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Subchapter B. ADMINISTRATIVE STANDARDS,
REGULATIONS AND FACILITIES
Sec.
95.14195.145. [Reserved].
95.151.[Reserved].
95.16195.173. [Reserved].
95.18195.187. [Reserved].
95.19195.198. [Reserved].
95.20195.204. [Reserved].
95.21195.214. [Reserved].
COUNTY JAILS
95.220. Purpose.
95.220a. Definitions.
95.220b. Scope.
95.221. Personnel.
95.222. Admission.
95.223. Orientation.
95.224. Rules and regulations.
95.225. Classification.
95.226. Housing.
95.227. [Reserved].
95.228. Clothing.
95.229. Bedding.
95.230. Food service.
95.231. Personal hygiene.
95.232. Medical and health services.
95.233. Visiting.
95.234. Inmate mail privileges.
95.235. Work programs.
95.236. Access to legal resources.
95.237. Religion.
95.238. Recreation.
95.239. Commissary.
95.240. Inmate disciplinary procedures.
95.241. Security.
95.242. Extraordinary occurrences reports.
95.243. Treatment services.
95.244. Community involvement.
95.245. Incoming publications.
95.246. Investigation of deaths.
95.247. Notification.
95.248. Sanitation and safety.
95.301. [Reserved].
95.302. [Reserved].
95.303. [Reserved].§ § 95.14195.145. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.14195.145 amended December 1, 1972, effective December 2, 1972, 2 Pa.B. 2263; reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (16854) and (10949).
§ 95.151. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 95.151 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (10949).
§ § 95.16195.173. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.16195.173 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (10949) to (10956).
§ § 95.18195.187. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.18195.187 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (10957) to (10960).
§ § 95.19195.198. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.19195.198 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534, unless otherwise noted. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (10960) to (10964).
§ § 95.20195.204. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.20195.204 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534, unless otherwise noted. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (10964) to (10965).
§ § 95.21195.214. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these § § 95.21195.214 reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534, unless otherwise noted. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (10965) to (10966), and (41041) to (41042).
COUNTY JAILS
§ 95.220. Purpose.
This subchapter is designed to encourage county prisons to develop and utilize local policies and procedures that are in keeping with existing State law and recognized professional standards for all sections addressed in this chapter.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.220 issued under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.220a issued under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.220a adopted February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866.
§ 95.220b. Scope.
Each section sets forth minimum requirements, which are mandatory. For those counties achieving American Correctional Association accreditation using Adult Local Detention Facilities standards, this subchapter will be waived in its entirety. Section 95.232 (relating to medical and health services) will be waived for those counties which achieve National Commission on Correctional Health Care accreditation.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.220b issued under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.221 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.222 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.222 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (203076) and (261611) to (261612).
Notes of Decisions Strip Search
Fourth Amendment rights were held to be violated when nine female pretrial detainees arrested for trespass brought an action against the local government and prison officials due to their subjection to an unreasonable and unjustifiable strip and visual body cavity search. Newkirk v. Sheers, 834 F.Supp. 772 (E. D. Pa. 1993).
§ 95.223. Orientation.
Minimum requirements. The minimum requirements for the orientation of prisoners shall be as follows:
(1) Every prisoner upon admission shall be provided with written information about the regulations of the institution.
(2) If the prisoner is illiterate, the information shall be conveyed to him orally.
(3) The orientation should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
(i) Regulations covering the treatment of prisoners.
(ii) Rules of conduct for the institution.
(iii) Information regarding work programs, education and vocational training, counseling programs, and other institutional programs offered in the jail.
(iv) The following provisions apply to communications with the staff:
(A) The prisoner should know that he is allowed to make requests or enter complaints to the administrator of the jail or to a jail officer.
(B) The prisoner should know that he may make requests or enter complaints to the jail inspector during his inspection. He should be permitted to talk to the inspector without the administrator or other members of the jail staff being present.
(C) The prisoner should know that he is allowed to make a request or enter a complaint without censorship as to substance to the administrator, the judiciary or other proper authorities.
(D) Unless requests or complaints arising from such communication are obviously frivolous or groundless, the jail staff shall promptly deal with them.
(v) Information necessary to enable the prisoner to understand both his rights and his obligations.
