General Inmate Correspondence and Mail Regulations: (Facilities listed below)


Inmate Package http://mycarepack.com/default.aspx

POLICY

A. All legitimate mail sent to and from persons incarcerated in Contra
Costa County Sheriff's Detention Facilities shall be delivered to
addressees without undue delay.

B. All mail will be delivered in accordance with security regulations of the
Detention Division.

C. Policies and procedures governing inmate correspondence shall be
made available to all inmates and staff, and shall be reviewed annually
and updated as necessary.



DEFINITIONS

PRIVILEGED CORRESPONDENCE: Mail between an inmate and attorneys, legal aid services, other agencies providing legal services to inmates, or para-professionals having a bona-fide association with such agencies; attorneys, judges, and clerks of federal, state and local courts; public officials and their authorized representatives acting in their official capacities; and the Facility Commander and higher ranking Sheriff's Office officials.

CONTRABAND: Any item that is not issued by the facility in which the inmate is being housed, or has been issued by the facility or purchased through commissary but is not being used for it's intended purpose, is a threat to the security of the facility, is in excess, or is no longer in it's original form.

JAIL MAIL: Correspondence between inmates housed in a Contra Costa County Sheriff's Detention Facility.

FOREIGN NATIONAL: Any person not having United States citizenship.

DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIVE: An official representative of a government who conducts relations with another individual, official or government.

LEGAL MAIL: Correspondence between an inmate and his/her attorney, the court or other legal agency.

SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL: Material including, but not limited to, professional publications, personal photographs or drawings, that shows frontal nudity of either gender, including the exposed female breast (s) and/or the genitalia of either gender. (CCR3006 (c) (17(a)).

UNSOLICITED COMMERCIAL MAIL: Mail that is not ordered or paid for that includes advertisements for the sale of goods and services, including, but not limited to, advertising fliers or circulars, mass mailed solicitations, catalogs, credit card applications, real estate brochures, or other mail soliciting the sale of goods or services.



INCOMING INMATE MAIL

1. All mail received for inmates at county detention facilities must have the following
information on the face of the envelope:

a. The full first and last name of the inmate.

Note: Religious names may also be included, but may not substitute
the name under which the inmate was booked.

b. The inmate's booking number.

2. Mail without an identified sender, to include name and address, will be returned
to the U.S. Post Office.

3. Mail is to be received through regular channels only.

a. No deputy or employee will accept incoming mail for any inmate.

4. Inmates may receive correspondence from any non-incarcerated person and
in any language.

a. The number of correspondents for an inmate should be unlimited, and there
should be no limit on the number of letters an inmate may receive from
approved correspondents except when there is reasonable beliefs that
limitation is necessary to protect public safety of facility order and security.

b. Use of inmate mail for business purposes shall be only with the prior
written approval of the Facility Commander.

5. There is no limit on the number of pages in each letter.

6. Mail and packages received will be delivered to the inmate within 48 hours
receipt at the facility in which the inmate is housed.

a. Note: Excluding weekends and holidays

7. Mail addressed to an inmate who has been transferred or released will be
returned to sender within 48 hours of receipt at the facility to which the mail
is addressed.

8. All non-privileged incoming mail will be opened without the inmate being present
and inspected for contraband.

9. With the approval of the Facility Commander, all non-privileged incoming mail may
be read by custody staff to ensure inmate communications do not pose a threat
to the safety of staff, other inmates, or the security of the facility, or if reasonable
suspicion exists that it, the correspondence is being used in the furtherance of
illegal activity.

a. A "Mail Watch" may be requested by the District Attorney's office
and will monitored by the Classification Unit.

The Mail Watch form will be completed and maintained by the
Classification Unit.

b. Inmate Legal Mail may not be read for any reason.

10. Incoming certified or registered mail for inmates shall be processed as all other
mail.

a. The Facility Commander or designee will be responsible for signing for the
certified/registered mail and will ensure the mail is properly delivered to
the inmate without delay.

