1. Inmate Safety and Security Inmate Safety and Security By SP George Ouko

2. Structure of Presentation  Inmate safety and security  Inmate count  Conduct of searches  Videos  Group exercises  Conclusion

3. Inmate safety and security  Security of prison facilities has evolved in the recent past to include the dynamic nature as well as static in addition to the use of technology to secure places of detention and incarceration;  Dynamic security involves innovative approaches in security including the use of technology as control mechanisms to deter security breaches in prison facilities

4. Cont  In the contemporary security systems, static security complements the dynamic security in order to institute effective security measures within an organization(s);  There is need to upscale the security systems -installing CCTV

5. Separate confinement of classes of prisoners- Separate confinement of classes of prisoners-  Held for trial or examination  Serving sentences  Civil prisoners and witnesses  Further separation by gender and age (16 – 20, 21 and over)  Children under 16 not permitted to be confined in a jail

6. Facility requirements  A steel door, grilled or plate with grilled observation opening at the main entrance  All windows covered with a stout screen of ½” mesh to prevent passing of contraband  Wire coat hangers not permitted in cells  Exterior well lighted at night  Windows glazed with translucent glass  Paint not used on windows

7. Gate keeping  This involves controlled movement and maintaining prison security  by providing guide lines and procedures for the operation of the main gate.

8. Administration  Money, watches, and other valuables taken from prisoners kept in the office safe  Thorough search of prisoners  Careful sensor of all incoming and outgoing mail  Prisoners should not have access to windows

9. Cont  Key to the main entrance should not be taken inside  Firearms not permitted inside  All kitchen utensils left in the mess hall or returned from cells  Frequent inspections of locking devices  Frequent searches of cells  All doors kept locked

10. “ Do not place too much reliance on bolts and bars. A jail is no stronger than the human element in charge” “ Do not place too much reliance on bolts and bars. A jail is no stronger than the human element in charge”

11. Inmates Counts  A count is a physical acknowledgement of the number of inmates in certain locations.  Conducting accurate counts is one of your routine duties and essential to maintaining an effective security program.  Because the count is so significant, all other activities stop while it is being conducted.

12. Types of Counts

13. Formal Count  Regular, required count of all inmates in the institution.  It is normally done during unlock, midday, final count (Lock down).  In some maximum security facilities, counts may occur as often as every two hours.

14. Census Count  Frequent but irregular check to verify that all inmates under the supervision of an officer are present.  This count is often done on work details or programs-e.g. workshops

15. Emergency Count  Taken due to unusual circumstances such as escapes,  riots, or  disturbances.

16. Counting Procedures  How you conduct a count is crucial to the security of your institution and its employees.  Too many assaults and escapes have occurred because officers did not count according to established rules.

17. Fundamental rules of Counting  Make sure that you see each inmate you count.  This means that you must see skin – a breathing body – not merely a mound on the bed.  In keeping with this principle, do not rely on a roll call, or base your count on the number of meals eaten.

18.  Never allow inmates to conduct a count for you, or to help you in any way during the count.  A count is a security tool and should be treated as such.  In fact, inmates should never be involved in procedures that affect the security of the institution.

19.  Do not allow any inmate movement or other interruptions during the count.  Inmate movements or outside interruptions can easily distract you while you are conducting a count, thereby decreasing the count’s reliability.  If an inmate moves or if you become confused during a count, stop and begin the count again. Do not attempt to continue the count where you left off.

20. Why conduct Security Why conduct Security searches? searches?

21.  The safety of both prisoners and staff largely depends on the thoroughness of the searches carried out in the prison. of the searches carried out in the prison.  Control is accomplished through searches carried out on inmates, members of staff, visitors, and  Vehicles entering or leaving the prison, cells, dormitories and the entire prison compound.

22. Security searches  Involves checking, finding and confiscating contrabands items that may jeopardize the security of the prisons.  Include weapons, drugs all unauthorized items.

