(A)

Prisoners will obey all Jails rules and regulations.

(B)

Prisoners will follow all orders and instructions from Jails staff.

(C)

Jail staff will be addressed courteously.  Addressing staff by their title or rank is appropriate.

(D)

Prisoners will not use threatening, abusive or disrespectful language, writing, or gestures toward any person.

(E)

Lewd acts or gestures of a sexual nature are prohibited.

(F)

Unnecessary noise is not allowed.

(G)

Prisoners may not use another prisoner's cell or bunk for any reason.

(H)

Sexual activities, including kissing, hugging, or any other displays of sexual attraction are prohibited.

(I)

The possession or use of any tobacco or tobacco substitute product is not allowed.

(J)

Prisoners will not engage in disorderly conduct (horseplay, teasing, taunting) or participate in a "kangaroo court" of another prisoner.

(K)

Fighting is prohibited.

(L)

Prisoners will not lie or intentionally mislead Jails staff.

(M)

Prisoners will not encourage, incite, or agitate another prisoner to disobey Jail rules.

(N)

Prisoners will not use toilets as garbage receptacles.

(O)

If assigned to the electronic monitoring program, prisoners will comply with all program rules.

(A)

Prisoners will not violate any law.  This includes disorderly conduct, assault, conspiracy to escape or attempt to escape, arson, sex offenses, gambling, etc.

(B)

Prisoners will not assault Jails staff.  This includes spitting or throwing any object at a staff member.

(C)

Conduct in violation of any law may result in new criminal charges being filed and/or Jails disciplinary action.

(D)

If prisoners are aware of a criminal act committed in the Jails, they are required to promptly report it.  Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action.  Prisoners in housing areas who do not cooperate with the investigation of criminal activity may be subject to disciplinary action taken against the housing unit.

(3) SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Salt Lake County Jails are committed to preventing sexual harassment of prisoners. Should any prisoner feel they are a victim of sexual harassment, they may notify the Jails Command Staff by completing and submitting a “Prisoner Grievance Form.”

(4) CONTRABAND

(A)

Contraband is anything which has not been provided or approved by the Jails Administration or any item approved or purchased which has been altered, changed, or misused in any way.

(B)

Prisoners will not possess any item which has bee altered or manufactured in any way to resemble or to be used as a weapon. It is not a defense to disclaim knowledge of the item or what constitutes a weapon

(C)

Contraband is not allowed and will be confiscated.  Prisoners are required to immediately notify an Officer upon discovery of contraband.  Failure to do so makes the prisoner responsible for the contraband.  Prisoners are encouraged to inspect their new housing area when they are reassigned.

(D)

If prisoners are found to have contraband, they will be subject to Jails disciplinary action.  It is not a defense to disclaim knowledge of what constitutes contraband.

(E)

Possession of contraband which is also illegal to possess, may result in a criminal charge.

(F)

Prisoners are not permitted to exchange, sell, give away, lend, or offer any item, including commissary items or food to any person. This includes the mailing out of commissary items as contraband.

(G)

Prisoners are normally restricted to the following items in their housing area:

1. Two combs or brushes;

2. Glasses or contact lenses;

3. Medical devices or aids authorized by the Health Services Unit;

4. A non-metallic rosary, crucifix, or other religious medallion not exceeding one-and-one-half inches in diameter. Only one necklace is allowed of any type, at any time;

5. Six #2 wooden pencils.

6. Colored pencils

7. Letters received while in Salt Lake County Jails.

8. Legal papers. (Legal papers in the possession of prisoners transferred from another institution are placed in the prisoner's property locker, and release must be requested through the Jails Administrative Officer).

9. Up to twelve personal photographs or drawings not larger than four by six inches, which cannot be sexually explicit or depict nudity.

10. Commissary items, with limitations according to classification assignment.

11. No more than six books, regardless of their source. This includes textbooks and other materials authorized by Jails Administration;

12. Jail issue items:
    (a) One complete issue of clothing;
    (b) Authorized prescription medication;
    (c) One plastic cup (except Health Services housing areas);
    (d)One disposable shaving razor (except Classification Units, Health      Services Acute Medical Health, Administrative Segregation, and      prisoners serving discipline).

