Local and Regional Jails - Frequently Asked Questions
Often family and friends of inmates incarcerated in local jails call the Department of Corrections to express concern about specific jail operations, to request information about an inmates' release date or to inquire as to when the inmate will be transferred to the Department of Corrections. These inquiries are referred to the Compliance & Accreditation Unit, which serves as the Department's liaison with local jails. Although the Department of Corrections has no authority over many of the issues presented, we try to provide some general guidance.
One thing to keep in mind is that even though an inmate may have been sentenced to "state time", as long as they are in a jail, they are governed by the policies and procedures of the jail, not DOC policy.
Transfer to the DOC - Intake into the DOC is determined by the Department's Offender Management Services Unit's Intake Section. (see Inmate Intake and Classification)
Jail Issues
Complaints Against Jail Staff - The Department has no authority over the behavior of jail employees. Concerns of this nature should be addressed to the Sheriff or Superintendent of the specific jail
Release Dates - The Department's Offender Management Services Unit's Court & Legal Section is responsible for computing time for all state responsible inmates. (see Inmate Intake and Classification)
Jail Issues
Jail Grievances - The highest level to which a jail grievance can be advanced is to the Sheriff or Superintendent of the jail. The Department of Corrections has no authority to intervene in this process.
Jail Living Conditions- Most concerns related to the living conditions in a jail can only be responded to by the specific jail. However, there are several Board of Corrections Standards that regulate certain living conditions and Local Facilities staff in the Compliance & Accreditation Unit are available to explain those standards
Jail Issues
Medical Treatment - The Department of Corrections has no authority over jail medical personnel or quality of medical treatment provided to inmates. If someone is dissatisfied with treatment provided they should contact the Sheriff or Superintendent. Inmates can also make a request to jail personnel to see their personal physician. If this option is granted by the jail, the inmate will be required to pay the entire cost of treatment and may be charged a transportation fee to an outside medical appointment.
Work Release - The Department's Offender Management Services Unit's Classification Section and Compliance & Accreditation Unit's Local Facilities Section coordinate work release approvals and placements (see Work Release)
Jail Issues
Death Bed/Funeral Visits - Permission for a jail inmate to attend a funeral or to visit a dying relative must be obtained from the jail, not the Department of Corrections. It is general practice that the family must bear the cost of providing security and transportation of the inmate for this purpose. Specific details may be obtained from individual jails.