DENVER SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
Office of the Sheriff
 Department Order
1.00.1025
 Previous Revision:
August 2017		  Current Revision:
January 2021		  Reviewed:
March 2018
  Effective Date:
January 22nd, 2021
Related Standards:
ACA 4ALDF: 5A-02; 5C-18; 5C-22; 7B-03; 7D-17; 7F-04; 7F-05; 7F-06
Related (referenced) Department Orders:
1.00.1010
 Subject:
USE OF VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR INMATE PROGRAMS
  1. Purpose: The purpose of this order is to establish guidelines regarding the identification and use of volunteers and community resources in providing or supplementing certain inmate programs and services. 
  2. Policy: It is the policy of the Denver Sheriff Department (DSD) to plan for, identify and include community volunteers as a valuable and important resource in providing services for the benefit of offenders in our care and custody. It is further the policy of the Department to not discriminate against individuals or agencies who wish to volunteer to provide such services, nor against eligible inmates who wish to participate in such programs, based on race, color, gender, religion, marital status, national origin, age, sexual preference, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, citizenship, political affiliation, or any protected status under federal, state or local law.
  3. Cancellation: This order supersedes and cancels previous versions of Department Order 1.00.1025. 
  4. Explanation: Part of the strategy for inmate programs, in delivering rehabilitative and reentry services for inmates, is collaboration and partnerships with community volunteers. Volunteers may either live and/or work in the same communities to which much of the inmate population may eventually return or have subject matter expertise that can aid in the post-release success of reentering inmates. Volunteers may provide support, guidance or resources for needs such as HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, mental health, homelessness, unemployment, faith-based support, parenting and other life skills. Additionally, leveraging the contributions of volunteers is an efficient and effective way to improve outcomes of interventions while reducing costs to Denver citizens and society. <ACA 4ALDF: 7F-04>
  5. Implementation: The director of inmate programs, programs administrators, along with the division chiefs and the Sheriff will establish procedures to allow volunteer programs as they are needed and available. The following guidelines will be followed.
    1. Implementation of programs
      1. Volunteer organizations proposing to offer a new program to inmates at the Denver Sheriff Department must submit to the director of inmate programs a statement explaining the program/service(s), including, at the minimum:
        1. The name of the proposed program/service(s) and a detailed explanation of the proposed program/service(s).
        2. An explanation of how the program fits with DSD and programs mission and anticipated needs/gaps that the program/service(s) would address.
        3. Whether the program/service(s) is new or if it has been practiced and how it utilized evidence-, research-based or promising practices. 
        4. The history of the organization in working with the Denver jail population and in its facilities and/or with similar populations.
        5. An explanation of the organizations resources/capacity to deliver services.
        6. Details around what resources would be required by the Denver Sheriff Department to support the program/service; for example, if applicable, financial resources, space, time, equipment, etc.
      2. Based on the information submitted, the director of inmate programs and program administrators will jointly measure the proposed program/service(s) against the DSD programs review sheet for new volunteer programs and projects to assist in determining whether to implement the program.
    2. Recruitment, Clearance, Orientation and Coordination of Volunteers:
      1. Volunteers who request or are assigned to volunteer in the facilities will complete an application and supply it to the inmate programs administrator or volunteer coordinator (see DSD social agency application). The applications will be reviewed by the division chief or his/her designee. As part of the application:
        1. All volunteers who are working with inmates will have to go through a criminal background investigation that will be reviewed by the Operations Unit. This will be arranged through the inmate programs administrator or his/her designee. <ACA 4ALDF: 7B-03>
        2. Volunteers who are cleared to work in the facilities will sign a waiver of liability that will be filed as a permanent record.
        3. Volunteers must submit an annual social agency application in order to maintain background clearance. 
      2. Volunteers will be trained appropriately in the operations of the facility by the inmate programs administrator or his/her designee. Training is to include orientation to the Denver Sheriff Department, policies and procedures relating to safety and security concerns, confidentiality, contraband, conduct, PREA and the risks of working in a prison/jail environment. <ACA 4ALDF: 7D-17; 7F-05> Refer to the contractor and volunteer orientation training signature sheet for minimum training and orientation topics.
        1. All volunteers will be required to be familiar with and obey all security rules of the facility and to maintain confidentiality. An agreement that this information was received and understood must be signed (see contractor and volunteer orientation training signature sheet).
