California Sunshine
10-30-2004, 12:50 AM
Taken from the CDC website:
The California Department of Corrections (CDC) Visiting Information Toll-Free Telephone Number is (800) 374-8474. This toll-free number will provide most visiting information for all CDC institutions in English or Spanish. Some regulations, visiting hours and days could vary from one institution to the other. This phone number will lead you to the information for each institution.
General Visiting Information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL VISITORS
Visitors entering CDC institutions/facilities are subject to a search of their person, vehicle and property to the degree necessary to ensure institution/facility security, and prevent the introduction of contraband. Visitors may leave the institution grounds rather than to submit to a search of their person, vehicle or property. However, refusal to submit to the search will result in the denial of visitation for that day. Visitors may not elect to leave the institution grounds rather than submit to a search when institution officials possess a court-ordered search warrant or the cause for a search warrant arises while the visitor is on institution grounds.
All visitors should be aware that CDC is prohibited from recognizing hostages for bargaining to effect an escape by inmates or for any other reasons(s). (All visitors should be aware that CDC does not negotiate for release of hostages to effect an escape or for any other reason(s).)The prison may be surrounded by an electric fence. To protect visitors, especially children, from being injured, visitors are cautioned to stay away from the perimeter fence line.
It is a crime to:
Assist an inmate to escape.
Bring onto the grounds any weapon, firearm, ammunition, explosive device, tear gas, pepper-spray, alcohol or controlled substance, cameras and/or recording devices.* Take letters and/or written documents to or from an inmate.* Falsely identify yourself to gain admission to the institution.
Enter without the permission of the Warden if you have previously been convicted of a felony.
TYPES OF VISITS
The following describes the different types of visits and their limitations. If the number of visitors on a particular day is especially high, visits may be terminated to allow all visitors the opportunity to use the visiting facilities.
Contact Visits
Contact Visits mean that visitors may visit with the inmate in the visiting room or in the visiting patio area. The number of visitors is limited to no more than five visitors per inmate, including children. No time limit is imposed on contact visits except when the visiting room reaches capacity; visits may be terminated to make room for other visitors as they arrive. The "first in, first out" rule is applied in this case.
Noncontact Visits
Noncontact Visits are conducted in non-contact booths. The number of visitors is limited to no more than three visitors, including children, for each inmate due to the limited space in the booths. Non-contact visits are limited to no more than two hours due to the number of booths available. Inmates on non-contact and orientation status will be scheduled for a maximum of two hours. Visitors arriving without an appointment will be subject to space available. Ability to visit is not guaranteed.
Family/Conjugal Visits
Eligible inmates may apply for family visits. These visits are in an apartment-type setting and are for up to 43 hours' duration. Family visits involve only the inmate's approved immediate family members. The inmate purchases food from the institution. The inmate and their family may review the different menus and make choices, which they purchase prior to the visit. Minors may not normally participate in a family visit without the presence of another adult member of the inmate's immediate family. Exceptions are made on a case-by case-basis.
Normal Visiting Schedules
Each institution/facility has established a visiting schedule, which provides a minimum of 12 visiting hours per week. Institution heads have developed an operational supplement to this section, which includes their respective visiting schedules as follows:
Visiting days:
Four Days: Thursday through Sunday
Three Days: Friday through Sunday
Two Days: Saturday and Sunday
Any routine modification to visiting hours and/or days shall be posted in areas accessible to visiting participants at least two weeks prior to implementation. Inmates may visit only during non-work/training hours except as provided in CCR Section 3045.2.
Visiting On Five Major Holidays
The Department recognizes five major holidays that may or may not be on a regularly scheduled visiting day. The designated visiting holidays are:
New Year's Day
July 4 (Independence Day)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Application Process
The inmate should send family members and friends an application (CDC Form 106) to visit. All adult visitors must complete the application and return it to the Visiting Sergeant by mail. The Visiting staff must approve the application before the family member may visit. This should take approximately 30 working days. The CDC Form106 must be filled out completely and accurately. Failure to provide all requested information might result in the request being either denied or delayed.
