Northeastern Correctional Center

Reply

arhunt Posted: 08-03-2007 10:21 AM

rated by 0 users

Paul Ruane, Superintendent
Barretts Mill Road
PO Box 1069
West Concord, MA 01742
Phone (978) 371-7941

Twenty miles north west of Boston Massachusetts you will find the Northeastern Correctional Center, established in 1932, located on approximately 300 acres of farmland. The Northeastern Correctional Center is an all male prison that houses inmates for two levels of security (level three/minimum and level two/pre-release). Our housing capacity for level three is 182 and 80 for level two inmates. The Northeastern Correctional Center is accredited by the American Correctional Association ( ACA ), managed by the Massachusetts Department of Correction and overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety.

Our Mission begins with providing inmates with solid work ethics and programs with the objective of releasing them back into our communities with a clear direction of their future. We accomplish this by providing structured educational, vocational, substance abuse and work release opportunities. Through our sound security practices and classification process, we strive to provide a safe and humane environment for both the offender and staff.

Level-three inmates housed at the Northeastern Correctional Center provide many hours of community services to our surrounding Towns, Cities, State and Government Municipalities that is known as our Community Inmate Work Crew program. Inmates are transported to their designated work detail and are supervised by a correctional professional. Perhaps you have seen one of our inmate community work crews, cleaning up your streets and highways or maybe painting a public building. Since the Massachusetts Department of Correction's Community Work Crew program has been in force, we have provided many hours of labor that has ultimately saved the tax payers of Massachusetts millions of dollars.

Our Pre-Release program is designed to screen eligible level-two inmates who are within eighteen months of their release and provide them with outside employment. The pre-release work program benefits the inmate by providing work with the goal to financially re- establish them once they are released from incarceration. The pre-release program also rewards the employer by offering the “ Work Opportunity Tax Credit.” An employer can deduct forty-percent of the first $6000.00 of gross wages for each inmate hired.

Our correctional staff and community volunteers provide many programs that are focused on preparing inmates for their eventual release. We have a large amount of volunteers, more specifically, Concord Prison Outreach Group who is committed to help the offender in all areas of interests. Some of the programs offered to the inmate population include, Family Day, educational tutoring, art projects, religious programs etc.

Selected inmates are also involved with the National Education for Assistance Dog Services N.E.A.D.S program. Inmates are selected to train specialty dogs to assist people who have aural or other physical disabilities. The puppy or dog is placed with the inmate handler where they accompany him all around the minimum-security facility, from the chow hall to the visiting room where they will socialize with lots of people and children. The handlers will attend weekly classes where they will learn to teach puppies to respond to basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stand, heel, come and stay. Later on the handlers will learn how to teach the puppies to fetch objects, tug doors open, turn light switches on and off as well as work next to a wheel chair. The dogs will eventually be return to NEADS for "finish" work and then be placed with a person with a physical disability.

A fluctuating staff of 87 correctional officers and administrative support personnel supervised and managed an inmate population that averaged 220 inmates per day in 2003.

Key Objectives

• House inmates within state law, legal principles and court mandates.
• Transfer and release inmates in accordance with the law.
• Provide security to house inmates in a safe and orderly manner.
• Provide structured programs and work opportunities for the offender.
• Treat each inmate with professionalism and respect.

From Boston: Take Storrow Drive West to Alewife Brook Parkway and Route 2 West past the fresh Pond Mall and Alewife MBTA station. Follow Route 2 West through Belmont, Lexington and Lincoln to the Route 2/2A rotary in Concord. Exit rotary at the first right onto Barrett’s Mill Road. Take the first left into the driveway and go up the hill. Northeastern Correctional Center is at the top of the hill.

From the North: Take Route 495 South to exit 29A (Route 2 East/Cambridge/Boston). Follow Route 2 East through Littleton and Acton to the Route 2/2A rotary in Concord. Exit rotary at the third right onto Barrett’s Mill Road. Take the First left into the driveway and go up the hill. Northeastern Correctional Center is at the top of the hill.

From the South: Take 495 North to exit 29A (Route 2 East/Cambridge/Boston). Follow Route 2 East through Littleton and Acton to the Route 2/2A rotary in Concord. Exit rotary at the third right onto Barrett’s Mill Road. Take the First left into the driveway and go up the hill. Northeastern Correctional Center is at the top of the hill.

