Kenneth Lizotte, Superintendent

January 2026 Vision Statement

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

Mission Statement

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

Core Values

Commitment to Public Service

Responsible

Accountable for your actions

Respectful

Treat other as you want to be treated – Golden Rule

Honest

Having the courage to do the right thing

Caring

How you do your job and the impact it has on others

MCI-Norfolk’s Mission

To maximize public safety through an integrated work force that is responsible and respectful. Our professionals are dedicated to maintaining a safe and humane environment while providing work, educational and effective program opportunities to enhance the re-entry of Incarcerated Individuals.

Table of Contents

Orientation Manual Attachments

I.

Introduction This manual was written to introduce you to the MCI-Norfolk (MCI-N). This institution has many rules and regulations which you are expected to follow. You will have the opportunity to participate in programs and/or services, which can assist you in reintegration to the community.

MCI-N was constructed over ninety-five (95) years ago as the first “community prison” in the United States, which seeks to prepare individuals for transfer to lower security and reintegration into the community. We place great emphasis on Incarcerated Individuals taking responsibility for their behavior and demonstrating their maturity and self-control through their adherence to institutional rules and regulations. It is also our goal to promote a respectful environment which will result in a positive culture.

Incarcerated Individuals (I/I) shall not be subjected to discrimination or mistreatment based on actual or perceived sex, age, race, religion, national origin, religious views, disability, sexual orientation, gender identify and gender expression. In addition, it is prohibited for staff and other I/I to harass and abuse Incarcerated Individuals based on gender identity, transgender status, or sexual orientation.

This document will provide you with answers to your questions and enable you to understand the operations of this institution. Since it is impossible to provide answers to every question within the contents of this manual, you may address specific questions with Unit Team staff.

I urge you to use your time in at MCI-N as constructively as possible. We can only provide the atmosphere conducive to enabling you to reduce your security level, which will aid in your reintegration back into the community. The choice to participate is yours, as well as the choice to change.

Sincerely Kenneth Lizotte Superintendent

II.

Orientation Unit A.

Orientation Unit (8-1) This is the initial unit you generally enter upon arriving at MCI-Norfolk (MCI-N).

B.

Orientation Orientation is mandatory and documented for all MCI-N Incarcerated Individuals (I/I). The Orientation program will be given every Friday at 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. in the School Building (OIC). It is designed to brief you on rules, regulations, program, classification, education/ vocation programs, work assignments, medical/ mental health services, canteen, funds and any other pertinent information related to your positive adjustment at MCI-N. If you refuse to participate in this program, you shall be mandated to remain in Eight (8) Block.

C.

Length of Stay in Unit The length of stay in the Orientation Unit varies depending upon transfers, and internal movement. You will transfer from the Orientation Unit to a permanent housing unit when bed space becomes available. Movement is based on several factors to include seniority, behavior, special medical needs, and designated housing assignment bed availability.

D.

Adjustment Upon your immediate arrival to the Orientation Unit, you will be assigned to a cell. The officers will monitor your adjustment and their assessment will have a great impact on the length of your progression probationary period. Disciplinary warnings or issues will be reviewed and evaluated by the officers. Also, your cooperation level and cleanliness of your assigned area will be monitored.

E.

Disciplinary Reports The goal should be to comply with the rules and regulations to have the opportunity to be assigned to a different general population housing unit. If you receive a guilty finding on a Disciplinary Report, this will be regarded as a setback in achieving this goal; thus, your stay will be lengthened. A removal from the unit (primarily to BAU) for such a report will result in a re-assessment of your probationary status, which may include starting your probation period over.

III.

Institution Rules & Regulations A. Counts Counts are extremely important in the proper running of a correctional institution. Subsequently, infractions of the count procedure will be considered very serious and dealt with accordingly.

Major Counts are conducted before the morning, noon, and evening meals and night lock-in. You must be in your assigned housing unit and in your assigned cell prior to the beginning of all counts, (unless specifically authorized to remain in another building). You must remain in the Unit or designated location until the count is cleared.

You are required to stand by in your cell, with the cell lights on facing the counting officer, for every count except for the 12:00 a.m. and 3:30a.m. counts. [You must show living breathing flesh while being counted during the night hours.] B. General Rules

1.

When you leave the Unit, you must only leave during movement periods. You are to inform the Unit Officer as to your destination and make sure that you have your I/I Identification Card and Outcard. All I/I must wear their ID's on the outer layer of clothing at chest level between the shoulder when they leave their unit and ensure their photo is clearly visible at all times. When you return to the Unit, you must inform the Unit Officer that you have returned. You may return to the unit during movement periods to change destinations or use the bathroom. Once movement is over, you must go to the OIC building to use the bathroom.