11. Any special delivery, such as Federal Express, UPS, overnight express mail, etc.,
will be accepted if the inmate has been verified to be in custody and a return
address is included.

12. Mail that is not returned to sender or provided to the inmate will be placed into
the inmate's personal property.

The staff member shall place the material and one copy of the receipt into an envelope or box with the inmate's name, booking number and property location clearly marked on the outside.


The staff member shall attach the prepared envelope or box onto any existing property bag or box the inmate might have and return the property to the correct bin or shelf assignment.


The staff member will update the inmate's property history through JMS to reflect the addition.


Additional copies of the material receipt will be placed in the inmate's booking.

13. Incoming Mail Delivery to Housing Unit

The housing unit deputy is responsible for picking up mail from the facility mailroom at the beginning of each shift and after meal breaks.


The housing unit deputy will distribute mail to all inmates as close to the beginning of the shift as practical.


The housing unit deputy will deliver mail to the addressee only.


Inmates must identify themselves by their wristband or through other means of positive identification before any mail may be delivered to them.



OUTGOING INMATE MAIL

1. All mail sent from inmates housed at county detention facilities must have the
following information on the face of the envelope:

The full first and last name of the inmate.

Note: Religious names may also be included, but may not
substitute the name under which the inmate was booked.


The inmate's booking number.

2. Mail is to be sent through regular channels only.

No deputy or other employee will mail outgoing mail for an inmate.

3. There is no limit on the number of letters an inmate may send, except as indicated
below:

Indigent inmates may send a maximum of two (2) letters per week (Monday through Sunday). There is no limit on indigent inmate legal mail.


Inmates may have an unlimited amount of correspondents.


Use of inmate mail for business purposes shall be only with the prior written approval of the Facility Commander.

4. There is no limit on the number of pages in each letter.

5. Inmates may send correspondence to any not-incarcerated person in any language.

6. Foreign nationals held in custody in Contra Costa County Sheriff's Facilities may
write the diplomatic representatives of their county of origin, utilizing U.S. Mail.

In the case of indigent foreign nationals, where regularly provided postage is insufficient to cover postage to a foreign county, Accounting will provide sufficient additional postage to cover the postal costs of such correspondence.

Indigent foreign nationals may send a maximum of two (2) letters per week (Monday-Sunday). There is no limit on indigent inmate legal mail.

b. Foreign nationals needing assistance in contacting their diplomatic
representative, particularly is accessing appropriate addresses or
telephone numbers, shall receive assistance from the Inmate Library.

7. Outgoing mail will be forwarded to the U.S. Post Office within 48 hours of removal
from the inmate's housing unit.

Note: Excluding weekends and holidays.

8. Envelopes, stamps and writing material will be purchased through commissary.

Indigent inmates will receive correspondence materials for writing to family and friends in the indigent inmate kit through commissary.


Envelopes, stamps and writing material may not be received through U.S. Mail.

9. All inmate must meet all rules and regulations for mailing letters. Deliberate violations
may result in disciplinary action or referral for prosecution to appropriate authorities.

10. With the approval of the Facility Commander, all non-privileged outgoing mail may
be read by custody staff to ensure inmate communications do not pose a threat to
the safety of staff, other inmates, the security of the facility, or if reasonable
suspicion exists that it, the correspondence is being used in the furtherance of illegal
activity.

A "Mail Watch may be requested by the District Attorney's office and will be monitored by the Classification Unit.

The Mail Watch form will be completed and
maintained by the Classification Unit.

b. Inmate Legal Mail may not be read for any reason.

11. All non-privileged outgoing mail may be opened if a reasonable suspicion exists that
illegal contraband may be contained within the envelope or package.

Outgoing mail will only be opened with the approval of the Facility Commander or designee.


The individual opening the outgoing mail will complete an incident report and crime report, if necessary.

12. Outgoing Mail From Housing Unit

Housing unit deputies will ensure that all outgoing mail has the inmate's full name, booking number and housing address and assignment.

Housing unit deputies will return all incomplete envelopes to inmate for correction.


