11-18-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--November 18, 2002 2535 It was noted that the design of the jail provides substantial inmate separation and classification capabilities, which is essentiai to maintaining a safe environment for both staff and inmates. The final report indicates Mr. Bowker noted a major weakness appears to be the metai shelves in the disciplinary detention area. These were somehow removed from the wall by disruptive inmates and used to break glass in the cell doors. No other facility using this type of shelves has had the problem seen in Cass County, and the designers and manufacturer are continuing to investigate the shelf failure. The shelves have already been removed in disciplinary detention, special management areas, and '1ime out" rooms. Mr. Rowenhorst said the most severe vandalism incidents were isoiated events precipitated by two very difficult inmates, and there was no indication of widespread acts of vandalism or inmate unrest. Although there was a considerable amount of damage done, the perpetrators were unable to escape from their assigned area, overall facility security was not jeopardized and there were no injuries to staff or other inmates. He said appropriate disciplinary actions were taken, ranging from verbal warnings to discipiinary detention and suspension of privileges. He said where there are no consequences, there is no control. Operational problems need to be addressed, such as inconsistencies between staff and between staff and inmates, according to Mr. Rowenhorst. Also, the operational policies and procedures, the post orders, the master facility activity schedule, and the inmate handbook all need to be revised to reflect the changes that have been made since the opening of the new facility. Further, he said the staffing plan needs to be revised because the original plan for the facility used eight-hour shifts, typically the most efficient shift staffing, however, the shift supervisors chose to stay with the twelve-hour shifts that had been in place for several years, and this resulted in staff shortages. The Board next reviewed the ten recommendations contained in the consultants' report. The number one issue, according to Mr. Rowenhorst, is having someone in charge of the jail in the absence of the administrator, Walt Willis, who is ill. He said the Sheriff is filling the void at this point, and it is extremely important that someone be there. Mr. Meyer asked about the policy and procedures manual, and Mrs. Schneider asked about the recommended mix of eight, ten and twelve hour shifts. In response to a question on how three bed sheets could be flushed down one toilet, it was reported by Mr. Rowenhorst that a one-for-one exchange policy for linens and personal items is now in place. Birch Burdick, State's Attorney, was concerned about the reference to him and the Sheriff addressing prosecution, jail time and restitution for the acts of vandalism. He said he is aggressively pursuing this, however, he has ruies to follow and will move as quickiy as he can. He has had several conversations with the Sheriffs Office on the acts of vandalism and pians to follow up as aggressively as possible. Mr. Wieiand said there was a lot of damage in the old jaii aiso, such as toilets being fiooded, but it did not get as much publicity since it is an old building. Mr. Wagner prepared a list of responses to the consultant's recommendations, and he reviewed them with the board. He asked Bonnie Johnson, County Coordinator, to talk about the design/retrofit assistance with Dennis Kimme, of Kimme & Associates, on possibly modifying the cells used for disciplinary detention.