MA DOC – Massachusetts Correctional Institution (MCI) – Norfolk

MA DOC – Massachusetts Correctional Institution (MCI) – Norfolk basic information to help guide you through what you can do for your inmate while they are incarcerated. The facility's direct contact number: 508-660-5900

This facility is for adult inmates.

The inmates housed at MCI-Norfolk located at 2 Clark St in Norfolk, MA are placed according to their custody level (determined by a number of factors including the past criminal history and the length of their sentence). There are ample educational and vocational training programs for all inmates, especially ones that show a willingness to learn new things that will prepare them for a better life when they are released. The mission is to promote and prepare the offender to leave in better shape than when they arrived, giving them the best chance to never come back and thus lower the state's recidivism rate.

visitation Info

Massachusetts Correctional Institution (MCI) – Norfolk – Visitation

Visiting Hours 

• Visiting Schedule General Population
• Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (1:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
• Saturday (8:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
• There are no visits on Monday and Friday.

Holidays

MCI-Norfolk’s Holiday Visiting Schedule shall be posted in the lobby and visiting room and shall be updated on the internet and intranet every January. Inmates shall also be notified via a posting in each housing unit. Visitors are allowed to enter the lobby area one (1) hour prior to the scheduled holiday visiting session.

SUNDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY VISITS

• 11:30 AM    Visitors may enter lobby, retrieve a numbered ticket, and complete the visiting slip
• 12:00 PM    Visiting slip processing commences
• 12:50 PM    Searching of visitors commences in the Visitor Processing Area
• 1:00 PM    Visiting Room open, visitor entry through the Pedestrian Trap begins
• 2:30 PM    Visitors not allowed to enter or exit the Pedestrian Trap / Visiting Room
• 3:05 PM    Searching of visitors resumes in the Visitor Processing Area
• 3:15 PM    Visitor entry resumes
• 3:50 PM    Visitor entry ceases
• 4:00 PM    Inmates must leave the Visiting Room who are not staying through count
• 4:00 PM    Searching of visitors in the Visitor Processing Area resumes
• 4:10 PM    Visitor entry resumes
• 4:30 PM    Visitor entry ceases
• 5:00 PM    Count time, visitors not allowed to exit Visiting Room until count clears
• 5:50 PM    Searching of visitors resumes in the Visitor Processing Area
• 6:00 PM    Visiting Room open, visitor entry through the Pedestrian Trap begins
• 7:45 PM    Request form processing ends
• 7:50 PM    Visitor entry ceases
• 8:25 PM    Visitors begin to exit Visiting Room
• 8:30 PM    Visiting Room closed

SATURDAY VISITS

• 7:15 AM    Visitors may enter lobby, retrieve a numbered ticket, and complete the visiting slip
• 7:30 AM    Visiting slip processing commences
• 7:50 AM    Searching of visitors commences in the Visitor Processing Area
• 8:00 AM    Visiting Room open, visitor entry through the Pedestrian Trap begins
• 11:00 AM    Inmates must leave who are not staying through count
• 11:00 AM    Visitor entry ceases
• 11:45 AM    Count time, visitors not allowed to exit the Visiting Room until count clears
• 12:20 PM    Searching of visitors commences in the Visitor Processing Area
• 12:30 PM    Visiting Room open, visitor entry through the Pedestrian Trap begins
• 2:25 PM    Request form processing ends
• 2:30 PM    Visitor entry ceases for the day
• 3:25 PM    Visitors begin to exit Visiting Room
• 3:30 PM    Visiting Room closed

HOLIDAYS VISITS

• 11:00 AM    Visitors may enter lobby, retrieve a numbered ticket, and complete the visiting slip
• 11:30 AM    Visiting slip processing commences
• 12:20 PM    Searching of visitors commences in the Visitor Processing Area
• 12:30 PM    Visiting Room open, visitor entry through the Pedestrian Trap begins
• 2:25 PM    Request form processing ends
• 2:30 PM    Visitor entry ceases for the day

Visitor Processing Center

MCI-Norfolk’s Visitor Processing Center is located on the left side of the Gatehouse Lobby. 

NOTE:    The Visitor Processing Center is utilized for inmate personal visits only. All attorneys, volunteers, vendors, and handicapped individuals will be processed into the institution via the Gatehouse and Pedestrian staff. 

