While the courts have indicated
that there may be some limited right to visitation, such right can be
restricted or denied based on legitimate government interests related to the
safe, orderly, and secure operation of the facility; to prevent continued
criminal activities; or other similar concerns. In such cases where
visitation has been restricted and/or denied, alternative means of
communicating with family and friends may be established via correspondence
through the U.S. Mail and/or via the use of the inmate telephone system as
may be appropriate.
Generally, an inmate detained in
the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Detention Facility (jail) is granted Two (2)
30 minute visitation time slots per week, and One ( 1) 20 or 40 minute remote visit paid for by
friends and family, as available, unless such privilege
has been restricted as noted above. To provide the inmate with an opportunity
to visit with friends and relatives as well as maintain a safe and secure
environment.
I. Visitation Sign up.
A. Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Detention Facility utilizes a Video
visitation system for all general inmate visits with friends and relatives,
in order to schedule a visit, friends and relatives should contact SECURUS via the internet at www.securustech.net.
II. VISITATION RULES
A. Times selected for visits. Except in
cases where an inmate has some form of mental disability and comprehension,
Deputies will not intervene in the visitation scheduling, in such special
cases Deputies will make every effort to assist inmates with informing
relatives of the visitation process in order for these inmates to conduct
Video visits.
B. Visitors
should be present at the jail at least thirty (15) minutes prior to the
scheduled visit to Check-in. Visitors arriving late run the
risk of not being able to check in via the electronic check in kiosk, located
in the lobby of the Main Jail (950 California Ave) visits will start at the
pre-determined time slot, arriving late does not constitute reason for
rescheduling a visit and will count as one (1) of the allotted two (2) weekly
visits.
D. All
visitors, with the exception of small children, must have a picture
identification (i.e. a driver’s license or state identification card) and be
signed up through SECURUS as a registered approved visitor, any person
found to be in the visitation area during a scheduled approved visit who is
not signed up will be removed and
the approved visitor will have visitation privileges revoked.
E. All
visitors are expected to act in an orderly manner and that they are to dress
appropriately. All visitors are to be dressed
appropriately, including wearing appropriate footwear. Visitors who appear
without shoes and/or dressed inappropriately will be prohibited from
visiting. Inappropriate attire is defined as (but not limited to) the
following: Clothing exposing breasts; cleavage; buttocks or genitalia;
shorts, skirts, or dresses shorter than mid thigh; bare midriffs; sheer
(see-through) clothing and/or clothing that allows undergarments to be seen
or exposed; any other clothing of an inappropriate nature. Male and female
visitors found deliberately exposing his/her chest; breasts; or genitalia to
others, will at a minimum be removed from the visiting area with all future
visits denied; and where appropriate, criminal charges will be sought and
prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
E. Visitors who appear under the influence; act
in a disorderly manner; verbally or physically threaten officers and staff;
attempt to furnish contraband; attempt to rescue a prisoner(s) and/or aid in
an escape; carry a firearm and/or a concealed pistol; willfully damage jail
fixtures; or commit violations of the criminal codes of the State of South
Carolina while on jail property are subject to arrest and prosecution for
such violations.
F. Visits by children are limited as follows:
1. Visitation by children is
limited to immediate family i.e. sons; daughters; grandchildren; brothers; and sisters. Nieces; nephews;
and others are not permitted.
2. Only two children are permitted
to visit without prior approval at any given time.
3. Children count as one of the
two approved visitors per visiting slot.
4. Children must be accompanied by
a parent or legal guardian, and such person is to be responsible for staying
with the child/children and ensuring that appropriate levels of supervision
and behavior are maintained.
5. Such visits shall not be in
violation of court orders, and all court orders will be enforced.
6. For the purposes of this policy
a child is anyone under eighteen (18) years of age.