From the East: Take Route 2 West to the Routes 2/2A rotary in Concord. Exit rotary at the first right onto Barrett’s Mill Road. Take the first left into the driveway and go up the hill. Northeastern Correctional Center is at the top of the hill.

From the West: Take Route 2 East to the Routes 2/2A rotary in Concord. Exit rotary at the third right onto Barrett’s Mill Road. Take the first left into the driveway and go out the hill. Northeastern Correctional Center is at the top of the hill.

All visits are conducted in the gym on the following schedule:

Effective Monday, April 4, 2005 the Northeastern Correctional Center Visiting Schedule will be modified. The new visiting schedule shall be as follows:

Holiday Visiting Schedule shall be open to all inmates. The Visiting Hours are 12:30 pm-3:30 pm or 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. Visitors may only visit once per day.

VISITING RULES AND REGULATIONS

All visitors must sign in at the gym, which is used for inmate visits. Visitors must complete both sides of the ‘Request to Visit Inmate’ and present a valid photo identification to the Officer on duty. Proper identification shall include a current driver’s license, military id, alien immigration card, alcohol beverage commission card, or valid passport.

Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents must present a valid birth certificate for all minor children with the parent(s) name on this certificate. Legal guardians accompanying a minor(s) must present legal documentation providing legal guardianship. Any minor visiting without their parent or legal guardian must have an approved Visiting Minor form. This form must be approved by the Superintendent prior to the visit and must identify the accompanying adult visitor. Forms are available in the visiting room lobby, Superintendent’s office, and the library.

All Visitors are subject to search. Visitors shall not be allowed in the visiting room with any weapons, keys (other than car and locker), food, beverages, medication, matches or lighters, cigar, cigarettes, or tobacco products, cameras, tape recorders, radios, pagers, cellular phones, wallets, purses, diaper bags, and/or jewelry. Excessive money will not be allowed. All Items must be locked in your personal vehicle or in the courtesy lockers located in the lobby. Once items have been secured, access to these areas will not be allowed Until the end of the visit. All items that are brought into the visiting room will be searched.

Visitors are required to lock their cars and park in the designated visitor parking area. Cars are subject to search while on State Property.

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 268 Section 31 provides that whomever delivers, procures to deliver, or has in his possession with intent to deliver to a prisoner, or whoever deposits or conceals in or about the institution any article with intent that a prisoner shall receive it, and whoever receives from a prisoner any article contrary to rules and regulations, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00, or by imprisonment in State Prison for not more than three (3) years or in a Jail or House of Correction for not more than two and one-half (2 1/2) years.

Any visitor who answers yes to the question,’Have you ever been convicted of a felony?’, on the ‘Request to visit Inmate’ form, shall not be allowed to visit unless they have written documentation from the Superintendent of this facility approving the visit.

Any visitor who perjures themselves on the visiting form will be barred from visits unless authorized by the Superintendent.

Visitors under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will not be allowed on the property.

Visitors are restricted to the visiting room and yard. Visitors shall use the restrooms in the lobby of the visiting building. Visitors shall not wander around the lobby or grounds of the institution and shall be restricted to the tables set up for visits. Inmates are not authorized to use the pay phones or be in the area of the pay phones while visitors are using them. These are the phones that are located in the front of the visiting room.

Visitors shall only visit one inmate at this facility. Visitors shall only visit one time per day. This does not include attorneys, law students, and paralegal.

Visitors and inmates shall not engage in inappropriate physical contact. Smoking is prohibited on state property.

Children must be supervised by their parents or guardians at all times. Visits shall be terminated if children exhibit serious behavior problems which interfere with other visits or the orderly running of the visiting room.

Visitors must be appropriate during the visit. Sitting on tables, floors, or the ground are prohibited. Visitors may be asked to terminate the visit if the Officer deems their behavior inappropriate.

Visitors are allowed to bring checks or money orders (no cash) for their visit. These must be placed in the drop off box in the visiting room lobby. No receipts will be given for these checks.

Public transportation schedules are posted in the visiting room lobby.

Inmates are not allowed to wear sweatpants/jogging suits, shorts, tank tops, hats, or ripped clothing while on a visit.

The Superintendent or his designee has the authority to close down or cancel visits at any time due to a security issue or inclement weather without prior notice.

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 266 Section 123 makes it a criminal trespass to refuse to leave a correctional facility after being ordered to do so.