Magazine "pull-outs" will not be accepted for mailing.


Housing unit deputies will return all unsealed envelopes to inmates for sealing.


Housing unit deputies will return all envelopes with any writing on it other than the name and address information of the sender and receiving party.

b. Housing unit deputies will stamp all outgoing mail with the "Inmate
Mail" stamp.

13. Housing unit deputies will place all outgoing mail into the mail pick-up bin in the mail
room at the completion of their assigned shift.



PRIVILEGED CORRESPONDENCE

1. All inmates are permitted to have unlimited postage paid correspondence with their
attorney and the courts.

2. Privileged Correspondence may be opened only to inspect for contraband, and
only in the presence of the inmate.

a. Staff may not read privileged correspondence at any time.

b. Contraband items located within privileged correspondence will result in
the immediate removal of the item and, dependent on the nature of the
offense, could result in the temporary hold or placement of the legal
material into evidence.

Note: The placement of legal material into evidence will be for the sole
purpose of preserving the evidence of contraband.

3. Deputies will forward all outgoing indigent inmate legal mail to Accounting.

Accounting staff will verify the indigent status, band all legal mail together and place it in the outgoing mail bin.


Accounting staff will place the proper amount of postage on all legal mail, placing no limit on the number of envelopes being mailed.



PROHIBITED MAIL

1. Staff shall not permit inmates to receive any mail which:

Contains instructions for the manufacturing of explosives, weapons, drugs, or other unlawful substances.


Advocates, encourages, depicts, or otherwise condones violence, the use of weapons, gang related activities, or other conduct which jeopardizes jail security.


Advocates racial, religious, or national hatred or which otherwise contains matter of a character tending to incite murder, arson, riot, or any other form of violence.


Contains sexually explicit images that depict frontal nudity in personal photographs, drawing, magazines or other pictorial format.

Explicit Material Exceptions:

Departmentally purchased or acquired educational, medical/scientific or artistic material for the purpose of inclusion in facility libraries or educational areas.


Inmate purchased educational, medical/scientific or artistic materials, including anatomical medical references books, general practitioner reference books and or guides. National Geographic Magazine, or artistic reference material depicting historical,
modern and/or post modern era art.


All inmate publications are subject to a case-by-case review and approval by the Custody Services Bureau Commander or his/her designee.

e. Is oversized and not likely to reasonably fit in an inmate's personal
storage drawer/bin.

f. Contain Polaroid photographs.

g. Have envelopes with any writing on it other than the name and
address information of the sender and receiving party.

h. Contain any writing/drawing in crayon, marker or colored pencils.

i. Contain any stains or unidentifiable marks.

2. Unsolicited Commercial Mail

Mail deemed to be unsolicited commercial mail, as defined in this policy, will not be accepted for distribution in any Contra Costa County Detention Facility.

Unsolicited commercial mail will be returned to the sender if it can be done without cost to the Office of the Sheriff.

• Any unsolicited commercial mail that cannot be
returned without cost will be recycled or destroyed.

3. Questionable materials will be referred to the shift supervisor for review and
approval on a case-by case basis.

4. Sexually explicit drawings on the outside of mailing envelopes will not be accepted
by U.S. Postal authorities and will be returned to the sender.



INMATE JAIL MAIL

1. Inmates are not allowed to correspond:

a. From facility to facility within Contra Costa County
(inter facility)

b. To other inmates within the same facility (intra facility)

c. To other inmates at any other facility (county or state)
outside Contra Costa County.

2. Inmates may not use the United State Postal Service or any other third party to
facilitate writing to each other while incarcerated.



PROCESSING INMATE MAIL

1. With the approval of the Facility Commander, all non-privileged incoming/outgoing
mail may be read by custody staff to ensure inmate communications do not pose a
threat to the safety of staff, other inmates, or the security of the facility.

a. Inmate Legal Mail may not be read for any reason.

2. Inspection of Mail: All general correspondence shall be opened by staff and
examined for money or contraband.

3. Contraband

a. Incoming mail containing contraband

• When contraband is found which is not
otherwise illegal, the entire contents shall
be returned to the sender in the original
envelope or package and marked as
"Rejected."

