The use of the Safety Chair is intended for short term security and control of inmates identified as violent, self-destructive, a danger to themselves or others, or a high security risk. The Safety Chair shall not be used as punishment or harassment. This is not a medically ordered restraint device; but rather, a security restraint device as noted in Title 15, Section 1058 - Use of Restraint Devices.
Only the “Emergency Restraint Chair, Inc.” brand Safety Chair shall be used unless, the Unit Commander receives the prior approval from the Chief of Court Services Division. The Safety Chair shall not be modified from the original specifications, unless done so by the manufacturer.
Only those personnel who have been trained in the use of the Safety Chair shall be authorized to perform, assist, or supervise the placement or removal of an inmate in the Safety Chair. Court Services Division Training Unit shall maintain a record of Court Services Division personnel trained in the use of the Safety Chair.
Use of the Safety Chair:
The Safety Chair shall only be used when other less restrictive alternatives have failed, or it is apparent that they will be ineffective in controlling the inmate. Prior approval shall be obtained from a supervisor at the permanent rank of Sergeant or above, and a Sergeant shall be present during the inmate’s placement in the chair, except in exigent circumstances. It is the responsibility of the supervisor to ensure that the entire procedure is videotaped. Without exception, all inmates placed in the Safety Chair shall be expedited to their final destination.
If an inmate complains of pain, the inmate shall be medically evaluated immediately after placement in the Safety Chair. This medical evaluation as to whether the inmate shall remain in the Safety Chair shall take precedence over the custodial evaluation. All Department policies regarding injuries sustained by inmates and use of force procedures shall remain in effect. Pregnant inmates shall not be placed in the Safety Chair. Personnel should ensure that all of the inmate’s personal property, excluding jail clothing, has been removed (e.g. jewelry, glasses, shoes, boots, socks, etc.). Whenever possible, the cooperation of the inmate shall be sought in order to seat them in the Safety Chair on their own.
Monitoring Inmates Secured in the Safety Chair:
The following criteria shall apply in each incident when an inmate is secured in the Safety Chair:
The inmate shall remain in continual, direct visual contact at all times by designated personnel.
Twice every 30 minutes (at least 15 minutes apart), designated personnel shall check the inmate and document any comments regarding the health and physical condition of the inmate. All components shall be physically checked to ensure they are properly secured and presents no obvious physical signs of circulatory restrictions to the inmate’s extremities.
The maximum time an inmate shall be secured in the Safety Chair is two hours, unless exigent circumstances require the need to keep the inmate secured in the Safety Chair. The Area Lieutenant, or higher, shall approve any extension past one hour and the reason for the extension noted on the “Record of Inmate Checks, Safety Chair Log.”
All observations and actions taken shall be documented in the “Record of Inmate Checks, Safety Chair Log” and the Uniform Daily Activity (UDAL)/Title 15 Log.
If observations indicate that the inmate is and has been calm for a minimum of 30 minutes, a supervisor, at the permanent rank of Sergeant or above shall be summoned to observe the inmate and determine if the inmate should be removed from the Safety Chair (exception: judge approved the Safety Chair to secure an inmate for court hearing purposes and the court proceedings are still in session).
Note: Prior to deploying any “Court Restraint Device” during a court session, including the Safety Chair, Department personnel shall obtain a written Court Order from the Bench Officer. The original Court Order shall be placed in the court files and a copy will be attached to the “Court Restraining Device Record” per CSDM, 3-14/020.15 - Court Restraint Device Form.
If an inmate is held in the Safety Chair for a two hour period, it is required that the inmate be removed from the Safety Chair for a minimum of thirty (30) minutes prior to any subsequent application (unless exigent circumstances as noted above, or the inmate is in trial as noted above). Inmates secured in the Safety Chair shall not be denied food, water or beverages, prescribed medications or access to a bathroom, unless there is substantial cause to do so. If there is compelling and substantial justification for denying an inmate secured in the Safety Chair any of the above listed items or services, the Area Lieutenant or above, shall be notified and concur with such denial.
A medical opinion on placement and retention shall be conducted by medical personnel within one hour of the inmate being placed in the Safety Chair.
Medical Evaluation Released from the Safety Chair:
The handling sergeant will ensure a notification to the Watch Commander at the inmate’s housing unit is made, and request a log entry to document the inmate was placed in the Safety Chair while in the custody of Court Services personnel. Ask the Watch Commander to notify a medical staff supervisor assigned to the inmate’s housing unit.
Inmates that complain of pain or have any visual signs of injury shall be medically evaluated immediately upon release from the Safety Chair.
An inmate shall receive a medical assessment within four hours of being placed in a Safety Chair. A medical assessment shall be conducted by a medical professional, and the evaluation documents shall be attached to the Safety Chair log.
If an inmate has been in a Safety Chair for eight hours, the inmate shall be taken to a medical facility for evaluation.
Reporting Use of Force:
The un-resisted placement of an inmate into the Safety Chair for secure movement through the facility does not constitute a use of reportable force. However, if in the course of applying restraints, the inmate struggles or resists in any way, it constitutes a use of force and shall be reported pursuant to the Manual of Policy and Procedures
Tracking the Use of the Safety Chair:
In all instances that the Safety Chair is utilized, a “Safety Chair - Inmate Security Check Log” shall be completed. A data entry shall also be completed in the Courthouse Activity Log (CAL). The original “Safety Chair - Inmate Security Check Log” and videotape shall be maintained at the concerned Branch for four (4) years. A copy of the “Safety Chair - Inmate Security Check Log” shall be forwarded to the Court Services Division Training Unit.
If the inmate is injured as a result of utilizing the Safety Chair, or there is an incident regarding the use of force, the original of the “Safety Chair - Inmate Security Check Log” and the video shall be supplied with the Use of Force Package, and a copy of the “Safety Chair - Inmate Security Check Log” shall be maintained at the concerned Branches noted above.