PO Box 300
751 S Pine St.
Medical Lake, WA 99022-0300
(509) 299-2300

 

Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women is a minimum-security facility located in Medical Lake, Washington, approximately 17 miles west of Spokane.

History

Pine Lodge began in 1979 as an 84 bed male facility in Spokane, co-located with Spokane County Work Release. The lease was terminated in 1987 and the pre-release moved temporarily to the grounds of the Lakeland Village Complex.

In 1991 Eastern Washington Pre-Release (EWPR) received 24 female offenders from Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW).

In January of 1992, the two facilities, EWPR and PLCC, consolidated to form Pine Lodge Pre-Release.

In June 2004, the Pine Lodge Pre-Release became an all female facility and was renamed Pine Lodge Corrections Center for Women.

Programs

Chemical Dependency: In 1993, Pine Lodge began providing chemical dependency treatment and in the fall of 1996, began operating a twelve month Therapeutic Community for female offenders.

Female offenders who are transitioning from higher custody levels are eligible for the program 48 months before their Earned Release Date.

Offenders can also be transferred to the facility when they have been on Community Custody or in work release and violate conditions of supervision.

Education: Education programming is offered to assist offenders acquire a GED, and other valuable tools for successful transition to the community.

For example, basic computer classes are taught that educate offenders on skills that can be later used to obtain meaningful employment in the community.

 

 

 

 

Information for Friends and Family - Telephone Use

Communication with family, friends, and other persons is important to those who are incarcerated. Equally important are the rates charged for these calls and any limitations resulting from telephone-system policies that are beyond the Department’s control.

Can I call an offender?

No. Only offenders can initiate phone calls. See the section on Emergency Messages for information on how to relay a message to an offender during a family emergency.

How are offender calls made?

Offenders place calls from regular telephones inside the institutions.

If you receive a call, you will first hear a pre-recorded message stating that an offender who is confined at a particular facility is attempting to contact you, followed by an electronic announcement of the offender’s name. At that point, you can either hang up or listen to additional information on how to accept the call (see next question).

Offender phone calls are limited to 20 minutes. Both parties will hear a message at three-minute intervals telling them how much time remains (additional messages will come at 2 minutes, 1 minute, and 30 seconds). After 20 minutes, the telephone call will automatically disconnect.

What are the charges and who pays them?

The cost of telephone calls initiated by inmates is borne by the person who receives the call.

If you answer your phone and hear a recorded message stating that an offender wants to speak with you, your options are to hang up, accept the call as a collect call, or follow the recorded instructions for establishing a pre-paid account. A pre-paid account requires a Visa or MasterCard credit card, or you can make payment by cashier’s check or money order.

You will also be given the opportunity for a free, one-time-only, 60-second phone call if you wish to discuss your options with the offender.

An agreement between the Department and a new telephone vendor that went into effect in the fall of 2006 has resulted in substantial savings over earlier phone rates for many offender family members and friends. Effective November 17, 2006, in-state residents are charged a flat rate of $3.50 for a maximum 20-minute collect call from a prison inmate. The pre-paid option further reduces the call charge to $3.15 for 20 minutes. These rates only apply to calls made by Washington prison inmates to phone numbers within the state; rates for calls to other states or countries will be higher.

Not all phone users can accept collect calls from prison inmates. The collect-call option is not available for calls made to cell phones, international numbers, cable and Internet phone systems, or customers in certain local telephone exchanges that have not entered into billing and collections agreements with traditional telephone companies.

In the past, family members and friends in such situations could not receive phone calls from offenders. They will now be able to do so by establishing a pre-paid account as described above.

Are calls recorded or monitored?

Yes, for the security of the facility, all calls are monitored, with the exception of legal calls. All legal calls must b e scheduled and placed through the offender’s assigned Counselor.

What if I receive unwanted calls from an offender?

Do not accept the call. Contact the facility where the offender is located and let them know of the unwanted call. You will need to provide your phone number. At your request, the number will be removed from the system (blocked) so it cannot be called in the future.

Information for Friends and Family - Emergency Messages

The Department of Corrections understands the need for family members to notify offenders in the event of a serious family emergency.

How can an emergency message be relayed?

