SOP 204.07: Inmate Use of Computers

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|`Functional Area: `
`Facility Operations`
`/Education`|`Reference Number: `
`IIA05-0005`
`(204.07)`|`Revises`
`Previous`
`Effective Date:`
`01/01/05`|
|`Subject:`
`Inmate Use of Computers`|||
|`Authority:`
`Bryson/Jacobs`|`Effective Date:`
`04/21/15`|`Page``1`` of`
6 |

I. POLICY:

   It is the policy of the Georgia Department of Corrections
   (hereafter referred to as GDC) to limit inmate access to
   Electronic Equipment in order to ensure the integrity of
   departmental management, security, and operational information
   and to prohibit inappropriate use and access consistent with
   State and Federal law.

II. APPLICABILITY:

   All Georgia Department of Corrections employees, inmates,
   contractors, and individuals who use computer equipment or
   systems within State Prisons, Boot Camps, Probation Detention
   Centers, Transitional Centers, and Private Prisons.

III. RELATED DIRECTIVES:

   A. O.C.G.A.: 16-9-90 to 16-9-94, 16-1137.1 20-2-200, and 42      5-57.

   B. GDC Rules: 125-4-2-.01, 125-4-2-.04, 125-4-2-.02.

   C. GDC SOPS: ID01-0001, IN01-0004, IN01-0005, IIB02-0001,
      IIB12-0004, VC01-0012, VC01-0010, VC01-0001, IVO05-0001,
      IVO05-0002, IVO05-0004, and IVO14-0001.

   D. ACA Standards: 3-4410, 3-4421, 3-4417, 3-4413, 3-4415, 3      4422.

IV. DEFINITIONS:

   A. Internet: The Internet is a collection of worldwide
      computer networks that allow computers anywhere in the
      world to connect to other computers. The Internet is an
      unsecured system with little or no security controls.

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B. Local Area Network (LAN): Computer linked together
   physically or electronically at a facility to enable
   users to share a wide variety of hardware devices,
   software programs, and data files. A LAN is typically set
   up to cover a small geographic area.

C. Stand-Alone Computer: Any computer that is not connected
   to a LAN, WAN, or other computer physically or logically.

D. Electronic Mail (E-Mail): A process whereby a message is
   composed by a person and “mailed” electronically to
   another person over a computer network.

E. CD-ROM: Compact Disk-Read Only Memory. High capacity
   information storage media used with a computer to read
   information or programs. Usually a flat circular plastic
   platter on which information, programs, or music have
   been recorded optically.

F. Education/Vocational Computers: Computers that have been
   specifically approved and designated for use by inmates
   within educational and vocational programs.

G. External Computer Storage Media: Magnetic, optical, or
   other media used with a computer device to record and
   store computer based information external to the computer
   devise. Examples of external computer storage media
   include 3.5" and 5.25" diskettes, magnetic tape
   cartridges, CD-ROM disk, and removable hard disk.

H. Modem: A device that transmits computer data over a phone
   line to other automation equipment.

I. Electronic Equipment: Includes computer hardware and
   software, mainframe computers, file servers,
   microcomputers, monitors, modems, fax machines, printers,
   typewriters with memory, storage media, terminals,
   Laptops, workstations, etc, that are used with or any
   devices capable of transferring data.

J. Network Adapter: A devise installed in or connected to a
   computer that facilitates the physical or electronic
   connection of that computer to a communications network.

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   K. Education LAN: A LAN designed to support the Department’s
      educational or vocational programs for inmates. It
      includes on-line testing of inmates and provides on-line
      instruction.

   L. Electronic Data: Data stored electronically by a computer
      or data that is accessible by a computer.

   M. Wide Area Network (WAN): A networking system that covers
      a large geographic area and includes any computing device
      that may be permanently or temporarily integrated into a
      LAN.

   N. Peripheral: Hardware that is attached both externally or
      internally to a computer and driven by computer software.
      Examples are: Modems, printers, tape backup, mouse, etc..

   O. Office of Information Technology: (OIT) The Department of
      Correction’s technology (computer) office.

V. ATTACHMENTS:

   NONE.

