Unit 14 Lesson Plan-Commissary
UNIT 14.0 LESSON PLAN
DISTRIBUTION OF SUPPLIES AND COMMISSARY
Module 14.1
Legal Issues
0:05
J.K. Test #3
3 Test Items
UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
Performance Objective: Identify Title 15 mandates and other code
14.1.1 sections relevant to the distribution of supplies, 3 test items
clothing, and bedding.
1. Title 15 delineates the issues involved with the distribution
of inmate supplies, clothing, bedding and personal hygiene items.
a. Standard issue.
b. Clothes that meet climate for the area.
c. Clean socks and footwear.
d. Clean outer garments.
e. Clean undergarments.
f. Clothing should be clean, fitted, durable, easy to launder and repair
g. Special clothing shall be provided for special work assignments,
medical needs, pregnant etc.
h. When inmates are used as food workers clothes should be exchanged in accordance
with the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law.
2. Facilities must develop a written plan for clothing exchange.
a. Clothes shall be exchanged at least once a week,
more often if the situation presents itself.
b. Undergarments are to be exchanged twice a week.
3. Facilities are to maintain enough clothes and bedding for actual
and/or replacement needs of the inmate population.
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UNIT PRESENTATION AND OUTLINE: NOTES:
4. Issuing of Personal Care Items.
a. Must have written plan.
b. Any person held over 24 hours must be issued:
c. Other items may be mandated by policy
and procedure or court orders.
d. Inmates shall not be required to share any personal care items listed above.
e. Double-edged safety razors, electric razors and other shaving instruments capable of
breaking the skin, when shared, must be disinfected between individual uses, in a manner
prescribed by the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
6. Showers
a. Must be written procedure for showering.
b. Permitted upon assignment to housing unit.
c. Must be allowed one shower at least every other day.
7. Hair Care Services
a. Barbers.
b. Haircut schedules.
(Ask other agencies what they do.)
8. Bedding and Linen Issue
a. One serviceable mattress which meets the requirements of
State Fire Marshal and Bureau of Home Furnishings Test.
b. 1 mattress cover or 1 sheet.
c. 1 towel.
d. 1 blanket.
e. Written schedule for exchange.
f. Washable items exchanged at least once per week.
9. Discuss how court orders or policy and procedure affect
a facilities legal obligations.
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Module 14.2
Principles and Problems
0:40
J.K. Test #30
8 Test Items
UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
Performance Objective: Given a list of inmate classifications and
14.2.1 standard supplies, identify potential 3 test items
incompatibilities (e.g., suicidal inmate with
a razor blade).
1. Review the importance of Classification as a tool
in determining who should get what type of supplies.
Discuss issues relevant to the following types of
inmates.
a. Discipline--must have access to basic hygiene
items. If commissary is taken as privilege then
some type of arrangements must be provided
for hygiene.
b. Suicidal--must be able to use hygiene items.
May need to be limited and used only
under direct supervision of staff.
Toilet paper can be issued upon request
and in limited amounts.
c. Safety Cell--again must have access to
hygiene items, but can be restricted to
use under direct supervision only. Toilet
paper can be issued upon request and in
limited amounts.
d. Paraplegic--may have special needs allowed
by medical staff. Agency must provide as
necessary.
e. Maximum Security--should not be any different
than general population inmates.
f. High power-- must be able to use hygiene items.
May need to be limited and used only
under direct supervision of staff.
g. Isolation--depends on reason for isolation.
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UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: Identify things to watch out for during
14.2.2 clothing or bedding exchange and 3 test items
distribution of supplies. For example:
. Destroyed or damaged issue
. Deals between inmate workers and
inmates
. Potential hoarding of supplies
(refer to written record)
1. Officers and clothing room personnel must be observant to several factors in order to
maintain security, prevent injury or loss of inventory when conducting clothing
exchange.
a. Inspect clothing to insure it is clean and not damaged.
b. If damaged clothing is returned to you follow your
agencies policy and procedure for this problem.
c. Document if necessary.