The Visitor Processing Center hours of operation are as follows:

• Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 12:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Visiting slips shall be continuously processed during this time period. Visits are allowed to enter the lobby area, retrieve a numbered ticket, and complete the “Request to Visit Inmate” form at 11:30 AM. Visiting slip processing commences at 12:00 PM. Due to operational needs, no visitor is allowed to enter or exit the Pedestrian Trap / Visiting Center between the hours of 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM, 3:50 PM – 4:10 PM, and 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM. Visitors are allowed to exit the Visiting Room upon completion of the 5:00 PM count. Visitor searches shall resume approximately 10 minutes prior to entrance into the pedestrian trap. Visiting slip processing ends at 7:45 PM. 

• Saturday – 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Visiting slips shall be continuously processed during this time period. Visitors are allowed to enter the lobby area, retrieve a numbered ticket, and complete a “Request to Visit Inmate” form at 7:15 AM. Slip processing will commence at 7:30 AM. Due to operational needs, no visitor is allowed to enter or exit the Pedestrian Trap / Visiting Center between the hours of 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM. Visitors are allowed to exit the Visiting Room upon completion of the 11:45 AM count. Visitor searches shall resume approximately 10 minutes prior to entrance into the pedestrian trap. Visiting slip processing ends at 2:30 PM.

Visitor Processing – At the appropriate designated time, visitors shall enter the Gatehouse lobby and report to the Visitor Processing Center window. The visitor shall retrieve a paper numbered ticket from the ticket dispenser machine located to the right of the window counter. Only one (1) ticket is required for each inmate being visited and each party will only be allowed to retrieve one (1) individual ticket. Each visitor shall also retrieve one (1) yellow “Request to Visit Inmate” form for each adult requesting entry. Minor visitors do not need to complete “Request to Visit Inmate” forms. 
 
The visitor shall then report to the countered area away from the Visitor Processing Center window and complete the required “Request to Visit Inmate” form. Each adult visitor must complete and sign their own individual “Request to Visit Inmate” form. If accompanying a minor, the adult shall write each minor’s: name(s), date of birth(s), relationship to the inmate, birth certificate state/country, and birth certificate number at the top of their visiting slip. Each adult visitor must present a copy of the birth certificate for every minor child they are requesting to visit with. A notarized “Minor Request Form” (Attachment III) that has been approved and signed by the Superintendent of MCI-Norfolk is required for each minor child with an adult visitor that is not the parent or legal guardian of the minor child.  Verbal consent by the parent, even if they are present, is not acceptable.

When the Visiting Processing Officer announces the correct ticket number the visitor and minor visitor(s) shall approach the Visitor Processing window with their completed “Request to Visit Inmate” form and proper valid picture identification. 

The Visitor Processing Center Officer shall be required to verify the information on the “Request to Visit Inmate” form ensuring accurate notations are entered. The information from this form shall be documented on both the inmate’s visitor card and on the IMS Visitor log.  

The following procedure shall be utilized to enter information into the IMS Visitor log:

•    Select Security on the menu bar at the top of the screen.
•    Select Visitor.
•    Select Visitor Log.
•    In the Visitor Log Section, on the center of the screen, enter the inmate’s commitment number in the Commit # field, press the TAB or ENTER button on the keyboard. The Inmate’s name, Institution, Unit, Status, and Visit Date shall populate. 

•    Select the down arrow button to the right of the Visitor Name. In the pop-up window select the appropriate visitor name that corresponds with the “Request to Visit Inmate” form. Select the OK button.

If the visitor’s name is not in the pop-up window:
•    Select the drop down field on the bottom left section of the screen. Select Inmate’s Family Data. 
•    Select the GO button. This brings you to the Inmate Family Information Screen.
•    Select the appropriate tab that corresponds with the visitor’s relationship to the inmate. 
•    Select the ADD button.
•    Enter all appropriate information that corresponds with the “Request to Visit Inmate” form, except for the VISITOR ID INFORMATION / COMMENTS.
•    Select the SAVE button. The screen will default to the Family Data tab.
•    Select the appropriate tab that corresponds with the visitor’s relationship to the inmate. If the visitor is not the first entry on the screen, select the NEXT button until the correct visitor’s information appears. 
•    Enter VISITOR ID INFORMATION / COMMENTS.
•    Select the SAVE button.
•    Select the EXIT button. This will default back to the Visitor Log screen.

•    In the Visitor Inmate / Visitor ID Type Section, on the bottom of the screen, verify that the information corresponds with the “Request to Visit Inmate” form.

