SOP 102.01-att-3: Interview Conditions & Agreement Form

SOP 102.01
Attachment 3

7/14/22
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_GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS_
# INTERVIEW CONDITIONS & AGREEMENT FORM

Media representatives do not have the automatic right to visit a facility, center, or office.
However, access may be granted through the approval of the Public Affairs Office (PAO).
Interviews must adhere to the following conditions:

1. Interviews will be conducted Tuesday-Thursday and will be limited to one hour in length.

2. Offender interviews must be arranged at least 48 hours in advance through PAO. Media

representatives must submit such requests in writing, via email.

3. Media representatives will be accompanied by a member of the PAO staff, facility, center,

or Regional Office representative.

4. Interviews with offenders may be prohibited when such interviews would, at the discretion

of the Warden, Superintendent, Regional Director, or Assistant Commissioners, jeopardize
the security of the facility or center or the well being of the offender or staff. Factors to be
taken into consideration when making this determination include, but are not limited to:

- Offender has had one (1) or more disciplinary reports that resulted in the imposition

of sanctions within the past 24 months;

- Offender has had one (1) or more disciplinary reports for the possession of

contraband, including cell phones, that resulted in the imposition of sanctions;

- Offender has had one (1) or more disciplinary reports for acts of violence against

another offender, a visitor, or a GDC employee that resulted in the imposition of
sanctions;

- Offender is under a sentence that prohibits contact with any person, such as a victim

or witness;

- Offender is under investigation, indictment, or a sentence for an offense that relates to

the introduction of contraband, including cell phones, into a prison, jail, or similar
facility;

- Offender is under sentence for an offense that relates to tampering with witnesses,

tampering with evidence, obstruction of a law enforcement officer, or similar
conduct;

- Offender is a juvenile, under a death sentence, has a security classification of “Close”

or higher, or is housed in isolation, segregation, the Tier program, in diagnostic status,
or any other specialized living unit;

Retention Schedule: Upon completion, the form will be retained in the Public Affairs Office for three (3) years.

SOP 102.01
Attachment 3

7/14/22
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- Offender is under investigation, indictment, or a sentence relating to criminal conduct

allegedly committed while in GDC custody;

- Offender has had one (1) or more prior visitors who introduced or attempted to

introduce contraband into a GDC facility;

- Media representative is found to be uncooperative and an undue disruption to the

facility/center at the time of entering said location or at any time during granted
access;

- Proposed project will be used in a documentary entertainment production that

glorifies, promotes, or sensationalizes criminal activity;

- Proposed project would cause unrest, disturb the good order of the institution, or

bring notoriety to an offender or a specific offense;

- Proposed project would capture images within our medical units and/or offenders

receiving medical care;

- Offender is a confirmed member of a security threat group.

5. An offender may not receive any form of compensation for interviews of any type.

6. Offenders shall not be allowed to hold news conferences.

7. Media representatives shall visit only those locations of the facility/center, or regional office

previously approved by the PAO and the facility head.

8. All media representatives must present proper identification and wear proper attire as

determined by the facility, center, or regional office. It is suggested that no short pants, short
skirts, suggestive or revealing clothing be worn. When necessary, a facility or center may
require and/or provide an appropriate change of clothes.

9. All cameras, video and audio recording equipment will be subject to normal search

procedures and shall only be allowed in facilities/centers, or regional offices by permission
of the Director of Public Affairs of designee, Regional Director, and
Warden/Superintendent. Some items, including but not limited to knives, keys, and certain
tools shall not be allowed inside facilities or centers.

10. Disregard for GDC policy or procedure of facility/center and security safeguards or the

conditions of the visit shall result in the immediate termination of the visit and may result in
refusal of future access to the facility/center for that particular media representative.

11. Media access to any facility, center, or regional office may be suspended during a

facility/center critical incident or emergency and for a reasonable time after the incident.

Retention Schedule: Upon completion, the form will be retained in the Public Affairs Office for three (3) years.

SOP 102.01
Attachment 3

7/14/22
Page 3 of 3

Exceptions: The Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections or his/her designee and
the Director of Public Affairs of GDC reserve the right to make exceptions to specific areas of this
policy. Requests for specific exceptions should be directed to the Director of Public Affairs or a
designee.

I, the undersigned, agree to abide by these requirements while in any facility or
center regulated or run by the Georgia Department of Corrections. I
understand that at any time my visit or interview may be terminated if I refuse
to abide by these requirements or if my behavior or circumstances beyond my
control make my presence in a GDC facility or center disruptive or dangerous
to myself, offenders, GDC staff, the facility, center, or the community.

Name of Media Representative Media Outlet

Date of Visit Facility Visited

Retention Schedule: Upon completion, the form will be retained in the Public Affairs Office for three (3) years.