POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Assistant Secretary or EMT Member /s/ Larry Lumpee, Assistant Secretary for Detention Services Subject Detention Services - Security Authority Chapter 985, Fla. Stat. Effective Date: 3/01/02 Revised Date: Section: FDJJ 4020 Replaces: Detention Services Manual 1996 No. of Attachments RELATED REFERENCES Detention Services Manual (1996) Facility Operating Procedures POLICY STATEMENT OFFICES AFFECTED BY POLICY In order to fulfill the mission of the Department of Juvenile Justice, the security of detention centers is vital. Detention Services I. DEFINITIONS Detainee: Youth ordered into detention status. Juvenile Detention Officer: The officer responsible for the direct supervision of the detainee in secure detention. Juvenile Detention Officer Supervisor: The officer responsible for the direct supervision of other officers in the performance of their duties. Secure Detention: A hardware secure facility where a detainee temporarily awaits court action or commitment placement. Supervision: The act, process, or function of having the direction and oversight of the detainees while in detention status. Security Devices: Devices both mechanical and electrical that enhance security in the facility. Master Control: The central security focal point in the facility for communication and tracking detainee movement. Classification: The identification and placement of youth in facility housing and programming based upon a classification matrix. Page 1 of 13 FDJJ 4020
Counts: A counting system to ensure the proper number of detainees are under the direct supervision of a detention officer. Radio Ten Codes: Standardized communication codes to ensure fast, accurate, and universal communication in detention facilities. Superintendent: The person responsible for the overall operation of regional juvenile detention center. Regional Director: The person responsible for the overall operation of regional juvenile detention centers in a specified region. II. RESPONSIBILITY AND DUTIES A. 1. The superintendent shall ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to the operation of a secure detention facility and the proper care, custody and control of the detainees. 2. The superintendent shall ensure compliance with the department s policies and procedures and shall adhere to and promote the department s mission. 3. Department policies and procedures that have applicability for detention personnel shall be made accessible at the facility in written form and via the intranet if available. 4. The superintendent shall set the tone of respect and professionalism while exemplifying the highest code of ethics for all department personnel and the community. 5. The superintendent shall abide by all articles of the prevailing union master contract. 6. The superintendent or designee shall take actions deemed necessary to ensure compliance with all applicable policies and procedures. Security in detention centers entails and impacts officer and detainee safety. 7. The will ensure officers shall be alert and aware of their surroundings and cognizant of the profiles of the detainees they are supervising. a. Detainee counts shall be accurate at all times. III. STANDARDS/PROCEDURES A. Security audits Regional Director 1. The Regional Director shall ensure security audits be conducted and documented by department personnel on a quarterly basis. 2. The identification of the personnel and/or entities to conduct security audits, and procedures / documentation to be utilized, shall be at the Page 2 of 13 FDJJ 4020
discretion of regional management. At a minimum the Detention Security Audit Procedures effective 2/16/98 will be used 3. Non-departmental personnel shall conduct a security audit annually. The identification of the personnel to conduct the audit shall be at the discretion of regional management and could include representatives from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, local law enforcement, the Department of Corrections, et al. 1. Shall conduct a minimum of two random security audits annually. Procedures / documentation shall parallel those established by regional management. B. Security Devices Security is impacted by the effective and efficient operation of security devices. Regardless of the use of security devices, nothing can replace officer supervision in ensuring security. The following are many of the types of security devices utilized in detention: 1. CCTV, radios and other recording and audio devices 2. Doors, vestibules, man-traps / interlocking doors, keys, locks, windows, and electronic controls 3. Mechanical restraints i.e. handcuffs, restraining belt, leg cuffs, soft restraints, restraint chair 4. Fencing, hardware clothe, razor wire, and sallyports C. Master Control 1. Shall ensure security devices are checked for proper operation / status on each shift, with the findings documented on the shift report and in any applicable logs. 2. Shall maintain an inventory of all mechanical restraints, including documented issuance and return. 3. Shall forward any noted deficiencies through maintenance and administration per facility operating procedures. Master control s function, as it relates to security, involves 24/7 observation and monitoring of all activities occurring within the facility. Master Control performs a number of critical tasks related to safety and security. It is the central security focal point in the facility for communication and tracking detainee movement. 1. Shall ensure master control maintains a bound log book and documents: staff assignments; admissions; releases; census counts at the beginning and end of each shift and throughout the shift as the count changes; detainee movement, emergencies, and any other incidents / information as identified by facility operating procedures. Page 3 of 13 FDJJ 4020