        2. Volunteers must complete annual volunteer training to maintain approval to access the jails. 
      3. The director of inmate programs will supervise the inmate program administrator and take steps to see that volunteers are performing services that they are qualified to perform.
    3. Services and Programs for which Volunteers may be used:
      1. The following services and programs have been approved for use of volunteers. These programs can be added or deleted from volunteer use status as needs and resources dictate.
      2. Referrals to such services, volunteers or community resource agencies may also be made as a part of an inmate’s transition plan in preparation for release. 
        1. Religious services – Volunteers may be used for any religious services as approved according to the requirements outlined in this order. 
          1. New religious services or programs must be referred to and coordinated by the chaplain, the programs administrator and the director of inmate programs. 
          2. Religious programs and services are defined to include all phases of religious activity including counseling, bible study, regular congregate services and distribution of religious materials. 
        2. Reentry services - Volunteers are approved for use in vocational programs, housing resources, reentry services, substance abuse recovery programs and support groups and clerical assistance to the inmate Programs Unit.
  6. Inmate Participation
    1. Any inmate desiring to attend or participate in programs or activities that are offered at the DSD facilities will be allowed to participate in community resource and volunteer supplemented programs described in this order, providing:
      1. The inmate maintains appropriate behavior and meets the criteria that is established for the program.
        1. Restrictive housing inmates will be offered programs as all other inmates; however, as with all inmates and activities at jail facilities, access may be dictated by the security needs of the facilities.
    2. Programs and activities for male and female inmates will be held separately.
    3. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, inmates are not required to participate in any program and may withdraw from any program described in this order at any time.
  7. Accountability
    1. Program Administrator: 
      1. It is the responsibility of the programs administrator, with the approval of the director of inmate programs, to oversee the administration of all programs for inmates. 
      2. The program administrator will:
        1. Assist the facility administrator in identifying appropriate volunteer resources and opportunities (agencies and individuals). <ACA 4ALDF: 5A-02>
        2. Verify volunteers who perform professional services are certified, licensed or qualified to perform in their volunteer role. <ACA 4ALDF: 7F-06>
        3. Ensure the volunteer has completed an appropriate orientation and/or training before the assignment.
        4. Post a current list of all classes and religious activities for the inmates in appropriate areas of the facility.
        5. Ensure all volunteers have the appropriate identification for access into the facility. <ACA 4ALDF: 7F-06>
        6. Maintain and update information for each volunteer.
        7. Monitor volunteer compliance and activity and take appropriate action if/when volunteers are non-compliant with jail procedures or policies.
    2. Chaplains: 
      1. The facility chaplain will supervise, plan and direct all aspects of inmate religious programs, assuring equal status and protection for all religions. <ACA 4ALDF: 5C-18>. 
      2. When the religious leader of an inmate’s faith is not represented in the chaplaincy or volunteers, the chaplain will make an effort to assist the inmate in contacting such a person, who may minister to the inmate under the supervision of the chaplain or inmate programs administrator. <ACA 4ALDF: 5C-22>
      3. Chaplains and other clergy shall be properly credentialed to perform the duties of the role, including appropriate clinical pastoral education (or equivalent) and endorsement of any appropriate religious certifying bodies. 
  8. Removal of the Volunteer Program: 
    1. The Sheriff, the division chief, the facility commander or designee may remove the volunteer program or any individual volunteer who violates facility rules or based on the needs of the Department.
    2. If a program does not meet the standards required, or compromises the security and order of the facility, the program will be removed.
  9. Responsibility: 
    1. Training: The Training Academy will ensure that the curriculum of all currently existing classes and any newly developed classes are compliant with this order.
    2. Management: The division chief/unit commander or unit manager of any division or unit affected by this policy will:
      1. Ensure that existing procedures and all newly developed orders are in compliance with this order.
      2. Ensure that all affected personnel are made aware of this policy.
      3. Ensure this policy is reviewed annually for compliance with all federal, state and local laws and standards.
    3. Supervisors: All supervisors will ensure that the provisions of this policy are being followed.
    4. Staff: All deputies and employees will comply with the provisions of this policy.
  10. Effective Date: This order will become effective on January 22nd, 2021. 
  11. Approval: This document has been reviewed, approved and electronically signed by the Sheriff of the City and County of Denver prior to its publication.