2.

Eight (8) Block I/I Only: After completion of meals, properly turning in your spork and prior to general movements, you may report to the Officer’s post and request to pre-sign out for the movement period. You will tell the Officer your bunk assignment and your destination (i.e. cell 122A to the Gym etc.). When movement is announced, you are still required to check in with the Officer prior to leaving the Unit.

3.

I/I will be allowed one (1) movement during each movement period.

Note:

The only exception is if an I/I is signed out to one of the following locations: OPD medication line, Staff Access Hour, and mail call, along with their final destination of that movement period. For example: An I/I is signed out to one (1) of the previously mentioned locations, the Housing Unit Officer shall record the I/I initial and final destination on the Daily Movement Sign-Out Sheet (i.e. OPD / Ind (Industries Clothing).

4.

You are not allowed in any office, Office Hallway, and behind any Officer Control Panel without prior authorization.

5.

No clothes are to be hung in the shower or bathroom areas.

6.

You must use the showers on your assigned tier and according to unit schedules which are posted in each unit. You may only shower during posted shower times. If you have been identified as having Gender Nonconforming (GN), you will be afforded the ability to shower during the approved population shower schedule or during the optional schedule that will be provided to you.

Shower access shall be in accordance with 103 DOC 750, Hygiene Standards.

7.

When in the Unit, jackets and coats will not be worn unless you are entering or exiting the Unit.

8.

No hats, head cover, or sunglasses will be worn while inside the Unit, with the exception religious or medically prescribed headwear. Wave caps/doo rags shall only be worn in your assigned cell/bunk.

9.

Any games such as cards or chess must be played in the common area and not in other I/I cells or bunk areas. Only authorized recreational activities will take place in the Unit. When playing dominoes, a table cover must be used to reduce noise created by this game. Only four (4) players per table, per game, is allowed. The use of milk crates or trash barrels for extra players is prohibited.

10.

When in the dining room/ common area you must be suitably dressed. Shirts, pants or shorts, and footwear must be worn (no shower shoes, flip flops or crogs). This includes going to and from cells. Socialization/Games will be allowed in the Dining Room area only.

11.

In dormitory settings, after the unit lights are off at 11:00 p.m., you are required to remain at your bunk unless utilizing the bathroom. You are not allowed to utilize the common area tables and kiosks during the nighttime hours. You shall remain in your bed until the 6:30 a.m. standing count at which time unit lights will be turned on and remain on for the duration of the day. Nighttime curfew will be terminated at 6:30 a.m., at which time you may begin to prepare for the day’s activities. Exceptions to this shall be allowed for earlier movement of kitchen workers, I/I being transported to courts or hospitals, and I/I who may rise earlier for religious rites (prayers, etc.) at the side of their beds.

12.

Laundry is picked up according to unit schedules. Schedules are posted in each unit.

13.

Direct any questions you have to Department of Correction staff and not another I/I in the Unit. You will be held accountable for your actions. This includes when receiving your meal from the housemen.

14.

You are not permitted to loiter in the Unit hallways individually/ in-groups or creating excess noise. Only the Dining Room shall be used for gathering (i.e. Table Games)

15.

You will be considered out of place if you are found in a cell/ room or tier that you do not reside. If you allow another I/I within your cell, you may be subject to disciplinary action. Within the Eight (8) Block, there will be no loitering on the second (2nd) tier or on the green tiles in front of cells on the first (1st) tier.

16.

You are not allowed in any other housing unit except your own unit.

17.

When you are hired for a job, you are to let the Unit Officer know your job assignment. It will then be verified via the Inmate Management System (IMS).

18.

There is a twenty (20) minute time limit on use of Unit phones. They are turned on at 8:30 a.m. and turned off fifteen (15) minutes prior to all counts. Any I/I utilizing the phones at 9:00 p.m. shall be allowed to complete their call but must be off the phone by 9:15 p.m.

19.

The utensil cabinet and housemen sink is out of bounds.

20.

Horseplay will not be allowed.

21.

Any maintenance concerns are to be reported to the Unit Officer immediately.

22.

There will be no locking or tampering with any locking device, door, gate, light, or window.

23.

Eight (8) Block cell doors will remain in either the locked open or locked closed position at all times. You are responsible for locking the cell door open or closed at all times when released from your cell. If a cell door is locked in the closed position, the door will not be opened until the next movement period. All cell doors will be unlocked (via group release) at the commencement of all movement times. If you depart the unit without locking your door in the open or closed position, the Unit Officer may lock your cell door in the closed position until the next movement period.

24.

You will not be allowed to bring personal items from your housing unit to your work, program assignment, and/ or scheduled appointments. This includes, but is not limited to, the following items: walkman, MP3/4, tablet, headphones, reading materials, books, water bottles, and all canteen items. Under no circumstances should you bring personal items from your housing units to program areas that are not needed for that specific program.

