SAFETY CELL D-210 FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09-04-89 REVISED: 12-18-89,08-06-90, 11-04-91, 12-24-94, 05-05-95
10-01-96,06-01-97, 11-01-98,05-01-99, 11-01-99
04-01-00,08-01-03,02-01-08,07-01-09, 11-02-16
10-05-17,01-24-23
APPROVED: Sheriff J. Zanoni BY: Assistant Sheriff S. McComas
AUTHORITY & REFERENCE: California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Sections
1029, 1055, 1083, 1270, 1271, and 1280; Superior Court Order No. 338665-
3, Judge Fitch (August 25, 1988); and Hall v. County of Fresno, E.D. Cal. No-
1-11-CV-02047-LJO-BAM (2015).
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish standards and procedures in order to provide
safe and humane quarters for incarcerated people who display behavior which results in
the destruction of property or reveals an intent to cause physical harm to self or others.
POLICY:
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that incarcerated people
may be placed and/or held in a safety cell only under the following circumstances:
• The incarcerated person displays behavior which results in the destruction of
property.
• The incarcerated person reveals an intent to cause physical harm to self or others.
Such incarcerated people may be placed in the safety cell with the prior approval of the
facility manager or designee (i.e., the Watch Commander). Continued retention shall be
reviewed every four (4) hours thereafter by the on-duty Watch Commander. It is the
intention of this policy that incarcerated people should be removed from the safety cell as
soon as it is safe to do so, and nothing shall preclude correctional, medical, or mental
health staff from recommending removal prior to that time.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that an incarcerated
person placed in a safety cell as a result of behaviors possibly related to mental health
symptoms should only be held in a safety cell when no other less restrictive housing is
appropriate.
Page 1 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that a medical
assessment shall be completed prior to the initial placement (absent exigent
circumstances) but no later than a maximum of two (2) hours from the time of initial
placement. The incarcerated person shall be medically cleared by qualified medical staff
for continued retention every four (4) hours thereafter. A mental health
opinion/consultation with responsible health care staff on placement and retention shall
be secured within two (2) hours of placement in the safety cell to determine the
incarcerated person's need for mental health services and suitability for retention in the
safety cell. This evaluation may be performed by any qualified, licensed health staff.
Licensed mental health staff will evaluate the incarcerated person and perform a clinical
assessment within the first twelve (12) hours of placement.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that whenever an inmate's
placement in a safety cell is to exceed thirty-six (36) hours, mental health staff shall submit
written justification to the Watch Commander for the reasonable extension and temporary
continuance of the safety cell housing, and/or discontinue the safety cell placement, or
evaluate for a transfer to a medical or behavioral health facility for 72-hour treatment and
evaluation pursuant to Section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. Any
confinement lasting more than thirty-six (36) hours shall require the written approval of a
Bureau Commander or their designee. No incarcerated person shall remain in a safety
cell for more than forty-eight (48) continuous hours. The incarcerated person shall be
reevaluated for removal or transfer.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that intermittent direct
visual observation shall be conducted and documented at least twice every thirty (30)
minutes, with no more than a 15-minute lapse between safety checks, by health trained
correctional officers or health care staff. The documented visual inspections shall be
recorded via computer, utilizing the Safety Check System.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that all incarcerated
people placed and/or held in a safety cell shall be treated humanely and afforded basic
human necessities.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that all incarcerated
people held in a safety cell shall maintain the same general rights as provided to
incarcerated people in general population, as is consistent with the safety and security of
incarcerated people, staff and the public. Any deprivation of these rights shall require the
prior approval of the Watch Commander and thereafter documentation forwarded to the
Jail Operations Bureau Commander indicating the legitimate governmental purpose
served by the deprivation. Any deprivation of rights must be weighed against the
necessity for reasonable security of the institution and protection of the public.
Page 2 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that it shall be the
responsibility of the Main Jail 1st Floor Officer, with the assistance of available staff, to
monitor the safety cell conditions.
