If factual information is not readily available, it should be obtained from the competent
authorities as soon as possible.
a. Complaints. Under the provisions of applicable Army regulations, prisoners (whatever
their status) have the right to present complaints or grievances either orally or in writing to either
the facility commander or a designated representative and the inspector general. Prisoners must
be advised of this right and the prescribed procedures for doing so as part of the orientation given
at the time of their confinement. In addition, a notice must be posted on the prisoners' bulletin
board advising them of their right to present their complaints to the Inspector General. Prisoners
may make their complaints known to the facility commander either orally or by use of the DD
Form 510 (Request for Interviews). The facility commander will impartially consider each
complaint; investigate complaints requiring such action, and take immediate corrective action if
required. Other complaints that the facility commander cannot properly handle should be
referred through proper channels to appropriate commanders or other officials who have the
authority to investigate the complaint or to correct the alleged wrong. Prisoners must be advised
by the facility commander of the action regarding their registered complaints. Prisoners are not
permitted to participate in any protest or sign a joint petition of complaints.
b. Interviews. The prisoner completes a DD Form 510 to obtain an interview. Procedures
vary, but prisoners may deposit the form in the mail receptacle located within the compound.
For those prisoners in close confinement, the form may be put with the mail for the mail clerk to
pick up. Requests for interviews must be acted upon by the facility commander within 48 hours.
The facility commander approves or disapproves each interview request. The person conducting
the interview enters any pertinent remarks relative to the interview. The completed form is filed
in the prisoner's correctional treatment file.
c. Other Types of Communications. There are two other means of communication, which
are important in addition to the ones discussed above. Although the two are infrequently used, it
is essential that the requirements for their use be understood. Prisoners may receive telegrams
subject to the same processing procedures that apply to incoming mail. Prisoners may send
telegrams, subject to the approval of the facility commander, when an emergency exists and no
other means of communication will suffice. The telegram must be sent at no expense to the
government. Prisoners may also receive and make telephone calls, subject to the approval of the
facility commander, if a serious emergency exists and no other means of communication will
suffice. All such calls will be monitored and limited to the subject of the emergency. Telephone
calls will be made at no expense to the government. Both parties to the call must be advised that
the call will be monitored.
SUMMARY
It is the responsibility of all internment resettlement personnel to encourage prisoners to
communicate with authorized correspondents and to receive authorized visitors. The practice of
frequent communication by prisoners with families and other authorized correspondents impacts
most favorably on the prisoners' morale and is required for the successful operation of the
correctional treatment program.
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