G. All Visitors are subject to search. Generally,
all visitors to the facility are subject to a metal detector search and/or
pat-down search of the visitor’s person. All metal objects; keys; knives;
nail files; and other objects that can readily be used as a weapon are
prohibited from entering the facility. In the event that such items are
discovered, the visitor will be requested to return the items to his/her
vehicle where they are to be secured. As a rule, strip searches are not
authorized for visitors, except as follows:
1. During a search using the metal
detector and/or pat-down search, a weapon is discovered. Based on probable
suspicion/belief that other weapons may exist, a strip search may be
conducted in conjunction with an
arrest.
2. During the initial pat-down search, it is
discovered that a person has illegal drugs in his/her possession, then based
on probable suspicion/belief that other drugs may exist, a strip search may
be conducted in conjunction with an
arrest.
3. In conjunction with a
search warrant based on probable cause as issued by the court.
4. If drugs and/or weapons are
detected in handbags; briefcases; and/or in other items carried by the
visitor(s), then a strip search based on probable suspicion/belief that other
such items may exist may be conducted in
conjunction with an arrest.
5. If a visitor is caught in the
act of “dropping off” drugs or weapons to an inmate, then a strip search may
be conducted in conjunction with an
arrest based on probable suspicion/belief that other items may exist.
6. Should a visitor refuse to
submit to a search whether by metal detector and/or a physical “pat-down”
search, such refusal shall be sufficient grounds to terminate their
visitation privilege, and such privilege shall not be restored unless the
visitor appeals to the Director and/or his designee and provides sufficient
reason as to why his/her privileges shall not be suspended permanently. The
decision of the Director in such cases is final.
H. The
following shall be basis for termination and/or refusal for visits:
1. Security concerns
2. Failure to produce
identification
3. Disruptive/disorderly behavior
4. Not on the inmate’s approved
visitor’s list
5. Being under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications
6. Refusal to submit to a search
7. Use of profanity
8. Lack of available space
9. Failure to conform to the
required dress standards
10.Violation of existing court
orders
11.Visitor found to be in
violation of the state’s criminal laws
12.Visitor arrived late
13.Failure to cooperate and/or
abide by the officer’s instructions
14.Visitation has been cancelled
due to overriding facility concerns
15.Inmate to be visited has had
his visitation privileges suspended
16. Inmate to be visited is acting
inappropriately either prior to and/or during the scheduled visit requiring
it to be terminated
17. The inmate is unavailable due
to court appearance; unscheduled medical appointment; and/or other valid
reason
18. Other matters related to the
secure and orderly operation of the facility
I. Visitors
are reminded that those persons found in violation of applicable local;
state; and/or federal criminal laws are subject to arrest, and will be
prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
J. Visitors
are generally not permitted to leave anything for an inmate except money
deposited into the Kiosk located in the public lobby during the scheduled
visit. The exceptions to this rule are as follows:
1. Upon prior approval, an inmate
may have his/her clothing exchanged for another set of clean clothing, provided
such clothing has not been seized as evidence in a crime. However, no
exchange will take place sooner than 48 hours from the time of the
individual’s entry into the jail. If an inmate is in transient between
facilities and clothing is not needed for a jury trial, such clothing will
not be exchanged.
2. Clothing may be brought to the
jail (Annex I-the court holding facility) for the inmate to wear on the day
of court, provided the inmate is scheduled for a “jury trial,” and the court
has so advised the jail. Inmates making initial appearance for bond; motion
hearings; and/or to enter pleas shall wear clothing as issued by the jail.
3. Family members may drop off “empty” prescription medication
bottles for the inmate’s
** Exceptions may be made at the
medical directors discretion in rare situations but will be handled on a case
by case basis when specialty or non-routine medication is prescribed**
provided:
a. The prescription
has been prescribed by a regular physician for the inmate.
b. The prescription is currently valid
c.
