Unit Order #41 - Inmate Safety Checks

PURPOSE:

One of the primary objectives for personnel assigned to the station jail is to ensure the safety and security of all inmates housed within the jail.  Whether in a custody facility or a station jail, there is a proven history that inmate safety checks, if done adequately, help prevent inmate injuries, deaths, and assaults.

The purpose of this order is to set forth policies and procedures governing inmate safety checks for all inmates housed at the Crescenta Valley Station Jail.

SCOPE OF ORDER:

This order shall apply to all personnel assigned to the station jail, as well as supervisory personnel conducting inmate safety checks.

ORDER:

To comply with state regulations and to act in conformance with existing Custody Division policy regarding inmate safety checks, the following shall be conducted:

Frequency of the Inmate Safety Check

All inmates housed in the station jail shall be visually checked at least once per every half hour.

*See table below for the exact frequency of inmate safety checks relative to the inmate’s specific classification, i.e., general population, intoxicated inmates, suicidal inmates, and juveniles.

To prevent an inmate’s ability to plan around anticipated checks, the safety checks shall be conducted in a staggered fashion, i.e., each check is conducted within the time interval, but not repeatedly and precisely at the same interval.

Inmate Safety Check Defined: Nature and Quality

Station jail and supervisory personnel shall conduct periodic, visual checks to look for the following:

• Signs of life such as breathing, talking, or bodily movement; AND

• Signs of distress such as bleeding, injury, difficulty breathing, or other behavior indicating the individual’s welfare may be in jeopardy.

Station jail personnel shall look into the cells by opening the outerjail door, entering the inner sally-port area, and visually looking to the room/cells.  Personnel shall visually inspect each inmate from a reasonable distance and inspect the general area for any items obstructing their view.  If such items exist, jail personnel shall ensure such items are removed in accordance with appropriate officer safety principles and tactics.

If there is doubt about an inmate’s condition, personnel shall attempt to elicit a response from the inmate.  If the inmate is non-responsive, then personnel shall immediately adhere to Emergency Alarm Activation and Supervisor Notification Procesures set forth in Crescenta Valley Station Unit Order #40.

If inmate distress is detected, personnel shall immediately activate the emergency alarm system and then render first aid and, if necessary, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  Proper officer safety practices shall be observed at all times prior to initiating first aid and/or CPR, i.e., removing other inmates from the cell and securing them in a separate cell.

• NOTE: Time is critical during this period and although personnel shall take appropriate actions to ensure scene safety, they must bear in mind their duty to immediately render first aid and preserve life.

Personnel who perform first aid procedures and/or CPR shall continue these practices until relieved by qualified station personnel, qualified medical personnel, or they are physically unable to continue life-saving procedures.

If station jail personnel, during their assigned shift, are unable to conduct an inmate safety check, a supervisor shall be notified and advised that assistance is required.

Inmate Safety Check Documentation

All inmate safety checks shall be recorded by the jailer within the electronic Uniform Daily Activity Log (UDAL).  If the system is non-operational (i.e. – down for maintenance, etc.), manual entries shall be made on paper Prisoner Count Sheets.  Entries shall include the time, date, and name of the person who conducted each check.  These manual sheets shall be kept by the Administrative Jailer for a period of 2 years.

Watch Sergeant Responsibilities

• The Watch Sergeant on every shift shall conduct two inmate safety checks.  The checks shall be documented within the electronic Uniform Daily Activity Log (UDAL) under the “Supervisor Checks” section and shall be included on the Watch Commander’s Log for the respective shift.

• The Watch Sergeant Shall ensure required inmate safety checks are being conducted and properly documented by the jailer.

• The Watch Sergeant shall inspect the remaining areas of the jail to ensure safe and secure conditions are being maintained.

Watch Commander Responsibilities

• The Watch Commander on every shift shall conduct two inmate safety checks.  The checks shall be documented within the electronic Uniform Daily Activity Log (UDAL) under the “Supervisor Checks” section and shall be included on the Watch Commander’s Log for the respective shift.  In the event the Watch Commander is covering the shift duties of the Watch Sergeant, four checks are required.

• The Watch Commander shall ensure the video monitoring system is operational each shift.  Currently, the video footage from the seven cameras inside the jail is only retrievable through Data Systems Bureau and is not able to be randomly audited by the watch commander.  Although closed circuit video footage along with a 30 to 60 day playback feature is planned for the future so that random audits maybe conducted, it is important to note that ensuring the video monitoring system functionality is critical in the event risk management incidents occur.

If station jail personnel notify a supervisor, a sergeant or above, that an inmate safety check cannot be completed, the supervisor must ensure the check is conducted within the appropriate time interval.

Frequency of Inmate Safety Checks and Inmate Classification

02/09/16