F.A.Q.'s Prison Sentences & Release Dates

[TexasDust]

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions
Click On Link In Red To Get You To This Page

Prison Sentences & Release Dates

Who is eligible for parole?
What is the 85% Law?
What is Meritorious Earned Time (MET)?
Who is not eligible for MET or the earned time allowance?

What is trusty earned time?
Who is not eligible for 30/30 trusty earned time?
What do the different dates mean on an inmate’s timesheet?
What is Earned Release Supervision (ERS)?
What if an inmate violates the terms of Earned Release Supervision (ERS)?

Who has the jurisdiction to revoke probation/post release supervision? parole, ISP (House Arrest), and Earned Release Supervision?


Prison


How many facilities does MDOC have and where are they located?
Where do new inmates go when first moved from the local county jail to MDOC custody?
What is Reception & Classification (R&C)?
How does an offender request transfer to another facility?
How long does a new inmate have to wait to call home?

How can I have my phone number placed on an offender’s approved call list?
Who should I contact if an inmate is writing, calling or harassing me?

What custody levels do County Regional Facilities house?

What if I have a complaint about a County Regional Prison?
What if I have a complaint about a Private Prison?
What if I have a complaint about a State Prison?


Programs


What educational and treatment programs are offered by MDOC?
How long is the Alcohol and Drug Program (A&D)?
How does an inmate enter the Alcohol and Drug Program (A&D)?
What is the Regimented Inmate Discipline (RID) Program?

How long does it take for an inmate to be assigned to the Regimented Inmate Discipline (RID) Program?
Does MDOC provide inmates assistance with divorce proceedings?

What is the Administrative Remedy Program (ARP)?

Contacting & Visiting Inmates


How can an inmate be contacted in case of a family emergency?
How can I send mail to an inmate?
How can I send money to an inmate?
What is the policy on visitation?

Can I take snacks or other items to an inmate when I visit?
Is there a minimum age for visitors?


Intensive Supervision Program (ISP)

“House Arrest”


Who is eligible for the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP)?
How does an inmate or offender get into the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP)?
What is the Joint Placement Committee?
When can an inmate on the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) leave home?
Can I keep beer, wine, or other alcohol in my house if an inmate lives with me who is on the Intensive Supervision Program?

Can I have a gun in my house if an inmate lives with me who is on the Intensive Supervision Program?

Interstate Compact


What is Interstate Compact?
Who is not eligible for transfer to another state on Interstate Compact?
What is the process for an Interstate Compact transfer for a parolee?
What is the process for an Interstate Compact transfer to another state for a probationer?
Can an inmate transfer from a corrections facility in Mississippi to one in another state?


Miscellaneous


How can I find out if someone has been sentenced to the Mississippi Department of Corrections?
How can a victim be notified of an inmate’s release?
How can I become involved as a religious volunteer to inmates?
What is the procedure to marry an inmate?
Are inmates housed at major institutions required to work?
What kinds of inmates are housed at Community Work Centers and work in the community?
What are the benefits of the American Correctional Association (ACA)?
Who do I contact if my question is not listed here?


Prison Sentences & Release Dates

Who is eligible for parole?

An offender convicted of a crime committed after June 30 1995 who has never been convicted of violent crime as defined by Miss Code Ann 47-7-3 (1)(g) may be eligible for parole. An inmate convicted of a crime committed on or before June 30 1995, falls under different Parole Laws.

Miss Code Ann 47-7-3 Return



What is the 85% Law?

For non-mandatory crimes committed after June 30, 1995, an inmate may receive an earned time allowance of 15% of his sentence, less pre-sentence jail-time, if MDOC determines that the inmate has complied with the good conduct and performance requirements of the earned time allowance program.

Miss. Code 47-5-138(5) Return



What is Meritorious Earned Time (MET)?

Meritorious Earned Time (MET) is a up to 10 day reduction in sentence for every 30 days of successful participation in an educational, vocational or treatment program. Inmates are not eligible for MET for participation in a program if the inmate is already receiving trusty time for that program.

Miss Code 47-5-142 Return



Who is not eligible for MET or the 15% earned time allowance?

