Corrections Ch. 6 Supervising in a Correctional Facility

The content of the mail is scanned for what?

pornography, info about criminal activity, codes, threats to the facility, threats or evidence of extortion against staff or other inmates, and escape plans, including dates, times, or arrangements for clothing and transportation.

When inspecting mail for contraband, officers will check the texture of the mail to determine if it is what?

brittle, stained

An odd texture could indicate what?

the presence of drugs, body fluids, or hidden messages

Drugs or other substances can be concealed in what?

in the glue of the stamp and envelops, in the folds of the paper, as watermark, between two pieces of paper glued together, or in concealed areas within poly-bubble envelopes.

To ensure that it is legal mail, the officer should confirm the letterhead has the proper what?

return address, raised seal, or watermark, and verify that the correspondent is a legitimate legal source.

____ ____ must be received for inmates to contact one another by mail.

special mission

kickback or three-way mail

is a common method used by inmates to send illegal communications to another inmate.

Visitors and inmates can lose visitation privilege because of what?

inappropriate conduct, rule violation, or introduction of contraband

Visitor registration logs

are for accountability purposes to prove that an inmate's rights have not been violated (attorney visits), and for emergency evacuation purpose.

Upon completion of registration and search, visitors are either ____ ____ or ____ by an officer to the visitation area.

verbally directed, escorted

Depending on the facility layout and agency policy and procedure, the officer will ____ ____, ____, or ____ the inmate to the designated visitation area.

verbally direct, monitor, escort

Ballooning

is contraband placed in a sealed balloon and concealed in a body cavity or swallowed for later expulsion.

If contraband is found in the visitation area, the officer should do what?

confiscate it, maintain chain of custody, and contact his or her supervisor

Escort

is defined as the movement of an inmate from one point to another accompanied by an officer or staff member.

An officer will receive ____ or ___ instructions to escort inmates, including which inmates will be escorted and their destination.

verbal, written

Reasons for escort may include:

medical, workgroup assignments, mental health services, and visitation.

While escorting an inmate, an officer should position him or herself how?

to the rear and slightly to one side of the inmate to control movement.

Transport

is defined as moving an inmate from the confines of a secure facility to another location.

The officer must be aware of his or her surroundings during inmate transport, including:

inmate behaviors, the public, the transport vehicle, other vehicles, traffic, and the security at the destination.

Reasons for inmate transport include:

medical treatments at local facilities or offices, transfers, work assignments, confinement, STG affiliations, and required court appearances within and between jurisdictions.

Several types of transport vehicles with specialized security or accommodation equipment:

* a transport bus or van with cages, extra locks, and isolation seats
* a van with negative pressure ventilation and wheelchair accessibility
* a car with cages

The officer will determine what type of transport vehicle is required by considering what?

how many inmates are to be transferred, custody levels, gender, special needs, and the purpose of the transport.

What type of inmates must be transported in separate compartments:

male and females inmates, juveniles and adults, high profile inmates, or violent inmates.

Observing

is being aware of your surroundings and paying close attention to detail.

Officers should be mindful of their surroundings in order to:

prevent potential threats and safety hazards to fellow officers, staff, inmates, and the public

The initial stage of observation is:

monitoring inmate behavior using the primary senses of seeing, hearing, touching, and smelling

Changes in inmate behavior could include:

hearing a variation in the noise level, observing improper contact between inmates or staff, or a violation of inmate conduct such as unauthorized attire, whistling, sexual comments, assaults, and escape attempts.

____ ____ maintains an heightened awarness

environment changes

Which senses, is the most used for observation?

sight

By watching the actions of inmates, officers should do what?

observe changes in their surroundings, and identify missing items or damage to equipment and property

Indicators of a possible escape include:

an inaccurate count, missing screws, broken windows, damaged toilets, evidence of digging through walls or floors, or loosening of security bars.

Other signs of a potential escape include:

inmates hoarding excessive sheets or towels, maps of facilities and the surrounding area drawn on walls, ground, or any paper products, coded messages in the mail, or finding visitors or other inmates in unauthorized areas.

Distractions for escape attempts or other illegal activity include:

incidents such as fire or a medical emergency, grouping of inmates, or a staged fight

What reveals the inmate's classification, work assignment, or housing location?

the color of the inmate uniform

Inmates dressed according to agency policy will make it easier to do what?

to see concealed contraband or identity signs of security threat group (STGs).

