Table of Contents
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Program Statement
OPI: CPD
NUMBER: 5509.04
DATE: 7/21/98
SUBJECT: Informal Contact Between Institution Administrators and Inmates
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
To establish a means of regular, informal contacts between inmates and wardens, associate wardens, and department heads. Typically, some inmates may feel uncomfortable in a more formal interview setting or may not want to use established procedures for obtaining an interview with institution administrators.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
The expected result of this program is: Regular opportunities for inmates to have informal access to, and interaction with, administrative staff will be provided.
DIRECTIVES AFFECTED
Directive Rescinded
PS 5509.03 Informal Contact Between Institutional Administrators and Inmates (3/25/94)
Directives Referenced
PS 5502.07 Duty Officers (12/31/97)
PS 5511.05 Inmate Request to Staff (3/3/94)
STANDARDS REFERENCED
a. American Correctional Association 3rd Edition Standards for Adult Correctional Institutions: 3-4017, 3-4178
b. American Correctional Association 3rd Edition Standards for Adult Local Detention Facilities: 3-ALDF-3A-07, 3-ALDF-3A-12
c. American Correctional Association 2nd Edition Standards for Administration of Correctional Agencies: None
d. American Correctional Association Standards for Adult Correctional Boot Camp Programs: 1-ABC-1A-15, 1-ABC-3A-11
PRETRIAL/HOLDOVER AND/OR DETAINEE PROCEDURES
Procedures in this Program Statement are applicable to all inmates, regardless of sentence or designation status.
INFORMAL CONTACTS WITH INMATES
The Warden, Associate Wardens, Administrative Duty Officers, and department heads shall regularly visit all areas of the institution including, but not limited to:
- housing units,
- work areas,
- education/vocational training areas, and
- recreation areas.
In addition to providing opportunities for informal contact with inmates during the regular work week, evenings, and weekends, the administrators shall be aware of the daily operations and programs of the institution.
Institution staff who perform Duty Officer functions shall refer to the Program Statement on Duty Officers for a more comprehensive list of responsibilities.
/s/
Kathleen Hawk Sawyer, Director
Published Feb 8, 2025 by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA | Last Updated by Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA on Feb 21, 2025 at 9:20 am