DATE: April 2, 2007
FROM: PATRICK E. MAXWELL, CAPTAIN TO: ALL PERSONNEL
NORWALK STATION NORWALK STATION
SUBJECT: NORWALK STATION MANAGEMENT DIRECTIVE 04-1; STATION JAIL CELL EXTRACTIONS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to institute standardized procedures and guidelines for dealing with station jail cell extractions of uncooperative station bookings.
Cell extractions are accomplished through directed force in situations where it becomes necessary to remove a station arrestee from a cell who refuses to exit when directed to do so. The goals of a cell extraction are to restore order, to maintain the security of the facility and to remove arrestees when necessary with minimal risk to all involved. When encountering an uncooperative arrestee, the Watch Sergeant shall be notified and immediately respond to the jail where the arrestee shall then be afforded the opportunity to comply and voluntarily exit the jail cell prior to implementing a cell extraction.
When simple instructions and requests fail to gain compliance, the Watch Commander shall be notified and respond to the jail area. The Watch Commander shall attempt to gain the cooperation of the arrestee and may authorize the execution of a cell extraction if necessary.
CELL EXTRACTION DEFINED
A cell extraction occurs when:
EMERGENCY EXTRACTIONS
The Watch Commander may authorize personnel to conduct an immediate extraction when the behavior of the arrestee constitutes an immediate and serious threat to their safety or the safety of others, (e.g.: assaults and suicide attempts).
Nothing in this policy precludes personnel from entering any confined area to affect the rescue of an arrestee in the event of exigent or life-threatening circumstances. Personnel must be able to clearly articulate the exigency or life-threatening circumstance.
CALCULATED EXTRACTIONS
Calculated extractions occur in situations where an arrestee is in an area that can be isolated or controlled. lt does not normally involve an immediate threat to loss of life, substantial loss of property, or station security. Calculated extractions may only be authorized by the Watch Commander. Personnel may determine, at any point, that the situation can be resolved without the use of an extraction team and terminate the process. The Watch Commander shall be notified of all calculated extractions prior to commencing. This notification shall be documented in the Watch Commander’s Log.
Most cell extraction incidents are categorized as calculated. All cell extractions are considered directed force. Situations that do not involve a threat of immediate danger to others must be thoroughly evaluated.
AN EXTRACTION TEAM SHALL ONLY BE DEPLOYED AS A LAST RESORT.
STATION JAILER'S RESPONSIBILITY
When the station jailer, arresting deputy or any personnel determines that a cell extraction is necessary or an uncooperative arrestee is to be moved, the Watch Sergeant shall be notified prior to extracting or moving the arrestee from their cell.
WATCH SERGEANT'S RESPONSIBILITY
Once the Watch Sergeant is notified that a cell extraction is necessary or an uncooperative arrestee needs to be moved, the Watch Sergeant shall respond to the jail and determine if a cell extraction is necessary, and/or if the uncooperative arrestee needs to be moved. The Watch Sergeant will try to gain the compliance from the arrestee. If the Watch Sergeant is unable to get compliance from the arrestee, the Watch Sergeant shall evaluate the need for the cell extraction or the movement of the uncooperative arrestee. Prior to executing the cell extraction or moving the uncooperative arrestee, the Watch Sergeant shall notify and explain the necessity to the Watch Commander and obtain his/her approval.
If the Watch Commander approves the cell extraction and/or movement of the uncooperative arrestee, the Watch Sergeant shall formulate a tactical plan. The Watch Sergeant shall ensure the arrestee's refusal to exit his cell and the entire cell extraction is videotaped.
Prepare a Use of Force Package.
If the Watch Commander is not available, the Watch Sergeant will assume the responsibilities of the Watch Commander.
WATCH COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITY
Once it is determined that a cell extraction may be necessary, the Watch Commander shall respond to the jail and assume responsibility and control of the extraction team.
Ensure the criteria is met for a cell extraction.
Review and approve the extraction and tactics plan.
Review the Use of Force Package.
The Watch Commander shall ensure that proper reporting procedures are followed regarding use of force.
Considerations
The following should be considered before and after a cell extraction and/or the movement of a recalcitrant arrestee: