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Florida Death Row Advocacy Group
Working to maintain and improve living conditions for death row in Florida
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INFORMATION PACKAGE
Welcome
This packet was designed by the members of FDRAG to assist the families and friends of Death Row inmates with their transition into the rules and regulations of the Florida system. Our personal experiences of frustration and uncertainty as we were initiated into the system have lead us to hope that the information contained within the packet will save others from the same feelings.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us from the list below.
We are here to help you.
Take care and stay strong,
FDRAG
Contact List
Visitation RulesNOTICE: Please read and keep this sheet
for future reference and review it often. Our goal is to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. However, you must follow these rules or your
visiting privileges may be affected. 1. Identification Requirements: Visitors 12 years of age or
older must present a valid form of picture identification to enter the
visiting area. 2. Dress Requirements: These requirements are strictly enforced: 2.1 Shirts and shoes are mandatory. 2.2 Halter tops, underwear-type tee shirts, tank
tops, fish net shirts, or any clothes made with see-through fabric or
skin-tight will not be worn by males or females. 2.3 Dresses, skirts, or Bermuda-length shorts more
than three inches (3”) above the knee are not permitted. 2.4 Any article of clothing with a picture or
language ruled profane or offensive by an officer will not be allowed. 3. Searches of Visitors: 3.1 All persons are required to submit to a search
of their persons and possessions before being admitted to the institution or to
visit. 3.2 Refusal to submit to a search is grounds for
denial of the visit. 3.3 Refer to Chapter 33-601.728 and 33-602.204
Florida Administrative Code for specific search guidelines. 4. Authorized Items Permitted by Visitors (Under no circumstances are department staff allowed to hold/store an
item for a visitor): 4.1. Visitors will bring only
these items into any department facility.
Any item not in the list below, or any authorized item more than the
approved amounts (e.g., cash), is “unauthorized” and item entry will be denied. (4.1.1) One (1) unopened pack
of cigarettes and one (1) lighter (No “Bic” type lighters or matches
allowed). (Note: Smoking permitted only in designated outside
areas.) (4.1.2) One (1) vehicle key;
One (1) photographic identification card; limited feminine hygiene products. (4.1.3) Up to $25.00 ($1
& $5 bills only) cash per visitor, regardless of age, to purchase snacks
and beverages from vending machines located in department visiting areas. All snacks and beverages must be consumed in
the visiting area and must be purchased by visitors. Under no circumstances will money be given to an inmate. (4.1.3.1) Send funds to the appropriate
Service Center in the form of US Postal money orders, cashiers checks, or
certified bank drafts. (4.1.4) Prescriptive
medications: Visitors taking prescription medications are allowed only the dosage necessary for
the period of the visit at any institution. (4.1.4.1) Each prescriptive
medication must be in its original prescribed container with a clearly readable
label with the information on the type of medication, dosage requirements, and
the name of the individual to whom the medication was prescribed. (4.1.4.2) Under no circumstances will
containers with different types of medication be allowed into any department
facility. (4.1.4.3) The department
prohibits individuals from entry with any medication posing a threat to inmates
or institutional security. Individuals requiring medical injections
(needles/syringes) are required to leave the institution for such purposes and
then allowed to return. (4.1.4.3.1) Do not bring
needles/syringes into any facility or leave them on the grounds of any facility
under any circumstances. (4.1.5) If applicable, one
(1) copy of a notarized authorization to supervise a minor. (4.1.6) Visitors with
authorized infants and small children. (4.1.6.1) No more than five
(5) diapers, three (3) clear baby bottles, two (2) toddler sipper cups, and
three (3) clear jars of sealed (unopened) baby food. (4.1.6.2) Baby wipes/towelettes
allowed if they are in a clear bag. (4.1.6.3) Infant/baby
carriers are subject to search before entry into the institution. Visitors are required to remove the infant
from the carrier during the search. 4.2. Visitors who bring any items not listed above
