in writing, of the specific violation of which he/she is accused.

K. Inmates may request a hearing before the Disciplinary Hearing Board if they believe they are being deprived of a privilege without having had a hearing.

L. Requests for a hearing may be made by submitting a Request Slip.

Section 38. Voluntarily Waive Disciplinary Hearing

A. A inmate may waive their right to a hearing before the Disciplinary Hearing Board by signing a waiver except when the misconduct indicates injury and/or alleged assault on staff. A three member board is required.

B. The waiver will be provided by institutional staff.

C. The inmate chooses to have his or her disciplinary hearing conducted by one of three Alternative Disciplinary Hearing Officers instead of by the Disciplinary Hearing Board.

D. Disciplinary Hearings and due process rights of appeal, still apply.

Section 39. Social Services

A. The Social Service Department is available to entire inmate population.

B. Social Service Counselors have been assigned to specific Housing Sections and are available to answer any questions, concerns or requests that may arise during your incarceration.

C. You will be interviewed by a Social Service Counselor as soon as possible after being admitted.

D. Social Services is available to provide inmates the opportunity to receive treatment and counseling in various areas of human development.

E. If you wish to receive support from the Social Service Department, submit a Social Service request slip to be answered by the Counselor assigned to your Section.

F. If you wish to obtain information concerning your commitment, request to discuss your question with the Counselor assigned to your Section.

G. If you have any questions concerning County, State Parole or pre-release planning, submit a Social Service request to the counselor assigned to your Section.

H. Note: Inmates who enter designated Social Service Areas without proper authority are violating the Facility’s rules and are subject to disciplinary action.

I. Montgomery County Correctional Facility has developed a procedure for the mailing of employment applications. The mailing will not be identified as a prison correspondence.

Inmate shall follow this procedure:

Submit request slip to the Social Service Counselor.

Upon being called inmate should provide the Social Service Counselor with the employment application and a stamped envelope addressed to the prospective employer.

The application will be sealed in the inmate’s presence.

The Social Service Department will forward the sealed envelope to the mail room for delivery to the U.S. Post Office.

J. The Social service Department does not provide inmate with copies of sentence sheets. You may request a copy through your attorney.

Section 40. Education

A. Methacton School Program is available for inmates twenty-one years of age and under.

B. Our Education programming has three (3) levels. Level one is a literacy program, level two is adult basic education. The third level is preparation for G.E.D. TEST.

C. If you wish to apply, submit a Request Slip to your Social Service Counselor.

Section 41. Work Release/Farm

A. A Work Release/Farm program is available for sentenced inmates who do not have detainers or other open charges.

B. Criteria considered for participation on the Work Release or Farm Program will be charges, institutional past and present record, medical history and approval of the facility’s Administration and the Courts.

C. If you wish to apply for the Work Release or Farm Program, submit a Request Slip to your assigned Social Service Counselor. You need only submit one (1) request slip regardless if you are transferred to another housing section.

D. If the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court makes you eligible for Work Release or Farm Program, you are still required to complete the institutional process for approval prior to transfer.

E. Anyone removed from the Work Release Program for any reason, will have a waiting period of at least thirty (30) days before their Work Release money is transferred to their inmate account. The waiting period is for all payroll checks and disbursements from your account to clear the bank. The waiting period may be longer than thirty (30) days if there is a stop payment on a check etc.

F. Property of inmates (except legal materials) removed from the work release or farm programs and returned to the main prison will be held in storage until properly inventoried and determined what is permissible in accordance with rules and regulations.

G. Inmates being returned to General Population, Medical and/or Segregation will only be permitted the following:

One (1) toothbrush

Toothpaste

Allowable amount of underclothing

Section 42. Alcoholics Anonymous

A. Representatives of Alcoholics Anonymous hold meetings in the Facility as scheduled.

B. If you wish to attend, submit a Request Slip to your assigned Social Service Counselor.

Section 43. Narcotics Anonymous

A. Representatives from Narcotics Anonymous hold meetings in the Facility as scheduled.

B. If you wish to attend, submit a Request Slip to your assigned Social Service Counselor.

Section 44. Sexual Offender’s Treatment Program

A. The Sexual Offenders’s Program is available to the entire inmate population who are charged and/or convicted sexual offenders.

B. The program is designed to help inmates face, understand and change: Sexual Offenses/Abusive Behaviors and consequences.

