Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 240 - Department of Corrections
Here’s a well-structured summary of Rhode Island Code of Regulations (RICR) Title 240 – Department of Corrections 🏛️, current through March 2025:
📚 Title 240 – Structure Overview
Title 240 is organized into five active chapters (subchapters have no separate divisions):
Chapter 10 – Inmate Life
Chapter 20 – Access to Inmates & RIDOC Facilities
Chapter 30 – Security
Chapter 40 – Community Corrections
Chapter 50 – Fees (rules.sos.ri.gov)
Chapter 10 – Inmate Life
Part 1 – Inmate Mail
Governs postal correspondence: inmates can send/receive unlimited mail unless it compromises security or rehabilitation. Privileged mail (e.g., to attorneys, courts) is protected and unreadable by staff. Procedures include handling returns, privileged vs. non-privileged mail, and mailroom rules (doc.ri.gov).
Chapter 20 – Access to Inmates & Facilities
Part 1 – Visits
Inmates receive at least three 1½‑hour visits per week (unless restricted).
Visiting times/limits set by wardens; rules (e.g., dress code) posted in English/Spanish.
Smoking is banned in visiting areas.
Procedures cover minors, non‑family, professional, attorney, and former/current employee visits, background checks, emergency suspensions, and long-distance visit allowances (doc.ri.gov, regulations.justia.com).
Part 2 – Public Information & Media Access
RIDOC encourages open communication but prioritizes security and privacy.
Only the Director or Chief of Information may speak to media; press releases follow formal protocols.
Photographs, interviews, and facility access require prior approval; inmates may correspond with media under mail rules (doc.ri.gov).
Part 3 – Attorney Access
Attorneys and their agents are permitted facility access with proper authorization (e.g. 3‑day notice, ID, criminal checks).
Permitted to bring personal items (e.g., briefcases, documents) but subject to search; devices allowed only under specific conditions.
Visiting hours: 8:30 AM–8:30 PM daily, with exceptions. Walk-through protocols and complaint mechanisms included (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
Chapter 30 – Security
Part 1 – Restraints on Pregnant Inmates
Restraints must be medically necessary; officers must document and report within 5 days; reports kept by wardens for public inspection (non-identifying) (law.cornell.edu).
Part 2 – Telephone Monitoring & Privileges
Inmates can maintain social/legal calls (up to 10 social numbers, 5 attorney numbers); phone use is a privilege, and calls may be monitored and recorded; some numbers (e.g., legal aid, parole) outside limits (risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com).
Chapter 40 – Community Corrections
Furlough Policies
Outlines criteria, procedures, and guidelines for allowing inmate furloughs into the community (casetext.com).
Chapter 50 – Fees
Covers inmate-related charges (e.g., phone, canteen), administrative fees, and payment protocols. (Not expanded in sources.)
✅ Summary Table
| Chapter | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| 10 | Inmate mail policy & procedures |
| 20 | Visiting rights, media access, attorney access |
| 30 | Security policies: restraints, phone monitoring |
| 40 | Community programs like furloughs |
| 50 | Fees related to inmates & services |
📝 Conclusion
RICR Title 240 sets the standards for inmate treatment, communication, security, access, and corrections administration. It ensures transparency and fairness while maintaining safety and operational control.
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