PROCEDURES:
I. CONDITIONS OF SAFETY CELL CONFINEMENT
A. The safety cell is to be used to separate and protect those incarcerated
people who display behavior that indicates they are a danger to themselves
or others and require close observation. It may also be used for
incarcerated people who display behavior resulting in destruction to
property.
1. The safety cell shall not be used for "attitude adjustment" or discipline,
nor is it an appropriate substitute for necessary treatment.
2. The safety cell is not a sobering cell and is not intended for that
purpose.
3. Incarcerated people shall not be housed in the safety cells for medical
reasons.
B. Safety cell placement requires the prior approval of the Watch
Commander. The only exception is in the most volatile of circumstances.
In such instances, staff may place the incarcerated person in a safety cell
while obtaining approval in order to keep the incarcerated person or others
from being injured.
C. Safety cell occupancy, except in an emergency, shall not exceed one (1)
incarcerated person. When an emergency requires excess occupancy, a
report shall be written and immediately sent to the Watch Commander for
review and further direction.
D. All incarcerated people housed in a safety cell shall have their wristbands
removed for their own safety. A new wristband shall be issued when the
incarcerated person is removed from the safety cell.
E. Any deprivation of rights or privileges withheld from an incarcerated person
in the safety cell shall require prior approval from the Watch Commander.
Page 3 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
1. A report shall be forwarded to the Jail Operations Bureau Commander
indicating the legitimate governmental purpose served by the
deprivation.
2. No restrictions shall be placed upon an incarcerated person's
appearance in court or contact with legal counsel.
F. Safety cells shall be well-ventilated, adequately lighted, appropriately
heated or cooled, and maintained in a sanitary condition at all times.
1. The temperature shall be checked periodically, and specifically at 2200
hours each evening, and documented via computer utilizing the Safety
Check System.
2. The light controls allow for variable intensity.
■ Both switches turned "on" allows for full lighting.
■ Both switches turned "off" = no lighting.
■ Left switch on/right switch off = one-third lighting.
■ Left switch off/right switch on = two-thirds lighting.
3. The cells shall be cleaned at a minimum daily, after each occupancy,
and more often when necessary, and documented via computer
utilizing the Safety Check System.
II. SECURITY ISSUES
A. A minimum of two (2) officers shall be present at any time a safety cell door
is opened.
B. Staff needs to maintain caution concerning the possibility of subversive
plots to set-up and ambush staff. While incarcerated person safety is
cause for concern, staff safety is of paramount importance, and a safety
cell shall not be entered without sufficient back-up.
C. Two (2) safety cell doors located in the same area shall NOT be open at
the same time when they contain incarcerated people.
D. All pass-throughs (feed hatches) shall be maintained in the closed position,
unless in use. ALL STAFF shall utilize safety precautions and NEVER
place their face or keys in or near the pass-through.
Page 4 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
III. NOURISHMENT AND SUSTENANCE
A. Food provided to incarcerated people held in a safety cell shall be
substantially the same quality and quantity as that provided to incarcerated
people in general population. If the incarcerated person misuses an item
in a manner that threatens their safety or that of others, said items may be
removed until it is determined by a Watch Commander to be safe to return.
1. Incarcerated people shall be given the means to wash or disinfect their
hands before each meal (e.g., antimicrobial towelette).
2. All food and drinks shall be served in the same manner as for general
population, with the exception that they shall be passed through the
pass-through door and the dinner meals shall be served on styrofoam
trays. Appropriate finger foods may be substituted if eating utensils are
withheld for safety reasons.
3. The officer shall instruct the incarcerated person to step to the rear of
the safety cell prior to opening the pass-through door.
4. Incarcerated workers shall NOT be utilized to feed the incarcerated
people housed in the safety cells.
