Wiki source code of CG 07 Punitive Discipline

Version 3.1 by Ryan Larkin on 2020/08/17 17:27

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1 **Washington County Sheriff's Office**
2
3 **CORRECTIONS DIVISION**
4
5 Policy Manual
6
7
8 Volume: CG
9
10 Inmate Management
11
12 Chapter: 07
13
14 Punitive Discipline
15
16
17 Replaces and/or Supersedes:
18
19 PG 40, PG 42, PG 43, PG 44, PG 45, PG 46, OD 03-002-A
20
21 Published:
22
23 04/07/2014
24
25 Review Date:
26
27 08/17/2020
28
29
30 Sheriff Cory C. Pulsipher
31
32 Chief Deputy Jake Schultz
33
34
35 __**TABLE OF CONTENTS**__
36
37 CG 07_101 Definitions
38
39 CG 07_102 References
40
41 CG 07_103 General
42
43 CG 07_104 Criminal Violations
44
45 CG 07_105 Punitive Temporary Restrictions
46
47 CG 07_106 Notice
48
49 CG 07_107 Filing Charges
50
51 CG 07_108 Due Process & Disciplinary Hearing
52
53 CG 07_109 Documentation of Hearings
54
55 CG 07_110 Presenting Evidence
56
57 CG 07_111 Calling Witnesses
58
59 CG 07_112 Confronting Accuser/Cross-Examination
60
61 CG 07_113 Assistance to Inmates
62
63 CG 07_114 Self-Incrimination
64
65 CG 07_115 Double Jeopardy
66
67 CG 07_116 Standard of Proof
68
69 CG 07_117 Approved Sanctions
70
71 CG 07_118 Sanction Guidelines
72
73 CG 07_119 Sanction Restrictions
74
75 CG 07_120 Imposing Sanctions
76
77 CG 07_121 Termination of Sanctions
78
79 CG 07_122 Disciplinary Appeal
80
81
82 **CG 07_101 __DEFINITIONS__**
83
84 1. WCSO: Washington County Sheriff's Office
85 1. PCF: Purgatory Correctional Facility
86 1. IDHO: Inmate Disciplinary Hearing Officer
87 1. VC: Violation Code
88
89 **CG 07_102 __REFERENCES__**
90
91 1. Utah Sheriff's Association Jail Standards:
92 11. D06.01.01: Policy and Procedure for Major Violations
93 11. D06.01.02: Policy and Procedure for Minor Violations
94 11. D06.01.03: Function of Discipline
95 11. D06.02.01: Documenting Disciplinary Violations
96 11. D06.02.02: Storing Discipline Incident Files
97 11. D06.02.03: File Storage Time
98 11. D06.03.01: Levels of Disciplinary Action
99 11. D06.03.02: Minor Violations: Criteria
100 11. D06.03.03: Minor Violations: Process
101 11. D06.03.04: Major Violations: Criteria
102 11. D06.03.05: Major Violations: Process
103 11. D06.03.06: Criminal Violations: Criteria
104 11. D06.03.07: Criminal Violations: Process
105 11. D06.03.08: Double Jeopardy
106 11. D06.04.01: Required for Major Violations
107 11. D06.04.02: Notice to Inmate
108 11. D06.04.03: Timely Hearings
109 11. D06.04.04: Impartial Hearing Entity
110 11. D06.04.05: Record of Hearing
111 11. D06.04.06: Presenting Evidence/Calling Witnesses
112 11. D06.04.07: Confronting Accusers/Cross Examining Adverse Witnesses
113 11. D06.04.08: Use of Confidential Information
114 11. D06.04.09: Assistance for Inmates at Hearing
115 11. D06.04.10: Self-Incrimination
116 11. D06.04.11: Standard of Proof
117 11. D06.04.12: Written Findings
118 11. D06.04.13: Appeals
119 11. D07.01.01: Policy and Procedure for Major Violations
120 11. D07.02.01: Informal Discipline
121 11. D07.02.02: Minor Penalties
122 11. D07.02.03: Documenting Informal Discipline
123 11. D07.03.01: Due Process Required
124 11. D07.03.02: Major Penalties
125 11. F04.01.01: Written Policies and Procedures to Respond to Criminal Acts by Inmates Required
126 11. F04.01.02: Content: Criminal Acts
127 11. F04.02.01: Jurisdiction
128 11. F04.02.02: Protection of Evidence and Crime Scenes
129 11. J05.03.01: Violations of Work-Release Agreement
130
131 **CG 07_103 __GENERAL__**
132
133 1. Policy:
134 11. Inmate rules and regulations shall be enforced using a disciplinary system. Disciplinary actions are punitive in nature, in contrast to classification decisions which are non-punitive. The disciplinary system shall be fair, consistent, impartial, and objective. The primary objectives of the disciplinary system include:
135 111. Reduce the temptation of inmates to test the system;
136 111. Strengthen the resolve of staff to enforce inmate rules and regulations;
137 111. Avoid informal development of levels of misconduct which may:
138 1111. Result in a perception that misconduct is acceptable;
139 1111. Breed contempt for regulations and undermine discipline and order;
140 1111. Cause inmates to doubt the resolve of staff members to enforce rules and regulations; or
141 1111. Result in inconsistent enforcement among shifts.
142 11. Disciplinary actions shall be defined as one of two categories :
143 111. Minor:
144 1111. The elements of the violation are not significant enough to require a review hearing or due process. Minor sanctions generally apply to misconduct consisting of a violation of a rule not required to be processed as a “Major” disciplinary violation, as set forth in the Inmate Orientation Packet referenced in policy: CG 04 Orientation and Rules. Minor sanctions include:
145 11111. Verbal warning or reprimand;
146 11111. Written warning or reprimand; and
147 11111. Restriction of privileges (excluding mail and religious services) for up to seven days..
148 111. Major:
149 1111. The elements of the violation require a disciplinary hearing and due process. Major sanctions apply to misconduct consisting of a violation of a rule required or permitted to be processed as a “Major” disciplinary violation, as set forth in the Inmate Orientation Packet referenced in policy: [[CG 04 Orientation and Rules>>doc:Policy.Corrections.CG 04 Orientation and Rules.WebHome]]. Major sanctions include:
150 11111. Any sanction exceeding the limitations of a temporary sanction as defined in this policy (section: PUNITIVE TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS);
151 11111. Loss of accrued good-time;
152 11. Disciplinary requirements should balance the legitimate needs of the facility for security, safety, order, behavior modification, and inmate management with the interests of inmates to have a fair and equitable opportunity to be heard and refute allegations of major misconduct.
153 1. Rationale:
154 11. Discipline and compliance should be enforced to ensure reasonable safety of inmates, staff, visitors, and the community. Punitive sanctions to encourage compliance with rules, regulations, orders, and other directions are required when dealing with a population incarcerated due to an inability or unwillingness to comply with law and respect the rights of others.
155 11. Categorizing disciplinary actions permits minor disciplinary actions to be resolved without formal hearings, which are not required for minor sanctions and are more demanding on staff time and resources.
156
157 **CG 07_104 __CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS__**
158
159 1. Policy:
160 11. When an inmate violates an administrative rule which is also a violation of federal, state, or local law, the case should be:
161 111. Prosecuted administratively as a Major violation; and
162 111. Screened with the County Attorney for criminal charges.
163 11. The WCSO has been assigned jurisdiction to handle or take the lead in investigating, prosecuting, crime scene protection, and evidence handling of inmate criminal violations conducted within PCF. The Hurricane Police Department, or other outside agency, may be called upon to assist, with the approval of the Sheriff or the Sheriff's designee.
164 11. The Hurricane Police Department, or other outside agency, may be assigned jurisdiction or take the lead in investigating, prosecuting, crime scene protection, and evidence handling of inmate criminal violations conducted within PCF, with approval of the Sheriff or the Sheriff's designee.
165 11. WCSO staff should receive, at a minimum, annual training regarding crime scene protection and the preservation of evidence.
