2026 NECC orientation manual - EN to SP.pdf

June 2026 NECC Orientation Manual Page 1 of 51

NORTHEASTERN CORRECTIONAL CENTER

ORIENTATION MANUAL

Kristie Marchand, Superintendent

Christine Larkin, Deputy Superintendent

Jean Parent, Director of Security

Sarah Larsen, Director of Classification and Treatment

Kristie Marchand, Superintendent 06/30/2026

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SUPERINTENDENTS’ STATEMENT

At Northeastern Correctional Center (NECC), our priority is to provide a clean, safe, and structured living environment that supports your preparation for successful reentry into the community.

The facility offers a variety of programs, services, work assignments, family reunification opportunities, and special activities designed to promote personal growth and positive change. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to develop skills, build responsibility, and prepare for your future.

You are expected to take responsibility for your behavior and demonstrate maturity and self-control by following the rules and regulations of the facility. Respect for staff, fellow incarcerated individuals, and the environment is essential to maintaining a positive and safe culture for everyone.

Your participation in programs and your commitment to change are personal choices. NECC staff are here to support your efforts, but your success depends on your willingness to engage and make positive decisions.

Sincerely, Kristie Marchand

Superintendent

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Table of Contents

Page

DOC Mission, Vision and Core Values 4 Northeastern Mission Statement 4

General Information 4

Mailing Address & Directions 4

Public Transportation 4

General Rules 5

Orientation 6

Property 6

Identity Documents 7

Laundry 7

Visiting 8 NECC Video Visitation Standard Operating Procedure 9

Mail 10

Room Standards 11

Telephones 12

Telephonic Interpreter Service Line 13

Barbershop 13

Canteen 14 Dining Procedures 14

Escape 15

Disciplinary 15 Cell Phones 15

Informal Complaints 15 Grievances 16

Contraband 18

Search Procedures 19 Urinalysis 19

Curfew 19

Count Procedures 19

Accountability Checks 19 Administrative Offices 20

Fire Emergency 20

Fire Escape Plan 21

Medical Services 21

Medical Crisis 22

Emergency Services 22

Medical Grievances 22 Staff Discrimination 23 Shower Access 23

Communicable Diseases 23

Programs 23

Library Services 25

Staff/Incarcerated individual Communications 26

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle 26

Bulletin Boards 26

Recreation 26

Classification 27

Notary Service 27

Reentry 27

Institutional Employment 28

Work Release Employment 28

Work Crew Deployment Procedure 29

Finances 29

NECC Visiting Application Attachment 1 30

103 CMR 430.24 Code of Offenses Attachment 2 32

103 PREA/Staff Sexual Misconduct Attachment 1 36

103 DOC 408 Orientation to ADA Attachment #4 40

103 DOC 408 Orientation to ADA Attachment #5 42

103 DOC 408 Attachment #2, Alertus Visual System Notification Aide 44

Authorized Inmate Property Attachment #1 50

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DOC Mission Statement

Promoting growth, success, and resiliency through a team of correctional professionals who foster a safe, empathetic, results-driven environment.

DOC Vision Statement

To be leaders in strengthening environments that contribute to safer and healthier communities.

DOC Core Values

Responsible Respectful Honest Caring

Northeastern Correctional Center’s Mission Statement

The mission of Northeastern Correctional Center (NECC) is committed to both public safety and providing a safe humane environment for its incarcerated individual population, staff, volunteers, and visitors. We accomplish this by applying sound security practices and a thorough classification process. NECC is also committed to assisting incarcerated individuals in a successful reintegration into their communities. We accomplish this by providing structured programs and encouraging solid work ethic through supervised community work programs.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Mailing Address:

Northeastern Correctional Center P.O Box 1069

976 Barretts Mill Road West Concord, MA 01742

Public Transportation:

The railroad service runs through West Concord. From the station, it is approximately a five-minute cab ride and approximately a twenty-minute walk to NECC.

Directions:

From Boston (I- 93N to MA-16 W to MA 2W): Take I-93N to MA-16 W/ Mystic Valley Pkwy in Medford. Take exit 31 from I-93N. Merge onto MA 16 Mystic Valley Pkwy. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto MA 16W/Alewife Brook Pkwy. Use the right lane to merge onto MA-2 via the ramp to Concord. Merge onto MA-2W.

At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Barretts Mill Road, NECC will be on your left.

From the North (I-495S): Take I-495 South to exit 29A toward MA-2E/Boston. Merge onto MA 2-E continue straight onto MA-111S/MA-2E. At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto Barretts Mill Road, NECC will be on your left.

From the South (I-495N): Take I-495N to exit 29 A-B toward MA-2E/Boston. Merge onto MA 2-E, continue straight onto MA-111S/MA-2E. At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto Barretts Mill Road, NECC will be on your left.

From the East (Rte. 2W): Take Rte. 2 West until the traffic circle, take the 1st exit at the traffic circle onto Barretts Mill Road, then NECC will be on your left.

From the West (Rte. 2 E): Take Rte. 2 East until the traffic circle, take 3rd exit at the traffic circle onto Barretts Mill Road, then NECC will be on your left.