B. Incarcerated people in safety cells are likely to have unusually high fluid
replacement needs due to elevated physical exertion. Except where an
incarcerated person has demonstrated misuse of the beverage container
provided with meals, incarcerated people held in a safety cell shall be
provided a minimum of one quart (i.e., 32 ounces) of liquid per day with
meals. In addition, drinking water shall be provided upon request at the
mandatory checks. Safety cell occupants shall be entitled to receive up to
two (2) quarts of liquid, if requested, every twenty-four (24) hours, without
exception.
1. If misuse of the beverage container occurs, the Watch Commander
may authorize its deprivation. Deprivation shall be documented in an
incident report to include the occurrence, date and time of denial, and
date and time of the return when applicable.
2. If, after deprivation, the incarcerated person requests water, up to one
(1) quart (i.e., 32 ounces) shall be furnished within eight (8) hours of the
initial deprivation and every eight (8) hours thereafter, if requested by
the incarcerated person.
Page 5 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
C. If an incarcerated person is not receiving sufficient nutrition and fluids due
to their refusal to eat, a medical assessment shall be made. If the
incarcerated person's well-being is determined to be endangered, a
physician's recommendation shall be made for transfer to a hospital.
IV. CLOTHING
A. All incarcerated people held in a safety cell shall be provided with one
jumpsuit, one pair of socks and one pair of underwear, with the exception
of incarcerated people who have attempted or expressed imminent suicide
and incarcerated people who have demonstrated misuse of clothing. Such
incarcerated people shall be provided with a "safety garment" to provide
for their personal privacy and safety.
B. The complete removal of clothing/safety garment must be individualized
and based on clear justification that retention of the clothing represents a
risk to the safety of the individual or the security of the facility. Deprivation
shall be documented in an incident report to include the identifiable risks,
the date and time of denial, and date and time of the return when
applicable.
C. The Watch Commander shall review the status of any partially clothed
incarcerated person every four (4) hours and provide the incarcerated
person with any appropriate additional clothing items, at such time as the
Watch Commander deems it safe to do so, based on incarcerated person
behavior. The review shall be recorded via the Safety Check System.
V. PERSONAL HYGIENE
A. The fact that an incarcerated person is placed in a safety cell does not
change any of the personal hygiene needs and the incarcerated person
must be provided the opportunity to maintain their personal hygiene.
B. Except where an incarcerated person has demonstrated the misuse of
paper products in such a manner as to endanger their safety or that of
others, they shall (upon entry into a safety cell) be provided with three (3)
feet of toilet paper. Thereafter, three (3) feet of toilet paper shall be
provided upon request.
C. Safety cell toilets shall be flushed without unreasonable delay upon request
and at each mandatory check, if necessary.
Page 6 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
D. If, while held in a safety cell, an incarcerated person is handcuffed,
shackled or restrained in such a manner as to prevent urinating or
defecating or properly cleaning themselves afterwards, then at the time of
each mandatory check, upon request of the incarcerated person, the
incarcerated person shall be given the opportunity to eliminate body waste
with an appropriate reduction of restraints (see Section VIII).
E. Incarcerated people are not typically in the safety cell long enough for
bathing to become an issue, however, if circumstances warrant, a shower
may be provided.
F. If the actions or behavior of an incarcerated person poses a threat to their
safety or that of others, then such privileges may be denied until it is
determined by a Watch Commander to be safe to be allowed. Deprivation
shall be documented in an incident report to include the occurrence, date
and time of denial and date and time of return when applicable.
G. All incarcerated people shall be provided the opportunity to shower, make
a telephone call and receive a clothing exchange upon removal from the
safety cell.
1. Those assigned to male housing shall be allowed to shower and receive
a clothing exchange in the male Clothing Dress-In Room.
2. Those assigned to female housing shall be allowed to shower and
receive a clothing exchange in the female Clothing Dress-In Room.
3. Incarcerated people in a West Annex Jail safety cell may utilize the
shower located in the safety cell hallway.
