Letter N — Terminology FAQ
Common questions about terms starting with NWhat is a non-contact visit and when is it required?
A non-contact visit uses a physical barrier between inmate and visitor -- glass or plexiglass with a phone or intercom -- preventing any touching. It is required for inmates in administrative segregation, disciplinary segregation, or those whose contact visits have been suspended as a sanction. Higher security facilities may only offer non-contact visits. The privilege of contact visits -- where hugging and brief physical contact are allowed -- must be earned and maintained through good conduct.
What does non-violent offender mean and why does the classification matter?
Non-violent offender classification determines eligibility for certain programs, community placements, early release mechanisms, and good time credits. Importantly, the same offender can be classified differently depending on the purpose -- non-violent for time computation purposes but violent for community placement referral. This dual classification reflects different statutory standards and can significantly affect the practical timeline of release. Families should ask the case manager which classification applies to each specific decision.
What is non-lethal force and what rules govern its use?
Non-lethal force includes OC spray, rubber projectiles, bean bags, stun devices, and physical control holds. It is the intermediate range of force between verbal commands and deadly force. DOC policy requires force to be proportional to the threat, and staff must exhaust lower options before escalating. Every use is documented in an incident report and reviewed by supervisors. Excessive or unjustified non-lethal force is a policy violation and can result in criminal charges.
What is the National Law Enforcement Channel (NLEC)?
The NLEC is the emergency radio frequency used by law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions for interoperability during major incidents. In correctional settings it allows DOC facilities to communicate with local police, sheriffs, state patrol, and federal agencies during escapes, major disturbances, natural disasters, or other emergencies requiring multi-agency response. Its availability is part of why correctional facilities require mutual aid agreements with surrounding agencies.
Know the Terms. Understand the System.
The JailGuide prison survival guide explains what these terms mean in practice — how parole hearings actually work, what happens in a disciplinary hearing, what the case manager controls, and how to navigate the system from intake to release.
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