(vi) Additional information necessary for the prisoner to adapt himself to the life of the institution.
Source The provisions of this § 95.224 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619.
§ 95.225. Classification.
The following minimum requirements apply to classification:
(1) An inmate classification plan shall be documented in written local policy.
(2) This plan shall establish classification based on the degree of security risk and need for supervision. The classification plan shall specify the following:
(i) How the classification process is accomplished.
(ii) What process of appeals exist.
(iii) The review mechanism utilized.
(iv) Explicit procedures for reclassification.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.225 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.225 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (203080) to (203081).
Notes of Decisions Inmate has no liberty interest in remaining in general prison population. Even assuming a protected liberty interest, inmate received constitutionally sufficient process where plaintiff was personally interviewed upon arrival and initial decision was reviewed periodically. Doss v. Rapone, 601 F. Supp. 935 (E.D. Pa. 1985).
Due to the broad discretion given county jail officials, this section does not create a protected Fourteenth Amendment liberty interest. Marshall v. Kozakiewicz, 601 F.Supp. 1549 (W.D. Pa. 1985).
Due to the lack of explicit and mandatory language, the regulations pertaining to county prisons do not create a liberty interest in prisoners incarcerated therein and such prisoners have no right to notice and opportunity to be heard when their administrative status is determined. Tyler v. Rapone, 603 F. Supp. 268 (E.D. Pa. 1985).
§ 95.226. Housing.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to housing:
(1) Written local policy shall specify the process for segregation, removal or transfer of inmates requiring medical attention.
(2) An inmate who is mentally ill or known to have a contagious disease shall be separated from the general population.
(3) Female inmates shall be completely separated from male inmates. This does not preclude rehabilitative projects and food service assignments where male and female inmates could participate together with proper supervision.
(4) In determining housing adequacy, the following factors shall be considered:
(i) Climatic conditions.
(ii) Minimum floor space.
(iii) Heating.
(iv) Ventilation. Each room shall allow the entrance of fresh air.
(v) Lighting. Artificial light sufficient for inmates to read or work without injury to eyesight shall be provided.
(vi) Sufficient toilet facilities are required.
(vii) Bathing facilities shall be provided so that every inmate may use them as frequently as necessary for personal hygiene.
(5) All parts of the prison used by inmates shall be properly maintained and kept clean at all times.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.226 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.226 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (203081) to (203082) and (253017).
Notes of Decisions Administrative Segregation
There is no provision in these regulations for a hearing to challenge a wardens decision to place a prisoner in administrative segregation. Therefore, because the warden had unchecked power to place plaintiff in administrative segregation, the State did not create a liberty interest and plaintiff had no due process right to a hearing concerning placement and retention in administrative segregation. Williams v. Sweeney, 882 F. Supp. 1520 (E. D. Pa. 1995).
Improper Housing
Proper housing was not provided where the prison population often exceeded the maximum number of inmates that could be housed in cells and the inmates were housed on cots in the walkways outside the cells. Padgett v. Stein, 406 F.Supp. 287 (M.D. Pa. 1975).
Where prisoners were housed on cots in the walkways outside the cells because of overcrowded conditions, it was impossible to house prisoners in groups according to their classification. Padgett v. Stein, 406 F.Supp. 287 (M.D. Pa. 1975).
A pretrial detainee, who was stabbed by an inmate who had just been sentenced to death after a murder conviction, failed to establish that prison officials demonstrated deliberate indifference by violating a statutory provision stating that [s]entenced prisoners should be housed separately from those who are only accused of having committed a crime, where this provision of the Pennsylvania Code is not a mandatory requirement but rather is a recommended guideline, and where the pretrial detainee failed to present evidence that the prison officials had sufficient knowledge or notice of the risks of not following this recommendation guideline that not following it would equate to deliberate indifference. Faulcon v. Philadelphia, 18 F. Supp. 2d 537 (E. D. Pa. 1998).
Rights of Prisoners
Due to the lack of explicit and mandatory language, the regulations pertaining to county prisons did not create a liberty interest in prisoners incarcerated therein and such prisoners have no right to notice and opportunity to be heard when their administrative status was determined. Tyler v. Rapone, 603 F. Supp. 268 (E.D. Pa. 1985).
