Staff must verify the qualifications of professional visitors and may request background information and official assignment documentation from the potential visitor. Whenever possible, professional visitors should schedule their visits at least 24 hours in advance with the litigation liaison of the facility they want to visit so that the facility can ensure that suitable accommodations are available.
Attorneys, clergy, government officials, or persons from other agencies/organizations providing an approved service for the facility or the incarcerated individual (e.g. Mental Health professionals, Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, etc.) may be approved for visitation on a case by case basis. Such visits will not be considered as part of the incarcerated individual's regular visitation schedule and these visitors need not be on the visitation list (as determined in the operational procedures required by Procedure VI). It is important to reach out to the litigation liaison prior to the visit because if the attorney, clergy, or government official is not on the authorized visiting list, approval from the Facility Head or designee is required.
Where space is available, the security of the facility, and safety of the people involved will not be impaired, a special area may be set aside for attorney-client visits. If space is available, arrangements also may be made to allow clergy or approved spiritual advisors to have a separate space, outside of the regular visiting room/area to meet with the incarcerated individual. In both cases, such space shall be observable by staff; however, staff shall not listen to the conversations.