An inmate is not eligible to receive the earned time allowance if:

· Sentenced to life in prison

· Convicted as a habitual offender.

· Convicted of a sex crime

· Convicted of armed robbery or attempted armed robbery, armed carjacking

Miss Code 47-5-139 Return



What is trusty earned time?

Effective April 28, 2004 an inmate in trusty status may receive a 30 day reduction in sentence for every 30 days in trusty status. Inmates who were in trusty status as of April 28, 2004 and who are not eligible for 30/30 trusty time receive a 10 day reduction in sentence for every 30 days in trusty status.

Miss Code 47-5-138.1 Return



Who is not eligible for 30/30 trusty earned time?

An inmate is not eligible to receive 30/30 trusty earned time if:

· Sentenced to life in prison

· Convicted as a habitual offender

· Convicted of a sex crime

· Convicted of armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, armed carjacking or drive by shooting.

· Convicted of a drug crime under Miss. Code Ann. Section 41-29-139(a) and sentenced under Section 41-29-139(b) or (f)

· Convicted of trafficking in controlled substances under Miss. Code Ann. Section 41-29-139(g).

Miss Code 47-5-138.1 Return

What do the different dates mean on an inmate’s timesheet?

Maximum Discharge date is the date an offender will have served the entire length of his sentence.

Tentative Discharge date is the Maximum Discharge date minus any Trusty Time or Meritorious Earned Time.

Earned Release Supervision (ERS) date is the Maximum Discharge Date minus the 15% earned time allowance, trusty time and meritorious earned time. Return



What is Earned Release Supervision (ERS)?

ERS is a “conditional release” and the ERS date does not mean that the inmate will automatically be released on that date. The ERS date is simply the “earliest possible date” minus any earned time that the offender can be released if ALL CONDITIONS for ERS are met. Click on ERS for more information.

Miss Code 47-5-138 Return



What if an inmate violates the terms of Earned Release Supervision (ERS)?

If an inmate violates the terms of Earned Release Supervision he may be revoked and returned to an MDOC facility. An Inmate revoked from Earned Release Supervision (ERS) must serve the remainder of the sentence and he is not given credit for the length of time he was in the community on ERS.

Miss Code 47-5-138 Return



Who has the jurisdiction to revoke probation/post release supervision, parole, ISP (House Arrest), and Earned Release Supervision?

The sentencing court has jurisdiction over probationers and post release supervision offenders.
The parole board has jurisdiction over parolees.
MDOC has jurisdiction over ERS and ISP (House Arrest) matters. Return

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Prison



How many facilities does MDOC have and where are they located?

For a map of current facilities click here Facilities Map. MDOC Probation & Parole offices for a list of Community Corrections field offices. Return



Where do new inmates go when first moved from the local county jail to MDOC custody?

Most inmates are moved to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Rankin County to go through the classification process at Reception & Classification (R&C). Male Death Row inmates are moved immediately to the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman. Click on Offender Services Initial Classification for more information. Return

What is Reception & Classification (R&C)?

The Reception & Classification Center is located at the Central Mississippi Correction Facility (CMCF). R&C is the first stop for most new inmates sentenced to MDOC custody. The inmate is classified for behavior level and assessed for treatment needs. This initial classification process takes about 30 days. Once classified, inmates may transfer to another facility within the MDOC system. Click on Offender Services (Initial Class) for more information about the initial classification process. Return



How does an inmate request transfer to another facility?

The inmate must complete a transfer request form through the case manager. If the transfer request is approved, the offender’s name is placed on a waiting list and the inmate is moved when space becomes available. A mileage fee will be deducted from the inmate’s account for cost of the transfer. Return



How long does a new inmate have to wait to call home?

A new inmate can call home on the weekend after his first full week at Reception & Classification (R&C). Return



How can I have my phone number placed on an offender’s approved call list?

Upon entry into Reception & Classification (R&C), the inmate completes a form with the names and phone numbers of those individuals he would like to call. The offender is allowed to update his list every six months. Return

Who should I contact if an inmate is writing, calling or harassing me?

