Pondville Correctional Center

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arhunt Posted: 08-03-2007 10:32 AM

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Michael A. Thompson, Superintendent
PO Box 146
Norfolk, MA 02056
Phone (508) 660-3924
Fax (508) 660-7963

Pondville Correctional Center is located thirty-six (36) miles southwest of Boston in the town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. It has a capacity of 204 inmates, of which 160 inmates are Level 3 (minimum) and 44 inmates are Level 2 (pre-release).

The primary mission of Pondville Correctional Center is to protect the public's safety by incarcerating inmates and to provide inmates the opportunity for responsible reintegration and positive behavioral change. The focus of the facility's operations is two fold. First, inmates are required to work unless a medical condition exists which will require a waiver from work assignments. Second, inmates are provided vocational, educational, and self help programming opportunities including Life Skills, Small Engine Repair, Violence Reduction, Public Safety Transition Program, Thinking for a Change, A.A., N.A., and various religious services.

There are no walls or fences at this facility. Security is maintained through inmate counts and strict accountability procedures. Department policy mandates supervisory spot checks of community work crews, drug and alcohol testing, searches, and police notifications when inmates are in their community.

WORK PROGRAMS

• Eligible and suitable Level 2 (Pre-release) inmates who are within 18 months of their parole eligibility or discharge date will be classified to participate in the Work Release Program. These inmates work at jobs in the community and earn at least the minimum wage.

The goal of the Department of Correction and Pondville Correctional Center is to successfully reintegrate these inmates back into society by providing gainful employment opportunities while simultaneously providing for public safety.

The program has strict accountability and supervision measures and transportation is provided by Pondville Correctional Center. These measures are explained in depth to employers during an Employer Orientation Program.

Some interesting aspects of the program are:

• Tax incentives for employers involved in this program.
• There is a steady supply of labor available through this program.
• If there is a problem at the work site, Correction Program Officers respond immediately.
• Inmates are prompt and reliable and their absences will be minimal.
• A healthy work force. Inmates are regularly tested for drug and alcohol usage and are removed to a higher security level if found positive.

Pondville Correctional Center is committed to working collaboratively with local companies in providing a safe, reliable work force for their business endeavors.

• Each Level 3 (minimum-security) inmate is expected to maintain a daily job assignment. Wages range from $l.00 to $4.00 per day. Job assignments are intended to provide the offender with opportunities for positive behavioral change while developing work skills and dependable work ethics. Pondville Correctional Center work crews are always under officer supervision while away from the facility.

• A number of inmates work at the other correctional facilities in the area (MCI-Cedar Junction, MCI-Norfolk and Bay State Correctional Center) doing grounds work, landscaping and janitorial duties.

• Pondville Correctional Center inmates work to provide community reparation. As such, Pondville works collaboratively with cities, towns and State agencies on various projects that save the taxpayers money and allows the inmates to give something back to the community. Daily and special periodic work crews assist area towns including Norfolk, Plainville, Millis, Medway, Norwood, Mansfield, Foxboro, and Blackstone. Work crew duties range from cleaning streets and parks to assisting schools with painting and general maintenance during holidays, to general clean up and landscaping at municipal buildings. In addition, up to 20 inmates per day assist the Division of Recreation and Conservation with a variety of tasks and projects.  

Educational programming

Educational programs are designed to be innovative and provide inmates with the opportunity for positive behavioral change. Based on a need assessment upon entry into the correctional system, offenders who have yet to earn their G.E.D. are strongly encouraged to participate in such programs in order to be considered for gradual reductions in security placement. Academic programs include: Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, GED tutoring and Life Skills Computer program. The later program was introduced in 1993 and remains today. This high tech approach to inmate education focuses on such topics as resume writing, job applications, job interviews, personal finance, Adult Basic Education, GED, math and reading skills and basic keyboarding.

