Code of Massachusetts Regulations 103 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
103 CMR — Department of Correction
Overview
103 CMR contains the rules and regulations that govern the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC). It applies to state correctional institutions and county correctional facilities. These regulations cover:
Administration and management of correctional facilities
Custody, care, and safety of inmates
Inmate rights and services
Programs for rehabilitation and work release
Staff responsibilities and training
Facility standards
The regulations are divided into state correctional institutions and county correctional facilities sections.
State Correctional Institutions (Selected Parts)
103 CMR 131.00 — News Media Relations
Governs access of media to DOC facilities and procedures for press coverage.
103 CMR 155.00 — Inmate Records
Rules for maintaining inmate records, including property, disciplinary history, and personal information.
103 CMR 157.00 — Access to Evaluative Information
Procedures for inmates and staff to access evaluative reports and challenge inaccurate information.
103 CMR 179.00 — Restrictive Housing Oversight
Rules for oversight of restrictive housing or solitary confinement.
103 CMR 403.00 — Inmate Property
Procedures for receiving, storing, maintaining, and releasing inmate property.
103 CMR 405.00 — Fund Accounts
Management of inmate financial accounts within the facility.
103 CMR 410.00 & 411.00 — Sentence Computation
Rules for calculating inmate sentences and allowable deductions.
103 CMR 420.00 — Classification
Standards for classifying inmates by custody level, security risk, and program needs.
103 CMR 421.00 to 425.00 — Segregation and Restrictive Housing
Procedures, reviews, and treatment programs for inmates in special housing units.
103 CMR 430.00 — Inmate Discipline
Rules for inmate discipline, hearings, and appeals.
103 CMR 453.00 & 455.00 — Programs and Work
Rules for inmate programs, work assignments, and correctional industries.
103 CMR 463.00 — Furloughs
Temporary release policies for eligible inmates.
103 CMR 464.00 — Work Release
Rules for inmate employment outside the facility.
103 CMR 471.00 — Religious Programs
Regulations ensuring access to religious services.
103 CMR 481.00 — Mail
Rules for sending and receiving inmate mail.
103 CMR 482.00 — Telephone Access
Standards for inmate phone use.
103 CMR 483.00 — Visiting Procedures
Policies for family and visitor access to inmates.
103 CMR 491.00 — Grievances
Procedures for filing and resolving inmate complaints.
103 CMR 505.00 — Use of Force
Guidelines for when and how force may be used in facilities.
103 CMR 761.00 — Medical and Therapeutic Services
Access to healthcare and therapeutic diets.
County Correctional Facilities (Selected Parts)
103 CMR 900.00 — General Provisions
Applicability of regulations to county jails and houses of correction.
103 CMR 903.00 — Administration of Standards
Duties of county sheriffs and DOC oversight.
103 CMR 904.00 — Enforcement Procedures
How compliance is monitored and enforced.
103 CMR 910.00 — Administration and Management
Policies for facility leadership and staffing.
103 CMR 916.00 — Management Information System
Reporting and record-keeping standards.
103 CMR 920.00 — Physical Plant
Facility standards for safety, sanitation, and security.
103 CMR 924.00 — Security and Control
Procedures for inmate supervision, restraint, and emergency response.
103 CMR 932.00 — Health Care Services
Standards for inmate medical and mental health services.
103 CMR 940.00 — Admission, Orientation, Property, and Release
Rules for intake, orientation, personal property management, and discharge.
103 CMR 943.00 — Inmate Rules and Discipline
County-specific disciplinary policies.
103 CMR 950.00 — Visiting
Policies for inmate visitation in county facilities.
103 CMR 973.00 — Safety and Emergency Standards
Procedures for fire, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
Purpose
The regulations in 103 CMR are designed to:
Maintain security and order in correctional facilities
Protect inmate rights and ensure humane treatment
Provide rehabilitation, educational, and work opportunities
Ensure accountability and transparency in DOC operations
Guide staff conduct, training, and responsibilities
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