SOP 206.01: Offender Personal Property Standards

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 1 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

I. Introduction and Summary:

Offenders may possess only specifically authorized quantities and types of personal
and state issued property items. All personal and issued property shall also be limited
to quantities which can be neatly and safely stored in the offender's locker or storage
area, so long as the property does not pose a fire, sanitation, security, or housekeeping
problem.

II. Authority:

A. Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Board Rules: 125-2-3-.04(7), 125-2-4
.06, 125-2-4-.17(e), 125-3-1-.06(e) 3, 125-3-2-.04(d), 125-3-3-.04, 125-3-4-.10,
125-4-6-.03, and 125-4-6-.05;

B. GDC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): 407.02, Inmate Trust Account;

407.02, Inmate Store Account Guidelines; 227.05, Offender Visitation; 226.02,
Entry Security Procedures; 227.06, Offender Mail; 206.02, Management of
Offender Property or Contraband; 209.07, Segregation - Tier I: Disciplinary,
Protective Custody and Transient Housing; 209.08, Administrative Segregation Tier II; 209.09, Special Management Unit – Tier III; 209.03, Disciplinary
Isolation; 106.09, Marriage Procedures; 227.04, Offender and Staff
Communications; 406.19, Offender Financial Transactions and Business
Activities; 208.06, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA); and 204.10, Offender
use of the Goal Device and J-Pay Kiosk; and

C. ACA Standards: 4-4164, 4-4292, 4-4293, 4-4294, and 4-4494

III. Definitions:

A. Offender Property - Articles of value in the possession of an offender, acquired

through authorized methods.

B. Authorized Methods of Acquiring Offender Property -

1. Property in the offender's possession upon arrival into GDC custody may

become authorized personal property if it meets the requirements of this
procedure.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 2 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

2. The institution may issue state property or specially approved medical or health

devices to the offender.

3. The offender may purchase property directly or by order through the

institution's offender commissary.

4. The offender may receive items from the GDC approved vendor(s) in

accordance with this procedure.

5. The offender may receive books, magazines, and newspapers through the mail

in accordance with this procedure.

C. Contraband - Property items which are not explicitly authorized for possession;

which were acquired through unauthorized means; which exceed personal property
limitations on value or amount; which cannot be maintained in a neat and safe
manner; or which present a fire, sanitation, security, or housekeeping problem.

D. Nuisance Contraband - Any item or article which may be or may have been

previously authorized for possession but which now is prohibited because of
excessive quantities or otherwise presents a fire, sanitation, security or
housekeeping problem.

E. Offender Property Inventory - The official inventory of an offender's personal

and authorized issue property.

F. Offender Personal Property - Only those items purchased by the offender in the

commissary or authorized to be received through GDC approved vendor(s), or
authorized upon arrival into GDC custody.

G. State Issued Property - Items issued by GDC to the offender for use while

incarcerated. Items remain property of state even in possession of offender.

H. Property Limitation - Limitations placed on the amount, type, size or value of

item(s) of property.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 3 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

I. Commissary Items - Items available for purchase from the offender commissary.

J. Georgia Offender Alternative Learning Device (GOAL Device): An electronic

mobile device used by offenders for educational purposes, sending and receiving
email messages, ordering store items, filing grievances, and purchasing
entertainment. This device is also known as a J-Pay tablet.

IV. Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:

A. Overview: Together, the "Offender Authorized Personal Property Items" list, the

Master Products List, the GDC Authorized Vendor’s Order Form, and an
offender's "Initial Offender Personal Property Inventory" (Form PI-1176 or
discontinued variants) constitute the total set of items authorized for offender
possession. Many consumable items appear on the Master Products List and the
GDC authorized Vendor’s Order Form but not on the property list, The Offender
Authorized Personal Property list is not an exhaustive list. The Master Products
List can be accessed by following the link:
[http://captiva.dcor.state.ga.us/pdf/MPL.pdf](http://captiva.dcor.state.ga.us/pdf/MPL.pdf)

1. Items that are State Issued Items only and quantities allowed are noted next to

an item on the Male and Female Offender Authorized Personal Property Items
lists (also herein referred to as the "Property List"). The offender may choose
to obtain personal property versions of a particular item that is issued by the
state, unless the Property List explicitly indicates the item is "state issue only."
If the offender obtains a personal item that is also issued by the state, the
institution shall recover excess state issue items until the total amount of state
issue and personal items meet the limit indicated on the Property List for that
item.

2. General Property Limits: Where no specific amount limitation is indicated

below, on Attachment 1, Male Offender Authorized Personal Property Items
or on Attachment 3, Female Offender Authorized Personal Property, items may
not be accumulated to the point they become fire, sanitation, security, or
housekeeping problems.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 4 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

Tier II and Tier III Program offenders shall be limited to the amount of property
or commissary items allowed per Attachment 4, Tier II Program Handout, SOP
209.08, Administrative Segregation -Tier II and 209.09, Special Management
Unit –Tier III.

