MDOC Delays Inmate Visit Policy

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – The Mississippi Department of Corrections has postponed enforcement of a new policy that would limit inmates’ visitation to immediate family.

Corrections officials last week announced that the change, which would have limited offenders to visits by 10 members of their immediate family, was prompted by “security violations.”

The proposal prompted questions from both pastors and the ACLU.

The Clarion-Ledger (http://on.thec-l.com/2cCC0lv ) reports the decision to postpone implementation came as good news to inmates’ relatives, friends and fiances.

Cindy Kelly, who has been visiting a friend behind bars for eight years, wasn’t surprised by the reversal. She acknowledges that some contraband gets into facilities through visitation, but she said if that’s the main concern, officials should look more closely at those in charge.

MDOC has not said when the changes would take effect.