PURPOSE OF ORDER:
The purpose of this order is to ensure that care is provided to inmates housed in the Mental Observation Housing (MOH), with the objective of protecting their health, safety, and well-being as well as the safety of personnel.
Due to mental illness, MOH inmates may be at an increased risk of exploitation or assault. Personnel need to consider requests by MOH inmates to exit (“walk-out”) a MOH dorm.
SCOPE OF ORDER:
This order applies to all personnel assigned to and/or working at Men’s Central Jail (MCJ). This order applies to MOH dorm housing areas.
ORDER:
Inmates classified as MOH should be escorted by a deputy or custody assistant at all times when moving to and from their housing location. Under no circumstances shall an MOH inmate move freely throughout the facility without the direct supervision of a deputy or custody assistant.
Inmates should remain clear from entry/exit doorways and walking paths while personnel are performing routine duties, including but not limited to:
- Title 15 security and safety checks
- Interviews conducted by mental health personnel
- Other operational activities
PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTS TO EXIT (WALK-OUT)
If an MOH inmate requests or attempts to exit the threshold of their assigned housing unit without authorization, personnel should prioritize safety and take the following actions:
- Contact and investigate the reason for the exit.
- If warranted, safely detain and handcuff the inmate in accordance with applicable policy and training.
- Consideration should be given to allow an inmate who appears in distress or mental crisis to exit a dorm and be detained outside of the entry door:
- The safety of personnel is paramount. MOH inmates in distress may have difficulty understanding orders and making rational decisions. Handcuffing and detaining an inmate outside a dorm may provide the following advantages to personnel:
- Inmates may become calmer outside of the dorm where they perceive a danger exists.
- Contacting a single inmate outside a dorm is more secure than contacting them inside a dorm containing multiple inmates.
- Broadcast a radio notification advising the floor sergeant and floor personnel of the unauthorized exit (“walk-out”). Close and secure the door when safe to do so.
- Escort the inmate to the main hallway of the housing floor. If necessary, secure the inmate to the nearest available bench. A fixed restraint log shall be completed as outlined in Custody Division Manual (CDM) section 7-03/000.05, “Fixed Restraints.”
- If the inmate displays recalcitrant behavior, personnel shall follow the procedures outlined in the CDM section 7-02/020.00, “Handling Insubordinate, Recalcitrant, Hostile, or Aggressive Inmates.”
- Personnel shall interview and investigate the MOH inmate’s claims accordingly and complete all necessary reports and procedures as required by Department policy.
All actions taken shall be documented and reported to the control booth officer and documented in the electronic Uniform Daily Activity Log (e-UDAL).
09/04/26, MCJ