VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES

Visiting Guidelines
Clergy Guidelines
Application for Clergy Approval

The Following guidelines are written for the Volunteer coming into this institution for Church services, Bible studies, and other Chaplain programs. The guidelines must be strictly adhered to by the volunteer in order to provide an efficient and well-functioning program.

BEFORE COMING INTO THE INSTITUTION

1. Before coming into the institution, all volunteers must complete in full and sign the Application for Volunteer Service, and the Release of Claims. A security check must be successfully completed for all volunteers prior to working with inmates.
2. Scheduled appointments should be kept, and promptness is a necessity due to the high number of community people working within the institution.
3. You must maintain a neat appearance. Dress relatively conservatively. Very often, your physical appearance will help establish a good working relationship with the inmate. Visitors must be properly attired, and footwear is required. In order to respect the visits of others, no see-thru blouses, low cut or string tee shirts, miniskirts, short shorts, etc. are to be worn.  MEN --- Clothing should be neat and clean. A coat and tie are not required, but long trousers, shoes, and a shirt with either short or long sleeves are required.  WOMEN --- A dress, skirt, or slacks with an appropriate top are required. Shorts and extremely short skirts (above mid-thigh) are not permitted. See through apparel, halter type tops, and obvious bralessness are not permitted under any circumstances. Shoes must be worn.
4. All vehicles must be locked at all times. Do not leave medication, possible weapons, tools, or implements for escape in your vehicle, even if not in view.
5. Do not bring anything into the institution for an inmate, no matter how harmless or trivial it may seem at the time. Many things appear harmless, but could also be considered as contraband for a particular reason. Contraband means anything that inmates should not have, such as food, chewing gum, candy, Life Savers, etc. If in doubt, ASK. It is advisable for you to adopt a policy of saying ‘NO’ to any request such as this. Items such as cigarettes, magazines, newspapers, books, etc. are NOT permitted to be brought into the institution by you. Inmates can purchase almost anything they may need at the institution commissary.
6. INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR PROPERTY MAY BE SUBJECT TO SEARCH UPON ENTERING AND/OR LEAVING THE INSTITUTION, AS WELL AS WITHIN THE INSTITUTION. Refusal to submit to this search will result in an immediate termination of the visit, as well as jeopardize future access to the institution.
7. ALL individuals working with inmates may be subjected to legal implications. Illegal acts, such as bringing in contraband, may result in criminal charges. All individuals are open to potential civil lawsuits, as well.
8. No smoking, food, or drink is permitted within the institution, unless prior permission is obtained.
9. ALL VOLUNTEERS are responsible for signing in and out at the INFORMATION window, located at the left side of the lobby.
10. No individual will be allowed access to the institution if he or she appears to be under the influence of any drug or alcoholic beverages.
11. Volunteers must produce identification showing age and address at the time of check-in, before access to the institution is allowed. One form of photo identification from a government agency or two forms of written identification is acceptable. FAILURE to produce proper ID at any visitation period will result in the visitor not being permitted in the prison visitation area. Any visitor using false or altered identification will be considered a security risk and will result in a loss of future visitation privileges. Volunteers must have this ID in their possession at all times.
12. All keys, purses, wallets, cameras, personal items, and money etc., are not permitted within the institution, and may be secured in lockers provided in the lobby area. The Prison assumes no liability for any personal property. However, it is strongly urged that all visitors come to the prison with only the minimum amount of items. ANY ITEMS LEFT IN THE PRISON LOCKERS, ON THE COAT RACKS, OR ELSEWHERE ARE LEFT AT THE VISITOR’S OWN RISK.
13. When coming in to conduct a service, bring only the necessities; ie. Bible, a plastic pen, paper, etc. (example: when bringing in a guitar, it may be in a case, but no extra strings). Musical instruments and other accessories of this nature must be pre-approved by the Chaplain before admittance.

 
WHILE IN THE INSTITUTION

ALL VISITORS ARE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS AND REQUESTS OF THE LANCASTER COUNTY PRISON SECURITY STAFF, WHILE ON PRISON PROPERTY. Failure to do so may result in a termination of visiting privileges and/or more serious consequences. This regulation is to be strictly observed as it exists for the orderly operation of the institution and the safety of all visitors and staff.

1. When being escorted to and from the designated meeting area, stay close to your escort, stay together as a group, do not wander around. Stay alert to what is happening around you.
2. Should you encounter someone from the K-9 unit, yield to them, DO NOT attempt to talk to or touch the dogs. They are trained to protect their handler and will bite.
3. Schedules must be adhered to, both beginning and ending times. PROMPTNESS IS A NECESSITY. If a service starts late, no matter what the reason, it does not mean it can run late.

LEAVING THE INSTITUTION

1. DO NOT TAKE ANYTHING OUT OF THE FACILITY FOR INMATES, no matter how trivial or innocent it may seem at the time. For instance, letters must be mailed from the institution, not from outside the facility. Inmates have mail boxes directly accessible to them, as well as telephones and other means to get messages or items to their families.
2. Be sure to turn in all issued keys and badges that have been issued to you.

REMEMBER: A visitation is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked when the privilege is abused. The residents look forward to your visits. Do not disappoint them by acting in a foolish manner, whereby your visiting privileges may be revoked.

Support For Prison Ministries
P.O. Box 134
Lititz, PA  17543-0134
(717) 625-0232
info@SupportForPrisonMinistries.org
 

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