or more than the permissible amounts will be required to find a secure location
for the item(s) for the duration of their visit, if the item(s) is not
considered contraband/illegal. 4.3. DO NOT
leave unattended children or animals on department property during visitation. 5. Contraband(s. 944.47 F.S.)/Illegal Items Prohibited on
Department Property: (Notice: Violation is a
felony and will be aggressively prosecuted.) 5.1 Any visitor found to be
in violation of these restrictions is subject to having their visitation
privileges suspended. 5.2 DO NOT possess,
introduce, or attempt to introduce any of the items in 5.4.1 to 5.4.8 into any
department facility. 5.3 DO NOT attempt to pass or
pass any of these items to any inmate, staff member, or other individual. 5.4 Contraband items found in
an unsecured area by a department staff may be seized and will not be returned
without the approval of the Director of Institutions. (5.4.1) Any intoxicating
beverages; (5.4.2) Any controlled
substances (to include, but not be limited to, any narcotic, hallucinogens,
marijuana, stimulant, or any drug affecting the central nervous system). The only exception is prescription
medications (see 4.1.4); (5.4.3) Any cash over $25.00
per visitor, regardless of age; (5.4.4) Any firearm, weapon,
or instrument that customarily is used, can be used, or designed as a dangerous
weapon. (5.4.5) Visitors carrying
Mace canisters or on key chains, or similar products, will not be allowed to
enter any department facility and will be instructed to find a secure location
to place the item for the duration of their visit; (5.4.5) Any explosive devices
or instruments; (5.4.6) Any article(s) or
instrument(s) that may be used to aid in or attempting to effect an escape; (5.4.7) Any cellular telephones
and/or recording devices; (5.4.8) Any beeper/pager
unless required for medical/professional reasons. All approved beepers/pagers will be thoroughly inspected prior to
entering the institution. 6. Visitor Conduct: 6.1. Inmates/visitors are
allowed one embrace and one kiss at the beginning and end of a visit. Such
activity is not permitted during the visit. (6.1.1) Lap sitting is not
allowed or any open or gross lewdness as defined by Chapter 800, Florida
Statutes is also prohibited. 6.2. Visitors will not give
anything to an inmate nor will they take anything from an inmate without prior
authorization from the Warden or designee. (6.2.1) The only items
authorized to be passed is food and beverage items purchased from vending
machines by visitors. 6.3 Do not walk or drive
along the secure perimeter fence road; 6.4 Photographing buildings,
fences, grounds, staff members, inmates, or any area of state property that
incorporates correctional facilities is prohibited; 6.5 No loud playing of
vehicle radios while on department property; 6.6 No yelling at inmates or
loud, boisterous behavior while on department property; 6.7 Visitors are required to
keep children as orderly as possible during their visit so as not to disturbed
other inmates and visitors. (6.7.1) Visitors unable to
control their children are subject to have their visit terminated; 6.8 Visitors are not allowed
to switch tables or visit with any other inmate(s). 6.9 No loitering on
department property. 7. Denial of Visitation: The Warden/Assistant and
Duty Wardens may deny a visitor entry, terminate the visit, or temporarily
suspend visitation privileges for reasons to include, but not be limited to: 7.1 Visitor is, or appears to
be, under the influence of drugs or alcohol; 7.2 Visitors 16 years and
older who do not complete a “Request for Visiting Privileges” form and/or
refuses to produce proper photo identification or falsifies information; 7.3 Visitors exceed the five
approved visitor limitation or visitation space is limited; 7.4 Inmate has already had
his/her scheduled visit for the day or the allowed visits for the month; 7.5 Visitor is disruptive
before their visit or the children accompanying are disruptive/unruly; 7.6 Visitor is not on the
inmate’s approved visiting list or it is not the inmate’s scheduled visiting
day; 7.7 Inmate refuses to visit
with the visitor; 7.8 Visitor does not meet the
department dress requirements; 7.9 Emergency situations; 7.10 A decision that the
visit may jeopardize the security and/or safety of staff, inmates, others, or
the institution; 7.11 Visitor attempts to
visit with more than one inmate at the same table and they are not immediate
family members; 7.12 Visitors completing a
visit with one inmate may not leave the institution and re-enter to visit with
a different inmate; 7.13 Visitors over the age of
18 whom refuse to be questioned or refuse to consent to be pat or strip