Inmates may modify their uniforms by:

rolling up a pant leg, trying their shoes in a specific pattern, writing graffiti on clothes, and wearing clothes backwards or inside out.

How would inmates alter their physical appearance with?

tattoos, different hairstyles, and body piercing

Officers should listen to inmate communications for what?

key words, slang, or changes in voice inflection

During sleeping hours, ____ or ____ ____ might indicate a potential problem.

excessive, unusual nosie

What are examples of unusual noise during sleeping hours?

loud banging, or scraping noise coming from a cell, screaming, crying and repeated flushing of toilets

what are suspicious activities or behaviors to distract an officer in order to commit a violation?

slamming a door or locker, yelling, fighting, or faking an injury

Reasons for changes in inmate behavior?

the result of divorce, notification of a death in the family, loss of a work assignment, or receiving additional charges

Blind spots

are locations within a facility that have limited visibility, such as corners, closets, doorways, and stairways.

What surveillance equipment enhance an officer's ability to monitor daily operations within the facility?

cameras, lighting, and concave wall mirrors

An unusual occurrence

is any incident that is out the ordinary and disrupts the normal operations of the facility.

Incidents that could negatively impact the security of the facility may include?

* inmate or staff death
* suicide or attempted suicide
* inmate fighting
* sexual assault
escapes or attempted escapes

When inmates seek ____, sympathetic participants could join in the conflict, and a small, containable incident could grow out of control.

retribution

Indicators of potential disturbances include:

* increased separation along racial or ethnic lines
* inmates gathering in a particular area
* low staff or inmate morale
* inmates avoiding areas where large numbers of other inmates congregate
* inmates warning staff to stay home on particular days
* an increase in security threat group related activites

What are used to document the facility operations, daily activities, and unusual occurrences?

logs, report forms, and video tapes

Completing accurate documentation is?

essential for safety, security, and accountability

Examples of usual and unusual occurrences that need to be documented?

* inmate counts
* fights
* transports
* use of force
* sexual assaults
* cell searches

What keeps the staff informed about developments and potential problems?

written reports

Documenting inmate movements helps officers by

to verify counts and work assignments

Use ____ and ____ to document inmate movement

forms, logs

It is critical that an officer effectively observes and recognizes an inmate in ____ and in need of ____ ____.

distress, referral services

Inmates may be referred to the following providers:

* medical
* dental
* psychiatric
*chaplain
* substances abuse services
* classification

____ and ____ changes in behavior may indicate the need for referral.

sudden, unusual

Information used for a referral may include:

statements, by the inmate, observed behavior, or another reason, such as a personal crisis

Some signs and symptoms of distress or need are:

illness, physical pain, odd movement, or unresponsiveness

Obvious signs or changes to observe in a inmate may include:

difficulty walking, low energy, screaming, crying, weight loss, a rash, or a severe cough

behavioral changes includes:

giving away belongings, wanting to be alone, changes in normal behavior, not eating, acting strangely, unusual interactions with others, restlessness, or lack of personal hygiene.

Psychological symptoms may include:

changes in demeanor, mood swings, depression, or suicidal thoughts

The determination for referral

is based on information obtained and the officer's knowledge of the institution's available services.

There are several basic steps that must be followed in each referral:

* Identify the need for a referral
* Interview the inmate, staff, or others
* Contact service providers
* Request an escort if necessary
* Make the referral
* Document the incident

Movement of inmates who have received a referral inside a correctional facility is coordinated through who?

the control room or a supervisor

When an escort is necessary, security considerations prior to movement include:

the inmate's classification level, types of restraints used, and number of officers needed

Any time an inmate has been referred, communication is usually passed along how?

verbally or through a daily log

narrative report

documentation that addresses the need for the referral, the proper identification of the inmate being referred, and the service provider.

The disciplinary process

is an administrative function that addresses minor and major rule violations and is not governed by rules of criminal procedures.

The disciplinary process is sometimes called

progressive discipline

progressive discipline

it is designed to increase the penalty if the inmate does not correct his or her behavior.

A rule violation or infraction

is an activity or behavior that is not permitted in the correctional facility.

Discipline

is the enforcement of a penalty for a violation of established rules and is used to ensure compliance of those rules.

The goal of discipline

is to maintain order and ensure the safety and the security of the facility.