• Prior to re-sealing the envelope or package,
a Return of Unauthorized Correspondence
Form will be completed advising the sender
of the reason it was returned.

• A copy of the notice will be sent to the
inmate and a copy will be filed.

b. Incoming Mail containing illegal contraband

• When illegal contraband is found, the shift
supervisor will be notified.

• A deputy will take control of the contraband
and letter and initiate the appropriate
reports.

4. Processing money received through incoming mail

a. Money to inmates will only be accepted in the following
forms:

• Money Orders

• Cashiers checks

• Local, state and federal government checks,
including check from other detention and
prison authorities.

• Traveler's checks.

b. Personal checks or cash will result in the envelope and all
its contents being returned to sender.

• The rejected envelope shall be accompanied
with the Return of Unauthorized
Correspondence form.


c. Money Orders must be made out to:
Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office

• The inmates' name and booking
number must be on the face of
the money order.

d. Money orders that have only first initials instead of a first
name will be accepted if there is a legible booking number
on the money order.

e. The account copy of the receipt shall be forwarded with
the money to the accounting office, where the money will
be credited to the inmate's account.

5. Padded Envelopes

a. Prior to opening, ascertain if the inmate is in fact in
custody.

• If the inmate is not in custody, return the
envelope to the Post Office.

• If in custody, open the envelope and transfer
contents to a plain envelope.

b. Write the name, booking number and housing location of
inmate on the front of a plain envelope.

• The name of the sender should also be
written on the envelope.

c. Throw away the empty padded envelope.

d. Process the mail in the prescribed manner.

6. Packages and reading material

a. Packages, parcels, and mail exceeding 11"x14" in size are
prohibited and will be returned to sender by the mailroom
staff.

b. Softbound books will be accepted if they are mailed
directly from the publisher or a reputable bookstore.

c. No hardbound books will be accepted.

d. Unmarked packages will be rejected and returned to the
U.S. Post Office for disposition.

e. Exception to restrictions:

• Textbooks (hard or soft bound), periodicals,
magazines and books approved by the
U.S. Postal authorities for movement
through the mail that are legitimate legal
references and cannot reasonably be
made available by the facility through other
means.

• The Facility Commander shall review and
approve each item on case-by-case basis.

f. Staff shall maintain a daily Publication log.

• This log will be available for staff members to
view via the CSB Records Log located on
the Facility's computer server and shall
included the following information:

1. Name and booking number of
inmate.

2. Name of bookstore and
location (if applicable).

3. Number of books, magazines
and/or newspapers

4. Book, magazine and/or
newspaper titles.

g. All books, periodicals and magazines delivered to Contra
Costa County Sheriff's Detention Facilities shall be secured
in lockable, bulk mail drawer located in the reception
lobby.

• The key to the bulk mailbox shall be
controlled and maintained through Central
Control.

• The staff member inspecting the mail shall
be responsible for checking the key out at
the beginning of the shift and returning the
key to Central Control after the bulk mailbox
has been locked at the end of shift.

7. All mail marked "Not in Custody" will be set-aside in a separate stack for
crosschecking in the JMS computer after all other mail has been processed.

a. If the computer check shows the inmate is assigned to
another Contra Costa County Sheriff's Detention Facility,
their mail will be routed to that facility for delivery.

b. All other "Not in Custody" mail will be returned to sender.

8. All mail that is not deliverable to the addressee and has not return address on the
envelope will be returned to the U.S. Post Office for delivery to the dead-letter
office.


DEPOSITING MONEY FOR INMATES

1. Money for inmates will only be accepted in the following forms:

Money Orders

Cashiers Checks

Local, State and Federal government checks, including checks from other
detention and prison authorities.

Traveler's Checks

2. Personal checks or cash will result in the envelope and all its contents being returned
to sender.

3. Money Orders, Cashiers Checks and Traveler's Checks must be made out to the
inmate. The inmate name and booking number must be on the front of the check.
Include the inmates date of birth if you do not know the booking number.