These rules are intended to ensure the safety and well being of the inmates and the staff at this facility. Your cooperation is expected and appreciated. Any visitor failing to comply with these rules and regulations risks the loss of visiting privileges.

Visitors may request a copy of these rules at the time of their visit.

(Consult 103 Doc 483 Inmate Visits and 103 DOC 506 Searches for further information.)

Visitor Dress Code

ALL VISITORS:
* Footwear must be worn at all times. Clothing that is ripped, torn, or has holes is unacceptable.
* All hairpieces, wigs, toupees, hair extensions, etc., shall be subject to search.
* No type of clothing that allows easy access under the garment will be allowed.
* No pants with drawstrings or elastic waistbands will be allowed with the exception of maternity clothes.
* No jewelry other than a wedding and/or engagement ring, medical alert identification, one small set of earrings (female only), one religious medal, and a watch.

FEMALE VISITORS:
* No tights, leotards, or body suits of exercise type to be worn alone or as an outfit. This type of clothing will only be allowed only with pants, skirts, or shirts, that meet the required length of a four inch length above the knees.
* No halter tops, tank tops, tube tops, or clothing that reveals the midriff or exposes the back beyond the upper shoulder area.
* No visible sheath clothing, with or without undergarments.
* Traditional undergarments, bras and underpants must be worn. Exceptions to this rule are at the discretion of the Shift Commander.
* No bathing sutts.
* No gym shorts or shorts that exceed four inches above the knee.
* No low cut or excessively revealing clothing.
* No wrap around skirts or dresses.
* No dresses or skirts exceeding four inches above the knee.
* No clothing with open or unlined pockets.
* No spandex clothing.
* No sweat suits, no jogging suits.
* No hats.

MALE VISITORS:
* No sweat or jogging suits.
* No fatigue or camouflage clothing.
* No shorts.
* No sleeveless shirts, fare midriff, tank tops, or muscle shirts.
* Underwear must be worn.
* No black, navy, or gray sweatshirts are to be worn.
* No clothing similar to uniformed staff’s clothing may be worn.
* No collarless shirts or tee shirts may be worn.
* No hats.

Programs Available at This Facility

African America Cultural Studies Series: Lecture series on African American History, Law, Economics and Art. This program is facilitated at Northeastern Correctional Center.

Alternatives to Violence (AVP): A volunteer facilitated program that teaches inmates how to reduce violence by introducing alternative ways of resolving conflict resulting in a diminished need to resort to violence.  Workshops focus on conflict resolution.  This program is facilitated at MCI Concord, MCI Shirley, North Central Correctional Institution, North Central Correctional Institution – Minimum Unit, Northeastern Correctional Center, Old Colony Correctional Center and  Souza Baranowski Correctional Center.

American Red Cross First Aid and CPR Courses: Program providing inmates information and training about First Aid and CPR.  This program is facilitated at Northeastern Correctional Center.

Anger Management Education: Six-week program that focuses on managing anger and preventing violence.  This program is facilitated at Northeastern Correctional Center.

Art Program: Vendor facilitated programming. Inmates learn skills in different art modalities and the opportunity to work on individual projects.  The goal of this programming is to encourage inmates to develop self-esteem and self-awareness through the expressive arts.  This program is facilitated at Bay State Correctional Center, Massachusetts Treatment Center and Northeastern Correctional Center.

Chess Club: Staff supervised program where inmates learn how to play chess, tournaments are also held. This program provides a structured environment where chess enthusiasts from beginners to advanced players can learn more about the aspects of the game.  This program is facilitated at Bay State Correctional Center, MCI Norfolk, Northeastern Correctional Center and Old Colony Correctional Center..

Christian Action Fellowship Program: A weekly ecumenical fellowship conducted by volunteers designed to foster Christian attitudes & growth and provide a forum in which spiritual issues can be discussed.  This program is facilitated at Northeastern Correctional Center.

Emotional Awareness and Healing: Volunteer coordinated program designed to foster emotional and spiritual growth and promote responsibility and accountability toward ones self and others.  Inmates are also taught skills to reduce disruptive behavior.  This program is facilitated at Bay State Correctional Center, MCI Cedar Junction, MCI Concord, MCI Shirley, North Central Correctional Institution, North Central Correctional Institution - Minimum Unit, Northeastern Correctional Center and Souza Baranowski Correctional Center.