•    If the visitor’s information is accurate:
•    In the Visitor Log Section, select the ID Type drop down, and click on the appropriate identification type. 

If the visitor’s information is inaccurate and must be updated:
•    Select the drop down field on the bottom left section of the screen. Select Inmate’s Family Data. 
•    Select the GO button. This brings you to the Inmate Family Information Screen.
•    Select the appropriate tab that corresponds with the visitor’s relationship to the inmate. 
•    If the visitor is not the first entry on the screen, select the NEXT button until the correct visitor’s information appears. 
•    Update appropriate information.
•    Select the SAVE button.
•    Click in the Time In field, the time will automatically populate.
•    Select the Save button.

Upon the Visitor Processing Officer completing the required documentation, the visitor(s) shall be instructed to wait in the seating area.

Separate Housing Visiting Schedule

A.    All Visits That Occur in the Special Management Unit (S.M.U.)

1.    All S.M.U. visits must be pre-approved. Visits may be scheduled by calling M.C.I. Norfolk at (508) 668-5900 ext. 5997, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday from 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. There will be no scheduling of visits on Mondays or Fridays. Appointments will not be made more than 72 hours in advance. The Visitor Processing Officer shall document all scheduled visits that occur in the SMU on the SMU Visitor Scheduling Form (Attachment X).

2.    The S.M.U. Visiting Center can accommodate no more than 3 inmates for each visiting session. A maximum of 2 persons are permitted to visit (2 adults or 1 adult & 1 child). 

3.    All S.M.U. visits shall be no contact.

4.    Upon entering the visiting area, the officer shall direct the visitor where to be seated.  When the inmate arrives, he will sit opposite the visitor.  The inmate and visitors will pick up the telephones and begin the visit.

S.M.U Visiting Schedule Matrix

The below schedule indicates available Visiting appointments by day. Holiday appointments are the same as a Saturday schedule.
********

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SMU Scheduled Visits
When a visitor arrives at the Gatehouse lobby and is requesting to visit an inmate in the Special Management Unit (SMU) visiting area the following will occur:

•    The Visitor Processing staff verify that a visit has been scheduled by checking the SMU Visitor Scheduling Form (Attachment X).

•    The visitor will then be processed thru the Visitor Processing Area under the same guidelines as all other visitors being processed.

•    When the visitor has been processed and is clear to enter the institution, the Pedestrian Trap Officer will notify the Ad Gate Officer of the visitor departing the trap area. The Pedestrian Trap Officer will then direct the visitor to proceed up the walkway and into the Administration Building.

•    The Ad Gate Officer will request the visitor to remain stationary in the lobby area while the SMU I Post Officer is contacted. The SMU I Post Officer is to notify the SMU OIC and request assistance in processing the visitor into the SMU.

•    The SMU staff member assigned to escort the visitor will meet the visitor in the Ad Building Lobby area. 

•    The assigned staff member will then process the visitor into the SMU Visiting Room.

Note: At no time will a visitor be allowed to utilize the staff bathrooms located in the Ad Building Lobby. Any visitor requesting the utilization of a bathroom will be required to depart the institution, therefore forfeiting the scheduled visiting period.

B.    Assisted Daily Living Unit Visits

All visits for inmates in the Assisted Daily Living (ADL) Unit shall occur in the visiting room during normal visiting hours. 

The Shift Commander will facilitate the escort of ADL Unit inmates that require assistance and/or escort to/from the visiting room. 

VIII.Family Emergencies 

A.    Visiting Schedule

In the event of a family emergency (death, etc) Inmate visitors may petition the Superintendent in writing or by telephone to arrange a special visit.  The Superintendent will determine when and under what conditions the visit will take place.  The visitor will be notified in writing (if time permits). 

B.    Death Notification/Critical Illness of Family Members in the Visiting Room

If an inmate or inmate’s family member informs the Visiting Room Staff of a death or critical illness to someone in the inmate’s family. The following shall be adhered to:

1.    The inmate’s family may request the use of an attorney room.
 
2.    The Shift Commander will be notified immediately and informed of all pertinent details and the family’s request from the inmate’s family member (s) to use an attorney room (for a brief period of time up to 15 minutes). 

3.    If the Shift Commander approves the use of an attorney room, the Visiting Room Staff will then escort the inmate with his family to an assigned attorney room. The inmate and his family will be granted a brief period of time (up to 15 minutes) in the attorney room. The visiting room staff shall then position themselves outside the room and remain there until the granted time is up. The inmate and his family will then be allowed back into the general population visiting room for the remainder of the visit. The inmate should be monitored by staff during this time.

