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Columbia County Sheriff's Office
VOLUNTEERS |
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INFORMATION
An important role of the Corrections Division is to rehabilitate offenders and to help them to change their lives and return to society as productive citizens. The rehabilitation process is enhanced by two groups of volunteers who conduct programs within the correctional facility. SECULAR PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS - Including paid employees from outside agencies RELIGION BASED PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS - Including Authorized Clergy permitted private inmate visitation |
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS
1. Applicants are screened through a background investigation to determine their civil and/or criminal history. 2. Prior criminal history may not be a bar to becoming a volunteer as each case is handled on an individual basis. 3. Volunteers must have an email address or someone who will accept email messages for them. 4. Volunteers must be able to perform their duties within the confines of the secure facility and Volunteers must attend a formal training session before entry into the facility. Training is mandatory and includes: 1. Security, policies & procedures, and conduct within the facility as described in the VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK. 2. NYS Law including contraband and the PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA). 3. Familiarization tour during formal training. 4. For religious programs, proselytization is prohibited. |
PROGRAMS
Generally, because there are a limited number of time slots available for programs to be conducted, volunteers should apply for service with an existing program. Suggestions for new programs may be considered. Contact the Corrections Captain in writing via the CONTACT US page.
SECULAR PROGRAMS |
RELIGIOUS PROGRAMS |
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - Monday 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM |
Catholic/Ecumenical - Church Service - Friday 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM |
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) - (Day & Evening Time to be Determined) |
People’s Bible Church - Service & Bible Study - Tuesday 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM |
Re-Entry Columbia - Various inmate rehabilitation, physical & mental health programs Monday - Friday during the day |
Rock Solid Church - Service & Bible Study - Saturday 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM |
Questar III BOCES - Daily Classroom Training for Young Adults |
Second Baptist Church - Service & Bible Study - Thursday 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM |
Twin County Recovery Services - As needed - Usually individual counseling |
Word and Faith Ministries - Inmate Support as Needed - Greeting Card Program |
New Leash on Life - Dog Training - As needed |
Clergy seeking to visit inmates may use the inmate visiting area during normal visiting hours. To visit one-on-one using the interview rooms within the facility, the clergy person must be screened and trained. |
To begin the process of becoming a volunteer, CLICK HERE
VOLUNTEER RESOURCES
VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK - Mandatory Reading for new Applicants and Existing Volunteers
PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) - Mandatory Reading for new Applicants and Existing Volunteers
VOLUNTEER VALIDATION REPLY MESSAGE - Used periodically to validate existing volunteer records.
VOLUNTEER DATA SHEET - Used in the New Volunteer Application Process - DO NOT submit until authorized to do so.
PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA) - Mandatory Reading for new Applicants and Existing Volunteers
VOLUNTEER VALIDATION REPLY MESSAGE - Used periodically to validate existing volunteer records.
VOLUNTEER DATA SHEET - Used in the New Volunteer Application Process - DO NOT submit until authorized to do so.
ACTIVE VOLUNTEER RECORD VALIDATION
The Corrections Division will periodically validate the database record of all active volunteers. In addition to adding or correcting information in your the existing record that is sent to you for validation, you must read and acknowledge understanding of the VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK, and the PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA). Then complete and return the VALIDATION REPLY MESSAGE. Please review the required material and reply as soon as possible to maintain your status as an active volunteer. The links can be found above, in Volunteer Resources.