Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 95-2-26 - Release Preparation and Temporary Release26.1. Release Preparation Program. Procedures shall provide that all inmates have access to a program of release preparation prior to their release to the community. Programs to prepare inmates for release may include the following: 26.1.1. Lectures and discussions that address the concerns of soon-to-be released inmates;26.1.2. Individual counseling that focuses on each inmate's particular needs;26.1.3. Pre-release visits by parole officers and family members; and ,26.1.4. Graduated release through short furloughs.26.2. Temporary Release Programs. Temporary release programs shall include but not be limited to the following: 26.2.1. Written operational procedures;26.2.2. Careful screening and selection procedures;26.2.3. Written rules of conduct and sanctions;26.2.4. A system of supervision to minimize inmate abuse of program privileges;26.2.5. A complete record-keeping system; and,26.2.6. A system for evaluating program effectiveness. Selection of inmates shall be restricted to those eligible for release within one year and others determined suitable, and shall be based on an assessment of the potential benefits to the inmate and the safety of the community. Sanctions commensurate with rule violations shall be specified, ranging from reprimand to removal from the program.
26.3. Graduated Release. Procedures shall include graduated release through a systematic decrease in supervision and corresponding increase in inmate responsibility as part of the classification program.26.4. Leaves. Procedures shall provide for escorted and/or unescorted leaves into the community. Inmates shall be allowed escorted leaves of absence from the correctional facility to obtain medical care not available in the correctional facility, to visit a critically ill family member, to attend the funeral of a family member, to participate in community events as a member of a group or team, or to participate in other community activities that can have a positive influence on the inmate. Unescorted leaves of absence for a pre-determined period of time may be appropriate to allow inmates to seek post-release employment, make residential plans for parole, conduct business affairs when a personal appearance is necessary, visit family to strengthen or preserve relationships, or for any other purpose considered consistent with an inmate's rehabilitation and classification.26.5. Release Process. Written procedures for releasing inmates at the end of their term shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 26.5.1. Verification of the inmate's identity;26.5.2. Verification of release papers;26.5.3. Completion of release arrangements, including notification of the parole authorities in the jurisdiction of release, if required;26.5.4. The return of personal effects or contraband;26.5.5. A check to see that no facility property leaves the facility;26.5.6. Arrangements for completion of any pending action, such as grievances, claims for damages or lost possessions, etc.;26.5.7. Medical screening and arrangements for community follow-up where needed; and,26.5.8. Instructions on forwarding of mail.