During normal business hours you should request to speak with the offender’s assigned Counselor or Correctional Unit Supervisor. After hours and on weekends or holidays, you should request to speak with the Shift Supervisor. Verified emergency messages may be relayed to the offender regarding the critical illness or injury, death or similar urgent situation experienced by members of the offender’s immediate family. Do not be upset if you are told that the information must be verified before it is relayed. Inaccurate information can be unnecessarily distressing to the offender. It is important that you work closely with staff, giving them as much accurate information as possible.

Once the information has been verified, appropriate staff or the institution’s Chaplain will share the message with the offender. If requested, the offender can be referred to an appropriate staff member for counseling and support. A telephone call or special visit with immediate family members may be authorized.

Can an offender be released for a short time due to an emergency situation?

Furloughs or releases from prison are not granted; however, an offender may be considered for a funeral or bedside visit (when death is imminent) for immediate family members only. Approval is at the discretion of the Superintendent.

The offender may be allowed an escorted bedside visit to a hospital or nursing home or be escorted to attend the funeral, but will not be allowed to do both. The bedside visit or funeral must occur within the state of Washington.

Expenses are generally the responsibility of the offender or his/her family and must be arranged before the bedside visit or funeral trip.

If the family is paying the cost of the trip, the offender’s assigned Counselor will provide a cost estimate.

Information for Friends and Family - Visitations

Welcome visitors!

Visitation serves an important role in preserving the healthy relationships between offenders and their family and friends. You can make a positive and powerful difference to your loved one during his or her incarceration. The Department strives to make visits comfortable and pleasant; however, it is important to remember that visiting is a privilege and is regulated. The following is a brief outline of the visiting rules.

What are the scheduled visiting hours?

The number and length of visits, as well as schedules, vary among the facilities so it is important that the offender provide you information regarding the specific days and times in which you are allowed to visit. Visiting schedules and rules are available to all offenders, and they are responsible to share the information with you.

Be aware: unforeseen security problems might interfere with visiting, causing delayed, shortened, suspended or cancelled visits. This is unusual, but it does occasionally occur.

How do I get approval to visit an offender?

Before you can be placed on an offender’s visiting list, you must complete the approval process.

The offender is responsible to send you the visitor application. After filling out the application, it must be returned to the facility where the offender is housed. It takes an average of 3 to 6 weeks for an application to be processed and a criminal background check to be completed. If you are approved, you will be added to the visiting list and the offender will be notified.

Some facilities may send you a courtesy notification of your approval. However, generally it is the offender’s responsibility to notify the approved applicants. If your application is denied, you will be provided notification including the reason(s) why.

When an offender is transferred, his/her approved visiting list is forwarded to the new facility. You may not be required to reapply at each new facility; however, background checks could potentially be required.

NOTE: Work Release facilities do not use the same visiting records, and new applications must be submitted when an offender transfers to or from a Work Release.

An individual may be on the approved visiting list of only one offender at any one time unless an exception is granted by the facility Superintendent.

Can a minor (person under the age of 18) visit?

Yes, but they must be on the approved visiting list with the Parent/Guardian consent portion of the visitor application completed and notarized. An original certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, as issued by the state or county of birth, must accompany the application. This will be returned as soon as the application process is complete. Guardianship of all minors must be verified by providing a certified copy of the court order establishing legal guardianship. Minors must be accompanied and under the direct control of their non-incarcerated parent/guardian during the entire visit.

At the Superintendent’s discretion, exceptions may be granted authorizing a minor to be accompanied by an adult other than the parent/guardian if:

• The non-incarcerated parent/guardian requests this in writing;
• The individual accompanying the minor is on the offender’s visiting list; and
• The minor is a member of the offender’s immediate family.

Is there a limit on the number of persons on a visiting list?

Yes. Offenders may have up to 20 persons (minors and adults) on their visiting list at any one time, but additional restrictions may apply at individual facilities. It is best to check with the offender to find out how many are allowed at his/her location.

What identification is needed?

Visitors aged 16 and older must present a current piece of photo identification. Acceptable identification may include a driver’s license, military identification, Indian tribal identification, state identification card, state or federal agency identification, or passport. Although not required, a state identification card is highlyrecommended for minors under the age of sixteen for ease of processing.

What items can we bring to a visit?

Visitors may only bring limited items into the facility visiting room to ensure a safe and secure environment and efficiency in processing visits. Superintendents may authorize items in addition to the following minimum allowable items:

• $10 in change per visitor (or a vending machine debit card) for those facilities that have vending machines available; and
• Life sustaining medication needed during the visiting period if the visitor provides proof of prescription.

