Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

54100.13 Levels of Review

• Because the appeal process provides for a systematic review of inmate and parolee grievances and is intended to afford a remedy at each level of review, administrative remedies shall not be considered exhausted until each required level of review has been completed. Cancellation or rejection decisions also do not exhaust the administrative remedies available. As used in this article, “reviewer” means the individual with signature authority for the approval or disapproval of an appeal response completed or drafted at any level.

• The appeal process shall consist of three levels of review; the first and second levels are normally reviewed at the institution or parole region, and the third level review occurs at the Department Secretary’s level. Third level review shall consist of an evaluation of decisions relative to an appeal including all supporting documentation and modification orders (see DOMDepartment Operations Manual §54100.17) issued at the first, second or third level. For each subsequent level of review, the inmate or parolee shall submit the original CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 602 (and, as necessary, the Inmate/Parolee Appeal Form Attachment, CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 602-A), with supporting material and explanation stating, in detail, the reason(s) for his or her dissatisfaction with or disagreement with the reviewer’s response.