§ 95.227. [Reserved].
§ 95.228. Clothing.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to clothing:
(1) Written local policy shall provide for each inmate to receive suitable clean clothing including adequate footwear and underwear.
(2) Written local policy shall stipulate whether inmates may possess personal clothing.
(3) Written local policy shall determine whether a prison elects to store personal clothing. Personal clothing, if stored, shall be stored in a sanitary manner.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.228 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.228 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866; corrected February 25, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 1129. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (253017) to (253018).
§ 95.229. Bedding.
(a) Minimum requirements. The minimum requirements regarding bedding for prisoners are as follows:
(1) Each prisoner shall be provided with a bed, mattress, sheets and blankets appropriate for the temperature.
(2) Each prisoner shall be provided a pillow and pillowcase.
(3) Sheets and pillowcases shall be cleaned on a weekly basis and before reissue.
(4) Blankets shall be laundered or sterilized on a regular basis.
(5) Mattresses shall have a waterproof and fire resistant cover and shall be sterilized on a regular basis for the maintenance of good hygiene.
(6) Pillows shall have a waterproof and fire resistant cover and be sterilized on a regular basis for the maintenance of good hygiene.
(b) Recommended guidelines. Some jails have canvas bunks. Each jurisdiction having such accommodations for prisoners should immediately take steps to provide the conventional jail bed and mattress. This shall be made a minimum requirement following a reasonable time to allow county authorities, in counties still having canvas bunks, to purchase and install the conventional bedding.
Source The provisions of this § 95.230 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619.
§ 95.231. Personal hygiene.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to personal hygiene:
(1) Inmates shall be required to maintain proper hygiene standards.
(2) Inmates shall bathe at least twice a week.
(3) An inmate determined to be indigent shall be provided with articles to attain satisfactory personal hygiene.
(4) Inmate hair styles shall comply with sanitation and security policies of the prison.
(5) Female inmates shall be provided articles for feminine hygiene when needed.
(6) Written local policy shall provide a means for inmates to obtain clean clothing on a weekly basis.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.231 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.232 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.232 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (203085) to (203087).
Notes of Decisions Cause of Action Stated
If a prisoner alleged that prison authorities were informed of prisoners drug habit upon admission and prisoner requested medical treatment, but received no attention for 10 days and inadequate treatment thereafter, during which time prisoner went through a period of painful drug withdrawal, prisoner had stated a Federal claim upon which relief may be granted. United States ex rel Walker v. Fayette County, Pennsylvania, 599 F.2d 573, (3d Cir. 1979).
Physical Examination
This regulation requires that all prisoners receive a physical and mental examination upon admission to a county correctional facility, and that appropriate ongoing health care be provided. Therefore, plaintiff may have a cause of action against the person or persons at the county prison who were responsible for securing medical attention for prisoners if plaintiff can show that they were deliberately indifferent to a serious medical condition of which they were aware. Plaintiff had no claim, however, against an arresting officer for any failure timely or adequately to provide medical attention by officials at the prison to which plaintiff was committed because of the arrest. Murphy v. Snyder, No. 95-3149, 1995 U. S. Dist. LEXIS 7413 (E. D. Pa. May 31, 1995).
Cross References The provisions of this § 95.233 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619.
Notes of Decisions Evidence
Evidence insufficient to show regulation violated. Montagano v. Sweeney, No. 94-2959, 1995 U. S. Dist. LEXIS 6169 (May 4, 1995).
Procedure
While it is very likely true that inmates will perceive any suspension of a spouses visiting privileges as punitive, this regulation cannot be read to suggest that any decision to deny or suspend visiting privileges must be accompanied by an opportunity to be heard. Montagano v. Sweeney, No. 94-2959, 1995 U. S. Dist. LEXIS 6169 (May 4, 1995).
§ 95.234. Inmate mail privileges.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to inmate mail privileges. Inmates shall be permitted to send and receive mail consistent with the following:
(1) Incoming and outgoing mail may be examined for contraband.
(2) Incoming and outgoing mail to and from public officials, courts and attorneys will not be opened for purposes of examining for contraband unless the interested inmate is present.