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GENERAL RULES

1. Physical boundaries are defined by the fences, road, and tree line around the facility. Out of Bound Areas are clearly posted. They include but are not limited to: Visitor parking lot, staff parking lot, gym parking lot including the Maintenance Shop, behind the handball court, rear of the Maintenance Shop and the grassy areas in the rear of the building at the end of the incarcerated individual Housing Units.

2. Incarcerated individuals shall wear their ID on their person on the upper front part of their body, facing forward, clearly visible for identification purposes at all times, whether inside the facility or out on the grounds of the facility. If staff requests to see your ID and you are not wearing it properly, you may be subject to disciplinary action. Having your ID in your pocket or under a shirt is unacceptable. Incarcerated individuals who lose their ID must notify the Unit Sgt. at the housing unit desk. A $3.00 fee may be imposed for any lost, stolen, or damaged/tampered ID. No incarcerated individual will be allowed to leave the building without an ID. Upon discharge or parole, the ID must be turned into the Shift Commander’s office or the Release Coordinator.

3. Incarcerated individuals are not allowed on any tier that they do not live on. Incarcerated individuals are not to congregate in hallways, bathrooms, room doorways or in laundry rooms. There is no visiting in incarcerated individual rooms including standing at another incarcerated individual’s cell door. All visiting will take place in the dayroom, yard/gym, or other open program areas.

4. Incarcerated individuals are not allowed to wear headphones on any work assignment due to safety and communication issues. When wearing headphones in your room or outside, incarcerated individuals must adjust the volume to a level where instructions from staff can clearly be heard. Headphones are not allowed in the dining hall, visiting room, HSU, hallways, lobby areas and during classes or programs. Headphones are allowed outdoors/gym, in the dayroom or in your room.

5. Hats are not to be worn indoors except for approved religious headwear. Hats are to be removed upon entering the building and not to be put on until you’re outside the building. Wave caps (Do-Rags) are only permitted inside incarcerated individual rooms. Shirts, pants and shorts must always be worn properly (No underwear exposed) while indoors and outdoors. Sunbathing is not allowed. Shoes or sneakers are to be worn at all times. Shower shoes are for shower/bathroom use only. Shirts shall be worn at all times with no alterations/ ripped clothing. Ripped or altered clothing will be confiscated.

6. Smoking of any kind is not allowed at the facility, on work crews, or any other location including work release sites. Tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia or products are contraband.

7. Minimum incarcerated individuals are not allowed to have any money in their possession. Incarcerated individuals are not allowed to have any other type of currency or credit card. Pre-release incarcerated individuals are allowed to draw up to $50.00 cash/week for lunch money. All such requests must be received by the Treasurer by 8:00AM on Friday.

8. Pre-Release incarcerated individuals employed in a work release assignment are allowed to have in their possession up to fifty dollars ($50.00) cash; including lunch money (bills should be no larger than $10.00).

Money is not allowed on any Community or Facility Work Crew.

14. Movement Times:

8:30am-8:40am General Movement (Programs/Yard/Library/Gym, ETC.)

9:30am-9:40am General Movement (Programs/Yard/Library/Gym, ETC.)

10:30am-10:40am Return movement from all areas.

12:30pm-12:40pm General Movement (Programs/Yard/Library/Gym, ETC.)

1:30pm-1:40pm General Movement (Programs/Yard/Library/Gym, ETC.)

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2:30pm-2:40pm General Movement (Programs/Yard/Library/Gym, ETC.)

3:30pm-3:40pm Return movement from all areas

5:30pm-5:40pm General Movement (Programs/Yard/Library/Gym, ETC.)

6:30pm-6:40pm General Movement (Programs/Yard/Library/Gym, ETC.)

7:30-pm-7:40pm General Movement (Programs/Yard/Library/Gym, ETC.)

8:30pm-8:40pm Return movement from all areas

15. Showers are open daily from 7:30am to 9:25pm (Except during count times and before returning to

“Normal Operations” after chow is completed). Pre-Release incarcerated individuals coming back late from work are allowed to shower.

16. When an incarcerated individual leaves the facility grounds (i.e. medical trips, facility or community work crews, etc.), incarcerated individuals are required to be wearing jeans. Pre-release incarcerated individuals may wear shorts during the summer to their worksite if the worksite allows.

17. Tablets are only permitted in your assigned housing unit tier program areas, Library, and during attorney visits.

ORIENTATION

Upon arrival at NECC, all incarcerated individuals will be scheduled for orientation and issued an incarcerated individual manual and given a tour of the facility by staff. Within seven (7) days of arrival, all new incarcerated individuals are given a complete orientation of the rules and regulations of NECC by the classification staff. This orientation covers topics to include, but not limited to, linen issuance, emergency notification, count times, mealtimes, general overview of the facility, referral to health services, infectious disease, Correction Program Officer (CPO) assignment, PREA, ADA accommodations, etc. The staff member conducting the orientation will go over all information from your record, answer any questions, and inform you of who your assigned CPO will be Incarcerated individuals will be required to sign a receipt acknowledging they have completed this orientation. If immediate communicable disease information or training is needed, it shall be requested through the Health Services Unit (HSU) during the health assessment screening upon admission to NECC.

