FRAM 401 Inmate Handbook - English 2026.doc

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

MCI-FRAMINGHAM

ORIENTATION MANUAL

Commissioner

Superintendent Shawn P. Jenkins

Ryan Donlon Deputy Commissioners

Deputy Superintendents Christopher Nichols

Avvani Patel Mitzi S. Peterson

Tiana Bennett

Thomas J. Preston Forrest Ruddy

Mallory R. St. Brice

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

pg. 3

2. Admission

pg. 3

3. Orientation

pg. 4

4. Intake/Program Referrals

5. Translation Services

6. Classification

pg. 5

7. Unit Team

pg. 5

8. Access to Management

pg. 5

9. Institution Rules & Regulations

pg. 6

10. Legal Issues

pg. 17

11. Earned Good Time

pg. 17

12. Incarcerated Individual Finances

pg. 17

13. Incarcerated Individual Canteen

pg. 19

14. Disciplinary Procedures

pg. 19

15. Telephones

pg. 21

16. Meals

pg. 21

17. Mail

pg. 22

18. I/I Work Assignments

pg. 24

19. Industries

pg. 25

20. Emergency Escorted Trips

21. Grievance Procedures

22. Inner Perimeter Security

pg. 29

23. Non-Discrimination

pg. 30

24. Medical Services

pg. 30

25. Mental Health

pg. 33

26. Pathways

pg. 33

27. Reentry

pg. 34

28. Release

pg. 36

29. Parole

pg. 36

30. Escape

pg. 37

31. Visiting

pg. 37

32. Evacuation Plans

pg. 42

33. Bail Procedures

pg. 42 Attachments

1) INTRODUCTION

a) All staff at MCI Framingham are dedicated to providing all Incarcerated Individuals with quality care. This Orientation Manual is designed to provide important information regarding the institutional rules and regulations as well as the numerous programs and services available at MCI-Framingham, so that the Incarcerated Individuals can take full advantage of all opportunities offered to them. It is impossible to address everything through this manual; therefore, Incarcerated Individuals with additional questions are encouraged to speak with Unit Team staff.

b) The term “Incarcerated Individual” or I/I refers to all individuals housed here at MCI Framingham unless otherwise stated.

c) All institutional rules and regulations are posted in the housing units and in the library; take the time to read them. If you have any trouble understanding this information, consult with a member of the Unit Team for clarification. All policies and procedures to which Incarcerated Individuals have access are in the main Library for your review.

2) ADMISSION

a) All Incarcerated Individuals requiring medically supervised withdrawal will be housed in designated rooms in the Health Services Unit. Incarcerated Individuals who qualify for the First Step Program will be transferred to the ATU East after they are medically cleared. Incarcerated Individuals who do not qualify for the First Step Program will be transferred to another unit after being medically cleared.

b) Upon admission, an inventory will be taken of money and valuables. Property which belongs to an incoming Incarcerated Individual shall be forwarded to the Property Officer for inventory documentation. Items authorized for retention by the Incarcerated Individual shall be readied for delivery to the Incarcerated Individual after inventory. Upon delivery of the approved property to the Incarcerated Individual, the Property Officer shall provide the Incarcerated Individual with a receipt. Property not authorized for retention shall be deemed contraband and will be temporarily stored in the property storage area until its disposal in accordance with 103 CMR 403.15.

c) Intake procedures include a medical screening, photograph, and one (1) collect phone call. Fingerprinting will be conducted for sentenced Incarcerated Individuals only. The Correction Officer (CO) will collect important information regarding immediate family members, including children, and emergency phone numbers. There are programs available for parents including DCF visiting coordination. If you have not yet provided this information, see the Correctional Program Officer (CPO) in your unit to update your Incarcerated Individual Management System (IMS) record. Eyeglasses will be taken, checked, and returned if they meet policy guidelines. Contact lenses that are not colored may be retained if deemed medically necessary by a medical professional. Any contacts that alter the eye’s ‘natural appearance’ will be taken and placed in Property to be picked up by someone on the outside or returned upon your release, per property policy.

All property that an Incarcerated Individual enters the institution with will be identified as either items that are authorized to remain at the institution or as contraband. The Incarcerated Individual will be provided with written notice of this and will normally have sixty (60) days to remove the contraband property. For further information, consult 103 FRA 401: Booking and Admissions, and 103 FRA 403, Inmate Property procedures, which are available in the Incarcerated Individual Library.

3) ORIENTATION

a) Orientation for newly committed Incarcerated Individuals is held on a weekly basis in the Incarcerated Individual’s assigned housing unit and attendance is mandatory. All Incarcerated Individuals who are newly admitted, as well as those Incarcerated Individuals returning from lower security or parole, are probation violators or returns from escape, must attend orientation. Failure to attend may result in disciplinary action.

b) Topics covered during orientation include, but are not limited to: disciplinary procedures, programming, sentencing, date computation, parole, work assignments, canteen, property, medical and mental health access, HIV/STD, PREA, visitation, Incarcerated Individual to Incarcerated Individual correspondence, recreation, housing regulations, institutional rules and regulations, mail, Incarcerated Individual counts and mass movements, fiscal overview, prohibition of smoking, security threat groups, religious services, and classification overview. There will also be a Q & A session.