A Small Engine Repair Program was introduced in FY03. This is integrated with the Pre- Vocational Skills program and provides inmates with a skill, which they may use to gain employment upon re-entry into society.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• All offenders at Pondville Correctional Center are subject to random drug testing and treatment sanctions.
• There are 58 employees: 7 non-security and 51 security/classification positions.
• The facility has 16-hour health coverage and as such, we receive many inmates with chronic medical conditions.
• In August 2003, Pondville Correctional Center was re-accredited by the American Correctional Association for a three-year period signifying an adherence to National Standards and a striving for professional excellence.
• In May of 2003 the facility, in conjunction with its privatized medical services, received re-accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).

From Boston:  Rte. 93 South to Rte 95 South (Providence).  Rte. 95 South to Exit 9 (Rte. 1 South).  Right onto Pine Street to Rte. 1-A.  Right onto Rte. 1- A North.  Pondville Correctional Center's entrance is the first left (app. 1/2 mile).  Follow road approximately 7/10 mile.  Pondville Correctional Center is on the right.  Drive around to the front parking lot. 

From Lawrence: Follow Rte. 495 South to Rte 1-A, Exit 15.  Follow Rte. 1-A north through Wrentham Center. Proceed on for 2 miles and fafter crossing Rte. 115, Pondille Correctional Center's entrance is the first left. Follow road approximately 7/10 mile. Pondville Correctional Center is on the right. Drive around to the front parking lot.

From Cape Cod:  Follow Rte. 495 North to Rte. 1 North, Exit 14A. Follow Rte. 1 North to third set of lights at Pine Street. Take a left onto Pine Street and a right on Rte. 1-A North. Ponville Correctional Center's entrance is the first left (app. 1/2 mile). Follow road approximately 7/10 mile. Pondville Correctional Center is on the right. Drive around to the front parking lot.

Public Transportation: Rail service from Boston stops in Norfolk Center approximately 4 miles away. Information on transportation, including cab companies, train schedule and private bus service from Boston is postedin Pondville Correctional Center's Lobby area.

B. Visiting Hours

Visiting hours at Pondville Correctional Center are as follows:

WEEKDAYS*

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

*Note:  No visits on Wednesdays

WEEKENDS

   Saturday:    1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (1st floor inmates)

                     6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (2nd floor inmates)

    Sunday:    1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (2nd floor inmates)

                     6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (1st floor inmates)

HOLIDAYS*

  1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

  6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

*Note: Visits are restricted to one visiting period on Holidays.

Visitors shall not enter the building more than five (5) minutes prior to visiting hours and shall leave the property promptly at the conclusion of visiting hours.

C.    Vehicles

1. Careless or reckless operation of vehicles on State property is subject to prosecution and/or loss of visiting privileges.
   
2. There is a fifteen (15) mile per hour speed limit while on State property.
   
3. All vehicles shall be locked while unattended. Handicap parking is provided at the main entrance of the facility. Only vehicles with a valid handicap registration, or approval by the Superintendent or his/her designee, may utilize handicap parking spaces. All other visitor's vehicles shall park in the available spaces in the main parking lot in front of the facility. Do not uses spaces reserved for State vehicles or for staff members.
   
   

D.    Sign In Procedures

1. All visitors are responsible for being familiar with these Visiting Rules and Regulations, and shall conduct themselves accordingly while visiting at the Pondville Correctional Center.
   
   
2. Visitors shall proceed directly from their vehicle to the main entrance of the facility.
   
   
3. Before being admitted to Pondville Correctional Center, a visitor may be required to produce identification which, in the opinion of the admitting staff member(s) is adequate. A current photographic identification, such as a Massachusetts Driver's license or a passport, shall be sufficient. Exceptions may be made by the Superintendent.
   
   
4. As a condition of entry, each visitor {(except those excluded by 103 CMR 482. 11(2) (a)} is required by Statute to make and subscribe a statement under penalties of perjury stating their true name and residence, whether or not he/she has been convicted of a felony, and if, visiting an inmate, his/her relationship to the inmate.
   