Contact the warden or superintendent where the inmate is housed. Click on MDOC Quick Reference for contact information. Return



What custody levels do County Regional Facilities house?

All County Regional facilities house medium custody level inmates. Return



What if I have a complaint about a County Regional Prison?

First contact the facility warden or county sheriff. Click on MDOC Quick Reference–bookmark Regional Facilities for contact information. If the problem is not resolved contact MDOC compliance officer for the facility. Compliance officer names and numbers are listed with the facility information on MDOC Quick Reference – bookmark Regional Facilities. Return

What if I have a complaint about a Private Prison?

Contact the MDOC Compliance Officer or Warden at the facility. Click on MDOC Quick Reference –bookmark Private Prisons for contact information. Return



What if I have a complaint about a State Prison?

Contact the Warden of the Area where the inmate is housed. Click on MDOC Quick Reference for contact information. Return

Programs



What educational and treatment programs are offered by MDOC?

Click on MSP Treatment for programs offered at the Mississippi State Penitentiary (MSP) at Parchman.

Click on CMCF Treatment for programs offered at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Rankin County.

Click on SMCI Treatment for programs offered at the South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI) in Greene County.

Click on MDOC Quick Reference and then click on the desired facility for information about programs at other facilities. Return



How long is the Alcohol and Drug Program (A&D)?

The Alcohol and Drug Program (A&D) ranges from 3 months to thirty (30) months. Return



How does an inmate enter the Alcohol and Drug Program (A&D)?

Inmates enter the Alcohol and Drug (A&D) Program by court order, referral by the parole board or MDOC staff. In addition, inmates can request entry to the program. Return



What is the Regimented Inmate Discipline (RID) Program?

The Regimented Inmate is a “boot camp” program for first time offenders sentenced by the courts. Upon successful completion of RID, the sentencing court may suspend the remainder of the inmate’s sentence and place him on probation. Click on (RID) for more information. Return

How long does it take for an inmate to be assigned to the Regimented Inmate Discipline (RID) Program?

The inmate is transferred to the Regimented Inmate Discipline (RID) Program after Initial Classification is completed based upon available bed space. Return



What is the Inmate Legal Assistance Program (ILAP)?

The Inmate Legal Assistance Program (ILAP) provides legal assistance to inmates. An inmate can receive assistance for legal questions by submitting an ILAP request form. ILAP provides legal answers to legal questions; however, ILAP staff does not represent or prepare legal work for the inmate. Click on ILAP for more information. Return



Does MDOC provide inmates assistance with divorce proceedings?

No. MDOC does not assist with divorces. Inmates should contact a private attorney. Return

What is the Administrative Remedy Program (ARP)?

The Administrative Remedy Program (ARP) is available to all inmates to file formal complaints about prison conditions/concerns. Click on ARP for more information about the Administrative Remedy Program. Return

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Contacting & Visiting Inmates



How can an inmate be contacted in case of a family emergency.

Call the facility where the inmate is housed and ask to speak to the duty chaplain, warden or person in charge. Be prepared to give a name & phone number where you can be called back. Click on MDOC Quick Reference. for facility contact information. Return



How can I send mail to an inmate?

Click on Inmate Family Information Inmate Mail for the inmate mail policy. Return



How can I send money to an inmate?

All money for inmates must be in the form of a postal money order with the inmate’s name and MDOC#. Mail money orders to:

MDOC Inmate Accounts
PO Box 544

Jackson MS 39205-0544

Click on Inmate Family Information for further information. Return



What is the policy on visitation?

Contact the facility where the offender is housed for visitation information. Click on MDOC Quick Reference for Facilities For facility contact information. For inmates housed at MSP, SMCI or CMCF, click on Inmate Family Information / Visitation for further information. Return



Can I take snacks or other items to an inmate when I visit?

No. Each facility allows the purchase of snack bags from the canteen or vending machine. Return



Is there a minimum age for visitors?

No. However, all visitors age fourteen (14) and older must be on the inmate’s visiting list, be pre-screened and approved for visitation. A state or federal issued ID must be presented at time of visitation. Return



Intensive Supervision Program (ISP)

“House Arrest”



Who is eligible for the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP)?