4) INTAKE/PROGRAM REFERRALS

A CPO will interview all newly committed Incarcerated Individuals and ask questions regarding their immediate needs. For sentenced Incarcerated Individuals, program referrals will be made by using a Pathway Assessment (see section 26 for more details) or the intake process, based on the responses provided and length of time to serve. If at any time during incarceration an Incarcerated Individual would like to get involved in available programming, they should see the CPO in their unit to discuss their options. It is during the Pathway Assessment, or the intake process, that Incarcerated Individuals are identified as parents; if necessary, they will be referred to Family Preservation staff. For more information regarding program opportunities at MCI-Framingham, please see the Program Description booklet that is available in the library and with your unit CPO.

5) TRANSLATION SERVICES

The staff at this institution may utilize the Lionbridge Interpretation Services to communicate with Incarcerated Individuals who do not speak English. Incarcerated Individuals who need this service may request it through their unit CPO. This service must be utilized for IPS interviews or Department investigations, Booking and Admissions, Incarcerated Individual grievances, classification boards, medical appointments, and disciplinary hearings. Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to translate for each other during these procedures. Please refer to DOC policy 103 DOC 488, Telephonic Interpreter Service for more information.

6) CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of the 103 CMR 420, Classification Policy is to establish rules and procedures which govern the Department of Correction Incarcerated Individual classification system. The primary goal of the Massachusetts Department of Correction Classification process is to provide a systematic means by which the security requirements and programming needs of Incarcerated Individuals are assessed.

(1) Non-sentenced Incarcerated Individuals will not see the Classification Board until after sentencing. Only those Incarcerated Individuals serving over 90 days will be seen by the Classification Board.

(2) Incarcerated Individuals are scheduled to see the Initial Classification Board within 90 days of their commitment to MCI-Framingham. Incarcerated Individuals are seen annually thereafter.

(3) Incarcerated Individuals will be notified of their Classification hearing date and are expected to attend and participate in every classification hearing.

(4) A copy of the Classification policy, the Objective Point Based Classification Manual, and classification tool are available in the Incarcerated Individual Library.

7) UNIT TEAM

This institution has a Unit Team component that consists of: the Unit Team Captain, Unit Team Lieutenant, and CPOs. The Unit CPOs can address the vast majority of your daily-living issues. If these staff cannot resolve the issue, the Unit Team Lieutenant will be able to address it.

8) ACCESS TO MANAGEMENT

Incarcerated Individuals have direct access to Department Heads and Administrators during “Access to Management”. This is the time allotted for Incarcerated Individuals to discuss relevant issues with the appropriate staff person. In attendance are the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendents, Director of Classification and Treatment, Treasurer, Health Services Administrator, Records Staff, the Director of Security, Parole, IPS, Notary Public, Mental Health Representative, the Unit Team Captain, Unit Team Lieutenant, and Property Officer.

Incarcerated Individuals must complete a Staff Access Request form in order to participate in access hour. The form must be reviewed and signed by the unit CPO prior to access hour.

Staff access will normally be held outside the Old Administrative Building, or in the gym (during inclement weather) at 12:00pm on Thursdays.

9) INSTITUTION RULES AND REGULATIONS

a) All Incarcerated Individuals are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations of the institution and to obey the specific rules of their housing unit. Below is an overview of the rules and regulations that Incarcerated Individuals are responsible for while at MCI-Framingham; the rules and regulations are also posted in the housing units. All Incarcerated Individuals will be held accountable for obeying these rules; failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. Any questions about a specific rule should be addressed to a member of the Unit Team.

b) Standing Counts

(1) Counts are a very important part of the institution’s security. Infractions of the regulations pertaining to counts are serious and repeat infractions will be dealt with severely.

(2) Standing counts occur four times each day:

7:00 AM

11:15 AM

4:30 PM

9:30 PM

(3) An Incarcerated Individual movement will be called so that all Incarcerated Individuals will be able to report back to their housing units for a major standing count. When the CO announces, “5 MINUTES TO COUNT,” all Incarcerated Individuals should be secured in their designated rooms, appropriately dressed, and with the doors closed. When the CO announces, “COUNT TIME,” all Incarcerated Individuals are required to stand by their bunks facing the door with their IDs visible for the counting CO. Lights must be turned on. Incarcerated Individuals may not participate in any activity such as reading or the playing of radios or televisions while count is in progress. It is your responsibility to be clearly visible and in place during all counts.

(4) In the event of an emergency count being called, Incarcerated Individuals are expected to adhere to the same guidelines as listed above for a regular standing count.

c) Movement

(1) Incarcerated Individuals must wear their Incarcerated Individual ID (with photo facing out) and movement pass attached by the provided clip to the upper left quadrant of the outermost garment that is being worn. The movement pass should be placed behind the Incarcerated Individual ID with the unit’s name facing out.

(2) Incarcerated Individuals must utilize the Pass System upon exiting/entering the housing unit. Incarcerated Individuals are responsible to ensure they are at the location designated in the housing unit. Incarcerated Individuals are to move their assigned white card to their destination on the unit accountability board when “prepare for movement” is announced. Upon reporting to their destination after the movement is completed, the Incarcerated Individual is required to move their unit color card from their Incarcerated Individual ID clip to the area’s accountability board.