Adult Visitors
The inmate will let the each visitor know that they are approved. Any visitor approved at one institution shall be approved to visit the same inmate upon transfer to another institution. A visitor may be required to update the application after 12 months.
Children
Minors are only allowed to visit when they are accompanied by an approved visitor such as a parent, a court appointed legal guardian, or they have written, notarized permission to visit from the child's parent or legal guardian and a certified birth certificate or embossed abstract of birth. Notarized letters must have the notary stamp on the original document; it must not be stapled or attached as an amendment and must be updated each calendar year. Child victims are not allowed to visit any inmate convicted of sexual offense against the minor. To protect the minor, the adult visitor must provide identification for each child visitor to verify the child is not the victim.
Attorneys/Legal Representatives
An attorney of record or legal representative must make an appointment with the Institution Litigation Coordinator or with the Visiting Room personnel to interview an inmate.
Persons on Active Parole
It is a felony for a former inmate to be on the grounds of any prison for any reason without prior written approval from the warden of that institution. Parolees must have prior written approval from their parole supervisor and the warden of that institution, prior to coming on institutional grounds. Persons discharged from parole must provide proof of discharge along with the warden's written permission to visit.
Acceptable Identification:
A valid state driver's license with picture (not laminated)
A valid state Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card with picture (not laminated)
A valid Armed Forces Identification Card
Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Services
Valid Federal Passport with picture
Picture identification issued by the Mexican Consulate entitled Secretaria De Relations Exteriores, Servicio Exterior Mexicano, Certificado De Matricula Consular
Visitor Attire
It is recommended that visitors dress conservatively and with the following guidelines in mind. Inappropriate attire will be reason to deny a visit. Any alteration to clothing once a visitor is inside the visiting area will be grounds for terminating the visit.
Prohibited Attire:
Clothing which, in any combination of shades or types of material/fabric, resembles California State-issued inmate clothing, blue denim or chambray shirts and blue denim pants.
Law enforcement or military-type forest green or camouflage patterned articles of clothing, including rain gear.
Hats, wigs or hairpieces (except with prior written approval of the Visiting Sergeant).
Clothing that exposes the breast/chest area, genital area, or buttocks.
Dresses, skirts, pants, and shorts exposing more than two inches above the knee, including slits.
Sheer or transparent garments.
Strapless or"spaghetti" straps.
Clothing exposing the midriff area.
Clothing or accessories displaying obscene or offensive language or drawings.
Brassieres with metal underwires or any other detectable metal are not permitted.
Allowable items:
Identification Card.
One Handkerchief.
Tissue Pack. (Unopened)
Clear Change Purse.
Cigarettes, two unopened packs. (Only Patio Visits At Designated Institutions/Facilities.)
$30 Per Adult in Coin or One Dollar Bills Only.
Comb or Brush
Two Keys On A Ring with No Attachments.
10 Photographs.
One Infant Carrier.
Six Disposable Diapers.
Factory-Sealed Baby Wipes.
Two Baby Bottles of Pre-Mixed Formula/Milk/Juice Per Baby.
One Transparent Pacifier.
Two Jars of Factory Sealed Baby Food.
Baby Blanket.
If you require prescription medication you must leave the medication at the Processing Center. You will be escorted back to the processing center if you need to take your medicine. Nitroglycerin tablets and inhalers will be allowed in the visiting room. Nonprescription medicine is not permitted.
Prohibited Items:
Purses.
Food. All refreshments are to be purchased from the vending machines located in the visiting room. (Except Camps and Ranches.)
Chewing Gum.
Cameras.
Pagers.
Cell Phones.
Writing Materials or Books. (Unless approved prior to entering the Visiting Room.)
Search Requirements:
All visitors must successfully pass through a metal detector to enter the visiting area. Any items that may set off the metal detector (e.g., hairclips, hairpins, jewelry, belts, belt buckles, suspenders, shoes, etc.), should be removed before attempting to pass through the metal detector. If the visitor cannot successfully pass through the metal detector, the visitor is subject to delay or denial of visit.