166 1. Rationale:
167 11. Criminal acts committed by inmates in a jail should be prosecuted, whenever feasible, because:
168 111. Criminal acts threaten the safety of staff, other inmates, and/or the public;
169 111. Criminal acts may diminish jail security, order, and discipline; and
170 111. Aggressive prosecution of crimes committed by incarcerated persons sends a message to inmates that such conduct will not be tolerated and that there are serious consequences for such violations.
171 11. Other agencies should be utilized to lead or assist with inmate criminal violations:
172 111. To avoid bias when there is suspected WCSO staff involvement in the violations;
173 111. To utilize the resources of other agencies; or
174 111. When the criminal acts appear to:
175 1111. Involve persons incarcerated in other jails or prisons; or
176 1111. Be tied to other ongoing investigations by other agencies.
177 11. Failure to properly protect the crime scene or preserve evidence relating to a criminal act in the jail may result in the case being compromised to the point that the case cannot be prosecuted or, if prosecuted, a conviction is less likely.
178
179 **CG 07_15 __PUNITIVE TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS__**
180
181 1. Policy:
182 11. The following punitive temporary restrictions are minor sanctions and do not rise to the level of serious punishment and therefore do not require a disciplinary hearing:
183 111. Verbal warning or reprimand;
184 111. Written warning or reprimand;
185 111. Restriction of privileges (excluding mail and religious services) for up to seven days.
186 111. Other sanctions which do not rise to the level of Major status. While punishments other than those listed above may be imposed for minor violations without due process, punishments without due process should not result in atypical or substantial sanctions.
187 11. Inmates shall be notified of any temporary restrictions placed upon them. Notification may be made verbally; however, documentation of the notice shall also be made in the jail computer system.
188 11. If the circumstances of a disciplinary action do not justify a fact-finding hearing and formal action, the matter may be handled informally. However, even informal actions shall be documented in the jail computer system to ensure consistent reporting and handling of inmate discipline.
189
190 **CG 07_16 __NOTICE__**
191
192 1. Policy:
193 11. Inmates shall receive notice of PCF rules and regulations via the Inmate Orientation Packet (reference policy: [[CG 04 Orientation and Rules>>doc:Policy.Corrections.CG 04 Orientation and Rules.WebHome]]).
194 11. Inmates accused of major disciplinary violations shall be given written notice of their alleged misconduct at least 24 hours prior to their disciplinary hearing. Care should be exercised to ensure that the written notice clearly and accurately states the circumstances alleged. Notification shall include:
195 111. The date, time, and location of the alleged misconduct;
196 111. The rule code and title violated;
197 111. A brief description of the alleged misconduct; and
198 111. Date and time of the scheduled disciplinary hearing.
199 11. The notice to the inmate should not include information of a confidential nature which would expose:
200 111. The names of confidential informants or inmate witnesses who might be put at risk;
201 111. Details of an investigation; or
202 111. Other information which would place at risk PCF's legitimate interests (e.g., safety, security, order).
203 11. For State contract inmates, a copy of the disciplinary notice should be forwarded to the State caseworker as soon as possible.
204 1. Rationale:
205 11. Inmates should not be expected to comply with rules or regulations that they have not been informed of.
206 11. Inmates are constitutionally entitled to written notice prior to hearings for alleged major misconduct to ensure that they understand the circumstances.
207 11. Only that information which is necessary to ensure that the inmate can prepare his/her case is required in the notice.
208
209 **CG 07_107 __FILING CHARGES__**
210
211 1. Policy:
212 11. Certified staff who observe or otherwise become aware of inmate misconduct should initiate the discipline process. Non-certified staff should notify a certified staff member and the certified staff member should initiate the process.
213 11. Staff should draft and forward the incident report to the shift supervisor for review.
214 11. Disciplinary actions should be initiated without unreasonable delay. However, inmates are not entitled to a maximum time limit on the filing of disciplinary charges or setting of a hearing.
215 11. The delay in initiating disciplinary charges should not prejudice inmates in their ability to refute allegations.