D. Communications 2. Master Control or other security stations as designated by the superintendent shall ensure all visitors, both visiting DJJ staff and others, sign the appropriate logs prior to entering the secure area. 3. Master Control monitors and controls the CCTV system, the radio base station, call boxes and any other surveillance and communication systems that a facility may have in place. 4. Master Control monitors and controls electronic locks and gates as applicable. 5. Master Control clears all movement of detainees prior to the actual movement. Communication between officers is a critical component for maintaining a safe and secure environment. a. Communication includes verbal briefings; log entries, and electronic communications. 1. Shall require upon reporting to duty, officers and supervisors will be briefed daily by their outgoing counterparts on each shift. Briefings at a minimum shall include: Page 4 of 13 FDJJ 4020 a. Review of census counts including admissions and releases b. Names of detainees placed in confinement and current status c. Names and status of youth on suicide watch or special medical alerts d. Status of security devices e. Incidents that contribute to jeopardizing safety and security f. Any other information applicable to maintaining a safe and secure environment 2. Log entries shall include information as outlined in Detention Services Procedure 4110 (Facility Administration). 3. Shall require Radio 10 codes be utilized for standard radio communications. The superintendent shall determine the radio 10 codes that best meets the needs of the facility, but shall utilize, at a minimum, the following codes: a. 10-3 Stop transmitting b. 10-4 Acknowledged c. 10-10 On a break d. 10-12 Official / Visitor present e. 10-14 Escort f. 10-15 Arrestee
E. Key Control g. 10-20 Location h. 10-24 Officer needs help i. 10-51 Enroute j. 10-97 Arrival 4. Radio color codes shall be utilized for certain emergencies as outlined in this chapter. The usage, storage and general security of any detention center key is paramount to the security of the facility. 1. A key inventory will be maintained by the superintendent or designee that accounts for all key rings by number (e.g. ring # 1, ring # 2), the number of keys on each ring, the capability of each key, and to whom (or where) each key ring is issued. 2. Who may possess which key(s) and/or key ring will be specified including the issuance of keys to non-facility personnel. 3. Keys rings not issued will be included on the inventory and the key rings will be maintained in a secure key box in a location designated by the superintendent. 4. Emergency key rings shall be maintained separately from other facility keys in areas designated by the superintendent. 5. The key(s) on these rings shall provide egress through facility exterior doors providing access to evacuation areas. 6. The key(s) shall be notched or be otherwise identifiable by touch only. 7. The key(s) / key rings shall be included as part of the facility key inventory. 8. The presence of the key(s) / key rings shall be documented each shift in applicable logs as outlined in facility operating procedures. 9. Procedures shall detail how keys / key rings are stored, issued and turned in with a clear line of accountability which includes documentation. Facility Staff 1. All employees who are issued keys are responsible for the security of those keys and shall be able to account for those keys at all times during their work schedule. 2. Issued keys shall be carried by employees on their person and shall not be left in any area of the facility. 3. Employees shall not allow detainees to handle facility keys. Page 5 of 13 FDJJ 4020
1. Key rings shall not be removed from the facility or the facility grounds without authorization from the superintendent. 2. Staff who are assigned facility keys that are maintained on their personal key rings will be required to sign for those keys and account for the keys as required by the superintendent. 3. Any officer or other facility personnel who leaves the facility with a key ring will be contacted and will be required to return the ring within a time frame as specified in facility operating procedures. 4. Lost key rings shall be reported immediately to the supervisor on duty. 5. The reporting of lost key rings shall be done immediately upon first knowledge and shall be done in a manner in which a detainee would not overhear. All other required reports shall be completed. 6. Detainee movement shall cease immediately in event of a lost key ring. 7. The search for lost keys shall be conducted by officers and may include strip searches of detainees. 8. The superintendent or designee shall determine what action(s) will be taken based on the results of the search. 9. Damaged keys shall be reported to the immediate supervisor who will complete a maintenance request for replacement per facility operating procedures. 10. Keys created for the replacement of damaged keys shall be marked identically to the keys being replaced. 11. The maintenance department shall ensure that damaged keys are rendered unusable and are disposed of. 12. The replacement of damaged keys shall be documented in the maintenance log. 13. Keys may not be duplicated without authorization from the superintendent or designee. 14. Duplicated keys shall be included on the key inventory. 15. Personal keys / key rings and other personal effects belonging to employees shall be secured prior to assuming any duty assignment(s). F. Supervision of Detainees The department maintains a position of zero tolerance for escapes. Juvenile Detention Officer 1. The primary function of the officers is to supervise detainees in order to maintain a safe, secure and humane environment. Page 6 of 13 FDJJ 4020