Visitors who have implants or prosthetic devices must bring a notarized statement from their physician detailing the implant or device and its specific location in the body. Visitors with implanted or prosthetic devices, wheelchairs or other assistive devices may contact theVisiting Sergeant for information and/or special instructions.
The Secure 1000 "People Scanner" used at 11 institutions. This device is a contraband detection device that is currently being installed at most international airports by the U.S. Customs Department. The Secure 1000 People Scanner is a non-intrusive device that uses Iow level x-ray backscatter imaging to detect contraband hidden upon a person.
There is no known health risk to anyone. The x-ray exposure level is so minimal; it may be compared to standing underneath your home smoke alarm.
The Secure 1000 will enable the operator (of the same sex as the visitor) to detect such items as narcotics, money, weapons, and dangerous contraband that are hidden upon an individual.
The image of the individual being scanned is shown on a monitor that is placed in such a manner as to protect visitor privacy.
All visitors, except infants and children who are unable to walk, shall be processed through the Secure 1000 prior to being allowed access within the institution.
Infants and children unable to walk will normally not be required to process through the Secure 1000, but will be subject to processing with the detector wand.
A visitor whose image indicates an unknown or foreign object will be subject to a "localized" unclothed body search. The search shall be conducted in a professional manner that will moderate the embarrassment or indignity to the person being searched. The search will be conducted and observed by a staff person and supervisor of the same sex.
Special Circumstances Visits
In general, inmates who have work assignments are allowed to visit only during their non-work hours. In some cases, however, an inmate may be approved to visit during his work hours for extraordinary circumstances. These special circumstances include:
Excessive Distance: When a visitor must travel a distance of 250 miles or more and has not visited the inmate within the past 30 days. No more than one day is permitted for such a visit.
Wedding: When an inmate marries, the inmate may (with prior approval from his work supervisor) have a visit on the wedding day.
Disabled: When a visitor is disabled (as defined by California law) and must rely on special transportation to the institution, approval is required five working days prior to the visit.
Family Emergency: When death, serious illness or injury occurs to an inmate's immediate family member, clergy persons, family member or close friends may visit thc inmate to offer condolences or to inform the inmate or the occurrence. The emergency must be verified prior to the approval of the "Emergency Visit."
Infrequent Visits: When an inmate normally receives infrequent visits and a visitor unexpectedly arrives, a visit may be granted. "Infrequent visit" is defined as not more than one visitor every six months.
Family Visits: An inmate participating in the Family Visiting Program may be permitted to visit in the regular visiting room at the conclusion of his family visit, but only during the regular visiting hours.
Close Custody Counts: Inmates who due to either the length of their sentence or aberrant behavior are given the Close Custody level.. All close custody inmates will remain in plain view of the visiting floor officer. Times at each institution or facility may vary; please contact the specific institution that you visit for specific Close Custody count hours.
Visiting Room Procedures
Each visitor and inmate is responsible for his or her own conduct while visiting. Violation of the rules and regulations may result in termination, restriction, suspension, or denial of visits. Additionally, disciplinary charges may be filed against the inmate. An inmate and his/her visitor(s) are allowed to embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of their visit. Holding hands on top of the table in plain view is permitted, with no other physical contact. Excessive contact, (kissing, massaging, stroking, and sitting with legs intertwined or sitting on laps) could result in termination of the visit. Inmates cannot receive any items, gifts, money, jewelry, or documents during a visit. However, the adult visitor may ask for a pencil and notebook paper as needed. Children are to remain under the direct supervision and control of the visiting parent or guardian at all times. Smoking is not allowed in the visiting rooms or outside patios in some institutions at any time.
Citizen's Complaint Process
If you have a problem concerning visiting, you should try to resolve it immediately. You should ask to speak with the Visiting Sergeant and or Visiting Lieutenant. Should the problem persist or you do not receive remedy, you may write the Warden with a description of the problem and what resolution you are requesting. You may write the Visiting Ombudsperson or the Director if you are complaining about an institutional policy and did not receive a satisfactory response. When you receive a written response from the Warden, please attach it to your letter to the Director. The Ombudsperson may be reached at (916)445-1748.
