Massachusetts § 21 - Rules for living conditions of detainees; enforcement

§ 21. Rules for living conditions of detainees; enforcement

Section 21. The department shall make rules and regulations for police station houses, lockups, houses of detention, jails, houses of correction, prisons and reformatories, regarding the care and use of drinking cups and of dishes used for food, the care and use of bedding, appropriate clothing for detainees, the ventilation of the buildings, the minimum plumbing facilities for human habitation, and the general health and safety of the detainee. A copy of such rules as are applicable to station houses, houses of detention or lockups shall be sent by the said department to the mayor of every city and to the selectmen of every town to which the rules apply; and a copy of such rules as are applicable to jails, houses of correction, prisons or reformatories shall be sent by the department to the proper authorities. Said officials shall enforce said rules.

The commissioner shall, following a public hearing, cause any facility failing to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated under the authority of this section to close until said facility is found to be in compliance and receives written notification from the department to that effect.