4. Credit Cards and Debit Cards will only be accepted via the Commissary website.
Click here to access the Commissary Website.

DEPOSITS MADE VIA THE COMMISSARY WEBSITE MAY NOT CREDIT INMATE ACCOUNT FOR UP TO 2 DAYS

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DETENTION FACILITY MAILING ADDRESS

Martinez Detention Facility
901 Court Street
Martinez, Ca. 94553

West County Detention Facility
5535 Giant Highway
Richmond, Ca 94806

Marsh Creek Detention Facility
12000 Marsh Creek Road
Clayton, Ca. 94517


http://www.cocosheriff.org/custody/inmate_mail_complete.htm

Custody Alternative Facility
1011 Las Juntas
Martinez, CA 94553

General Information: (925) 646-4670

This unit is responsible for administering programs in which qualifying inmates may choose an alternative to incarceration. Violation of program regulations can result in rejection from the program and return to a detention facility. Fees are assessed for program participation resulting in self-funded operations. Options available to inmates include:

Work Alternative Program: A program whereby inmates provide labor in exchange for sentenced days.

Home Detention Program: Inmates wear electronic home detention ankle bracelets to monitor their daily whereabouts. This permits an inmate to be a productive member of society by maintaining employment and family responsibilities while serving time.

County Parole: Inmates are granted parole specifications in lieu of incarceration, and may be remanded to county detention facilities for violations as determined by a parole hearing board.

West County Detention Facility (W.C.D.F.)
5555 Giant Highway Richmond
Richmond, CA 94806

(510) 262-4200

Opened in 1991, this is the newest of the detention facilities. The W.C.D.F. is a direct supervision, medium-security, new generation jail designed to:

Operate as a coeducational, program-oriented facility.

House those sentenced inmates who do not qualify for the county's other sentenced facilities as well as "special needs" populations.

This site houses up to 1,104 inmates within the confines of five housing units, four for males and one for females, with separate recreation areas. The grounds also contain individual courtyards, educational classrooms, library facilities and a chaplain program. Inmates have the ability to leave the housing units for classes, doctor's appointments or scheduled visits. Deputies patrol the facility and double-fenced perimeter on bicycles, as well as in marked police vehicles.



Visiting Hours and Rules:

Social visits will be scheduled only by the inmates


Every day except Wednesday and Thursday

10:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m.

Up to three (3) visitors may visit an inmate at one time.

All visitors must be scheduled and have entered the facility no later than thirty (30) minutes prior to the end of any visiting block.

Marsh Creek Detention Facility (M.C.D.F.)
12000 Marsh Creek Rd.
Clayton, CA 94517

General Information: (925) 646-5700

This facility is frequently referred to as the 'Farm' because of its rural location. It bears the responsibility for the care, custody and control of sentenced male inmates serving up to one year of county time. M.C.D.F. is a minimum-security facility with a housing capacity of 256. The average inmate population is 150.

Visiting Hours & Rules

Social visits will be scheduled only by the inmates

Saturdays and Sundays

1:00 p.m.- 1:45 p.m. Orderlies only
2:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
2:45 p.m.- 3:15 p.m.
3:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Up to three (3) visitors may visit an inmate at one time.

All visitors must be scheduled and have entered the facility no later than thirty (30) minutes prior to the end of any visiting block.

Martinez Detention Facility (M.D.F.)
1000 Ward Street
Martinez, CA 94553

Inmate Information: (925) 646-4495

Since its opening in 1981, the M.D.F. has become a model for future detention facilities and a regional resource center for the National Institute of Corrections (N.I.C.). Professionals have come from all over the world to tour and study this facility.

In 1984, the advisory board of the N.I.C. formally endorsed the direct supervision/non-barrier approach to correctional facility design and operation for jurisdictions contemplating construction or renovation of prisons and jails. The M.D.F. is a leader in this area and serves as a model for others.