(3) Incoming and outgoing mail to a person or entity may be read by the prison warden if reasonable grounds exist to believe that receipt of the mail is likely to jeopardize prison security or public safety and welfare, or both.
(4) The sending and receipt of mail shall be restricted or prohibited for valid penological reasons such as introduction of contraband, threats to security or the public, or when requested by intended recipients.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.234 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.234 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (203088) and (261613).
Notes of Decisions Inmate-to-Inmate Correspondence
Inmate-to-inmate correspondence may be restricted provided the restriction is reasonably related to valid correction goals and inmates complaint was dismissed since he failed to allege that he was authorized to correspond with another inmate. Williams v. Frame, 821 F.Supp. 1093 (1993).
§ 95.235. Work programs.
(a) Minimum requirements. The following minimum requirements shall apply to work programs:
(1) Prisoners waiting trial and not sentenced in the jail shall not be required to work, except to keep their immediate area in the living quarters clean. However, a volunteer work program for unsentenced inmates should be developed.
(2) Prisoners sentenced to the jail shall be assigned work when it is available.
(3) All prisoners who work shall be paid. That pay may take the form of cash or credit toward pending court costs.
(4) The precautions laid down to protect the safety and health of workmen in the free society shall be equally observed in institutions. Proper clothing and tools shall be provided.
(b) Recommended guidelines. A good jail administrator shall utilize the furlough concept to enable selected prisoners to seek employment in the community.
Source The provisions of this § 95.235 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619.
§ 95.236. Access to legal resources.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to access to legal resources:
(1) To enable inmates to exercise their right of access to the courts, inmates shall be permitted access to adequate legal resources. Written local policy shall provide a means of assistance for an inmate that does not speak English.
(2) County wardens shall have discretion in determining the type of legal resources to be made available to ensure inmates can exercise their right to access to the courts.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.236 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.237 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619.
Notes of Decisions Religious Ornamentation
Pennsylvania law does not give prisoners a liberty interest in the unrestricted wearing of religious ornamentation. Muslin v. Frame, 891 F. Supp. 226 (E. D. Pa.), claim dismissed, on recons., No. 93-0554, 1995 U. S. Dist. LEXIS 12866 (E. D. Pa. August 23, 1995).
§ 95.238. Recreation.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to recreation:
(1) Jails shall provide all prisoners at least 2 hours daily, physical exercise in the open, weather permitting. If the weather is inclement, each inmate shall have 2 hours physical exercise daily indoors.
(2) Written local policy shall describe the prisons recreational programming for inmates.
(3) Physical exercise schedules for males, females and juveniles shall be arranged to provide for segregation. Jail administrators may separate inmates further based on age, vulnerability and other appropriate security criteria.
(4) Inmates under disciplinary status or segregation shall receive 1 hour of outdoor activity 5 days a week.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.238 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.238 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (222409).
§ 95.239. Commissary.
The following are the minimum requirements that apply to commissaries:
(1) County prisons may provide commissary services if the county so chooses.
(2) Funds associated with commissary services shall be audited and reported on an annual basis by an independent party using generally accepted accounting principles.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.239 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.239 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (222409).
§ 95.240. Inmate disciplinary procedures.
The following are the minimum requirements applicable to inmate disciplinary procedures:
(1) County prisons shall operate a disciplinary process that provides clear notice of prohibited behavior and consistently applied sanctions for violations of prison rules.
(2) Violation of prison rules may result in the imposition of discipline. Discipline may not be imposed unless the prisoner has been informed of the offense charged in writing, has had an opportunity to present a defense and has been found guilty of the charge by an impartial party or board designated by the prison administrator.
(3) Findings of guilt or innocence shall be made by an impartial party to be designated by the prison administrator. Findings shall be expressed in writing and based on information presented. Written findings of guilt shall state the reasons for the finding.
(4) Disciplinary charges and written findings shall be recorded and made a permanent part of an inmates prison file.
(5) Disciplinary sanctions imposed after a finding of guilt may include loss of privileges, segregation or other sanctions as set forth in written local policy.
(6) The imposition of discipline may not violate an inmates right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment.
Authority The provisions of this § 95.240 amended under section 506 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P. S. § 186).
Source The provisions of this § 95.240 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619; amended February 18, 2000, effective February 19, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 866. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (222409) to (222410).
