West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 149 - Crime, Delinquency And Correction
Overview of Agency 149 – Crime, Delinquency and Correction
Agency 149 governs the rules, procedures, and standards for the correctional system, juvenile justice, and crime control programs within West Virginia’s administrative framework. This includes operation of correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, probation and parole supervision, and related programs.
Core Components of Agency 149
1. Correctional Facilities Management
Sets standards for operation, security, and inmate management in correctional institutions.
Rules cover:
Inmate rights and responsibilities.
Visitation policies.
Disciplinary procedures.
Classification and housing assignments.
Use of force and emergency protocols.
2. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Establishes procedures for juvenile detention and rehabilitation.
Defines programs for prevention and intervention.
Provides guidelines for intake, case management, and transition from juvenile to adult services.
Outlines educational and counseling services within juvenile facilities.
3. Probation and Parole
Details supervision standards for individuals on probation or parole.
Specifies reporting requirements, violation procedures, and revocation processes.
Sets caseload standards for probation/parole officers.
Includes rehabilitative and community service program rules.
4. Staff Training and Conduct
Sets minimum qualifications and training requirements for correctional staff.
Establishes professional conduct standards.
Provides for disciplinary action against staff for violations.
5. Inmate Programs and Services
Defines available programs:
Educational (literacy, GED).
Vocational training.
Substance abuse treatment.
Mental health counseling.
Rules governing inmate participation, eligibility, and program delivery.
6. Facility Safety and Security
Rules on:
Search procedures for inmates and visitors.
Contraband control.
Emergency response plans.
Use and maintenance of security equipment.
Hypothetical Case Applications Under Agency 149 (Without External Law)
Case 1: Inmate Disciplinary Hearing
Scenario:
An inmate is accused of violating facility rules by possessing unauthorized items.
Application of Agency 149:
The disciplinary procedure is followed per Agency 149 rules.
Inmate is notified of charges, allowed to present defense.
Hearing officer conducts fair hearing using agency’s standards.
Sanctions may include loss of privileges or housing reassignment.
Appeal can be made through internal grievance system.
Case 2: Probation Violation
Scenario:
A parolee fails to report as scheduled.
Application of Agency 149:
Parole officer files violation report.
Parolee is notified and given a hearing opportunity.
Agency 149 rules guide revocation or continuation of parole.
Possible outcomes: reinstatement, additional supervision, or return to custody.
Case 3: Staff Misconduct
Scenario:
A correctional officer is alleged to have violated conduct rules.
Application of Agency 149:
Investigation conducted per internal procedures.
Disciplinary board reviews evidence.
Possible disciplinary actions: warning, suspension, termination.
All actions based solely on Agency 149 standards.
Summary Table
| Topic | Description | Enforcement/Process |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Facility Rules | Inmate management, discipline, visitation | Internal disciplinary hearings |
| Juvenile Justice | Detention, rehabilitation, intake procedures | Case management, program oversight |
| Probation and Parole | Supervision standards, violation handling | Reporting, hearings, revocation |
| Staff Conduct | Training, conduct standards, disciplinary actions | Investigations, disciplinary board |
| Inmate Programs | Educational, vocational, treatment programs | Eligibility rules, program administration |
| Safety and Security | Searches, contraband control, emergency procedures | Routine inspections, emergency drills |
Conclusion
Agency 149 establishes a comprehensive internal system governing crime, delinquency, and correction operations within West Virginia. It details processes for managing inmates and parolees, overseeing juvenile justice, regulating staff conduct, and ensuring safety — all via agency-specific rules and procedures without needing to reference any outside laws.
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