searched; 7.14 A minor refuses to be
questioned or refuses to consent to be pat or strip searched even if the
parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult consents to the search; 7.15 Refusal to submit to an
exit search is grounds for denial of future visits. 8. Visiting Hours: 8.1
Normally visiting hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST). 8.2
Visitation registration begins at 8:15 AM (7:15 CST). No visitors are processed after 2:00 PM (1:00 PM CST). Unwritten Rules for Visiting Union Correctional Institution:
The parking lot at the prison is not opened till 7:00 am. Visitors are no longer allowed to line up at the gate. Saturday and holiday visitors to UCI line up at the Handy Way located about a mile east of the UCI main gate. The death row visiting park is limited to 26 tables, and we suggest that you arrive early to secure a place in line. At approximately 6:55 am, the procession begins to move toward the prison. Visitors line up under the canopy at the main building, in the order in which they arrive at the Handy Way. At approximately 7:00, they are allowed in groups of five, to sign in. Please be sure, that you have a valid photo ID, and the tag number of your vehicle with you. If you have not registered as a visitor, you will be required to have your photo taken for the DOC records, your hand scanned and issued a visitor pin number. This number will be required at every visit. At approximately 8:30, the guards will begin calling names for passes and searches.
Sunday visitors need not line up at the Handy Way.
Visiting List Approval: Request a visitation form from your friend or loved one. After returning the completed form to the Institution you wish to visit, it takes approximately 6 weeks for approval. You will be notified by mail. Normally, a person is allowed to be on only one inmate’s visitation list.
NOTE: If you are applying from outside the continental U.S or its territories, you must attach a complete criminal history check from your local law enforcement agency to the application.
Special visits: Visitors travelling over 200 miles may request a special visit, allowing them two 6 hour visits instead of one. If your visit includes two weekends, then you may apply for two special visits. If the regular visiting day is Saturday, your special visit will be on Friday. If the regular visiting day is Sunday, your extra day will be on Monday. You can request a special visit by emailing; Christie.lynne@mail.dc.state.fl.us
Please read the visitation rules carefully. They are specific and are strictly enforced.
Directions to UCI
Directions to FSP
Local Cab: Veterans cab: 904 964 9117
Motels in Starke visitor friendly:
Affordable Lodging in Keystone
If you prefer alternative accomodations, the town of Keystone, just 10-15 minutes from Starke, offers rooms in a private home. Within walking distance of the local shopping center and restaurants, the home is situated near Keystone "beach", a large lake with sandy shores and bathing bridges, where you may swim and top off your tan during the day. You may choose sitting on the screened porch and overlooking the palm trees and oaks. One side of the house boasts a beautiful flower garden where you may want to enjoy the fresh air while writing letters, listening to the birds or simply relaxing. There is also a huge lawn with swing sets for your child’s enjoyment
All rooms have new beds. Clean linen and towels are provided, and there’s access to the kitchen and bathroom. Each room has it’s own TV. Besides the comfortable accommodation, other services are offered. If you are bringing children with you, babysitting will be provided for a small fee. If you need transportation, arrangements for airport pickups and drop offs in Jacksonville and trips to and from the prison are available. Rates are:
$195 per week – including pick up and drop of at Jax airport, 2 trips to the prison and back.
$135 per week – includes two trips to and from the prison. (If you have your own hire car breakfast will be included, which you can prepare at any times during the day).
$85 for a long weekend (including transportation as listed above)
The hostess speaks English, French and German. Please call Hannah for further information 904-964-7303.
PS: Prices may be changing but can be discussed with hostess so there will be no surprises.
FLIGHTS TO FLORIDA
We often hear from folks who are on the lookout for places that offer good deals on flights to visit loved ones in Florida. Here are a few websites suggested by some of our members that you might like to check out for low price quotes.