PROPERTY

1. Property that is authorized for retention is outlined in 103 CMR 403 Inmate Property Policy. Each incarcerated individual is responsible for all state property that is issued to him/her. There will be charged a fee for any lost or damaged state issued property.

2. Upon arrival, your ditty bag will be searched and inventoried along with the clothing you are wearing.

3. All new property coming into the institution must first be approved by the Property Officer and recorded on a Property Inventory form. Property may be ordered on a quarterly basis (clothing & appliances), based on your last name. The schedule may be found on the Property Officer’s door. Incarcerated individuals coming from county facilities may be able to place an order within 14 days of arrival.

4. NECC uses a private vendor as its property supplier. Most property will come in solely from this vendor.

However, all property forms must be pre-approved by the Property Officer.

5. No property is allowed to come in with a visitor. Property being sent home must be arranged through the

Property Office. To avoid mailing costs, visitors may pick up property. This is done by making an appointment with the Property Officer.

6. No property is to be exchanged, given, or sold between incarcerated individuals. Incarcerated individuals

June 2026 NECC Orientation Manual Page 7 of 51 releasing from custody cannot “donate” property to another incarcerated individual. In addition, all property retained by an incarcerated individual must be reflected in the incarcerated individual Property Inventory form. Property found in your possession that is not reflected on your property inventory will be confiscated and processed as contraband, and you may be subject to disciplinary action.

7. Tablets are issued to all incarcerated individuals. Songs for the tablets are available for purchase through paid subscription.

8. On the day of release from custody, the Property Officer will secure and inventory all property belonging to the incarcerated individual.

9. If you need to contact the Property Department about a property issue, you must write a letter to the

Property Officer (institutional mail), explaining your issue, or see them at staff access. (Tuesdays). The Property Officer will then call you to the Property Office to assist you with your property issue.

10. Incarcerated individuals in possession of altered state clothing (cut off pants, sweatpants, shirtsleeves, etc.)

may be subject to disciplinary action. Incarcerated individual personal clothing shall not be altered.

Incarcerated individual personal clothing shall not be excessively ripped or torn.

IDENTITY DOCUMENTS

Proper documentation of one’s identity at the point of discharge from the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) and/or classification to a Pre-release institution is necessary for successful reentry to your community.

Documentation such as a state issued ID, social security card, birth and marriage certificates, military release documentation (DD214) and education credentials are necessary to access or activate services and benefits upon release. These documents are often necessary to secure housing, open a bank account, secure employment, and access health benefits. You have likely entered the Massachusetts Department of Correction without this documentation. Securing these documents prior to release or classification to a Pre-release institution should be a priority, as once you are released or classified to a Pre-release institution it may be difficult and time consuming.

Please begin planning for this now by securing items so you can access them at pre-release or upon your release.

These documents can be secured with your records to be made available to you at Prerelease or at discharge.

LAUNDRY

All new incarcerated individuals shall receive a complete bedroll (sheets, pillowcases, wash cloths, blanket, T-shirts, underwear and socks). They should be kept clean and useable. If they become unserviceable, they should be turned into the property department for replacement. If the property item(s) are damaged and not determined to be from wear and tear, the incarcerated individual may be issued a disciplinary report and charged restitution. When being released or transferred, it will be the incarcerated individual’s responsibility to turn in all state issued property items.

There are washers and dryers in Gralton Hall (for Gralton Hall incarcerated individuals only), and Farm Dorm basement (for Farm Dorm incarcerated individuals only).

1. Monday- Closed (Institutional Use)

Tuesday- Gralton Hall, Farm Dorm East Down & West Down Wednesday – Farm Dorm East Up & West Up Thursday- Gralton Hall, Farm Dorm East Down & West Down Friday - Farm Dorm East Up & West Up Saturday - Gralton Hall, Farm Dorm East Down & West Down Sunday - Farm Dorm East Up & West Up

You may drop off your laundry between the hours of 6:30a.m.-7:45 a.m. on the designated day. You may pick up your laundry on that same day, between the hours of 3: 00p.m- 3: 30p.m. No congregating in the laundry rooms.

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2. Incarcerated individuals must place washed items in dryer as soon as they are done and remove items as soon as they are dried to allow other incarcerated individuals use of the machines.

3. Sitting on top of washing machines and dryers is not allowed.

4. Ironing boards and irons are located in Farm Dorm basement and Gralton Hall, laundry area.

5. Incarcerated individuals are not allowed to possess bleach.

6. Sneakers or other noisy articles are not allowed in dryers. This presents a concern regarding the noise level, as well as a safety issue, as the rubber on sneakers/boots or other rubber-made items can catch fire in the dryer.

7. Dryer lint screens must be cleared after each use to prevent overheating.

8. If any problems arise with any of the machines’, incarcerated individuals shall inform the assigned officer desk immediately.

9. NECC is not responsible for lost or stolen laundry.

10. Incarcerated individuals cannot reserve machines by lining up laundry bags outside the laundry rooms before or during curfew hours.

VISITING

All incarcerated individuals must submit an Incarcerated Individual Visitor Listing (CMR 483 Visiting Procedures - Attachment 3) prior to the facility processing any visitor applications (CMR 483 Visiting Procedures - Attachment 1).

Minimum and pre-release incarcerated individuals may have a maximum of 10 approved visitors on their visitor listing.

