ELECTRONIC DEVICES A-285 FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND OTHER
PROHIBITED DISTRACTIONS NO: A-285
FILE: ELECTRONIC DEVICES
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08-01-11 REVISED:
AUTHORITY: Sheriff M. Mims APPROVED BY: Assistant Sheriff T. Gattie
REFERENCE: Penal Code Section 4575; and Fresno County Sheriff's Office
Policies and Procedures Manual Section 102.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to maintain staff and inmate safety, and facility security by
preventing the intentional and unintentional introduction of contraband into secured
areas of the facility and to eliminate unauthorized distractions and devices.
POLICY:
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that employees shall
not engage in any activities that may distract them from the performance of their duties.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that wireless internet
devices, portable game systems or other personal electronic devices may only be used
in designated break areas, during rest periods or meal breaks.
PROCEDURES:
I. DEFINITION
ELECTRONIC DEVICE — means an electronic or electrical device used to
conduct oral, written, or visual communication; place or receive a telephone
call; send or read an electronic mail message or text message; take photos or
look at pictures; read a book or other written material; play a game; navigate
the Internet; play, view or listen to a video, television broadcast, radio
broadcast, or music; or perform any other function that is not necessary for
the health or safety of the person.
PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE — means an electronic device that was not
provided to the employee by the Sheriff's Office for a business purpose.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND OTHER
PROHIBITED DISTRACTIONS NO: A-285
FILE: ELECTRONIC DEVICES
II. USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
A. Personal property which is not required for employment should not be
taken to duty stations. The Sheriff's Office will not be liable for loss,
damage, or theft of such items.
B. Electronic devices that are not issued by the Sheriff's Office may be used
in designated break areas, while on break or at lunch, but not while on
duty and/or at a duty station.
III. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
Employees shall not engage in any activity that may distract from the
performance of their duties. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
A. Reading non-work-related materials (e.g., newspapers, magazines,
catalogs, novels).
B. Watching television, videos or movies.
C. Listening to music at a level that impairs the ability to hear radio
transmissions, inmates, intercoms, etc.
D. Using headphones, earphones, ear buds, or other listening devices,
whether on, or in the ear.
E. Using cell phones or other electronic devices. This includes, but is not
limited to: receiving or placing calls, text messaging, surfing the Internet,
receiving or responding to email or instant messaging, checking for phone
messages, playing electronic games, watching video recordings or
television broadcasts, listening to music, taking photos, or accessing any
other application that is included or installed in the memory of the device.
1. At no time shall any such device be used in the presence of inmates.
2. At no time will an inmate be allowed to use a cell phone while in
custody, unless ordered by a judge and approved by a Bureau
Commander.
3. If an electronic device is lost or misplaced while on duty, the Facility
Sergeant shall be notified immediately.
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