C. If you wish to apply or need additional information, submit a request slip to your assigned Social Service Counselor.

Section 45. Montgomery County Correctional Facility Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program

A. The Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services is available to the entire inmate population.

B. The Service is available to provide inmates the opportunity to receive both treatment and counseling with regard to substance abuse.

C. If you wish to apply or need additional information, submit a Request Slip to your assigned Social Service Counselor.

D. The Social Service Department will make the final decision as to your admission to the Treatment Service.

Section 46. Earned Early Release Program (E.E.R.P.)

A. The Earned Early Release Program is available for sentenced inmates who do not have detainers or other open charges.

B. There are certain limitations as to who is eligible for E.E.R.P. They are as follows:

(1) The inmate must be sentenced to a Montgomery County

Sentence (maximum sentence of less than twenty-four (24) months).

(2) The inmate must be sentenced by a Montgomery County

Common Pleas Judge or Special Court Judge, and receive the Court’s permission to be admitted into said program.

C. If the inmate qualifies for the E.E.R.P. (as described above), he or she can receive a total of one (1) day earned time for each five (5) days of work.

D. If you want to apply or desire more information, submit a Request Slip to your assigned Social Service Counselor.

Section 47. Victim Awareness Program

a. Mandated by Pennsylvania Board of State Parole.

Act 143 of 1998 amended the Parole Act to require the Board of Probation and Parole to consider participation by a prisoner who is serving a sentence for a crime of violence as defined in 42 Pa. C.S. Section 9714 (g) (relating to sentence for second and subsequent offenses) in a victim impact education program offered by the Department of Corrections. This Act applied to offenders convicted of any of the following offenses, sentenced on or after February 21, 1999:

“Crime of Violence” as defined in 42 Pa. C.S. § 9714 (g) (relating to sentences for second and subsequent offenses):

18 PA C.S. § 2502 (c) Murder in the third degree

18 PA C.S. § 2503 Voluntary Manslaughter

18 PA C.S. § 2702 (a (1) or (2) Aggravated Assault

18 PA C.S. § 3121 Rape

18 PA C.S. § 3123 Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse

18 PA C.S. § 3301 (a) Arson

18 PA C.S. § 2901 Kidnapping

18 PA C.S. § 3502 Burglary of a structure adapted for overnight accommodations in which at the time of the offense any person is present

18 PA C.S. § 3701 (a) (1) (i), or (iii) Robbery

18 PA C.S. § 3701 Robbery of a motor vehicle

Criminal attempt, criminal conspiracy, or criminal solicitation to commit any of the offenses listed above.

42 Pa. C.S. § 9714 (g) was amended to include three additional offenses for those sentenced on or after July 8, 2000 as follows:

18 PA C.S. § 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault)

18 PA C.S. § 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent assault)

18 PA C.S. § 4302 (relating to incest)

Criminal attempt, criminal conspiracy, or criminal solicitation to commit any of the offenses listed above.

Section 48. Girl Scouting Beyond Bars Program

A. Inmate mothers meet with adult volunteers and a parenting professional.

B. Meeting focus on activities planned for troop meetings.

C. Mothers and daughters meet approximately two hours.

Section 49. Parenting Program

A. Program offered to Female General Population for specially structured visits with their children.

B. Submit Request Slip to your assigned Social Service Counselor.

Section 50.Pre-Release Program

A. Individual counseling prior to inmate’s release consisting of emphasis on job hunting and interviewing skills.

B. Program available to inmates planning for discharge.

C. Submit Request Slip to your assigned Social Service Counselor.

Section 51. Veteran’s Administration Drug and Alcohol Program

A. Group counseling initiative for drug and alcohol programming for inmate population that are U.S. Veterans.

B. Meetings are weekly with counselor from Coatesville Veterans Administration.

C. Submit Request Slip to your assigned Social Service Counselor.

Section 52. Pennsylvania Prison Society

A. A volunteer from the Pennsylvania Prison Society is here every 1st and 2nd Wednesday morning of the month for the male population and every 2nd Tuesday of the month for the female population.

B. If you need help with a problem that you are unable to resolve because of your incarceration, you may ask to have your name put on the list to see the PPS Representative by contacting your assigned Social Service Counselor.

C. On Wednesday no names will be placed on the list before noon.

D. The Pennsylvania Prison Society is a prisoner advocate organization which works to improve the lives of prisoners throughout the state. They do NOT deal with LEGAL PROBLEMS.