(3) Incarcerated Individuals are to remain in their housing units until movement is announced. Movements occur for a five-minute period every hour according to the schedule posted in the unit. Incarcerated Individuals are required to follow the movement procedures that are posted in the housing units. There is no movement during freeze counts, emergencies, and shift changes. Five-minute movements to and from the unit shall be orderly and quiet.

(4) Any Incarcerated Individual who is permitted to use the elevator in the Smith building, as clinically ordered by a medical professional, may move at the elevator movement; this movement is designated to give those with some limited mobility additional time to get to appointments and programs.

(5) Incarcerated Individuals who are in areas other than where they are signed out to be, shall be considered out of place and will receive a disciplinary report.

d) General

(1) Incarcerated Individual identification cards shall be worn in a visible manner at all times and clipped to their upper left quadrant. No Incarcerated Individual is to be in possession of another Incarcerated Individual’s ID at any time or have more than one ID in their possession. Incarcerated Individuals must not deface or mutilate their ID cards. Incarcerated Individuals are responsible to immediately report to staff any lost or damaged ID. Lack of an ID will result in the Incarcerated Individual being restricted to their unit. Incarcerated Individuals are to report missing or lost ID cards and movement passes to security staff for replacement.

(2) When leaving the institution, e.g., on a court or hospital trip, Incarcerated Individuals may only bring legal documents and their Medical Test ID number with them. Incarcerated Individuals returning from a trip who are in possession of any additional items will have those items confiscated as contraband, and the incident may result in disciplinary action for the Incarcerated Individual.

(3) Incarcerated Individuals who are released from their units for outside trips are to report immediately to Admissions. The only exception is for those Incarcerated Individuals who require medication prior to leaving the institution.

(4) Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to have weapons in their possession. Weapons include but are not limited to: ordinary items which have been altered from their original state, broken glass, and razor blades. A weapon can be any item that is being used in a manner that is not proper usage.

(5) Horseplay is not allowed anywhere at any time.

(6) Hair styling is not allowed anywhere in the institution other than in Cosmetology by appointment only.

e) All Housing Units All Incarcerated Individuals are held responsible for the housing unit general rules listed below. In addition, all Incarcerated Individuals are also responsible for the rules specific to the housing units in which they reside.

(1) Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to change their cell or bed assignment without authorization. Incarcerated Individuals who are requesting a cell change shall do so by filling out a Cell Change Request form and give it to the Unit Lieutenant for approval. A cell change request cannot be resubmitted within six months.

(2) Only one Incarcerated Individual at a time is allowed to enter the CO’s post area with the CO’s permission. Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed in the Officer’s bathroom or behind the CO’s desk except when cleaning them.

(3) Incarcerated Individual schedules will be posted by 7:15 AM. Incarcerated Individuals are responsible to check the schedule for their scheduled appointments for the day.

(4) Incarcerated Individuals must be dressed appropriately by 8:00 AM. Incarcerated Individuals will not be allowed to lie or rest under sheets or blankets after 8:00 AM.

(5) Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed in any other room or corridor other than their own. All visits will take place in the dayrooms.

(6) During an emergency, Incarcerated Individuals are to follow the instructions of the Unit CO.

(7) Banging/knocking on doors/windows, running, yelling, or throwing items is not allowed.

(8) All cells, common areas, property, and Incarcerated Individuals are subject to search at any time. Incarcerated Individuals are responsible for anything, and everything (including contraband) found in their cells.

(9) Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to be in possession of state food in their room or on their person, unless medically authorized to do so.

(10) Incarcerated Individuals are not to be near the door of, speak to, or pass any item to an Incarcerated Individual who is on Room Restriction.

(11) Incarcerated Individuals are not to bang on adjoining cell walls or talk to other Incarcerated Individuals through adjoining walls or vents.

(12) Incarcerated Individuals must maintain good personal hygiene. The shower schedules are posted in the units.

(13) Any Incarcerated Individual who has been identified as Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) will be afforded the ability to shower separate from the general population. Although GNC Incarcerated Individuals will have the option of showering prior to the population’s approved schedule, this does not prohibit their use of showers during the population’s approved schedule.

(14) Only one Incarcerated Individual may occupy a shower stall or bathtub at a time.

(15) Incarcerated Individuals may not retain cleaning supplies in their cells. All supplies must be turned in to the Unit CO upon completion of use.

(16) Toiletries, personal belongings, and/or trash are not to be left in any common area of the unit; if found, these items will be confiscated and disposed of.

(17) Incarcerated Individuals may not sit, lie, or sleep on any floor of the housing unit. Mattresses, blankets, and pillows are not allowed on any floor of a housing unit.

(18) Only one Incarcerated Individual may use the phone at a time. The use or possession of another Incarcerated Individual’s PIN number/sheet is prohibited and will result in a disciplinary report.

(19) Only one Incarcerated Individual may participate in a video visit at one time. Incarcerated Individuals may not invite other Incarcerated Individuals into their video visit.