Notes of Decisions Administrative Segregation
There is no provision in these regulations for a hearing to challenge a wardens decision to place a prisoner in administrative segregation. Therefore, because the warden had unchecked power to place plaintiff in administrative segregation, the state did not create a liberty interest and plaintiff had no due process right to a hearing concerning placement and retention in administrative segregation. Williams v. Sweeney, 882 F. Supp. 1520 (E. D. Pa. 1995).
Procedure
This regulation requires that an inmate be notified of the offenses charged against the inmate and the requirement that a hearing be held on the matter only applies to disciplinary actions and not situations where an inmate challenges their administrative segregation classification. Robinson v. Klotz, No. 94-1993, 1995 U. S. Dist. LEXIS 717 (E. D. Pa. January 23, 1995).
Prisoners Rights
The regulations governing discipline and proper procedures to be followed before disciplinary action can be imposed gave rise to a nondiscretionary State-created liberty interest, and failure to provide a hearing on plaintiffs confinement as part of a punishment constituted a deprivation of due process rights guaranteed by the U. S. CONST. amend. XIV. Todaro v. Bowman, 872 F.2d 43 (1989).
§ 95.241. Security.
(a) Minimum requirements. The minimum requirements applicable for security are as follows:
(1) Generally. The following general provisions shall be in effect:
(i) Supervision on a 24-hour basis by trained personnel is required in jails housing any number of inmates. One jail officer with one additional officer on call for assistance shall be the minimum in all jails housing any number of prisoners up to ten. A jail having over ten inmates shall have at least two jail officers present for duty on the premises. In general, the minimum required custody ratio is one officer per shift for 15 inmates. For example, with a population 45, a jail shall have nine officers. An administrator may schedule those nine officers as he sees fit, as for example: four on the first shift; three on the second shift; and two on the third shift, or some other arrangement which would be appropriate to that particular jail. A good administrator, however, shall have a greater ratio than the minimum.
(ii) A matron or other qualified female employe shall be present in the jail, awake and alert at all times, while a female prisoner is in custody. The same minimum ratio for female prisoners as for male prisoners is required.
(iii) Sufficient jail officers shall be present in the jail, awake and alert at all times, to provide adequate supervision while prisoners are in custody.
(iv) A male jail officer shall enter the female area only in the presence of a matron.
(v) In an institution holding both men and women, the part used for women shall be under the authority of a responsible woman officer who shall have the custody of the keys to all that part of the institution.
(vi) Prisoners shall never be permitted to assume any authority whatsoever over other prisoners.
(vii) Prisoners assigned as trustees should be supervised.
(viii) If trustees leave the jail premises for any reason they shall be thoroughly searched upon their return.
(ix) Inmates with detainers should be assigned to trusty status only if jail staff is aware of the circumstances.
(2) Weapons. The following provision regarding weapons shall be in effect:
(i) In the event of a general emergency, appropriate emergency plans shall be followed in accordance with previously established procedures.
(ii) The following guidelines shall govern the use of weapons:
(A) Weapons shall not be carried in normal prison operation. Tower or outside security assignments are exceptions.
(B) Adequate weapons, to include batons and chemical mace, shall be available in a locked security area accessible to prison administrator or his designated representative.
(C) The jail administrator or an officer designated by the jail administrator shall determine the need for carrying concealed mace or exposed batons or the use thereof during any movement of prisoners. He shall base his determination upon the physical facilities, type and attitude of the offender, and the personal safety of self and fellow officers.
(D) Any use of the baton or chemical mace upon any prisoner shall be recorded in writing and be reported to the Department of Corrections, Division of County Correctional Services, in accordance with established procedures for extraordinary occurrences reports.
(iii) Personnel shall be trained in security measures and in the handling of special incidents such as assaults, generalized disturbances, fires, escapes, and the like.
(iv) Law enforcement personnel shall be provided with a locked security area for their weapons when visiting the jail. Personnel who normally carry weapons in their usual duties, including law enforcement officers, should be cautioned about leaving weapons inside cars in the prison parking area.
(v) Tear gas shall be used only as last resort to bring one or more prisoners under control. It shall be used only after thoroughly considering the hazards involved, including consideration for the area where it is to be used.
