What document outlines the policies and procedures of a correctional facility?

The facility's operations manual serves as a comprehensive guide that outlines the policies and procedures specific to the correctional institution. This document is critical for ensuring that all staff members have a clear understanding of their roles, responsibilities, and the protocols that need to be followed within the facility. It typically includes information on safety protocols, inmate management, emergency procedures, and operational guidelines designed to maintain order and security.

While the staff handbook may also contain some relevant policies and procedures, it tends to focus more on employment guidelines and staff expectations rather than the detailed operational policies that the operations manual provides. The inmate placement agreement is not designed to address facility operations but rather to outline the conditions and terms related to the placement of inmates. The correctional facility charter, meanwhile, generally refers to the governing framework that establishes the facility's legal authority and may not contain the specific procedures necessary for day-to-day operations. Therefore, the operations manual is the document that best encapsulates the necessary guidelines for running a correctional facility effectively.