The jail physician and the pharmacist will review and approved the continued
use of the medication.
d. Use of
the medication, if approved, will not adversely affect the inmate’s health
due to his current physical condition.
e. Family
members may not leave cigarettes; food; drinks;
books; postage stamps; writing materials; and/ or other items. All such items
are available for sale at the jail’s canteen. Books; Bibles; various
religious materials; and magazines are available in the jail’s library and/
or may be ordered through the mail or parcel delivery from the
publisher.
III. Scheduling Visits
To schedule inmate visits please
visit the website listed below:
IV. Professional, Attorney and Law Enforcement Visitors
a. Visits by law enforcement officers in their official duties will be
permitted at any reasonable time.
b. Professional visitors will be
permitted between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm Monday through Friday after prior
approval by the Director or his/ her designee on a case by case basis
concerning the reason/need for the visit.
c. Attorney visitors (Inmates with
State and or Local charges) will be permitted between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm
Monday through Friday providing the attorney is a member of the legal
profession admitted to the South Carolina bar and retained by an offender or
appointed to an offender by a court for legal representation and provides a
valid ID and a valid SC Bar card.
d. Attorney visitors (Federal Inmates)
will be permitted between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm Monday through Friday
providing the attorney has prior approval from the United States Marshal
service and provides a valid ID and a valid Bar card
e. All visits are based on the availability
of visiting space; whether the inmate is physically available; the visit does
not interfere with scheduled medical appointments; court appearances; and/or
other scheduled activities or unless there are overriding reasons not to
permit such visits based on safety; security; and/or other legitimate
concerns. To assist the facility in making sure that visiting space is
available and to help eliminate any unnecessary delays and/or trips to the
facility by the visitor, it is requested that professional visits should be
scheduled in advance through the Director’s Office. The facility reserves the
right to restrict such visits to non-contact visits as determined to be
appropriate by the jail staff. Professional and Attorney visitors who may
have family members present in the facility are not to abuse their privilege
as a professional/ Attorney visitor and attempt to circumvent the normal
visitation policy by using their special status. Persons found in violation
will have such privilege/status suspended.
VI. Requests For Inmates to Visit Hospitalized Relatives
Frequently, requests are made to allow inmates to visit hospitalized family
members. As a general rule, such requests are not honored, except under very
limited circumstances. While the jail staff attempts to be empathetic to
inmates and their families, the jail has a greater duty to the citizens and
public that they serve. As with any transport outside the confines of the
jail, there are inherent risks. The risks include the potential for escape by
the inmate; the possibility that someone will attack the inmate; the
possibility that someone will attack the escorting officer(s); the
possibility that citizens/bystanders may be indirectly exposed to
inappropriate behavior and/or possible injury should an incident occur; the
potential for disruptions to the hospital staff and other patients; increased
stress to the patient being visited; etc. As a result, visits to the hospital
are restricted to situations where the potential death of an immediate family
member is imminent, with the following stipulations:
A. Security is the overriding factor, and thus, even
though a family member may be critically ill, such visit can be denied to
ensure public safety.
B. Such visits are scheduled only with the approval of the
attending physician and hospital staff.
C. All such visits are unannounced and scheduled only as
officers and staff are available.
D. Inmates will be dressed in transport clothing and in full
restraints. Restraints will not be removed nor civilian attire approved.
E. Such visits, if approved by the Director, will be
limited to no more than fifteen (15) minutes.
F. Immediate family members are defined as follows:
Spouse; children; parents; grandparents; brothers; and sisters only without
exception.