(H)

Prisoners may not accumulate more personal property than can be stored in designated areas. Contraband will be seized and prisoners will be directed to dispose of excessive property. If prisoners fail to dispose of the excessive property in a timely manner, it will be placed in their property locker.

(5) HOUSING ASSIGNMENT

(A)

Housing assignments are based upon the needs of the Jails. Housing assignments will be determined by factors such as: past or present charges and convictions, safety and security requirements, medical needs, behavior, space availability, and any other factor which the Jails deem necessary. Prisoner preference is not a factor in the determination of housing assignments.

(B)

If a danger exists because of a housing assignment, a “Prisoner Request Form” should be turned in. Prisoners who are requesting a move for protective reasons must indicate the name(s) of the person(s) who pose a threat to their personal safety, and any other information which may be necessary to evaluate the request.

(C)

Prisoners will not be housed with any close relative, nor any person charged as a co-defendant in any case, charge, or warrant for which the prisoner is incarcerated.

(D)

Prisoners must cooperate with any move to a new housing or bed assignment. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. If necessary, force may be used to make the required move. If there is an objection to the move, a “Prisoner Request or Grievance Form” may be submitted after the move.

(E)

Prisoners will be given a specific bed assignment by Jails staff. Prisoners will not use any bed, for any reason, other than the one they are assigned.

(F)

Prisoners will not enter any cell, housing unit, or sleeping area to which they are not assigned.

(G)

Loitering in front of any cell is prohibited.

(H)

Prisoners assigned to a main floor cell or housing unit are not allowed on the stairs or mezzanine level, except to attend or return from visiting or conduct approved prisoner worker activities.

(I)

Prisoners will not enter any cell, housing unit, or sleeping area to which they are not assigned.

(6) CARE OF HOUSING AREAS

(A)

Cleaning equipment will be made available daily for cleaning cells and common areas. Cleaning is mandatory.

(B)

There will be no television or breakfast until the housing area is clean.  Television and telephones may be turned off if the housing areas become cluttered or dirty.

(C)

Prisoners will not cook in any housing area.

(D)

Prisoners will not store any non-commissary food in their housing area.

(E)

Window ledges will not be used for storage. Use the storage hooks for clothes and towels.

(F)

Prisoners will only display pictures and photos on designated wall display areas, if provided, or their cell table. Anything attached to other areas of the walls or bunks may be seized and placed in prisoner property lockers.

(G)

Prisoner beds will be neatly made from morning wake up until evening lock down, except when occupied.

(7) CARE OF JAILS PROPERTY

(A)

Items issued by the Jails (bedding, clothing items, towels and ID cards) are for prisoner use but remain the properties of the Salt Lake County Jails. Damaging or abusing Jails property, including writing on or defacing walls, windows or other property, is a crime and may result in Jails disciplinary sanctions, monetary restitution and/or new criminal charges being filed.

(B)

Abuse of Jails property includes tying knots in towels or bedding, cutting or tearing towels, bedding or clothing, removing threads from clothing, making curtains or tents from bedding, or any other use of Jails property for other than its intended purpose.

(C)

Bedding must remain on bunks, and mattresses may not be removed from a bunk for any reason. Mattresses are not to be folded, torn or altered in any way.

(8) PERSONAL HYGIENE

(A)

Prisoner workers assigned to the kitchen must shower daily. All other prisoners must shower at least three times each week.

(B)

Prisoners must be completely dressed from morning wake up to evening lock down, unless the prisoner is in bed. Prisoner clothing will be worn as intended. Rolled up sleeves or pant legs will not be allowed except as stated in the (14) Recreation Section of this handbook.

(C)

Prisoners may wear their hair or facial hair at any length, but it must be kept clean and groomed. Haircuts may be requested by submitting a Prisoner Request Form. The fee for the haircut will be deducted from the prisoner’s commissary account prior to receiving the service. Prisoners will be required to have their hair washed and combed prior to the arrival of the barber.

(D)

Personal hygiene products are available for female prisoners upon request.

(E)

Prisoners will be issued a disposable razor weekly unless restricted from possessing a razor for reasons of safety and security.

(9) SECURITY REGULATIONS

(A)

Prisoners will not obstruct the view into any housing or bunk area.

(B)

Prisoners will not cover their face, head, or neck areas at any time with any item.

(C)

Lighting in housing areas is set at a lower level after lockup.  Shading devices are prohibited.