NOTHING CAN BE GIVEN TO OR EXCHANGED WITH THE OFFENDER IN THE VISITING ROOM.

What infant supplies are allowed?

Items authorized for infants and toddlers include:

• 3 diapers;
• 2 clear plastic bottles containing water, juice, milk, or liquid formula;
• 1 pacifier or teether (as long as it passes security inspection);
• 1 blanket (non-quilted) to wrap a young infant; and
• 1 change of clothing.

Individual facilities may vary on what items are allowed for infants and toddlers. The offender needs to provide you with this specific information.

Will I be searched?

All visitors, their belongings, vehicles, and any container and/or bag that are brought onto the institution grounds could possibly be searched. A visitor has the option of refusing to be searched but then may be denied visiting privileges or entrance to the institution.

Is there a dress code for visitors?

Yes. Only clothing that is conservative, modest and meets the following standards is acceptable:

• All clothing must be clean and in good repair. All buttons or closures must be fastened to the degree necessary to maintain modesty.
• All visitors must wear socks, stockings, or pantyhose.
• Undergarments must be worn. Male visitors must wear boxer shorts, briefs or long underwear. Female visitors, as determined appropriate, must wear briefs, brassieres, and pantyhose, leotards, or nylons. Briefs must be worn with dresses or skirts.

Visitors should not wear clothing that is difficult to search (i.e., excessive pockets or padding, layering of one outer garment over another, etc.

The following clothing is not allowed:

• Items with holes, rips or tears;
• Low cut items exposing undergarments, cleavage or back;
• Sheer, transparent or mesh fabrics;
• Tight fitting clothing (which includes, but is not limited to, jeans, spandex, lycra or other stretch, rubberized or elasticized garments);
• Clothing that refers to obscenity, alcohol, drugs or sex in any form;
• Coullottes, shorts, cutoffs, halter tops, tank tops, sleeveless blouses or shirts;
• Thongs or shower shoes, quilted snow or foul-weather style boots or shoes;
• Dresses/skirts with hemlines or slits higher than 3” above the center of the knee;
• Wrap around clothing with full length openings;
• Skirts that are so tight that they may prohibit search;
• Camouflage clothing;
• Bibbed attire (overalls, etc.);
• Money belts or belts with compartments;
• Excessive jewelry or non-searchable jewelry styles;· Headgear, wigs, or excessive hair ornaments unless medically required (and written verification is provided) or part of a religious practice; or
• Any item considered to be a threat to the security and safety of offenders, visitors or staff.

Individual facilities may make exceptions for infants and toddlers.

What physical contact is allowed during a visit?

Visitors and offenders are allowed one brief embrace and kiss at the beginning and end of the visit. Some facilities permit small children to sit on the lap of the offender; however, this is at the discretion of each facility and may be restricted by visit staff due to individual behavior or circumstance. The only other contact permitted at any other time is hand holding above the table. While it is often difficult to limit physical contact with a loved one during a visit, it is necessary to preserve order in the visiting room, maintain safety and security, and to ensure that others are not offended by open displays of affection. If you fail to abide by these rules, the visit may be terminated and possible suspension of visiting privileges may occur.

Can restrictions be imposed on visiting privileges?

Yes, unfortunately, some visitors abuse visiting privileges by improper conduct, disruptive behavior, participation in illegal activities or conduct that presents a risk to the safety and security of the facility, staff, or others. When this occurs, those involved may have their visiting privileges revoked for an appropriate amount of time based upon the seriousness of the action.

Can I marry an incarcerated person?

The Department neither approves nor disapproves of offender marriages. However, maintaining a loving relationship during incarceration is recognized and supported by the Department. Each facility has its own procedures for offender marriages. If you are planning to marry an offender, his/her assigned institution Counselor is available to answer your specific questions. Post-incarceration marriages do not qualify for the Extended Family Visit Program.

Bus Service

The Matthew 25:36 House of Hospitality and The Family Van Service are programs of the Simon of Cyrene Society, Inc., at PO Box 201, Monroe, WA 98272, phone number (360) 794-8720.

The Family Van Service schedules round trips from Seattle to the following Department of Corrections’ institution areas: Walla Walla, Forks, Coyote Ridge, and Airway Heights.