25.

All haircuts are to be done within the Institutional Barber Shop. Haircuts within the units/yards are not permitted and may result in disciplinary action.

C.

Cell Decor 1.

Your cell is subject to inspection at any time. You do not have to be present when your cell is being inspected. You are responsible for everything, to include contraband, found in your room.

2.

All cells are to be neat, clean and in compliance twenty-four (24) hours a day. You shall be responsible for maintaining your room in a clean and tidy condition. This shall include sweeping the room floor daily and mopping at least weekly and more often as needed or directed. After washing the floor area, all buckets shall be emptied, and all mops and cleaning supplies returned to their respective storage areas.

3. You will be required to make your bed by 8:00 a.m. on Monday through Friday. If you wish to sleep after 8:00 a.m. you may sleep on top of the covers.

4. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, you will be required to make your bed by 10:00 a.m. If you wish to sleep after 10:00 a.m. you may sleep on top of the covers.

5. All property must be stored in the foot lockers. No state food or perishable food items are to be kept in your lockers.

6. All items and decorations in your room must conform to the amount and types of approved I/I property items as well as the Institution Room Decor Guidelines as described in 103 DOC 400, Incarcerated Individual and Civil Commitment Management. Semi-nude, scantily clad, and/ or sexually suggestive material or material that can be considered offensive or otherwise discriminatory in the workplace will not be permitted. Material that is deemed to be divisive between groups or individuals or material that supports or promotes any violation of the 103 CMR 430, Inmate Discipline will not be permitted. Photographs, cards, magazine/newspaper pictures and articles, drawings, calendars, may be affixed with scotch tape to a 2'x 3' area which is outlined on the wall within the room. No photographs or items will be attached to the walls, outside of lockers or appliances. You may be charged restitution for the cost to repair the cell.

7. You will not have in your possession any property that does not belong to you. All property will be marked in a legible manner and according to policy.

8. Vents in the Units (to include heating pipes) will not be covered at any time.

9. Cosmetics (a total of fifteen (15) items) will be stored in the footlocker and/or cosmetic tray only.

10.

You are not allowed to cover the light, windows (to include tint), hang or place anything on the windowsills. No screws will be affixed to doors or walls.

11.

No boxes, paper bags or plastic bags are allowed in your cell/bunk area. Once Canteen items are emptied from the bags and stored in your locker, the bags are to be given to the Unit Officer for proper disposal.

12.

Only state issued bedroll items (One (1) mattress, One (1) pillow, Two (2) laundry bags, Two (2) sheets, One (1) blanket, One (1) pillowcase, Two (2) towels, Two (2) cooling towels) shall be allowed. State issued items shall not be altered or used for any other purpose other than for that which they were intended.

13.

The only items allowed on the floor generally are a waste can, laundry bags, and shoes. Waste cans shall not be utilized as stool for seating.

14.

No clotheslines or washing of clothes are allowed.

15.

No rugs or floor coverings will be permitted.

16.

All electrical appliances (T.V., radio, fan, etc.) will be turned off when you leave your room, to include room lights.

17.

Televisions (T.V.) shall be placed on the designated desk and/ or T.V. stand. Nothing but the T.V. can be stored on this designated space. No wires are allowed to be taped on the walls or ceilings.

18.

You will be required to use a headset or a jack while your T.V. or radio is in use. No homemade speakers of any kind will be allowed (a homemade speaker will be defined as an altered speaker, headset or jack which amplifies sound).

D.

Meals

1. No state food, plates or eating utensils are allowed anywhere except the dining area. No personal containers or cups are allowed at mealtimes. No eating of state food in your cell. Storage of cooked personal food in cells is prohibited.

2.

You must go through the chow line in order to receive any portion of your meals. You will be afforded the opportunity to have twenty (20) minutes of dining time for each meal. Eight (8) Block will be fed one (1) tier at a time.

3.

When you are in the dining room/common area you must be suitably dressed. Shirts, pants or shorts, and footwear must be worn (no shower shoes, flip flops or crogs). No open-toed footwear, bathrobes, pajamas, or undershorts worn as outer clothes are allowed at mealtimes.

4.

No Walkman’s, MP3/4 players, tablets, radios, headphones, are allowed during mealtimes.

5.

All food will be placed on a state tray. A spork will be supplied at mealtimes. Each I/I shall take a spork regardless of their plan to use it or not. Sporks will be collected and accounted for at the conclusion of each meal.

6.

There is no cutting in line, roughhousing or creating a disturbance during mealtimes. If you have a concern with the meal, notify the officer in a timely fashion.

