2-06/040.05 Inmate Incidents



All incidents involving an inmate shall be classified according to the following definitions. This information shall, when required, be reported to Sheriff’s Headquarters Bureau through appropriate Bureau Headquarters. These classifications have been defined by the Custody Division for all facilities where inmates are handled. Deputies shall not impose discipline on inmates in court holding facilities. If an inmate creates a disturbance while in the court holding facility, complete an Inmate Incident Report (Refer to IRTS). Forward a copy to the watch commander where the inmate is housed for disposition. Make a notation in the Uniform Daily Activity (UDAL)/Title 15 Log.

Inmate Incident Defined: An inmate incident is an event that may disrupt normal operations involving one or more inmates. It may require direct deputy intervention and the application of force to restore order. An inmate incident may result in injuries or require an Emergency Response Team (ERT) deployment, or be very minor in scope, wherein restoring order is accomplished with verbal commands only.

Minor Inmate Disturbance: A minor inmate disturbance normally involves a group of inmates (three or more). It may disrupt normal operations and requires direct officer intervention. Normal operations are resumed quickly. A minor disturbance may result in minor injuries to inmates or no injuries to inmates, and minor damage, or no damage to the facility. Minor inmate disturbances do not require a Department or Division Operations Log entry.

Major Inmate Disturbance: A major inmate disturbance generally involves the majority of inmates in the affected area and disrupts normal operations. There may be serious injuries to inmates and/or substantial damage to the facility. Significant direct officer intervention, which may include resources from other facilities, is required to resume normal operations.

Inmate Riot: An inmate riot is a violent disruption involving significant time and loss of control of portions of the inmate population. The safety of facility personnel and inmates is in serious jeopardy; the integrity of facility security is compromised. Additional Division and/or Department resources are required to resolve the situation and resume normal operations.

Modified Lock Down: A modified lock-down is a temporary security status that requires securing a specific area, or the entire facility, so inmate movement and/or facility access are limited. However, normal operations for those areas unaffected may be continued.

Lock down: A facility lock-down is a temporary security status that maximizes control of a facility by isolating/limiting inmate movement. Normal operations are suspended and routine activities are halted. A lock-down may affect a specific area or an entire facility. The purpose of a lock-down is to immediately secure inmates and to control the affected area of the facility. The primary concern of a lock-down is the preservation of life/property and the prevention of an escape. Lock-downs may be ordered in any situation necessary to maintain the safety and security of the facility, staff or inmates, including, but not limited to:

  • Inmate disturbances
  • Riots
  • Escapes
  • Natural disasters
  • Fires
  • Any lost items which might pose a security risk

All non-essential persons should be removed from the area that is affected. Depending on the circumstances, custodial personnel along with other resources (i.e. fire equipment, ordinance, etc.) should be re-deployed.