The Camp Pendleton Base Brig is a Level-2 confinement facility which serves as a place of confinement for male pre-trial prisoners and post-trial prisoners serving sentences of up to ten years. The Base Brig ensures the safety, security, good order, and discipline of all prisoners, and provides correctional programs which include: work, incentives, life skills, religious programming, drug and alcohol treatment, stress and anger management, vocational training, sex offender treatment, and violent offender treatment. Staff support the overarching correctional mission of rehabilitation with the premise of prisoners being confined as punishment and not for punishment. Staff members' professional performance of their correctional duties can provide the environment in which prisoners can more readily see and incorporate responsibility into their own lives.
BACKGROUND
Established in 1972, the Brig has a rated capacity of 97. Custody classification of prisoners covers all custody classes from minimum to maximum-security requirements. With a staff of approximately 83 Marines and 2 civilians, the Brig is nearly self-supportive in its mission to the Commanding General. Operating 24 hours a day, this facility maintains itself in areas such as laundry, minor structural repair, and most importantly security. The security personnel are trained continuously in all areas of corrections, ensuring professionalism and consistency.
PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of naval corrections is based on recognition of the fact that, whether it is confinement or in some other form, punishment, alone, is seldom corrective. Confinement is punishment because it denies members their liberty and separates them from their families, friends, and most normal activities. Confinement sharply limits prisoners' privileges, freedom of action, and opportunities for personal satisfaction.
Authority to Confine
Any enlisted member may be ordered into pretrial or post-trial confinement by any commissioned officer. A Commanding Officer may delegate to any warrant officer, petty officer, or NCO of his or her command the authority to order enlisted members of the command, or those otherwise subject to his or her authority, into pretrial or post – trial confinement. Such delegation shall be in writing, and a signed copy of the delegation shall be provided to the Base Brig upon confinement. An officer may be confined only by a Commanding Officer exercising command authority over that officer.
Confinement Requirements
A properly completed original confinement order (DD Form 2707)
a. Complete Full Name, Social Security Number, Date, Branch of Service, Grade, Unit Name
b. Properly Marked Type of Confinement
c. List of Offenses
d. Sentence Adjudged (if applicable)
e. Signed by Person Directing Confinement (Original Signature or Digital Signature)
f. Legal Review completed (if applicable)
g. Medical Certificate. Medical officer, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician’s Assistant shall conduct a pre-confinement physical no more than 24 hours prior to confinement of a service member. Ensure name, grade, and title are legibly written or stamped. (Original Signature)
1. Each prospective prisoner shall have a confinement physical to determine fitness for confinement. The prisoner's fitness for confinement shall be indicated on the confinement order.
2. The examining officer shall pay special attention to, and accurately describe and record the presence of any lacerations, abrasions, contusions, hematomas, or other unusual marks. In addition, the psychological and emotional status of the individual will be assessed and the individual specifically questioned regarding suicide. Brig staff will not honor confinement physicals indicating, "fit for confinement, suicide risk", or words to that effect. Such cases will be referred by Brig staff to the NHCP emergency room or mental health department, where the unit must obtain a second confinement physical specifically stating the threat level the individual poses to himself, the credibility of his suicidal statements, etc., so Brig staff can more appropriately handle the individual. Vague and ambiguous comments by medical officers regarding potentially suicidal prisoners may be cause for the Brig CO to deny acceptance into confinement until a mental health screening has been completed.
Required Gear
Prisoners will be required to have the minimum amount of gear for acceptance to the Base Brig. The responsibility for providing clothing and health and comfort items rests with the confining authority until the prisoner has been transferred to the Long-Term Prisoner program or discharged.
1 SWEAT BOTTOM
1 SWEAT TOP
6 SERVICE T-SHIRT
4 SERVICE PT SHORTS
6 UNDERWEAR (SOLID COLORS)
6 BOOT SOCKS
6 WHITE SOCKS
1 SERVICE BOOTS (NON-STEEL TOE)
1 PT SHOES
1 SHOWER SHOES
2 BOOT BANDS
2 BATH TOWELS (WHITE/BROWN)
2 WASH CLOTHS
1 TOOTHBRUSH (NON-ELECTRIC)
1 TOOTHBRUSH CASE
1 TOOTHPASTE (TUBE ONLY)
1 SOAP BAR
1 SOAP DISH
1 DEODERANT (STICK ONLY)
4 DISPOSABLE RAZORS OR RAZOR HEADS
1 SHAVING CREAM (NO ARESOL CAN)
1 LAUNDRY BAG
1 HYGIENE BAG
MILITARY ID CARD
ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZED ITEMS NOT REQUIRED
(1) Wedding band without precious stones
(1) Religious Medallion without precious stones and less than 2 inches in length (upon approval from Brig staff/chaplain).