(D)

Prisoners will conduct yourself in an orderly manner when visitors are present, and will not speak to any visitor unless spoken to.

(E)

Prisoners, housing areas, and every area of the Jails are subject to search at any time without prior warning. Prisoners do not have the right to be present when their housing area is being searched.

(F)

Prisoners will not damage or interfere with the function of any security device, such as doors, locks, cuff ports, handcuffs, shackles, fire sprinklers, intercoms, etc.

(G)

Prisoners will not cover vents or speakers.

(H)

Prior to being released from the Jails, Prisoners will be required to return all Jail issue items.

(10) COMMUNICATIONS WITHIN THE JAILS

(A)

Prisoners will not communicate with any prisoner in any other area of the Jails unless approved by the Jails Administration. This includes passing notes, “kites,” or mailing letters outside the Jails to be sent back into the Jails.

1. The Jails Administration may allow family members in jail at the same time to communicate. These requests will be made on a “Prisoner Request Form” directed to the Prisoner Services Supervisor.

2. Such communication will generally be limited to husband-wife, parent-child, or brother-sister relationships.

(B)

When out of their housing area, prisoners are prohibited from loitering, talking to other prisoners, or going to any location except as directed by Jails staff.

(11) DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULATE NOTIFICATION

Under international treaty, the Jails are obligated to notify certain countries’ respective consulates of a foreign individual’s arrest and/or detainment. Other countries require notification only upon request of the arrested individual. Prisoners may make such a request on a “Prisoner Request Form.”

(12) IDENTIFICATION (ID) CARDS

(A)

Prisoners are required to carry their ID cards with them at all times.

(B)

If prisoners damage or deface the ID card, they may be disciplined and required to pay restitution.

(C)

Prisoners must notify their Housing Unit Officer if their ID card is damaged or lost.

(D)

Prisoners cannot order or receive commissary, attend recreation or visiting, or transfer or receive money if they do not have their ID card.

(E)

Prisoners are required to return their ID card to the Clothing Officer during the release process. Without this card, the release is subject to delay until their identity can be confirmed and their clothing located.

(13) MAIL AND PUBLICATIONS

(A)

Prisoners may send as many letters as they wish as long as they use pre-stamped envelopes from the commissary. Letters weighing more than seven ounces or mailed to another country require additional postage. Prisoners must have sufficient funds on their books to cover the extra cost.

(B)

All incoming and outgoing mail may be opened and inspected for contraband and may be read for security reasons. Mail is distributed Monday through Friday, except holidays. 
The Jail's mailing address is:

(Prisoner's Name and SO#) 
c/o Salt Lake County Metro Jail 
3415 S 900 W 
Salt Lake City, UT 84119

 

(C)

Letters from public officials, attorneys, or courts are considered privileged if the mail is marked "Privileged" or “Legal Mail” and the envelope displays an appropriate letterhead with the name the attorney or sender. Appropriately marked, privileged mail will only be opened and inspected for contraband in the presence of the prisoner to whom it is addressed.

(D)

Magazines and newspapers must be prepaid and received directly from the publisher. Bulk rate mail will be refused or discarded, except for religious material or paid subscriptions. Magazines or newspapers must be returned to a Housing Unit Officer in their entirety before receiving the next subscription issue. Certain materials are prohibited for security and other reasons. If any publications or letters are not delivered for these reasons, prisoners will receive notice of the disposition of the item.

(E)

Letters or publications containing contraband, escape plans, plans for criminal activity, obscene or sexually explicit material, encoded messages, or nudity will be refused or seized as evidence.

(F)

Prisoners who receive money orders and certified checks in the mail will have those funds receipted and added to their accounts. All payroll and personal checks will be placed in their personal property. Prisoners are not allowed to have cash in their possession while in Jail.

(G)

Mail sent to the Jails after a prisoner has been released will be returned to the sender. If there is not a return address, the mail will be sent to the U.S. Post Office for proper disposition. It is the prisoner’s responsibility to forward all publications prior to release from Jail. Any publication not forwarded by the prisoner will be discarded. The Jails will not forward any publication.

(14) TELEPHONE USE

(A)

Prisoners will normally have access to “collect call only” housing area phones from 0700 to 2130. Phone calls are limited to 15 minutes or 30 minutes if using a TDD machine. Prisoners cannot bill or transfer these calls to any third party. Any attempt to do so may result in termination of the call.