(20) The dayroom television will not be available for use prior to 8:00 AM or after 9:00 PM daily. During cleaning hours and count times, the television will be turned off.

(21) All unit games are to be returned to the dayroom bookshelf prior to counts and curfew.

(22) Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to put their feet on tables or chairs, sit on the arms or backs of furniture, sit on tables or counters, or lay on the couch. Incarcerated Individuals may not move any furniture in the dayroom without the permission of the Unit Team Lieutenant or Unit CO.

(23) The kitchen will be closed at 8:30 PM each evening and all trash must be removed from this area and rooms for 8:45 PM pick up. Kitchen will reopen at 8:00 AM or at the Unit Officer’s discretion.

(24) All showers will be locked for the evening at 9:00 PM.

(25) All Incarcerated Individuals are responsible for keeping all common areas (shower, kitchen, utility, and dayroom) clean at all times.

(26) Any unit refrigerator is to be kept clean at all times. Use of the freezer is not allowed. The following items are allowed in the refrigerator and must be properly labeled with name and ID number:

· Properly labeled food items in clear bowls with lids purchased through canteen

· Properly labeled drink items purchased through canteen

· Properly labeled authorized dietary snack/drink to be consumed by 9:00 pm

· Properly labeled garden vegetables for Incarcerated Individuals participating in the garden program to be stored in clear bags and labeled ‘summer only The following items are not allowed in the refrigerator:

· Leftover food items from daily meals to include milk. All food should be consumed during the meal or discarded as required.

· Storage of any kind in paper bags (exception will be for dietary snack/drink)

· Storage of packaged canteen food items and condiments (unless in bowls as indicated above). Canteen food/condiment items at MCI-Framingham do not require refrigeration.

(27) Eating and drinking is restricted to Incarcerated Individual cells only.

(28) Incarcerated Individuals are to use only the footlocker assigned to them.

(29) Hair brushing, braiding, and styling are only allowed in the Incarcerated Individual’s cell. No hair brushing, braiding, or styling in the dayroom is allowed. Haircutting, perming, and styling are allowed in the Hair Salon by appointment only. Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to style each other’s hair.

(30) All Incarcerated Individuals shall go to the serving room for meals. No meals shall be delivered to the unit unless authorized.

(31) Bright lights will be turned on at 6:00 AM and will remain on until 10:30 PM.

(32) Dayroom closes at 9:00 PM.

(33) Noise is to be kept at a minimum.

(34) Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed in any room but their own. There is no congregating in the doorways.

(35) Access to the Old Ad for programming, library, recreation, and education shall be determined by housing unit and posted schedule.

f) Smith Building Units All Incarcerated Individuals are held responsible for all general housing unit rules. In addition, all Incarcerated Individuals in the Smith Building units shall be responsible to adhere to the following rules:

(1) All Incarcerated Individuals must sleep with their head uncovered at the end of the bed closest to door to ensure visibility to the overnight CO who is conducting count.

(2) Items may be attached to the walls in the Incarcerated Individual cells of the Smith Building housing units in the designated area.

(3) Incarcerated Individuals may not congregate at the entrance of the unit, foyer or near or around the officer’s console.

(4) All Incarcerated Individuals must shower on the same tier as their assigned room

g) Health Services Unit All Incarcerated Individuals are held responsible for general housing unit rules. In addition, all Incarcerated Individuals in the Health Service Unit shall be responsible to adhere to the following rules:

(1) Toiletries and supplies shall be provided while in the unit.

(2) Incarcerated Individuals may not communicate with others placed in the security rooms.

(3) Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed in the laundry or storage rooms.

(4) Incarcerated Individuals will pack their personal property and give it to the Unit Officer when they are going to court or any other outside trip.

h) Room Decorum Standards

(1) Incarcerated Individuals may be permitted to decorate their cells and/or sleeping quarters as long as their decorations do not conflict with the institution’s requirements for safety, security, identification, and hygiene. Decorations shall be displayed in a manner that does not prohibit or delay the effective search of the room or living quarters. The Superintendent may limit the size and number of items, as well as the location to display them.

(2) In general population, pictures and cards are restricted to an outlined gray area in a 3’ by 4’ block wall space. No items may be suspended from the ceiling, attached to other wall areas, ceiling, or furniture. Pictures displayed in Incarcerated Individual rooms must be in good taste. Items displaying sexually explicit nudity, alcohol, drugs, weapons, or anything derogatory toward race, creed, color, national origin, or obscene language and/or gestures are not allowed. Collages are not allowed.

(3) Providing that items comply with 103 DOC 400.02 (2)I, they include, but are not limited to:

a.

Photographs b.

Cards c.

Magazine/newspaper pictures and articles c.

Drawings d.

Calendars

(4) 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 in the workplace.

d.

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

e.

Material that supports or promotes any violation of the 103 CMR 430, Disciplinary Proceedings.

(5) The following are additional housing decorum standards:

a.

One cubic foot of reading and writing materials may be stored neatly on the desk, a designated shelf, or in the wardrobe closet or footlocker.

b.

Plastic or paper bags are not allowed to be used as trash receptacles. Trash is to be stored in proper receptacles supplied by the Unit Team.

c.

Canteen items and cosmetics will be stored neatly in the assigned footlocker.

d.

