Ohio Administrative Code › Title 5120 - Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections - Administration and Director › Chapter 5120-9 - Use of Force; Institutional Rules › Section 5120-9-25 - Appearance and grooming of male inmates

Current through all regulations passed and filed through July 1, 2024
(A) Inmates shall be required to be neat and
			 well groomed, and otherwise conform their appearance to the standards set forth
			 in this rule. Inmates refusing to do so may be subject to force and/or
			 appropriate disciplinary action consistent with this rule. Inmates may purchase
			 personal hygiene items, including shaving materials, deodorant, toothpaste,
			 toothbrushes, soap and towels through the commissary. The institution may issue
			 these items without charge or on credit if the inmate is indigent.
(B) Toilet facilities and toilet paper shall
			 be available to all inmates. The institution shall have authority to place
			 limitations on such facilities when necessary for safety or security.
(C) Inmates shall have the opportunity to
			 shower no less than five times weekly.
Inmates must be given a reasonable length of time under the
				shower to be able to soap and clean themselves properly.
(D) Haircuts shall be provided as needed.
			 Hair shall be kept clean. Hair must, at all times, remain readily and
			 thoroughly searchable for contraband. Hair that is in such condition that it
			 cannot be readily and thoroughly searched is prohibited and shall be subject to
			 forced cutting as provided in paragraph (I) of this rule. For purposes of this
			 rule, "searchable" shall mean that it can be determined, through ordinary
			 search procedures, whether the inmate's hair contains contraband. Ordinary
			 search procedures include, but are not limited to, passing a hand-held metal
			 detector over the inmate's hair and scalp to determine whether any metal
			 objects are present and/ or directing the inmate to turn
			 their head
			 upside-down and run their fingers vigorously through
			 their
			 hair.
Braids and 
									locks may be worn subject to the limitations of
				this rule and provided that the thickness of each individual braid or
				
									lock does not exceed one-half inch. The following
				hairstyles or facial hair are not permitted: initials, symbols, dyes, multiple
				parts, hair disproportionately longer in one area than another (excluding
				natural baldness) and weaves. Other hairstyles not specifically listed herein
				may be prohibited if they are determined to be either a threat to security or
				contrary to other legitimate penological concerns, as determined by the
				director's designee. The managing officer may impose restrictions or authorize
				exemptions to these prohibitions for documented medical or mental health
				reasons, in conjunction with medical or mental health treatment, or to
				accommodate a sincerely held religious belief.
(E) In the interest of security or proper
			 enforcement of department rules, hair may be searched or checked for compliance
			 with this rule at any time.
(F)
			 Sideburns, beards, and moustaches must be clean and neatly trimmed.
(G) A new photo shall be taken whenever in
			 the judgment of the managing officer or designee any significant change in
			 physical appearance has taken place. Rephotographing shall be at the inmate's
			 expense if the change in appearance is occasioned by grooming
			 changes.
(H) A reception inmate may
			 receive a haircut, if necessary, for reasons of sanitation or as otherwise
			 permitted by this rule.
(I) Forced
			 haircuts shall only be given if the inmate has not been given an exemption from
			 the grooming restrictions set forth in paragraph (D) of this rule, the inmate
			 has been given an order to cut 
								their hair, has disobeyed the order, has been
			 issued a conduct report and the rules infraction board determines that the
			 hairstyle is contrary to this rule. All reception inmates shall receive a
			 haircut before an institution picture is taken, if necessary to bring the
			 inmate in compliance with this rule. In the interest of maintaining security
			 and sanitary conditions, unless the inmate is asserting a sincerely held
			 religious belief as a condition of the inmate's hair, forced haircuts may also
			 be issued to reception inmates without a conduct report or rules infraction
			 board approval. A log shall be maintained denoting all forced haircuts in
			 reception facilities and other institutions. The log shall include the date,
			 the inmate's name, number, race, the circumstances, and the employee
			 authorizing the forced haircut. The institution must also comply with all
			 required procedures regarding the use of force. Inmates shall conform their
			 appearance to the standards set forth in this rule. Inmates refusing to do so
			 shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include
			 requiring an inmate's hair to be cut or trimmed against
			 their
			 will.
(J) The rules infraction
			 board may indefinitely restrict the style or length of hair of any inmate who
			 is convicted of concealing contraband in, or other misuse of,
			  hair or facial hair or is
			 administratively convicted of escape-related misconduct or
			 of criminal activity.
(K)
								
								Inmates
			 are permitted to wear earrings. Hoop and stud earrings are not to exceed
			 one-half inch in diameter. Dangle type (those that hang from or attach to a
			 post or wire) are not to extend more than one-fourth inch below the bottom of
			 the ear lobe. Earrings are not to be worn on any part of the body, except the
			 ears. A maximum of two pairs of earrings may be worn at one
			 time.
(L) Inmates performing
			 work assignments which may reasonably be determined to include safety hazards
			 or sanitary concerns may be required to wear appropriate protective equipment,
			 such as hats, hair nets, etc.
(M)
			 Inmates are not permitted to  cut another inmate's hair,
			 , except in an authorized program or by inmates who have been
			 authorized by the institution to perform such duties. Hair clippings shall be
			 considered contraband and may not be retained by any inmate.
(N) Institutions may require inmates to cut
			 their fingernails and toenails. Fingernails and toenails shall not extend
			 beyond the tips of the fingers or toes.
(O) Inmates must be neatly and fully dressed
			 at all times when outside their living area in the uniform of the day or
			 appropriate attire as established by the institution.
(P)
								Inmates may wear
			 a reasonable amount of make-up. Eyeliner should not exceed the eyebrow area.
			 Staff may require an inmate to remove make-up if, in the judgement of a
			 supervisor, any signifcant change in physical appearance has taken
			 place.