SOP_NUMBER: 229.01
TITLE: Tobacco Products in State Facilities, Centers and Offices
REFERENCE_CODE: IIA09-0001
DIVISION: Facilities Operations
TOPIC_AREA: 206 Policy-Facilities Property/Contraband
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2015-07-01
WORD_COUNT: 476
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/106185
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/229.01/

SUMMARY:
This policy prohibits the possession and consumption of tobacco products, tobacco-related items, and electronic cigarettes by all persons (staff, offenders, and visitors) in Georgia Department of Corrections facilities, centers, and offices. Offenders are subject to disciplinary action for violations. Staff and visitors are also prohibited from possessing or using tobacco products, except staff living in state-owned housing may use tobacco products while off-duty in their residence, away from offenders and the main compound area.

KEY_TOPICS: tobacco products, smoking ban, electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine delivery, contraband, offender discipline, staff conduct, facility rules, possession prohibited, lighters, cigarette papers

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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Tobacco Products in State Facilities, Centers and Offices|**Policy Name:**Tobacco Products in State Facilities, Centers and Offices|**Policy Name:**Tobacco Products in State Facilities, Centers and Offices|
|**Policy Number:** 229.01|**Effective Date:** 07/01/15|**Page Number** 1 of 2|
|**Authority:** <br>Bryson/Ward <br>|**Originating Division:**  <br>Facilities Operations <br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**

It is the policy of the Georgia Department of Corrections to forbid the possession and
consumption of tobacco products by staff, offenders, visitors and all other persons in
all correctional facilities and offices.

**II.** **Authority:**

A. GDC SOPS: (206.01) IIB06-0001 (Attachment 5)

B. VH35-0002 (507.04.50)


C. This policy was formerly numbered IIA09-0001.

**III.** **Definitions:**

A. **Tobacco Related Items** : Any items (matches, lighters, cigarette papers,

electronic cigarettes etc.) used to facilitate the use of tobacco to introduce nicotine
into a person’s system.

B. **Electronic Cigarette** : A personal, battery operated vaporizer or electronic

nicotine delivery system which simulates tobacco smoking by producing an
aerosol that resembles smoke. Also known as E-Cigs and E-Cigarettes.

**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**


A. Possession and use of tobacco products by offenders:

1. Smoking and the use of tobacco related products, including electronic

cigarettes, by offenders shall not be permitted inside any building, office or
state vehicle and on the grounds of any state facility.

2. Offenders shall not be permitted to possess tobacco products and tobacco

related items. Under no circumstances, shall Commissaries in GDC facilities
stock tobacco products and tobacco related items (matches, lighters, electronic
cigarettes, or other such devices). (See GDC SOP (206.01) IIB06-0001)


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Tobacco Products in State Facilities, Centers and Offices|**Policy Name:**Tobacco Products in State Facilities, Centers and Offices|**Policy Name:**Tobacco Products in State Facilities, Centers and Offices|
|**Policy Number:** 229.01|**Effective Date:** 07/01/15|**Page Number** 2 of 2|
|**Authority:** <br>Bryson/Ward <br>|**Originating Division:**  <br>Facilities Operations <br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



3. Offenders violating this policy shall be subject to the appropriate disciplinary

action.


B. Possession and use of tobacco products by staff members and visitors:

1. The possession of tobacco products and tobacco related items, including

electronic cigarettes, by staff and visitors shall not be permitted. Smoking and
the use of tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, shall be prohibited
inside any building or office and on the grounds of any facility under the
management of the Facilities Operations.

2. Staff living in state-owned housing, or personal housing located on state
owned property are exempt from this Standard Operating Procedure while off
duty in or near their residence, away from offenders and the main compound
area of the facility (See GDC SOP IVO11-0008).

3. Employees violating this policy shall be subject to appropriate progressive

disciplinary procedures.

C. Any deviation from this procedure must be approved by the Director of Facilities.

**V.** **Attachments:**

None