23. Types of Security searches

24. Cont  Rub down searches,  Strip down searches,  Security searches,  Surprise searches.

25. Rub-down search  The rub- down search is also known as the tap/pat down search. It involves the patting over the clothed parts of the prisoner. The search is conducted during;  Admission into the prison  Whenever prisoner are leaving for labor  While entering the accommodation facility  On return from courts, visits, hospitals

26. Strip-down search : Strip-down search :  Every prisoner on intake must undergo a strip-down search.  The search involves a complete inspection of all items of clothing and external body parts.  Examination of internal body cavities should only be conducted by medical personnel

27. Surprise search  Also known as the special search. When an officer has reason to suspect that a prisoner  has prohibited articles concealed on his person, or in his/her accommodation,  he may carry out a surprise/special search on the spot.

28. Routine Workshop search; Routine Workshop search;  Searches within the workshops should be conducted daily.  During such searches all prisoners will be removed from the workshops.  The search party should look out for hidden contrabands, damaged equipments within the workshop.

29. Security search/check  Security checks ensure safety and security of the institution are maintained at a much higher level.  It also determines whether all security devices and equipments are in order. A security check involves checking on the following;

30. Locks and doors  when checking on locks and doors, you should;  Pull on the door handle to ensure they are locked and secure.  Look for possible obstructions in locks and ensure they are operational.

31. Bars and grills  always inspect by;  Pulling on them and making a visual check to ensure they are secure.  Pull on barred gates and doors to establish that they are locked and secure.  Pull and push on locked cell doors to ensure they are secure.  On highly raised grills use a metal bar to run over so as to ascertain that they are secure.

32. Windows and screens  always check on;  The glass panes,  screens, frames,  surrounding wall and  floor area for any damage or tampering.

33. Electrical outlet and fixtures  Check to see if the covers have been removed for the purpose of concealing contrabands.  Tampering with electrical fixtures can create fire hazards

34. Wash rooms; Wash rooms;  Check all staff and prisoners washrooms, including  sinks,  cupboards,  urinals,  Toilets,  showers.  Floors and  ceiling areas for damage and tampering.

35. Supply, storage and cleaning rooms  check out for;  Broken brooms,  mops, ropes,  torn sheets or blankets  All containers  Garbage, cans, boxes etc.

36. Miscellaneous areas and equipment ;  check on the following;  fire equipment,  tables chairs, Ladders,  anything that can be used to step on should never be left unattended.

37. Procedures for conducting searches  Should be done with dignity and respect for the in mates and staff rights in mind  The inmates and the staff should be informed about being searched  Where necessary hygiene practices should be observed  Searches should not be degrading the inmates

38. Searching Equipments  The use of searching equipments is important for conducting searches as it helps in making the searches more thorough.  In recent times various products of space age technology are being employed in the search procedures.  The most common ones used may include;

39. Cont  TV Monitors  Gloves  Metal detectors-walk through or  Hand held

40. Contrabands Contrabands  Contrabands may be defined as any items possessed by an inmate, staff or visitor which are prohibited articles by the rules and regulation of that particular institution.  They must be clearly defined as such and be brought to the notice of all. Contrabands may in most cases include;

41. Examples  Weapons which may include guns, knives, shape items etc.  Any item not issued by, or under the direct supervision of a staff member or permitted to be kept by a prisoner  Cash above the prescribed amount  Items that may be used to assist in or effect an escape

42. Cont  Any unauthorized tools  Intoxicating drugs  Cigarettes (in certain institutions)  Money  Alcohol  Any other items that may be described as prohibited articles in the institution.

43. Entry Points: Entry Points:  Contrabands somehow find their way into the prison.  The entry points are the most important to know so that you may be able to seal the same.  These may include the following

44.  Through the normal visits to prisoner by friends and relatives.  Through the mail.  Over/under/or through the fence or walls of the prison.  Staff may also bring in the same.  As a result of improperly conducted searches.  The prisoner if not properly supervised are known to plant certain drugs e.g. marijuana.  Prisoners working in the workshops may also steal intoxicating items such as glue.

46. Questions. Questions.