(vi) Permission to use tear gas shall be obtained from the jail administrator or an officer designated by him to supervise the use of tear gas.
(vii) Prisoners affected by tear gas shall be given a medical checkup as soon as possible after the incident is under control.
(viii) The key to the armory shall not be kept on the key board.
(ix) If the jail has a safe, the key to the armory shall be kept in it.
(3) Key control. The following provisions shall apply to the control of keys:
(i) Jail keys shall be stored in a secure locker when not in use, and a record of all keys shall be kept.
(ii) In addition to one set of keys in use, one or more sets shall be stored in a safe place.
(iii) Jail officers shall exercise every precaution while carrying keys or potentially dangerous articles in the presence of prisoners.
(iv) Under no circumstances will prisoners be permitted access to jail keys or personnel records or records of other inmates. This should not prevent inmates from having keys to personal lockers and honor cells if provided.
(v) Jail personnel shall be familiar with the locking system of the jail and shall be able to release prisoners in the event of a fire or other emergency.
(vi) If opening and closing cell block doors, all employes shall be alert to possible escape attempts.
(vii) Damaged or malfunctioning keys or locks shall be promptly repaired.
(viii) Ignition keys shall be removed from all motor vehicles in the jail parking area. Doors of motor vehicles shall be securely locked.
(ix) Cell block doors and doors opening into a corridor shall be kept locked, except when necessary to permit admission or exit of prisoners, visitors or employes.
(x) The key control center shall be the only place where keys may be checked in and out. It shall be secure from entry by prisoners.
(xi) The control center shall have a key book containing the following:
(A) The number of each key.
(B) The trade name of each lock and its location.
(C) The number of keys available for each lock.
(xii) Key rings shall contain either inside or outside keys, but not both.
(xiii) Lock malfunctions shall be reported immediately.
(xiv) Lock changes shall be reported immediately.
(xv) Prisoners shall never be permitted to handle keys.
(4) Control of contraband. The following shall apply to the control of contraband:
(i) Jail personnel shall understand what articles are considered to be contraband.
(ii) Prisoners shall be searched when they are admitted to the jail and periodically while confined.
(iii) Cells shall also be searched for contraband that has been missed or that somehow has found its way into the cell.
(iv) Prisoners permitted to leave the jail under a work program, to appear in court or for any other reason shall be searched before re-entering the jail.
(v) Both unoccupied and occupied cells shall be searched for contraband frequently but not according to a set and regular routine.
(vi) Unoccupied cells shall be kept locked at all times.
(vii) Eating utensils shall be accounted for and returned to the kitchen after each meal.
(viii) An officer shall be subject to search upon entering or leaving the jail.
(ix) Prisoners may not assist in searching of cells or in other security inspections.
(5) Use of physical force. The following shall govern the use of physical force:
(i) Physical force may not be used on prisoners unless necessary, and then only that amount of physical force which is required to achieve the purpose is justified.
(ii) The use of necessary physical force shall be restricted to the following situations:
(A) If absolutely necessary in self-defense or to prevent an assault on staff or other prisoners.
(B) To prevent escapes.
(C) To prevent serious destruction of property.
(iii) When physical force is used, an extraordinary occurrence report shall be written and filed with the Department of Corrections, Division of County Correctional Services.
(6) Emergency plans. The following shall govern emergency plans:
(i) Every jail shall have a written emergency plan. It is impossible to develop a single emergency plan that is useful for every jail.
(ii) Each plan shall contain basic information and instructions for all jail officers, to include at least the following:
(A) To whom shall the emergency be reported.
(B) Who is in charge.
(C) A description of duties for each kind of emergency.
(D) How these duties in an emergency are coordinated with the duties of other jail personnel.
(E) How to use emergency equipment.
(F) Outside police or other agencies to be contacted.
(7) Instruments of restraint. The following shall govern the use of instruments of restraints:
(i) Instruments of restraint, such as handcuffs, chains, irons, come-a-longs and straitjackets, may not be used as a punishment.
(ii) Instruments of restraint may be used in the following circumstances:
(A) As a precaution against escape during a transfer.
(B) On medical grounds by direction of a medical doctor.