216 11. The misconduct of inmates should be documented in the jail computer system.
217 1. Rationale:
218 11. Certified staff have more training relative to managing inmates. Thus, non-certified staff should allow certified staff to handle inmate discipline issues.
219
220 **CG 07_108 __DUE PROCESS & DISCIPLINARY HEARING__**
221
222 1. Policy:
223 11. A hearing shall be required for all major disciplinary actions.
224 11. Hearings should be provided in a timely manner.
225 11. Hearings shall be conducted by an impartial hearing officer. A hearing officer shall not have participated in the case in an investigative function, a review function, as a witness, or have personal knowledge of material facts. Additionally, the hearing officer should not be involved in escorting or handcuffing the inmate to be heard.
226 11. Before conducting a hearing, the IDHO should review the initiating report and any other associated information or materials.
227 11. Disciplinary hearings shall not be held less than 24 hours following notice to the inmate, unless the inmate waives the 24-hour requirement.
228 11. As a general guideline, disciplinary hearings should be held as soon as possible (after the 24-hour notice period). If a hearing cannot be scheduled within seven days, a log entry should be made in the jail computer system indicating the reason(s) for the delay. Delays in hearing disciplinary cases should not be permitted to prejudice the inmate's ability to defend the allegations of misconduct.
229 11. Any temporary restrictions imposed on inmates awaiting hearing should be considered by the IDHO in scheduling disciplinary hearings.
230 11. The IDHO has the discretion and authority to grant or deny continuances requested by staff or inmates. Inmates are not entitled to a continuance of the proceeding unless denying the continuance would:
231 111. Amount to a refusal to allow the inmate to present evidence or call an otherwise acceptable witness important to defending against the allegations; or
232 111. Otherwise materially prejudice the inmate's ability to defend against the allegations.
233 11. The rules of evidence do not apply in the hearing. All relevant evidence is admissible. The IDHO has the discretion to determine what evidence is relevant.
234 1. Rationale:
235 11. Inmate discipline due process is required to:
236 111. Ensure compliance with the requirements of law; and
237 111. Provide fundamental fairness to inmates.
238 11. Timely hearings serve PCF's interests by providing swift and sure responses to inmate misconduct.
239 11. Hearings provide an opportunity for accused inmates to refute alleged misconduct.
240 11. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that an impartial hearing is constitutionally required.
241 11. Because the intent of the imposition of punitive restrictions is to punish, a fact-finding hearing should be provided to determine a verdict relative to the alleged misconduct if there is a potential that serious punishment may result.
242
243 **CG 07_109 __DOCUMENTATION OF HEARINGS__**
244
245 1. Policy:
246 11. The IDHO shall document each disciplinary hearing in the jail computer system (additional audio recording may be made). In listing the evidence relied upon, the IDHO shall be specific as to which testimony, physical evidence, documentary evidence, or other evidence or information was relied upon in determining the verdict.
247 11. Protected information (e.g., informant names) shall not be included in the computer entry. Protected information shall be documented and archived in a separate location with limited access. When confidential information is admitted into consideration for a hearing, the IDHO:
248 111. Should evaluate the reliability of the information and/or information source;
249 111. Should document the perceived reliability; and
250 111. If it would not present a hazard to PCF interests, provide the inmate with a synopsis of the information received so he/she can try to refute the information.
251 11. At a minimum, the IDHO should document and record:
252 111. Rulings on:
253 1111. Admissibility of evidence;
254 1111. Requests to call witnesses;
255 1111. Requests to cross examine adverse witnesses;
256 1111. Requests for legal assistance; and
257 1111. Other requests/motions;
258 111. Testimony or other information received from confidential sources;
259 111. Information relative to the reliability of confidential information sources;
260 111. The evidence relied upon in developing findings of fact;
261 111. The reasons for the disciplinary action taken;
262 111. Instructions to the inmate to compel testimony and warnings concerning adverse inferences; and
263 111. Other information necessary to substantiate that:
264 1111. Adequate due process was provided;
265 1111. Verdicts were based on sufficient evidence; and
266 1111. Sanctions were not unreasonable, arbitrary, or capricious.
