GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
POLICY / PROCEDURE
DETENTIONS

SUBJECT: ATTORNEY-INMATE VISITATION

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 15, 2006

POLICY:
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Detention staff shall insure that all requests from attorneys seeking visitation with an inmate shall be verified by asking the inmate in question whether or not they are being represented or seeking representation from the requesting attorney, law firm or organization.

PURPOSE:
In order to prevent unethical solicitation, maintain the privacy interests and safety of inmates, the safety of the Detention Facility staff and visitors, and reduce the burden of additional staffing, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office will require that all inmates verify their legal representation needs when an attorney presents themselves for an inmate visitation. This process will also insure consistency within the Detention Facility operation.

METHOD:
The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office respects the attorney-client privilege. Attorneys should notify Detention Staff 24 hours in advance in order to schedule visitation. Detention staff will be as accommodating as possible regarding attorney-inmate visitation and allow such visits with as little disruption as possible. Not withstanding the fact that many local attorneys are known by the Detention staff and often times which inmate is being represented by that attorney, it may be necessary to verify that relationship in order to protect inmates, staff and visitors within the Detention Facility as well as reduce the need for staff to unnecessarily maintain secure control of a specific inmate.

When an attorney presents themselves to the Detention Facility and requests visitation with an inmate, the Detention staff will verify, with that inmate, the existence of an attorney-client relationship, or whether the inmate is seeking representation, by asking the inmate:
• “WHO IS YOUR ATTORNEY OR ARE YOU SEEKING REPRESENTATION FROM AN ATTORNEY, LAW FIRM OR ORGANIZATION”?
• If the inmate identifies the presenting attorney, their law firm or organization as representing them, or indicates that they are seeking representation from the presenting attorney, law firm or organization, the Detention staff will arrange the attorney-inmate visit as soon as practically possible.
• If the inmate does not acknowledge any of the above, the visit will be denied.
• The denied attorney may visit with the inmate via the inmate family/friend visitation process which requires the inmate to initiate.
 

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