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S

Sallyport:  A secure enclosure designed with two doors which should never be opened simultaneously through which all visitors must pass. (415)

Sanction: A penalty as specified in a law or rule for violating a law or rule.  (371.13, 126)

Screening Assessment Measures:  Assessment tools and practices which occur during the early stages of intake to provide an estimation of recidivism risk and determination whether an offender should be considered for risk reduction treatment services and programs.  These procedures are used primarily to identify potential candidates for community- focused programs and reparative probation.  They may be forgone if more detailed assessment is either ordered by the court or administered by the Department.  The Supervision Level Assessment (SLA) and Level of Services Inventory- Screening Version (LSI-SV) are examples.  These may be used by criterion-trained casework staff at correctional facilities and field sites. (371.07)

Secretary:  The Secretary of the Agency of Human Services. (352)

Secure Detention or Confinement:   Occurs when a juvenile is physically detained or confined in a locked room, set of rooms, or a cell that is designated, set aside, or used for the specific purpose of securely detaining persons who are in law enforcement custody.  Secure detention or confinement may result either from being locked in a room or enclosure or from being physically secured to a cuffing rail or other stationary object. (326.01)

Security & Compliance Audit Manual: A manual established by the Director of Security Operations and Audits, which contains audit procedures, schedules of audits, audit forms, and relative standards. (403.01 – 9/07)

Security & Compliance Audit Program: A formal program, which establishes and audits security standards and best correctional practice for a correctional facility, aimed at enhancing the security and safety of staff, the public, and inmates. (403.01 – 9/07)

Security Equipment: Firearms, ammunition, batons, chemical agents, security restraints and similar devices. (413.01)

Security Manual: 1) A compilation of emergency plans, designated administrative directives, security bulletins, post orders, and transmittal memoranda. This security manual will be kept locally in multi-volume binders and centrally in electronic format in a secure drive. (403.03 – 10/07) 2) A manual of security standards, emergency plans, specific relevant directives, and security bulletins which is maintained at each facility based on materials provided by the Director of Security Operations and Audits. (403.01 – 9/07)

Security Restraints: Handcuffs, flex cuffs, leg irons, belly chains, restraining chairs and other similar equipment designed to restrict and control a person’s movement from injuring themselves and/or others. (413.01)

Security Screening: Required security checks in order to be permitted to visit. (327.01)

Security Threat Group (Gang):  1) A group of offenders, designated by The Director of Security and Supervision, possessing common characteristics which serve to distinguish them from other inmates or groups of offenders and which as a discrete entity poses a threat to safety of staff, the facility, other offenders or the community. (427) 2) A group of inmates, specifically designated by the Commissioner or designee, which poses a threat to the safety of staff, the facility or other inmates. (e.g., “Aryan Brotherhood”, “Latin Kings”) (410.01) (380.01 – 1/08)

Security Transfer:  The following are examples of, but not limited to, transfers that fall in the security category; separation of co-defendants, protective custody and situations where a change in the custody level of an inmate requires a transfer from the holding facility. (313.01)

Segregation:  The confinement of an inmate to a single-person cell separated from the general population.  Daily release from the cell for purposes of recreation, bathing, telephone use, visiting and other activities is generally restricted according to the behavior currently and previously exhibited by the inmate. (370)

Segregation Review Committee: A committee comprised of three (3) or more individuals from the ranks of custody operations, casework and medical or mental health.  The purpose of the committee is to 1) determine the needs and requirements of an inmate assigned to segregation and 2) to assess the progress of individuals prior to a phase advancement or release from segregation status to determine whether the conduct of the inmate placed on segregation warrants continued segregation. (410.03, 410.06)

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): An atmosphere-supplying respirator in which the breathing air source is carried by the user in a tank (air bottle) contained in a backpack harness. (404.02 – 3/07)

Self-Defense: Protection of oneself from an unprovoked attack, which cannot be avoided. (410.01)

Sending Office:  The district office making the request for an instate transfer. (340, 340.01)

Senior Manager: A Director or Superintendent of the Vermont Department of Corrections. (202)

Seniority: Continuous time in State service as a classified employee (122.02)

