I preformed my first prison signing last week. It went well but glad I wasn't pressed for time, and I will charge more next time, at least double a regular signing fee, due to time and work involved before the signing.
1. I had to talk to the prison's visitor coordinator and get approved for a professional visit, which involved completing a background investigation form. He emailed me the request, I completed the application and emailed it back. Finally got approved after 5 days. Then I went on-line to schedule a time for the professional visit. When the visit was confirmed, I got directions of where to enter the prison. This special background check is only good for one year here.
2. The inmate's soon-to-be ex-wife had sent the prison the documents, which was essentially a quit claim deed to a house the ex-wife got in a divorce decree, so just one document. I arrived on time, but the visitor coordinator had forgotten about my visit and I had to wait 30 minutes for him to escort me to the visitor center and another 15 for the inmate to show up.
3. Inmate was very friendly, not restrained in any way, but didn't speak English. The coordinator acted as his interpreter which I wasn't expecting. We met in large room but were just 3 of us in it. He had picture prison ID hanging around his neck, which is an approved ID according to the Oregon SOS. The signing went fast and only took 10 or 15 minutes.
4. However, this signing did take a full week to approved and scheduled, plus about an hour and half to do perform to delays the day of the signing. The inmate was not a violent offender, but was apparently from the court documents, was a serial sex offender. His initial arrest was 15 counts of 1st degree sexual abuse, which in Oregon means the victim was less than 14 years of age. The inmate was 51 years old.
Finally, I want to warn other notaries that every prison is different so it pays to learn their processes for these types of visits before accepting. I felt safe the whole time, but was warned with signs and verbally that there was a risk of prison riot and being taken hostage, but that hasn't happened ever at this prison. This prison is only for low and medium security risk inmates. Also, there is a BIG difference between state prison like this one, and a local county jail that have bigger mix of potential inmates.
Good luck.
|
