Prison Issues Board

Purpose

Established in 1999 by the DOC, the purpose of the Prison Issues Board is to bring administrators from Montana correctional facilities together in a forum to discuss and resolve issues; adjust, change or create policies; and communicate among wardens and facility administrators. The efforts of the board, which meets three times a year, accommodate continuity among facilities. This is an internal DOC board, not one required by statute.

Members

Board members include the DOC director (or designee) and administrators from Montana State Prison, Montana Women's Prison, Montana Correctional Enterprises, Pine Hills Correctional Facility, Crossroads Correctional Center, and Dawson County Correctional Facility.

Types of Issues Considered

Inmate Welfare Funds (IWF) – funds collected and distributed as provided for in MCA 53-1-109 to benefit inmates and their families.
Security threat groups:
Facility activities
Mail, phone issues
Policy consistency
Public Involvement

The main purpose of PIB meetings is to accommodate communication among facility administrators; however, time at each meeting is allotted to taking comment from members of the public.

Written public comment must be submitted to the board and received by the chairman at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting.

Board Chairman – Pat Smith

Phone: (406) 415-6556

Email: pksmith@mt.gov