Section 53. Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole

ACT 79 OF 1989 (Senate Bill 620) IMPLEMENTATION

RELATING TO INMATES SERVING STATE SENTENCES IN

STATE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND COUNTY PRISONS

Prepared by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole

February 6, 1990

Act 79-1989 which was signed into law on December 22, 1989, amended the

Probation and Parole Act, §21 by adding the following:

THE BOARD MAY NOT RELEASE A PERSON ON PAROLE UNLESS THE PERSON ACHIEVES A NEGATIVE RESULT WITHIN ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE DATE OF RELEASE IN A SCREENING TEST APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FOR THE DETECTION OF THE PRESENCE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES OR DESIGNER DRUGS UNDER THE ACT OF APRIL 14, 9172(P.L 233, NO 64), KNOWN AS “THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, DRUG, DEVICE AND COSMETIC ACT.” THE BOARD SHALL ESTABLISH, AS A CONDITION OF CONTINUED PAROLE FOR A PAROLEE WHO, AS AN INMATE, TESTED POSITIVE FOR THE PRESENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OR DESIGNER DRUG OR WHO WAS PAROLED FROM A SENTENCE ARISING FROM A CONVICTION UNDER “THE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, DRUG, DEVICE AND COSMETIC ACT,” OR FROM A DRUG-RELATED CRIME, THE PAROLEE’S ACHIEVEMENT OF NEGATIVE RESULTS IN SUCH SCREENING TESTS RANDOMLY APPLIED.

THE RANDOM SCREENING TESTS SHALL BE PERFORMED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE BOARD, AND THE PAROLEE UNDERGOING THE TESTS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS OF THE TESTS.

A. Mandatory Drug Screening Test in the Institution

After an inmate’s parole plan is approved and prior to 7 calendar days of the expected release date of the inmate, a screening test will be administered for the detection of the presence of drugs.

(1) Negative Test Results or Positive Test Results Due to Prescribed Medication .

When the inmate’s screening test result is negative or positive, due

only to a prescribed medication, the release process of the inmate will proceed in accordance with regulations, e.g. minimum sentence date, reparole date.

(2) Positive Test Result or Inmate’s Refusal to Take the Test

If the inmate’s screening test is positive or the inmate refuses to take

the test, the inmate shall not be released. The case will be submitted to the Board for further action.

B. Drug Testing and Payment of Costs for Parolees Under Act 97-1989

All inmates meeting the conditions of Act 97-1989, will have the following special condition of parole imposed:

YOU MUST ACHIEVE NEGATIVE RESULTS IN SCREENING TESTS RANDOMLY APPLIED FOR THE DETECTION OF THE PRESENCE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES OR DESIGNER DRUGS AND YOU MUST PAY FOR THE COST OF THE TESTS.

A parolee with this special condition will receive regular bills for the actual costs of the drug screening tests, administered in a random basis as determined by the Board’s parole supervision staff. Non-payment of these bills will result in sanctions, including being charged as a technical parole violator.

c. Implementation Date of Act 97-1989-February 20, 1990 THE implementation date of February 20, 1990, established in the law, means that inmates cannot be released on parole/reparole on and after February 20, 1990 unless they have achieved the required negative result in a drug screening test.

Section 54. Pennsylvania Law (71 P.S. § 180-7.15)

Pennsylvania Law (71 P.S. § 180-7.15) provides that the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole cannot release an inmate to parole until verification is received that the mandatory cost of at least $30.00 has been paid to the Clerk of Courts, or designated collection agency, of each county in which you were convicted. The cost imposed by this statute will be shared by the Crime Victim’s Compensation Board and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Section 55. Act 84 of 1998 (Mandatory Pennsylvania State Law)

Collection of Restitution, Reparation, Fees, Costs, Fines and Penalties

A. Act 84 of 1998, referred to as the inmate restitution and information exchange bill, was signed onto law by Governor Ridge on June 16, 1998. The Act became effective on October 16, 1998.

B. The implementation date of October 16, 1998, established into law, that this facility must collect, consistent with the current law, court ordered restitution, reparation, fees, costs, fines and penalties. In accordance with the law, this facility shall:

1. Collect restitution, reparation, fees, costs, fines and penalties.

2. When the Clerk of Courts provides a copy(s) of an order(s) for restitution, reparation, fees, costs, fines, and/or penalties associated with the criminal proceedings, the Office Manager shall file the original order, update a current list of charges and forward a copy of the court order and list to the Social Service Department.

