Code of Massachusetts Regulations
103 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
Title 103 CMR 481.00 - Inmate Mail
Section 481.14 - Reading/Disapproval of Outgoing Non-privileged Mail/Publications/Excess Pages
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
It is the policy of the Massachusetts Department of Correction not to read or censor outgoing mail, except where necessary to protect legitimate governmental interests.
(1) The Superintendent may authorize the reading of outgoing non-privileged mail when in the Superintendent's opinion such action is necessary to prevent the transmission of materials and/or information which represents a threat to security, order, rehabilitation or to the public safety.
(2) For outgoing mail, such authorization may be granted when the Superintendent has received specific information that mail contains information which may jeopardize security, order, rehabilitation or the public safety. Ordinarily, such specific information shall indicate that the contents of the outgoing non-privileged mail fall as a whole or in significant part into any one of the following categories:
Where outgoing mail is read pursuant to 103 CMR 481.14, and prohibited information is found, the mail or relevant portion thereof may be confiscated or copied in the furtherance of an investigation. Notice of a confiscation shall be given to the inmate in accordance with 103 CMR 481.16.
(3) No employee may read outgoing non-privileged inmate mail, unless such reading is done in accordance with 103 CMR 481.14(1) and (2).
(4) Any employee reading inmate outgoing non-privileged mail pursuant to the Superintendent's authorization shall record such action in a log book maintained for such purpose.