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COVID-19 Reopening Phase II

A Public Safety and Prince George’s County Partnership Creates
New Possibilities for Reentry

Tuesday, October 25, 2022,

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) and the Prince George’s County Returning Citizens Division partnered with the Bridge Center at Adams House in Prince George’s County to host a groundbreaking reentry event on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. The event served as the first ever multiple-location virtual reentry services fair for individuals who are incarcerated and was attended by 26 individuals who are incarcerated in seven different male and female correctional facilities across the State of Maryland. The landmark event allowed the participants, who are close to returning home to Prince George’s County, the opportunity to learn about, and sign up for services before their release. See Full Press Release


 

The annual public comments hearing of the Maryland State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy

Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Maryland Judicial Center,
187 Harry S. Truman Pkwy., Annapolis, MD 21401.

Please register and submit written testimony by email to David Soulé, Executive Director of the Commission, at dsoule@umd.edu.

Registration is necessary only for those who wish to speak at the public hearing. If participants are not able to present testimony in-person, a videoconference option can be made available upon request. Those who wish to simply observe may view the livestream via the MSCCSP YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40Hu_WtSyXQ.

Members of the public are invited to address the Commission with their concerns about sentencing policy issues in Maryland. To accommodate all who wish to participate in the meeting, the Commission requests that each speaker limit his or her comments to five minutes. The Commission Chair will enforce this limit. All who are interested in speaking at the meeting are asked to register and submit a written version of their testimony in advance but not later than December 2, 2022.

Please register and submit written testimony by email to David Soulé, Executive Director of the Commission, at dsoule@umd.edu.

Registration is necessary only for those who wish to speak at the public hearing. If participants are not able to present testimony in-person, a videoconference option can be made available upon request. Those who wish to simply observe may view the livestream via the MSCCSP YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40Hu_WtSyXQ.



COVID-19

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is committed to protecting the health and well being of our staff, inmates, and detainees who live and work in our facilities. DPSCS, in conjunction with Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), are closely monitoring developments associated with COVID-19. DPSCS is prepared to handle any potential cases of COVID-19 within the state-operated correctional institutions in Maryland.

The Department is committed to protecting the health of inmates and staff. The Department’s leadership team continues to monitor the data regarding the spread of COVID-19 across its system and within Maryland communities. The need to modify operations and inmate movement may vary and change at any given time based on the need and/or severity of the health situation as indicated by the COVID-19 data and/or recommendations of the Maryland Department of Health. 


 

MD State Prison In-Person Visits Reinstated Effective July 19, 2021

With vaccination rates rising and COVID-19 cases falling, the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services will soon be able to allow external visitors back into its facilities. The Maryland DPSCS is planning a phased-in reopening to visitors while continuing to follow CDC guidance for congregate settings. In-person visitation is resuming throughout Maryland DPSCS effective Monday, July 19, 2021.

Maintaining and improving relationships between inmates and their families, friends, and loved ones is one of Maryland’s Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) key initiatives. Strengthening this bond offers a support net that can help inmates not only achieve success after they leave us, but also heal their families and social support systems. Maryland DPSCS  views visitation as a privilege that is an important part of inmate development and case management.

Effectively immediately, Maryland DPSCS will begin slowly transitioning back to in-person inmate visitation, with newly instated COVID-19 protocols.  All visitors are subject to a COVID-19 screening questionnaire, temperature check and must wear a mask (covering nose and mouth) at all times.

COVID-19 & IN-PERSON SOCIAL VISITATION
Effective July 19, 2021, Maryland DPSCS will begin Phase 1 of reinstituting in-person social visitation with
inmates, using newly instated COVID-19 protocols and policies.

PHASE 1, IN-PERSON SOCIAL VISITS – GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Individuals must be on the inmate’s Approved Visitor List;

  • Individuals must be 12 years of age or older;
  • Individuals must be fully vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and provide proof of vaccination;
    • Proof of vaccination means the signed CDC Vaccination Card you received at the time of
      your vaccination;
  • Inmates are required to be vaccinated prior to receiving an in-person visitation;
    • Inmates who are currently quarantined or in medical isolation may not participate in
      in-person visitation, but may participate in Virtual Visits.
    • Individuals who are not yet vaccinated but wish to visit with a family member, friend, or loved one may
      participate in Virtual Visits.


