Connecticut Administrative Code
Title 18 - Correctional Institutions and Department of Correction
81 - Department Organization and its General Course of Method and Operation
Inmate Communications
Section 18-81-31 - Outgoing general correspondence

Universal Citation: CT Reg of State Agencies 18-81-31

Current through September 9, 2024

(a) Review, Inspection and Rejection. All outgoing general correspondence shall be subject to being read at the direction of the Unit Administrator, by person(s) designated in writing by such Administrator, for either a specific inmate(s) or on a random basis if the Commissioner or Unit Administrator has reason to believe that such reading is generally necessary to further the substantial interests of security, order or rehabilitation. Outgoing general correspondence may be restricted, confiscated, returned to the inmate, retained for further investigation, referred for disciplinary proceedings or forwarded to law enforcement officials, if such review discloses correspondence or materials which contain or concern:

(1) The transport of contraband in or out of the facility.

(2) Plans to escape.

(3) Plans for activities in violation of facility or departmental rules.

(4) Plans for criminal activity.

(5) Violations of Sections 18-81-28 through 18-81-51, inclusive, of the Regulations of the Connecticut State Agencies or unit rules.

(6) Information which if communicated would create a clear and present danger of violence and physical harm to a human being.

(7) Letters or materials written in code.

(8) Mail which attempts to forward unauthorized correspondence for another inmate.

(9) Threats to the safety or security of staff, other inmates or the public. The initial decision to take action provided for in this Subsection except to read, which shall be at the discretion of the Unit Administrator, shall be made by the designee of the Unit Administrator. Such designee shall not be the same person who made the initial mailroom review.

(b) Notice of Rejection. In the event that the designee of the Unit Administrator determines that outgoing general correspondence shall not be sent as provided for above in Subsection (a) of this Section, the inmate sender shall be notified in writing of the correspondence rejection and the reason therefor. The inmate may seek review in writing within five (5) days thereafter from the Unit Administrator. The Unit Administrator shall notify the inmate of the final decision and the reason therefor in writing. In the event such rejection results in referral for prosecution or investigation for violation of unit or department rules or of the criminal law, the notice of rejection may be delayed until the appropriate investigation is completed.

(c) Limitations on Restrictions. Any restrictions imposed on outgoing general correspondence shall be unrelated to the suppression of expression and may not be restricted solely based on unwelcome or unflattering opinions or factually inaccurate statements.

(d) Procedure for Mailing. Outgoing general correspondence shall be inserted into the envelope and sealed by the inmate but shall be subject to inspection, review and rejection subject to the provisions of Sections 18-81-28 through 18-81-51, inclusive, of the Regulations of the Connecticut State Agencies as set forth in Subsection (a) of this Section. All outgoing general correspondence shall include:

(1) A complete legible name and address of the party the correspondence is being sent to.

(2) The inmate's complete legible name, inmate number, and present unit address.

(3) The name under which the inmate was committed to the facility or another name approved for official recognition. Correspondence which fails to include this information shall be returned, if reasonably practicable, to the inmate.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Connecticut may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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