Vacant top or bottom bunks shall not be used as storage space.

e.

Do not store canteen items on the windowsill or under the bed on the floor. Cups, bowls, and utensils will be cleaned and stored neatly in the footlocker. Excessive or stockpiling of canteen will not be allowed.

f.

Cosmetics are limited to 15 items per the 103 CMR 403, Inmate Property policy.

g.

Footlockers shall be closed and locked when not in use. Nothing shall be placed on top of footlockers.

h.

Rooms are to be clean and inspection-ready at all times. Cleaning supplies will be available on a daily basis. Beds must be made by 8:00 AM. Rooms must be neat, clean, and in compliance at all times. Each Incarcerated Individual is responsible for the condition in which their room is found.

i.

Curtains or coverings are not allowed on the doors, windows, or any other common areas.

j.

Sheets, blankets, and towels shall not be used for any other purpose than their intended use.

k.

Turn off fans, lights, radios, television sets, and hot pots when leaving the room.

l.

Appliances will be placed flat on Incarcerated Individual desks. Appliances will not be propped up or hung on anything. Televisions must be placed on the TV stands provided.

m.

Rugs, craft items/projects, and decorative materials are not allowed for retention. Floor coverings are not allowed in the unit.

n.

Plastic buckets, wood items, plants, animals (except for service dogs), cardboard boxes, and plastic bags are not allowed in Incarcerated Individual cells. The accumulation of containers without original contents and paper bags is also prohibited. These items will be confiscated and disposed of.

o.

Obstructing or securing any unit doors from the inside is strictly prohibited. Doors must be closed or flush against the wall.

p.

Clotheslines are prohibited.

i) Yard

All Incarcerated Individuals are held responsible for general institutional/yard rules:

(1) With the exception of ATU East, all general population housing units are authorized to access outdoor recreation in the compound yard.

(2) Prior to entering any compound yard, Incarcerated Individuals will affix the assigned movement card to the movement board, and their ID card with the photo side of the ID card facing forward to the upper left quadrant of the outermost garment at all times.

(3) Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to congregate near any housing unit, including their own. This includes the steps and front walkway outside each unit. Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to approach or enter any housing unit other than their own unless authorized to do so by staff. The areas between units, where the exit doors are located, are "OUT OF BOUNDS" to Incarcerated Individuals.

(4) When an emergency exists while Incarcerated Individuals are in the yard, follow the procedure instructions given by the yard CO’s.

(5) SIDEWALKS: Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to congregate on the sidewalks. Sidewalks should remain clear for staff to respond in the event of an emergency.

(6) PICNIC TABLES: Incarcerated Individuals are to sit at the tables, facing in, with their feet flush on the ground. Straddling, sitting backwards or on the top of the table is not allowed. No sitting, squatting, or lying on the ground in the yard.

(7) No food, cups, containers, are allowed in the yard unless medically required however, one water bottle shall be allowed.

(8) Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to bring their own recreational activities, such as games, playing cards, etc. to the yard. All recreational equipment can be signed out at the officer shack in the yard.

(9) No hair products, brushes, combs, and/or other styling items are allowed outside the unit. Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to braid or style each other's hair in the yard, as noted above hair is only to be done in the salon.

(10) Tablets and Walkman radios are permitted for use in the yard, gym, weight room, and recreation room.

j) Recreation

(1) The Recreation Department at MCI-Framingham consists of programming which is provided in multiple settings, a weight room, pool room, gymnasium, garden area, and compound yard.

(2) Recreation provides opportunities for Incarcerated Individuals and detainees to participate in individual and team activities to include handball, volleyball, kickball, walking groups, basketball, badminton, yoga, aerobics, circuit-training classes, and various board and card games.

(3) Incarcerated Individuals are encouraged to review the MCI-Framingham Recreation and Leisure Handbook for specific rules as they apply to use of recreation areas and activities. The handbook is available in the library as well as in the recreation room.

(4) In addition, the recreation department provides a recreation box of materials which is held in the officer shack located in the compound yard area. The recreation box contains board games and cards that may be signed out by the Incarcerated Individual population during yard recreation. Requests can be made to add games to the selection.

k) Property

The following are general rules and regulations regarding an Incarcerated Individual’s property. More information on the Incarcerated Individual property policy can be found in the Incarcerated Individual library by locating the 103 CMR 403, Inmate Property policy.

(1) Incarcerated Individuals are allowed to have in their possession 1 watch, 1 chain with a religious medallion, and a wedding band (proof of marriage required). Any other additional jewelry items are not allowed and will be confiscated.

(2) Incarcerated Individuals may not possess any item(s) belonging to another Incarcerated Individual. Borrowing, lending, giving or taking of items between Incarcerated Individuals is not allowed. All items will be confiscated and may result in a disciplinary report.

(3) Incarcerated Individuals may only use items in their possession in the manner they are intended to be used.

(4) All property and clothing will be stored in the locking storage areas provided. Dirty laundry will be placed in laundry bags. Clothes are not to be hung anywhere in any room. Property will not be allowed to be stored on Incarcerated Individual beds.

(5) Baseball-style hats, or any hat with a bill, shall be worn with the bill in the front, not on the side or backwards. Hats shall not be worn indoors.