1. TDD Machines are available for the hearing impaired. Requests for access to the machine may be submitted to the Housing Unit Officer on a “Prisoner Request Form.”

2. If using a TDD machine, a list of the telephone numbers must be submitted with the request in order to activate the 30 minutes per call TDD system

(B)

The Jails will not place or accept any phone calls for prisoners.

(C)

Prisoners are encouraged to use collect call housing area telephones to contact attorney(s) and courts.

(15) COMMISSARY

(A)

Commissary order and delivery will be offered to all eligible prisoners at least once each week. A product list mutually agreed upon between the vendor and the Corrections Bureau Command will be provided to the prisoners on commissary order forms.

(B)

On scheduled days, Housing Unit Officers distribute blank commissary order forms to all prisoners who qualify. Completed forms, including the prisoner’s signature, are returned to the Housing Unit Officer and picked up by the Commissary Clerk for processing.

(C)

Upon delivery of these items, the prisoner will be required to sign the receipt indicating their agreement with the items received and current account balance. The vendor will handle grievances concerning commissary issues.

(D)

Prisoners will be provided basic hygiene, writing material, and postage items.

(16) VISITING

(A)

Prisoners are allowed one thirty minute visit on each assigned visiting day with a maximum of two visitors present. Visits are not allowed to be “split” or “shared.” The thirty minute time limit will be strictly enforced, to allow all prisoners the opportunity to receive visitors.

(B)

Violations of the Jails visiting rules or failure to comply with orders from Jails staff may result in restriction or loss of visiting privileges for prisoners and/or visitors.

(C)

All visitors sixteen and older must have a valid picture state ID or a current drivers license. A school ID is not considered a valid ID under this policy.

(D)

No person under the age of eighteen may visit unless accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Children under the age of twelve, who are not accompanied by an adult, are not allowed in the visiting waiting area.

(E)

Visits may be monitored at any time by Jails staff, except those involving privileged communications.

(F)

Prisoners are responsible for notifying visitors of changes in visiting days due to moves within the Jails.

(17) RECREATION

(A)

Prisoners will normally be provided with four weekly sixty-minute exercise periods in designated recreation areas.

(B)

Prisoners are also encouraged to exercise in their cell and day rooms. The use of any item other than Jails authorized exercise equipment is prohibited.

(C)

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, male prisoners will be allowed to remove their shirts while in the recreation yard. Prisoners will also be allowed to roll their pants up to the knees during recreation time.

(18) AVAILABILITY OF COPYING

(A)

Prisoners may have documents copied, and a designated fee will be deducted from their prisoner fund account.

(B)

A “Copy Request Form” must be filled out correctly and returned to the Housing Unit Officer with the documents to be copied

(C)

Some items will not be copied, including photographs, identification cards, personal letters, artwork, and any copyrighted items.

(D)

If sufficient funds are not available to pay for the copies requested, the documents will not be copied and will be returned.

(E)

After the verification and deduction of funds, the requested copies and original document(s) will be returned.

(19) GRAMA AND HIPAA REQUESTS

(A)

Prisoners may submit a GRAMA request on a “GRAMA Request Form” available through their Housing Unit Officer.

(B)

Prisoners may submit a HIPAA request for their medical and/or mental health records on a “HIPAA Request Form” available through any Health Services Staff member.

(C)

Copy fees:

• GRAMA and HIPAA related documents    - .50 cents per page

• Case Reports (minimum fee)     $5.00 per report

(D)

Fees will be collected in advance by the prisoner’s signature authorizing payment. If the prisoner does not have sufficient funds in their account, the request will be denied and returned to the prisoner.

(E)

Prisoners normally have the same right of records access as the public. The Jails may deny records access based on safety and security concerns. This includes, but is not limited to other prisoner’s information and mug shots. In such cases, the denial will include an explanation why access to the record is restricted.

(18) DNA COLLECTION

(A)

Utah law requires that prisoners who are sentenced to a felony, and prisoners who are sentenced for misdemeanor burglary and sex offenses involving children, must submit a DNA sample.

