SOP_NUMBER: 503.01-att-3
TITLE: Faith and Character-Based Dormitory Rules
REFERENCE_CODE: VK01-0001
DIVISION: Unknown
TOPIC_AREA: 503.01 Policy - Facilities
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2025-08-07
WORD_COUNT: 331
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/106513
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/503.01-att-3/

SUMMARY:
This attachment outlines behavioral and conduct expectations for offenders housed in faith and character-based dormitories within GDC facilities. It covers standards for personal appearance, dormitory maintenance, respectful communication with staff, obedience to orders, submission to searches, and proper room assignments. These rules apply to all offenders in faith and character-based housing units and are enforceable under facility and departmental policies.

KEY_TOPICS: dormitory rules, faith-based housing, offender conduct, dress code, staff respect, inspection-ready, searches, contraband, locker responsibility, room assignments, institutional discipline, behavioral standards

ATTACHMENTS:
  1. Faith and Character-Based Dormitory - Offender Application
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/503.01-att-1/
  2. Faith and Character Dormitory Offender Contract
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/503.01-att-2/
  3. Faith and Character-Based Dormitory Rules
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/503.01-att-3/
  4. Faith and Character-Based Program - Correctional Associate (Volunteer) Contract
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/503.01-att-4/
  5. Faith and Character-Based Prison Application
     URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/503.01-att-5/

========================================================================
FULL TEXT:
========================================================================

SOP 503.01
Attachment 3

08/07/25
**Faith and Character-Based Dormitory Rules**

**1.** **During scheduled activities, all offenders will be properly dressed and inspection-ready**

**and will be expected to follow facility dress standards.**

**2.** **The dormitory will be kept inspection-ready at all times.**

**3.** **Offenders will address staff members and institutional visitors in a courteous,**

**respectful manner. Offenders will address staff as “Mr._____” or “Mrs.____” or**
**“Officer____”. Offenders will respond to their questions with “Yes, Sir/Ma’am” or “No,**
**Sir/Ma’am”. Offenders will address staff members and institutional visitors using their**
**last names. Never address a staff member, volunteer, or institutional visitor by his/her**
**first name.**

**4.** **Any time you meet a Captain or above on facility grounds, you must stop and stand at**

**the position of attention until the staff member passes or instructs you to carry on.**

**5.** **When addressing staff, offenders will request permission to speak unless the staff**

**member initiates the conversation.**


**6.** **Orders and instructions given to you by staff members are official orders and will be**

**obeyed. Always obey the last direct order given.**

**7.** **Offenders are required to submit, at any time or place, to a search of their person**

**and/or personal property. You will be expected to obey the officer’s orders and submit**
**to a search without resistance. This includes shakedowns, strip searches, etc. Property**
**found in your locker is always considered to be yours; therefore, never leave your**
**locker unlocked while unattended because you can be held responsible if another**
**offender places contraband into your locker. You are also responsible for anything**
**found in your bed. Check it often.**

**8.** **Lights and windows in the dorms/rooms will never be covered in any manner, and cell**

**doors will not be jammed.**


**9.** **Bed or Room assignments are to be made only by authorized staff members; offenders**

**will never change their bed/room assignments unless authorized to do so by the**
**appropriate staff.**

**OFFENDERS WILL FOLLOW INSTITUTIONAL RULES AND POLICIES AS SET**
**FORTH** **BY** **THE** **FACILITY** **AND** **THE** **GEORGIA** **DEPARTMENT** **OF**
**CORRECTIONS.**