4. The incarcerated person shall be allowed to make a phone call in the
nearest available holding cell.
VI. CELL CLEANLINESS
A. Safety cells shall be cleaned at a minimum daily, after each occupancy,
and more often when necessary.
B. A minimum of two (2) officers shall be present when an occupied safety
cell needs to be opened for cleaning.
Page 7 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
1. The incarcerated person shall be instructed to face the back of the cell,
place their hands behind their back and stand with their back next to
the pass-through door.
2. One of the officers shall place handcuffs on the incarcerated person,
then escort the incarcerated person to a secure area until the safety cell
is cleaned.
C. A designated officer shall ensure that the safety cells are properly cleaned
and that all fecal matter is removed from the toilet bars, along with any
other unsanitary debris on the walls or floor.
1. The person cleaning the cell shall be provided with disposable gloves
and eye protection.
2. All soiled cleaning materials and gloves shall be placed in a plastic bag
and the end securely tied.
3. If necessary, the incarcerated worker's jumpsuit may be exchanged for
a clean one.
VI 1. BEDDING
A. Incarcerated people held in a safety cell shall be provided with an all-in-
one-bed between 2200 hours and 0600 hours, or at any time the
temperature directly outside the safety cell drops below 680 Fahrenheit.
1. The all-in-one-bed is specially designed to replace the traditional
blanket and mattress issued to most incarcerated people. It is
constructed of heavy-duty durable material capable of withstanding
tough treatment and is virtually impossible to tear.
2. Any decision to withhold the all-in-one-bed should be based on clear
justification that possession of the bedding would represent a risk to the
safety of the individual or the security of the facility.
B. Incarcerated people who demonstrate misuse of the bedding in such a
manner as to threaten their own safety or that of others shall have the
bedding removed from the cell. Reasons for deprivation may include the
following:
Page 8 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
1. Attempts to use the bed as a weapon or smothering device.
2. Using the bed as an obstruction device (e.g., stuffed around the door
to prevent opening or used to cover the view panel).
3. Any attempt to disassemble or otherwise abuse the bed (e.g., smearing
bodily waste on the bed).
C. If at any time the incarcerated person is deprived of the all-in-one-bed, the
deprivation shall be documented in an incident report to include the
occurrence, date and time of denial, and date and time of return when
applicable.
D. When not in use, the all-in-one-beds shall be stored in the Main Jail
Clothing Room.
Vill. USE OF RESTRAINTS AND TEMPORARY REMOVAL
A. If an incarcerated person is placed in restraints while housed in a safety
cell, and the incarcerated person requires temporary mobility and/or use of
their hands, the following shall be performed:
1. If the incarcerated person is handcuffed with their arms behind their
back, the handcuffs shall be re-affixed in front of their body.
2. If the incarcerated person's handcuffs and shackles are intertwined in
front of their body, the restraints shall be disengaged from each other.
B. Provision for mobility includes, but is not limited to-
1. Personal hygiene and sanitation. Upon request of the incarcerated
person, they shall be given the opportunity to eliminate body waste with
an appropriate reduction of restraints. If the actions or behavior of the
incarcerated person poses a threat to their safety or that of others, then
such privileges may be denied until it is determined by a Watch
Commander to be safe to do so.
2. Meal distribution.
3. Exercise of extremities. Staff must remove the restraints (one at a time)
every two (2) hours and allow the incarcerated person to exercise their
extremities in range of motion exercises.
Page 9 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
4. Transportation (i.e., disengage the restraints from each other if the
restraints are interlaced).
5. Breathing difficulty.
C. Sufficient staff shall be present to safely control the incarcerated person
anytime restraints are removed.
IX. STAFF MEMBER RESPONSIBILITY WHEN USING RESTRAINTS
A. At no time shall any restraint device be utilized in such a way as to
intentionally inflict pain or punishment, or be used as a substitute for
treatment.