At the completion of the visit the inmate will be detained pending the notification of M.H.M. and/or clergy. If the inmate wishes to speak to either, he will be escorted by staff to O.P.D. If the inmate declines he may return to his housing unit and the Unit Officer and Area Supervisor shall be notified. All pertinent information shall be entered into the IMS Activity Log.

IX.    Loss of Visit Sanctions

The Disciplinary Officer shall commence all loss of visit sanctions on Mondays. The Visiting Room OIC shall ensure that an IMS Disciplinary Sanction report for loss of visit sanctions is run on a weekly basis every Sunday evening. 

To access the report in IMS, choose “Administrative”, “Reports”, and “Run Report”. From the Run Report screen, choose Report Module: Disciplinary, then choose Report Name: Disciplinary Sanctions. The criteria selected shall be as follows:

A.    Institution = (MCI-Norfolk)
B.    Type of Sanction = (Loss Visits)
C.    Sanction Start Date = (Monday of the current week)
D.    Click the “Run Report” button

The Visiting Room OIC shall create a purple loss of visit card for any inmate whose name appears on this report. The purple card shall include the following; inmates name, commitment number, sanction start date and sanction end date. The purple loss of visit cards along with the aforementioned report shall be delivered to the Gatehouse upon completion of the shift. A Gatehouse staff member shall attach the purple loss of visit card to the corresponding inmate’s visiting card. Upon completion of an inmate’s loss of visits sanction, the purple card shall be removed from the inmate’s visiting card and discarded. 

X.   Entrance and Search Procedures for Visitors

A.    Lockers are available to visitors at a cost of one quarter per locker.  Each time a visitor secures the locker, they will need to deposit an additional quarter. The Institution is not responsible for money lost in the operation of the lockers or for the safekeeping of the contents of the lockers while in use by visitors.

B.    The only items that visitors will be allowed to carry into the Institution are:

1.    Locker keys
2.    Request to Visit Inmate forms
3.    One debit card per adult visitor
4.    Life saving medications (if approved and declared)
5.    Approved jewelry

C.    Prior to entering the Institution, each visitor will be called to the Visitor Processing Center window.  An Officer will ask each visitor the following questions:

1.    “Did you lock up all unauthorized belongings?”     
2.    “Do you have any weapons, guns, ammunition, drugs, medication, handcuff keys, money, jewelry, gum or candy or any other unauthorized items?”

Upon entry into the Visitor Processing Search Area an Officer will hand each visitor their completed Request to Visit Form and will instruct each adult visitor to initial question number six on their Request to Visit Inmate form, indicating that the visitor has locked up all unauthorized items. Each visitor shall note their locker number on the locker number line provided on the slip. Visitors must initial their own forms.

Visitor Processing Search Procedures
A.    A Visitor Processing Search Officer shall assemble the previously identified numbered visitor(s) and escort them into the Visitor Processing Search Room. The Visitor Processing Search Room is to be secured at all times unless entering/exiting.
Visitors shall secure all items in a locker prior to entering the Visitor Processing Search Room. Any visitor entering with unauthorized items may be denied entry for the day or longer, depending on the nature of the unauthorized items.

In any case, the Shift Commander shall be briefed on the nature of the unauthorized item. The Shift Commander shall consider: the type of contraband, age of the visitor, distance traveled, frequency of visits, and familiarity with institutional rules, etc. before denying entrance to the institution. 

B.    Upon entering the Visitor Processing Search Room, each visitor shall remove their: belt, shoes, and outerwear (i.e. coats, sweaters, multiple shirts, etc.). An Officer will search these items. The visitor shall be directed to stand/sit in the designated pre-screen search area. 
C.    Upon completion of the personal items search, each visitor shall be directed to walk thru a fixed metal detector. 
If no metal is detected by the walk thru metal detector, the Pedestrian Trap Officer will then instruct the visitor to conduct the following:
1.    pull out their pockets,
2.    lift their arms and open their hands, 
3.    open their mouth, 
4.    flip up their collar, 
5.    un-cuff their sleeves or pant legs, 
6.    flip over their waist band and run thumbs along inside edge, 
7.    lift their long hair (if necessary),
8.    lift their pant legs and show the Officer the bottom of their feet.
 