3. Deduct from the inmate’s account monthly payments of 20% of the inmate’s account balance in the last Monday of the month.

4. A receipt will be provided to inmate.

5. Payment will be sent to the Prothonotary monthly.

C. A copy of Act 84 has been placed in the Law Library for inmate reference.

D. All sentenced inmates are encouraged to see their assigned Social Service Counselor regarding their individual and scheduled deductions.

Section 56. Inmates Serving Weekend Sentences

A. Inmates serving weekend sentences shall also be required to comply with all Montgomery County Correctional Facility Rules and Regulations.

B. The Montgomery County Common Pleas Court has given the Warden of this Facility the authority to hold sentenced D.U.I. Offenders past their scheduled weekend sentence or parole date if upon admission they are not free of the influence of drugs or alcohol and/or they violate the Inmate Rules and Regulations of this Facility.

C. All inmates shall be afforded all rights in accordance with Section 33. Disciplinary Procedures of the Inmate Guidelines.

D. Medication: The Medical Department will give the weekenders their medication only under these conditions:

(1) Inmates serving weekends who are on medication must notify the medical department with the pertinent information by the Wednesday before their weekend sentence.

(2) The weekenders must bring a recent prescription from their physician stating what medications they are on and how they are to be taken.

(3) The medication must be in the pharmacy container with the inmates name, medication listed and time to be given.

(4) No loose medication in a plastic bag or any other container will be

acceptable nor will it be given to the inmate.

(5) The inmates medication will be forwarded to the Medical Department and returned to the inmate when he/she is released.

(6) Controlled substance medications are not allowed.

E. Clothing for Weekenders.

Male Limited Items Female Limited Items

T-Shirts (2) T-Shirts (2)

Undershorts (2) Panties (2)

Socks (2) Bra (2)

Robe (1) Socks (2)

Pajamas (1) Sweat Suit (1)

Slippers (1) Pajamas/Night Gown (1)

Towels (2) Non-White Only Robe (1)

Jacket/Coat (1) Wash Cloths (2)

Wash Cloths (2) Non-White Only Towels (2)

Hat (Seasonal) (1) Jacket/Coat (1)

Heavy Socks (Seasonal) (2) Slippers (1)

Heavy Underwear (Seasonal) (1) Hat (Seasonal) (1)

Sweat Shirt (Seasonal) (1) Heavy Socks (Seasonal) (2)

Boots (Seasonal) (1) Heavy Underwear (Seasonal) (1)

Sweat Shirt (Seasonal) (1)

Boots (Seasonal) (1)

F. An inmate may have only (1) book and one (1) magazine or any combination that equals two (2) in their possession.

G. No inmate may have more than $35.00 in or on their possession.

NO PERSONAL ITEMS OF ANY KIND SHALL BE ACCEPTABLE

H. No cigarettes or tobacco products permitted.

Section 57. Emergency Evacuations

A. In case of an emergency, evacuation routes are posted in the Sallyport area of each Pod Area.

B. The institution randomly conducts monthly fire drills, inspections of fire alarms, etc.

Section 58. Release of Excess Personal Property

The following are guidelines to be followed when an inmate wishes to release personal or excessive property:

1. Property will be released to anyone that you designate. This person must be on your Visiting List. Property will be released on NON-VISITING DAYS (EXAMPLE: Mondays and Fridays), between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. and 11:30 A.M. to 1:15 P.M. and 2:30 to 4:40 P.M. No request slip is needed nor are phone calls from your visitors to set up an appointment.

2. If you are being transferred to another institution and have property that will not be allowed at that institution, we will make arrangements to have that property picked-up by your designated person according to the above hours and days. Please send a request slip to the Property Supervisor within two (2) weeks of your release date to arrange this.

3. If you still have property left here after your discharge, you will be required to complete a request slip giving the name(s) of the person(s) that you wish to pick-up your property along with their phone number and address. Be advised that your property will only be released to that person and no one else.Effective July 1, 2004 all new admissions be advised that absolutely No Food items will be allowed to be left behind.

4. If you have no one to pick-up your property while you are incarcerated or released, you may make arrangements to have your property mailed out. Postage Due will be deducted from your Inmate Account. Please advise the Property Supervisor through a request slip if you wish to have your property mailed out.

5. In the event that you fail to take your personal property upon release from the facility, your personal property shall remain stored at the facility for the further period of (1) month after which it shall be disposed of at the direction of the Court of Common Pleas.

Chapter 17, SOP Revised September 2005