Last Modified: 7/1/2004
The California Department of Corrections (CDC) Visiting Information Toll-Free Telephone Number is (800) 374-8474. This toll-free number will provide most visiting information for all CDC institutions in English or Spanish. Some regulations, visiting hours and days could vary from one institution to the other. This phone number will lead you to the information for each institution.
General Visiting Information
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL VISITORS
Visitors entering CDC institutions/facilities are subject to a search of their person, vehicle and property to the degree necessary to ensure institution/facility security, and prevent the introduction of contraband. Visitors may leave the institution grounds rather than to submit to a search of their person, vehicle or property. However, refusal to submit to the search will result in the denial of visitation for that day. Visitors may not elect to leave the institution grounds rather than submit to a search when institution officials possess a court-ordered search warrant or the cause for a search warrant arises while the visitor is on institution grounds.
All visitors should be aware that CDC is prohibited from recognizing hostages for bargaining to effect an escape by inmates or for any other reasons(s). (All visitors should be aware that CDC does not negotiate for release of hostages to effect an escape or for any other reason(s).)The prison may be surrounded by an electric fence. To protect visitors, especially children, from being injured, visitors are cautioned to stay away from the perimeter fence line.
It is a crime to:
Assist an inmate to escape.
Bring onto the grounds any weapon, firearm, ammunition, explosive device, tear gas, pepper-spray, alcohol or controlled substance, cameras and/or recording devices.* Take letters and/or written documents to or from an inmate.* Falsely identify yourself to gain admission to the institution.
Enter without the permission of the Warden if you have previously been convicted of a felony.
TYPES OF VISITS
The following describes the different types of visits and their limitations. If the number of visitors on a particular day is especially high, visits may be terminated to allow all visitors the opportunity to use the visiting facilities.
Contact Visits
Contact Visits mean that visitors may visit with the inmate in the visiting room or in the visiting patio area. The number of visitors is limited to no more than five visitors per inmate, including children. No time limit is imposed on contact visits except when the visiting room reaches capacity; visits may be terminated to make room for other visitors as they arrive. The "first in, first out" rule is applied in this case.
Noncontact Visits
Noncontact Visits are conducted in non-contact booths. The number of visitors is limited to no more than three visitors, including children, for each inmate due to the limited space in the booths. Non-contact visits are limited to no more than two hours due to the number of booths available. Inmates on non-contact and orientation status will be scheduled for a maximum of two hours. Visitors arriving without an appointment will be subject to space available. Ability to visit is not guaranteed.
Family/Conjugal Visits
Eligible inmates may apply for family visits. These visits are in an apartment-type setting and are for up to 43 hours' duration. Family visits involve only the inmate's approved immediate family members. The inmate purchases food from the institution. The inmate and their family may review the different menus and make choices, which they purchase prior to the visit. Minors may not normally participate in a family visit without the presence of another adult member of the inmate's immediate family. Exceptions are made on a case-by case-basis.
Normal Visiting Schedules
Each institution/facility has established a visiting schedule, which provides a minimum of 12 visiting hours per week. Institution heads have developed an operational supplement to this section, which includes their respective visiting schedules as follows:
Visiting days:
Four Days: Thursday through Sunday
Three Days: Friday through Sunday
Two Days: Saturday and Sunday
Any routine modification to visiting hours and/or days shall be posted in areas accessible to visiting participants at least two weeks prior to implementation. Inmates may visit only during non-work/training hours except as provided in CCR Section 3045.2.
Visiting On Five Major Holidays
The Department recognizes five major holidays that may or may not be on a regularly scheduled visiting day. The designated visiting holidays are:
New Year's Day
July 4 (Independence Day)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Application Process
The inmate should send family members and friends an application (CDC Form 106) to visit. All adult visitors must complete the application and return it to the Visiting Sergeant by mail. The Visiting staff must approve the application before the family member may visit. This should take approximately 30 working days. The CDC Form106 must be filled out completely and accurately. Failure to provide all requested information might result in the request being either denied or delayed.