Tier I Program offenders’ property limitations shall be governed by 209.03,
Disciplinary Isolation, if offenders are housed there for disciplinary reasons.
Otherwise, when offenders are placed in Tier I for Segregation an offender
shall normally be assigned all of their personal property, contingent upon the
security needs of the unit. The Warden/Superintendent at individual
institutions shall determine and limit the quantity of personal property items
and commissary or exclude specific items, depending on the security needs of
the unit and the sanitation and fire safety requirements of that facilities
Segregation Unit.

An offender’s ability to receive property or Commissary Items due to
disciplinary loss of privilege shall be verified. If offenders are on restriction,
the specific sanction (package, store, etc.) shall be entered into SCRIBE during
the Disciplinary process. For Tier II offenders, “SecurePak Restriction-Tier
Program” sanction shall be entered in the Security Profiles Section of SCRIBE
for each restricted offender.

All items found in an offender's possession which are not authorized by this
SOP shall be considered Contraband. Authorized items found in excessive
amounts shall be considered Nuisance Contraband. In both cases, the items
shall be confiscated in accordance with SOP 206.02, Management of Offender
Property or Contraband.

3. Legal Materials: Offenders shall be allowed to maintain legal materials so long

as the quantity of such materials (combined with other property held in their
possession) does not create a fire, sanitation, security, or housekeeping
problem.

4. Religious or Education Materials: Offenders shall be allowed to maintain a

Bible, Koran or other sacred text, religious literature, non-legal books and

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 5 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

study materials in their possession. The quantity of such materials (combined
with other property held) must remain within the limits described below, and
it must not create a fire, sanitation, security or housekeeping problem.

5. Personal Letters, Magazines, Books, and Newspapers:

a. Offenders may keep personal letters, clippings, etc., provided they fit into

one 10" x 13" manila envelope, so that the envelope can be closed properly.

b. Offenders may keep any combination of magazines, books, and

newspapers in their personal possession; up to eight (8) total items
(religious books are included in the total number). All magazines,
newspapers, and books shall come direct from the publisher or a dealer.
Any exception shall be approved by the Warden/Superintendent. Books,
magazines, and newspapers do not count as packages and crossword
puzzles and word games do not count as books. They count as games.

c. Offenders must have prior approval before ordering books. Attachment 2,

Request/Authorization to Receive Book, Magazines, and Newspapers,
shall be utilized. The form shall be maintained by the designated staff until
the literature is received. Books, magazines, and newspapers received shall
be the same as those that have been listed on the form. Staff shall note on
the utilized form which approved items were received and a copy shall be
placed in the offender’s file. This procedure shall allow an on-going record
of items the offender receives so that the offender does not exceed the
property limits. Offenders shall be required to present proper identification
and sign for all literature when it is received.

6. Portable Music Devices and GOAL Devices: GOAL Devices are provided by

GDC and are not the personal property of the offender. It is a privilege and not
a right to be given a GOAL Device. An offender may possess a GOAL Device
and one other Portable Music Device. An offender may not possess or own
more than one (1) music device at any time. All portable music devices shall
be engraved with the offender's GDC ID number and name prior to being
issued to the offender. GOAL Devices do not need to be engraved. Engraving
will damage this device and the name of the offender and GDC ID number is

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 6 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

displayed on the screen of the device. Proof of ownership may be required
wherever there is a dispute over ownership of a particular item. Portable Music
Devices may be excluded as an Offender Personal Property item in situations
where central music systems are available. Offenders may not alter or modify
Portable Music Devices or GOAL Device in any way. Institutional staff may
remove power cords from Portable Music Devices, if appropriate. Portable
Music Devices with power cords removed shall not become Contraband
merely because the offender was transferred. Refer to SOP 204.10, Offender
Use of the GOAL Device and J-Pay Kiosk, for management of the device,
offender release procedures, and sex offender usage of the Device.

a. Size: Any size sold in the Offender Commissary or by an approved vendor

is appropriate or that which is provided by GDC;

b. Characteristics: 1) Combination AM/FM Radio with/Cassette Player or

Compact Disc Player (not separate radio and tape player or separate radio
and Compact Disc Player) and GOAL Device; 2) Headphones only (no
external speaker); 3) No recording capability. Only authorized music and
data may be downloaded to the GOAL Device; 4) May have a belt clip. 5)
The GOAL Device may have a USB cord and a power cord;

c. The only authorized radios are those sold through the Offender

Commissary.

