Md. Code Regs. 12.12.18.08

Current through Register Vol. 52, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 12.12.18.08 - Suspension of a Visitor's Visiting Privilege

A. The Warden may suspend a person from visiting an inmate for a designated or indefinite period of time when there is clear and convincing evidence that a visit would jeopardize the safety or security of the Institution.

B. The Director shall ensure that the Warden bases suspension of visiting privileges on:

(1) A review of the information provided in the supervisor's report of the incident; and

(2) Information provided by staff, the inmate, and the visitor.

C. The Director shall ensure that the Warden sends a written notice of a decision to suspend visiting privileges for a specified or indefinite period of time to the following:

(1) Inmate;

(2) Inmate base file;

(3) Visitor; and

(4) Coordinator of Volunteer Services.

D. The Director may authorize the Warden to omit justification for the suspension or termination of a visit from the written notice when the security of the Institution or the safety of an individual would be affected.

E. A notice of suspension or termination of visiting privilege shall include:

(1) A statement of the reasons for the suspension;

(2) The length of the suspension or termination; and

(3) A statement advising the visitor that he or she may appear before the Warden for a hearing regarding the suspension or termination of visiting privilege.

F. The Director shall ensure that the Warden:

(1) Writes a report of a hearing held regarding suspension or termination of a visitor's visiting privilege; and

(2) Sends a copy of the report to the Coordinator of Volunteer Services.

G. The Director shall ensure that the Warden attaches the letter of notification to the inmate visiting card when a visitor's visiting privilege is suspended.

H. The visitor may request the Warden to reinstate a suspended or terminated visiting privilege upon the inmate's transfer to a Division facility.

I. An employee of the Institution who is related to an inmate may make regular visits to the inmate with prior approval of the Director.

J. Home Visits.

(1) An employee may not visit the home of an inmate or the family of an inmate for any purpose other than official Institution business.

(2) If a visit is necessary, the employee shall obtain prior written approval from the Director or designee.

(3) An employee of the Institution who is related to the inmate or to the family of an inmate shall obtain prior approval of the Director or designee to visit the home of an inmate or the family of an inmate.

(4) Violations of this section shall be considered grounds for disciplinary action.

Md. Code Regs. 12.12.18.08