7.

Loud talking during meals is not allowed.

8.

After everyone has received their first portion of food, seconds will be called according to tables (each day a different table will have first call on seconds). After each table has been called on seconds, then “anyone” is called. The exception is that the Eight (8) Block does not call seconds for the first feeding. Seconds will be called for the second feeding period only when available.

9.

The kitchen area is out-of-bounds half (½) hour before and half (½) hour after mealtimes. Unit kitchen areas are to be closed and cleaned every night at 9:00 p.m. If you are in the process of cooking at 8:30 p.m. you shall finish up and begin cleaning the kitchen. The dining room shall remain open until 9:15 p.m.

10.

In the Eight (8) Block, limited cooking is allowed for immediate consumption.

11.

Unit refrigerators, microwaves and other related equipment must remain clean at all times. Eight (8) Block I/I have no access to a refrigerator or freezer.

12.

No cooking is allowed in your room. Cooking is allowed in the kitchen only. Hot pots may be utilized within the cell on the desk only.

13.

Unit toasters and other food service items shall only be used in a manner consistent with their intended use Misuse of these items may result in loss of privileges or disciplinary action.

14.

No soda/water bottles are allowed to be stored in Unit freezers.

15.

No state food shall be stored in the unit refrigerators or freezers with the exception of therapeutic snack orders. Any item stored within the Unit Refrigerator/ Freezer, shall be stored in its original container and/or bowl within a properly labeled Fridge/ Freezer box.

16.

No food or beverage container may be used for any purpose other than its intended use and storage of the marketed product. All emptied food or beverage containers shall be disposed of via trash/recycle bins 17.

Cooking Times are as follows, but subject to change at any time:

Monday through Friday:

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday:

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Industry Workers Only)

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

E.

Unit Cleaning

1.

All areas of the Units are to be clean and in compliance twenty-four (24) hours a day.

2. Unit cleaning time begins daily at 8:30 a.m. When the floor is being mopped, stripped, or waxed, you will have two (2) options:

a.

Leave the Unit or b.

Be restricted to your bunk area until the cleaning period has ended.

3.

Cleaning will also be done as directed by the Unit Officer when needed.

3. You will be required to place any and all trash in the barrels. Toilets are not to be used for trash of any kind.

4. Recyclable trash shall be placed in proper recycling bins.

5. Cleaning supplies of any kind will not be stored in rooms.

F.

Dormitory Televisions All Televisions (T.V.) will be shut off during all counts and meal periods. In dormitory settings (Clinical Stabilization Unit (CSU)) all institution T.V. will be shut off by 11:00 p.m. Extended viewing requests for major sporting events such as playoff games or lengthy movies may be considered but will only be authorized by the Shift Commander. In any case no extended viewing will be permitted past 11:45 p.m. for any events.

In dormitory settings, all personal televisions shall be shut off at the following times:

Clinical Stabilization Unit (CSU)

10:30 p.m.

G.

Yards 1.

You shall remain on walkways or in recreational fields. While on walkways you must keep moving and cannot walk more than three (3) side by side. No loitering against any buildings. You will be permitted to sit in grassy areas of the East and West fields but must remain in an upright position at all times.

2.

No running (except designated areas)

3.

You are not allowed to litter and feed the birds.

4.

Hats shall be worn facing forward. Pants shall be worn to the ankle and not rolled up.

5.

There is no standing/loitering in front of the Units. No yelling to/ from the Unit windows at any time.

6.

You must not loiter in the areas between the following units: 6-1 and 2-3; between units 7-1 and 3-3; and between units 4-3 and 8-1. Verbal communication between I/I in population and I/I housed in the Behavior Assessment Unit (BAU) and the CSU is prohibited. You should also not loiter on any walkway and shall not verbally communicate with I/I inside housing units.

7.

Areas that are considered Out-Of-Bounds Areas a.

The grass areas in and around the Quad.

b.

The area around the BAU c.

The area between the BAU and the Chapel (prohibited area is marked by white lines).

d.

The grass area between the Visiting Center and One and Two Blocks, back of One and Two Blocks, Three and Four Blocks, 6 Block (to include near the Canteen Building), Seven Block and the Eight Blocks.

e.

The area between the Three and Four Blocks and the BAU and Recreation Yard.

f.

The grass area behind and to the sides of the Special Services Unit (SSU).

g.

Within ten (10) feet away from any fence.

8.

Areas that are considered RESTRICTED Out-Of-Bounds Areas a.

The Administration Building.

b.

The Health Services Unit (all three floors).

c.

The O.I.C. (School Building).

d.

The Vocational Education Building.

e.

The Visiting Center.

f.

The grass area adjacent to the Visiting Center East fence SSU side) g.