VII. Requests to Visit Hospitalized Inmates
From time to time, it may become necessary to hospitalize individuals
detained in the jail. Should such event become necessary, an officer and/or
officers will be assigned to the inmate in an effort to prevent and/or deter
the potential for escape; to prevent someone from injuring the inmate while
under the jail’s care; and to protect the public. As a general rule,
hospitalized inmates are not permitted visits in an effort to protect the
public’s safety and to reduce the potential for disruption to the hospital
and its patients. However, if the inmate’s condition is critical,
arrangements may be made through the Director’s Office for limited numbers of
the inmate’s immediate family members to visit him/her at scheduled times as
coordinated by the jail and hospital staff. Should such visits be approved,
family members are reminded that the inmate is still in the custody of the
jail and under the control of the officer(s) assigned to the hospital, and as
such, the “walls of the jail have simply moved to the hospital.” As a result,
family members may not bring food; money; and/or any other items to the
inmate, no exceptions. Visits are to be limited to only fifteen (15) minutes
and then only as scheduled. Family members may not stay in the room nor
congregate outside in the hallway. Failure to cooperate with the officers and
the established schedule will result in all future visits being terminated
and where appropriate, criminal charges filed.
VIII. Requests for Inmates to Attend Funerals - Family Visitation
A. Occasionally, requests are made for inmates to attend funerals. Due
to the following, all such requests are denied:
1. Safety and security concerns related to the inmate; the
officers; and the public.
2. Potential for escape.
3. Potential for officers to be injured.
4. Potential for injury to members of the public.
5. Prior to stopping the practice of escorting inmates to
funerals in the mid to late 90’s, situations developed whereby family members
attempted to physically separate the officer and inmate from each other;
attempted to intimidate the officer into allowing the inmate to sit with the
family; inmates physically fell to the floor and refused to get up; inmates
although allowed to dress in civilian clothing were required to wear
restraints, but upon arriving at the services, refused to get out of the car,
demanding that the restraints be removed as well, resulting in a disruption
of the services; inmate attempted to “climb” into the casket with the
deceased; officers have been “cursed” and racial epithets used; etc.
6. Transporting officers in other jurisdictions have been
seriously injured and killed performing such duties.
B. However, in the event of such death, the facility will
attempt to accommodate the family’s period of grief as follows:
1. Family members may come to the
jail and notify the inmate as to the family member’s death. Such notification
will be permitted to take place as privately as possible within the
facility’s capabilities. However, such notification as with all other
visitation is non-contact in nature.
2. Providing there are no
overriding security issues, the inmate will be permitted to view the deceased
family member’s body under escort by officers of the facility under the
following conditions:
a. The deceased individual
has to be an immediate family member: Spouse; child; parent; grandparent; or
grandchild. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and/or other family members are not
considered immediate family members for this policy.
b. The time of the viewing will be
coordinated with the mortuary staff when other family members are not
present.
c. The inmate will be dressed in
orange transport clothing and fully restrained.
d. The viewing will be
limited to no more than fifteen (15) minutes or less as circumstances
dictate.
e. Such accommodation
is restricted only to local inmates and their families. Inmates will not be transported
outside of Spartanburg County for this purpose.
f. Ministers may visit the
inmate at the facility to help comfort him/her in his/her time of need.
g. The Director reserves the right to
not authorize such visits/viewing based on security issues and/or
availability of staff and other resources.
IX. Visits With Other Inmates
Inmates housed in the facility are not permitted to visit other inmates
outside of their own respective housing units for safety and security
purposes. This same rule applies to inmates who are on home detention and/or
those individuals out on bond who have co-defendants still housed in the
facility.
X. Visits for Court Returns
From time to time, inmates are returned from the South Carolina Department of
Corrections and/or other facilities to appear in court. As a general rule,
such inmates will not be permitted visits during their stay in the jail and
will be returned to their place of origin as soon as possible, unless such
inmate is to be housed in the jail for an extended period of time. In such
event, the inmate may schedule visits the same as any other inmate so housed,
unless such privilege has been suspended.
XI. Policy Subject to Change
As with any policy or directive, the visitation rules are subject to change
without notice, and the Director and his staff reserves the right to change;
amend; delete; or otherwise modify as needs and circumstances change. Should
any part of this policy be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to
be invalid, such determination does not invalidate other sections of the
policy unless so stated by the court.