NOTE: If an incarcerated individual's immediate family exceeds ten and the incarcerated individual only has immediate family on his or her list, then exceptions may be made to exceed this number, upon the written approval of the Superintendent.

Please remind your visitors that they need to complete the application in its entirety and submit a copy of a photo ID. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

New incarcerated individuals from medium security can add two (2) additional visitors to their visitors list within two weeks of arrival at NECC.

All incarcerated individuals may add and/or delete visitors from their list every 120 days utilizing the Incarcerated Individual Visitor Listing Form (Attachment 3 of 103 CMR 483 Visiting Procedures). During the months of March, July and November, incarcerated individuals may submit their requests for changes within the first 15 days of the month to the Director of Security for processing in accordance with facility procedure

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the incarcerated individual to notify and inform his visitor(s) to submit a visitor application to the facility.

Special visits may be considered by the Superintendent upon receipt of a Special Visit Request Form. These forms must be submitted at least two (2) weeks in advance.

Visiting hours at NECC are as follows:

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WEEKDAYS

Tuesdays 5:30pm – 8:30pm Open to ALL incarcerated individuals

WEEKENDS*

Saturday: 12:30pm-3:30pm (Incarcerated individuals Last name- A thru L) 5:30pm. – 8:30pm. (Incarcerated individuals Last name-M thru Z)

Sunday: 12:30pm – 3:30pm (Incarcerated individuals Last name –M thru Z)

5:30pm – 8:30pm (Incarcerated individuals Last name- A thru L)

*Holiday and Weekday visiting schedule will remain the same

HOLIDAYS*

12:30pm - 3:30pm Open to ALL incarcerated individuals

*Note: Visitors shall not enter the building nor be on the state property prior to visiting hours and shall leave the property promptly at the conclusion of visiting hours.

Although attorneys may visit at any time, it is recommended that they call to schedule a visit to ensure appropriate space is available when they visit.

NECC Video Visitation Standard Operating Procedure

General Rules:

1. Participation in video sessions is a privilege, not a right. All parties participating in video sessions are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate fashion at all times during a video session.

2. ONLY visitors on the incarcerated individual’s pre-approved list will be allowed to schedule a video visit.

ONLY the pre-approved visitor should be on camera for the video visit, any other person(s) on camera will be considered a violation of the video visit standard operating procedure (SOP) and grounds for termination of visit and a disciplinary report will be issued. The incarcerated individual and visitor may be suspended from video visits.

3. NECC reserves the right to deny, cancel or terminate a video session prior to or during a video session based upon misconduct of either party. NECC also reserves the right to restrict participants from all future use of the system.

4. All family member/friend video sessions are recorded and subject to electronic monitoring by DOC personnel. Your use of this video system constitutes consent to this recording and monitoring.

5. Any unauthorized activity, including but not limited to, nudity, sexual conduct, weapons, drugs and tight fitting or provocative clothing is prohibited and will result in termination of the video visit and loss of visiting privileges. Any illegal activity will be reported to local law enforcement.

6. Incarcerated individuals on loss of visit sanctions cannot receive video visits.

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7. All incarcerated individuals shall be dressed as if they were having an in-person visit. Inappropriate clothing will result in termination of the visiting period.

8. Visitors are not allowed the recording or taking screen shots of the incarcerated individual.

Rule Violations / Disciplinary Sanctions

1. Any violation of visiting rules by incarcerated individuals may result in disciplinary action and/or loss of visiting privilege.

2. Any violation of visiting rules by visitors may result in termination of the visit and loss of visiting privilege.

3. The system will require the account holder to state their relationship to the incarcerated individual and provide a photo along with a government issued photo ID.

4. After an account is created and the Terms and Conditions are accepted, account holders will then be able to schedule a visit with an incarcerated individual at NECC.

5. Visits will only be able to be scheduled during the unit visiting time period of that incarcerated individual.

6. Account holders may schedule remote visits up to seven (7) days in advance with a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours between the current date and the date of the visit being requested.

7. Emails will be generated and sent to the account holder by Securus one time daily, at 5:00am EST.

8. Exceptions to the visiting schedule and duration of visits, and/or other requests may be approved under special circumstances. Such requests must be submitted in writing to the Director of Security. The

Superintendent shall approve special visits and approval will be documented in writing and a copy will be sent to the requesting visitor, the incarcerated individual, and the office of the Director of Security.

MAIL

Incoming mail will be picked up at the Post Office daily, except on federal holidays and Sundays. Incoming mail will be opened and searched for contraband. If an incarcerated individual receives any privileged correspondence, as defined by 103 CMR 481.11 Inmate Mail, the mail shall be opened at the housing unit desk in the presence of the incarcerated individual, by either IPS or the Shift Commander. ALL MAIL SENT OR RECEIVED MUST GO THROUGH NECC. Incarcerated individuals who are soon to be released or transferred should request change of address notifications from the mail officer to be sent to the local Post Office.