G. The classification of detainees 2. It is critical that officers know the exact number and location of all detainees whom they are assigned to supervise at all times. 3. Census counts of detainees shall be taken and documented, at a minimum: a. At the beginning and end of each shift b. Prior to and following routine movement c. Following any evacuation of the facility due to emergency or fire drill d. Randomly, at least once, on each shift e. At any other time as required by facility operating procedures 4. Officers shall maintain active control of detainees, shall stay alert and shall not be complacent towards any issues related to safety or security. 5. Effective supervision involves a number of techniques in which officers are trained. At a minimum, officers will focus on: a. Maintaining accurate counts b. Setting expectations c. Being firm, fair and consistent d. Maintaining proper positioning e. Knowing the unique security issues related to the various activities in which detainees take part f. Interacting appropriately with detainees as outlined in Officer and Detainee Interaction g. Intervening when detainees are noncompliant or present a danger to self or others by applying Protective Action Response techniques as approved by the department h. Completing all applicable reports, forms and logbook entries i. Following guidelines as further outlined in subsequent chapters of this document. Juvenile Detention Officer 1. The shall ensure the classification process as determined during the admission process, will be monitored by officers, who will, in turn, make recommendations for reclassification if a detainee s behavior or status merits it. 1. Shall ensure classification factors include, but are not limited to, a detainee s sex, age, physical characteristics, criminal history and level of aggressiveness. Page 7 of 13 FDJJ 4020
H. Searches 2. Room assignments shall be based on a detainee s classification. 3. Detainees with a history of sexual offenses and those of being a victim shall not be placed in a room with any other detainee. 4. Detainees with a history of violent behavior or are affiliated with a criminal street gang shall be assigned to living areas and rooms where it is least likely that they will be able to jeopardize safety or security. 5. Detainees classified as suicide risks shall be placed on constant sight and sound supervision. 6. Rooms shall be searched and findings shall be documented prior to the placement of a detainee in a room. 7. When a detainee is confined to a room, whether for sleeping, disciplinary or other reasons, officers shall conduct, at a minimum, 10-minute checks to ensure safety and security. Ten-minute checks shall be documented to include the time of the check, the status of the detainee(s) and the initials of the officer completing the check. 8. If an officer, in the course of completing checks, is unable to see any part of a detainee s body, the officer shall, with the assistance of another officer, open the door to verify the detainee s presence. 9. Upon the verification of the detainee s presence, it shall be unnecessary for an officer to open the door at every 10 minute interval unless the officer, with supervisory input, suspects the detainee may have exited the room. 10. A detainee who is confined to a room and is classified as a suicide risk shall be placed on constant sight and sound supervision as referenced previously in Section G.5 of this procedure. 1. Shall ensure the primary function of any search is to locate contraband and to identify any item or situation that may be hazardous or otherwise compromise safety or security. 2. The result(s) of any search shall be documented in the designated logs and on the shift report. 3. Any item or situation, which may compromise safety or security, shall be reported immediately to the on-duty supervisor. 4. Law enforcement shall be contacted if any found item would be considered illegal as defined in Florida Statute, or if there is evidence of any type of unlawful activity. 5. Detainees shall have in their possession only those items they are authorized to have; any other item shall be considered contraband. Page 8 of 13 FDJJ 4020
6. No items, with the exception of bedding, shall be retained in sleeping rooms. Hygiene items shall be removed after each use. 7. Officers shall maintain an awareness of any item, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, e.g. paper that may be used as a weapon that may compromise safety or security. 8. Officers are to be trained in when, why and how to conduct a number of different searches, including, at a minimum: a. Frisk searches are to be conducted during admissions, following activities outside the living area, prior to transportation, and randomly. b. Strip searches are to be conducted during admissions only with officers of the same sex, following any transport in which a detainee was outside the secure area, and if there is a reasonable suspicion that a detainee is harboring contraband. c. Room searches are to be conducted at the beginning of the first two shifts (morning and afternoon) and if there is a reasonable suspicion that a detainee is harboring contraband in a room. d. Recreation field searches are to be conducted at the beginning of each shift and prior to any outdoor exercise. e. Perimeter, outside the fence line, including parking lot(s) searches are conducted once during each shift. f. Vehicle searches are conducted prior to the transportation of any detainee. 9. Officers and other facility staff are prohibited to introduce any item into the secure area without authorization of the superintendent or designee. 10. Personal items of officers as referenced in Section F.19 of this procedure shall be secured per facility operating procedures. The introduction, removal, or possession of certain unlawful articles and the associated penalties are outlined in Florida Statute, Chapter 985.4046. I. Firearm and Weapon Control 1. The shall ensure the following: a. Firearms and weapons as defined in chapter 790, Fla. Stat., shall not be in the possession of any department employee while on state property or during the performance of their job unless so authorized by the department. b. Firearms and weapons may only be brought into the secure area of any detention facility by law enforcement when emergency conditions exist. Page 9 of 13 FDJJ 4020
