By Larry West

I know of two people from the Lord's church who are currently wanting to become regular volunteers in the correctional system. As they have discovered, it can be very difficult to obtain approval to go in on an ongoing basis for the purpose of teaching those who are incarcerated. Both of these Christians visit inmates and study with them in the visiting rooms. Both are very busy in the correspondence course programs in the effort to help teach through the mail. Both are wondering why they are not allowed to be a part of the institution's religious programming. Both have been in communication with the respective chaplains and have expressed their desire to help.

One was told by the chaplain that before she could come in and study with the ladies in the county jail, she would have to complete a training program taught by a denominational group. Almost out of desperation, she and her husband attended and completed the program. She is now being told that there is no time available on the schedule for her at this time. The other was told by the chaplain, without much further explanation, that he simply would not be permitted to come in. He contacted me and asked what he could do. Unfortunately, in his case, the chaplain cannot allow him to come in. The regulations state that one who visits or corresponds with inmates in the prison cannot be allowed to come in as a volunteer. The fear is that if one has a close enough relationship to be on their visiting list, there would be a danger of over familiarity. This is not referring to intimacy but rather to concern about the individual which might result in bringing something in for them, drugs, etc., or taking something out for them, letters to mail, messages, etc. Additionally, there would not be the same level of security in the chapel which there is in the visiting room; officers constantly watching, video camera monitoring, etc.

Another problem one often faces is the chaplain himself. Some feel that the inmates are their own personal "flock" and they do not want other groups, religions, etc. teaching them something different than their own brand of doctrine. Chaplains can often make it easy or difficult for new volunteers to get in. Sometimes they have been taught, or have heard, many negative,

often untruthful, things about the church of Christ and thus do everything they can to prevent us from coming in to “their” facility. Paperwork may become lost or misplaced or clearances may not be obtained.

I should mention here that these last two things do sometimes (often) legitimately occur. I have known of it happening and it has happened to me! Many people may not realize that in order to gain access, it is necessary to undergo a background check. This is done through the Department of Justice (DOJ) via the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS). If a person has ever been arrested, it will likely result in that individual not being allowed to come inside. Sometimes, if it has been a number of years ago, and depending upon the reason, the warden might approve, on a limited basis, with special provisions. If one has an unpaid traffic ticket, didn't show up for a court appearance, etc., they will not clear. I have known of instances where the local police were summoned and the person arrested just trying to go in for a visit.

To be approved, it is required that there be at least a briefing of the individual. He or she must be told exactly what they can and cannot do, what they can and cannot wear, and have the guidelines thoroughly explained to them. Just to come into the prison on a one time clearance, an 81/2 by 11 sheet of paper with laws regulating one's presence and conduct must be signed, indicating understanding and agreement with those laws. Included in the agreement is the fact that if one is taken hostage the prison will not negotiate for his or her release.

It must also be agreed that there can be no negative or derogatory teaching about or against other religions.

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