The Officer shall visually inspect these areas at this time. 
If a visitor sets off the walk thru metal detector the hand held detector shall be utilized to determine the cause. If the cause is determined to be an underwire bra and the visitor has been previously made aware that the underwire bra will set off the detector, they will be directed to exit the Visitor Processing Search Room and will be processed once all other visitors have entered the facility.
Staff are reminded that when anyone sets off the metal detector, the Officer must ensure that they identify what caused the interference. If an Officer identifies a buckle snap or underwire bra as a possible cause for interference, they shall also ensure that nothing is hidden behind these items. 

Prior to a personal search being conducted, staff must contact the Shift Commander for approval.
  
D.    If, after removing all metal items, an individual still cannot successfully pass a metal detector search the Shift Commander shall be notified and asked for permission of an additional personal search. The visitor shall then be asked if they have any objections to submitting to an additional personal search. After completing the search process, the visitor will be allowed entrance into the Visiting Center. 

Visitors who refuse this search shall be denied entrance until the Superintendent has completed a review of the matter.

Pedestrian Trap Entry

Upon visitor(s) successful search within the Visitor Processing Search room, the visitor(s) will be allowed to retrieve all removed searched items and prepare to exit area and enter the Pedestrian Trap. The Visitor Processing Search Room staff will contact the Gatehouse and request permission to exit the search room and have immediate access to the Pedestrian Trap. When permission is granted staff shall ensure unimpeded access from the search area to the entry point of the Pedestrian Trap. The Officer shall then escort the visitor(s) from the search room into the Pedestrian Trap. Upon the Pedestrian Trap door being secured, the escorting Officer shall inform the Pedestrian Officer of the visitor(s) having successfully being searched and request the proper hand stamp be applied to the designated area of each visit. The Pedestrian Trap Officer being satisfied all security requirements having been met shall notify the Tower Five Officer of entry being allowed. The Tower Five Officer shall allow the visitors access and visually observe the entry into the Visiting Room. 

Visitor Search of the Day 

All visitors may be subject to additional random personal searches. This search will be conducted in the Pedestrian Trap.  The visitor shall sign the Visitor Search Log prior to the search taking place. 

Additional Searches 

A.    All searches beyond that which is conducted by the officer in the Visitor Processing Search Room shall be approved by the Shift Commander prior to the search taking place.

B.    Unless probable cause exists, the primary reason for additional searches shall be to identify the area of interference that led to the failure to successfully pass the metal detector/hand held search.

C.    Strip searches of any visitor shall not be conducted without approval from the Superintendent.

D.    Upon receiving the search authorization, the visitor to be searched shall be escorted to the curtained search area located within the Visitor Processing Search Room. Males shall search males and females shall search females.

E.    The Officer conducting the search shall explain the search process to the visitor. 

F.    The Officer shall then ask the visitor if they want to submit to the search process. If the visitor agrees, they will be instructed by the Officer to sign the Visitor Processing Center Search Room Search Log.

G.    With regard to female searches where the area of interference is in the groin area the following shall apply: If a sanitary napkin and/or a tampon is being worn, the visitor will be required to remove the napkin and/or tampon in the lavatory located in the search area.  The Visiting Processing Search Room Officer shall notify the Shift Commander of such search requirement and the Shift Commander will authorize the visitor search to be conducted within the Pedestrian Trap Search Area. The Officer will remain present to prevent the removal of contraband and will visually inspect the body area and the napkin/tampon for the presence of contraband.  If the Officer is satisfied that no contraband is present, the visitor will be supplied with a new sanitary napkin and/or tampon. 

H.    The Officer will conduct a thorough search. Once satisfied that no contraband exists, the visitor will be allowed to proceed to the Visiting Center.

In the event the Officer discovers contraband or there exists probable cause that contraband is being concealed and/or smuggled into the institution, the visitor may be detained as provided under Massachusetts General Laws.

Visiting Room Processing

A.    Once at the Visiting Center entrance, the visitor shall press the doorbell to the visiting room once. The door will be electronically released open and the visitor will enter and hangs up any coats, jackets or outerwear (religious headwear is allowed), etc.

B.    Visitors will then proceed to the first desk and give the Officer his/her request to visit inmate form. The Officer will then instruct the visitor as to the available seating areas. Once seated, visitors and inmates will not be allowed to change their seats with out the Officer’s permission.

