Corrections Community

Recently, during a panel discussion of ways to prevent suicide in disciplinary segregation units (we call it Administrative Segregation here in California), a participant asserted that ACA standards call for 30 minute welfare checks by custodial staff assigned to segregation.

I do not have ready access to ACA standards but would like to find out if this is true, the reference for it and if this is the typical practice in state correctional facilities. 

Thanks in Advance

Robert Canning, PhD

Sr. Psychologist

Mental Health Programs

California Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Can't speak for ACA standards, but IDOC utilizes 30 minute Safety/Security checks in all units, particularly Seg or locked units.  In the event that an inmate is in a mental health observation status, or suicide prevention status, these welfare checks drop to 15 minutes and 5 minutes, respectively.

Dear Dr. Canning:

I work in an ACA Accredited jail in Virginia.  The ACA reference from the Standards for Adult Local Detention Faclities (3rd Edition) is 3-ALDF-3D-08.  The 4th Edition refence is 4-ALDF-2A-52.

It states:

"All special management inmates are personnaly observed by a correctional officer at least every 30 minutes on an irregular schedule. Inmates who are violent or mentally disordered or who demonstrate unusual or bizarre behavior receive more frequent observation; suicidal inmates are under continuous observation until seen by a mental health professional.  Subsequent supervision routines are in accordance with that ordered by the mental health professional."

I can say that the ACA Accredited Jails I have toured follow this standard.

I pray this answers your question.

We are doing this in the common population as well.  We have open bay barracks that house 55 inmates each.  30 bunks on one Floor and 25 on the lower floor.  We have to walk through at a minimum of twice an hour unscheduled.

 

4-ALDF-2A-52

(Ref. 3-ALDF-3D-08) All special management inmates are personally observed by a correc­tional officer at least every 30 minutes on an irregular schedule. Inmates who are violent or mentally disordered or who demonstrate unusual or bizarre behavior receive more frequent observation; suicidal inmates are under continuous observation until seen by a mental health professional. Subsequent supervision routines are in accordance with that ordered by the mental health professional.

Comment: None.

Protocols: Written policy and procedure. Staffing plan. Log format.

Process Indicators: Facility records and logs. Documentation of cell checks.

Lieutenant Gerald T. Milan, CJM

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

Department of Corrections

500 East Adams Street

Jacksonville, FL 32202

Email:  Gerald.Milan@jaxsheriff.org

Phone:  904-630-5744

Fax:  904-630-7550

"Integrity:  Doing the right thing when no one is looking."

Ohio minimum standards call for 10 minute checks at irregular intervals for inmate's on special needs status (high risk, suicidal, restrained, etc.) and yes, we do practice this.

Gibson:

Ohio minimum standards call for 10 minute checks at irregular intervals for inmate's on special needs status (high risk, suicidal, restrained, etc.) and yes, we do practice this.

Sorry about that.  Our admin seg inmates are checked every hour at irregular intervals along with the rest of the population.  If we feel they are suicidal, special needs, etc. they are moved into a different unit and the checks are bumped up.

Here in Little Rock we also call it administrative segregation. We require irregular checks at no more than 15 minute intervals.This has worked quite well for us.

Sgt. Rodney Shepherd

Training Coordinator 

Pulaski County Sherrif's Office

Hi Robert,

 Based on ACA 3-ALDF-3D-08 (Ref: New) it states the following:  "Written policy, procedure, and practice require that all special management inmates are personally observed by a correctional officer at least every 30 minutes on an irregular schedule.  Inmates who are violent or mentally disordered or who demonstrate unusual or bizarre behavior receive more frequent observation; suicidal inmates are under continuous observation."

There are other ACA standards that addresses supervision of inmates.  I strongly recommend that you purchase a copy of the ACA standards.

 

Maj. John Ayuyu

Department of Corrections, Saipan, CNMI

Dr. Canning,

I know at our facility we check on our Seg Inmates every 1/2 hour. Simply as you stated per suicide or any other numerous things. I would suggest you contact. www.aca.org

Also contact Calfornia Dept. of Corrections, I am sure one of these agencies should be able to assist you!