The Martinez Detention Facility was built to house pre-sentenced and sentenced inmates who do not qualify for less restrictive environments. This facility houses the Bureau Commander and support personnel for the entire division. Also, direction for the Custody Alternative Facility originates from this building.



Visiting Hours & Rules:

Social visits will be scheduled only by the inmates

MDF VISITING HOURS



Saturday
-
Wednesday
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday
7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.



Up to four (4) visitors may visit an inmate at one time.

Registration of scheduled visitors will begin thirty (30) minutes before the posted visiting time.

All visitors must be scheduled and have entered the facility no later than thirty (30) minutes prior to the end of any visiting block.

VISITING RULES AND REGULATIONS (All Facilities)



Social Visits

POLICY

A. Inmates are encouraged to maintain relationships with family and
friends.

B. Visiting is scheduled on a regular basis and is limited only by the
security and personnel constraints of the individual detention facility.

C. All regulations pertaining to visiting shall be made available to all
visitors and staff and to all inmates at the time of admission.



DEFINITIONS

A. COURT ORDERED VISITS: A visit ordered by a municipal or
superior court judge of Contra Costa County or a federal court judge
having jurisdiction over the inmate.

B. EXTENDED VISITS: A visit that is in excess of the regular thirty
(30) minutes time allotment for regular visiting. Only the Facility
Commander or his/her designee may authorize an extended visit.

C. IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER: Spouses, parents and
siblings.

D. SOCIAL VISITS: A visit that occurs between an inmate and the
inmate's family members, friends and associates.

E. SPECIAL VISITS: A visit that is requested on a non-scheduled
visiting day or is of unusual circumstances. Only the Facility
Commander or his/her designee may authorize a special visit.




MARTINEZ DETENTION FACILITY - VISITING DAYS AND HOURS

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

0800-1100 hrs

1230-1500 hrs

1600-1800 hrs

1930-2100 hrs

Thursday

0800-1100 hrs

1230-1500 hrs

1600-1800 hrs

Friday

1930-2100 hrs

1. Up to four (4) visitors may visit an inmate at one time.

2. All visitors must be scheduled and have entered the facility on later than thirty (30)
minutes prior to the end of any visiting block.

3. Registration of scheduled visitors will begin thirty (30) minutes before the posted
visiting time.



WEST COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY - VISITING DAYS AND HOURS

Every day except Wednesday and Thursday

1030,1300,1400 and 1530 hrs

1. Up to three (3) visitors may visit an inmate at one time.

2. All visitors must be scheduled and have entered the facility not later than thirty (30)
minutes prior to the end of any visiting block.

3. It shall be the inmate's responsibility to notify the supervising deputy at least ten (10)
minutes to the hour of the pending visit and respond to authorized visiting areas
fifteen (15) minutes prior to the visit.

Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the visit.





MARSH CREEK DETENTION FACILITY - VISITING DAYS AND HOURS

Saturdays and Sundays

1300-1345 hrs (Orderlies only)

1400-1430 hrs

1445-1515 hrs

1530-1600 hrs

1. Up to three (3) visitors may visit an inmate at one time.

2. All visitors must be scheduled and have entered the facility not later than thirty (30)
minutes prior to the end of any visiting block.

3. It shall be the inmate's responsibility to respond to authorized visiting areas upon
announcement.

Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the visit.

4. All inmates, regardless of classification, are eligible to visit except for the following:

a. Inmates in Disciplinary Isolation

b. Inmates on Disciplinary Loss of Privileges.

5. A sign will be posted in the public lobby providing directions from the facility to the
nearest public transportation. The sign will also provide a schedule of the operating
hours for public transportation near the facility.





INMATE VISITOR LIST

1. Inmates may submit a list of up to six names for social visits if one of the following
conditions apply:

a. The inmate has never been housed in a Contra Costa
County Detention Facility.

b. The inmate is returning to a Contra Costa County
Detention Facility from a non-custodial status.

c. The inmate has not updated their visiting list for a period
exceeding one year.

d. The Facility Commander approves a requested change.