Incarcerated individual to incarcerated individual correspondence is prohibited unless approved by the Superintendents of the facilities where both incarcerated individuals reside. Disciplinary action may be taken for any violations of the individual-to-incarcerated individual correspondence protocol. Incarcerated individual to incarcerated individual correspondence will be approved only if the two incarcerated individuals are immediate family members or are pro-se litigants or defendants in a civil or criminal action. Incarcerated individuals transferring to NECC from another institution shall be asked if prior approval for incarcerated to individual incarcerated correspondence was previously given. All outgoing mail shall be stamped to indicate that it is being sent from a correctional institution. Indigent incarcerated individuals as defined in 103 CMR 481 Inmate Mail shall be permitted to mail three (3) first class letters weighing one ounce (1 oz.) or less each week at the institution’s expense. In addition, an indigent incarcerated individual shall be permitted, when necessary, to send an unlimited number of letters of any weight to any court official or attorney at the institution’s expense.

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Mail shall be distributed Monday through Saturday during the evening chow period. Incarcerated individuals can only pick up their own mail, may be dropped off in Farm Dorm during the evening chow period. You must show ID to the Shift Commander before placing mail in the locked box.

ROOMS STANDARDS

1. Rooms shall be arranged according to the prescribed layout. Furniture shall not be rearranged or transferred between rooms.

2. Personal items such as (photographs, cards, magazine/newspaper pictures and articles, drawings and calendars) may only be placed in the designated square area designed in the cell. No fabricated items shall be placed on walls, doors, windows, beds, inside or outside of wardrobes/lockers or desks. The use of screws, nails, hooks, or other fastening devices shall be considered damage to state property. The following items are not permitted to be displayed:

a. Anything that is prohibited by 103 CMR 481 – Inmate Mail.

b. Semi-nude, scantily clad and/or sexually suggestive material.

c. Material that can be considered offensive or otherwise discriminatory.

d. Material that is deemed to be divisive between groups or individuals.

e. Material that supports or promotes violation of the 103 CMR 430 – Inmate Discipline.

4. All beds shall be made by 7:45am. Blankets and linens will be taut over the mattress and tucked in. No other items shall be kept in or on the bed (i.e., papers, books, radios, etc.). To ensure visibility into the room, window shades shall be in the up (at least halfway) position after 7:45am and throughout the daytime hours. Nothing else is allowed to cover the windows (i.e. towels, sheets, blankets, etc.).

5. Rooms shall be kept clean and orderly at all times. Trash barrels (state issue only) must be emptied when full. Floors shall be swept and mopped regularly. Windows and windowsills shall be kept clean and clear of any article, with the exception of a window fan and alarm clock. Screens shall be free of holes and properly secured. Door interiors and exteriors shall be kept clean with nothing affixed to the door (including locker doors). Makeshift nails and hooks are prohibited in any wall, door, bed frame, windows, or locker.

6. All non-perishable food shall be kept in the original container in which it was purchased or approved canteen bowl or it shall be confiscated and destroyed. No perishable food items shall be allowed in the room. No state utensils or state food shall be allowed in the room. The only exceptions are medical diets/snacks, which must be consumed within twenty-four (24) hours. No dirty utensils or dishes, metal utensils and no glass containers are allowed. Incarcerated individuals will be allowed to have two bottles purchased via the canteen or vending machine. All other containers/bottles must be placed in the recycling bin once they are empty.

7. All clothing or other property shall be stored inside the footlocker/wardrobes provided. Footwear shall be lined up neatly under the bed or in the wardrobe. Soiled clothing shall be kept in a laundry bag. No clothing shall be kept on the bed, chair, or floor. At no time is footwear to be placed in the doorway or hallway outside your room. Clothes lines are not permitted. Nothing is allowed to be strung up under the top bunk including headphone cords. No clothing or linens shall be draped over the bunk ladders.

8. No tool, glue or any other item on the list found on page 18 of this manual is allowed. No toxic, caustic, or flammable items are allowed. Items containing alcohol are not allowed. Any item not authorized for retention is prohibited. No items shall be kept on top of the wardrobe, except for a TV and fan.

9. Only one 6-foot approved extension cord is allowed per incarcerated individual. Frayed or spliced cords are not allowed. All lights and appliances shall be shut off when leaving the room. Hot pots are allowed for heating water only. Altering any appliance is strictly prohibited. Cooking is not allowed in the rooms. Light fixtures are not to be covered by anything other than the light shields. Seals should not be removed or

June 2026 NECC Orientation Manual Page 12 of 51 altered from appliances. All appliances, TV’s, lights, fans etc. shall be turned off when incarcerated individuals are not in their cells.

10. Room doors shall be closed when not occupied and shall not be pegged open at any time. Alterations to the door and frame by pegs, wedges or dampening materials are prohibited. Nothing is to be hung on the doors, beds or ladders obstructing the view into a room or bed. Lights will be turned off when not in your room.

11. Cardboard boxes and/or unauthorized wood products are not allowed to be stored in rooms.

12. Plastic trash bags or liners are not allowed for any storage purposes in incarcerated individual rooms except for use in trash containers.

13. Incarcerated individuals shall remain quiet during all counts. No loud talking or distracting noises are allowed. Incarcerated individuals shall be properly dressed during all standing counts and must be standing inside their cell and not standing outside the door frame. Incarcerated individuals are not allowed to use the bathroom or showers during major counts or freeze counts.