Section 944.09 F.S.

provides authority and guidelines for enforcing rules.

Rule 33-601.314, F.A.C.

the rules of prohibited inmate conduct and penalties for violations or infractions

What should officers look for during questioning?

inconsistencies in inmate responses, body language, or physical evidence

Minor violations

are any rule violation that goes beyond a verbal warning but would not warrant maximum disciplinary sanctions .

Examples of unacceptable behaviors considered to be minor rule violations include:

improper wearing of uniform, rough horseplay, and gambling

Minor violations may result in:

receiving verbal counseling, a corrective consultation, or informal disciplinary sanctions

Major rule violations

are any disruption so significant that maximum disciplinary sanctions may be imposed.

Examples of major rule violations include:

disorderly conduct, disrespectful behavior, violence, use of a weapon, sexual activity, use of drugs or intoxicants, battery, and extortion.

The steps officer take to isolate who has committed a major rule violation include:

* contact a supervisor or control room
* request backup if necessary
* secure the inmate and separate him or her from other inmates
* secure the scene (if there is a suspected crime scene)
* move the inmate to a holding cell
* have medical perform a pre-confinement physical (depending on agency policy and procedure)
* move the inmate to confinement
* document the inmate

In most agencies, the officer notify who of any major rule violation?

the supervisor

Corrective action

is defined as steps taken to eliminate the cause of inappropriate or unlawful behavior in order to prevent recurrence.

When inappropriate conduct is observed, an should ____ ____ ____ ____ to the inmate to stop the behavior immediately.

give verbal warning or counseling

The discipline process involves:

* counseling
* verbal warning
* written warning (incident report or corrective consultation)
* disciplinary report

Counseling

is an in depth explanation of a rule violation, including suggestions on how the inmate can correct his or her behavior.

Counseling could include:

a disciplinary report, possible loss of privileges, a change in custody level or work assignment, confinement, or loss of gain time.

Verbal warning

is a statement to the inmate that he or she has committed a rule violation and should correct the behavior immediately.

Verbal warning can be documented as:

incident reports, contact cards, daily logs, computer logs or specific agency forms

Written warning

is usually an agency specific form that documents an inmate rule violation.

The officer and the inmate must sign the form, if the inmate refuses to sign the form, the officer should do what?

document the refusal on the form, and provide him or her with a copy.

Disciplinary report (DR)

is a detailed report of the facts surrounding an inmate's rule violation and sets in motion a series of events that ensures due process.

As an officer becomes aware of a major rule violation, he or she should obtain approval by whom, to initiate the disciplinary process?

the shift supervisor

A disciplinary report should include the following:

* officer name, inmate name and #, place, date and time
* formal statement of the specific violation (charge)
* a narrative that contains a detailed explanation of the events and supports the specific violation
* statements from any known witness or participants
* a description of physical evidence and its disposition
* action taken
* signature of involved staff
* supervisor's approval

What is one of the primary duties of a correctional officer?

counting officer

The counts will be conducted at?

housing or cell assignments, work details, and any other location an inmate may be, such as at the clinic, court, or dinning hall.

Informal counts

verifies the # of inmates in an area. These counts are done randomly by the supervisor of inmates who are on site or off site, such as medical, court, work details, or during transport.

Body count

is a type of informal count; this is a census check and is only reported when an inmate is missing.

Formal count

are performed at least once per shift, and may be conducted at the beginning and end of the officer's shift. It verifies the total number of inmates at a facility, accounting for all gains and losses during the day.

Out count

provides accountability for the location of inmates outside their assigned housing area.

Master count

is where positive identification of each inmate is verified through various items such as armband identification or photo id cards.

Master count

this count is conducted a minimum once a day at a specific time, and accounts for all inmates admitted, released, returned, or detained in the facility during the previous 24 hour period.

Emergency count

are conducted when unusual situations arise, such as a possible escape, disturbances, an evacuation, or when the total number of inmates counted is not confirmed or verified with the facility total.

The count should be completed in a:

timely, systematic and accurate manner

Some inmate behaviors that may interfere with proper count procedure include:

inmates talking, tapping on walls, not being at the assigned bunk, wearing inappropriate attire, going to the bathroom, listening to the radio, and switching id cards.

While performing a count, the officer will enforce the rules and regulations in a:

firm, fair, and professional manner

If the recount does not resolve the discrepancy, an ____ ____ ____ procedure will be announced and initiated.

emergency master count

Count slip

is a form used to document inmate counts.

