6VAC15-31-320. Mail, telephone, and visiting.

Written procedure and practice shall govern the following:

1. Inmate correspondence.

a. Incoming mail. In accordance with §274.96 of United States Post Office Administrative Services Manual (ASM-13), revised July 1999, and department procedures, inmate general correspondence mail may be opened, searched and possibly read if the inmate consents in writing to receive mail at the institution. Without written consent by the inmate, the mail will be returned to the post office unopened.

b. Outgoing letters. Inmates may send letters to specified classes of persons and organizations, as designated in departmental procedures.

c. Incoming and outgoing letters. Incoming and outgoing letters shall be held for no more than 24 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays.

2. Postage allowance. Provisions shall be made for indigent inmates to correspond by mail in order to maintain community ties.

3. Inmate access to publications.

4. Telephone privileges.

5. Visiting privileges. Procedures shall specify the time, screening, frequency, and number of visitors, as well as provisions for special visits.

Statutory Authority

§53.1-5 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 14, Issue 7, eff. January 16, 1998; amended, Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 24, eff. September 17, 2000; Volume 24, Issue 25, eff. September 18, 2008.