14. Incarcerated individuals must be properly dressed (Pajamas and bathrobes are allowed) when in and out of their rooms, bathrooms and showers. Incarcerated individuals must be fully dressed when leaving their assigned unit/corridor.

15. Incarcerated individuals shall be issued one roll of toilet paper & a bar of soap once per week.

TELEPHONES

Outgoing incarcerated individual telephones are located throughout the facility. Farm Dorm telephones are located on each level of the building. Gralton Hall telephones are located in the common area. There are telephones that are located in the yard behind Farm Dorm. Incarcerated individuals that just transferred in will be allowed to change/update PIN numbers. Incarcerated individuals transferring from another facility will have their PIN numbers activated within 1 business day. Tablets will have phone access for all incarcerated individuals.

For incarcerated individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, CAPTEL and TTY phones are available on the first floor Farm Dorm and first floor Gralton Hall.

All telephone calls are limited to twenty (20) minutes. Incarcerated individuals are not allowed to sit on the floor or a chair during a phone call or leave a phone unattended. All phone calls are monitored except calls to pre-authorized attorney telephone numbers, court, pre-approved ordained clergymen, licensed psychologist, social worker and/or mental health and human service professionals. Telephone hours are 8:00 am to 9:30 pm.

All outside telephone calls will be made via the PIN numbers. Quarterly (January – April–July-October), you may request changes to your approved call list. PIN change sheets are made available at the Control Center. Refer to 103 CMR 482 Telephone Access and Use for the institutional procedure.

All phones are shut off 5 minutes prior to each count and turned back on at the completion of count except the 11:10am and 4:00pm counts when the phones are turned back on after the completion of the meal period and upon return to normal operations. Incarcerated individuals do not have access to phones during major counts or during institutional emergencies (i.e., Code 99, fire, etc.). The incarcerated individual phones in the yard shall not be used when the yard is closed. Personal phone calls for incarcerated individuals are not be accepted by staff members unless the call is of an emergency nature and approved. No 3-way phone calls are allowed. Any attempt to defraud the telephone company through any means may result in disciplinary action, as well as possible legal action.

Provisions may be made under unusual circumstances for an incarcerated individual to contact a family member via a staff phone. This call will be supervised at all times.

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Incarcerated individuals may not call DOC Headquarters, Central Classification, Parole, contract program or any other institution, (Refer to 103 CMR 482 Telephone Access and Use). NECC has a site specific IPS hotline: 978-369- 5877.

Incarcerated individuals may call privileged numbers at no cost. The following are privileged numbers:

Prison Legal Services – 617-482-2773 Prisoner Speed Dial to Legal Services - *9004# DOC PREA Hotline – 508-422-3486 NECC IPS Hotline – 978-369-5877

BARCC PREA HOTLINE (844) 774-7732

Telephonic Interpreter Service for Non-English-Speaking Incarcerated Individuals

The DOC has contracted a service provider to provide over-the-phone interpretation, twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven days (7) a week. This service can provide translation of 345 different languages to any non-English speaking incarcerated individual.

This service shall only be used by use of speaker telephones in the following areas whenever an incarcerated individual claims that he/she does not speak and/or understand English.

(1) IPS and Departmental Investigations

(2) Booking and Admissions

(3) HSU

(4) Classification Boards

(5) Disciplinary Hearings

(6) Grievance Interviews

A claim that you do not speak and/or understand English may be made as follows:

Classification Boards – submit a written request (in English or Spanish) for Telephonic Interpreter Service to your Correctional Program Officer forty-eight (48) hours prior to the classification board.

Disciplinary Hearings – submit a written request (in English or Spanish) for Telephonic Interpreter Service to your Correctional Program Officer forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date scheduled for the hearing.

HSU, IPS/Departmental Investigators, Grievance Investigators and Booking and Admissions – request for Telephonic Interpreter Service in these areas can be oral and directed to the appropriate person in these areas.

BARBERSHOP

The barbershop is located in the Farm Dorm West Down corridor. Incarcerated individuals shall sign up for haircuts in the haircut list book located at the Officer’s desk in Farm Dorm by Sunday. The list will then be retrieved by the Treasurer. Each haircut costs $1.50. A copy of the list will be posted up at the Officer’s desk in Farm Dorm. This is the ONLY authorized method for obtaining a haircut. Except for the institutional barber, incarcerated individuals are not allowed to cut or groom other incarcerated individuals’ hair. Haircuts are to be conducted ONLY in the barbershop. Standard haircuts (i.e. no lines, designs or unconventional haircuts) are the only haircuts allowed at NECC. The barbershop schedule is as follows:

Barbershop Schedule

Tuesday through Saturday - 9:00am-10:30am, 1:30pm-3:00pm and 5:30pm-6:30pm Closed Sunday and Monday

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**Barbershop times may vary due to programming and institutional need**

CANTEEN

NECC has a private vendor which provides canteen services. Incarcerated individuals shall fill out their own canteen purchase orders via the canteen kiosk located in the incarcerated individual day room. To receive your purchase order by Friday’s distribution day, all canteen orders must be submitted via the canteen kiosks by Wednesday every week. A maximum amount of $80 worth of merchandise may be ordered. Incarcerated individuals may only order merchandise as their personal account balance permits. The items are then distributed by staff by housing unit, at a time designated by the Shift Commander on Fridays. All items come in a sealed container, and any discrepancies must be addressed prior to the opening of the bag. (Refer to 103 DOC 476 Canteen and Vending Machine Operations and Expenditures). If there are any issues with the kiosks to include issues with your PIN# number or password, incarcerated individuals shall notify a CPO who will then notify the treasurer.