What are the two types of count slips?

dormitory, formal

Dormitory count slip includes

the total number of inmates in their housing area, and the officer's signature.

Formal count slip includes

facility name, date, time, location, officer signature, total number of inmates counted, and time cleared.

What area should be inspected for cleanliness, proper sanitary practices, and to ensure health and safety.

dinning

Designated inmate dinning areas could include:

a dinning hall, day room, cell, or workgroup areas

When serving meals in a dinning hall, prior to opening the dinning facilities to inmates, an officer should do what?

conduct a thorough and systematic security check

Security checks at dinning halls include:

tables and chairs, heaters, ceiling fans, beverage containers, and trash cans

The dinning hall is a common location for inmates to do what?

obtain and distribute contraband

There may be inmates who have special dietary requirements, for example:

diabetics, those with religious restrictions, inmates with allergies, or inmates requiring additional portions

Officer ____ and ____ is essential for effective observation for all inmate activity in the dinning area.

positioning, patrolling

Officers should monitor and supervise specific area such as:

entrances, serving lines, the seating areas, the tray return window, and exits

Routine mail consist of:

letters, magazines, newspaper, periodicals, and book subscriptions that have not been tampered with and were received directly from the publisher or supplier.

legal mail consist of:

mail to and from municipal, county, state, and federal courts, state attorneys, private attorneys, public defenders, and legal aid organizations.

Privileged mail

is defined as correspondence to and from public officials, governmental agencies, and the news media.

What type of inmates who are assigned to workgroups or squads, that may be transported in vehicles without cages and partitions.

lower custody inmates

A trailing or chase vehicle

is an additional vehicle following or trailing a transport vehicle to provide additional security.

Trailing or chase vehicle are used when the transport is a high level threat such as:

death row inmates

An officer should inspect the transport vehicle for what?

mechanical deficiencies, possible security breaches, and to ensure that the vehicle is properly equipped and in good working order.

When loading or unloading inmates from a non-secure area, such as hospital, the officer will position the vehicle in:

a tactically advantageous way to prevent escape or ambush

What are transport vehicle security devices?

security cages, partitions and screens

Proper authorization and documentation to transport the inmate(s) may include:

a court order, court docket, face sheet, transport request, or TWIX (a DOC computerized message)

Face sheet

is defined as a document with a current picture of the inmate, name, inmate identification number, physical description, incarceration date, DOB, end of sentence date, and custody level.

If the transport vehicle encounters any unforeseen situations, such as a vehicle crash, mechanical failure, or a problem with the primary route, the officer will immediately ensure inmates are secure and then what?

contact local law enforcement for assistance and notify a supervisor for further instruction

An officer will maintain communication with the facility and provide necessary info during transport such as:

the direction of travel, primary and alternative routes, the number of inmates, time of departure, beginning and ending mileage, destination, and predicted time of arrival.

Transfer

is movement of an inmate from one housing location to another.

While monitoring a work detail, the officer should ensure the inmates are doing the following:

* completing the work assignment in a timely manner
* operating the equipment as trained
* not damaging or altering the equipment or other items in the work area
* wearing issued safety equipment properly
* not interacting with the public
* wearing proper clothing
* staying within the assigned work area

In the event of a life threatening emergency, should do what?

should immediately request local emergency medical services, notify their agency, and request additional support as needed.

In the event of an escape, the officer will do what?

immediately assemble the remaining inmates and notify the facility that an escape has occurred.

Security concerns may include the following:

* unauthorized visitation
* safety and suicide precautions
* unauthorized phone access
* access to items that are considered contraband in a correctional facility

Officer should do what to the inmate, the room, and any adjacent rooms such as bathrooms facilities that the inmate may use during his or her stay?

visual search

Clinical restraints are ordered by who?

by the attending physician and are used to keep the inmate from injuring him or herself in a medical facility.

Clinical seclusion

is used to isolate the inmate from the general population at a medical facility for medical and safety reasons.

The officer will notify the nearest medical personnel for assistance if the inmate exhibits any of the following:

* any signs of medical distress, such as difficulty breathing, extreme sweating, nausea, extreme bleeding, or paralysis
* any dislodging of medical devices or equipment, such as intravenous (IV) lines or monitors
* any medical situation beyond the officer's training and abilities