Trips are on Saturday or Sunday, except Coyote Ridge, which is Monday.
Prisoners for Christ Outreach Ministries schedules round trips as follows:

• Stafford Creek on the 1st Saturday and Sunday of each month;
• Clallam Bay on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month;
• Washington Corrections Center on the 3rd Saturday of each month; and
• Washington State Penitentiary on the 5th Saturdays of those months that have five Saturdays.

For information, contact Prisoners for Christ Outreach Ministries, PO Box 1530, Woodinville, WA 98072-1530, phone number (425) 483-4151; web: www.pfcom.org.

These are not Department of Corrections’ programs; however, they provide a wonderful service that can assist you in visiting your loved ones. Please contact the service providers for further information about their program.

Information for Friends and Family - Extended Family Visits

The Department recognizes the importance of maintaining strong family ties and provides opportunities for Extended Family Visits (EFVs).

The EFV is a visit between an offender and his or her immediate family member(s) that occurs in a private housing unit. The visits are for up to 48 hours. There must be a gap of at least 30 days between EFVs; and in most cases, it will be more than 30 days.

Are all offenders eligible for Extended Family Visits?

No, in an effort to provide as safe and secure an environment as possible, a strict set of guidelines has been developed and must be met prior to an offender’s approval for an EFV.

Some of the offender guidelines and considerations include:

• Must have medium custody level or lower;
• Must have at least 12 consecutive months since arrival at the Department of Corrections on the current commitment;
• Behavior and rule violation history;
• Criminal history including any pending charges or detainers;
• Work and school participation during incarceration;
• Release date and sentence structure;
• History of domestic violence or child abuse;
• Mental and physical health;
• Successful participation in regular visiting program; and
• Crime of conviction.

What requirements must be met before visitors can be approved?

Some of the visitor guidelines and considerations are as follows:

• Must be immediate family member and provide legal verification of the relationship;
• Spouse must provide legal verification of the marriage, and the marriage must have taken place prior to conviction for the current offense and any concurrently or consecutively served conviction;
• If you are not a U.S. Citizen, you must provide proof of legal entry into the United States;
• Criminal history check (to ensure the visitor is not on anyform of active supervision, has no pending felony or drug related charges, outstanding warrants or no contact order prohibiting the visit);
• Must be on the offender’s approved visiting list; and· Successful and trouble-free participation in the regular visiting program prior to approval.

Who has authority to determine an offender’s eligibility for the Extended Family Visit program?

The Superintendent of the institution in which the offender resides.

Information for Friends and Family - Mail

One of the most important ways to stay in contact with an offender is through the mail. Family and friends are encouraged to write.

Even if you are coming to visit soon or have talked on the telephone, a letter is appreciated.

How should mail be addressed?

To ensure delivery of your correspondence, you must include your return address and address the envelope as follows:

Offender Name and DOC Number
Name of the Institution and Housing Unit
Post Office Box or Street Address
City, State and Zip Code

The addresses for specific facilities are located at these links: Facilities | Work Releases.

Is mail inspected?

Yes. All incoming and outgoing mail will be inspected by facility staff. Mail is examined to prevent offenders from receiving or sending contraband or any other material that may compromise the safety and security of the facility.

If any portion of an offender’s incoming or outgoing mail is restricted, the facility will provide written notification of the mail rejection to the offender and the sender. The notification will include the reason for the restriction and the name and address of the sender. The process does allow the offender and/or sender to appeal the mail rejection.

Certain items are restricted from being sent to an offender including stamps, cash and personal checks.

What is not allowed to be mailed to an offender?

Please note: The WCC Reception Center has a more strict policy on incoming mail. The offender should inform you of what is allowed.

Unauthorized incoming mail includes mail:

• From an individual with whom contact is restricted;
• Containing threats of physical harm against any persons or any other threats of criminal activity;
• Containing blackmail or extortion threats;
• Which is, or contains, contraband or concerns sending contraband in or out of the facility;
• Depicting or describing the procedures for the construction or use of weapons, ammunition, bombs, or incendiary devices;
• Containing plans to escape or depicts or describes blueprints or operational detail of an existing facility’s security devices (i.e., locks, electronics, facility grounds/ buildings);
• Containing plans for activities in violation of facility rules or for criminal activity;
• That is in code;
• In a foreign language with contents that are not understood by the inspecting staff, and reasonable efforts to have the mail interpreted have been unsuccessful;
• Containing information that, if communicated, could create a risk of violence and/or physical harm to any person;
• Which is obscene or sexually explicit material as defined by policy;
• Publications that are deemed to threaten legitimate penological objectives;
• That advocates that any ethnic, racial, or religious group is inferior for any reason and makes such group the object of ridicule and scorn, and may reasonably be thought to precipitate a violent confrontation between the recipient and a member(s) of the target group;
• That has been purported to be legal mail, but upon visual scanning for contraband, the mail is determined to be general correspondence;
• Containing cash or personal check(s);
• Containing markings that are discriminatory in a racial/ethnic/religious or sexual manner and/or contains markings of gang symbols or symbols of other unauthorized groups;
• Containing a photo where the non-photo side is, or can be separated from the photo side of the picture (i.e., Polaroid snapshot);
• Containing stamps;
• With stickers, or stamped with rubber stamps, on or inthe envelope;
• Greeting cards that are padded, laminated, musical, and/or larger than 8”x10”;
• Containing cassette tapes, except for:
• Letter tapes between an offender and/or his/her correspondent who have a legitimate need (i.e., disability, illiteracy, etc.) to correspond orally and the Superintendent’s designee has pre-approved the oral correspondence, or
• Pre-recorded tapes sent directly from the vendor/publisher. Cassette tapes must be clear (see through);
• Containing more than a single magazine article per envelope and/or the magazine article violates any criteria established in the mail policy;
• Containing book clippings of any size;
• Containing more than 10 newspaper clippings per envelope and/or the newspaper clipping violates any criteria established in the mail policy;
• Mail unauthorized by the mail policy;
• Catalog publications not mailed directly from the publisher/retailer.
• Containing items that were not ordered and approved in advance through facility-designated channels;
• Containing sweepstakes, contests, lottery tickets, or other mailings soliciting or offering games of chance. Publications that have a sweepstakes or contest entry in them will not be restricted. However, offenders are not authorized to enter sweepstakes or contests of any type;
• Containing photocopies or carbon copies, except for:
• Photocopies/carbon copies that meet the definition of legal mail;
• A single copy/carbon copy of an item that would otherwise be allowed (multiple copies of the same document are not allowed);
• One photocopy from a vendor;
• Photocopies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, or other legal documents affecting status, if sent from a city, county, state, or federal court, or a person who is initiating visiting privileges and the copy pertains to the visitor approval process.

Can magazines or newspapers be purchased as a gift and sent to an offender?

Yes, offenders may receive a reasonable number of new books, newspapers and magazines sent directly from the publisher. (Note: Magazines are not allowed at the WCC Reception Center.)

What should I do if I receive unwanted correspondence from an offender?

If you receive unwelcome mail or threatening letters from an offender, notify his/her institution in writing that you wish the correspondence to stop. You should also provide a copy of the letter(s) received. The offender will be directed to stop writing to you. If the offender continues to write after being told not to, let the facility know. The offender will then be referred for possible disciplinary action.

Information for Friends and Family - Offender Trust Account

Each offender has a non-interest bearing offender trust account where funds are deposited. Withdrawals may be made for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

• Postage;
• Recreation user fees;
• Education;
• Health care co-payments;
• Store purchases;
• Legal financial obligations as ordered by the county of conviction;
• Child support enforcement; and/or
• Debts

Offenders are not allowed to directly or indirectly transfer funds to another offender’s account or exchange funds or items of value with staff, other offenders, volunteers, or sponsors.

Offenders may not withdraw moneys to establish or make deposit to accounts, investments, certificates of deposit, or credit accounts outside of the Department’s offender trust account.

Offenders are not allowed to bank through the mail or conduct monetary transactions except through their offender trust account.

All non-exempt deposits, earnings, gratuities and incentive pay are subject to established mandatory deductions. Department of Corrections Policy Directive 200.000 provides detailed information regarding offender trust accounts.

May I send money to an offender?

The Department of Corrections offers two ways to deposit money into an offender’s resident trust account-- the United States Postal Service and Western Union Quick Collect services.

United States Postal Service (USPS)

This option requires a money order or cashiers check made payable to the offender.  The money order/cashiers check must carry the receiving offender’s name and six-digit Department of Corrections (DOC) number.  Personal checks and cash will not be accepted.