   
5. If a visitor has been convicted of a felony, the Shift Commander shall inform the visitor that he/she must write to the Superintendent to request permission to visit. The letter must contain a statement of the crime(s) for which he/she was convicted and sentence(s) imposed. No visits shall be permitted without the Superintendent's approval.
   
   
6. Any inmate visitor who has a weapon shall not be allowed to visit and will be directed to leave the property promptly.
   
   
7. Falsification of any information on the visiting slip may result in termination of the visit and/or loss of visiting privileges. Falsification may also result in criminal penalties.
   
   

E.    Designated Visiting Areas

Visiting Room

F.    Personal Effects

1. All visitors are expected to leave personal effects securely locked in their vehicles or in the lockers provided at the Main Entrance. The lockers at the Main Entrance require a quarter to operate.
   
   
2. The institution assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen items. No personal items shall be left in the Control Desk area.
   
   
3. Cameras, radios, pagers, cellular phones and other types of video/audio equipment are not allowed.
   
   
4. Toxic, caustic and flammable materials are not allowed.
   
   
5. Personal jewelry may be worn provided all items leave with the visitor.
   
   

G.    Searches

1. All packages, parcels and other carry-in items are subject to search at any time while on State property.
   
2. All visitors are subject to search at any time while on State property.
   
3. All vehicles are subject to search at any time while on State property.
   

H.    Medications

1. Medication of an emergency nature, ((i.e., heart medication) should be declared at control. The visitor shall keep this medication on their person at all times.
   
2. All non-emergency medications should be secured in the visitor's vehicle unless instructed otherwise by the Shift Commander.
   

I.    Money

1. All money orders/checks for inmates must be turned in to the Control Desk for deposit into the inmate's account. Cash is not accepted for inmate accounts. A receipt shall be given. Passing money directly to an inmates is not allowed, and may result in termination of visit and/or loss of visiting privileges.
   
2. Visitors shall be allowed to declare up to thirty dollars ($30.00) per person, per visit for the express purpose of purchasing debit cards to be used in the institution vending machines. Debit cards must be purchased prior to entering the Visiting Room. Once visitors enter the Visiting Room they are not allowed to leave to purchase another card. No cash is to be brought into the Visiting Room. A five dollar bill is required to purchase an initial Debit Card. Debit cards will only allow a maximum amount of $30.00 on the card. There is a 50 cent fee for the purchase of a debit card.
   

J.    Dress Code/Proper Attire

All visitors are expected to wear proper attire and to dress in accordance with standards of decency acceptable for a public place.

All visitors, including minors over the age of thirteen (13), are required to adhere to the dress code. Any questionable clothing issues shall be directed to the Shift Commander.

1. All visitors are required to wear shoes (sneakers and sandals are acceptable).
   
2. All visitors are required to wear traditional undergarments.
   
3. Hairpieces are allowed but are subject to search.
   
4. Headgear with religious and/or ethnic significance is allowed but subject to search.
   
5. No tights, leotards, spandex or bodysuits shall be allowed to be worn alone as an outfit.
   
6. No tank tops, halter tops or tube tops, or clothing that reveals the midriff or exposes the back beyond the shoulder area are allowed.
   
7. No visibly sheer clothing.
   
8. No sweat suits.
   
9. No bathing suits.
   
10. No gym shorts or shorts that exceed six (6) inches above the knee.
    
11. No low cut or excessively revealing/tight clothing.
    
12. No dresses or skirts exceeding six (6) inches above the knee. No wrap-around skirts.
    
13. Clothing that is ripped, torn, or has holes is not allowed.
    
14. No jewelry other than a wedding/engagement ring, medical alert bracelet/necklace, religious medal and set of earring (earrings must be conservative and must not be long, dangly, sharp or pointy).
    