DINING HALL PROCEDURES

Daily hours: Breakfast - 7:30am to 8:00am Lunch - 11:20am to 12:00noon (Called by staff) Dinner - 4:20pm to 5:00pm (Called by staff)

Following the completion of the 11:15am and 4:00pm stand-up count, an announcement shall be made that the count is clear and that all incarcerated individuals shall remain in their housing units until called to the dining hall for meals. Upon completion of your meal, you must return to your housing unit or, on days when Staff Access Period is in operation, proceed to Staff Access and then to your housing unit. If you leave your housing unit before you are called to the dining hall, or do not return to your housing unit upon completion of your meal, you shall be considered out of place. At the conclusion of the lunch meal, an announcement shall be made to resume normal activities and the yard, gym and day room are open. You may then leave your housing unit. Phones shall be turned on at that time.

Incarcerated individuals who received special diet meals shall be called to the dining all first. You shall be required to sign for each meal period that you have received your meal.

Proper attire must be worn properly in the dining hall, (i.e., shirt, shoes, etc.). Bathrobes, pajamas, slippers, shower shoes, hats, do-rags/wave caps, headphones, walk-mans, newspapers, magazines, soda bottles, bowls or cups, and jackets are not allowed. Only condiments can be brought into the dining hall.

No incarcerated individual is allowed behind the serving area for purposes other than work. Incarcerated individuals are not allowed in any kitchen area other than the dining hall, unless employed as a kitchen worker for that shift.

Bag lunches/breakfast will be provided for work crew incarcerated individuals who are not in-house during mealtimes.

Incarcerated individuals may not take meals or any portion of a meal out of the dining hall. This includes late meals.

The only exception may be the diet meal snacks. Incarcerated individuals are not allowed to give or receive a meal or portion of a meal to or from another incarcerated individual. The Shift Commander may allow meals to be reheated using the microwave in the day room.

Incarcerated individuals must return their food trays to the dishwashing area in the kitchen. Incarcerated individuals must take whatever utensils are being used for the meal. Utensils are returned to the sanitized container near the officer's desk upon exiting the dining hall. Incarcerated individuals may not use their own utensils in the dining hall.

Medical diets are authorized through the physician. Requests for religious diets are made through the Director of Classification/Treatment, in accordance with 103 DOC 760 – Food Service Policy - Special Diet Request Form.

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ESCAPE

An incarcerated individual of NECC shall be declared escaped if, in the opinion of the Superintendent (or designee), Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, or Assistant Deputy Commissioner, it is reasonable to conclude through information obtained and/or by reasonable observation that the incarcerated individual has left the institution, an institution work detail, or the custody of correctional personnel without being authorized to do so.

Incarcerated individuals on a pre-release status shall be declared escaped if reported to be absent from the work site.

All instances of escapes shall be forwarded to the District Attorney and shall be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. An escape or attempted escape is a serious public safety matter and has lasting impact on an incarcerated individual’s DOC record.

NOTE: The DOC Apprehension Unit will be contacted immediately. You will be pursued, apprehended, returned to higher custody and prosecuted.

DISCIPLINARY

The policy on incarcerated individual disciplinary matters (103 CMR 430 Inmate Discipline) is available in the incarcerated individual law library. A copy of the Disciplinary Code of Offenses is included in this incarcerated individual manual (Attachment II). Any questions may be directed to any staff member as well as to your assigned CPO. Incarcerated individuals with pending disciplinary reports shall not be considered for transfers to lower security until the disciplinary process is resolved and they have been disciplinary report free for a period of time.

Informal disciplinary action may be issued at the discretion of staff for minor infractions. Repeated incidents of such infractions shall lead to progressive/formal disciplinary action.

Introduction of any contraband will be considered a serious matter which may result in disciplinary action and/or criminal charges.

CELL PHONES

Incarcerated individual use and or possession of any type of cell phone, other unauthorized electronic device, or cell phone or other unauthorized electronic device paraphernalia (including cell phone chargers, chargers, SIM cards, and any other related products), is strictly prohibited and considered a serious security issue. Incarcerated individuals found in possession of said items shall be subject to formal disciplinary action. Use and/or possession of cell phones or cell phone paraphernalia shall be considered a category 2 disciplinary infraction.

INFORMAL COMPLAINTS

The informal complaint resolution process is the preferred mechanism for the resolution of incarcerated individual concerns. An incarcerated individual may file a written informal complaint by following the standard operating procedures for Informal Complaint Resolution via 103 CMR 491 Inmate Grievance. Informal written complaints shall be processed in the following manner:

1. The Informal Complaint process shall be overseen by a designated CPO. Informal Complaint forms are available in the incarcerated individual library and the first floor Farm Dorm.

2. Incarcerated individuals shall file an informal complaint form within (5) working days of the actual incident or within five (5) working days of becoming aware of the incident or situation, whichever is later.

