6-03-040 Tower Security Duties

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

PURPOSE OF ORDER:

The purpose of this order is to establish the duties of the Pitchess Detention Center (PDC) South Facility tower security deputy/officer.

SCOPE OF ORDER: 

This order applies to all personnel assigned to, and working at PDC South Facility.

ORDER:

There are three (3) towers at PDC South positioned in various locations between the inner and outer perimeter fences (“dog run”) (South Facility unit order 3-05-080, Facility Towers).

Personnel assigned as the PDC South tower security deputy/officer shall be responsible to the PDC South supervising line deputy, line sergeant, watch sergeant and watch commander.

The responsibilities of personnel assigned to tower security shall include, but not be limited to the following:

• Test the telephone and radio

• Continuously observe all visible fences, roofs, barracks, inmates, yard and compound areas

• Be alert and notify PDC South main control desk (David) of any unusual occurrences (e.g., clothes hanging from razor wire, rattling of perimeter fences, unidentified persons approaching perimeter, etc.)

• Do not leave the post for any reason except during extreme weather conditions (fog, rain, snow, zero visibility)
   
  • In these cases, descend the tower and walk the perimeter in the “dog run” after notifying the watch sergeant

• Keep the tower clean and organized

• Visually assist during count and notify South David and compound rovers of any unusual occurrences or activities

• During inmate visiting, be alert to any inmate activity near the visiting center

• Be familiar with the meal relief schedule; know who is going to relieve you and at what time

• Reading and sleeping on the post is strictly prohibited

• • Reading material of any type is not permitted on the post

• Inspect all fences and gates while en route to the post and immediately notify South David of any problems

• Conduct perimeter checks via the “dog runs” at the southwest end of the facility when inmates are in athletic fields
   
• Conduct a perimeter check via the “dog run” from Tower I to Tower II every two hours and report the results of the perimeter check to South David

• Monitor radio traffic.

• During hours of daylight, one reflective blind may be lowered as needed to deflect direct sunlight
   
  • The other three blinds shall remain raised, unless otherwise approved by the on-duty watch commander

• During hours of darkness, the reflective blinds shall be raised

• Acknowledge supervisors during their perimeter checks

Personal vehicles shall not be parked on any part of a PDC road (including the shoulder) or in close proximity to the tower.

*All personnel are expected to assist inmates seeking available programs offered throughout the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) jail system, including Education Based Incarceration (EBI). All inmates are issued a copy of jail rules and regulations and subject to discipline for violating those rules. It is extremely important the actions of all Department members are predicated on upholding respect and professionalism, even in situations where authoritative action or force is required.

Revision Date 08/01/18

02/22/12 SOUF