A non-violent offender who has not been convicted of a felony committed after having been confined for the conviction of a felony on a previous occasion may qualify for the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP). Violent offenders are not eligible for ISP placement. Click on Intensive Supervision Program for more information. Return



How does an inmate or offender get into the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP)?

Offenders can be sentenced to ISP by the Court when first convicted. Eligible inmates are also reviewed by MDOC’s Joint Placement Committee and may be placed into the program. Return



What is the Joint Placement Committee?

The Joint Placement Committee consists of the Commissioner of Corrections (or designee), the Director of Offender Services and the Chairman of the Parole Board (or designee). This committee meets monthly to review eligible inmates for placement in the Intensive Supervision Program. Return



When can inmate in the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) leave home?

ISP inmates are allowed to leave home for work, community service, church services, and for personal needs (doctor visits, haircuts, etc) as approved and scheduled by the ISP field officer. Return





Can I keep beer, wine, or other alcohol in my house if an inmate lives with me who is in the Intensive Supervision Program?

No. There can be no alcohol in the house where an inmate is in the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP). Return



Can I have a gun in my house if an inmate lives with me who is in the Intensive Supervision Program?

No. There can be no guns in the house where an inmate is in the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) Return



Interstate Compact



What is Interstate Compact?

The Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision is an agreement between states to provide supervision of adult probationers and parolees who are approved to live in another state. Click on Interstate Compact for more information. Return



Who is not eligible for transfer to another state on Interstate Compact?

Inmates released from incarceration under furlough, work release, Earned Released Supervision or the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP or “House Arrest” are not eligible. Only Probationers and Parolees are eligible for transfer under the Interstate Compact Agreement. Return



What is the process for an Interstate Compact transfer for a parolee?

The inmate must be granted parole before he is eligible to make an application for transfer to another state. The inmate completes an application with the case manager who forwards it to the Interstate Compact Division for processing. The Interstate Compact Division makes application to the receiving state to arrange the transfer. It can take up to 90 days for the process to be completed. Return



What is the process for an Interstate Compact transfer to another state for a probationer?

The probationer must apply for the transfer through the supervising field officer who forwards it to the Interstate Compact Division for processing. The Interstate Compact Division makes application to the receiving state to arrange the transfer. It can take from 90 – 120 days for the process to be completed. Return



Can an inmate transfer from a corrections facility in Mississippi to one in another state?

No. Mississippi is not a member of the Inmate Interstate Corrections Compact which provides for the transfer of inmates from one state to another. Return

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Miscellaneous



How can I find out if someone has been sentenced to the Mississippi Department of Corrections?

Click on Inmate Search to search for active inmates.

Click on MS Parole Board parolee search to search for active parolees.

For all others contact the MDOC Records Department at 601-933-2889 Return





How can a victim be notified of an inmate’s release?

Contact Victim Services at 1-866-522-4087 or 601-359-5628. You may also go to the Crime Victims Notification Form on our web site to register to receive notification of an inmate’s release. Return



How can I become involved as a religious volunteer to inmates?

Contact a correctional facility and ask for the volunteer coordinator or chaplain. Volunteers go through an initial volunteer orientation to become certified to work in a prison. Click on Volunteering for further information. Return



What is the procedure to marry an inmate?

The inmate must contact the unit chaplain or case manager and make the request to get married. Return



Are inmates housed at major institutions required to work?

Yes. All inmates who are physically able must work. MDOC encourages inmates to develop a strong work ethic while incarcerated. Return



What kinds of inmates are housed at Community Work Centers and work in the community?

Inmates housed at Community Work Centers are incarcerated for non-violent crimes. Click on MDOC Quick Reference for a list of CWCs and links to each one. Return



What are the benefits of the American Correctional Association (ACA)?

The American Correctional Association (ACA) is an organization designed to promote improvement in the management of correctional agencies. It identifies a list of standards that address services, programs and operations for correctional agencies. Visit American Corrections Association web site for more information. Return



Who do I contact if my question is not listed here?