2. The inmate will complete and submit an Inmate Visitor Form (DET: 080) to the
housing unit deputy to which they are assigned.

a. Official visitors to the inmate do not need to be included
on the Inmate Visitor List unless they are directly related
to the inmate.

b. Infants and Toddlers that must be carried into the facility
visiting area do not need to be included on the Inmate
Visitor List.





SCHEDULING VISITS

1. Inmates may request to schedule a visit under the following conditions:

a. Only two (2) thirty (30) minute visits are permitted each
week (Monday to Sunday).

• Exception: Work Crew Inmates and Housing Unit
Trustees are authorized three (3) thirty (30) minute
visits each week.

• Inmates may schedule their visits consecutively if they
wish.

•Staff will be required to enter each visit separately.

b. Inmates must complete and submit an Inmate Request
Form at least forty-eight (48) hours but not more than
seven (7) days in advance asking for the visit.

c. Requested date and times are listed on the Inmate
Request Form.

d. Inmate must not be serving any disciplinary lockdown or
disciplinary loss of privileges at any time from request of
visit.

2. Any violation of visiting rules may result in disciplinary action.

3. Inmates being transferred to other housing units or facilities may cause the
non-contact visit to be cancelled.





ADMINISTRATIVE SEGREGATION INMATES

1. Administrative Segregation (SEG) inmates at both facilities, will be escorted directly
to and from the visiting room by the housing unit or floor deputy.

2. Administrative Segregation (SEG) inmates that may come in contact with any
inmates outside their classification will be handcuffed to and from their cell door
by the housing unit or floor deputy and escorted directly to and from the visiting
room.

3. Administrative Segregation Inmates (SEG) inmates will be placed in a locked
visiting booth at all times.





EXTENDED AND SPECIAL VISITS

1. Request for extended visits shall be submitted to the Facility Commander via the
appropriate chain of command for approval.

2. The inmate's name may be submitted to the Classification Section for review and
recommendation prior to granting or denying the request.

3. Request for extended visits will be reviewed on an individual basis and will take
the following into account:

a. Inmate's background at the facility

b. Visitor's relationship to the inmate

c. Visitor's reason for the extended visit

d. Impact on the safety and security of the facility

e. Impact on staffing, visiting room availability and other
scheduled inmate visits.





Other Visiting Rules
POLICY

A. All regulations pertaining to visiting shall be made available to all
visitors and staff and to all inmates at the time of admission.

B. The number of visitors an inmate may receive and the length of
visits shall be limited only by the facility's schedule, space and
personnel constraints, or when there are substantial reasons to
justify such limitations.

C. Visiting privileges shall be suspended only by order of the Facility
Commander, except where the suspension is imposed as part of
a formal disciplinary proceeding. Inmates should not be denied
access to visits with persons of their choice except when the
Facility Commander or designee can present clear and convincing
evidence that such visitation jeopardizes the safety and security of
the facility or the visitors. The Classification Unit will be notified of
all visiting suspensions.

D. The facility shall provide a visiting room for inmates and their guests
that allows ease and informality of communication.

E. The facility shall provide information to visitors about transportation to
and from the facility.

F. High-risk inmates in Administrative Segregation will receive the same
visiting privileges as general population inmates.


DEFINITIONS

A. IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS: Spouses, parents and
siblings.

B. SOCIAL VISITS: A visit that occurs between an inmate and the
inmate's family members, friends and associates.

C. SERVICE ANIMALS: Any animal that is utilized for the purpose
of aiding an individual with a disability.

VISITING RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. The visiting process is governed by set rules and regulations. Any violation of
the rules and regulations by an inmate may result in disciplinary action.

2. The maximum number of visitors permitted to visit an inmate at one time is
determined by each facility.

a. Infant and toddlers that must be carried are not considered to be
a visitor.

b. Refer to Social Visiting Section for facility specific information.

3. Visitors who have served any amount of time in a state or federal prison may
not visit without the prior written approval of the Facility Commander.