How to send money
Email to central.accounting@mail.dc.state.fl.us to request deposit forms or call the toll free number 1-866-209-7250, or by send a written request to:
Department Of Corrections Financial Service Center Centerville Station P.O. Box 13600 Tallahassee, FL. 32317-3600
Instructions are on the back of the form. Please read and send your form and money order, cashiers check or bank draft to the following address. The funds will be credited to your inmate’s account and he will be notified.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Bank Centerville Station PO Box 12100 Tallahassee, FL. 32317-2100
Inmate Bank in Tallahassee central.accounting@mail.dc.state.fl.us - General Mail Address straley.jeff@mail.dc.state.fl.us - Employee at Inmate Bank
You may also send funds by wire transfer using Western Union's Quick Collect Service. To locate a Western Union Agent Location in your area, call 1-800-325-6000. When you complete the Blue Quick Collect Payment Form (at the Agent Location) you must include the following information:
The cost is $11.95. If sent before 8:00 PM, Monday - Friday, the funds will be posted to inmate's account the next day.You may also send funds using a credit card by calling Quick Collect by Phone at 1-800-634-3422. (Press 2 to send Q/C payment) or visit the web site at: www.westernunion.com.The fee for calling is determined by the amount you would like to send. (Additional bank charges may apply.) Quick Collect by Phone is not offered if the call originates from one of the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, & Oklahoma. Quick Collect via web site www.westernunion.com is available to all 50 states (some restrictions apply). To check on a deposit, call the Western Union Customer Service at 1-800-238-5772. Flyers with this information are also available in the visiting park at each Institution.
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Florida Department of Corrections Web Site:
Death row information
http://www.dc.state.fl.us/oth/deathrow/index.html
Office of Family Services:
Rules Governing Books, Periodicals and Personal Communications Complete regulations regarding the sending of publications to inmates and mail rules may be found in Index to Rules, Title 33, Department of Corrections. http://www.dc.state.fl.us/secretary/legal/ch33/rulindex.html. We advise that you print the information and read it carefully. Violation of the rules may cause loss of writing and visitation privileges. Neither letters nor publications will be accepted if they contain subject matter that: Depicts/describes construction or use of weapons, ammunition, bomb, chemical agents, incendiary devices. Depicts/encourages/describes methods of escape or contains blueprints, drawings, descriptions of facilities or maps that facilitate escape. Depicts/describes procedures for brewing alcoholic beverages or manufacture of drugs or other intoxicants. Is written in code. Depicts/encourages/describes activities leading to use of physical violence or group disruption. Encourages/instructs in the commission of criminal activity. Is dangerously inflammatory in that it advocates or encourages riot, insurrection, institutional disruption, or violation of department rules. Threatens physical harm, blackmail or extortion. Depicts sexual conduct as follows: actual or simulated sexual intercourse; sexual bestiality; masturbation; actual contact with a person's unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, female breast; any act or conduct which constitutes sexual battery or simulates that sexual battery is being or will be committed. Depicts nudity or a lewd exhibition of genitals in such a way as to create the appearance of sexual conduct is imminent Display of contact or intended contact with a person's unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks or female breasts orally, digitally or by foreign object. Display of sexual organs in an aroused state. Contains criminal history, offender registration, or other personal information about another inmate or offender, which , in the hands of an inmate, presents a threat to the security, order or rehabilitative objectives of the correctional system or to the safety of any person; Contains or appears to contain unknown or unidentifiable substances; or Otherwise presents a threat to the security, order or rehabilitative objectives of the correctional system or the safety of any person. Finally, ensure you are familiar and comply with the requirements of 33-501.401 (10) through (13). Briefly they are: Inmates, except for those in Close Management, may subscribe to no more than one daily or weekly newspaper and four other periodicals. Inmates in Close Management are limited to one (1) newspaper and one (1) periodical subscription. An inmate is not allowed to keep more than one copy of any volume, issue or edition of any book, periodical or other publication. (For example: may keep January and February 2003 issues, but not two copies of the January 2003 issue.) Inmate must be able to store the materials in his/her personal living area. Unless otherwise provided in |