During a contact visit, where should the officer remain?

In a contact visit, the primary concern is to maintain a balance between the inmates' rights to communicate with visitors and the facility's need for security and supervision. The most appropriate position for the officer during such visits is outside the designated area.

By remaining outside the area where the contact visit occurs, the officer can monitor the situation without intruding on the interaction between the inmate and the visitor. This position allows for better oversight of the visit, ensuring that safety protocols are upheld while respecting the privacy of the individuals involved. Additionally, being positioned outside provides the officer with the ability to intervene if necessary while still allowing the visit to occur in a manner that feels more personal and less restrained for the inmates.

Other positions, such as being inside the room or in a monitoring room, may either compromise security or hinder natural communication, while staying near the entrance may not provide sufficient visibility into the visit itself. Therefore, remaining outside the designated area is the most effective way to fulfill supervisory duties while facilitating the visit.