Family Day Program: Offered four times per year, volunteer’s design structured activities that allow inmates to interact with their children.  This program is facilitated at Northeastern Correctional Center.

Family Relations: Offered quarterly, volunteers teach parenting and interpersonal communication skills.  This program is facilitated at Northeastern Correctional Center.

Father’s Parenting Program: Volunteer facilitated 12-week course consisting of classes in moral and legal responsibilities of fatherhood.   This program is facilitated at MCI Concord, MCI Shirley, Northeastern Correctional Center and Souza Baranowski Correctional Center.

Healthy Survival Skills: Short-term program that teaches skills to reduce stress and assist inmates in eliminating negative thoughts and behavior.  A smoking cessation component is also included.  This program is facilitated at MCI Concord and Northeastern Correctional Center.

Jehovah’s Witness Bible Study Program: Staff supervised, volunteer facilitated program during which Jehovah Witness volunteers meet with inmates to conduct a Bible Study session for the purpose of providing further opportunities for spiritual growth and health.  This program is facilitated at Bay State Correctional Center, MCI Concord and Northeastern Correctional Center.

Job Search: Eight-week program designed to prepare inmates for job searching upon release. Topics include developing realistic expectations, utilizing employment resources, identifying interests, skills and values and preparing for interviews.  This program is facilitated at Northeastern Correctional Center.

Music Theory Program: Staff supervised program that enables participants to learn basic music theory, comprehension and practice.  Inmates join bands to rehearse and perform.  In cell use ofinstruments varies among facilities. It is often limited to those inmates that can be utilized with headphones and do not disrupt the housing unit.  This program is facilitated at Bridgewater State Hospital, Massachusetts Treatment Center, MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, North Central Correctional Institution, North Central Correctional Institution - Minimum Unit, Northeastern Correctional Center and Old Colony Correctional Center.

National Education for Assistant Dog Services-Puppy Program: An 18-month program designed to utilize inmate handlers to teach dogs basic obedience and other skills needed to prepare them for future “careers” as Service Dogs assisting people who are physically disabled.  Following their training with the inmates, the dogs will then learn the more advanced Service Dog skills at NEADS’ National Assistance Dog Training Campus in Princeton, MA.  This program is facilitated at MCI Framingham, North Central Correctional Center – Minimum Unit, Northeastern Correctional Center, Pondville Correctional Center and MCI Plymouth.

Nutrition Series: Program at NECC consisting of three workshops: Weight Loss without Starvation; Diet for a Healthy Heart; and Power Eating – Building Muscle Not Fat.  This program is facilitated at Northeastern Correctional Center.

Parenting/Family Services: Volunteers and staff provide programs, which range from skill building, basic education, and reintegration information to support groups.  This program is facilitated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, MCI Plymouth, MCI Shirley, North Central Correctional Institution, North Central Correctional Institution - Minimum Unit, Northeastern Correctional Center, South Middlesex Correctional Center and Souza Baranowski Correctional Center.

Poetry, Writing and Book Discussion Workshop: Staff facilitated program that allows inmates to read and write poems and other forms of writing, listen to one another’s writing, and revise their own work.  This program is facilitated at Northeastern Correctional Center.

Self Help/Twelve Step Programs: Volunteer facilitated substance abuse support groups based on abstinence.  Self Help/Twelve-step programming includes Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Al Anon.  Programming is available in both Spanish and English.  This program is facilitated at Bay State Correctional Center, Boston Pre-release Center, Bridgewater State Hospital, Massachusetts Treatment Center, MCI Concord, MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, MCI Plymouth, MCI Shirley, North Central Correctional Institution, North Central Correctional Institution - Minimum Unit, Northeastern Correctional Center, Old Colony Correctional Center, Old Colony Correctional Center – Minimum Unit, Pondville Correctional Center, South Middlesex Correctional Center and Souza Baranowski Correctional Center. 

Spanish Bible Study: Chaplain and/or volunteer facilitated Spanish Bible study.  This program is facilitated at Northeastern Correctional Center.

Toastmasters: Public speaking program that enables inmates to develop more effective communication skills.  Through a series of presentations, inmates learn to express thoughts in a clear and non-threatening manner.  Toastmasters are an internationally recognized organization.  This program is facilitated at Bay State Correctional Center, MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, Northeastern Correctional Center, Old Colony Correctional Center and Souza Baranowski Correctional Center.