267 11. If made, audio recordings shall be retained in an electronic archive for a minimum of five years from the date of the hearing. After five years, audio recordings may be deleted from the archive. If a disciplinary case is the subject of litigation, or is otherwise being contested by the inmate, the audio recording should be retained until the matter has proceeded to final disposition. Final disposition will be realized after a court has ruled and the opportunity for further appeal has expired.
268 11. A copy of the hearing disposition shall be:
269 111. Provided in the inmate's disciplinary file;
270 111. Provided to the inmate; and
271 111. Provided to the State caseworker (for State inmates).
272 1. Rationale:
273 11. Proper documentation memorializes events and may aid PCF in answering litigation.
274 11. The reasons for determining whether there was sufficient evidence to support the allegations of misconduct must be documented:
275 111. To provide the accused inmate the reasons for the decision;
276 111. To provide facility staff the reasons for the decision; and
277 111. To memorialize the evidence relied upon by the IDHO for the determination.
278
279 **CG 07_110 __PRESENTING EVIDENCE__**
280
281 1. Policy:
282 11. Subject to restrictions as determined by the IDHO, accused inmates should be permitted to present evidence to defend against alleged misconduct.
283 11. Evidence at hearings may include:
284 111. Testimony;
285 111. Writings/documents;
286 111. Material objects; or
287 111. Other information offered to prove the existence or nonexistence of a fact.
288 11. The rules by which evidence must be received and admitted in a criminal or civil court shall not govern administrative discipline hearings.
289 11. Rules of evidence shall be flexible and are intended to ascertain the truth of the matter under consideration with a minimum of procedural impediments.
290 11. Testimony does not have to be received in person. It may be received by telephone, video, or in writing; including, but not limited to: drug test reports, signed statements, incident reports, and affidavits.
291 11. Hearsay is admissible, but should be relevant. The IDHO has the discretion and responsibility to consider the reliability of the source and information.
292 11. Formally admitting into evidence the actual physical evidence (e.g., damaged equipment, torn clothing, drugs seized) is not necessary. Evidence can be offered by photocopy, photograph, or testimony.
293 11. It is not required that the accused inmate be physically present for all phases of the hearing.
294 1. Rationale:
295 11. Procedural differences for administrative disciplinary actions are permitted by law.
296 11. Flexible evidence procedures minimize procedural impediments.
297
298 **CG 07_111 __CALLING WITNESSES__**
299
300 1. Policy:
301 11. Inmates have a limited right to call witnesses in a disciplinary proceeding.
302 11. The IDHO may refuse an inmate's request to call a witness. The IDHO may refuse to call a witness if he/she determines the testimony:
303 111. Would not be relevant or material;
304 111. Would be redundant, cumulative, or unnecessary; or
305 111. Would be hazardous to the legitimate interests of the PCF.
306 11. If a request to call a witness is denied, the IDHO should document the reasons.
307 1. Rationale:
308 11. Limits in regard to an inmate calling witnesses are permitted by law.
309
310 **CG 07_112 __CONFRONTING ACCUSER/CROSS-EXAMINATION__**
311
312 1. Policy:
313 11. An IDHO should deny cross-examination by an inmate.
314 11. An IDHO may permit cross-examination and confrontation if:
315 111. The confrontation or cross-examination is essential to the fact-finding effort; and
316 111. It can be done without a significant risk:
317 1111. Of retaliation against the witness or others;
318 1111. To safety or security;
319 1111. Of personal antagonism between the inmate and the witness; and
320 1111. It would not result in unnecessary delays or otherwise reduce the manageability of the hearings.
321 1. Rationale:
322 11. Inmates do not have a right to confront accusers or to cross-examine adverse witnesses in administrative disciplinary hearings, and allowing such may risk the safety and security of inmates and PCF.