4. Visitors who have been confined in any Contra Costa County Detention
Facility during the past six months will not be permitted to visit.

5. Visitors must comply with the following facility appearance code:

Shirts and shoes required
No midriff tops or bathing suits
No hats
No overalls or coveralls
No coats or jackets
No exaggerated hairstyles
No see-through clothing or low cut tops
No mini-skirts, shorts or skintight clothing
No gang related clothing or style of dress
No gang related symbols or markings

6. Visitors are subject to search of their person and/or property.

7. Any violation of the rules and regulations by a visitor may result in the immediate
termination of the visit, removal of the visitor from the facility and suspension of
visitor privileges.

8. Visitors engaged in unlawful conduct are subject to arrest.

9. Visitors in possession of firearms, explosives, alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or any
controlled substance, including marijuana are subject to arrest.

10. Visitors under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to visit and
may be subject to arrest.

11. All persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by their parent or legal
guardian unless they are married to the inmate receiving the visit. The visitor
must provide proof of the relationship upon request.

12. Visitors are not allowed to carry cell phones, pagers, palm or laptop computers,
cameras, tape or digital recorders, purses, bags, briefcases, or any other items
into the visiting areas. Personal items should be left at home or locked in the
visitor's vehicle. Items may also be locked in the public lockers located in the
lobby area.

13. Smoking is prohibited in the building.

14. No food or drink is permitted in the visiting areas.

15. Visitors are required to proceed directly their respective areas and to remain there
until their visit is completed. Upon completion of the scheduled visit, the visitors
must leave the facility.

16. Visitors found visiting an inmate other than the one scheduled shall have their
visiting privileges revoked and will be requested to leave the facility.

17. There will be no physical contact between visitor and inmate.

18. Visitors and inmates attempting to exchange or pass any item shall have their
visit terminated immediately.

19. Visitors and inmates are to refrain from loud talking or being disruptive.
Visitors with disruptive children may have their visit terminated.

20. When a deputy announces that the visit is over, the visit will end immediately.

21. An inmate may refuse to see any visitor.

22. Inmates are required to submit to search at the request of a deputy.

23. Visitors are not permitted to loiter in or about vehicles in the parking lot.
Visitors refusing to comply may be asked to leave and may be subject to
arrest.

a. Special consideration will be made to individuals in designated
Handicap parking spaces when the vehicle operator and/or
passenger displays current disabled license plates and/or
disabled persons placard.

24. Any challenge or dispute of facility visiting rules and regulations will be
directed to the immediate attention of the Custody Sergeant.



VISITORS WITH DISABILITIES

1. Visitors with service animals will be allowed access to the facility and will not be
denied the use of their service animal.

a. Visitors may be required to state the purpose of the service
animal.

b. Any conflict regarding whether an animal is a service animal
shall be resolved by the Facility Commander or his/her
designee.

2. Visitors with disabilities who require assistance, will be escorted to the
proper visiting area. Wheelchair bound visitors will receive priority
consideration for the use of the non-contact lobby visiting rooms
designated and identified for this purpose.

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VISITOR REGISTRATION AND ENTRY

1. Each adult visitor will complete a visitor pass before approaching the
Visitor Registration Desk. The registration must be complete, legible
and include the follow:

Visitor's name

Visitor's address

Visitor's date of birth

Driver's license number

Inmate name and Booking Number

Visitor's relationship to inmate


2. Visitors will approach the Visitor Registration Desk with their
completed visitor pass and authorized photo identification.

a. Authorized photo identification is considered to be the
following:


Valid driver's license

State identification card

Other official identification, depicting photograph,
physical characteristics and signature issued
by a governmental body.

Other types of identification approved by the
Custody Sergeant.


3. Visitors will return to the waiting area until called by the Lobby
Receptionist.

4. After being called by the Lobby Receptionist, the visitor will return
to the Visitor Registration Desk and await additional visiting
instructions.

http://www.cocosheriff.org/custody/social_visit.htm

http://www.cocosheriff.org/custody/visiting_rules_complete.htm