B. At no time shall a chain or other mechanical restraint device be placed
around the head or neck of an incarcerated person for any purpose.
C. Staff shall monitor restrained incarcerated people and immediately remove
the restraints and notify medical staff if the incarcerated person displays
any of the following symptoms-
1. Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
2. Unconsciousness
3. Vomiting
4. Choking
5. Seizing
6. Discoloration
7. Swelling of extremities
8. Complaining of numbness
D. Incarcerated people should be kept in restraints for the least amount of
time necessary to handle each particular situation. The incarcerated
person shall be released from the restraints as soon as their behavior and
safety considerations allow it.
E. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment is available in the nurse's
booking station and in the Main Jail 2nd floor medical station. Resuscitation
masks are located in each security station near the protective apparel and
are provided for use in emergency mouth-to-mask resuscitations.
Page 10 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
X. SAFETY CELL PLACEMENT, NOTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION
A. An incident report shall be completed by the staff member who initiated the
placement of an incarcerated person into the safety cell. This report shall
include, but not be limited to the following-
1. The type of behavior that elicited safety cell placement.
2. Indicate if the incarcerated person was evaluated or treated by medical
or mental health staff. If so, include the injuries, diagnosis, and/or
treatment as indicated by medical or mental health staff, as well as their
name and title.
3. The name of the Watch Commander who authorized the incarcerated
person's placement into the safety cell.
4. Indicate the location of the safety cell utilized.
5. Indicate if the incarcerated person was placed into the safety cell with
restraints. If so, indicate which type and why restraints were utilized.
6. Indicate if the incarcerated person was placed into a safety garment.
7. Indicate if the incarcerated person is to be deprived of any specific
items (designate in report), and the name of the Watch Commander
who authorized the items to be withheld.
8. Indicate the names and titles of staff members present.
9. Indicate if force was used and if so, describe what type and how much.
Be specific.
10. Indicate if any staff injuries occurred; the type of injury; whether
treatment was necessary; and the name and title of the medical staff
member who treated the injury.
11. Indicate the name of the Sergeant notified.
B. The report shall be forwarded to the Watch Commander.
C. It shall be the responsibility of the Facility Sergeant to notify the sergeant
overseeing Booking of the impending transfer.
D. The sergeant overseeing Booking shall ensure that the Booking I Officer
and Population Management are notified.
Page 11 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
E. A designated Population Management Officer shall initiate a HOUSING
ALLOCATION movement into the appropriate safety cell.
F. The Booking I Officer shall ensure:
1. The incarcerated person's transfer into the appropriate safety cell has
been recorded into the OffenderTrak system.
2. The medical staff assigned to Booking has been notified.
G. Staff shall document the initial placement into the safety cell via the Safety
Check System. The incarcerated person's jail identification (JID) number
shall be entered into the appropriate field. The JID number shall also be
entered during the following transactions:
1. The first entry of each shift (if the cell is empty, an entry shall be made
noting such)
2. Transfer into a different cell
3. Removal
All subsequent and remaining transactions shall not require input of the JID
number.
H. The following information shall be written on the dry-erase board posted
outside of the safety cell in which the incarcerated person is placed, as well
as on the notification boards posted inside of Booking and at the 1st Floor
Station-
1. Incarcerated person's name
2. Incarcerated person's JID number
3. Reason for placement
4. List any items to be withheld from the incarcerated person (e.g.,
bedding, eating utensils, etc.)
5. Note if the incarcerated person requires additional security precautions
(e.g., "yellow suiter", "spitter", etc.)
6. The projected time for the range of motion exercises, if applicable
7. The 36-hour projected time for extension review
Page 12 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
I. The Main Jail safety cell conditions and documentation of such conditions
shall be maintained and monitored by the 1st Floor Officer, with the
assistance of available staff.
