W. Va. Code R. § 95-3-32 - Communication, Mail and Visitation

32.1. Inmate Correspondence. Written policy and procedure shall govern inmate correspondence; they shall be available to all staff and inmates, reviewed annually and updated as needed.

32.2. Inspection. Inmate letters, both incoming and outgoing may be opened and inspected for contraband, but may not be censored. The letters may not be read or rejected except where there is reliable information that there is a threat to order and security or that they are being used in the furtherance of illegal activity. Inmates shall be notified when incoming or outgoing letters are rejected.

32.3. Cash. Procedure shall provide for the inspection of inmate letters to intercept cash, checks, money orders and contraband. A receipt shall be given the addressee.

32.4. Sealed Letters. Inmates shall be permitted to send sealed letters to a specified class or persons and organizations, including, but not limited to: courts, counsel, officials of the confining authority, government officials, administrators of grievance systems, news media and members of the parole authority. Mail to inmates from this specified class of persons and organizations may be opened only to inspect for contraband and only in the presence of the inmate.

32.5. Telephone Access. Residents shall be afforded the right to reasonable telephone access.

32.6. Visitor Registration. Visitor registration upon entry into the facility shall be required. All circumstances under which visitors may be searched shall be in written policy.

32.7. Posting. A schedule of visitation and visitation policy shall be posted.

32.8. Searches. Inmates may be searched prior and subsequent to visitation. Visitors may be subject to nonintrusive personal searches.

32.9. Privacy. There shall be no monitoring of conversation between inmates and visitors.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 95-3-32