All Industry Shops and Maintenance h.

All areas beyond the South fence to rear of O.I.C. (e.g., kitchen, maintenance).

i.

C.S.D. Building.

j.

The Property Department located inside the OIC Building as well as the Property Window located beside the canteen Building unless authorized to be there by schedule or Officer’s approval.

H.

No Mans Zone The “No Mans Zone” at MCI-N is the area between the inner perimeter fence and the wall. The perimeter wall in no man’s land is equipped with high voltage electric wires. Contact with these high voltage wires could result in significant injury or death.

An Incarcerated Individual shall be considered attempting to escape at the point when they enter the “No Mans Zone” without proper notification and authorization by the Superintendent or designee. The “No Man’s Zone” shall be the area between two (2) security barriers which separates the inner perimeter from the outer perimeter at medium and maximum-security correctional institutions. The two (2) security barriers may be a combination of fences, walls and/or other permanent structures intended as security barriers. Upon entering the ”No Man’s Zone” the I/I shall be considered attempting to escape and will be subject to use of force in accordance with 103 CMR 505, Use of Force, up to and including the use of lethal force, appropriate based on the totality of the circumstances..

I.

Searches At any given time or place, you are subject to a search of your person, living quarters, belongings, or place of work. Many searches are routine in nature in an attempt to control contraband (i.e., materials or articles not authorized). The fact that you are asked to submit to a search does not mean you are under suspicion. Searches may include both personal searches and unclothed searches. Refusal to submit to a search will result in disciplinary action.

J.

Contraband Possession of contraband (anything not authorized for I/I retention) is subject to disciplinary sanctions. If you interfere with the seizure of contraband, destroy, or attempt to destroy it, the disciplinary sanctions if guilty, will be more severe.

In a major correctional institution, there are thousands of various items which are considered contraband. The general category of contraband items is as follows:

a.

Weapons - Firearms, knives, explosives, timing and arming devices, clubs, pipes, altered kitchen utensils, altered metal products, sharpened items and any item that could or is intended to cause bodily harm, etc.

b.

Property - Unauthorized property i.e. (Property of another I/I or staff member). All property that is not authorized for retention by the I/I in accordance with 103 CMR 403, Inmate Property.

c.

Food - Excessive quantities of rice, sugar, fruits, or bread. All food from Main Line Kitchen other than food being served/consumed in the dining areas. No cooked food can be stored in rooms. Under no circumstances should I/I bring canteen items out of their assigned housing unit. Walkman radios, MP3/4, Tablet, one (1) pair of headphones, one (1) beverage, a book and games may be permitted in the yards. You are not permitted to carry canteen purchased items, to include U.S. postal stamps on your person outside of your housing unit.

d.

Narcotics - All Class A, B, C, D and E narcotic drugs to include any type of unauthorized medication or medication that has been cached away for I/I personal use. No medication of any kind will be taken from the Out-Patient area unless authorized by a physician and security staff.

e.

Security Items – Unauthorized padlocks, lock picks, uniforms or other equipment, tattoo paraphernalia, escape equipment, gambling paraphernalia, etc.

f.

Maintenance Items - All tools, torches, wire, rope over six (6) feet, pipe, general maintenance’s, electrical and plumbing equipment, raw materials, etc.

g.

Industry Materials - Tools, finished products and raw materials.

h.

Intoxicants - Liquor or alcoholic beverages, homebrew, fermented juices, etc.

i.

Currency - Currency or any material that could be used as currency such as possession of another I/I Canteen ticket (stamps amount over fifty (50)).

j. Flammable, Caustic and Toxic Materials - All flammable, caustic and toxic materials unless authorized for use by a staff person. This includes cigarettes and tobacco related items such as lighters.

k. Pornography l.

Cell Phones and Other Unauthorized Electronic Devices/Paraphernalia – I/I 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. I/I 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 two (2) disciplinary infraction.

m.

Tobacco - Smoking or possession of tobacco and tobacco related products are prohibited.

K.

Urine Testing At any given time or place, you may be requested to provide a urine sample for drug or alcohol testing. Failure to provide a urine sample within two (2) hours per 103 DOC 525, Substance Use Monitoring and Testing will result in disciplinary action.

L.

Lock-In 1.

9:00 p.m. - All Unit Kitchen areas will close, and no cooking will be allowed. Janitors will be allowed to clean the area. I/I can utilize the telephones.

2.

9:15 p.m.– All I/I are required to return to their cells in preparation for the 9:30 p.m. Major Count.

8-Block I/I will be required to lock in at this time.

3.

9:25 p.m.– Five Minutes to Count will be announced.

4.

9:30 p.m.– Major Standing Count will be conducted.

