<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".02" citation="COMAR 12.02.04.02" title_num="12" subtitle_num="02" chapter_num="04" heading="Public Relations.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The Commissioner shall ensure that Division headquarters and each subunit:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Respond to citizens' inquiries and complaints transmitted either in writing, by telephone, or through personal visits;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Designate a person to handle inquiries or complaints; the public relations representative may refer a matter to a more appropriate individual or agency for a response;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Ensure that switchboard operators, receptionists, mail room personnel, and other staff refer citizen telephone calls, mail, and visitors to the unit's designated public relations representative.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Telephone Communication. The Commissioner shall ensure that a person who answers telephone calls from the public for Division headquarters and Division subunits is trained in the following:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Mechanics of the telephone system;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Proper telephone courtesy;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Prompt attention to calls; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Use of directories to forward a caller to the appropriate person.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Written Communication. Division headquarters and each subunit shall ensure that:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Written communication is stamped with the name of the facility and the date immediately upon receipt.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A written communication requiring response is responded to within 10 business days of receipt.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>An interim response is sent to a citizen when the communication cannot be properly responded to within the 10 business days' requirement. The warden shall ensure that the interim response addresses the following:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The individual responsible for reply;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The reason for the delay, if it can be stated;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The telephone number of the individual responsible for reply; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>An estimate as to when a reply will be made.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Personal Visit. Division staff encourages an appointment when a citizen wishes to speak in person with a Division staff member about an inmate. Each warden shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Ensure that a clear and current notice is posted within the visitor area to notify a visitor as to where information may be obtained.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Ensure that an employee having contact with a visitor to Division headquarters, or a Division subunit, is adequately prepared and has available appropriate information which may be of use to the visitor.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Designate a person to handle visitors' requests during posted business hours. A citizen may call to confirm business hours for a specific Division subunit.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Inquiry.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The process for referring a visitor inquiry is as follows:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Each inquiry, complaint, or request shall be accepted;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If an inquiry, complaint, or request is not resolved immediately, it shall be:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Referred to an appropriate person for further handling, or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Recorded for future processing; or</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The inquirer shall be advised of information required to direct the request to a more appropriate agency to obtain the information requested.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Each warden shall ensure that a citizen making an inquiry is advised when the inquiry is referred to another agency, by being sent a copy of the referral letter, which shall include the reason for referral to another agency for response.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Each warden shall ensure that appropriate staff receive a copy of the citizen response plan and receive orientation in those procedures.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>