(C) By order of the jail administrator or his appointed representative, if other methods of control fail, in order to prevent a prisoner from injuring himself or others or from damaging property; in such instances the jail administrator or his representative shall at once consult a medical doctor.
(iii) Instruments of restraint may not be applied for a longer length of time than is absolutely necessary. Use of restraints shall be recorded on inmates file.
(iv) Whenever instruments of restraint are used outside of the process of prisoner transportation or for medical reasons within a hospital setting, a written extraordinary occurrence report shall be prepared and submitted to the Department of Corrections, Division of County Correctional Services.
(8) Tools. The following shall govern the use of tools:
(i) The work supervisor shall determine that the prisoner knows how to use the tools that are issued to him.
(ii) The work supervisor is responsible for insuring that the prisoners have been instructed in safety procedures.
(9) Prison provided transportation. The following shall govern transportation that is provided by prison officials:
(i) Vehicles used to move prisoners shall have adequate ventilation, lighting and shall be safe.
(ii) The prisoner may not be subjected to unnecessary physical hardships during the period of transportation.
(iii) The escort officer shall treat the prisoner firmly, but humanely and with consideration for his dignity and status as a human being.
(iv) The escort officer shall search the prisoner before any restraints are placed upon him.
(v) Restraints used shall be checked at intervals for security.
(vi) Firearms carried by the escorting officer shall be concealed and continuously protected so that they may not be taken by the prisoner.
(vii) Should a prisoner escape, the nearest law enforcement agency shall be notified.
(b) Recommended guidelines. The recommended guidelines for security are as follows:
(1) Generally. The following general provisions are recommended guidelines:
(i) Trustees should leave the jail proper only when accompanied by an officer.
(ii) Articles which may be converted into weapons should be removed from within reach of prisoners unless the article is being used by an inmate for an authorized purpose. Security type safety razors or battery type razors shall be used and removed from cell areas when not in use.
(iii) Keys should always be kept covered.
(2) Tools. The following are the recommended guidelines for tools:
(i) A receipting system for issuance of tools to employes should be maintained.
(ii) Tools of outside maintenance men should be carefully checked upon admittance to the jail and when they depart.
(iii) Prisoners should be allowed to use tools only under supervision.
(iv) Tools used within the jail or belonging to the jail should be numbered and recorded. They should be kept in a locked tool-storage area which is secure and is located outside the security perimeter of the jail.
(v) Tools should be checked out by the work supervisor.
(vi) Tools are returned at the end of the working day.
(vii) Tools should be inspected when returned.
(3) Counting procedures. The following are the recommended guidelines regarding counting procedures:
(i) A recorded inmate headcount should be made at least four times daily.
(ii) At least one official count should be made on each shift. In addition, any time there is mass movement of prisoners from one area to another, an official count should be made.
(iii) During the count the recommended guidelines are as follows:
(A) Prisoners should not move about.
(B) The officer making the count should be able to see the prisoner he is counting.
(C) Only a jail officer should conduct a count.
(D) Interruptions should not be permitted during the count.
(iv) Spot checks should be made at irregular intervals, both day and night.
Source The provisions of this § 95.241 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619.
Notes of Decisions Firearms
A corrections officers ability to carry a firearm, except for emergency assignment was merit-related for purposes of The Civil Service Act. Bureau of Correction v. Yancey, 481 A.2d 702 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1984).
Force Appropriate
Given the fact that a riot was taking place, and four unarmed corrections officers were, quite literally, put in fear of their lives, it was imperative that forceful action be taken immediately to prevent a prisonwide riot that would threaten the lives of not only these four correction officers, but also of others. The measured force used by the corrections officers in quelling this disturbance was palpably a good-faith effort to maintain or restore discipline and did not violate plaintiffs liberty interest under the Fourteenth Amendment. Johnson v. Gallagher, No. 93-0782, 1994 U. S. Dist. LEXIS 774 (E. D. Pa. January 28, 1994).
Improperly shackling an inmate to the bars of a gate and shackling the inmate to a desk for purposes of physical abuse constituted violations of State regulations governing the use of instruments of restraint. Musser v. County of Centre, 515 A.2d 1027 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1986).