PHASE 1, IN-PERSON SOCIAL VISITS – ADDITIONAL RULES

  • An inmate may only receive two visitors during a scheduled visit;
  • Visits are by appointment only;
  • Visitors must wear a surgical or cloth face mask at all times during the visit – No gaiters, scarfs, or
    bandanas are permitted;
  • Visitors must participate in front entry COVID-19 protocols, to include a questionnaire and
    temperature screening; and
  • Visitors must comply with social distancing requirements and remain 6 feet from the inmate and
    other visitors not in your group.

    NOTE: Any visitor that does not comply with the required procedures shall be denied entry and their visit will
    be forfeited.


PHASE 1, IN-PERSON SOCIAL VISITS – APPOINTMENTS
Each correctional facility will establish a visitation schedule that allows employees, inmates, and visitors
to maintain social distancing requirements.

  • Visitor registration for a scheduled visitation day will begin seven (7) days prior to the visit and
    will close three (3) before the visit.
  • Due to the limited availability of appointments, visits will be approved on a first come, first
    scheduled basis.
  • Each visit time frame will be established at the discretion of the appointing authority, no to exceed one (1) hour in length. 
  • Visiting areas will be cleaned and disinfected in between scheduled visits.
  • Visitors arriving at the correctional facility more than 30 minutes past the scheduled appointment
    time will be denied entry for that day.

To schedule an in-person visitation, please click here

If you have any questions please contact the DPSCS COVID-19 Family Hotline at 410.724.5722.


Maryland House Bill 222 – Effective June 1, 2021

Maryland House Bill 222 requires the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) to provide each individual who is released from a correctional facility with a voter registration application and documentation informing the individual that their voting rights have been restored.


Amcelle Rubble Landfill

​The existing landfill is located at 12501 Arnel Avenue, Cumberland, 21502 in Allegany County, Maryland. The current permit requires semi-annual monitoring of the groundwater for metals and organic compounds. The proposed permit allows MDE to set and maintain requirements for the continued monitoring of groundwater quality at the closed rubble landfill, and does not authorize an expansion or other change to the facility.

Meeting:

An Informational Meeting will be held if a written request is received by MDE on or before August 26, 2020. The request should indicate the name, address and daytime telephone number of the person making the request, the name of any party whom the person making the request may represent, and the name of the facility. Send the request to: Ms. Kaley Laleker, Director, Land and Materials Administration, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21230-1719.​

Amcelle Rubble Landfill Draft 2020-GWD-3091

Amcelle Rubble Landfill Notice of Tentative Determination

Contact: Sara Haile: (410) 537-3315


Hiring Entry Level Correctional Officers

MD State Prisons Implement Video Visitation

In the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic where travel restrictions and social distancing is helping keep society healthy, Maryland’s  Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) has developed a solution to ensure our inmate and detainee population has the means for virtual visitations (video and audio) with their support network (family, friends, loved ones, etc.).

Effective immediately, the DPSCS will replace the service Skype with Microsoft Teams services for all virtual visitations.

Virtual visitation is a free service being offered to eligible inmates and authorized visitors.

For instructions to access Microsoft Teams, please click here


FEMA COVID-19 RELATED FUNERAL EXPENSES

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) believes our employees are our greatest strength and asset and we want to continue to provide support and resources to those who need it. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. For more details, eligibility criteria, and an application, please visit the FEMA website or click here. For a list of commonly asked questions regarding this initiative please click here.


Maryland Takes Action to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

With Maryland’s positivity rate exceeding 5% for the first time since June and health metrics spiking across the nation, Governor Hogan announced on November 10 a series of actions to slow the spread of COVID-19.

  • Indoor dining. The governor issued an emergency order reducing indoor operations for bars and restaurants from 75% to 50%, effective November 11 at 5 p.m. Bars and restaurants are permitted to be open for seated and distanced service only, with strict capacity restrictions.
  • Indoor gatherings. With contact tracing data showing an uptick in cases resulting from family gatherings and house parties, state health officials have issued a public health advisory strongly discouraging indoor gatherings of 25 people or more.
  • Travel advisory. Marylanders are strongly advised against traveling to any state with a positivity rate above 10% or any state with average case rates above 20 per 100K. Anyone traveling from these states should get tested and self-quarantine while awaiting results. This applies to personal, family, or business travel of any kind. Marylanders are advised to postpone or cancel travel to these areas until their positivity and/or case rates decline.
  • Telework. Governor Hogan has directed the Maryland Department of Budget and Management to immediately execute a period of mandatory telework across state agencies, except for essential direct public-facing services and other essential personnel. State officials strongly encourage all businesses to take immediate steps to expand telework.
  • Hospital surge capacity. State health officials have issued an emergency order expanding hospital surge capacity that provides state EMS officials with the flexibility to shift patients to alternate care sites and to add capacity at those sites if the need arises.
  • Nursing homes and assisted living facilities. State health officials have issued new guidance for slowing the spread of COVID-19 at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Marylanders should stay home if sick and get tested before they visit. Staff should minimize their contact with large gatherings and communicate early and often about infection control issues at their facilities. Indoor visitation is not permitted if the facility is currently conducting outbreak testing and in accordance with federal guidance on this subject.

