3-14/025.00 - Communicating with Persons in Custody



Section 4570 P.C. provides, in part: "Every person who, without the permission of the officer in charge of any jail who communicates with any prisoner or person detained therein is guilty of a misdemeanor."

Inmates shall not be allowed to communicate, with anyone, except the attorney representing them or others who are conducting court business. If the court so orders, permission shall be granted to attorneys to confer in private with their clients if facilities are available which provide prisoner security. No other person shall be allowed to visit an inmate in a court facility except on direct orders of the judge.

No property, money, or any other items shall pass between any person and an inmate. Persons wishing to give money or property to an inmate shall be referred to the county jail facility in which the inmate will be held. Exceptions to this rule are prescription eyeglasses and clothing for jury trial.

Refer to CSDM, 3-14/065.05 - Prescription Eyeglasses and 3-14/065.00 - Clothing Exchange;  for policy and procedures to be followed regarding these two items).

No items shall be passed to an inmate, not even by an attorney, (a public defender or private counsel), without permission from the judicial officer. If the judicial officer orders that an inmate receives any other item, except legal paperwork, eyeglasses or clothing contact your branch supervisor. If the judicial officer orders an item to be given to an inmate, the item shall be thoroughly inspected for contraband, while still maintaining the inmate’s right to privacy.

If the judicial officer orders the inmate to receive any legal paperwork, you must inspect all documents for paperclips, staples or any other paraphernalia prohibited to in-custody defendants, while still maintaining the inmate’s right to privacy. The attorney or judge should redact any victim or witness information out of the paperwork.