Code of Massachusetts Regulations
103 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Title 103 CMR 131.00 - News Media Relations
Section 131.13 - Documentaries

(1) Representatives of the news media desiring to make documentary films or tape recordings must make said request to the director of public affairs, in writing, which will be evaluated by the director of communications and outreach. Such request for permission shall state the purpose of the documentary, the length of time that the filming or tape recording shall last, the type of activities to be filmed or tape recorded, and the person or persons to be interviewed. To expedite entrance procedures, news media representatives are encouraged to keep equipment needs to a minimum.

(2) The Commissioner, or a designee, may execute an agreement with the makers of the documentary setting forth the conditions (e.g., areas of access, time of day) for filming or tape recording the documentary.

(3) The superintendent of the correctional institution shall assign an employee to accompany the makers of the documentary to ensure that any inmate photographed in an identifiable manner, or whose voice has been recorded in such a way as to identify the inmate, has signed a consent form to appear in the film or be heard on tape. Additionally, the assigned employee shall ensure any staff photographed in an identifiable manner, or whose voice has been recorded in such a way as to identify him/her, has signed a consent form to appear in the film or be heard on tape.

(4) The Commissioner or a designee, and the maker of the documentary, shall be entitled to view the documentary before it is shown publicly to ensure that the agreement has been complied with, and that all required consent forms have been signed.