The following procedures are to be used in conjunction with all current use of force policies as well as all other applicable policies, procedures, and guidelines. Department members shall take necessary and reasonable actions to defend themselves and control the inmate(s) when confronted with an immediate threat to their safety, the safety of other personnel, or the safety of other inmates.
An insubordinate or recalcitrant inmate shall be defined as any inmate who displays any of the following characteristics:
- Is continually verbally defiant
- Is uncooperative to verbal commands given by personnel
- Displays aggressive, assaultive, hostile, or violent behavior toward personnel or other inmates
- Passively resists the efforts of personnel by ignoring commands or not acknowledging their presence
Personnel encountering an insubordinate or recalcitrant inmate shall be guided by the following:
- Except when there is an imminent threat of physical harm or the need for immediate intervention, personnel shall request the presence of appropriate back-up and a sergeant or supervising line deputy, prior to handling any recalcitrant inmate
- In the instance of an immediate threat of physical harm or the need for immediate intervention, including inmate-on-inmate violence, custody personnel shall take appropriate action, which may include the use of force
- Personnel should not make an attempt to enter a cell, dayroom, holding area or confined space to contact or remove an uncooperative, aggressive, hostile or armed inmate unless an immediate threat of physical harm is present. A sergeant shall develop a planned tactical approach to the situation that will reduce the possibility of physical confrontation or injuries
- When confronting an inmate with a weapon, or an object being used as a weapon, custody personnel should make an effort to maintain distance and avoid any force that would subject personnel to come into physical contact with the inmate unless the safety of an inmate or staff member is in jeopardy or other factors dictate immediate action
- When the inmate is, or appears to be mentally ill, personnel shall request a sergeant and a mental health professional to respond unless there is an immediate threat of physical harm
- Should the need arise to confront and/or handcuff a recalcitrant, hostile or aggressive inmate, they shall be searched and kept in normal traffic areas and not be taken to secluded areas (e.g. cells, recreation yards, dayrooms, or laundry rooms), without the direction of a supervisor
- Inmates who continue to be uncooperative and/or combative shall be escorted by a sergeant and two custodial personnel, to include at least one deputy. The movement shall be video recorded in order to safeguard personnel against potential future litigation
- Personnel involved in an incident/altercation with an insubordinate, recalcitrant, uncooperative, or combative inmate shall not be part of the escorting team