Complaints and concerns from family and friends of inmates at Valley State Prison for Women (VSPW) about the procedures of a recent modified program under way at the institution were addressed by ombudsmen from California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.</p><p>According to VSPW Public Information Officer/Administrative Assistant Greg Bergersen, a lockdown or modified program is established when there is a threat to the institution, which includes inmates and staff. VSPW is not on lockdown.</p><p>Bergersen explained on Jan. 20, VSPW was placed on a modified program because of several threats from inmates in the form of notes. "The threats were assessed by prison staff and found to be credible," stated Bergersen.</p><p>The difference between a lockdown and a modified program is the degree of restrictions. For the most part, inmates are confined to their cells during a lockdown. Meals are served in their cells and prepared by staff only. Medications are also delivered to inmates.</p><p>There is restricted inmate movement during a modified program where inmates are escorted to medical appointments and other needed destinations.</p><p>During a modified program inmates have normal weekend visitations and eat in the dining hall. A limited number of inmates report to jobs that are critical within the prison. All inmates reporting to jobs are required to be searched before entering their work stations and before returning to their cells.</p><p>Standard procedures during a modified program include no day room or yard activity, no canteen, no quarterly packages and no phone calls. Self-help programs or inmate activity groups also cease during a modified program.</p><p>The only ducats being honored during the modified program are medical ducats. A ducat is an inmate pass that allows an inmate to be at a certain place at a certain time.</p><p>VSPW is issuing over 500 ducats a day for a population of about 2,660. According to the ombudsmen's report, about 20 percent of VSPW's population is leaving their cells and units to access medical, mental health and dental services.</p><p>One complaint voiced by the public is that inmate's medications are being thrown away. The ombudsmen's report explained that medication that isn't properly packaged and clearly prescribed to an inmate is being seized as contraband. "Given the criminogenic risks and needs of this population, it is imperative that measures be taken to discourage hoarding and trading of medication, which could contribute to criminal behavior inside the prison," the ombudsmen reported.</p><p>The report also noted that VSPW considers it important that rehabilitative programs continue to run despite the modified program.</p><p>The California Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor's continues to hold training sessions for inmate mentors. This rehabilitative program, run jointly by the United States Navy and the University of California at San Diego, is especially critical for a female inmate population that is largely characterized by crimes relating to substance abuse.</p><p>During a modified program or lockdown, a thorough search of the facility has to be conducted. That includes 16 buildings which house inmates on 640 acres. So far during the search, officers have confiscated three cell phones, narcotics and tobacco.</p><p>Just as there is a state standard for lockdowns and modified programs, there is a state standard for going back to a normal program. VSPW is currently preparing to return to a normal program.