The Vermont Statutes Online

Title 28 : Public Institutions and Corrections

Chapter 003 : Administration of the Department

• § 103. Inquiries and investigations into the administration of the Department

  (a) The Commissioner at all times shall have unlimited access to all correctional facilities and to all records and books at the facilities, and may conduct inquiries and investigations concerning all matters under his or her jurisdiction.

  (b) The Commissioner may seek the cooperation of any judge, prosecuting officer, sheriff, police officer, or other court or law enforcement official or employee possessing information relating to an inquiry or investigation conducted in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.

  (c) In any inquiry or investigation conducted by the Commissioner, he or she shall have the same powers as are possessed by Superior Court judges in chambers, and which shall include the power to:

  (1) administer oaths;

  (2) compel the attendance of witnesses; and

  (3) compel the production of documentary evidence.

  (d) If any person disobeys any lawful order or subpoena issued by the Commissioner pursuant to this section or refuses to testify to any matter regarding which he or she may be questioned lawfully, any Superior Court judge, upon application by the Commissioner, shall order the obedience of the person in the same manner as if the person had disobeyed an order or subpoena of the Superior Court judge.

  (e) The fees and traveling expenses of witnesses shall be the same as are allowed witnesses in the Superior Courts of the State and shall be reimbursed by the Commissioner out of any appropriation or funds at the disposal of the Department. (Added 1971, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 20; amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 185.)