Money for phone/px calls (cash or cashier’s check only)
All other items will be returned to the unit representative.
DD Form 2707
Ref: MCIWEST-MCB CAMPENO 5000.2 SECNAVM-1640.1
TEL: 760-725-8567
Post-Trial
Commands will be notified of upcoming releases; on the date of the release commands must provide a representative to pick up their Prisoner prior to 1630. Due to the prisoner being released from confinement, Certified Chasers and a GOV are not required.
Release dates are routinely updated due to the loss or receipt of Good Conduct Time (GCT) and Earned Time (ET). Each Prisoner earns 5 days of GCT for every month they are confined and are eligible to receive up to 8 days ET by attending treatment classes and maintaining constant employment.
Pre-Trial
Any Commanding Officer of a prisoner with special or general court-martial convening authority, an officer appointed under regulations of the Secretary concerned to conduct the review under the Manual for Courts-Martial, or, once charges have been referred, a military judge detailed to the court-martial to which the charges against the accused have been referred, may direct release from pretrial confinement.
Release Order. DD 2718 Prisoner Release Order must be prepared to affect every permanent release (PR) from the MCF. The DD 2718 must indicate the prisoner's name, RCN, branch of service, organization, specific reason for release (i.e. Pre-trial Confinement No Longer Deemed Necessary, Separation in Lieu of Trial, etc.), signature of authorizing official, and be marked “For Official Use Only.”
DD Form 2718
Ref: MCIWEST-MCB CAMPENO 5000.2 SECNAVM-1640.1
TEL: 760-725-8567
Temporary Release (TR) of prisoners from Camp Pendleton Base Brig for trial, work, legal visits, and other purposes is permitted when approved by the Brig officer or designee. Requests for TR’s must be coordinated with the Programs section via email to PNDL_CAMPEN_BRIG_PROGRAMS@usmc.mil or telephone 760-725-1826. TRs should be limited to normal working hours. If it becomes necessary for a prisoner to remain on a TR past normal working hours, the prisoner's escort must call the Master Control 760-725-8144, no later than 15-minutes prior to the expiration of normal working hours and request an extension, citing the reason(s) for delay. Overnight absences may be necessary in some outlying areas and are acceptable, providing the brig officer has been notified beforehand and a completed DD 2708 noting the overnight authorization is on file at the Base Brig. When a prisoner is scheduled to be absent overnight, escorts must ensure proper gear and H&C supplies to last the duration of the absence accompany the prisoner.
The only authorized uniforms for prisoners will be their Prisoner Uniform (Orange for Post-trial/Blue for Pre-trial) or their seasonal service uniform.
TEL: 760-725-8567
Monday - Friday 0730-1630
Prisoners who will return to their parent command upon release from confinement continue to be the responsibility of that command and are subject to command visits. Command visits are designed to retain identity with the parent command and to reinforce the identity of the prisoner’s chain of command. Command visits will be conducted no less than once every 2 weeks (bi-weekly). This visit must be made by a representative of the parent command (E6 or higher with the authority to act on the CO's behalf). When the prisoner’s command is on extended deployment, it is the responsibility of the immediate superior in command to continue to provide for command visits. It is improper to delegate command visits unless the confining command is at sea or is remotely situated. For remotely situated commands (i.e., over a 50-mile radius), the prisoner’s chain of command will designate command visit intervals but must ensure telephone or video teleconference interviews with prisoners or the prisoner’s correctional counselors, case managers, or Service liaison. Remote command visits will be documented and provided to the MCF by e-mail.
Chaplains must not serve as the CO's representative to visit prisoners. A chaplain's role in the rehabilitative process, including the visiting of prisoners, has a value distinct from that of being a command representative.
Ref: MCIWEST-MCB CAMPENO 5000.2 SECNAVM-1640.1
TEL: 760-725-8567
VISITATION RULES
Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays 1300-1500 760-725-8567
1. Ensure that vehicles are parked in the visitors’ parking spaces that are provided.
2. All visitors are required to sign in and out in the visitors log as directed by the Quarter Deck Sentry. All visitors must have a picture ID.
3. You must be on the Prisoners visitation roster to visit.
4. All visitors must consent to an electronic search. Persons refusing an electronic search will be denied access to the facility.
5. All active-duty military (Sgt's and below) must have written approval from their Battalion/Squadron Commanders prior to being authorized visitation. This form is available from the Brig Administrative Officer during normal working hours.