323
324 **CG 07_112 __ASSISTANCE TO INMATES__**
325
326 1. Policy:
327 11. Legal counsel shall not be permitted to represent inmates at disciplinary hearings. However, a staff member may assist the inmate if the IDHO determines the accused inmate is not competent to represent himself or the issues are too complex for the inmate to prepare a defense without assistance.
328 11. In determining the need for assistance the IDHO should determine whether the accused inmate is:
329 111. Illiterate;
330 111. Unable to communicate in English;
331 111. Not mentally competent; or
332 111. Sight, hearing, or otherwise physically impaired.
333 1. Rationale:
334 11. Some inmates may require assistance to prepare a defense.
335
336 **CG 07_113 __SELF-INCRIMINATION__**
337
338 1. Policy:
339 11. If an inmate refuses to answer questions at a disciplinary hearing, the inmate shall be warned that:
340 111. He/she is not constitutionally entitled to remain silent in a disciplinary hearing; and
341 111. His/her silence may result in an adverse inference.
342 11. If an inmate refuses to answer questions relevant to the issues of the disciplinary proceeding after receiving the above warnings, adverse inferences may be drawn.
343 11. If adverse inferences are considered by the IDHO in establishing the required level of proof, the inferences shall be listed in the written findings among the other factors relied upon by the IDHO to determine that the alleged misconduct occurred.
344 11. If the disciplinary misconduct alleged has resulted in, or is likely to result in, criminal charges in addition to the administrative disciplinary proceeding, an independent investigation of the matter will take place without any involvement from the IDHO. The IDHO may not share any information from the disciplinary hearing with the criminal investigator. However, the IDHO may, at the option of the IDHO, allow the inmate not to testify in the disciplinary hearing without drawing a negative inference.
345 1. Rationale:
346 11. Inmates defending against disciplinary actions are not constitutionally protected from self-incrimination when asked questions during administrative proceedings.
347
348 **CG 07_114 __DOUBLE JEOPARDY__**
349
350 1. Policy:
351 11. Criminal and administrative cases shall be handled separately by separate individuals.
352 11. Testimonies and other evidence from a disciplinary hearing shall not be shared with a criminal investigator.
353 11. Because guilty verdicts in criminal trials require a higher standard of proof than is required in administrative discipline proceeding, a not-guilty criminal verdict shall not prevent a finding of guilt in the discipline hearing.
354 1. Rationale:
355 11. It is not double jeopardy to charge an inmate with both criminal and administrative violations for the same event.
356
357 **CG 07_115 __STANDARD OF PROOF__**
358
359 1. Policy:
360 11. The IDHO may find the accused inmate guilty of the alleged misconduct if there is some evidence to support the charges.
361 11. Absent some evidence to support the allegations, the IDHO shall find the accused inmate not guilty of the alleged misconduct.
362 11. As a matter of practice, the IDHO should include in the written findings evidence sufficient to meet the "some evidence" standard whenever possible.
363 1. Rationale:
364 11. Requiring that there be some identifiable evidence upon which the IDHO is to base the determination will ensure a greater margin against error in the event that a guilty finding in a disciplinary action is appealed or challenged in a civil action.
365
366 **CG 07_116 __APPROVED SANCTIONS__**
367
368 1. Policy:
369 11. Punishments shall be consistent with the offense. In general, and when appropriate, progressive discipline should be used. For minor offenses, the following guidelines should be used, when appropriate:
370 111. First offense: verbal warning;
371 111. Second offense: one-day restriction;
372 111. Third offense: three-day restriction;
373 111. Fourth offense: seven-day restriction;
374 111. Fifth offense: isolation (lockdown) pending formal disciplinary hearing.
375 11. When coercive measures are required to enforce proper conduct and compliance with regulations, those measures should be taken in a decisive manner.
376 11. Disciplinary punishments for serious or repeated minor misconduct must be strong enough to impress upon the inmate the intent of PCF officials to demand and enforce compliance.
