Howard County Department of Corrections
VOLUNTEER/OUTSIDE AGENCY STAFF HANDBOOK
(April 2001 version – reformatted, but same content -- click here to download a 20 KB file of this document)

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Corrections is to protect the citizens of Howard County by providing a secure facility for legally confined persons; to provide for the safety of inmates and staff while maintaining a humane living and working environment; to provide a range of inmate services through medical and treatment programs; and to comply with all State of Maryland mandated standards.

Historical Overview

Howard County’s original jail, in Ellicott City, opened in 1878. The Emory Street Jail was built to accommodate 12 inmates. In 1975, the Division of Corrections was established under former County Executive Edward Cochran. Gerald H. McClellan was appointed as the division’s first Director of Corrections. Several years later, the Division of Corrections was established as a Department.
Due to overcrowding conditions and an antiquated facility, the Department of Corrections sought and received funding for the construction of a new detention center. The Howard County Detention Center, in Jessup, opened in 1983 with a rated capacity of 108 inmates. The new facility opened with 63 inmates; within five years, the inmate population had greatly exceeded its rated capacity. The Department of Corrections again sought and obtained funding for the expansion of the detention center. The expansion was completed in 1994 with a rated capacity of 361 inmates.

Organization

It is important for you to understand the management structure of the Howard County Detention Center. Generally, you will be reporting to and receiving guidance from the Programs Supervisor. Religious volunteers are supervised directly by the Chaplain, who coordinates religious activities with the Programs Supervisor. Regardless of who you are supervised by, you must follow the instructions of the security staff, as security and safety are the primary purposes of a correctional facility.
The Director of Corrections is the chief appointed official for the Department of Corrections. The Director is responsible for the management, supervision, and operation of the Detention Center. Reporting directly to the Director are the Security Supervisor and Programs Supervisor. The Security Supervisor is responsible for maintaining the overall security and control of the Detention Center, ensuring a safe and secure facility for inmates, staff and visitors. Correctional Captains report to the Security Supervisor and serve as Shift Supervisors. The Programs Supervisor is responsible for the overall operation and supervision of all programming areas which include: Administrative Records, Classification, Community Programs, Dietary Department, Medical Services, Educational Services, Volunteer Programs and Grant Development.

Volunteer/Outside Agency Staff Registration Process

All persons who are interested in volunteering in one of the many volunteer programs or providing services from an outside agency must be screened prior to being approved for admittance into the Detention Center. The screening process includes:

• completion of an application
• interview when applicable
• criminal history check
   

Orientation

The Programs Supervisor is responsible ensuring the orientation for all volunteers and staff assigned from an outside agency. Orientation is mandatory for all applicants. The orientation process consists of the following:

• an overview of the mission and operations of the Howard County Department of Corrections
• review of the volunteer rules and regulations
• review of departmental policies and emergency procedures
   

Upon completion of screening and orientation, a photo identification card will be issued to you. You are responsible for safeguarding this ID card.

Facility Access for Volunteer/Outside Agency Staff

In order to gain access to the secure confines of the detention center, you must:

• report to the Upper Control Center
• properly display your ID card
• be on the program schedule
• register into the facility
• proceed directly to your program location

Search Policy

All persons and property are subject to search prior to entering the secure confines of the facility. Coats should not be worn into the facility, bring only those items approved for the program. You are encourage to utilize the lockers provided in the lobby for your personal property. Individuals are required to successfully pass through a metal detector. In the event an audible alarm is produced by the walk-through metal detector, security staff will scan the individual with a hand-held detector or "scanner". While in the facility, all volunteers and guests are subject to search. Please cooperate with the security staff in this matter. Do not be insulted or offended if you or your possessions are screened, as this is a routine security procedure. Anyone suspected of bringing contraband into the facility shall be denied admittance.
Package(s), bag(s), parcel(s) and/or container(s) being carried into and/or out of the secure area of the facility shall be opened and examined by security staff. After examination, the item(s) will also be placed through the x-ray security screening device.