6. Married prisoners are not allowed visitation by members of the opposite sex unless the visitor is a relative or is accompanied by the prisoner's spouse.
7. Visitors under 18 years of age are not authorized to visit the prisoner unless their parents, legal guardian or the prisoner’s parents accompany them.
8. All attire must be in good taste and be in accordance with the standards set forth in current Camp Pendleton Base regulations. The DBS may disapprove or terminate a visit by reason of improper attire or the spirit in which this regulation is intended. The standards for wear of civilian attire are summarized as follows:
- Clothing should be clean, well maintained and properly fitted. No clothing that is torn, ragged, or dirty will be allowed.
- Clothing should be worn in the manner intended by its designer (e.g., buttoned, belted, or zipped, tucked or fastened). Undergarments are not authorized to be worn as outer garments.
- No jogging, warm-up suits, or PT gear may be worn.
- Clothing with printing, insignia, or pictures which are obscene, gestures or profanity, or suggestive in nature, or which promote the illegal use of drugs may not be worn.
- Clothing which depicts derogatory social, religious, racial, or ethnic beliefs are also considered inappropriate and may not be worn.
- Clothing which has been altered in fit to appear either excessively brief, tight, or revealing may not be worn.
- Clothing such as cut-off shorts, shower shoes, flip-flops, tank tops, or swimwear will not be allowed. No bare feet.
- Clothing and accessories which are intended to present a paramilitary appearance or to serve as weapons will not be allowed.
9. Do not accept from or give anything directly to a Prisoner. All items for prisoners must be turned over to the Quarter Deck Sentry prior to the visit.
10. No personal items (i.e. purses, diapers, baby seats, books, packages, or loose money) will be brought to the visiting area. Personal affects will be secured in vehicles or a locker that is provided. Exceptions:
- 1 small toy per child
- 1 baby bottle (no glass)
11. Children must be kept under control. Diapers will be changed in bathrooms. Excessive noise and/or bad behavior will cause visits to be terminated.
12. A brief embrace is authorized when meeting and departing from your visit. Holding hands is authorized although you must always keep your hands in plain view of Security personnel.
13. No mail or correspondence of any type will be brought in for a prisoner. These items must be sent through the mail.
14. Visits will be disallowed if the visitors are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Disorderly conduct will not be tolerated.
15. Due to space constraints, the maximum number of visitors allowed per prisoner may be limited at the Duty Brig Supervisors discretion.
16. Conflicts with a listed rule will be resolved by the Duty Brig Supervisor. The Duty Brig Supervisor is the direct representative of the Commanding Officer and will be the final authority on all matters relating to weekend visitation.
No one shall be present in the Brig area after visitation hours. After visiting hours, depart the Brig promptly. No photographic equipment or walking around the Brig is authorized.
Point of Contact
1. Training Staff, Camp Pendleton Base Brig, Camp Pendleton, CA 92055 760-725-8144
2. Commands must have qualified escorts to move both pre-trial and post-trial prisoners. To be qualified, personnel must meet screening criteria, attend a one-day Brig Escort Chaser Class and pass a written proficiency test. Successful completion will result in the issuance of an Escort Identification Card (NAVPERS 1640/18). The certification is good for one year.
3. Exemptions: The Brig Commanding Officer will make a determination on a case by case basis for Army/Marine Corps Military Police, Air Force Security Forces, Navy Master-At-Arms and formal NEC/MOS school-trained corrections. Personnel may be exempt from attending the class, but must meet the screening criteria listed in paragraph (6) below.
4. Brig Escort Chaser Classes are normally scheduled on two Tuesdays of each month. In order to attend the chaser class, units are required to send a signed copy of the pre-screening letter via e-mail to the Brig Training Staff or have students bring a signed copy to the course. There is a maximum of 15 attendees per unit but this can be waived depending on the projected attendance. There is a maximum of 100 seats per course; seats are first come first served. The class begins promptly at 0730 until 1100. Attendees who show up after 0730 will be turned away!