VI. PROCEDURE:

   A. Inmate Access:

   Inmate Computer Access Permitted:

      1. For educational purposes, inmates, while being
         supervised in the inmate classrooms, school
         libraries, inmate library, Correctional Industries,
         and computer lab settings provided that access is
         restricted to other computers installed within a
         single educational area of a facility which are Not
         connected to any computer network outside the
         educational area or to any telephone line. These
         computers must NOT store information concerning
         facility security and/or operations provided that
         the computer:

         a. Is not connected to any telecommunications
            network, phone lines, or WAN.

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      b. Is not used, and does not have the capability,
         to transfer information or programs to other
         computers.

      c. All printing/printers are controlled by staff.

B. Inmate Computer Access NOT Permitted:

   1. Inmates are NOT to be involved in specifications,
      designing, purchase, or installation of any
      computer/network equipment or software.

   2. Inmates are NOT to have access to modems, phone
      lines, file servers, or any computer equipment that
      can be use to access any computer network system.

   3. Inmates are NOT at anytime to use passwords, install
      passwords or initiate passwords on computers,
      computer systems, computer disk, or computer files.

   4. Inmates are NOT to have access to communication
      network components including LAN hubs, routers,
      network adapters, peripherals, and Internet or
      Intranet cabling components which are connected to a
      functional cabling system. Inmate involvement in the
      installation of new network cables must be
      restricted to the conduit installation and cable
      pulling tasks; under direct supervision of GDC
      staff.

   5. Inmates are NOT to Enter or Maintain data that is
      used for the operations of the facility including
      but not limited too: inmate call-outs, appointments,
      work schedules, inmate grades, diplomas, or course
      completions certifications, property records, and
      tool inventories, key inventories or facility
      business office information (i.e. receipts,
      requisitions, etc.).

   6. Inmates are NOT to access, handle, process,
      transport, or use storage media except in an
      educational or vocational program.

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7. Inmates are NOT to have any computer disk, computer
   media, network adapters, peripherals, or computer
   equipment in their personal possession or as
   personal property. These items are to be considered
   contraband and are not permitted for possession or
   receipt by an inmate. All External Computer Storage
   Media used by inmates for educational or vocational
   classes are to be kept in the educational or
   vocational area under staff control and supervision
   AT ALL TIMES.

   a. A formal written system of accountability must
      be established for External Computer Storage
      Media used by the inmates. These items shall
      remain within the physical confines of the
      specific educational or vocational program
      area. Inmates shall be required to check out
      the items each day/class and to turn all
      storage media after each use or the end of
      class to the appropriate staff.

   b. Master program disk/CDS and extra blank
      disk/CDS are to be kept in a locked cabinet or
      storage devise. Master copies of program disk
      will not be issued to inmate students. However,
      working authorized copies of educational
      program disk (software) may be utilized by
      inmates in an educational setting under the
      direct supervision of the teacher. Any missing
      disks shall be reported immediately and
      investigation regarding an incident of this
      type will be immediately initiated. Inmates
      involved will receive appropriate disciplinary
      sanction and will be removed from the program.

8. Inmates are NOT to have ANY software or any
   computers that have software that provides phone
   numbers, address, or maps.

9. Inmates are NOT to perform information or software
   back-up routines on ANY computer or computer network
   system.

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|`Functional Area:`
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`Operations`|`Effective Date:`
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`IIA05-0005`
`(207.07)`|

   10. Inmates are NOT to have access or use scanners or CD
      read/write units.

C. Responsibilities of Staff

   1. Facility Managers are responsible for ensuring this
      policy is adhered to at each facility.

   2. The Operations Analyst (OA) or person filling the
      role of OA is responsible for the following:

      a. Assisting staff in determining if equipment or
         information has been misused or damaged by
         inmates. OIT can be called to help in this
         process.

      b. Conducting random, unannounced audits
         (quarterly) on computers used by inmates to
         ensure policy compliance. A written report of
         these audits are to be forwarded to the Warden
         or Superintendent of the Facility.

   3. The Education or Vocational instructor over an area
      that has inmates using computer equipment are
      responsible for total compliance with this SOP.

   4. All staff are responsible for the supervision and
      monitoring of inmate computer access within their
      area and contacting the appropriate local authority
      when there a possible violation of this SOP by
      inmates or staff. Staff will be held accountable
      for any incidents of inappropriate use of computer
      equipment within their designated area of
      responsibility. Progressive discipline, up to and
      including termination of employment, may result
      regarding any inappropriate use of computer
      equipment.