You must remain in your room between the hours of 9:15 p.m. (lock-in) and 7:00 a.m. (Exceptions: If you don’t have a toilet in your room, you may go out to use the toilet facilities on that floor).

M.

Night Checks When the night unit officer’s conduct unit and room check after lock-in (9:15 p.m. they must see human/breathing flesh. If no part of your anatomy is visible, the officer will not continue conducting the count until they see your flesh and will wake you up if necessary.

N.

Fire Safety 1.

Fire may be the most life-threatening situation a person will encounter in a prison setting because I/I may be locked in rooms and/or buildings. It shall be the responsibility of I/I housed at MCI-N to do the following:

a.

Report all fires;

b.

Be familiar with fire escape routes;

c.

Quickly and orderly evacuate to appropriate areas as designated;

d. Participate as directed in fire drills;

e.

Don’t tamper with fire equipment, signs, etc.;

f.

During a drill or fire, follow directions of staff persons;

g.

Follow directions of staff members.

2.

Fire Evacuation Plans that include primary and secondary egress for all units are appropriately posted in each unit.

IV.

Movement Schedule Movement Schedule

A. Weekend & Holiday Movement Schedule Weekend & Holiday Movement Schedule

15 Minute Movement

VI.

Incarcerated Individual Orientation to the Unit Team A.

Unit Team Management

At MCI-Norfolk (MCI-N), a Unit Team Management System is utilized. The housing blocks are supervised by the Unit Team Captain who is supported by the Unit Team Lieutenant, a Block Sergeant, Correctional Program Officer, and Correction Officers regularly assigned to the housing units. The Unit Team conducts classification hearings, supervises unit operations and enforces rules and regulations, and the application of policies.

B.

Roles of Unit Team

1.

The Unit Team Captain and Lieutenant are responsible for the overall supervision of the Unit.

2. The Unit Sergeant and Unit Officers are responsible to handle; property, canteen, and all security concerns directly involved in the operation of the Unit.

3.

The Correctional Program Officers (C.P.O.’s) are responsible for addressing all classification, re-entry, and access to savings related issues of the I/I in the Unit, as well as helping in other areas of the Unit Team. You may request an interview with your C.P.O. by providing a written request to the Unit Officer detailing your issues. The assigned CPO also has designated office hours that are posted in each unit.

C.

Classification

Classification reviews and hearings shall occur at least annually and will be held in accordance with 103 CMR 420, Classification.

The purpose of the Classification Board is to provide a systematic means by which the security requirements and programmatic needs of I/I are assessed in relation to Department rules and regulations, statutory requirements, and available resources. I/I security level, work and program assessments and re-entry needs are addressed. Special attention is given to the assessed need areas identified in Risk Reduction Plans to determine if you are in compliance and objective point base score for assessed security level. Prior to your review, you will be notified in writing and interviewed by the C.P.O. At this time, questions, concerns, and any additional requests will be discussed to include health, family, legal issues resolved, program or educational participation, enemies, etc.

If you are scheduled for a Reentry appointment, you are not to leave your unit prior to this appointment. If you do not report to the designated location for your Reentry appointment, you shall be considered to be out of place and disciplinary action may be taken.

I/I may submit appeals to classification recommendations within five (5) days of written receipt of the board’s recommendation. The I/I placement/appeal form shall be submitted to your assigned CPO and will not be accepted after five (5) business days have elapsed unless otherwise approved by the Director of Classification.

The Superintendent or designee shall be the reviewing authority for appeals of Internal Classification status reviews. This decision shall be final and cannot be appealed.

The Commissioner or designee shall be the reviewing authority for all re-classification and/or transfer boards. This decision is final and cannot be appealed.

VII.

GRIEVANCES

All forms to include the (Step 1) Informal Complaint, Formal Grievance and Grievance Appeal are available within each housing unit and the Institutional Law Library.

I/I are required to utilize (Step 1) the institutional informal complaint process to address issues of concern prior to filing a formal grievance. The grievance process is a mechanism intended to address legitimate I/I complaints and is not the appropriate forum to make routine requests. A routine request is the process of asking for something you are entitled to as a matter of policy, procedure or otherwise. Requests should be made through established procedures 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.

Utilization of the informal process will not prevent you from filing a formal grievance if you are not satisfied with the informal outcome/decision received. All formal grievances are required to include a copy of the Informal Complaint Receipt that is provided when a decision is rendered. An I/I must file the formal grievance within the established time frames unless time limits to file are waived by the Institution Grievance Coordinator (IGC). All I/I shall have unimpeded access to the grievance process in order to address legitimate concerns and/or complaints. Furthermore, the informal complaint resolution process is not a substitute for existing appeal processes, including but not limited to classifications and disciplinary appeals.