Sentence Structure: Incarceration- minimum and maximum- probation supervision conditions and terms. (03)

Separate Housing:  Defined as assignment to a single cell for sleeping and personal hygiene purposes.  When medically indicated, the individual may continue to have access to the general population for program involvement (determination to be made by contract physician or Chief of Clinical Services) (351)

Separation Profile: A record specifying the need and reasons for keeping two (2) or more inmates apart from each other. (410.05)

Serious Mental Illness:  Substantial disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation or memory, any which grossly impairs judgment, behavior, capacity to recognize reality, or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life.  This includes, but is not necessarily limited to, diagnoses of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, psychotic conditions not otherwise specified, bipolar disorder, and severe depressive disorders. (370, 410.01, 410.03, 410.06)

Serious Physical Injury: 1) Physical injury which creates a risk of death or which causes disfigurement, impairment of health or loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ. (413.01) 2) Any injury which requires an individual to receive immediate medical treatment by a health care professional before the individual can continue normal activity. (410.01)

Serious Risk of Danger:  A case-by-case determination by a therapist, a medical professional, mental health professional, or other person as defined in 12 VSA ss1612 (a) that is based upon: (1) the offender’s proclivity to violent behavior as evidenced by prior criminal background or history of mental health treatment; (2) the expressed intent of that offender to harm the person or property of an identifiable third party. (255)

Serious Violations:  Behavior or lack of behavior that violates conditions established by legal authority, are directly connected to criminogenic needs and involve actual or potential harm/criminal behaviors.  Generally this type of offense qualifies for consideration for arrest if criteria is met. (413.06)

Service Contract:  A contract agreement for service work between the Department of Corrections and an eligible recipient. (392.02)

Service Fees:  The amount of money charged for service work per offender per day. (392.02)

Service Provider:  Any agency or individual not employed by the Department which is providing professional or other services to individuals committed to the supervision and custody of the Commissioner of Corrections under written agreement with the Department.  This shall include interns, trainees, and paraprofessionals practicing under the supervision of such a service provider. (361)

Severe Emotional Harm:  Significant emotional trauma resulting from crime.  The trauma may be temporary or permanent in nature.  Its consequences and symptoms have a significant and persistently deleterious effect on the victim’s psychological health, relationships, and career and life functions. (371.10, 371.11)

Severe Physical Harm:  Significant bodily injury resulting in pain and/or functional disability of temporary or permanent duration. This may include fractures or lacerations requiring emergent or urgent care. (371.10, 371.11)

Sex Offender: A sex offender as defined by Vermont statute, reflected in 13 V.S.A. chapter 167, subchapter 3, ss5401 (10). The following four categories apply:

1.        A person who is convicted of any of the following offenses:

1. sexual assault as defined in 13 VSA ss3252;
2. aggravated sexual assault as defined in 13 VSA ss3253;
3. lewd and lascivious conduct as defined in 13 VSA ss 2601;
4. sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult as defined in section 1379 of 13 VSA.
5. an attempt to commit any offense listed in this subdivision.

2.        A person who is convicted of any of the following offenses against a victim who is a minor:

1. any offense listed in subdivision (1) above;
2. kidnapping as defined in 13 VSA ss2504(a)(1)(d);
3. lewd and lascivious conduct with a child as defined in 13 VSA ss2602;
4. white slave traffic as defined in 13 VSA ss 2635
5. sexual exploitation of children as defined in 13 VSA ss 2822-2828 chapter 64;
6. procurement or solicitation as defined in 13 VSA ss 2632(a)(6); or
7. an attempt to commit any offense listed in this subdivision; except that for purposes of this subdivision, conduct which is criminal only because of the age of the victim shall not be considered a criminal offense if the perpetrator is under the age of 18.

3.        A person who takes up residence within this state, other than within a correctional facility, and who has been convicted in any jurisdiction within the United States, including a state territory, commonwealth, the District of Columbia or military, federal or tribal court, for a sex crime the elements of which would constitute a crime under subdivision (10) (a) or (b) of this section if committed in this state.

