Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

53130.7.1 Use of ETO

• ETOExcused Time Off must be approved by the work/training supervisor and may be denied based on institutional operational needs or security. Departmentally approved activities for which ETOExcused Time Off may be approved by work/training supervisors shall be limited to the following:

  • Family visiting. An inmate scheduled for a family visit may be permitted to visit in the visiting room (regular visit) on the first day of a family visit while awaiting processing, and on the last day of the family visit.

  • Regular visiting under extraordinary circumstances. Following are extraordinary circumstances for which use of ETOExcused Time Off is authorized:

    • Out-of-State visitors. Upon substantiation that the visitor(s) resides out of State, a distance greater than 249 miles, and is in California for a temporary stay of 30 days or less, and the visitor(s) has not visited with the particular inmate for four months. No more than two such visits shall be permitted for each such occurrence.

    • Excessive distance. When a visitor must travel a distance of 250 miles or more, and has not visited the inmate within the last 30 days.

    • Weddings. When an inmate marries, the inmate may, with five working days prior approval, use ETOExcused Time Off for a visit on the wedding day.

    • Handicapped. When a visitor is handicapped as defined by California law and must rely on special transportation to the institution. Approval is required five working days prior to the visit.

    • Family emergencies. When death, serious illness, or injury occurs to an inmate’s immediate family member as defined in section 3000 of the Title 15; clergymen, family members including registered domestic partners, or close friends may visit the inmate to offer condolences or inform the inmate of the occurrence.

    • Infrequent visits. When a visitor unexpectedly arrives who has not visited in the last six months. Infrequent means not more than one visit each six months.

    • Visiting during authorized absence. An inmate shall be permitted to visit using ETOExcused Time Off during approved periods away from assignment involving circumstances beyond the inmate’s control. (Refer to DOMDepartment Operations Manual § 53130.8.)

    • Work assignment conflicts. When the inmate has not received a visit in the last 30 days and would otherwise be prohibited from visiting because of a conflict in work, training, or education assignment.

  • Temporary community leave.

  • Attendance at approved religious services or approved religious functions. For routine religious services, the use of ETOExcused Time Off shall be limited to instances where it is not possible to change the conflicting work/education assignment.

  • Non-routine recreation and entertainment activities.

  • Emergency telephone access.

  • Medical lay-in status.

  • Short term medically unassigned status for 29 days or less.

• Usage Limits and Recording

  • ETOExcused Time Off shall be authorized by the work supervisor/employer in no less than 15 minute increments. An inmate shall not be required to use ETOExcused Time Off for any service that the Department requires.

    • Inmates shall not receive pay while on ETOExcused Time Off.

    • Use of ETOExcused Time Off hours shall be recorded by work supervisors on the daily inmate timekeeping log.

    • Use of ETOExcused Time Off for any other reason than outlined above shall require approval by the Secretary of the CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.