Utilization of the (Step 1) Informal Complaint Resolution process is not required for:

Emergency grievances

Staff misconducted allegations, which shall be filed and received administratively pursuant to the 103 DOC 522, Professional Standards Unit policy.

Grievances alleging sexual abuse

A. Informal Process

1. The informal complaint resolution form must be completed in detail, to include the I/I name, commitment number, housing unit, and the date of incident, a brief statement of the facts and/or complaint as well as the I/I signature and date.

2. I/I must submit their completed informal complaint resolution form to the Informal Complaint Coordinator (ICC) via institutional mail or the grievance lock box located in the OIC, CSU and BAU within five (5) working days of the incident or becoming aware of the incident. The ICC will then assign the appropriate area staff person to issue a response.

3. The informal complaint resolution form shall be answered within ten (10) business days from the date of receipt by the ICC. This response shall include action taken and/or additional recommendation.

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

5. If more than one (1) problem exists, I/I shall use separate forms. I/I may not file an informal complaint on behalf of anyone other than themselves.

B. Formal Process The Superintendent has designated an IGC who has been delegated the authority to receive, review and investigate any grievances of an institutional nature and to grant and implement relief as approved by the Superintendent.

The IGC will be available to address formal grievance issues during Staff Access Hour every Tuesday and Thursday for general population. Report only those issues/complaints, which you feel, are bona fide grievances. No action will be taken against an I/I as a result of his filing a grievance unless the grievance threatens the security of the Institution, or if statements made are knowingly false or misleading. For more information, you may review policy 103 CMR 491, Inmate Grievances which is available in the Law Library.

You shall have unimpeded access to grievance, grievance appeal, and informal complaint forms through institution libraries, the IGC and in the 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 your IGC for assistance or your assigned Correctional Program Officer.

Completed grievance forms must be submitted within ten (10) business days from the receipt of the Step 1 Informal Complaint decision. All completed forms shall be submitted directly, in-hand, to the Superintendent or IGC, via institution mail, or by depositing the form in a locked mailbox or drop boxes located in O.I.C., BAU, and the CSU. All drop boxes shall be open at least once daily for collection purposes.

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

1. The grievance form submitted was incomplete;

2. The grievance was filed on behalf of another I/I;

3. The grievance was submitted on behalf of a group of I/I or by a group of I/I;

4. The grievance was filed relative to more than one (1) subject matter;

5. The grievance was filed as an "Emergency" but has been determined not to be an emergency.

6.

The grievance was submitted without filing the Step 1 Informal Complaint Form and/or attaching the Step 1 Informal Complaint Decision.

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 three (3) business days to resubmit your grievance in the appropriate format.

You should not utilize the grievance process to address disciplinary or classification matters to include sex offender identification, 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, however access to medical treatment 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 ten (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 ten (10) business days from receipt of the grievance decision to file a grievance appeal with the Superintendent. The Superintendent will have thirty (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. Additionally, an urgent staff notification will not prevent an I/I from also filing an emergency grievance about the issue. The submission and processing of an "Emergency" grievance shall occur in the same manner as other grievances except for processing time frames. If the grievance is determined to be an emergency, it will be responded to within three (3) business days from receipt. Emergency grievance appeals will be responded to by the Superintendent within five (5) business days from receipt.

Additional information relative to the grievance process can be obtained by reviewing 103 CMR 491, Inmate Grievances, which is available for your review in the institution libraries. Additionally, medical decisions shall not be grievable under the103 CMR 491, Inmate Grievances policy and should be handled through Clinical Complaint Mechanism.

C. Sexual Abuse Grievances

1. Time limits established in 103 CMR 491.14(1) shall not apply to grievances alleging sexual abuse.

2. I/I shall not be required to exhaust informal processes with regard to allegations of sexual abuse.

3. I/I shall submit grievances regarding sexual assault/ abuse in accordance with 103 CMR 491.13(4). An I/I shall not be required to submit their grievance to a staff member who is the subject of the grievance.

4. All grievances containing allegations of sexual assault/abuse for I/I-on-I/I allegations will be investigated in accordance with 103 DOC 519, Sexual Harassment/Abuse Response and Prevention Policy (SHARPP). Staff-on-I/I allegations will be addressed in accordance with 103 DOC 522, Professional Standards Unit, and/or 103 DOC 519, Sexual Harassment/Abuse Response and Prevention Policy (SHARPP). Additionally, whenever a grievance pertaining to sexual abuse has been referred for investigation, I/I will be notified of the action taken within the grievance decision. A separate response from the Commissioner's designee will be provided upon conclusion of the indicated investigation.