If your question is not listed here you may find the answer at Inmate Family Information. Click on Contact US for the departmental and personnel email address guide or the MDOC Quick Reference for telephone numbers. Return





MDOC QUICK REFERENCE



Mississippi Department of Corrections

Central Office

723 North President Street

Jackson Mississippi 39202

601-359-5600



Central Office Records: 601-973-3472

MSP (Parchman) Records: 662-745-6611, ext 2321

CMCF Records: 601-932-2880, ext 6243

SMCI Records: 601-394-5600, ext 1209



All media inquires should go to Communications @ 601-359-5689 Return



STATE FACILITIES

MSP – Mississippi State Penitentiary

Superintendent: Lawrence Kelly

P. O. Box 1057 – Hwy 49 West – Parchman, MS 38783

Phone: (662) 745-6611



CMCF – Central Mississippi Correctional Facility

Superintendent: Margaret Bingham

P. O. Box 88550 – 3794 Hwy 468 - Pearl, MS 39208

Phone: (601) 932-2880



SMCI – South Mississippi Correctional Institution

Superintendent: Ronald King

P. O. Box 1419 – 22689 Hwy 463 North - Leakesville, MS 39451

Phone: (601) 394-5600 Return





Private Facilities

DCF – Delta Correctional Facility

Warden: Jody Bradley

3800 County Road 540 – Greenwood, MS 38930

Phone: (662) 455-9099

MDOC Compliance Officer: Dwaine Taylor



EMCF – East Mississippi Correctional Facility

Warden: Larry Greer

10641 Hwy 80E – Meridian, MS 39304

Phone: (601) 485-5255

MDOC Compliance Officer: Faye Noel



MCCF – Marshall County Correctional Facility

Warden: Lepher Jenkins

P. O. Box 5188 – Holly Springs, MS 38634-5188

Phone: (662) 252-7111

MDOC Compliance Officer: Danny Jackson



TCCF – Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility

Warden:

P. O. Box 388 – 295 U. S. Hwy 49S -Tutwiler, MS 38963

Phone: (662) 345-6567

MDOC Compliance Officer: John Land



WGCF – Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility

Warden: Donald Jackson

P. O. Box 389 – Walnut Grove, MS 39189

Phone: (601) 253-2348

MDOC Compliance Officer: Pat Maxey



WCCF – Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

Warden: Dolan Waller

P. O. Box 1079 – 2999 U.S. Hwy 61N - Woodville, MS 39669

Phone: (601) 888-3199

MDOC Compliance Officer: Donnis Chatman Return

[TexasDust]

