Iowa Admin. Code r. 201-50.25

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 10, November 13, 2024

Rule 201-50.25 - Direct supervision jails

Direct supervision jails, in addition to the preceding rules, are subject to the following rules:

(1) There may be contact of different classifications of prisoners in a common activity area only while the prisoners are under continuous direct supervision with the exception of:

a. Persons of whom violence is reasonably anticipated. (50.13(1)"d"(1))

b. Persons who are a health risk. (50.13(1)"d"(2))

c. Persons of whom sexually deviant behavior is reasonably anticipated. (50.13(1)"d"(3))

d. Persons under the age of 18 (Iowa Code section 356.3 ). Persons charged in adult court with a forcible felony are to be separated whenever possible.

(2) There shall be separate and distinct staff persons in the jail at all times to perform the following duties:

a. Provide central control or lock doors into or out of the housing unit.

b. Provide direct supervision of prisoners in the housing unit. During hours of lockdown, prisoner checks may be done hourly and documented. Prisoners must be physically observed during these checks.

c. Provide emergency backup to the supervision officer as a priority of assigned duties.

(3) Prisoners classified as maximum security may not be allowed into areas occupied by other

prisoners at any time. Maximum security prisoners may be required to exercise or perform other activities in a group with other maximum security prisoners only. Facility staff must weigh the potential for violence prior to admitting any maximum security prisoner into a group.

(4) The housing unit shall not exceed its rated capacity.

(5) Whenever prisoners are not locked down, there shall be sufficient lighting in all areas of living units and activity areas to allow full observation by staff

(6) Prisoners assigned to one living unit shall not be allowed to enter a different living unit except when permitted to share activities.

(7) Any agency utilizing a direct supervision mode of prisoner management shall ensure that, before accepting prisoners, jail staff shall receive appropriate training in the following areas:

a. Philosophy of direct supervision.

b. Techniques of effective supervision and leadership.

c. Decision-making techniques.

d. Crisis intervention techniques.

e. Effective communication techniques.

f. Classification and evaluation techniques for direct supervision jails.

The training mandated by this chapter is required in addition to the above-listed training requisites.

(8) There shall be a classification system developed which shall include an initial classification determination and an ongoing evaluation of the classification status. This system shall include, but not be limited to, the following considerations:

a. Individual's criminal history.

b. Individual's present behavior

c. Individual's present charge.

d. Health.

e. Potential for violence.

f. Sexual deviation.

g. Self-harm or suicide potential.

h. Mental and physical maturity relative to personnel safety.

i. Previous behavior in other institutional settings.

j Noticeable changes in attitude.

(9) Programming (books, television, work, treatment) shall be available to reduce prisoner idleness. Subjects referred to within the parentheses are illustrative and not inclusive.

(10) Each officer assigned to a housing unit shall have a mechanical or electronic means on the officer's person to summon assistance in times of emergency.

(11) Supervision checks as required by paragraph 50.13(2) "a" will continue to be required and documented. CCTV shall not be used for supervision checks. During those periods when prisoners

are out of their cells and in full view of staff, supervisory checks need not be conducted. Supervisory checks will be made when prisoners are allowed in their individual cells.

(12) All incoming prisoners must be thoroughly oriented to expectations, rules, and routines of the jail. All such orientation must be documented.

(13) Policies and procedures shall be developed by the sheriff or designee for the operation of the jail. These policies and procedures shall reflect the rules for direct supervision jails as delineated in this chapter All staff shall be knowledgeable of and have access to the policy manual and shall receive training in the implementation of said policies and procedures prior to being assigned as a housing unit officer The sole remedy for breach of these rules is by a proceeding for compliance initiated by request from the department of corrections. The violation of any rule shall not be construed to permit any civil action to recover damages against the state of Iowa, its departments, agents or employees or any county, its agencies or employees.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 201-50.25