(6) Prior to release, all property must be brought to admissions. The Property Officer will compare the Incarcerated Individual’s property items presented to the property inventory sheet. If an Incarcerated Individual does not have items documented, the release will be held until all items have been accounted for. DO NOT GIVE AWAY PROPERTY!

(7) Incarcerated Individuals will be allowed to purchase property according to specific schedules posted in each unit. All contraband and excess clothing must be disposed of prior to approval to make a purchase.

(8) During the time you are pregnant or post-partum (6 weeks after giving birth), it is imperative that you wear only maternity clothing that was issued to you. Failure to comply with the property policy may result in disciplinary action.

l) Appropriate Dress/Personal Expression All Incarcerated Individuals are required to be appropriately dressed at all times. Please refer to the following:

(1) Incarcerated Individuals are not to wear pajamas or nightwear in the dayroom or other common areas.

(2) Incarcerated Individuals cannot wear thermals as outerwear.

(3) Bare feet are not allowed in any area other than the cells. Shower shoes are to be worn in the showers only and are not to be used as sandals. Shower shoes are not to be worn in the common area or outside of the unit.

(4) When dressing in rooms, doors are to be closed. Incarcerated Individuals are to be appropriately dressed at all times when out of their rooms.

(5) Sleepwear and slippers are not considered appropriate dress.

(6) Shorts shall not exceed three (3) inches above the knee.

(7) Button-down shirts must be buttoned; no rolling of pant legs, shirtsleeves, or shirts; bare midriffs are not allowed.

(8) All Incarcerated Individuals wearing state issued clothing outside the housing unit must wear the complete uniform, pants, and shirt, at all times.

(9) Incarcerated Individuals may be permitted certain choices in personal grooming as long as their appearance does not conflict with the institution's requirements for safety, security, identification and hygiene.

(10) Incarcerated Individuals MUST wear white t-shirts only as an undergarment.

m) Laundry All Incarcerated Individual clothing is washed in the central institutional laundry. The schedule for each unit’s laundry is posted on the bulletin board in each unit. Laundry service for personal and state clothing shall be provided by the institution according to MCI-Framingham laundry schedule. Items to be laundered must be placed in personal laundry bags. State linens and bedding are to be turned in separately to be laundered with the unit wash. All articles are sent to the Incarcerated Individual laundry at an Incarcerated Individual’s own risk. Incarcerated Individuals are not to send sneakers/shoes to the institution laundry. HAND WASHING CLOTHES IN THE UNIT IS PROHIBITED. Clotheslines are prohibited in Incarcerated Individual cells.

n) Smoking Smoking is not allowed in ANY state correctional institution. All tobacco products and tobacco related products and/or paraphernalia are considered contraband, and any Incarcerated Individual found in possession of any such item is subject to disciplinary action. In addition, introduction of cigarettes, matches, lighters, or any other smoking-related paraphernalia may also result in a disciplinary action.

o) Cell Phones and Cell Phone Paraphernalia Incarcerated Individual use and or possession of any type of cell phone, other unauthorized electronic device, 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.

10) LEGAL ISSUES

Questions regarding sentence structure, release dates, or jail credits should first be addressed to the unit CPO. Speedy Trial requests are done shortly after admission on any outstanding cases by the Criminal History Records Information (CHRI) Unit. Any other questions regarding open legal issues can be referred to the Records Department during Access to Management hours.

11) EARNED GOOD TIME (EGT)

Incarcerated Individuals can earn deductions from their sentences through participation in work, education, and certain approved programs. Depending on their sentence structure an Incarcerated Individual may be eligible to earn up to 15 days per month (10-day max for county Incarcerated Individuals, 15 for state sentences). For details on additional credits and EGT please see 103 DOC 411, Deduction from Sentence. A deduction from sentence form will be issued yearly or within 90 days of release.

Please note: Sentences cannot be reduced lower than any applicable mandatory restriction as outlined by the respective statues of the Massachusetts General Laws. In addition, once your date is locked in the system no additional good time can be earned; this normally happens 90 days prior to release.

12) INCARCERATED INDIVIDUAL FINANCES

a) All records regarding Incarcerated Individual fiscal transactions are maintained by the Treasurer’s Office.

(1) Incarcerated Individuals are not to have currency in their possession at any time. The transferring of funds between Incarcerated Individuals is not allowed, nor is a person to send funds to more than one Incarcerated Individual.

(2) Incarcerated Individuals with outstanding debts to the institution, or court-ordered fees, will have their accounts frozen until the debts have been paid.

(3) Payroll statements are published once a week by the Treasurer’s Office and are distributed by the unit CO.

(4) Incarcerated Individuals who have been ordered by the court to pay child support will receive information regarding the Department’s Child Support Enforcement Monitoring Program.

(5) Incarcerated Individuals may only spend money available in their personal accounts. Money in savings accounts may be accessed for a compelling need only, and with the approval of the Superintendent via the Withdrawal from Savings Account form. An Incarcerated Individual must have a minimum of $100 over the amount requested before a savings withdrawal will be considered.

(6) Incarcerated Individuals are responsible to have their monies sent from other jails to MCI-Framingham.

