Volunteering in Georgia prisons can be risky, but following safety rules helps protect you and others. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stay Safe: Complete mandatory training, follow emergency protocols, and always stay with your staff escort.
- Dress Right: Avoid electronic devices, jewelry (except wedding bands), and personal belongings. Wear facility-approved clothing.
- Professional Boundaries: Keep conversations professional, don’t share personal details, and report any inappropriate behavior.
- Emergency Preparedness: Know what to do during fires, medical issues, or lockdowns by following staff instructions.
These guidelines are essential for navigating the challenging environment of Georgia prisons and ensuring everyone’s safety.
Inmate Manipulation – How to PROTECT Yourself
Before You Enter
Before visiting the facility, ensure you meet the dress code and complete all required training.
Dress Code and Restricted Items
Volunteers should avoid bringing the following items into the facility:
- Electronic devices: Phones, smartwatches, cameras, or any recording equipment.
- Personal belongings: Purses, wallets, or large amounts of cash.
- Jewelry: Only wedding bands are permitted.
- Food and drinks: No outside food, beverages, gum, or candy.
- Writing materials: Only approved items are allowed.
Make sure your attire complies with the facility’s rules, and leave prohibited items behind.
Safety Training Requirements
All volunteers must complete mandatory safety training, which includes:
- Basic Safety Orientation: Covers prison rules, emergency procedures, and communication protocols.
- Crisis Prevention Training: Focuses on de-escalation techniques and maintaining boundaries.
- Facility-Specific Orientation: Explains local procedures, emergency response plans, and key staff contacts.
Keep your training certifications up to date. Following these guidelines is critical for ensuring safety within Georgia’s prison environment.
Entry and Movement Rules
To ensure everyone’s safety, it’s essential to follow the established protocols for entering and moving within the facility. These measures protect both volunteers and staff.
Security Checks
Before entering, all volunteers must go through a security screening. Here’s what the process involves:
- Walking through a metal detector
- Removing shoes, belts, and outerwear for inspection
- Placing approved items in an X-ray scanner
- Undergoing a pat-down search if necessary
Important: If the metal detector goes off, you’ll need to identify and remove the item causing the alert. If the issue persists, entry may be denied. Once cleared, you can proceed to the check-in desk.
Check-in Process
Head to the main security desk upon arrival. Staff will:
- Verify your government-issued photo ID
- Confirm your name is on the approved volunteer list
- Provide you with a temporary visitor badge
- Log your entry time and assigned area
- Share any important updates or alerts for the day
Make sure your visitor badge is visible at all times.
Staff Escort Rules
While inside the facility, stay with your assigned escort at all times:
- Remain within your escort’s line of sight
- Follow their instructions carefully
- Avoid moving around the facility on your own
- If you lose contact with your escort, stop and notify the nearest staff member
Keep in mind that movement protocols may change depending on the facility’s current conditions or security needs. Always follow the directions given by staff.
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Inmate Interaction Rules
When working within correctional facilities, it’s essential to follow strict protocols for movement and maintain professional conduct during interactions with inmates. These rules are in place to ensure safety, respect, and focus at all times.
Professional Boundaries
Maintaining clear boundaries is key to fostering a secure and professional environment. Here are some important points to remember:
- Always maintain a professional distance in all interactions.
- Never share personal details such as your contact information, home address, social media profiles, or schedule.
- Politely refuse any gifts or personal items offered by inmates.
- If an inmate attempts to form a relationship outside the scope of the program, report it to your supervisor immediately.
Communication Rules
Your conversations with inmates should remain professional and align with the program’s objectives. Keep these tips in mind:
- Stick to approved program topics and activities during discussions.
- Use a respectful and clear tone in all interactions.
- Avoid personal or politically sensitive conversations that could blur professional boundaries.
Safety Reporting
If you observe any behavior that seems unsafe or concerning, take action right away:
- Notify the nearest correctional officer immediately or follow your facility’s emergency procedures.
- Report the incident to your supervisor as outlined during training.
- Document the incident thoroughly and promptly to help maintain a secure environment.
Emergency and Exit Rules
It’s crucial to follow emergency protocols and exit procedures to keep everyone safe and secure. These guidelines are designed to protect you during unexpected situations.
Emergency Steps
Quick and calm actions are key during emergencies. Here’s what to do based on the situation:
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Facility-Wide Emergencies
For incidents like fires, natural disasters, or other large-scale events:- Follow instructions from correctional officers.
- Stay with your assigned staff escort at all times.
- Move calmly to the nearest emergency exit.
- Head to the designated assembly points outside the facility.
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Medical Emergencies
If someone experiences a medical issue:- Notify a correctional officer immediately.
- Only provide assistance if you’re trained and authorized to do so.
- Keep a safe distance while waiting for emergency teams to arrive.
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Lockdown Procedures
During a lockdown:- Stay in your current location.
- Follow all staff directions carefully.
- Avoid windows and doors.
- Wait for the "all clear" signal from authorized personnel.
Once the emergency is under control, follow the proper exit steps to wrap up your visit.
Exit Procedures
When it’s time to leave, make sure to:
- Sign out at the main security checkpoint.
- Return your visitor badge.
- Complete any required paperwork before departing.
Summary
Following safety protocols is crucial for ensuring secure and effective volunteer work in Georgia prisons. These guidelines protect both volunteers and the integrity of prison programs, especially in challenging environments. Recent fatality statistics highlight the importance of adhering to these rules.
Organizations like GPS emphasize the need for strict compliance with these protocols.
Key points for volunteers:
- Follow all staff instructions promptly and without hesitation.
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
- Report any safety concerns through the appropriate channels.
- Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
- Familiarize yourself with emergency protocols and keep them easily accessible.
Make sure to review and apply these practices every time you volunteer. Stay informed about updates to these guidelines through official sources.