Regional Facilities

BCCF – Bolivar County Correctional Facility

Warden: Tommy Taylor

2792 Hwy 8 W – Cleveland, MS 38732

Phone: (662) 843-7478 or 5378

MDOC Compliance Officer: Bobby Twiner (601) 359- 5727



CMRCF – Carroll/Montgomery County Regional Correctional Facility

Warden: Cooper Misskelley, Warden

1440 Hwy 35 – Vaiden, MS 39176

Phone: (662) 464-5440

MDOC Compliance Officer: Bobby Twiner (601) 359- 5727



GCCF – George/Greene County Correctional Facility

Acting Warden: Preston Golf

154 Industrial Park Road – Lucedale, MS 39452

Phone: (601) 947-9399

MDOC Compliance Officer: Willie Edwards (601) 359-5338



HCCF – Holmes/Humphreys County Correctional Facility

Warden: Claude Foreman

23234 Hwy 12 E – Lexington, MS 39095

Phone: (662) 834-5016

MDOC Compliance Officer: Willie Edwards (601) 359-5338



ICCF – Issaquena County Correctional Facility

Warden: Cecilia Lusk, Warden

P. O. Box 220 – Mayersvillle, MS 39113

Phone: (662) 873-2153

MDOC Compliance Officer: Bobby Twiner (601) 359- 5727





JCCF – Jefferson/Franklin County Correctional Facility

Acting Warden: Clifton Kaho

P. O. Box 218 – Fayette, MS 39069

Phone: (601) 786-2284

MDOC Compliance Officer: Willie Edwards (601) 359-5338



KCCF – Kemper/Neshoba County Correctional Facility

Acting Warden: Johnny Crockett

300 Industrial Park Road – DeKalb, MS 39328

Phone: (601) 743-5767

MDOC Compliance Officer: Bobby Twiner (601) 359- 5727



LCCF – Leake County Correctional Facility

Warden Joe Thornton

399 C. O. Brooks Street – Carthage, MS 39051

Phone: (601) 298-9003

MDOC Compliance Officer: Bobby Twiner (601) 359- 5727



MWCF – Marion/Walthall County Correctional Facility

Acting Warden: Charles Abrams

503 South Main Street – Columbia, MS 39429

Phone: (601) 736-3621

MDOC Compliance Officer: Willie Edwards (601) 359-5338



SCCF – Stone County Correctional Facility

Warden: Dwain Brewer

1420 Industrial Park Road – Wiggins, MS 39577

Phone: (601) 928-7042

MDOC Compliance Officer: Willie Edwards (601) 359-5338



WCRCF – Winston/Choctaw County Correctional Facility

Acting Warden: Charles R. Tillery

P. O. Drawer 928 – Louisville, MS 39339

Phone: (662) 773-2528

MDOC Compliance Officer: Bobby Twiner (601) 359- 5727 Return



Community Work Centers (CWC)

Alcorn County CWC Everett Mathenery, Correctional Commander

2407 Norman Rd – Corinth, MS 38834

Phone: (662) 287-8105



Bolivar County CWC Gene Sias, Director

604 Hwy 8 – Rosedale, MS 38769

Phone: (662) 759-3535



Forrest County CWC Sherry Hearn, Director

112 Alcorn Ave – Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Phone: (601) 544-5030



George County CWC Bobby Welch, Director

156 Industrial Park Rd – Lucedale, MS 39452

Phone: (601) 947-7581



Harrison County CWC Nickie Simmons, Director

3820 – 8th Ave – Gulfport, MS 39501

Phone: (228) 865-0020



Jackson County CWC Betsy Chandler, Director

1717 Kenneth Ave – Pascagoula, MS 39567

Phone: (228) 762-0255



Jefferson County CWC Otis Bailey, Director

101 Corrections Road – Fayette, MS 39069

Phone: (601) 786-3556



Leflore County CWC Walter McKinney, Director

3400 Baldwin CR 540– Greenwood, MS 38930

Phone: (662) 453-9720



Madison County CWC Valerie Buie, Director

140 Corrections Drive – Canton, MS 39046

Phone: (601) 859-7711



Noxubee County CWC Frank Stockett, Director

110 Industrial Park Rd – Macon, MS 39341

Phone: (662) 726-2375



Pike County CWC Jerry Kennedy, Director

2015 Jesse Hall Rd – Magnolia, MS 39652

Phone: (601) 783-5514



Quitman County CWC Robert Taylor, Director

201 Camp B Rd – Lambert, MS 38643

Phone: (662) 326-2133



Simpson County CWC James Ingle, Director

714 Wood Rd – Magee, MS 39111

Phone: (601) 849-3281



Washington County CWC Charles Mason, Acting Director

1398 N. Beauchamp Ext Greenville, MS 38703

Phone: (662) 332-6358



Wilkinson County CWC Walter Reed, Director

84 Prison Lane – Woodville, MS 39669

Phone: (601) 888-4378



Yazoo County CWC Walter Lockhart, Director

P. O. Box 1047 – Yazoo City, MS 39194

Phone: (662) 746-2085 Return







Restitution Centers

Flowood CWC/ Restitution Center

Deputy Warden: Kevin Jackson

1632 HWY 80 W - Flowood MS 39208

Phone: 601-936-7213



Leflore County Restitution Center

Director: Arthur L. Smith

308 Hwy 7N Rear - Greenwood MS 389305

Phone: 662-453-5134



Hinds County Restitution Center

Commander: Dianna Robbins

429 South Gallatin St - Jackson MS 39203

Phone: 601-354-0062



Pascagoula Restitution Center

Director: Becky Fulton

1721 East Kenneth Ave – Pascagoula MS 39568

Phone: 228-762-1331 Return