Adult Visitors
The inmate will let the each visitor know that they are approved. Any visitor approved at one institution shall be approved to visit the same inmate upon transfer to another institution. A visitor may be required to update the application after 12 months.
Children
Minors are only allowed to visit when they are accompanied by an approved visitor such as a parent, a court appointed legal guardian, or they have written, notarized permission to visit from the child's parent or legal guardian and a certified birth certificate or embossed abstract of birth. Notarized letters must have the notary stamp on the original document; it must not be stapled or attached as an amendment and must be updated each calendar year. Child victims are not allowed to visit any inmate convicted of sexual offense against the minor. To protect the minor, the adult visitor must provide identification for each child visitor to verify the child is not the victim.
Attorneys/Legal Representatives
An attorney of record or legal representative must make an appointment with the Institution Litigation Coordinator or with the Visiting Room personnel to interview an inmate.
Persons on Active Parole
It is a felony for a former inmate to be on the grounds of any prison for any reason without prior written approval from the warden of that institution. Parolees must have prior written approval from their parole supervisor and the warden of that institution, prior to coming on institutional grounds. Persons discharged from parole must provide proof of discharge along with the warden's written permission to visit.
Acceptable Identification:
A valid state driver's license with picture (not laminated)
A valid state Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card with picture (not laminated)
A valid Armed Forces Identification Card
Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Services
Valid Federal Passport with picture
Picture identification issued by the Mexican Consulate entitled Secretaria De Relations Exteriores, Servicio Exterior Mexicano, Certificado De Matricula Consular
Visitor Attire
It is recommended that visitors dress conservatively and with the following guidelines in mind. Inappropriate attire will be reason to deny a visit. Any alteration to clothing once a visitor is inside the visiting area will be grounds for terminating the visit.
Prohibited Attire:
Clothing which, in any combination of shades or types of material/fabric, resembles California State-issued inmate clothing, blue denim or chambray shirts and blue denim pants.
Law enforcement or military-type forest green or camouflage patterned articles of clothing, including rain gear.
Hats, wigs or hairpieces (except with prior written approval of the Visiting Sergeant).
Clothing that exposes the breast/chest area, genital area, or buttocks.
Dresses, skirts, pants, and shorts exposing more than two inches above the knee, including slits.
Sheer or transparent garments.
Strapless or"spaghetti" straps.
Clothing exposing the midriff area.
Clothing or accessories displaying obscene or offensive language or drawings.
Brassieres with metal underwires or any other detectable metal are not permitted.
Allowable items:
Identification Card.
One Handkerchief.
Tissue Pack. (Unopened)
Clear Change Purse.
Cigarettes, two unopened packs. (Only Patio Visits At Designated Institutions/Facilities.)
$30 Per Adult in Coin or One Dollar Bills Only.
Comb or Brush
Two Keys On A Ring with No Attachments.
10 Photographs.
One Infant Carrier.
Six Disposable Diapers.
Factory-Sealed Baby Wipes.
Two Baby Bottles of Pre-Mixed Formula/Milk/Juice Per Baby.
One Transparent Pacifier.
Two Jars of Factory Sealed Baby Food.
Baby Blanket.
If you require prescription medication you must leave the medication at the Processing Center. You will be escorted back to the processing center if you need to take your medicine. Nitroglycerin tablets and inhalers will be allowed in the visiting room. Nonprescription medicine is not permitted.
Prohibited Items:
Purses.
Food. All refreshments are to be purchased from the vending machines located in the visiting room. (Except Camps and Ranches.)
Chewing Gum.
Cameras.
Pagers.
Cell Phones.
Writing Materials or Books. (Unless approved prior to entering the Visiting Room.)
Search Requirements:
All visitors must successfully pass through a metal detector to enter the visiting area. Any items that may set off the metal detector (e.g., hairclips, hairpins, jewelry, belts, belt buckles, suspenders, shoes, etc.), should be removed before attempting to pass through the metal detector. If the visitor cannot successfully pass through the metal detector, the visitor is subject to delay or denial of visit.