XI. SAFETY CELL DOCUMENTED CHECKS
A. The incarcerated people housed in safety cells must have direct visual
observation at least twice every thirty (30) minutes, with no more than a
15-minute lapse between safety checks by health trained correctional
officers or health care staff.
1. Such observation shall be documented on a computer utilizing the
Safety Check System. If more than one action is performed, an
additional entry will need to be entered.
2. The intervals of the checks should vary; they should not be on a routine
schedule the incarcerated person can predict, but often enough that
staff can assure incarcerated person safety.
3. Correctional staff shall immediately notify the Booking Nurse and/or on-
duty Charge Nurse if any medical concerns are observed.
B. The safety cell is to be used to segregate and protect those incarcerated
people who require close observation. The following list of items shall be
checked and documented to ensure that the incarcerated person placed
and/or held in the safety cell receives humane treatment and is afforded
basic human necessities. In addition to the initial placement and removal
events, the following notations will be entered on every occasion when they
are applicable:
1. Whether the incarcerated person is asleep, complacent (e.g., calm,
quiet, compliant, etc.) or obstreperous (e.g., verbally abusive, agitated,
belligerent, combative, etc.).
2. Anytime restraints are checked, reduced, or removed, or when
extremities are exercised in a range of motion exercises.
3. Anytime the incarcerated person is removed from the cell for an
attorney visit, cell cleaning, court, law library visit, phone call,
recreation, shower, or personal visit.
4. The return from any event, or transfer into a new safety cell.
Page 13 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
5. Anytime the incarcerated person is provided with bedding, a clothing
exchange, the opportunity to wash their hands before a meal, a meal,
medication, toilet paper, toilet flush, or drinking water.
6. To document adequate lighting and temperature conditions
(temperature shall be checked periodically, and specifically at 2200
hours each evening).
7. To document medical and mental health evaluations.
8. To document supervisor and/or Watch Commander checks.
C. The sergeant overseeing Booking shall document a minimum of three (3)
visits per shift via the Safety Check System.
XII. SAFETY CELL REVIEWS AND ASSESSMENTS
A. Each incarcerated person must have a medical assessment to determine
whether they have a serious medical condition that is being masked by the
aggressive behavior. Some acting-out behavior may be symptomatic of
serious or life-threatening illnesses. The assessment shall be completed
prior to the initial placement (absent exigent circumstances) but no later
than a maximum of two (2) hours from the time of initial placement by an
RN or provider.
B. A mental health opinion/consultation with responsible health care staff
must occur within two (2) hours of placement in the safety cell to determine
the incarcerated person's need for mental health services and suitability
for retention in the safety cell. This evaluation may be performed by any
qualified, licensed health staff.
C. The incarcerated person must be medically cleared by qualified medical
staff (i.e., RN or provider) for retention every four (4) hours thereafter.
D. Licensed mental health staff will evaluate the incarcerated person and
perform a clinical assessment within the first twelve (12) hours of
placement.
E. The incarcerated person must be reviewed for continued retention in the
safety cell a minimum of every four (4) hours by the on-duty Watch
Commander. However, nothing shall preclude correctional, medical, or
mental health staff from recommending removal prior to that time.
Page 14 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
XIII. SAFETY CELL EXTENSION
A. Whenever an incarcerated person's placement in a safety cell is to exceed
thirty-six (36) hours, a mental health staff member, upon conferment with
medical staff, shall submit written justification to the Watch Commander for
the reasonable extension and temporary continuance of the safety cell
housing. No incarcerated person shall remain in a safety cell for more than
forty-eight (48) continuous hours.
B. The mental health staff member shall submit the Safety Cell Extension
Request to the on-duty Watch Commander, who shall sign the form and
forward it to the Jail Operations Bureau Commander for their approval.
The original form shall be returned to the mental health staff member to be
placed in the incarcerated person's mental health file.
C. The Booking I Officer shall create a "Safety Cell 12 Hour Extension"
EVENT, as well as a "Remove from Safety Cell" EVENT in OffenderTrak.
