At a recent meeting of the Standards Review and Interpretation Committee (SRIC) the committee directed staff to post for client comments the following proposed standard revision. Please post your comments prior to Friday May 14th, 2021.
72.8.1 (M M M M) Monitoring of Detainees
A written directive requires documented monitoring of detainees by agency staff to include:
a. a documented face-to-face count of the detainee population at least once every shift; and
b. documented a face-to-face observation of detainees by agency staff at least every thirty minutes when an agency does not have the capability to observe detainees by audio/video monitoring; or
c. a documented visual check will occur at least every thirty minutes by audio/video by agency personnel, and
d. a face-to-face check will occur hourly, when an agency has the capability to conduct audio/video monitoring.
Commentary
Regular monitoring of detainees is essential for maintaining their security and ensuring their safety and welfare. Monitoring, as used in this standard, assumes agency staff is present in the same building that houses the holding facility and not at a remote location. Care should be taken during physical checks that the detainee does not anticipate the appearance of agency staff. Detainees who are security risks should be under closer surveillance and require more frequent observation. This classification includes not only detainees who are violent but also those who are suicidal or mentally ill or demonstrate unusual or bizarre behavior. Time sensitive standard. (M M M M)
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