15. No hats, hooded clothing or coats.
    
16. No fatigue or camouflage clothing or clothing that is similar to that issued to uniformed staff.
    
17. No farmer's pants or farmer type jumper shorts or excessively bagging clothing.
    
18. No purses, smoking material, wallets or keys (other than locker key).
    

Note: Visitors denied entrance due to improper attire may not borrow clothing from inmates.

Inmates receiving visits must also wear proper attire. This shall include, at a minimum, a shirt, pants and footwear. Shorts and sweatshirts/sweatpants are not allowed to be worn by inmates during visits.

The following will not be considered as presentable dress in the visiting area:

1. Altered or torn clothing.
   
2. Excessively baggy or excessively tight clothing.
   
3. Hats.
   
4. Thermal tops worn as outer garments.
   
5. Undershirts worn as outer garments.
   
6. Jewelry other than wedding ring/engagement ring, religious medal or medical alert bracelet/necklace.
   

K.    Food

1. Vending machines are available in the Visiting Room. Only food items purchased from the vending machines are allowed in the visiting area.
   
2. Beverages are also available from the vending machines.
   

L.    Smoking Policy

Tobacco and tobacco products are contraband and are not allowed in the facility. Visitors are prohibited from smoking in the parking lot or on State Property.

M.    General Conduct

1. It is a felony in Massachusetts for any person to deliver any article whatsoever to an inmate without the permission of the Superintendent or Commissioner or their designees (or to procure an article to be delivered, to possess it with intent to deliver it, or to deposit or conceal it with intent that an inmate shall obtain it). It is also a felony for any person to receive from an inmate any article with intent to carry it out of the institution, unless the Superintendent or Commissioner or their designee give permission.
   
2. Adults are responsible for the supervision of all children in their care.
   
3. Visitors are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times.
   
4. Inmates and visitors must conduct themselves reasonably and not engage in physical contact with inmates that is excessive or inappropriate for a public place. Serious deviations from appropriate standards of behavior may result in administrative action, such as warning, termination of a visit, or suspension or loss of visiting privileges by the Superintendent.
   
5. Visitors and inmates are expected to keep their general area clean and orderly. All refuse is to be disposed of in proper containers.
   
6. No pets are allowed on visits. Seeing eye dogs shall be allowed for the visually handicapped.
   

N.    Special Restrictions

1. Visits are limited to two (2) adults and three (3) children (under 18) per inmate, per visiting period. (Exceptions may be considered with sufficient reason. Requests are to be made in writing to the Deputy Superintendent's office, via the Visiting Coordinator.
   
2. All children (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult.
   
3. Unless related by blood, marriage or adoption, children (under 18) must be approved by the Superintendent prior to visiting. Children/minors (under 18) who are related to the inmate must be accompanied by the parent or guardian who has physical custody. Otherwise the minor must demonstrate that they have the consent of a parent or guardian who has physical custody. Adults who are not the parent or guardian having physical custody must submit a completed minor consent form to the Superintendent of Pondville Correctional Center and obtain the Superintendent's approval prior to visiting with a minor. In addition, the adult must have the minor's birth certificate.
   
4. Ex-offenders shall be required to obtain the approval of the Superintendent prior to visiting. Normally such approval shall not be considered within six (6) months of release.
   
5. The Shift Commander reserves the right to limit the number or length of visits in the event of overcrowding or other restrictive circumstances.
   
6. Inmates who fail to report to a regularly scheduled work assignment may not be eligible for visits on the same day.
   
7. Inmates who have obtained a medical Special Order for bed rest shall not be eligible for visits on the same day.
   
8. Inmates are not allowed to visit during their scheduled work/program assignment.
   
9. Inmates are not allowed in the visiting room until they have been paged by the Control Desk or Visiting Officer.
   
10. Inmates are not allowed to meet visitors at the entrance to the facility or to escort visits from the visiting area when the visit has concluded.
    
11. Visitors must remain with the inmate they are visiting.
    
12. Inmates may not return to their room or go elsewhere within the building (except for use of the bathroom in the holding cell) while on visits without permission from staff.
    
