Overview
SCSD did not ensure that it provided all sentenced inmates with an intake orientation or that all orientations were provided on time or at all. During the audit period, there were 1,478 sentenced inmates admitted to the Suffolk County Jail or the Suffolk County House of Correction (HOC) who were required to receive an intake orientation within 72 hours after their intake or within one week of being transferred for every time they were booked as a sentenced inmate. We found that for the inmates associated with 43 (62%) out of the 69 bookings in our sample, SCSD either did not provide all sentenced inmates with an intake orientation on time or at all. Specifically, we found:
- SCSD could not provide evidence of an orientation form signed by the sentenced inmates associated with 15 (22%) out of the 69 bookings in our sample.
- We found that the sentenced inmates associated with 22 (32%) out of the 69 bookings in our sample should have received an intake orientation within 72 hours but did not receive their orientation until 4 to 36 days after admission.
- We found that the sentenced inmates associated with 6 (9%) out of the 69 bookings in our sample should have received an intake orientation within one week of transfer but did not receive their orientation until 8 to 16 days after transfer.
By not providing intake orientations to its sentenced inmates within the required timeframe, there is a higher risk that SCSD sentenced inmates are not aware of their rights and responsibilities or of the programs and services that may be available to them.
Authoritative Guidance
According to Section IX of SCSD’s Social Services Policy S470, “[Program Services Division] staff shall conduct orientation for inmates within seventy-two (72) hours of admission to the facility and within one (1) week for transfers.”
Reasons for Issue
SCSD management stated that Section IX of its Social Services Policy S470 mistakenly included the 72-hour timeline for orientation of sentenced inmates. According to SCSD management’s review, the policy manual should have indicated that all sentenced inmates should receive orientation within seven days of admission, which is the same as outlined in 103 CMR 936.
Recommendation
SCSD should establish monitoring controls to ensure that it provides all sentenced inmates with intake orientation within the required timeframes.
Auditee’s Response
All SCSD inmates receive orientation within 1 week of admission. This discrepancy is a clerical error and has been updated in compliance with the standard and practice by the Department.
Auditor’s Reply
As part of its response, SCSD provided us with a copy of the updated policy. Based on its response and the updated policy, SCSD is taking measures to address our concerns regarding this matter. As part of our post-audit review process, we will follow up on this matter in approximately six months.
| Date published: | December 24, 2025 |
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