7. Rings, Wristwatches, and Religious Pendants with Necklace: An offender may

not possess nor own more than one (1) approved religious pendant with
necklace, one (1) ring or wedding band set (females), and one (1) watch. The
combined value of wristwatch, ring or wedding band set, and religious medals
or pendants cannot exceed $200.00. Again, proof of ownership may be
required anytime there is a dispute over ownership of a particular article (or its
assessed value). A necklace is Contraband if worn without the religious
pendant or medallion. The necklace and medallion shall not be homemade (for
example from leather or string beads). The pendant or medallion shall be in
recognition of an accepted recognized religion as determined by the Chaplain.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 7 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

The offender shall properly dispose of any watch, religious pendant, ring, or
necklace through the Property Officer.

8. Other Jewelry: Women only may possess two (2) pairs of earrings (post or

clip-on only, no dangles), but can only wear one (1) pair at a time with one (1)
earring in each ear. The combined value of the ring or wedding band set,
earrings, wristwatch, and religious pendant with chain may not exceed
$250.00. If not all four (4) items, then the value limit is $200.00.

9. Tennis Shoes (Description and Limitations):

a. Value: Not to exceed $75.00 retail;

b. Color: Solid black or white (logo must be the same color of the shoe);

c. Characteristics: No hollow cavities, inserts, heel pads, gel pads, air

cushions, air pumps, hollow spaces, or other features in which Contraband
can be carried;

d. Hiking shoes, deck shoes, or any other type of athletic shoe shall not be

allowed;

e. Tennis shoes shall be ordered only through the GDC approved vendor(s)

by the offender or by their approved for financials Contacts/Visitors; and

f. Attachment 1, The Offender Miscellaneous Withdrawal Form, SOP 406.19

Offender Financial Transactions and Business Activity, shall be used by
the offender to order Tennis Shoes. The offender shall obtain the form from
their counselor or other staff member, complete it, and return it to the
designated staff member with any descriptive information required by the
institution. The designated staff member shall verify, in person, the
identity of the offender submitting the Offender Miscellaneous Withdrawal
Form. This form will serve as the request to withdraw money from the
offender's account for Consolidated Banking to order and pay for the shoes
and to deduct funds for a stamped envelope, if necessary. In every case,

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 8 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

upon receipt of the shoes, the Property Officer shall confirm by comparing
the Property Inventory of the offender before allowing the offender to
receive the new items. It shall be necessary to manage the property in
accordance with SOP 206.02, Management of Offender Property or
Contraband so that an offender does not exceed the property limits. The
one (1) exception to these requirements for Tennis Shoes shall be shoes
prescribed and ordered by the Medical Section. Institutions may use their
own procedures for ordering medically prescribed shoes.

10. Photographs: Offenders may possess up to twenty (20) tangible loose

photographs and an additional eighty (80) additional tangible photographs as
long as they are in a photo album and meet the requirements below. Offenders
shall be allowed any photographs downloaded to the GOAL Device, if they
meet the requirements below and those of SOP 204.10, Offender use of the
Goal Device and J-Pay Kiosk:

a. Photographs of relatives, personal friends, or acquaintances may NOT

contain nudity or sexually provocative poses or material. For the purposes
of this procedure, nudity shall mean exposed breasts, genitals, or buttocks
of any gender. Photographs shall not contain images of alcohol or drugs,
the use of alcohol or drugs, weapons, or gang related images. This is not
an exhaustive list. Photographs shall be inspected at their point-of-entry
into the institution, the same as any other property or mail arriving for the
offender. Photographs which pass based on the technical definition of
nudity, such as swimsuits, lingerie, and similar clothing, or fully clothed
provocative poses, shall be judged on a case by case basis. That is,
photographs which become the subject of a disturbance or fight, or which
become an object of trade, shall be confiscated as Contraband and disposed
of accordingly. Photographs downloaded to the GOAL Device shall be
deleted if they do not meet the above conditions.

b. Polaroid style photographs with hollow backs shall no longer be allowed

to be received in the institution. However, offenders may keep Polaroid
style photographs with hollow backs already in their possession in the
institution, provided they already have been inspected and approved as of

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 9 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

11/1/95 or were taken at institution which participated in a picture program,
after this date, which utilized Polaroid style photographs. Polaroid style
photographs without hollow backs may be kept by offenders in the
institution.

c. Marriage ceremonies may be photographed according to SOP 106.09,

Marriage Procedures, with digital cameras that do not have recording
capabilities.

11. Hobby/Craft Items: Hobby/craft items shall be allowed only if approved by the

Warden/Superintendent or designee. GDC Rule 125-4-6-.03 addresses
hobby/craft items in detail.

B. Receipt of Packages: The procedure for offenders to receive items in packages is

outlined below.