(B)

Normally this will only involve the taking of a saliva sample and fingerprints to identify the sample source. The Jails are specifically authorized by law to use force if necessary to collect a required sample. If force is necessary to obtain a sample, the Jails may choose to use a medical blood draw. When the law requires a prisoner to provide a sample while incarcerated, that sample will be obtained before a prisoner is released.

(C)

A collection/analysis fee will be assessed against prisoner fund accounts as permitted.

(21) TELEVISION PRIVILEGES

(A)

Watching television is a privilege. Access to a television, its location, and the stations and hours available are established by the Jails Administration and at the discretion of the Housing Unit Officer. T.V. privileges are contingent on Jail classification, good behavior, the cleanliness of housing area, and any other factors deemed appropriate by the Housing Unit Officer. Closed captioned television is available for the hearing impaired by submitting a “Prisoner Request Form” to the Housing Unit Officer.

(B)

Attempts to modify any part of a television, antenna, or position of the television may result in loss of television privileges and/or disciplinary action.

(22) PRISONER-WORKER PRIVILEGES

(A)

If prisoners have been fully sentenced, they may be considered for a prisoner worker position. This will be based on current classification level, the needs of the Jails, and the discretion of the Programs Unit. Prisoner worker status will be assigned as a privilege, not a right.

(B)

If enough sentenced prisoners are not available, volunteer unsentenced prisoners may be considered for a prisoner worker position. This will be based on current classification level, the needs of the Jails, and the discretion of the Programs Unit.

(A)

Prisoners may obtain many kinds of religious reading materials through the Jails Library. Specify the translation and/or version preferred.

(B)

Prisoners may talk to representatives of several religions who are authorized to visit inside the Jails. Other religious leaders may make arrangements to visit by contacting the Jails Administration.

(C)

Certain religious practices and activities are allowed in the Jails. Prisoners should request any special religious accommodation by submitting a “Prisoner Request Form.” Prisoner requests will be considered by the Jails Administration, who may inquire into the sincerity of the prisoner’s beliefs, the recommendations of the prisoner’s religious leader, and how the prisoner’s request may affect Jails operation and security.

(24) PRISONER REQUESTS

(A)

A prisoner inquiry for information about the Jails, release dates, notary services, and Jails services can be submitted on a “Prisoner Request Form.” This form can be obtained from your Housing Unit Officer. If additional space is needed, prisoners should write on the back of the form. Grievances will not be submitted on a request form.

(B)

Prisoner request forms are not to be used when a specific form exists, i.e., sick call, mental health, grievance, grievance appeals, discipline appeal, etc. Except in an emergency, all requests should be delivered to the Housing Unit Officer.

(25) GOOD TIME

(A)

Prisoners are eligible for Good Time (credit toward their sentence) if they follow Jail rules and their sentence permits Good Time.

(B)

At the discretion of the Jails, Good Time may be awarded for participation or completion/graduation of approved programs.

1. High school diploma / GED

2. Therapeutic Community (C.A.T.S.)

3. Other approved programs

(C)

If a prisoner has not received credit for completing a class, they should contact the Programs Clerk by “Prisoner Request Form.”

(D)

Additional Good Time will not be given for repeating the same program.

(E)

Good Time is not earned while the prisoner is on lock down status for a sustained Prisoner Disciplinary Board violation.

(F)

No combination of Good Time can exceed the statutory maximum (10 days for every 30 days sentenced).

(G)

Requests for Good Time calculations will not be honored until the prisoner is fully sentenced and their last sentence ends within 60 days.

(H)

Good time is credited as follows: 

(26) LIBRARY SERVICES

(A)

Library services are provided through the Salt Lake County Library system. Use of library materials is a privilege. Prisoners may lose this privilege, be disciplined, and/or charged criminally if they damage or destroy any library materials.

(B)

Library materials are checked out using prisoner name and S.O. number along with the unique bar code on each book. Prisoners are responsible for books checked out to them. When a book is returned without the library bar code, the damage will be documented and library service may be restricted.

(27) GRIEVANCES

(A)

Prisoners are allowed to file written grievances about conditions in the Jails. These must be made within 30 days on a “Prisoner Grievance Form” available from any Housing Unit Officer.

(B)

Each “Prisoner Grievance Form” must be limited to one topic. Using disrespectful language may result in disciplinary action and/or the grievance being returned unanswered.