C.    Five (5) minutes prior to the end of the visiting period, the Officer will announce that visiting hours are ending. The inmate shall ensure his visitors leave the visiting center before the end of the visiting period. 

D.    Good-byes must be said while inmates and visitors are seated in their seats.  Good-byes must be brief so there is no interference with the Officer’s view. 

E.    At the end of a visiting session all visitors shall proceed to the Visiting Room foyer retrieve their articles and the Officer will release the door allowing them to exit. Visitors shall walk down the walkway to the steel door and enter when instructed to do so by Tower staff. Once in the Pedestrian Trap, an Officer will check each visitor’s hand stamp and visitors will then be allowed to leave.

Visiting Center Rules and Regulations
    
A.    Inmates and visitors will sit straight in their seats at all times, this means no sitting sideways or straddling seats.

B.    No sitting with legs crossed over another person. 

C.    Feet shall not be placed on seats

D.    No lying across, leaning into one another, or sitting on another’s lap or chest area. No heads leaning on shoulders and chest area.

E.    No sitting or lying on the floor.

F.    Inmates’ and visitors’ hands will be in plain sight at   all times. 

G.    Behavior which may be offensive to another visitor or    inappropriate in the presence of children will not be    tolerated. 

H.    Horseplay of any kind by inmates or visitors is not allowed.

I.    All food is to be consumed in the Visitor’s Center. Food purchased must be consumed in the Visiting Center or discarded. Food purchases will not be allowed out of the visiting center. 

J.    Coats, jackets, vests, and hats will not be allowed into the Visiting Center’s seating area.  All questionable clothing (heavy flannel shirts and certain sport coat/leisure wear) as well as the above mentioned articles of clothing are to be hung in the designated areas for both visitors and inmates. Traditional religious headwear is allowed. 

K.    Visitors must conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Any behavior other than what is commonly viewed as a general public showing of affection will be deemed as offensive may cause the termination of a visiting session and be subject for review by the Superintendent for possible suspension of visiting privileges.

L.    Inmates and visitors are responsible for any trash from vending machine purchases and must dispose of drink containers, snack wrappers, papers, etc. in the receptacles provided by the conclusion of their visit.

Additional Limitations

A.    Smoking and possession of tobacco and tobacco related products are prohibited on state property.

B.    Holiday visits will be counted as visiting periods, the same as any other days.

C.    When visiting space becomes limited due to high volume general population inmate visitors shall limited to a one hour visiting session and will be instructed to leave in order to make space for new arrivals. This shall be done on a first in first out basis. 
 
D.    Visitors are only allowed to visit one inmate.
 
E.    Visitors and inmates may not cross visit with other visitors or inmates.

F.    Inmates are limited to receive a maximum of two (2) adults and a reasonable number of children per visit.  If, in the judgment of the Shift Commander, the visiting center is not overly crowded, a third adult may be allowed.

G.    Once a visitor leaves the institution they will not be permitted to visit again on that day.

H.    Inmates will be charged for two visits for all visits that extend through the count.

I.    General population inmates are limited to five visiting periods per week.

J.    Inmates staying through the count will not be permitted to leave until the count is complete and clear. 

Visitor Restrooms

A.    Restrooms are available for use in the Visiting Center.

B.    Restrooms are closed 30 minutes prior to the end of all visiting periods and 30 minutes before counts until the count clears. When closed the Visiting Room Officer in Charge will conduct a review of access on a case-by-case basis.

C.    If the visitor agrees to being searched, they shall record his/her consent by signing the search log kept for that purpose. 

D.    Prior to using the restroom visitors shall be forewarned that if they sign the consent to be searched, they are expected to cooperate fully. Failure to do so shall result in suspension of visiting privileges. 

E.    If the visitor refuses to allow the search they will not be allowed access to the restroom or to return to their visit and their visiting privileges will be suspended until reviewed by the Superintendent.

Female Visitor Access to Restroom

A.    Every effort shall be made by the Shift Commander to ensure that a female Correction Officer is assigned to the Visiting Center.

B.    In the event that staffing does not permit a female Correction Officer to be assigned to the Visiting Center, the visitor shall be allowed to exit the facility to utilize the ladies’ room in the Outer Control Lobby.

C.    The visitor shall take any/all garments with her when she leaves the Visiting Center (coat, jacket, etc.).

D.    The visitor shall be advised that this procedure is for the sole purpose of utilizing the lavatory.  Accessing her locker and/or contact with other visitors (in the lobby) shall be reason to terminate the visit and possibly any future visitation privileges.

