The Vermont Statutes Online
The Statutes below include the actions of the 2025 session of the General Assembly.
NOTE: The Vermont Statutes Online is an unofficial copy of the Vermont Statutes Annotated that is provided as a convenience.
(Cite as: 28 V.S.A. § 103)
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§ 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.)