Contraband

Contraband is any item, material, substance, or other thing that is not authorized by the Director for employee or inmate possession and is brought into the Detention Center in a manner prohibited by the Director.
Smoking is strictly prohibited within the facility. All smoking products are considered contraband, to include matches and lighters. Please do not bring any smoking products into the facility.
 

Emergency Situations

Hostage Situation

In a hostage situation, do exactly as ordered by security staff. Security staff may be unable to recognize you as a volunteer. If you are taken hostage remember the following basic survival suggestions. Do not be a hero. Do not intervene in negotiations. Do not speak to the hostage takers unless they speak to you. Do not argue with the hostage takers.

Fire

At the first sign of fire, contact the nearest staff member. Remain calm, do not panic. Staff are trained in fire prevention, suppression, and evacuation. The facility is equipped with smoke and heat detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency lights and exits.
Should a fire emergency require evacuation, you will be instructed and assisted by staff. All exits are distinctly marked, illuminated and free of obstacles. Drawings of evacuation routes are posted as follows:
Control Centers
Administrative Area
Kitchen
Intake Area
Chapel
Each Housing Unit/Corridor

Contact with Bodily Fluids

As a volunteer, your involvement with inmates should be non-threatening. However, should you come in contact with an inmate’s bodily fluids, wash the exposed area immediately with soap and water, and report the incident immediately to the Shift Supervisor for appropriate referral and treatment.

Unforeseen Emergencies

In the event of an unforeseen emergency, continue with your program if possible, and wait for further instruction from staff.

Rules and Regulations for Volunteers

All volunteers and guest speakers must observe the following rules and regulations:
Volunteers should attend programs as scheduled or provide 24-hour notification of cancellation to the Programs Supervisor.

Volunteers are to register with the Upper Control Officer immediately upon entering the facility. Volunteers should be patient when asked to wait as security operations must take precedence.

Volunteers are to terminate their programs at the scheduled time and promptly leave the facility.

The Department reserves the right to cancel scheduled activities at any time without notice.

Volunteers are responsible for their personal belongings and equipment while in the facility.

All information regarding the Department of Corrections operations and inmates is confidential and may not be disclosed.

All persons entering the facility are subject to search and their possessions will be searched.

Volunteers are to notify the Programs Supervisor immediately if any relative or friend is incarcerated in the facility.

Volunteers must never bring another person into the facility unless the individual is an approved guest speaker.

The Programs Supervisor is to be notified of any changes to the information provided on the volunteer’s application. Under no circumstances is anything to be brought into or taken out of the facility for an inmate without the prior approval of the Programs Supervisor.

Under no circumstances are written or verbal messages to be carried into or out of the facility for an inmate.

Any and all inappropriate physical contact with an inmate is strictly prohibited.

Sexual misconduct which includes, but is not limited to, acts or attempts to commit acts such as sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual contact, obscenity, unreasonable and unnecessary invasion of privacy, behavior of sexual nature or implication, and conversations or correspondence suggesting a romantic or sexual relationship is strictly prohibited.

Volunteers should not enter the inmate housing units.

Instructions provided by staff are to be promptly followed without argument with the staff.

Volunteers must stop their activities and immediately leave the facility if directed to do so by security staff.

Volunteers may be terminated at any time without prior notification for the violation of any rule or regulation or any conduct that poses a security threat or for any or no reason.

Confidentiality

All information regarding the Department of Corrections operations and inmates is considered confidential and may not be disclosed. If an inmate or their attorney request that your prepare a report on the inmate’s program participation or progress for presentation in court, you should discuss the request with the Program Supervisor prior to responding.

Dress Code

Appropriate dress is required at all times. Casual business clothing is the most appropriate attire. Volunteers wearing provocative or revealing clothing will be denied entry to the facility.

Termination

The Programs Supervisor or Chaplain are to be notified immediately and all issued items and equipment are to be turned in when you terminate your services to the Howard County Detention Center.