What to check about a facility before visiting or sending anything

Before you visit, send mail, or put money on an account, confirm the facility's posted rules (not just a general Colorado checklist). A jail's policies can also connect to legal timelines. Park County states that arrestees must be brought before a court for bond setting as soon as practicable but no later than 48 hours after arrival (absent extraordinary circumstances). Once bond is granted, they are to be released as soon as practicable but no later than six hours after being returned to or physically present in the jail (absent extraordinary circumstances).

Knowing which protections and reporting frameworks apply helps too. Park County explains that the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003 applies broadly across federal, state, and local correctional facilities (including jails). If you're supporting someone day-to-day, confirm how that facility's commissary or canteen program works. CDOC describes its Canteen program as self-sustaining and offering more than 1,100 retail items for eligible individuals.

If your loved one is in a federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility in Colorado, check for federal programs that may affect time and incentives. The First Step Act (FSA) guide explains that eligible individuals may earn Time Credits at 10 days per 30 days in opt-in status. Some can earn an additional 5 days per 30 days after two consecutive low or minimum recidivism assessments. Only individuals with a low or minimum risk level may apply earned Time Credits. The guide also lists Anger Management as available at all BOP institutions.