Visitors who have implants or prosthetic devices must bring a notarized statement from their physician detailing the implant or device and its specific location in the body. Visitors with implanted or prosthetic devices, wheelchairs or other assistive devices may contact theVisiting Sergeant for information and/or special instructions.
The Secure 1000 "People Scanner" used at 11 institutions. This device is a contraband detection device that is currently being installed at most international airports by the U.S. Customs Department. The Secure 1000 People Scanner is a non-intrusive device that uses Iow level x-ray backscatter imaging to detect contraband hidden upon a person.
There is no known health risk to anyone. The x-ray exposure level is so minimal; it may be compared to standing underneath your home smoke alarm.
The Secure 1000 will enable the operator (of the same sex as the visitor) to detect such items as narcotics, money, weapons, and dangerous contraband that are hidden upon an individual.
The image of the individual being scanned is shown on a monitor that is placed in such a manner as to protect visitor privacy.
All visitors, except infants and children who are unable to walk, shall be processed through the Secure 1000 prior to being allowed access within the institution.
Infants and children unable to walk will normally not be required to process through the Secure 1000, but will be subject to processing with the detector wand.
A visitor whose image indicates an unknown or foreign object will be subject to a "localized" unclothed body search. The search shall be conducted in a professional manner that will moderate the embarrassment or indignity to the person being searched. The search will be conducted and observed by a staff person and supervisor of the same sex.
Special Circumstances Visits
In general, inmates who have work assignments are allowed to visit only during their non-work hours. In some cases, however, an inmate may be approved to visit during his work hours for extraordinary circumstances. These special circumstances include:
Excessive Distance: When a visitor must travel a distance of 250 miles or more and has not visited the inmate within the past 30 days. No more than one day is permitted for such a visit.
Wedding: When an inmate marries, the inmate may (with prior approval from his work supervisor) have a visit on the wedding day.
Disabled: When a visitor is disabled (as defined by California law) and must rely on special transportation to the institution, approval is required five working days prior to the visit.
Family Emergency: When death, serious illness or injury occurs to an inmate's immediate family member, clergy persons, family member or close friends may visit thc inmate to offer condolences or to inform the inmate or the occurrence. The emergency must be verified prior to the approval of the "Emergency Visit."
Infrequent Visits: When an inmate normally receives infrequent visits and a visitor unexpectedly arrives, a visit may be granted. "Infrequent visit" is defined as not more than one visitor every six months.
Family Visits: An inmate participating in the Family Visiting Program may be permitted to visit in the regular visiting room at the conclusion of his family visit, but only during the regular visiting hours.
Close Custody Counts: Inmates who due to either the length of their sentence or aberrant behavior are given the Close Custody level.. All close custody inmates will remain in plain view of the visiting floor officer. Times at each institution or facility may vary; please contact the specific institution that you visit for specific Close Custody count hours.
Visiting Room Procedures
Each visitor and inmate is responsible for his or her own conduct while visiting. Violation of the rules and regulations may result in termination, restriction, suspension, or denial of visits. Additionally, disciplinary charges may be filed against the inmate. An inmate and his/her visitor(s) are allowed to embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of their visit. Holding hands on top of the table in plain view is permitted, with no other physical contact. Excessive contact, (kissing, massaging, stroking, and sitting with legs intertwined or sitting on laps) could result in termination of the visit. Inmates cannot receive any items, gifts, money, jewelry, or documents during a visit. However, the adult visitor may ask for a pencil and notebook paper as needed. Children are to remain under the direct supervision and control of the visiting parent or guardian at all times. Smoking is not allowed in the visiting rooms or outside patios in some institutions at any time.
Citizen's Complaint Process
If you have a problem concerning visiting, you should try to resolve it immediately. You should ask to speak with the Visiting Sergeant and or Visiting Lieutenant. Should the problem persist or you do not receive remedy, you may write the Warden with a description of the problem and what resolution you are requesting. You may write the Visiting Ombudsperson or the Director if you are complaining about an institutional policy and did not receive a satisfactory response. When you receive a written response from the Warden, please attach it to your letter to the Director. The Ombudsperson may be reached at (916)445-1748.
Last Modified: 7/1/2004