The postal option can be used to deposit money into four kinds of sub-accounts:

1. Spendable – Unrestricted and available for the offender’s use.  Money orders/cashiers checks not designated to another sub-account will be posted to this sub-account.
2. Postage – Use restricted to postage charges.  The money order/cashiers check must be clearly marked “postage.”
3. Medical – Use restricted for payment of outside medical services.  The money order/cashiers check must be clearly marked as “medical.”  An offender must be pre-approved to receive funds into a medical sub-account.
4. Education – Use restricted for payment of education tuition/fees.  The money order/cashiers check must be clearly marked as “education.”  An offender must be pre-approved to receive funds into an education sub-account.

Funds received and designated for a medical or education sub-account prior to an offender acquiring the necessary approval will be returned at the offender’s expense.

Envelope Requirements

• The outside envelope must be addressed with the offender’s full  name at time of commitment and six-digit DOC number.  Mail that does not legibly include this information will be returned to the sender.
• The envelope must include a legitimate return address as defined by the USPS.  Mail that does not have such an address will be rejected.  In case of rejection, the intended offender will be notified and given the opportunity to provide an address to return the item at the offender’s expense. If neither the recipient nor the sender can be identified, the funds will be disposed as contraband.

Where to Send Money

• Money deposited on behalf of offenders housed in the state of Washington should be forwarded to the offender’s facility of residence. Find the address of the prison. Because PO box numbers may change, senders should confirm the correct mailing address with the offender before sending money.

Some facilities may require the sender to be on the offender’s approved visit list for funds to be accepted.

• Money deposited on behalf of offenders housed out-of-state should be forwarded to:

Department of Corrections
Offender Trust Accounting
PO Box 9704
Olympia, WA 98504-9704

Western Union Quick Collect

Western Union Quick Collect can only be used for depositing money into an offender’s spendable sub-account. Each transaction requires the following information:

• Code City: WADOC
• State Code: WA
• Valid six-digit DOC number
• Offender’s last name at time of commitment
• Sender’s full name
• Sender’s address

Senders have three ways to access the Western Union Quick Collect option. See costs for these services.

1. At an agent location with cash/debit card: A Quick Collect Form must be completed. See a Sample Quick Collect Form.  The form requires the following information:
• Pay to: Washington Dept Corrections
• Account Number With Company: six-digit DOC number and offender’s committed last name.
• Code City: WADOC.
• State: WA.
• Sender’s Name: The sender’s full name.
• Address:  The sender’s complete address.

To locate the nearest Western Union agent, call 1-800-325-6000 or go to www.westernunion.com.

2. By phone using a credit/debit card:  Call 1-800-634-3422 and press option "2".
3. Online using a credit/debit card:  Send Money Online

Money sent into the prison for offender use is subject to mandatory deductions of 35 percent, as directed by the law (RCW 72.09.480), which include:

• Savings - 10 percent of the amount;
• Crime Victims Compensation - 5 percent; and
• Cost of Incarceration - 20 percent.

The 10 percent for savings is put into an account for the offender and is not accessible until his/her time of release, unless an emergent request is made by the offender and approved by Department management.

Crime victims compensation is sent to the Department of Labor and Industries to assist victims of crime. This is not associated with the offender’s Judgment and Sentence.

Cost of incarceration is sent to Correctional Industries,Department of Corrections, to support the work programs designed to assist offenders with job opportunities.

Additionally, some or all of the following deductions may apply depending on each offender’s individual obligations and the balance remaining after the mandatory deductions are withheld:

• Twenty percent to legal financial obligations (LFOs);
• Fifteen percent to the Division of Child Services;
• One hundred percent to a non-LFO court order;
• Twenty percent to the offender’s Department of Corrections’ debt; and/or
• Twenty percent to the Prison Litigation Reform Act.

When are deposits credited to an offender’s trust account?

Funds are deposited to the offender’s trust account within three working days of the date on the mailroom receipt. After mandatory deductions and debt collection, the remaining funds are available to the offender.

Information for Friends and Family - Personal Property

The Department of Corrections provides offenders with all of the necessities they need while incarcerated. Offenders are issued suitable clothing that is presentable, durable, and acceptably fits the offender and the climate. As needed, offenders assigned to special work details are issued appropriate protective clothing and equipment. However, offenders may receive new/approved property items. This section provides guidelines that must be followed in order to avoid unnecessary costs to the offender or his/her family.

What property can be sent to an offender?

Each offender is provided with a Maximum Allowable Personal Property Matrix (MAPPM) which identifies the types, value, and amount of personal property authorized for offender retention at the different security levels. Offenders are responsible for ensuring that the value of the property in their possession is no greater than the dollar values identified on the MAPPM.