The scheduled class dates in 2025 include the following:
January 7th
January 14th
February 4th
February 11th
March 4th
March 11th
April 1st
April 8th
May 6th
May 13th
June 3rd
June 10th
July 1st
July 8th
August 5th
August 12th
September 9th
September 16th
Note: Chaser courses at 29 Palms will go semi-annually through a designated unit. *ADDITIONAL CHASER DATES CAN BE REQUESTED IF UNITS CAN PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF 50 MARINES*
5. Per references (a) and (b):
a. Escorts shall be carefully selected for maturity and the ability to handle emergencies.
b. Requesting activities shall provide their own escorts for trial, administrative, legal, and any other appointments for pre-trial prisoners.
c. Commands with frequent prisoner movements shall provide a pool of escorts and each trip shall include at least one escort who has traversed the same route in similar transportation.
d. In all cases, at least one escort will be of the same sex as the prisoner.
e. When transferring or escorting pretrial officers outside of the MCF, the senior escort must be an officer of equal or higher grade. When transferring or escorting post-trial officers, who have not been sentenced to a dismissal, outside of the MCF, the senior escort shall be an officer.
f. Escorts will not be required or authorized to carry nightsticks/batons or other weapons to include Leatherman/Gerbers.
g. Maximum (Max) and Medium-In (MDI) prisoners must be escorted by at least two escorts. Maximum (Max) and Medium-In (MDI) prisoners shall wear restraints at all times while outside the security perimeter of the Brig.
h. A military judge (but never a lawyer) may direct that restraints be removed from a prisoner in a courtroom if, in the judge’s opinion, such restraint is not necessary.
6. The following are eligibility requirements for personnel attending Camp Pendleton Base Brig Escort Chaser Class:
a. Must be 19 years of age or older.
b. Must have completed 15 months of active service (after completion of recruit training), regardless of service branch.
c. Must be mature and emotionally stable. Personnel with a history of alcohol or mental disorders are not eligible.
d. Must have no courts-martial convictions during current enlistment and must not be pending any punitive action or administrative separation.
e. Must have no record of civil court convictions which resulted in confinement.
f. Must have a score on the standard classification test (GT) of 90 or above.
g. Must have no disfigurement or physical impediment that could cause the service member to be ridiculed or otherwise undermine the chaser’s control of a prisoner.
h. Must not have his/her chaser status revoked by any brig in the past.
i. Chaser identified as a witness in a prisoner/detainees trial are not authorized to chase that individual.
j. In the event a chaser’s status changes regarding the requirements set forth above, that chaser’s qualification will be revoked.
k. The only accepted chaser cards are those issued from Camp Pendleton Base Brig, MCAS Yuma, and MCAS Miramar.
l. After being chaser qualified, all chasers are required to wear a duty belt when chasing prisoners/detainees.
7. Approved personnel must bring a signed copy of the nomination letter to the class. The required form is available via the link below. Click here to download the nomination letter.
8. All commands are invited to send personnel to the training. The class begins promptly at 0730 at the Camp Pendleton Base CNATT Bldg. 2220. Note taking gear is encouraged as well as something to write on due to the classroom not having desks.
9. All Chaser/Escort students must park in the parking garage lot to the North of the building and all motorcyclists must park in a motorcycle parking spot.
10. Re-certification may be provided without re-attending the standardized course if all of the following conditions are met:
a. The service member has previously attended the standardized course.
b. Certification is still current (not expired)
c. Standards of conduct and use of force are reviewed and acknowledged.
d. The service member successfully passes a written proficiency test with 80% or higher.
Purpose
The brig programs mission is to provide a climate conducive to constructive and positive change in prisoners, and to provide them the necessary tools and resources in order to successfully return to active-duty service or civilian society and live offense-free lives. The brig programs section consist of a Programs Officer, Programs Chief, Chaplain, Clinical Treatment Specialist, Senior Correctional Counselor, correctional counselors, Education NCO, and clerks. The Programs Section is responsible in the areas of indoctrination, rehabilitation, and restoration programming. Available programs are tailored to the needs of the prisoners and the service, and a system, which recognizes, rewards and encourages constructive change and acceptable behavior in prisoners. The correctional counselors and Clinical Treatment Specialist provide direct and indirect, individual and group, as well as initial, follow-up, and pre-release counseling to confined prisoners to assist in their weekly performance and program evaluations. Correctional counselors are formally trained in interview and counseling methods, behavioral counseling, crisis intervention, Real Colors, and transitional readiness guidance.
Focus of Effort
To challenge and assist the prisoners in identifying the source of their behavior surrounding their confining offense. This will be executed through regular prisoner counseling, program planning, goal setting, and liaising with outside resources. All groups are conducted by either the Clinical Treatment Specialist, correctional counselors, guest experts, or Volunteers.
The following groups are available at the Camp Pendleton Base Brig
Post-Trial Prisoners
Sex Offenders Group
The goal of sex offender therapy is relapse prevention, based first upon accountability and assumption of responsibility for offensive behavior.
Violent Offenders Group
Offers domestic and sexual violence education programs for offenders with the goal of preventing future violent crimes.
Stress and Anger Management
Prisoners are educated in anger management techniques, effective communication, conflict resolution and other helpful areas of knowledge to control their emotions, cognitive behavioral tactics.