J. Criminal Street Gangs c. The possession of any firearm or weapon by a detainee is a criminal act. Such items shall be seized if there is no immediate danger posed and law enforcement must be contacted. d. If the possession of a firearm or weapon poses an immediate danger, officers shall comply with procedures as outlined in section L of this procedure. Criminal street gang, criminal street gang member, and criminal street gang activity are defined in chapter 874, Florida Statutes. FDJJ Policy 8.09 outlines the responsibilities of detention related to criminal street gangs. In that regard the superintendent shall ensure the following: K. Transportation 1. The identification and documentation of criminal street gang members within the detainee population is important in ensuring a safe and secure environment. 2. Officers shall take appropriate measures per established policies and procedures in their supervision of detainees classified as criminal street gang members. 3. Information sharing/networking with local law enforcement regarding street gang members in detention shall be established. 4. Consequences for any detainee who participates in any criminal street gang activity or any other gang related activity not specifically defined in statute are outlined in Detainee Behavior and Consequences, Detention Services Procedure 4060, Section B. 1. More than any other function within detention the transportation of detainees is a function that has the most potential to threaten safety and security. 2. The routine transportation of detainees statewide is coordinated by the statewide transportation system Statewide Transportation Offender Program (STOP). 3. Policies and procedures governing the transportation of detainees are addressed in the STOP s operating procedure. Transportation policies and procedures of individual facilities shall be in compliance with the procedure. 4. Facilities shall be responsible for the transportation of medical emergencies and any other transportation needs that the STOP may not be able to cover at any given time. Page 10 of 13 FDJJ 4020
5. Compliance with the transportation procedure of the STOP shall include, at a minimum, a number of factors including: a. Officer requirements and readiness b. Vehicle readiness c. Use of mechanical restraints d. Inclusion of required paperwork e. Supervision requirements f. Communications before, during and after the transport g. Special needs and/or situations h. Transportation involving a common carrier. L. Emergencies 1. Shall ensure all facility vehicles are properly maintained pursuant to FDJJ Policy 6.01. 2. Shall ensure all facility vehicles are in use in accordance with FDJJ policy 6.08. The potential for emergency situations to occur within a detention facility is an ongoing constant. 1. Officers and other facility staff shall be trained and prepared to address emergency situations. 2. Regardless of the type of emergency, the supervision of detainees and safety and security may be adversely affected and will demand immediate officer response. Though categories may overlap, emergency situations may, in general, be categorized into three broad categories: detainee oriented; weather / nature; and man-made situations. Detainee oriented emergencies include: escapes, riots, hostages, threat to life caused by the possession of a firearm or weapon, general disturbances and medical crisis. Weather / nature emergencies include: hurricanes, tornadoes, fire, flooding or other severe weather conditions. Man-made situations include: fire, bomb threats, chemical spills, power outages and the intrusion of any outside force. 1. Though each emergency may be unique, there are common considerations that shall be addressed in facility operating procedures including, but not limited to: a. Departmental resources and their applicable roles Page 11 of 13 FDJJ 4020
Page 12 of 13 FDJJ 4020 b. Involvement / agreements with local law enforcement, fire officials, EOC officials and other applicable agencies. c. Factors determining the declaration of and end of an emergency d. Notification of applicable persons / agencies listed in order of priority e. Documentation requirements. f. Methods to control and ensure the safety and security of detainees g. Roles of officers and other facility personnel h. Evacuation plans and routes and the necessity of evacuating i. Assessment of damage(s) and necessary repairs. 2. Color codes, via radio communications and/or intercom announcements, shall be utilized to announce certain emergencies to officers and other facility personnel. 3. The communication of a color code shall include the location where the incident is occurring. The following are standardized color codes for all facilities: a. Code Blue = Officer needs assistance b. Code Red = Fire or other need to evacuate to a secure, outside area c. Code Green = Escape d. Code White = Medical emergency M. Non-facility Staff in Secure Areas Access to secure areas must frequently be provided to a number of different entities including, but not limited to: probation officers, law enforcement, officials of the court, school board personnel, contracted medical and/or mental health personnel, and service vendors. 1. The superintendent shall ensure the following: a. Visiting personnel conducting official business shall display proper identification as outlined in facility operating procedures. b. The superintendent shall designate what areas are open or available to which personnel. c. The supervision of detainees remains the responsibility of officers even when detainees are with non-facility staff. d. When detainees are with non-facility staff, sight supervision should be maintained by an officer whenever possible. At a minimum, detainees with non-facility staff shall be monitored by the facility s surveillance equipment. e. Should medical, mental health or concerns related to due process and/or confidentiality adversely impact the facility s ability to maintain any type
of sight supervision, officers shall remain vigilant in ensuring safety and security, including the possibility that the detainee may attempt to harm non-facility staff, escape and/or acquire contraband. f. Service vendors will be accompanied by designated facility staff at all times when in the secure area of a detention center. The superintendent may authorize exceptions to this guideline. g. All tools or other service items introduced into the secure area shall be accounted for following all service calls. Page 13 of 13 FDJJ 4020