5. Allegations of sexual abuse reported by third parties, including, but not limited to, other I/I, staff members, family members, attorneys, and outside advocates, shall be addressed in accordance with 103 DOC 519, Sexual Harassment/Abuse Response and Prevention Policy (SHARPP) and/or 103 DOC 522, Professional Standards Unit. The Department of Correction shall document if an I/I declines to have the request processed on his or her behalf

6. Whenever an I/I files an emergency grievance alleging that they are at a substantial risk of imminent sexual abuse, the grievance shall be responded to within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt. Emergency grievance appeals shall be responded to within five (5) calendar days of receipt. Responding staff should take into consideration weekends and holidays and shall respond on the business day prior to the weekend and/or holiday when necessary to ensure timely response. No timeframe extensions shall be authorized for grievance and grievance appeal responses for sexual abuse grievances.

7. During non-business hours, I/I shall report allegations of sexual abuse verbally to institution staff, who shall promptly report the allegations to the Shift Commander. Upon receipt of information that an I/I has been sexually abused, the Shift Commander shall ensure that proper protocol is followed in order to protect the potential victim and preserve any evidence.

8. The absence of a grievance response after six (6) months shall be deemed a denial of the grievance.

D. Medical Grievances The following major points are important if you want to file a grievance or appeal regarding health services:

1.

I/I are encouraged, but not required, to bring clinical concerns to the attention of the Health Services Unit (HSU) staff through informal means such as Management Access (Staff Access Hour), during scheduled appointments or via the sick slip process.

2. I/I must use the contracted/ contractor’s Grievance and Appeal Form. The forms are available in the HSU, in the Housing Units and from Medical staff who make rounds in the Behavior Assessment Unit. Grievances or Appeals that are incomplete or improperly filed may be returned to the I/I for re-filing.

General Guidelines:

1.

A medical grievance should be addressed within ten (10) working days of the incident/situation, within ten (10) working days of I/I becoming aware of the situation, or within ten (10) working days of the date on which the I/I receives a verbal response at Staff Access Hour.

2. No medical grievance may be filed by a group, on behalf of a group or on the behalf of another I/I.

Filing a Medical Grievance: managed by the Medical Contractor.

· Grievable issues are legitimate complaints pertaining to medical services including but not limited to the actions or conduct of staff members, operational procedures or practices, denial of medically recommended care or treatment.

· Non-grievable issues include but are not limited to requests for alternate treatment plans, as matters of medical and dental judgment are the sole province of the responsible clinical provider in accordance with 103 DOC 610.01(B).

· The Medical Grievance and Appeal Form must be used and filled out in its entirety.

· Medical grievances will be triaged by the HSA or designee within seventy-two (72) hours of receipt.

· I/I will be notified in writing of the grievance outcome Filing a Medical Grievance Appeal: managed by the Medical Contractor’s Appeals Coordinator.

· A formal appeal may only be filed after receipt and dissatisfaction with the HSA response to a formal medical grievance.

· An I/I may request an appeal by checking off the appeal box at the bottom of the Medical Grievance and Appeal Form. No new or additional issues, which were not addressed in the original grievance, may be added to an appeal.

· Appeals of the Medical Contractor’s grievance decision may be sent directly to VitalCore, 35 Parkwood Drive, Suite 205, Hopkinton, MA 01748.

Should you have any questions regarding the process for filing a Grievance or Appeal contact the HSA or the Director of Nursing.

E. Staff Access All Department Heads or designees are required to be present for Staff Access Hour to address I/I issues with the general population. Staff Access Hour will take place in front of the Community Service Department building (C.S.D.) on Tuesday and Thursday of each week between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. You will have the opportunity to see one (1) Staff Member per Access Hour.

The following steps shall be taken to attend Access Hour for General Population:

1. Questions and concerns must be brought to the attention to the assigned Unit Correction Program Officer (CPO) for response prior to inquiring at Access Hour.

2. Questions and concerns that the CPO are able to address shall be done in a timely manner.

3. If the CPO is unable to answer questions and/ or concerns, the Staff Access Pass shall be completed by the I/I and submitted to the assigned Unit CPO via drop box for processing.

4. Processed forms that are unable to be addressed by the CPO, shall be signed, and approved to attend Access Hour.

5. Approved forms shall be brought to Access Hour to the corresponding Department Head to address the questions and/ or concerns.

The following is a listing of representatives that are required to attend Staff Access Hours:

A. Superintendent

B. Deputy Superintendent of Operations

C. Deputy Superintendent of Reentry

D. Director of Security

E. Director of Treatment

F. Director of Classification G. Unit Director H. Inner Perimeter Security

I. Treasurer

J. Records

K. Housing Division L. Property (Will hold Staff Access Hour at the Property Window)

M. Institutional Grievance Officer N. Canteen

O. Assignment…