September 17, 2015
Sheriff Kevin Joyce
Cumberland Sheriff’s Office
36 County Way
Portland, ME 04102

Re: Professional visits at Cumberland County Jail
Dear Sheriff Joyce:
I hope this finds you well. I write to update you on a very
unfortunate occurrence that took place last Thursday, September 10,
2015 when I tried to visit one of my clients currently housed at your
facility.
I arrived at the jail at approximately 3:45. I do not know the
name of the person who was working the front desk, and I apologize
for that. As is typical, I waited for the officer working the front desk to
be available before I attempted to pass through the metal detector. As
I always do, I set the metal detector off because of bracelets and other
jewelry on my person. I pointed out the jewelry and was told I had to
take it off. I was further instructed that the “new policy” that has been
in place for two months and promulgated to all attorneys, requires
anyone who goes into the jail to walk through the detector without it
going off before being able to go into designated visit rooms, according
to the corrections officer on duty.
Despite taking off my jewelry, I continued to set off the metal
detector. I then took out my hair clip and removed my shoes; however,
I still set off the metal detector. The officer then asked me if I was
wearing an underwire bra. Before that could even register, he
suggested to me that I go into the bathroom and remove my bra, and
then try to pass through the metal detector. Quite candidly, I cannot
remember a time when I have been so offended. I told him that I
absolutely would not disrobe, and requested to see the person in
charge of the policy. As you can imagine, I was quite humiliated and
upset.

 After several phone calls by the front desk officer, I was told
Major Costello was not available. On Tuesday, September 15, I called
and left a detailed voicemail for the Major, but he has yet to call me
back.
On Monday, September 14, 2015, I met and spoke with Justice
Cole about this issue. He indicated to me that I should reach out to you
and let you know that he told me to do so.
I am sure that your policy is not meant to discriminate against
women attorneys, or harass them in a sexual manner the way I was
last week. I am also sure that you are not intending to deprive clients
who are represented by female attorneys access to their attorneys, as
that would raise Constitutional issues. And I am sure that there is a
workable solution that can be achieved.
I will anxiously await your response to this absolutely outrageous
situation.
Please feel free to call me at any time to discuss this very, very
unfortunate situation that requires your immediate attention.
Sincerely,

Amy L. Fairfield