The actions by two prison guards towards a prison inmate violated State administrative regulations which set forth specifically limited circumstances, including the need to protect persons or property or to prevent escape, under which a prison inmate may be subjected to physical force and instruments of restraint. County of Centre v. Musser, 548 A.2d 1194 (Pa. 1988).
Physical ForceExcessive
Actions by prison guards, including wrestling a prisoner to the ground and thrusting a pillowcase full of shaving cream over the inmates head, applying BenGay to the inmates genitals and inserting a 2-inch spout from a bottle filled with water into his anus were in contravention of State regulations governing use of physical force. Musser v. County of Centre, 515 A.2d 1027, 1029 (Pa. Cmwlth. 1986).
Searches
Since this section required the warden to periodically search inmates and their cells for contraband, the prison officials may decide whether the search should be conducted during a prison-wide lockup or whether some less restrictive means was appropriate. Saunders v. Packel, 436 F. Supp. 618 (E. D. Pa. 1977).
Supervision of Inmates
Assuming an inmate population of 168, a county prison must employ a minimum of 33 full-time correctional officers. Padgett v. Stein, 406 F. Supp. 287 (M. D. Pa. 1975).
§ 95.242. Extraordinary occurrences reports.
Minimum requirements. The following are the minimum requirements applicable to extraordinary occurrences reports:
(1) Extraordinary occurrences which involve or endanger the lives or physical welfare of jail officers or prisoners in the jail shall be reported to the Division of County Correctional Services, Department of Corrections, in writing on a form supplied by the Division within 48 hours.
(2) Extraordinary occurrences shall include the following:
(i) Death, including suicide or homicide, even if the person was transferred to a hospital before death occurred and thus did not actually expire in the jail.
(ii) Attempted suicide.
(iii) Escape.
(iv) Attempted escape.
(v) Fire.
(vi) Riot or serious disturbances.
(vii) Serious injuries.
(viii) Assault on officers.
(ix) Use of mace or gas.
(x) Use of instruments of restraint, other than in the transportation of prisoners and for medical reasons in a hospital setting.
(xi) Physical force used on a prisoner.
(xii) Outbreak of infectious diseases.
Source The provisions of this § 95.243 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619.
Notes of Decisions Treatment Services
Where the estate of a pretrial detainee who committed suicide while he was detained brought a civil rights action against jail officials for failure to provide treatment services required by Pennsylvania law claiming failure constituted deliberate indifference the Court held such claim was precluded due to the difference of medical opinion concerning the detainees suicidal intent. Herman v. Clearfield County, 836 F.Supp. 1178 (W. D. Pa. 1993).
§ 95.244. Community involvement.
Recommended guidelines. The following are the recommended guidelines for community involvement:
(1) Community involvement with the jail and involvement of personnel and selected inmates in community activities should be encouraged. This may include the following:
(i) Tours of facilities by church groups, college classes, fraternal, civic and other responsible organizations. Such tours shall be conducted not only for viewing the physical plant, but as a means of interpreting treatment programs and correctional needs. Every effort should be made during such tours to respect the privacy of prisoners desiring such.
(ii) Participation of community organizations in meaningful institutional programs.
(iii) The use of volunteers who are trained and supervised in structured activities.
(iv) Speaking engagements by jail administrator and staff.
(v) Participation in community activities by inmate speakers, panels, choirs, and sports teams.
(2) Members of the news media with proper credentials should be encouraged to visit the jail. Such occasions should be utilized by the jail administrator, custodial, and professional staff to orient newsmen to jail management, inmate behavior, rehabilitation efforts, and to problems and limitations of the jail.
Source The provisions of this § 95.248 readopted May 18, 1979, 9 Pa.B. 1619.
Notes of Decisions The provisions of 37 Pa. Code § 95.248 (relating to sanitation and safety) were promulgated under the Fire and Panic Act (35 P. S. § § 12211235), and structures built before passage of the act are subject to the act and to this section. Padgett v. Stein, 406 F. Supp. 287 (M.D. Pa. 1975).
§ § 95.30195.303. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of these sections § § 95.30195.303 adopted May 31, 1974, effective June 1, 1974, 4 Pa.B. 1084; reserved February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 534, unless otherwise noted. Immediately preceding text appers at serial pages (49243), (49262) to (49263) and (16856) to (16857).
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