4.        A visitor to Vermont who is in this state for a period of at least 10 consecutive days or 30 days during any calendar year and who has been convicted in any jurisdiction of the United States, including a state, territory, commonwealth, the District of Columbia, or military, federal or tribal court, for a sex crime the elements of which would constitute a crime under this section if committed in this state. (255.01)

Sex Offender Review Committee: A committee of five (5) people appointed by the Commissioner to determine if referred cases meet the designation of high risk established in statute for purposes of Internet registration. It is composed of the Director of the VTPSA, the DOC Program Services Executive, a member from the Vermont Criminal Information Center, the Director of DOC’s Crime Victims and a treatment provider from the VTPSA network. (255.01)

Sexual Misconduct:  Any behavior or act of a sexual nature directed toward an offender by an employee, contractor, or volunteer.  This includes acts or attempts to commit such acts but not limited to: sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual contact, conduct of a sexual nature or implication, obscenity, unreasonable invasion of privacy.  Sexual misconduct also includes, but is not limited to conversations or correspondence which suggests a romantic or sexual relationship between an inmate and any party listed above, (126)

Section Leader (SL):  The person in command of the HNS. (Usually responsible for matters relating directly to negotiations.) (414.04)

Show of Force: A demonstration of the persons and hardware available to provide physical force, if needed. (414)

Shift Supervisor: The staff member who is responsible for the security of the institution, the care and custody of all inmates housed in the institution and the supervision of all security staff during a given tour of duty. May be responsible for institutional operations during the absence of higher ranking staff. (413.01)

Short Term Inpatient Furlough: The transfer of an inmate for inpatient medical or emergency services that are short term in nature and cannot be performed in the facility. Short term medical furlough does not include transfer from facility headcount to field, but may include prearranged visits by Probation and Parole officers to assist in supervision. (373.02)

Short Term Visit:  A stay or visit to Canada for a period of 30 days or less. (418.01)

Significant Others:  People, other than family members, who have, over a period of time, established a meaningful relationship to the point where they are vested in the offender’s success.  (381, 381.01)

Situational Response Team: A Correctional Officer who has been a certified member of the State –wide Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) or the Local Emergency Response Team (LERT) for the entire fiscal year prior to a request for the Special Team Allowance.  A qualifying employee must have attended all Team training during that one-year period. (106.04)

Situational Response Test: A video based test involving numerous scenarios that an entry-level correctional officer is likely to experience.  The job applicant assesses the action of an actor playing the part of a correctional officer. (122.03)

Social Science Research:  The application of scientific logic and methods to social phenomena.  Social science seeks to understand social behavior through (a) the measurement of social phenomena, (b) the discovery of social regularities, and (c) the creation of social theories. (51)

Social Worker: Professional caseworker who aids in the prevention and cure of mental and emotional disorders. (361)

Special Authorization:  Specific approval of Division of Dental Health on any dental services beyond those listed in Essential Dental Services. (352)

Special Relationship: A relationship between an offender and a third party that has been established as a result of the supervision of the offender by the Department; e.g., a special relationship may exist between a third party and the DOC if an offender is required or allowed to work or live with the third party. (255)

Specialty Impact Munitions: Munitions designed to minimize the likelihood of causing life threatening injury, used to incapacitate, distract and control a subject. (413.01)

Specific Risk Assessment Measures:  A range of tools and instruments used to assess specific criminogenic risk and need factors such as criminal attitudes, substance abuse, sexual deviance and domestic violence.  They include, but are not limited to, the Criminal Sentiments Scales, the Addiction Severity Index, Vermont Assessment of Sex Offender Risk, the Static-99, the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment.  These tools are generally administered by clinically trained professionals with specific training. (371.07)

Special Visit: A special meeting approved by the Superintendent or designee, which allows exceptions to (1) the authorized visitor list, (2) number of visitors, (3) schedule of visits and/or (4) length of visit. (327.01)

Spousal Assault Risk Assessment (SARA):  A composite checklist of 20 risk factors which maybe predictive of spousal abuse among adjudicated batterers.  The instrument includes victim input as well as assessment of perpetrators' behaviors.  This tool is administered by clinically trained professionals. (371.07 371.08, 371.10, 371.11)

Squad Leader (SQL):  The person who directly supervises negotiations and all work conducted in the negotiation room. (414.04)