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3. Informal complaint forms should contain a brief description of the issue. If more than one (1) issue exists, separate forms for each issue to ensure it is referred to the appropriate staff person for response shall be used.

4. Incarcerated individuals shall address forms to the responsible supervisor staff person and submit them via institutional mail or deposit them directly into the locked drop box designated for grievances located outside of the first floor classification office.

5. The Institution Grievance Coordinator (IGC) shall forward informal complaint forms submitted via the locked drop box to the designated CPO each business day.

6. The designated CPO shall immediately screen the incoming informal complaint forms and shall ensure they are recorded into the informal complaint resolution log within one (1) working day of receipt.

7. Within one (1) working day of logging the informal complaint form, the designated CPO shall forward a copy of the informal complaint to the appropriate department head or the responsible area staff person for possible resolution.

8. The responsible area staff person shall evaluate the request or concern, including interviewing the incarcerated individual if deemed appropriate.

9. Once a decision has been made, he/she shall take appropriate action to resolve the matter or advise the incarcerated individual of the reason for denial of the incarcerated individual's complaint.

10. The responsible area staff person shall issue a response to the incarcerated individual within ten (10) working days of receipt from the designated CPO and return a copy of the decision to the designated CPO.

11. The designated CPO shall document the outcome of the informal complaint resolution process into the informal complaint resolution log and attach the outcome to the original complaint to be kept on file.

12. Once the informal complaint resolution process has concluded and if the incarcerated individual is not satisfied with the informal decision rendered, the incarcerated individual shall have ten (10) working days from the receipt of the decision to file a formal grievance without being penalized.

GRIEVANCES

Incarcerated individuals must utilize the institutional informal complaint process described above to address issues of concern prior to filing a formal grievance. 103 CMR 491.09(5) Inmate Grievance Utilization of Step I Informal Grievance Complaint Resolution process is not required for the following:

(a) Emergency Grievances which shall be submitted and processed pursuant to 103 CMR 491.16 Inmate Grievance.

(b) Staff misconduct allegations which shall be filed and reviewed administratively pursuant to 103

CMR 522 Professional Standards Unit Policy.

The grievance process is a mechanism intended to address legitimate incarcerated individual complaints and is not the appropriate forum to make routine requests. A routine request is the process of asking for something that you are entitled to as a matter of policy, procedure or otherwise. Requests should be made by contacting the concerned staff member either in person or in writing or through the informal complaint process and not through the grievance process. A grievance is a formal complaint related to dissatisfaction with a decision rendered, a type of action/inaction taken, or other concern pertaining to conditions of confinement affecting you personally.

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Utilization of the informal process may result in quicker response and/or resolutions to your issues. All grievances must be filed within the established time-frames unless time limits to file a grievance are waived by the IGC. All incarcerated individuals shall have unimpeded access to the incarcerated individual grievance process in order to address legitimate concerns or complaints.

You may access grievance and grievance appeal forms through institutional library, the IGC and in each housing unit. These forms are available to you in English and Spanish. However, if you are unable to complete the form due to a language literacy barrier or any other problem you may contact the IGC or your assigned CPO for assistance.

Completed grievance forms must be submitted within 10 business days from the receipt of Informal Complaint Decision. All completed forms shall be submitted by depositing the form in a locked mailbox or drop box located in the Dining Hall. All drop boxes shall be opened at least once daily for collection purposes.

Completed grievance forms may be returned to you for improper filing if:

a. The grievance form submitted was incomplete.

b. The grievance was filed on behalf of another incarcerated individual.

c. The grievance was submitted on behalf of a group of incarcerated individuals or by a group of incarcerated individuals;

d. The grievance was filed relative to more than one subject matter.

e. The grievance was filed as an “Emergency” but has been determined not to be an emergency.

f. Informal complaint is not attached.

If a grievance or grievance appeal is returned to you for improper filing, you shall be notified of the reason in writing and you will be granted 3 business days to resubmit your grievance in the appropriate format.

You should not utilize the grievance process to address disciplinary or classification matters as these processes have their own appeal mechanism and are considered non grievable. Additionally, medical/mental health treatment/diagnosis and therapeutic diet concerns are non-grievable, as the contracted medical provider has its own medical grievance process. Access to medical treatment, however, is considered a grievable issue.

The IGC shall acknowledge receipt of your grievance by generating a receipt from the Inmate Management System (IMS), which will include a printout of your grievance. The IGC will then have 10 business days from receipt to render a decision on your grievance. The IGC may issue you a written extension if more time is required to adequately investigate/review your grievance. Once a decision has been rendered by the IGC, you will have 10 business days from receipt of the grievance decision to file a grievance appeal with the Superintendent. The Superintendent will have 30 business days to render a decision on your appeal. Furthermore, the Superintendent may issue you written extensions if more time is needed to appropriately review/investigate the issue.

An “Emergency” grievance may be filed by you if there is a sudden occurrence of a serious and urgent nature that requires immediate attention. Some examples may include but are not limited to; fear for one’s life, fear for the life of another, and access to court issues where meeting deadlines are in jeopardy. In such urgent instances it is important to immediately notify staff so timely action can be taken to address your concerns.