NOTE:      Visitors returning from the ladies room shall not stand in line, but shall go to the head/front of the line to be processed in the pedestrian trap.

E.    The normal search procedures shall again apply to that visitor.

F.    Upon the successful completion of the searching process, the visitor shall be allowed to return to her visit.

Minor Visitors

A.    Minors are to be accompanied by an adult at all times.  At no time will a minor be left unattended in the visiting room or on state property by the parent, legal guardian or any other adult.

B.    Minor visitors do not need to complete Request to Visit Inmate forms.  The adults bringing minors to visit shall write each minor’s name and date of birth at the top of their visiting slip. Each adult visitor must present a copy of the original birth certificate for every minor child they are requesting to visit with. The Gatehouse O.I.C. may request the original birth certificate if he deems that the copy has been altered or fraudulent.

A notarized “Minor Request Form” (Attachment III) that has been approved and signed by the Superintendent of MCI-Norfolk is required for each minor child with an adult visitor that is not the parent or legal guardian of the minor child.  Verbal consent by the parent, even if they are present, is not acceptable.

C.    All visitors, including minors/infants, using the restroom/baby changing area are subject to search. All visitors have the right to refuse to be searched.

D.    Woman visitors requesting to breastfeed their children will be directed to an attorney room for privacy of mother and child.

 Attorney/Spiritual Advisors

Attorney/Spiritual Advisors may utilize a private room in the Visiting Room and/or Administration Building Gate.  All Spiritual Advisor visits must be approved through the Superintendent’s Office. 

Inmate Funds  

A.    Financial deposits for inmates by visitors can be made daily during normal visiting hours (A receipt will be forwarded to inmate only) Visitors may place check or money order in the provided depository, located in the Outer Control Lobby. Cash deposits are not recommended.

B.    Visitors are prohibited from delivering personal property, clothing, etc. to inmates without approval from the Superintendent. 

Vending Machine Debit Cards

Debit cards are located at the entrance lobby in the money card machine.  The initial card purchase requires a five-dollar bill to be placed into the machine.  By pressing the button, a person will receive a card with $4.50 credited to it (there is a .50 cent refundable charge for the card).  Additional monies may be added to the card by inserting the card into the machine and inserting bills up to twenty dollars. At no time may an inmate be in possession of a debit card.  MCI-Norfolk bears no responsibility for the debit card system, which is a contracted service through Canteen Corporation.  Any problems should be addressed with the company.  Contact information for this vendor is posted in the outer control lobby.

Parking 

        Personal vehicles are to be locked and secured in the Visitors
Parking lot located across the street from the institution.

Handicap Parking 

                Handicap parking is located in the east parking lot along the left side of the main entrance facing the facility.  These spaces are clearly marked and are for handicapped persons (plates/placards required). Use of these spaces by the non-handicapped person may result in the forfeiture of the handicap tags.  Vehicles must be legally registered, and may be subject to search.

Inmate Related Matters

In the event that an inmate’s visiting privileges have been suspended the inmate shall have access to the inmate telephone system to notify any potential visitors of said suspension.

If the inmate’s telephone privileges have been suspended the inmate shall be afforded a supervised telephone call for the sole purpose of notifying any potential visitors of said suspension. This telephone call will be facilitated by the inmate’s assigned Correctional Program Officer 

A.    Inmates entering the visiting center shall be pat searched.

B.    At the conclusion of each visit all inmates shall be strip       searched. 

C.    Inmates may not be near any vending machines or the microwave area and inmates may not have their visitor’s debit cards or locker keys in their possession at any time.

D.    Inmates will be allowed to use a designated bathroom in the visiting room.

E.    All inmates requesting to use the restroom will be strip- searched before and personal pat searched after restroom use.

    Visitor Communication Form

This form was developed as a way to give visitors and volunteers a forum to address issues and/or forward comments to MCI Norfolk’s management regarding the visiting process. Visitor Communication Forms (Attachment VIII) can be obtained in the Outer Control Gatehouse. After completing the Visitor Communication Form they shall be placed in the Comments box located in the Gatehouse Lobby. The Visitor Communication Forms shall be reviewed by a member of management staff and if requested will reply with in 10 business days. 

Inmate Dress Code
     Inmate dress code shall be posted in all living areas.