377 11. Approved sanctions include, but are not limited to:
378 111. Loss of personal mail privileges for up to seven days, or fourteen days with approval of the Corrections Chief Deputy, for violations of mail regulations;
379 111. Denial of, or removal from, education programs, treatment programs, and/or congregate religious services;
380 111. Restriction of other privileges and/or amenities ordinarily available;
381 111. Loss of accrued good-time (County inmates only);
382 111. Requests to Board of Pardons and Parole to rescind an inmate's release date;
383 111. Punitive isolation (lockdown);
384 111. Requiring the inmate to make restitution.
385 1. Rationale:
386 11. Verbal warnings may be given because discipline need not be entirely punitive. Efforts to instruct, counsel, and encourage compliance with rules and regulations should supplement the discipline process.
387 11. Progressive discipline should be used where appropriate and possible because punishments which are unnecessarily harsh for less serious offenses may result in antagonism, without the intended benefit of good discipline, and may exceed constitutional limits in some cases.
388 11. Likewise, less severe punishments where stronger punishments are appropriate may have the unintended effect of encouraging future misconduct.
389 11. Informal actions such as reprimands and counseling may be more appropriate for minor offenses than formal actions, especially if the violation is a first offense.
390
391 **CG 07_118 __SANCTION GUIDELINES__**
392
393 1. Policy:
394 11. The sanction guidelines for IDHOs, per single guilty violation, after due process (excluding other elements), are:
395 111. If guilty of any VC-4:
396 1111. Up to fourteen days restriction; and/or
397 1111. Up to ten days lockdown; and/or
398 1111. Restitution.
399 111. If guilty of any VC-3:
400 1111. Fourteen to twenty-one days restriction; and/or
401 1111. Ten to fifteen days lockdown; and/or
402 1111. Restitution.
403 111. If guilty of any VC-2:
404 1111. Twenty-one to twenty-eight days restriction; and/or
405 1111. Fifteeen to thirty days lockdown; and/or
406 1111. Restitution.
407 111. If guilty of any VC-1:
408 1111. Restitution( if applicable); and/or
409 1111. Thirty to forty-five days lockdown; or
410 1111. Up to sixty days lockdown for aggravated offenses and/or circumstances; or
411 1111. Over sixty days lockdown with approval from the Corrections Chief Deputy.
412 1. Rationale:
413 11. Although general guidelines won't necessarily be able to address every situation, established guidelines can help maintain consistency and fairness.
414
415 **CG 07_119 __SANCTION RESTRICTIONS__**
416
417 1. Policy:
418 11. Inmates shall not be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment.
419 11. Inmates shall not be placed in restraints as a means of punishment (reference policy CG 06 Non-Punitive Restriction).
420 11. Inmates should not be sentenced to punitive isolation (lockdown) for longer than sixty days on any one disciplinary violation without approval from the Corrections Chief Deputy (this prohibition does not limit the length of non-punitive isolation resulting from a classification decision).
421 11. Inmates shall not be deprived of water:
422 111. Water may be shut off in a cell for security or operational necessity in order to prevent flooding or other misuse of water or plumbing.
423 111. If it is necessary to shut off water in a cell, the shift supervisor shall ensure that there is adequate water provided on an as-needed basis for drinking, hygiene, and toilets. Toilets shall be turned on to permit flushing after inmate use.
424 11. Inmates shall not be denied food or be given a modified diet for disciplinary reasons (refer to policy: CG 06 Non-Punitive Restriction).
425 11. The IDHO shall not deny inmates basic necessities such as toilet facilities, clothing, or bedding. However, if an inmate destroys bedding or clothing, the standard clothing or bedding issue may be modified to protect against the destruction of jail property or for the safety and security of the facility. The decision to remove bedding or clothing may be made by the shift supervisor (or higher-ranking official) and may last only until the exigency requiring the deprivation has been resolved.
426 11. Inmates may not be prevented from maintaining personal hygiene as a disciplinary action. Inmates shall not be deprived of soap, toothbrush, comb, shaving implements, nor showers as a disciplinary action.
427 11. Corporal punishment shall not be used.
428 11. Disciplinary sanctions shall not be capricious or retaliatory.