(C)

Malicious or frivolous complaints may result in criminal, civil, and/or disciplinary action(s)

(D)

Prisoners will normally receive a written answer within ten days.

(E)

Prisoners may appeal a grievance decision with which they disagree to the appropriate Division Administrator. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of receipt of the grievance response on a “Prisoner Grievance Appeal Form” available from any Housing Unit Officer.

(F)

A Division Administrator may act to manage access to the grievance process for prisoners who repeatedly file malicious and/or frivolous grievances or appeals. This may be done by designating who may receive grievances, limiting the number of grievances that can be filed in a designated period, etc.

(G)

Matters not grievable under this procedure:

1. Matters over which the Jails have no control (outside agency actions such as library services, courts, enacted laws, etc.);

2. Disciplinary actions;

3. Housing assignments;

4. Grievances on behalf of another person or on non custodial matters;

5. Jails staff personnel issues.

(H)

A copy of the Prisoner Grievance Policy is posted in each housing unit.

(28) DISCIPLINARY ACTION

(A)

Violation of Jail rules may result in Jails disciplinary action such as restrictions, segregation, and/or loss of good time or prisoner worker status.

(B)

A Disciplinary Hearing Officer will give notice of all pending disciplinary hearings. When notified of a pending disciplinary hearing, a prisoner will be given 24 hours to prepare. Prisoners may waive the 24-hour period if preparation time is not requested. The Disciplinary Hearing Officer will give a brief explanation of the hearing procedure to the prisoner upon initial contact.

(C)

Pursuant to 17-22-28(2), UCA, “A jail may request restitution from a prisoner for damaging jail property as part of an administrative disciplinary hearing. To enforce this restitution, the Jails may withdraw money from or place a hold on a prisoner’s account.”

(D)

Ignorance of a rule is not a valid defense to a rule violation. It is the prisoner’s responsibility to know the rules and obey them. All questions regarding the rules should be directed to Housing Unit Officers.

(29) TRANSPORTATION AND COURT SERVICES

(A)

All rules and regulations in this Prisoner Handbook also apply to transportation vehicles, court facilities, and court holding areas.

(B)

The term “Jails staff” includes transportation officers, court officers, and court staff.

(C)

Prisoner ID cards are required to enter the Court Holding area.

(D)

Prisoner ID cards, court papers, and critical medications are the only items allowed to be taken to court.

(E)

When being escorted to or from a transportation vehicle, prisoners will walk in a single file line.

(F)

When being escorted in or around court buildings prisoners will walk in a single file line.

(G)

The rule of “no excessive noise” will be strictly enforced.

(H)

While in the courtroom prisoners will only speak to attorneys, court staff, judges, and officers.

(I)

While being housed in any court holding cell or room, prisoners will not:

1. use the toilets as a garbage receptacle;

2. stand on the chairs, benches, toilets, or sinks;

3. sit or stand on the divider walls;

4. write on, scratch, or mark up walls, doors, windows, or any surface of the court facility. Such action may result in criminal charges, disciplinary action, and/or restitution.

(J)

Prisoners will not open any windows or doors while in transport vehicles.

(K)

Damage or abuse to transportation vehicles, may result in criminal charges, disciplinary action, and/or restitution.

(L)

While in the transportation vehicles prisoners will remain seated at all times, until directed by an officer. Prisoners will not tamper with safety and/or security devices, including seat belts or shoulder harnesses.

(30) CLASSIFICATION

(A)

The Jails use Objective Jail Classification (OJC) to determine a prisoner’s classification level. The Classification Unit will be looking for behavior indicators such as:

1. current charges;

2. past convictions;

3. escape history;

4. past institutional behavior

5. felony convictions;

6. alcohol and drug use;

7. stability factors, including:

   • age;

   • employment; and/or

   • residence

(B)

Approximately sixty (60) days after an initial assessment, a prisoner will be reassessed. This process shifts the Jails’ emphasis from past behavior indicators to include current behavior. Current behavior will reflect on future incarcerations. Reassessments may or may not change classification level.

(C)

Prisoners will be scheduled for a reassessment approximately every sixty (60) days, unless triggered earlier by:

1. a sustained prisoner violation;

2. a major change in charges; and/or

3. prisoner behavior

(D)

Prisoner classification level determines the housing unit assignment, access to the day room, programs, and commissary.