Addictions Group
Deals with all issues surrounding addictions. (e.g., relapse prevention, values, costs of addictions, tolerating affective states, stress management, life management, and recovery issues)
Antisocial Behavior Group
For larceny, arson, pimping, child pornography.
Open to all prisoners
AA/NA
A twelve-step recovery process for monitoring sobriety.
The Most Excellent Way
Is a religious based recovery program for monitoring sobriety.
Education
- CLEP
- DANTES
-Correspondence
-Vocations
- TRS
Volunteers are a significant asset to the overall correctional treatment program. All volunteers, regardless of program orientation, will be required to fill out an Application for Volunteer Service, be cleared via background check by the Provost Marshal's Office, sponsored by the appropriate departments Assistant Chief of Staff, and then be interviewed and approved by the Commanding Officer, or designee.
The following criteria will automatically eliminate someone from the volunteer program.
- Prior felony convictions.
- Previously been incarcerated at the Camp Pendleton Base Brig.
- Previously visiting incarcerated prisoner.
- Have relatives or friends previously confined at Camp Pendleton Base Brig.
Policies and Procedures to Utilize Prisoner Work Force
Prisoners are utilized for working parties throughout Camp Pendleton by Commands with qualified Chasers. One Chaser is qualified to supervise five prisoners, the Chaser can also be the driver of the government vehicle picking up and dropping off the work force.
Commands contact the Industrial Work Annex and schedule, at least five business days in advance, a prisoner labor force to work in their area. When scheduling, be prepared to explain what type of work, where it will be conducted and the name(s) of the Chaser(s). The work to be completed may not be used to benefit an individual, only the unit as a whole. Prisoners are prepared to cut grass, move gear, paint, scrap, scour...ect. Safety and Security of the prisoner labor force must always be the requesting Units prime objective while utilizing the work force.
Diligence of the Chasers to ensure the Prisoners do not come in contact with hazardous or dangerous situations is paramount. It is the responsibility of the Chasers to feed them the noon meal at either a chow hall or provide box chows from a Chow Hall.
Prisoners can be picked up from Bldg. 24100, Industrial Work Annex, Mon, Wed - Fri at 6:30 a.m. and must be returned at 3 p.m..
Request forms and all materials must be received at least two weeks prior to desired completion date. There is no charge for this service, but it is on a first come first serve basis. So again, plan ahead.
Policies and Procedures to Utilize Prisoner Work Force
Prisoners are utilized for working parties throughout Camp Pendleton by Commands with qualified Chasers. One Chaser is qualified to supervise five prisoners, the Chaser can also be the driver of the government vehicle picking up and dropping off the work force.
Commands contact the Industrial Work Annex and schedule, a few days in advance, a prisoner labor force to work in their area. When scheduling, be prepared to explain what type of work, where it will be conducted and the name(s) of the Chaser(s). The work to be completed may not be used to benefit an individual, only the unit as a whole. Prisoners are prepared to cut grass, move gear, paint, scrap, scour...ect. Safety and Security of the prisoner labor force must always be the requesting Units prime objective while utilizing the work force.
Diligence of the Chasers to ensure the Prisoners do not come in contact with hazardous or dangerous situations is paramount. It is the responsibility of the Chasers to feed them the noon meal at either a chow hall or provide box chows from a Chow Hall.
Prisoners can be picked up from Bldg. 24111, Industrial Work Annex, Mon, Wed - Fri at 7:15 a.m. and must be returned at 2 p.m..
Request form and all materials must be received at least two weeks prior to desired completion date. There is no charge for this service, but it is on a first come first serve basis. So again, plan ahead.
PRISON RAPE ELIMINATION ACT (PREA)
Sexual abuse and sexual harassment is a criminal act that is absolutely incompatible with our core values, high standards of professionalism, and personal discipline. All Marine Corps confinement facilities maintain a zero-tolerance policy approach in all cases of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in accordance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).
It is our goal to eliminate sexual abuse and sexual harassment incidents that impact staff, contractors, volunteers, interns, and prisoners. To reach this goal, we have established a standardized and effective sexual assault prevention and victim assistance program at the command level that meets mandated reporting requirements without unduly compromising victim confidentiality or safety, or generating fear of reprisal; and will provide education to staff, contractors, volunteers, interns, and prisoners on socially responsible standards of behavior and factors that contribute to victimization.
PREA REPORTING
Rape or any form of sexual misconduct is not part of any sentence or confinement ,and our facilities encourage any and all forms of reporting, to include prisoner family members and representatives to the following agencies, community-based, or outside organizational resources.