(7) Any issues or questions regarding the Incarcerated Individual account can be addressed to the unit CPO, the Treasurer during staff access hours, or by filling out an account trouble sheet and submitting it to the treasury department’s mailbox.

b) Secure Deposit Information:

(1) Deposits can be made via the internet at ACCESSCORRECTIONS.com, by utilizing the ACCESSCORRECTIONS.com app on a smart device, and by telephone by calling 866-345-1884.

(2) Cash deposits can be made at Dollar General and Family Dollar stores by first registering at CashPayToday.com.

(3) There are various fees for internet, phone, and cash deposits. These deposits should be available the next day.

(4) There is a free deposit service for checks and money orders to be mailed with a deposit slip that can be found on ACCESSCORRECTIONS.com to: Secure Deposits, Massachusetts DOC, PO Box 12486, St. Louis, MO 63132. These deposits will be available within 48 hours of receipt.

(5) All checks are subject to a 10-day hold by the vendor before being sent to the DOC.

For more specific information, you can review 103 CMR 405, Inmate Funds policy.

13) INCARCERATED INDIVIDUAL CANTEEN

a) All commissary and clothing items may be purchased through Keefe Commissary Network. Keefe Commissary Network will also supply appliances and electronics. Price lists are available in each unit.

(1) Once Incarcerated Individuals receive funds in their Incarcerated Individual accounts, they are able to order canteen items.

(2) Incarcerated Individuals are able to order canteen by use of the Incarcerated Individual kiosks that are in every housing unit.

(3) Incarcerated Individuals are to create passwords for their kiosk account and are expected to keep that password private.

(4) Unless otherwise posted in the units:

a.

Canteen orders must be placed by Tuesday by final downward movement.

b.

Accounts are checked for funds on Tuesday mornings.

c.

Incarcerated Individual accounts are charged on Wednesday based on Tuesday night’s balance.

d.

Canteen pick-up is on Friday mornings.

b) If any issues with the kiosks arise, please forward those questions to the unit CPO.

c) These rules must be followed to obtain an order:

(1) All orders are distributed on Fridays. Incarcerated Individuals are to pick up their orders when their unit is called and Incarcerated Individuals are to return to their housing unit immediately with their SEALED bag. Only Incarcerated Individuals who were out of the institution on Friday will be able to pick up their orders on Saturday morning. In order to pick up canteen orders, Incarcerated Individuals must have their Incarcerated Individual ID.

(2) Do NOT open the canteen bag until you’re sure that the order is complete and that all the items that were purchased have been received. Once the seal has been breached, the order is to be taken as is. Canteen refunds may take up to three weeks to fully process.

14) DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

a) It is in your best interest to become familiar with the rules and regulations of the institution. A copy of 103 CMR 430, Inmate Discipline is provided to you upon admission and is also available in the Incarcerated Individual Library.

b) Informal Disciplinary Procedures

(1) Informal reports are handled by the issuing employee. An informal report is an agreement between that employee and that Incarcerated Individual.

(2) Informal handling of lesser offenses in accordance with existing practices is not precluded or discouraged by 103 CMR 430, Inmate Discipline. When an employee reasonably believes that formal disciplinary action is not necessary, the employee may, with the approval and review of the employee's supervisor, within 24 hours issue a written warning or take other appropriate action and handle the matter informally.

(3) When informal sanctions are imposed, the Incarcerated Individual shall be notified through an Informal Sanction form.

(4) Informal sanctions are limited to one of the following:

a.

Written Warning;

(1) One (1)-five (5) hours of extra duty to be assigned as needed by the Unit Officer.

(2) One (1)-three (3) days of room/unit restriction, to begin within 24 hours of the incident.

(3) One (1)-three (3) days of loss of a specified leisure activity, to begin within 24 hours of the incident.

b.

Loss of Leisure

c) Formal Disciplinary Procedures

(1) Disciplinary reports may be written by any staff member for any violation of institutional or departmental rules.

(2) The disciplinary report is then given to the supervisor and then to the Shift Commander who reviews the report and may handle the matter informally in consultation with the reporting staff person, recommend dismissal to the Disciplinary Officer, or send the disciplinary report to the Disciplinary Officer for formal disciplinary action.

(3) The Disciplinary Officer then makes the determination of the offenses and serves the Incarcerated Individual with the report.

(4) The Disciplinary Officer has up to four (4) business days to serve a disciplinary report.

(5) All formal matters are handled by a Disciplinary Hearing Officer with a formal hearing, where the Incarcerated Individual may have the opportunity to obtain representation and call witnesses.

(6) The Incarcerated Individual has the option of accepting the finding and sanction, or appealing to the Superintendent (formal matters).

(7) At the time an Incarcerated Individual is served a disciplinary report, they may waive their 24-hour notice of hearing and plead guilty to the charge(s).

(8) The Officer serving the report will give the sanctions at this time and close the matter.

15) TELEPHONES

a) MCI-Framingham has a telephone calling system that includes the monitoring and recording of phone calls. An Incarcerated Individual Telephone System Number Request Form must be competed to place calls not noted in Section b below. Failure to correctly fill in the required information will result in the form being returned unprocessed. All sections to include, but not limited to, your current housing unit and date must be completed. Incarcerated Individuals shall complete their PIN sheet within the first 30 days of arrival.