13. The institution reserves the right to cancel any visiting period without prior notice due to emergencies, which may include inclement weather.
    

O.    Special Visits

1. Attorney Visits
   
   
   1. All attorney visits will be conducted during normal visiting hours, except where prior approval has been granted by the Superintendent or his/her designee. It is requested that attorney visits call at a minimum of one hour prior to visiting a client.
      
   2. Attorney visits shall occur in designated visiting areas to assure the confidentiality/privacy of the inmate-attorney contact. Designated attorney visit areas shall be as follows:
      
      
      1. During non-visiting hours the Visiting Room shall be utilized for attorney visits.
         
      2. During visiting hours, when a special request is made for a private meeting area with the attorney, reasonable accommodations shall be arranged by the Shift Commander.
         
         
   3. All attorneys requesting special visiting accommodations may be asked to provide appropriate credentials such as: Mass Bar Association Card, evidence of attorney intern status, or other documentation giving him/her attorney privileges.
      
      
2. Persons Coming from Long Distances
   
   
   1. Any person intending to visit, and who may have to travel a long distance, may request special permission from the Superintendent for an extended and/or alternate visiting period. Such requests shall be made at least two weeks prior to the intended visit.
      
      
3. Visits to Hospitalized Inmates
   
   
   1. Notwithstanding the general policy (PCC 483), the Superintendent of the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit, or of any reception/diagnostic center, may restrict visiting to family members, and attorneys and others visiting in a professional capacity.
      
      
   2. No one may visit an inmate temporarily confined in an outside hospital (other than the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital Correctional Unit, as noted above), without the prior approval of the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent or Shift Commander of Pondville Correctional Center, or of the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner.
      
      
4. Visits to Inmates in Disciplinary Status
   
   
   1. Unless otherwise stipulated by a disciplinary sanction (i.e., loss of visiting privileges, room restriction), inmates with pending disciplinary matters or appeals may continue to receive visits as usual.
      
      

P.    Contraband

1. Visitors shall not introduce, remove from State property, or otherwise have in their possession or property, any item of contraband including, but not limited to:
   
   - guns, knives or other weapons- controlled substances- alcohol- explosive or incendiary devices- tobacco products, packages, parcels or mail intended for the inmate which have not been inspected for contraband- any item not allowed for the possession or retention by inmates
   
   
2. Questions regarding any item which may be potentially classified as contraband shall be addressed to the Shift Commander. The Shift Commander's decision shall rule at the time of the question. Appeals may be directed to the Superintendent.
   
3. Violation of any State and/or Federal Law may result in criminal prosecution.
   

R. Barred Visits and Appeals

1. Violation of any rule or regulation governing visits at Pondville Correctional Center may result in refusal of visiting privileges, termination of visits and/or barrment from future visits.
   
2. The Shift Commander has the authority to restrict or suspend visiting privileges pending review and/or appeal to the Superintendent.
   
3. Barred visitors are restricted from entering any Department of Correction facility prior to reinstatement of their visiting privileges. Application for reinstatement may occur upon expiration of the period of barrment, unless reinstatement has previously been determined to be automatic. Application is made to the facility Superintendent where the inmate currently resides.
   
4. Barred visitors may seek a review of the barring, suspension or restrictions by the Superintendent by sending him/her a letter within fifteen (15) working days. The visitor's letter shall include a detailed narrative describing the incident and setting forth the reasons the visitor feels the bar, suspension or restriction should be lifted. The visitor may also request an informal meeting with the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Programs Available at This Facility

HIV/AIDS Education: Programming ranges from basic education and awareness to support groups for inmates who are HIV positive.  Instructors include vendor and Department staff, volunteers and inmates. This program is facilitated at Bay State Correctional Center, Boston Pre-release Center, MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, MCI Plymouth, MCI Shirley, North Central Correctional Institution, North Central Correctional Institution - Minimum Unit, Old Colony Correctional Center, Pondville Correctional Center and Souza Baranowski 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.

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.