A.    General Population

Pants –     blue or black dress slacks, blue or black denim (jean) pants, gray scrub pants only;

Shirts –    white, blue or black dress shirts, state issued Chambray or gray scrub shirts only;

T – shirts – white only; 

Sweaters – gray and blue only;

Footwear – boots, sneakers, or shoes (footwear will be tied at all times);

Belts –     traditional belts (no torn material or shoelaces allowed as belts);

Underwear – proper undergarments (under shorts, or thermal    underwear and socks,) are required;

Hats    – Religious headwear only
    
B.    One chain/necklace with one (1) religious medal attached to it. A chain/necklace may not be worn inside the Visiting Center if no religious medal is attached.

C.    Wedding bands shall be the only item of jewelry to be worn while on a visit. The wedding band must be documented on each inmate’s property card. 

D.    All inmates will be neat and clean in appearance at all times while on visits.

E.    All shirts will be tucked in at all times while on visits.

F.    One (1) comb, one (1) handkerchief, and photo ticket will be allowed.

G.    The following clothing may not be worn by inmates on visits:

1.    Watches
2.    Sweatpants
3.    Shorts of any kind (shorts may not be used as underwear, traditional underwear only).
        4.    Nothing may be worn in the hair (hair elastics, hair ties, string, etc.)
5.    No layering of clothing (i.e., no more than one pair of underwear will be worn at one time, no more than one pair of socks will be worn at a time, etc)
6.    Gloves, coats and hats
7.    Altered clothing of any kind

SMU Inmate Dress Code

SMU inmates must wear traditional undergarments, footwear and   red scrubs when visiting.

HSU Inmate Dress Code

HSU inmates shall adhere to the general population dress code. Exceptions may be made based on medical need.  In this event the inmate shall be provided with suitable hospital issued garments to wear during this visit. 

Department of Children & Family (D.C.F.) Supervised Visits 

Department of Children & Family (D.C.F.) visits may take place during times that are not regular visiting hours.

A.     Processing

1.     Provide D.C.F. issued photo identification or driver’s license.

2.     Sign into the Outer Control Visitors log, indicate if they have been convicted of a felony and provide their business address only (CORI check is not required).

3.     Provide proof that the child is in D.C.F. custody, which in most cases will be by a Court Order or Mittimus.

4.     Once processed D.C.F. supervised visits will not have to wait behind other visitors to get into the institution. The D.C.F. Social Worker and supervised children will take precedence.

5.     D.C.F. visits when supervising infants shall be allowed to enter with plastic bottles (no glass) containing milk, juice, formula or water. A diaper bag which may contain but not be limited to such essentials as diapers, blankets or small toys and will be subject to search.

Searching D.C.F. Social Workers and Inmate’s Children Under Their Supervision

A.    D.C.F. Social Workers – accompanying an inmate's child arriving to visit shall:

1.     Be allowed to enter with a reasonable amount of paperwork, a pencil, and an appointment book, all of which are subject to search.
2.     Not wear clothing that is overly casual or inappropriate in a correctional environment.    

3.     Submit to an article and walkthrough metal detector search.
    
4.     If failing the walkthrough metal detector search be subject to a Personal Search by an employee of the same sex in private, but only with prior approval from the Shift Commander.

5.    The Social Worker may leave the institution rather than submit to a personal search and in the event the Search Officer discovers contraband or there exists probable cause that contraband is being concealed and/or smuggled into the institution; the person may be detained as provided under Massachusetts General Laws.

B.    Children supervised by D.C.F. Social Workers¬- arriving to visit an inmate parent shall:

1.     Submit to an article and walkthrough metal detector search.

2.     Not be required to remove diapers for "Search Purposes", unless there is reasonable suspicion to conduct such a search and prior approval is given by the Superintendent or his/her designee. 

3.    If failing the walkthrough metal detector search, be subject to a Personal Search by an employee of the same sex as the child in private with the supervising D.C.F. Social Worker present, but only with prior approval from the Shift Commander.

Note:    The Social Worker may leave the institution with the child rather than submit to a personal search.

C.    Ex-Offenders

An ex-offender is any individual whose Criminal History Systems Board’s (CHSB) Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) check reveals that they have, or have had, any type of court case(s).  This includes, open cases and closed cases that are either misdemeanors and/or felony convictions.  All cases that appear as open must be closed in CJIS in order for consideration to be given.  Paperwork from the court documenting that a case(s) has been closed will not be accepted.

In the event that a potential visitor has been determined to be an ex-offender, the