Amcelle Rubble Landfill

​The existing landfill is located at 12501 Arnel Avenue, Cumberland, 21502 in Allegany County, Maryland. The current permit requires semi-annual monitoring of the groundwater for metals and organic compounds. The proposed permit allows MDE to set and maintain requirements for the continued monitoring of groundwater quality at the closed rubble landfill, and does not authorize an expansion or other change to the facility.

Meeting:

An Informational Meeting will be held if a written request is received by MDE on or before August 26, 2020. The request should indicate the name, address and daytime telephone number of the person making the request, the name of any party whom the person making the request may represent, and the name of the facility. Send the request to: Ms. Kaley Laleker, Director, Land and Materials Administration, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland 21230-1719.​

Amcelle Rubble Landfill Draft 2020-GWD-3091

Amcelle Rubble Landfill Notice of Tentative Determination

Contact: Sara Haile: (410) 537-3315


9-1-1
Call if you can
Text if you cant

Customers of the four major wireless carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon) who are enrolled in their carriers’ text messaging and/or data plan can send text messages to 911 in an emergency when they are unable to place a phone call. This includes those who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech impaired, those who may find themselves in a situation where placing a voice call could put them in danger, or those who are experiencing a medical emergency and are unable to speak.

If you are in need of emergency services and unable to place a phone call, you can enter 911 in the “To” line of a new text message and begin your message with the location of the emergency and the type of help needed—police, fire, or emergency medical services. Once the message has been received at the 911 call center, a 911 specialist will respond. You should be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions.

Additional tips for using text-to-911 service:

  • As with all text messages, messages to 911 may take longer to receive, may be received out of order, and/or may not be received at all
  • If text-to-911 service in not available, you will receive a bounce back message from your carrier telling you to place a phone or relay call instead
  • Photos and videos cannot be received by 911 call centers
  • English is the preferred language for text messaging, though some limited translation services may be available in your area
  • Keep text messages short and simple, and avoid using slang or abbreviations
  • Including an additional contact on your text message may prevent it from being received by 911
  • Call if you can, text if you can’t
  • Do not text and drive

Send Care Packages to Your Loved Ones Through Access Securepak!

Through Access Securepak, you can customize care packages to be delivered to your loved ones within our system. Securepak offers a variety of necessities such as hygiene products while also allowing the option to select and send various snacks and products. You are in complete control and customize the packages to fit your loved one’s needs. Click the link below to find out more and get started!


Access Corrections Secure Deposits is the fastest, most convenient way to deposit funds into your loved one’s account!



We Want You: Why Now is the Time to Start Your Career as a Correctional Officer

Officers taking the oath.

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy

One of the most constant components in life is change. Change can come in many forms and be caused by a variety of factors such as physical environments, demographics, economics or politics.

And as former U.S. President John F. Kennedy said, change is inevitable. It is how you harness that change that can predicate your future – especially when it comes to your career.

If you’re considering a career change where you can make a positive impact on your community and on individual lives, then the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (MDPSCS) is for you.

As one of the largest state agencies in Maryland, the MDPSCS employs more than 11,000 dedicated individuals that oversee 19 correctional institutions and 42 community supervision offices.


***ALERT***

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services has been made aware  that members of the public are receiving phones calls indicating that a loved one has been taken into our custody and a fee was necessary to ensure their release.  The caller indicates that money should be sent through Western Union.

While the caller is using the same institution name with each phone call, please note that no time will you be asked to send money via Western Union from any of our detention facilities or institutions.

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services continues to investigate circumstances surrounding these phone calls.

 
 
 

STOP FRAUD IN STATE GOVERMENT
HOTLINE:

24/7 AVAILABILITY

877-372-8311

WWW.OLA.STATE.MD.US

REPORT ISSUES SUCH AS:

FRAUD | MISUE OR ABUSE OF RESOURCES | THEFT | CONFLICTS OF INTEREST | CORRUPTION | VIOLATIONS OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS | VENDOR KICKBACKS

Human Trafficking
GET HELP

 

National Human Trafficking Hotline — 24/7 Confidential

Call: 1-888-373-7888
Text: 233733
For more information on human trafficking in Maryland click here.
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