August 4, 2023, 10 a.m.
SIFC members in attendance: Beth Hall, Allison Walters, Clara Garcia, Linda Finney, Cindy Jackson, and Staci Parish-Phillips.
Meeting was brought to order and facilitated by Dan Ross. In attendance: Carlos Santos, Michael MaGee, and Theresa Ross.
SIFC Bylaws/Elections/New Members
CDCR is exploring ways to solicit more SIFC members. The process to select new SIFC members is currently underway, and applications will be available soon. Selections to follow.
SIFC recommends having vetted applicants on a wait list to fill vacancies as soon as possible. Clerical error in SIFC bylaws noted. (Article lV Section 3: The “Secretary” shall.)
IFC Bylaws
Local IFC bylaws are currently not consistent with SIFC bylaws. Requests for the local IFC bylaws be upgraded for consistency.
3-Day Visiting Hours
Minimum number of hours for three days of visiting in question. Some institutions, including Pelican Bay, are allowing less hours than others. There should be a minimum of 6 hours of visiting per day. Regulations are currently being updated to reflect this. If there is a Holiday that does not fall on the regular visiting day, the Holiday hours are in addition to the standard three days of visiting.
Long Distance Travel
The third day of visiting is still being considered for the no termination rule if traveling over 250 miles/ 30 days. SIFC encouraged that all three days should be included in the regulations package.
Scratch Paper/DOM
Request for scratch paper used by visitors during visiting be moved in DOM to better suited area and ease of locating. Visitors are allowed to remove papers/notes as noted in DOM 54020.15 Allowable Visitor Items/Photographs/Documents “The institution/facility shall provide, upon request, one pencil and notebook paper to be checked out by the adult visitor, as needed. At the conclusion of the visit, the pencil shall be returned to visiting room staff. The paperwork shall be inspected for contraband and the visitor shall be allowed to remove the paperwork from the institution/facility.”
Two-Year Application Updates
Some institutions are denying visits until the application update is processed. CDCR will retrain where needed. Visitors can visit while the updates are being processed.
Visitors do not need to reapply to visit if their loved one is transferred. Once approved you may visit the same loved one at a new prison. Updates may be requested every two years.
CDCR 888
Due to training and language changes on form 888, there has been an upsurge in the use of this form. Some institutions have increased their searches and they will be reminded that if a person does not pass the metal detector, to hand wand first and then if needed, perform a search. SIFC asked if the form will go into the incarcerated person’s file and could possibly affect their parole hearing. CDCR does not believe it will hinder anyone at their parole hearing, however they will confirm with BPH. The form goes into the incarcerated persons visiting file. Should an officer identify that a bra back, clip or strap is the reason for the wand to alarm, there is no need to change and should be let in to visit.
Clothing
Sports team logos are allowable as long as the shirt is not personalized. Player’s names and numbers are allowed but not the visitor’s name or gang related insignia.
Friends Outside
CMF and Solano are still without a Friends Outside facility visitors can go to for help. Recruitment has been enhanced. CDCR has asked Friends Outside to have the building open at least once a month until they hire.
Training Concerning Jewelry & Hairclips
Hair clips, jewelry, ribbons, and other hair and jewelry items are allowed and should be written on the visiting form when going in to visit.
Allowable Visitor Attire Poster
The current clothing poster has some minor edits in process, but it is not available yet.
Feminine Products
Some institutions are not allowing tampons in visiting or family visiting. CDCR is working to improve the consistency on this. Feminine hygiene products in sealed packaging are allowable. All government buildings by law are now required to have free feminine hygiene items available.
As stated in California Penal Code 6405, for an in-person visit or an approved family visit, the department shall allow a visitor to bring menstrual hygiene products.
Money
CDCR is considering allowing visitors to bring in a larger amount of money and to include $5 bills.
Family Visiting
Incarcerated people transferring from one institution to another are sometimes denied family visits at the new facility even though they have had family visits at other institutions. The new institution is running complete background checks even when no new rules violations apply. CDCR is working with institutions on this.
CDCR is also researching the issues with Domestic Partnerships and the documents that are required.
Medications in Family Visiting
Currently visitors bringing in over-the-counter medicines cannot keep them on hand. They must be kept in the designated medication area in the prison. SIFC asked if this could be reconsidered?
All prescribed medication must be accompanied by a note from the doctor, less than 2 years old, indicating the amount to be taken.
Special Needs Diets in Family Visiting
Visitors with special needs diets need to bring in a detailed doctor’s note with them to family visiting and it must be dated within 30 days. This requires a cost to see the doctor monthly for a note. CDCR is considering updating the timing.
Lubricant in Family Visiting
Still not allowed at SATF, CAL, KPSP, ISP & KSP. CDCR will contact the institutions and resolve this issue. Lubricant in family visiting is allowed.
Family Visiting Food
Some institutions, have a 10% fee for fresh food. CDCR will research this report.
Family Visiting Photos
CDCR collected information from all facilities to see the feasibility. Several facilities have already begun taking photos in FV.
Vendors
SIFC is asking for standardized recommendations for allowable food options for institutions that are without vendors for more than a month. CDCR reported that currently only water is allowable. ISP and Chuckwalla are still without a vendor.
Tablet Privileges
Tablet use is based on what privilege group the incarcerated person is assigned. If they go into lockup for disciplinary reasons, some privileges are not available. If the incarcerated person is in lockup for non-disciplinary reasons, the privileges will not be affected. Regulations are currently being created for tablets.
Local IFC Training
Once SIFC has a full body of members, it is requested by SIFC to hold training with CDCR for all local IFCs.
SIFC Suggestion
All local IFCs be provided a CDCR email overseen by the local CRM or PIO.
High Temperatures Inside of Institutions
Many prisons are not allowing incarcerated persons to have ice with the excessive heat unless they are currently taking heat meds.