429 1. Rationale:
430 11. Inmates have legal rights to basic necessities such as water and food. Disciplinary decisions cannot legally revoke an inmate's basic legal rights. However, non-disciplinary management restrictions may be imposed to address specific issues (reference policy: CG 06 Non-Punitive Restriction).
431
432 **CG 07_120 __IMPOSING SANCTIONS__**
433
434 1. Policy:
435 11. After a finding of guilty, the IDHO shall determine what, if any, punishment or other actions are required.
436 11. The severity of punitive actions imposed by the IDHO should be consistent with the severity of the rule violation and the inmate's disciplinary history.
437 11. A disciplinary offense may be punished by a single sanction or by multiple penalties. In no case shall the IDHO order any sanction prohibited by this policy.
438 11. It shall be a breach of duty for any member of PCF staff to fail to fully implement any sanctions which fall within his/her area of responsibility.
439 11. Shift supervisors shall be responsible for ensuring that staff members execute those sanctions scheduled for implementation during their respective shifts.
440 1. Rationale:
441 11. Disciplinary sanctions are counter-productive if not carried out.
442
443 **CG 07_121 __TERMINATION OF SANCTIONS__**
444
445 1. Policy:
446 11. Disciplinary sanctions shall be promptly terminated when the required punishments have been fulfilled.
447 11. Each certified staff member is responsible for calendaring the termination date for any punishments for which that certified staff member is responsible.
448 11. It is a breach of duty for any certified staff member to fail to promptly terminate completed punishments which fall within his/her area of responsibility.
449 11. Shift supervisors are responsible for ensuring that staff members terminate sanctions in a timely manner.
450 1. Rationale:
451 11. The extension of disciplinary sanctions could trigger potential due process violations.
452
453 **CG 07_122 __DISCIPLINARY APPEAL__**
454
455 1. Policy:
456 11. Inmates shall not be permitted to file a grievance form regarding formal disciplinary action (inmates may file a disciplinary appeal).
457 11. Inmates should be permitted to appeal disciplinary findings and sanctions.
458 11. The appeal for disciplinary actions will go to the Sheriff, or Sheriff's designee.
459 1. Rationale:
460 11. Inmates are not constitutionally entitled to an appeal of the disciplinary findings or sanctions of the IDHO. Appeals are provided by the PCF:
461 111. To ensure that inmate discipline is handled in a fair and consistent manner; and
462 111. To provide the Sheriff the opportunity to discover any deficiencies in due process, documentation of findings, or severity of disciplinary punishments.
463 11. The Sheriff has the ultimate liability for the actions of the staff of PCF; thus, the Sheriff should be informed of possible misconduct or erroneous actions.
464 1. Procedure:
465 11. If an inmate found guilty of misconduct disagrees with the findings or sanctions in a disciplinary action, the inmate may appeal to the Sheriff. The appeal may be initiated by completing a disciplinary appeal form within five days of receiving the disciplinary disposition and forwarding it through facility mail to the Sheriff.
466 11. The inmate may appeal the disciplinary findings or sanctions by articulating a claim that:
467 111. The due process provided was inadequate;
468 111. There was insufficient evidence to support the allegations; and/or
469 111. The sanctions are unconstitutionally harsh compared to the misconduct for which he/she was found guilty.
470 11. In making the appeal, the inmate shall be required to fully state the reason(s) for each claim on the appeal document.
471 11. The inmate will not appear personally before the Sheriff to state his/her appeal.
472 11. If the Sheriff determines additional evidence or testimony should be received, he may remand the case back to the IDHO for further proceedings, stating the reasons for the remand. The subsequent IDHO's ruling in the case following remand is also subject to appeal.
473 11. Upon making a final determination on the appeal, the Sheriff shall enter his decision in writing.
474 11. The Sheriff (or designee) shall be the only appellate level for the PCF disciplinary process.
475 11. Inmates shall not be subject to retaliation for appeal of disciplinary findings.
476 11. Written appeal decisions shall be distributed to:
477 111. The IDHO supervisor;
478 111. The inmate;
479 111. The inmate's disciplinary file.