(31) HEALTH INFORMATION

Health Care

The Jails have a full spectrum of care available to meet the serious medical needs of prisoners. If a prisoner has medical, mental health, or dental problems, they should fill out a sick call request and submit it to the triage nurse, who will come by the housing unit daily. Sick Call requests can be obtained from the Housing Unit Officer. If a prisoner has a medical emergency, notify the Housing Unit Officer immediately and Health Services staff will respond as quickly as possible.

Health Care Fees

The Jails utilize a health care co-pay system. Prisoners will not be charged for Jails mandated screening, such as mental health visits, emergency evaluations, infirmary care, daily treatments, pregnancy-related visits, or Jail ordered referrals or follow-up visits. Prisoners will be assessed a co-pay fee for the following prisoner initiated services:

• Doctor visits: $10.00

• Dental visits: $10.00

• Mid-level Provider visits: $10.00

• Triage Nurse visit: $5.00

• Prescription Medications: $3.00 (Per prescription for up to a 30-day supply)

• Transportation (3 hour minimum): $25.00/hr.

Prisoners will not be denied care based on their current inability to pay or because of owed co-pays. Indigent prisoners will be charged appropriate co-pays, which will be applied to the prisoner’s account. Fifty percent of new monies will be applied to payment of co-pays; the other 50% will remain available for purchases. If a prisoner believes a co-pay charge is not consistent with policy, it may be grieved using the regular prisoner grievance procedure.

Mandatory Screens

All prisoners entering the Jails are screened for certain diseases. Prisoners will be required to have a PPD skin test in the Processing area of the Jails. This test is used to determine if prisoners have ever been exposed to TB. It does not mean the prisoner has TB if positive. The test will be given in Processing and read within 72 hours by nursing staff. If positive, the prisoner may be moved to a segregation area until further tests are completed. While in segregation, the prisoner will be required to wear a mask while being transported, and the prisoner’s visits may be suspended until medically cleared.

Within 14 days of admission, prisoners will be given a comprehensive evaluation. This evaluation is mandatory and is used to set a baseline of health for prisoners and ensure that their serious medical needs are being met. The screenings are free.

Alcohol and Drug Withdrawal

Alcohol and certain types of drugs can cause serious problems when stopped suddenly. It is important that prisoners tell the nurse about legal and illegal drugs they have been using.

Dental

Dental care is available in the Jails. To obtain dental services, complete a sick call request form available from their Housing Unit Officers. Toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is given to each prisoner entering the Jails. We recommend that prisoners brush their teeth with toothpaste after each meal, and prior to going to sleep each night.

Eye Care

Routine eye exams, glasses, contacts, and contact lens solutions are not provided by the Jails. Prisoners may purchase eye care products from commissary.

Mental Health Care

If a prisoner feels they have the need to see a mental health professional, they should complete a sick call request that can be obtained from the Housing Unit Officer. There are many therapeutic programs in the Jails that prisoners may participate in if they meet the criteria. Prisoners should ask the Housing Unit Officer for specific details. If a prisoner has a mental health crisis, such as feelings of wanting to harm or kill themselves, they should let an officer know immediately so they can obtain mental health assistance.

Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance

The Jails comply with facility requirements for people with disabilities. TDD machines are available, as well as other necessary ADA accommodations. If a prisoner feels an ADA consideration is not being met, they should submit a sick call request obtained from the Housing Unit Officer.

Pregnancy

If a prisoner suspects she is pregnant, inform Health Services staff immediately. If testing reveals that the prisoner is pregnant, Health Services staff will establish a plan for prenatal care.

Self Care

There are a number of things that prisoners can do to maintain their health while in jail.

Good hand washing is the best defense against diseases. Personal hygiene, which includes brushing your teeth, showering, and exercising contributes to positive physical and mental health. We encourage prisoners to establish a daily personal routine. Dental hygiene goes a long way to prevent illness. Brush teeth at least twice daily. Shower frequently. Exercise improves the body’s immune system as well as improves the body’s mental state.

Abuse of Health Services

(A)

Prisoners’ medication must be taken as directed.

(B)

Prisoners may be disciplined if they sell, trade, hoard, give away, or abuse medication.

(C)

Prisoners may be disciplined if they abuse health services, such as making requests for medical or mental health services that are not needed, intentional self-injury, or self-abuse requiring medical attention.