The date and time shall be set for twelve (12) hours from the time of the
extension.
D. The notification boards (posted in Booking, at the 1st Floor Station, and
outside of the safety cell) shall be updated to reflect the new extension
review time.
E. During the twelve (12) hour extension, mental health staff must present a
crisis management plan indicating the next course of action to effectively
manage the behavioral health of the incarcerated person, which may
include, but is not limited to the following-
1. Direct admittance to a behavioral health facility.
2. Transport to a medical or behavioral health facility for 72-hour treatment
and evaluation pursuant to Section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions
Code.
3. Direct supervision (managed within the Jail facility).
Page 15 of 18
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
XIV. INVENTORY AND STORAGE OF AN INCARCERATED PERSON'S
PERSONAL AND JAIL- ISSUED PROPERTY WHILE ASSIGNED TO THE
SAFETY CELL
A. After an incarcerated person is removed from a housing unit, a designated
officer shall be assigned the task of ensuring that both the incarcerated
person's personal and jail-issued property are removed from the housing
unit. This shall include clothing, bedding and, if applicable, the mattress.
B. The designated officer shall ensure that all of the incarcerated person's
personal property is searched for contraband and placed into a paper bag,
stapled closed, and clearly marked with the incarcerated person's name,
booking number and JID number. The property shall be inventoried
utilizing an OffenderTrak LOG event:
1. Click on LOG, then select INMATE
2. Click on NEW
3. Ensure that LOG TYPE = General
4. List the incarcerated person's property in the LOG-TEXT field
5. Click SAVE
C. The paper bag containing the incarcerated person's property shall then be
transferred to Main Jail Clothing for storage with the incarcerated person's
personal clothing until the incarcerated person is removed from the safety
cell.
1. All removed jail-issued bedding, linen, and clothing shall be returned to
the Clothing Room when the incarcerated person is placed into the
safety cell.
2. Personal property, clothing and/or bedding items shall not be stored in
the hallways adjacent to the safety cells at any time.
3. When not in use, the all-in-one-beds shall be stored in the Main Jail
Clothing Room.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
D. When the incarcerated person is removed from the safety cell, they shall
receive a full new jail issue and their personal property shall be returned to
them. Modify the incarcerated person's property inventory LOG event in
OffenderTrak:
1. Click on LOG, and then select INMATE.
2. Modify the FILTER (FROM) date and change the date range as
appropriate.
3. Ensure the LOG TYPE = General.
4. Click on REFRESH and locate the original entry. Place the cursor in the
field next to the original entry and click.
5. Click EDIT and make a notation in the LOG TEXT field, noting that the
incarcerated person's property has been returned. Click SAVE.
XV. SAFETY CELL REMOVAL
A. No incarcerated person shall remain in the safety cell longer than is
necessary for the protection of the incarcerated person or others. The
Watch Commander should solicit input from those providing the ongoing
supervision when deciding if the incarcerated person can be removed.
Upon the determination that the incarcerated person can be safely
removed from the safety cell, the following shall occur:
1. A designated Population Management Officer shall initiate a HOUSING
ALLOCATION movement to a new housing location.
2. The officer who is notified and instructed to initiate the removal of the
incarcerated person from the safety cell shall complete an incident
report which will include the following information:
a. Date and time of removal
b. Date and time of original placement
c. Reason for removal
d. Name of the mental health staff member recommending removal
e. New housing assignment
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: SAFETY CELL NO: D-210
FILE: SAFETY CELL
B. The incident report documenting the removal shall be forwarded to the
Watch Commander.
C. The Booking I Officer shall ensure the following is completed:
1. A new wristband shall be placed on the incarcerated person.
2. The incarcerated person's location is updated in OffenderTrak as
appropriate (e.g., removed from "Safety Cell" and redesignated as "In
Transit.")
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