1. Offenders shall be allowed to receive one (1) package via a GDC approved

vendor(s) on a monthly basis. If eligible, offenders may be able to receive a
combination of multiple packages per month during certain months. For
example, one (1) from the Quarterly Food Program and one (1) consisting of
property, those months are March, June, September, and December. The
prescribed months and limits are set by the vendor(s) and are subject to change.
The program ordering information is specified by the vendor(s). Orders shall
be consolidated not to exceed item limits. All packages must be ordered by a
Personal Contact/Visitor that is approved for financials. If the offender has no
one approved for financials, but has his own funds, the offender shall be able
to order property packages from the GDC approved vendor.

Note: Offenders cannot order Food Program Packages for themselves.
Offenders in Tier III (SMU) and Tier II may not receive packages. GDC
Staff will not be involved in ordering packages.

2. Items found only on the GDC Approved Vendor’s order form or website may

be ordered in packages in accordance with procedures outlined above.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 10 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

3. All packages shall be opened and inspected for Contraband by mailroom

personnel and scanned with the X-Ray Machine per SOP 226.02, Entry
Security Procedures before packages are carried into security area of the
institution.

4. Once packages are inspected, the packing slip shall be utilized to verify all

items are present and not damaged. All damaged merchandise or missing
merchandise shall be reported and returned by the designated staff. Once
verified, one (1) copy of the packing slip shall be placed in the offender’s
institutional file, one (1) copy goes to the offender receiving the package, and
one (1) copy is maintained by the facility or as requested by the vendor(s).

5. Offenders shall be required to present proper identification and sign for all

packages when they are received.

6. Any unauthorized and unapproved items received at the facility shall be

rejected. The Property Officer shall confirm, by comparing the Property
Inventory for the offender before allowing the offender to receive the new
items. It shall be necessary to turn in state items so that an offender does not
exceed the property limits. Any package found to contain Illegal Contraband
shall be brought to the attention of the Warden/Superintendent or his or her
designee for disposition. All of the above shall be completed in accordance
with SOP 206.02, Management of Offender Property or Contraband.

7. Eyeglasses or other essential health devices shall be ordered, received, and

distributed only with the prior approval of the institution's Medical Director (or
D.O.N.) and Warden.

C. Offender Commissary: Procedures for the operation of Commissaries are

established below:

1. Commissary personnel, at their discretion, may limit the quantities of specific

products that may be purchased by a single customer at any one time, due to
shortage and inventory capacities for a particular item.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 11 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

2. The prices of Commissary items are subject to change without advance notice.

Pricing must be in accordance with SOP 407.02, Offender Store Account
Guidelines. In addition, Commissary selling prices for all store items shall be
set by the Department and shall be uniform statewide at all Offender
Commissaries. Price lists shall be available to facilities as needed due to price
changes and adjustments.

3. The items approved for sale in the Offender Commissary are listed in the

Master Products List. Wardens and Superintendents at individual institutions
may limit the items on this list, but may not add to the list except as specified
below.

4. Each institution's Offender Commissary will maintain and publish a list of the

specific items normally kept in inventory available for sale, in accordance with
SOP 407.02, Offender Store Account Guidelines.

5. The Offender Commissary may stock seasonal items during the month of

December.

6. GDC will establish a weekly Commissary spending limit for offenders. The

limit is $60.00 per week. (The total value of accumulated consumable
commissary items, excluding special purchases and designated items such as
headphones, fans, CD Players, etc. shall not create a fire, sanitation, security,
or housekeeping problem.)

D. Changes to The Authorized Personal Property List or Master Products List: The

items listed on Attachment 1, Male Offender Authorized Personal Property Items
and on Attachment 3, Female Offender Authorized Personal Property Items are
specifically authorized for offender possession. The items on the Master Products
List are specifically authorized for sale in the Offender Commissary. Requested
changes to Authorized Personal Property Items list shall be presented in
memorandum form to the Director, Field Operations via the Regional Director.
Any changes to the Master Products List must be submitted in writing to the
Administration and Finance Division before a final review by the Director, Field
Operations.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|Policy Name:Offender Personal Property Standards|
|Policy Number: 206.01|Effective Date: 3/19/2018|Page Number: 12 of 12|
|Authority:
Commissioner
|Originating Division:
Facilities Division
|Access Listing:
Level II: Required Offender
Access
|

V. Attachments:

Attachment 1: Male Offender Authorized Personal Property Items
Attachment 2: Request/Authorization to Receive Books, Magazines, and Newspapers
Attachment 3: Female Offender Authorized Personal Property Items

VI. Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:

Upon completion, Attachment 2 shall become part of the offender’s institutional file
and be retained according to the official records retention schedule for that file.
Attachments 1 and 3 shall be destroyed once they are obsolete and have been replaced.