Okla. Admin. Code § 310:670-5-2

Current through Vol. 42, No. 4, November 1, 2024

Section 310:670-5-2 - Security and control

The facility administrator shall develop and implement written policies and procedures for the safety, security and control of staff, inmates and visitors. Policies and procedures shall address at least the following:

(1) A central control center shall be maintained to coordinate the facility's internal and external security network. The control center shall be staffed twenty-four (24) hours-a-day. The control center or other location may be designated by the facility administrator and shall be responsible for inmate counts and key control.

(2) There shall be an inmate count at the beginning of each shift change. The inmate count shall be documented.

(3) There shall be at least one (1) visual sight check every hour which shall include all areas of each cell, and such sight checks shall be documented.

(4) All security perimeter entrances, control center doors, cell block doors and doors opening into a corridor shall be locked except when used for authorized entry and exit. Staff members shall know which doors should be locked and under what circumstances they should be opened.

(5) No one person shall be permitted to enter an inmate's cell or other area in which an inmate is confined, past the last locked door, without backup assistance. Prior to breaching the last locked/secure door, central control or another staff member who can provide assistance will be notified. Documentation shall reflect the reason for the decision to enter a cell without backup assistance and a permanent record of the event shall be maintained.

(6) A weekly security device inspection shall be performed and priority corrective action taken on any discrepancy. A weekly inspection report shall be submitted to the facility administrator.

(7) Searches of facilities and inmates to control contraband shall be unannounced and at irregular intervals. These searches shall be documented.

(8) The availability, control and use of firearms, ammunition, chemical agents and related security equipment shall be sufficient to meet needs. The level of authority required for access to, and use of, security equipment shall be specified in policy and procedure. Chemical agents shall be used only with the authorization of the facility administrator or designee. Detention Officers shall be trained in the use of chemical agents as prescribed by the manufacturer's specification.

(9) Firearms, ammunition, chemical agents and related security equipment shall be stored in a secure but readily accessible depository located outside the inmate living area. The facility may adopt policy and procedures that authorize trained and certified Detention Officers to be equipped with chemical agent and non-lethal weapons while on duty.

(10) Firearms, chemical agents and related security equipment shall be inventoried at least one (1) time each month to determine their condition and expiration dates. Firearms shall be cleaned and fired annually and repairs shall be made as needed.

(11) In an emergency situation, supervision of armed personnel is essential and only weapons/firearms authorized by the administrator shall be used.

(12) Personnel discharging firearms or using chemical agents shall submit a written report to the facility administrator documenting the nature of the incident and the identity of the personnel and inmates involved. All persons, employees and inmates involved in an incident where a weapon or chemical agent or force was used shall receive an immediate medical examination and/or treatment.

(13) Except in emergency situations, a weapon shall not be permitted in the secure area. There shall be a system of checking firearms and ammunition for temporary secure storage outside the secure perimeter.

(14) All keys shall be issued from a secure location designated by the detention facility administrator, and a log shall be used to record the number of each key, location of the lock and the number of keys to each lock. The key control system shall include a current accounting of the location and authorized person to have each key. Keys shall be returned to the control center or a secure issue location at each shift change. There shall be at least one (1) duplicate key to each lock that is maintained in a secure location inaccessible to inmates.

(15) Tools and utensils such as hacksaw blades, welding equipment, culinary, barber shears and all sharps of similar-type equipment shall be secured, issued and used in accordance with prescribed policy and procedure. The control system shall also provide for this type of tool and equipment brought into the facility by outside authorized persons.

(16) Inmates shall not possess flammable, toxic or caustic materials unless they are under supervision of qualified personnel. Such materials shall be stored in secure areas that are inaccessible to inmates.

(17) A post order shall be prepared for each post or duty assignment to be performed, and it shall specify the procedure to be followed for completing the assignment.

(18) There shall be written procedures for dealing with an escape. These procedures shall be available to all personnel and shall provide for sounding an alarm, alerting officials, mobilizing resources and ending the alert. Following an escape, the staff shall prepare an analysis of the escape and defects in the security system shall be corrected immediately.

(19) There shall be written procedures that specify what actions to take in emergency situations, i.e., fire, disturbances, and taking hostages. The procedures shall specify areas of responsibility, the staff to be involved, when and what authorities shall be notified, how the problem may be contained and what shall be done after the incident ends. Emergency housing and supervision of inmates shall be provided.

(20) Staff shall be knowledgeable of and trained in the implementation of the emergency plans.

(21) An emergency auxiliary power generator or battery-operated system that meets applicable requirements of the State Fire Marshall shall be provided to maintain lighting and essential equipment in an emergency.

(22) All emergency equipment shall be inspected at least one (1) time each month and corrective action taken as needed. These inspections shall be documented.

(23) The use of physical force by staff shall be restricted to instances of justifiable self-protection, protection of others, protection of property and prevention of an escape, and shall be only to the degree necessary. A written report shall be prepared and submitted to the administrator following the use of physical force. All persons, employees, and inmates involved in an incident where a weapon, chemical agent, or physical force was used shall receive an immediate physical inspection, and if affected by the action, shall receive a medical examination and treatment.

(24) Instruments of restraint such as handcuffs, leg irons, restraint chairs, restraint beds and straitjackets, shall not be applied longer than authorized by policy and procedure and equipment manufacturer's specifications. Inmates placed in restraints shall not be left without required supervision. Instruments of restraint shall be used only as follows:

(A) As a precaution against escape during transfer;

(B) For medical/mental health reasons, by direction of the designated medical authority and detention facility administrator or designee; and

(C) To prevent inmate self-injury, injury to others or property damage, and then only with the approval of the detention facility administrator or designee.

(25) Guidelines for transporting inmates shall emphasize safety and security and shall be available to all staff involved in transporting inmates.

(26) All entrances and exits to the facility shall be secure.

(27) The Department shall be notified no later than the next working day if any of the following incidents occur:

(A) Extensive damage to detention facility property;

(B) Serious injury to staff or inmate defined as life threatening or requiring transfer to outside medical facility;

(C) Escape;

(D) Serious suicide attempt, defined as life threatening or requiring transfer to outside medical facility; and

(E) Death.

(28) Trusties shall be either locked down or confined to the facility when not engaged in a job assignment. Trusties permitted outside the facility shall be supervised according to the written policy of the sheriff, chief of police, detention facility administrator and/or as required by state statute.

Okla. Admin. Code § 310:670-5-2

Amended by Oklahoma Register, Volume 36, Issue 24, September 3, 2019, eff. 9/13/2019