Negotiable instruments must contain the inmate s name and register number. Inmates may have contact visits with family, friends, and attorneys except in the highest-security prisons. Visiting hours vary from institution to institution. Inmates can make telephone calls. Except for pre-arranged calls to an attorney, all calls are recorded and are subject to monitoring by staff.
Inmates have liberal mail privileges.
Staff inspect general mail for contraband and randomly read incoming mail for general security purposes. Under special limited circumstances, inmates who meet strict requirements are allowed temporary releases from the institution through furloughs and staff-escorted trips. A furlough allows inmates to be in the community without a staff escort. There are several purposes for furloughs, including allowing inmates to be present during a family crisis, re-establish family and community ties, and participate in certain activities to help their transition before release. The Release Preparation Program includes classes in areas such as resume writing, job seeking, and job retention.