2. Issuing damaged clothing can result in inmate grievance, writs,
civil rights actions. May also lead to unnecessary inmate unrest
and supervision problems in the long run.
a. Maintain control over inmates to prevent deals.
3. Hoarding--Insure that inmates are not running the
cell and hoarding extra clothing or making weaker
inmates give their issue to them.
a. Hoarding may be a sign of potential
unrest.
b. Leads to unsanitary conditions
c. Fire hazards
d. Safety issues
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UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: Identify potential consequences of
14.2.3 inadequate supervision of clothing or 2 test items
bedding exchange and distribution of supplies.
For example:
. Legal liability for inadequate provisions
. Health of inmates depends on supplies
. Extra clothing/bedding may be use for suicide
or escape
. Increased costs from distribution of excess
. Proper procedures reduce potential for passing
on contagious diseases.
1. Discuss what can happen for an officers failure to effectively supervise clothing
exchange.
a. Legal liability--for actions or inactions.
b. Disciplinary action--imposed by your agency.
c. Increased cost to the County budget--to pay for costs
incurred for excess clothing, damaged clothing, supplies
etc.
d. Hoarding of supplies.
e. Sanitation and cleanliness issues. Also may cause a fire
hazard due to an excessive combustible load.
f. Medical issues
g. Allows inmates potential for escape, suicide,
disturbance, etc.
h. Also a tax on manpower due to increased need for
searches, etc. to find extra clothing and contraband.
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Module 14.3
Distribution of Commissary Goods
0:25
J.K. Test #3
6 Test Items
UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
Performance Objective: Identify rules governing the distribution
14.3.1 of commissary goods. For example 3 test items
. Identify inmate before giving goods.
. Have inmate check contents in front of you.
. Don't give goods to anyone other then
inmate for whom they are intended.
. Maintain proper inventory controls.
1. Each facility has policy and procedure regarding the distribution of commissary
goods to inmates. General rules should include:
a. Properly identify the inmate prior to giving him
the commissary goods.
b. Require the inmate to inspect and check for
all ordered goods in front of you.
c. Don't give the goods to any inmate except
the one ordering the goods. Again make sure
to verify identifications.
d. Distribute the goods to one inmate at a
time.
e. If you discover that an inmate presents false
identification or attempts to receive commissary
fraudulently you may take disciplinary or criminal
action. Notify your supervisor and follow your
agencies policies.
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UNIT PRESENTATION AND OUTLINE: NOTES:
2. Discuss the new advances in technology and how they have
impacted commissary distribution.
a. Use of vending machines with debit cards.
b. Computer enhancements using photos or
fingerprints.
c. Magnetized strips on identification cards that
identify inmate--similar to CDL's or ATM cards.
d. Private companies issuing commissary.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: Identify procedure for distributing commissary 1 test item
14.3.2 goods to an inmate who is not present a regular
distribution time.
1. Review procedures to follow when inmate is not present
at time of distribution.
a. Use agency policy and procedure.
b. Maintain in secure area away from other inmates
and staff.
c. Attempt to deliver later in day or next day.
d. Document if unable to deliver and goods returned to inventory.
e. Ensure inmate account is credited for return of goods.
f. If using a private contractor ensure that a clause is in the contract
to ensure delivery in a reasonable time frame to inmates not
present at regular delivery times.
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UNIT OUTLINE AND PRESENTATION: NOTES:
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE: Explain the value of a properly operated
14.3.3 commissary, e.g., provides health supplies 2 test items
important to the inmates, supports the
inmate welfare, etc.
3. Discuss the value of a properly run commissary.
a. Provides health and hygiene supplies.
b. Important to inmates.
c. Supports the inmate welfare-P.C. 4025 allows the Sheriff
to operate the commissary for inmates. Title 15 section 1043 also
governs operation of commissary.
d. California Penal Code allows agencies to sell over the counter
medications on commissary in lieu of providing them by medical
staff.
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