All numbers that can be dialed without a PIN are posted by the telephones for the Incarcerated Individual’s use. Follow all prompts to make these calls.

b) Attorney’s phone numbers that are listed as privileged numbers must be to the attorney’s office only. Attorney’s home numbers must be placed in the personal section and such calls are subject to being recorded. Requests to place the phone numbers of pastors, physicians etc. must be submitted to the IPS office.

c) All Incarcerated Individuals will be required to record their name on the Incarcerated Individual telephone system as well as create a 4-digit private code to access the telephone system. Once these steps are completed, along with the issuance of an institution generated PIN, you will be able to make telephone calls. Incarcerated Individuals are not allowed to utilize any PIN other than their own. The voice recognition system will not connect a call made by an individual using another Incarcerated Individual’s PIN; disciplinary action will be taken if this occurs.

d) The quarterly add/drop period is the first full week in January, April, July and October. This will be the time to add any additional numbers or change anyone’s number on your current list.

16) MEALS

a) Meals are served cafeteria-style in the Serving Rooms during the approximate hours of:

Breakfast

7:15 - 8:15 AM

Lunch

11:30 - 12:30 PM

Dinner

5:00 - 6:00 PM

b) Units are released for meals according to schedule from the serving room. Incarcerated Individuals are expected to go to meals with their unit, and Incarcerated Individuals are to sit in the dining area where assigned by the CO. Incarcerated Individuals have 20 minutes to eat their meals. Once a meal is eaten, an Incarcerated Individual must leave the dining area. All Incarcerated Individual sporks are to be put in the assigned container within the view of a CO.

c) Incarcerated Individuals having issues with medically ordered special diets may obtain a special complaint form from the Food Service Supervisor in the serving line.

d) Any Incarcerated Individual requiring a diet specific to their religion may submit a Religious Diet Request form to the Director of Treatment. For more information on meals available, Incarcerated Individuals should see the Religious Service Handbook located in the Incarcerated Individual Library.

17) MAIL

a) Regular Mail

(1) Mail is received at the institution every day except for Sundays and legal holidays. All incoming mail is searched for contraband prior to distribution. All mail is distributed on the day of its arrival at this institution.

(2) Outgoing mail is to be placed in mailboxes provided in both the Old Admin Building and Smith Corridor during the lunch movement. The Mail Room Officer will pick up mail daily.

(3) All internal mail must have the Incarcerated Individual’s full name and number.

(4) All outgoing mail must include an Incarcerated Individual’s full name and return address. Letters from Incarcerated Individuals must have a return address in the upper front left-hand corner of the envelope that is completed as follows:

Incarcerated Individual Full Name, ID # P.O. Box 9007 Framingham, MA 01701

(5) All mail will be stamped by the institution with the following:

This correspondence is being forwarded from a Massachusetts Correctional Institution. The contents may not have been evaluated and the Department of Correction is not responsible for the substance or content of the enclosed material.

(6) All Incarcerated Individuals are prohibited from possessing paperclips at any time. Incarcerated Individuals are prohibited from possessing staples in ITU.

(7) No cards with glitter are allowed. Multilayered sealed cards and instamatic photos are also prohibited.

(8) Any Incarcerated Individual requesting to send out non-privileged mail over 1.6 oz. (approximately the weight of 10 pieces of paper) via U.S. Mail must have prior approval from the Property Officers. These packages will be given to the Property Officer and will not be placed in the locked boxes designated for U.S. Mail. Any non-letter, cards, pictures must be mailed out via property, e.g., books, magazines, clothing, scrapbooks etc.

(9) For more detailed information, review 103 CMR 481, Inmate Mail.

b) Identification and Processing of Privileged Mail All Incoming and Outgoing Privileged Mail shall be processed as outlined in the SOP 103 CMR 481, Standard Operating Procedure for Privileged Mail.

c) Indigent Mail

(1) Indigent Incarcerated Individuals shall be permitted to mail three (3) first-class letters each week, weighing one ounce or less, at the institution’s expense. In addition, an indigent Incarcerated Individual shall be permitted to send an unlimited number of letters of any weight to any court official at the institution’s expense. A charge shall not be placed against future deposits to an Incarcerated Individual's account for the cost of postage and materials supplied in accordance with this section.

(2) In order to be considered indigent you must meet the following criteria:

a.

At the time of the request the Incarcerated Individual has, in all accounts to which they have access, a total amount less than or equal to ten dollars ($10.00), plus the cost or fees sought to be waived; and b.

At no time for the sixty (60) days immediately preceding said request, have the Incarcerated Individual's accounts contained more than ten dollars ($10.00) plus the cost or fees sought to be waived. For example, a request to waive $5.00 on 4/1/19; Incarcerated Individual is considered indigent if, at no time since 2/1/19 the total in accounts has been more than $15.00.

d) Incarcerated Individual to Incarcerated Individual Correspondence

(1) All correspondence between Incarcerated Individuals in any penal institution within the confines of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must be approved by the Superintendents of both the sending and receiving institution.