PRISON MINISTRY GUIDELINES

• Know your facility. Find out what the rules are and follow them. Rules will be different at different facilities. If there are any written instructions for volunteers, ask for a copy.

• Be sure you understand when you will be allowed to come in. Then be on time.

• Wait patiently to be processed. The officers are very busy, and you may be delayed. Allow time in your schedule for this. Be courteous and respectful of the facility staff.

• Bring current ID (no expired driver’s licence).

• Do not ask for special privileges from the facility (for example, asking them to let you in even if you forgot your ID).

• Clothing should be neat and clean, but not flashy. Women should dress modestly.

• Don’t chew gum or bring it with you. It can be used in harmful ways.

• Leave your cell phone, keys, small knives, etc., at home or someplace else.

• Do not take anything into or out of the facility without the permission of the facility’s programme administrator. If you are given permission to hand something out (Bible verses, for example), find out if the inmates are allowed to keep it, or if you need to collect it from them before you leave.

• When moving around within the facility, stay to the side of the corridor and keep a safe distance while staff and inmates pass. Allow them to go through the door first. Don’t walk ahead of the officer when being escorted; let them lead you.

• Find out if the facility requires two or more volunteers to go in at the same time, or if you’re allowed to go in by yourself.

• Don’t do any favours for inmates. Don’t pass messages or take anything out of or into the facility on behalf of a family or friend. You may be smuggling in drugs or contraband without knowing it.

• If an officer does not stay with you, find out how to reach one quickly.

• Be aware of interactions between the inmates. Disagreements can quickly turn into fights. If you see that things are getting out of hand, ask an officer for help immediately. Do not try to break up a fight!

• It is very important to be aware of manipulation. Always be professional – do not become friends with the inmates. Treat them with respect but keep a distance. Inmates who try to be extra friendly, or pay you compliments, may be trying to eventually get to the point where they feel they can ask you for favours.

• If you are asked for a favour, say: ‘Our organisation doesn’t allow us to do that, but I’ll let the officer in charge know that you need something.’

• If you have a question about whether something is allowed, or if you need clarification on a policy, ask the officer in charge.

• If inmates share why they are there, that’s fine, but never question them about it. Don’t comment on what they have done.

• Don’t say that you are with a specific church or denomination. Remind your group that you are not sharing your opinion, but what the Bible says.

• Do not give any of the inmates your personal information (phone number, address, etc.). If you are allowed to have contact with them after they are released, give them a neutral number (your church). Some inmates, once released, might become a threat. Make outside connections carefully, and preferably in a neutral location such as your church.