Nevada Department of Corrections Inmate Visiting Employee Development

Nevada Department of Corrections Inmate Visiting Employee Development Training/ Revised 2006

Objectives 1. Pre-Visit 2. Actual Visit 3. Post-Visit

Pre-Visits fall under several categories… • Regular visits; family & friends • Irregular, Special or Bereavement visits • Legal Visits • Official Visits • Religious Visits

Non-Human Factor There are many areas that need to be searched prior to letting visits begin. • Visitor’s Area • Security Barriers • Waiting Room • Entrance & Egress Areas • Restrooms • Trash Containers • Locker Rooms • Cleaning Equipment • Furniture

Non-Human Factor Background Checks All visitors must have a background check completed before they are authorized to visit an inmate. The visiting room staff are responsible for this.

Non-Human Factor Who may visit inmates? üFamily & Friends; Background Required üAttorney's; No background Required üClergy; Approved by Chaplain or Warden/designee üNews Media; Approval of Warden/designee üInter-Institutional; Approval from both institutions wardens

Non-Human Factor Who are the only persons required to get written approval from the director to visit an NDOC inmate? A Current Employee Immediate Family Members Only

Human Factors The human factor is where officer meets face to face with the visitors and the inmates. This is where search’s will be conducted on the visitor and the inmate. The officer must be ever vigilant but remain professional and courteous at the same time.

Human Factors- Inmate Staff must be observant of inmates and their behavior patterns from visit to visit. • Natural • Irritable • Nervous • Inconsistent normal behavior • Clothing; is it typical • Excessive jewelry

Human Factors- Visitors bring many differences to the visiting room. • Cultures • Uncooperative Spirit • Backgrounds • Anxiety, If 1 st Visit • Relationships • Animosity • Age • Anger • Dress • Shame • Cooperative Spirit • Empathy

Human Factors- Visitors could possibly bring contraband into a visiting room, be alert to their behavior. • Are they irritable • Are they agitated • Are they wearing excessive clothing • Do they avoid eye contact • Is their speech broken, stuttering or weak • Do they have a history with contraband introduction

Human Factors. Searching Visitors must be searched as well as the inmates that visit. Be observant of the following…. • Mannerisms • Their Speech • Are they acting different • Are they following the Rules • Search the Children as well

Actual Visit The staff assigned to the visiting room must be familiar to the department & facilities procedures and policies. If contraband is going to be exchanged, this is where it is going to happen.

Actual Visit Non-Human Factor Visiting staff must be ever vigilant of: • Furniture • Security Barriers • Non contact areas • Physical Actions • Graffiti on walls & tables

Actual Visit Human Factor Visiting room officers must work together and be vigilant of… • Changes in the environment • Changes in moods & behaviors • Arguments • Bad news • Pre-arranged disturbances

Post - Visit When a visit is completed, the post visit operation is just as important as the pre & actual visit. Your best searches should be done at this time.

Post – Visit Non-Human Factor Everything inside the visiting room must be searched and cleared of any possible contraband left behind. ØVisit rooms ØTrash Containers ØRestrooms ØVending Machines ØConnecting rooms ØMicrowaves ØFurniture ØGames & Books

Post – Visit Human Factor After the visit is complete the visiting team must be alert to the following factors… • Visitors behaviors & mannerisms • Did the visit have to be Terminated • Was the visit good or bad by your observation • What are the inmates mannerisms

Summary Inmates visits are beneficial to an inmates rehabilitation and management. It provides positive reinforcement to the inmates behavior, conduct and attitude within a prison setting

Summary As correctional staff, it is our duty & responsibility to ensure a safe & secure visiting room. We must show our highest level of professionalism while dealing with visitors and inmates.

Summary The key to an effective visiting room is supervision and management. Know your policies & procedures and be professional at all times.