HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – Governor Steve Bullock Issued a directive Wednesday, April 1 that will implement strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in State Correctional Facilities.
Bullock said, “Today’s steps follow the best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in places exceed them. The aim is to ensure that offender populations in Montana and corrections staff are taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The directive prohibits new transfers into the Department of Corrections (DOC) unless they receive authorization by the Director. Any Authorized new transfers will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
The directive also suspends all in-person visitations but will allow inmates to receive one video visit and one phone call per week. DOC will continue to provide unmonitored calls between attorneys and inmates.
The Board of Pardons and Parole will also contemplate early release for inmates that are nearing release, are pregnant or are older with medical conditions.
This directive will apply to all Department of Corrections facilities in Montana.