Staff Emergency Notification Lists: Lists of staff members to be called during an emergency.  These lists can include administrators, special emergency positions and general staff re-call lists. (26.05)

Stages of Change:  An assessment of an offender’s motivation, commitment, and ability to change.  There are five Stages of Change: Pre-Contemplation, Contemplation, Determination, Action Planning and Maintenance. (372.05)

States Attorney:  A law enforcement person who prosecutes criminal charges brought against perpetrators. (415)

State-wide Computation Committee:  The group of team leaders and the Director of Classification who meet quarterly and oversee and certify the sentence computation process. (371.18)

Statewide Procedure: Procedures that are identified in an administrative directive as being uniform and consistent across the correctional system and/or all field offices or facilities, and that require no further local procedure. (02)

Static-99: A risk measure that includes the four items that comprise the RRASOR as well as six other items. The resulting 10-item actuarial risk measure is used in a similar manner as the RRASOR. Scores fall into one of seven levels reflecting the probability of sexual re-offending at 5, 10, and 15-year intervals (Hanson & Thornton, 2000). (342.01 – 4/07)

Static Risk Factors:  Those risk factors and variables which are either unchanging (e.g. gender) or not subject to change as a result of treatment interventions (e.g. age). (371.07)

Station/Post: A fixed base of operations which is the focal point of activities for one (1) or more posts; e.g. housing unit, program area, or service area. (403.02, 403)

Strategic Objectives: Specific programs, services and activities intended to achieve one or more strategic outcomes.  Strategic objectives are developed as part of the Department’s strategic planning process. (52.01)

Strategic Planning Group (SPG):  A group of local and/or state officials that have a vested interest in the facility during an ongoing emergency.  This group may provide advice, consultation, reactions, analysis, and alternative strategies to the commander.  It may include subject matter experts and consultants. (414.03)

Strip Search/Visual Body Cavity Search:  A visual inspection of all body surfaces and body cavities. (409.01)

Substance Abuse: A general term referring to the abuse of alcohol, drugs or both. (363)

Substance Abuse Treatment: A set of activities carried out by properly trained and certified professionals to intervene in and organize supports for alternative behaviors to reduce or eliminate the abusive use of psycho-active chemicals by persons. (202)

Superintendent:  Site manager responsible for implementation and supervision of correctional services in a facility or CCSC. (371.04)

Supervised Community Sentence (SCS): A court-imposed sentence of incarceration to be served in a community setting subject to the rules of the Commissioner of Corrections. These offenders are under the jurisdiction of the Parole Board. (371.05 – 11/07)

Supervising Employees: DOC staff and employees who are tasked with monitoring offenders or involved in directly working with or supervising offenders in the community. (254.01,255)

Supervision Level Assessment (SLA):  A seven item screening measure which measures criminal history, violations of probation, substance abuse, and employment.  It is used at case intake to provide an initial assessment and case assignment function.  (371.07)

Supplemental Snack: Foods that are prescribed by a qualified health care professional as medical therapy for a diagnosed medical or nutritional health problem. (354.05 – 9/07)

Support Services Employees: All Department employees not covered in Manager, Supervisor, Correctional Services Specialist, Correctional Officer/CCO/CSTL, and Administrative Support Services job titles.  This includes, but is not limited to, individuals in a facility or field site or central office in Vermont Correctional Industries (VCI), education, program services, information technology, volunteer services, etc. (117.01 – 1/08)

Support Unit:  Those persons representing specific functions of the disturbance control process (i.e., medical, food, maintenance communication, record keeping, etc.) and who ensure that resources are available to support actions taken. (414)

Support Coordinator: A related duty of at least one selected permanent, full time classified employee at each facility or major work site and the central office who is responsible for: orienting all new employees to the State of Vermont Personnel Policy on Sexual Harassment, Vermont’s Fair Employment Practices Act (21 VSA ss 473, 495, 495(d) and 495(h)); and assisting the reporting and/or investigation of any complaints made pursuant to Directive 118.02. (118.02) 

Suspended Sanction:  The postponement of a disciplinary sanction for a specified period of time. (410.01)