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Visitation

What Happens If the Drug Dog Alerts During Your Visit

At Massachusetts DOC secure correctional facilities, passive drug-detection dogs may be used during entrance procedures. If a dog alerts, staff will pull you aside and ask you to consent to a search. What you do next can determine whether you're allowed to visit.

• 2 min read Verified from official sources

Massachusetts DOC uses passive drug-detection dogs as part of the entrance process at secure correctional facilities. The dogs are brought out at random intervals, so you may see them some days and not others. Their purpose is straightforward: deterring and detecting illegal drugs from being brought inside.

If a drug-detection dog alerts on you, staff will have you step out of line. You'll be asked to consent to a search by correctional staff. Because the dogs appear at random intervals, an alert can happen even on a day you weren't expecting any extra screening.

If you refuse the search: You will not be allowed to visit the inmate, and you must leave the facility.

If drugs are found on you, the consequences are immediate and serious. Massachusetts DOC will bar you from visiting any DOC facility. Beyond losing visitation access, you may also face criminal prosecution.

If you're barred after drugs are found, there is a defined path to request reconsideration. DOC policy allows barred visitors to seek a review from the Facility Superintendent, in accordance with the current Visiting Procedure regulation. If you plan to request a review, focus on following that procedure closely and submitting everything the Superintendent needs to consider your case.

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  • ✓ If a dog alerts, step out of line when staff direct you and stay calm while they explain what happens next
  • ✓ If staff ask you to consent to a search, understand this is the next step after an alert
  • ✓ If you refuse the staff search, expect your visit to end that day and that you will be required to leave
  • ✓ If you are barred and want it reconsidered, request a review from the Facility Superintendent under the Visiting Procedure regulation

Warning: Bringing drugs to a DOC facility can get you barred from visiting all DOC facilities and may lead to criminal prosecution. If you think you could be facing charges, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.

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