Once it has been announced but before it can be implemented, interested parties may request and DOC will be obliged to schedule a public hearing on it. The clear implication from these communications and many others similarly worded is that the DOC has already made a decision without public input. They may indeed hold a hearing but it would be of little meaning if the decision has been made before the hearing is even held. Agencies of a democratic government are supposed to hold meaningful hearings to gather relevant input before decisions are made, not after. The policy is designed to promote safety and security in prisons that house Death Row inmates.
Current policy allows inmates and their visitors to congregate in a common visitation area.
This creates a potentially risky situation. The proposed policy will promote safety and security by helping prevent the introduction of contraband to Death Row inmates that may prove harmful to themselves, other inmates, prison staff and the public. It will also help prevent a hostage situation from occurring. We cannot and will not wait for an incident to take place before changing the policy that may lead to such an incident. Furthermore, the policy is not designed or intended to punish or antagonize inmates, their families or their visitors.