HEARING OFFICER/CORRECTIONS INMATE 21201

7/16/90 B

This is the single class in a series for positions responsible for conducting inmate disciplinary hearings in the Department of Corrections to determine whether infractions of institutional rules and regulations have occurred. Chairs a committee which renders decisions regarding guilt or innocence and related disciplinary actions which may be appealed to the facility director and regional administrator.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty involving inmate disciplinary hearings which includes a variety of tasks that are directly related to division guidelines and institutional operating procedures. Reviews case materials to ensure that proper procedures were followed and that all necessary paperwork has been assembled. Schedules hearings and notifies all appropriate parties. Conducts hearings as committee chairperson. Explains pertinent rules and regulations to the accused and their representatives, witnesses and committee members. Takes testimony. Questions the accused and witnesses or provides others with opportunities to do so. Rules on objections and admissibility of evidence. Records the hearing proceedings. Answers questions from committee members during deliberations. In the event of a tie vote from committee members, casts deciding vote on the guilt or innocence of the accused or on the disciplinary action to be taken. Writes, or ensures that one of the committee members writes, a brief summary of the committee's decision and the reason for that decision. Ensures adherence to hearing guidelines and court requirements. Notifies appropriate personnel of committee decisions. Maintains hearing files. Trains committee members and may train new employees and inmates on guidelines and hearing procedures. Compiles periodic reports on inmate infractions and committee actions.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor.

Supervision Received: Receives directions from a Corrections Facility Director.

Scope: An agency's disciplinary process can be disrupted since all aspects of an agency's inmate disciplinary program depend on the impartial and timely hearing of cases.

Impact of Actions: Erroneous administering or withholding of disciplinary action may lead to poor inmate or employee morale and costly appeals. However, the committee members share the responsibility for the decisions, the decisions are reviewed by the supervisor, and two levels of appeal exist within the agency.

Personal Contacts: Daily contacts with inmates and individuals internal and external to the agency. Contacts are of a formal nature during the hearing process and informal in responding to questions regarding procedures.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of Division of Adult Institutions guidelines on inmate discipline and of the administrative procedures for conducting disciplinary hearings.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to organize and conduct fair hearings by reading, explaining and applying rules and regulations; to obtain and evaluate evidence; and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience with disciplinary procedures for inmates violating institutional rules and regulations.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledges and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program and replaces Corrections Inmate Hearing Officer, effective July 1990.