PURPOSE OF ORDER:
The purpose of this order is to establish procedures that will ensure inmates at the Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF) are afforded their right to practice their religious beliefs while under the care and supervision of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
SCOPE OF ORDER:
This order shall apply to all personnel assigned to, on loan to, or working in any capacity at CRDF.
ORDER:
Departmental personnel shall follow a policy of neutrality with respect to religious matters, neither advancing nor impeding religion and practice or belief. Religious services are offered to inmates on a voluntary basis and shall not interfere or take place of the inmate’s out-of-cell time. The operations sergeant or designee shall act as a liaison between the chaplains and CRDF.
Religious Worship Services
Religious services are conducted by various ministries. Ministries desiring to conduct services at CRDF must have schedules coordinated and approved by the Office of Religious and Volunteer Services (RVS). Catholic and non-denominational services will be conducted throughout the week as indicated on the master schedule. Services may be conducted in the classroom, or any outdoor recreation area located in the housing area. Services involving a consolidation of modules or housing areas is prohibited.
Handling of Religious Headwear and Articles
Refer to CDM section 5-13/100.05 for additional information regarding approved
religious headwear and articles.
Confession
Inmates at CRDF will be afforded the opportunity to have confession. Inmates wishing to have confession shall fill out an Inmate Request Form. Confession will take place inside the module, or other identified area approved by custody personnel.
Communion
Inmates at CRDF will be afforded the opportunity to receive communion. Communion will be offered to inmates on Sundays immediately following worship services.
Other Services Provided
Chaplains may provide inmates with:
• counseling
• reading materials
• bible study
• death notifications
Inmates wishing to meet with a chaplain shall complete an Inmate Request Form.
Distribution of religious articles
Chaplains may distribute Bibles and religious literature obtained directly from the publishers. Religious literature or material shall not be brought in from friends or relatives of inmates. Any items which may constitute a security problem such as posters, stickers, or any item which may be controversial, agitating, or which may cause a security hazard to any portion of the inmate population, is prohibited.
Chaplains shall not accept personal or health care items for distribution to inmates. This applies to any item including but not limited to eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc. Inmates in need of these items shall be referred to Correctional Health Services (CHS).
Rosaries
Chaplains may distribute rosaries to inmates housed at CRDF; however, they must be made from a cotton material which is considered a “break-away” material to prevent it from being used as a weapon. Inmates may wear the rosary during prayer time; however, they cannot wear it around their neck at any other time.
Religious Volunteer Entry Procedures
Religious volunteers shall be granted access to CRDF inmates for the purpose of assisting full-time facility chaplain personnel in providing pre-scheduled religious services.
All volunteers must be screened and approved by RVS prior to entry.
The Main Control deputy shall ensure all religious volunteers entering CRDF appear on the custody division list of approved volunteers. Only those volunteers appearing on the current edition of the approved list shall be allowed entry into the facility. Persons requesting access who do not appear on the approved list, shall be denied entry, and directed to contact RVS.
When volunteers arrive at the main control sallyport, they shall exchange their identification for a non-escort or escort pass. The Main Control deputy shall log the volunteer on the facility entry and exit log. After services have been conducted, the volunteers shall exchange their pass for their identification at the Main Control sallyport.
Religious volunteers shall enter and exit in one group and shall be escorted by the CRDF chaplains. The religious volunteers shall not make physical contact with inmates or give the inmates any items without prior approval by the on-duty watch commander. Volunteers who are disruptive or fail to follow established security regulations, shall be asked to leave immediately. The tower supervising line deputy, the tower sergeant, and the watch commander shall be notified immediately, and written notification shall be directed to the operations sergeant.
Regulations
All chaplains shall follow the instructions of uniformed personnel. Improper behavior by a chaplain shall be reported to the tower supervising line deputy, the tower sergeant, and the watch commander. Written notification shall be made to the operations
sergeant.
Chaplains must always wear a security pass while inside the facility. Chaplains entering the facility may only carry packages and articles which are necessary to perform their ministerial services. All articles, packages, and personnel are subject to search at any time.
Revised 10/04/22
Revised 08/14/18