NOTE: Each institution has its own property policy that may be more restrictive than what is listed in this booklet.

Offenders have access to that policy, and they need to be aware of the regulations. To be sure of what you can or cannot send, please request this information from the offender.

What happens if the property is not authorized?

Offenders are allowed to dispose of their excess or unauthorized personal property by shipping it to a nonincarcerated person, at the offender’s expense. Offenders have 30 days to accomplish this disposition.

If the offender is without funds, refuses to pay the required postage, or refuses to designate an individual to receive the property, the items will be donated to a charitable organization or destroyed by staff.

How do offenders get personal property other than what is provided by the facility?

Offenders may acquire personal property only through the following sources:

• Store orders;
• Purchasing items directly from an approved vendor;
• Quarterly package received from family or friends; and
• Educational or religious programs.

Offenders in work release are allowed personal property that supports finding and maintaining employment.

What is a Quarterly Gift Package and when can I send one?

Quarterly packages are a gift package you may send to an offender that includes those items that are otherwise not available to an offender through the facility store or any other purchasing outlet provided by the facility. In order to send an offender a quarterly package, most institutions require that the offender send you a Quarterly Package Authorization form.

An offender may receive one gift package (not to exceed 15 pounds in weight including packing materials) on a quarterly basis.

Quarterly periods consist of December through February; March through May; June through August; and September through November. Newly admitted offenders shall not receive a package(s) while assigned to the Reception Center at Washington Corrections Center.

In the event a package contains unauthorized items, it will be rejected and the offender will be held responsible for the shipping costs to mail the item(s) out of the facility. If a package contains contraband that is subject to criminal prosecution, the entire package will be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Packages containing contraband not subject to criminal prosecution shall have the contraband removed and rejected, and the remainder of the package will be delivered to the offender.

The following restrictions and guidelines apply:

• Prices listed on the Quarterly Package Authorization form are the maximum purchase price allowed.
• Price tags must remain on the clothing items and a store sales slip must be included in the package along with the Quarterly Package Authorization form if required by the institution.
• All clothing must be machine wash and dry. No dry clean, hand wash or hang to dry items will be allowed.
• Do not gift wrap items. Gift wrap will be destroyed upon package inspection

What clothing items are NOT allowed?

The following items are prohibited:

• Military, camouflage, or clothing which resembles the color or style of a staff uniform (including coveralls and jumpsuits);
• Hooded clothing and ski masks;
• Patches, graphics, and writing on clothing except for logos associated with the brand name of the manufacturer (e.g., Nike logo, but no larger than 2”x2” to 4”x4”). T-shirts with sports team logos are not acceptable since the teams do not manufacture the T-shirts;
• Leather garments including gloves;
• Over-sized clothing;
• Gang or gang-related colors and/or clothing, including symbols, determined to represent a gang affiliation;
• Female clothing for male offenders;
• Male clothing for female offenders;
• Clothing that is black, burgundy, dark green, navy, blue, red, or dark colored;
• Clothing which has been altered from its original color; and/or
• Altered (tailored) clothing.

What happens to an offender’s property when he/she is moved to another housing area in the same facility or transferred to another facility?

The offender’s property is moved with him/her as long as he/she is not placed in a restricted housing unit. If an offender is placed in restricted housing such as segregation or medical, the property will be stored.

Information for Friends and Family - Store

Each major institution has a store where offenders can purchase personal hygiene items, food, snacks, soda, radios, televisions, postage supplies, writing materials, vitamins and other personal items. The items available at the store for purchase cannot be sent in by family or friends. Please see the Mail and Property sections for detailed information as to what can be mailed to an offender.

How can purchases be made from the store?

Each offender is allowed to make purchases from the store on specifically assigned days by submitting a store order. The offender must have funds in his/her trust account to pay for the purchases. Staff process the order and deliver items to the offender’s living unit, or other designated area, where the offender receives and signs for the items.

How are profits generated from store purchases used?

Profits from store sales are deposited to the Offender Welfare/Betterment Fund. This fund is used for the benefit of the offender population for such things as:

• Store staff salaries and benefits;
• Recreation supplies;
• Recreation staff salaries and benefits;
• Hobby craft small tools;
• Extended Family Visit program;
• Visiting area supplies (games for children, pictures for walls, etc.);
• Library supplies; and
• Religious supplies