Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Department of Corrections

Friday, 22.11.2024

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High Command

J-01 B. CRIMS, WARDEN

Bolingbroke Deputy Warden, TBA

Purpose

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to provide guidelines and protocols for correctional officers to follow while performing their duties within a correctional facility. These procedures ensure the safety, security, and effective management of inmates, staff, and visitors while upholding the standards of the facility.

Scope

This SOP applies to all correctional officers working within Bolingbroke Penitentiary, including full-time, and temporary personnel. It covers all aspects of inmate management, facility security, emergency response, and interpersonal communication.

LIST OF CORRECTIONS 10 CODES:

10-1 = Poor reception
10-2 = Good reception
10-3 = Stop transmitting
10-4 = Message received, affirmative, OK
10-5 = Relay this information to (name of a person, officer, etc.)
10-6 = Officer is busy
10-7 = Out of service, unavailable
10-8 = In-service
10-9 = Please repeat (please repeat the message)
10-10 = Negative (no)

10-11 = Standby
10-12 = Civilians present and listening (this allows dispatch or other offices not to disclose sensitive information on the radio)

10-13 = Urgent matter

10-14 = Specify location/my location is (name of location)
10-15 = Place a phone call to (name of person)
10-16 = Disregard
10-17 = Stand by on this frequency (Also, 1023 stands for “on the scene” in some areas)
10-18 = Assignment completed
10-19 = Please report in person (meeting)
10-20 = Detaining suspect

10-21 = Unnecessary use of radio

10-22 = Crime or criminal act in progress
10-23 = Gun / firearm

10-24 = Major crime alert

10-25 = False alarm; premises were occupied
10-26 = False alarm, no activity, premises appear to be secure
10-27 = Begin watch
10-28 = End of watch.

10-29 = Information
10-30 = Permission to leave

10-31 = En route to an assignment

10-32 = Escort

10-33 = Squad in the vicinity, lock-out
10-34 = Personnel in area
10-35 = Reply to message
10-36 = Clear to copy info?

10-37 = Message for delivery
10-38 = Net message assignment
10-39 = Net message cancellation
10-40 = Person calling for help
10-41 = Dispatch message
10-42 = Confirms message received

10-43 = Gun involved

10-44 = Negative, no
10-45 = In contact with (name)
10-46 = Officer is en route / on the way
10-47 = Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), amount of time until
10-48 = Need assistance

10-49 = Delay due to (reason)
10-50 = on-duty

10-51 = Picking up a prisoner

10-52 = PRISONER patient, a person exhibiting crazy or psychotic behavior
10-53 = Check signal
10-54 = Prison break or jailbreak

10-55 = Dead body found
10-56 = What is your status?
10-57 = Secure
10-58 = Alarm
10-59 = Officer down

10-60 = Homicide

10-61 = Assault with intent to murder

A = Alpha (AL fah)
B = Bravo (BRAH VOH)
C = Charlie (CHAR lee)
D = Delta (DELL tah)
E = Echo (ECK oh)
F = Foxtrot (FOKS trot)
G = Golf (GOLF)
H = Hotel (hoh TELL)
I = India (IN dee ah)
J = Juliett (JEW lee ETT)
K = Kilo (KEY loh)
L = Lima (LEE mah)
M = Mike (MIKE)
N = November (no VEM ber)
O = Oscar (OSS cah)
P = Papa (pah PAH)
Q = Quebec (keh BECK)
R = Romeo (ROW me oh)
S = Sierra (see AIR rah)
T = Tango (TANG go)
U = Uniform (YOU nee form
V = Victor (VIK tah)
W = Whiskey (WISS key)
X = X-Ray (ECKS RAY)
Y = Yankee (YANG key)
Z = Zulu (ZOO loo)

Responsibilities

Correctional officers are responsible for maintaining order, security, and discipline within the facility. Their primary duties include, but are not limited to:

Monitoring and supervising inmates.
Enforcing facility rules and regulations.

Inmate Behavior and Conduct
Respect for Authority: Inmates are expected to comply with the instructions of correctional officers and other staff members.
Violence and Aggression: Physical violence, threats, and intimidation are prohibited. Fighting, assaulting staff or fellow inmates, and causing disturbances can result in disciplinary action.
Substance Abuse: The possession or use of drugs, alcohol, or other illegal substances is strictly prohibited. Random searches may be conducted.
Contraband: Inmates are prohibited from possessing contraband, which includes unauthorized items like weapons, drugs, tobacco, or cell phones.
Harassment and Abuse: Verbal, physical, or sexual harassment is prohibited. This includes harassment based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Visitation & Approved Visitors: Inmates are allowed to receive visits from family, friends, and approved individuals. Visitors are subject to background checks and may be required to register in advance.

Visitation and Rules: Visiting is set to 1 visit per hour for a duration of 15 minutes, unless it's a lawyer. Visitors may be searched before entering the facility, and physical contact is restricted.
Contraband During Visits: Visitors may not bring prohibited items into the facility, and failure to adhere to these rules may result in the termination of visitation privileges and incarceration of visitors by handcuffing and calling the police for appropriate processing to be issued.

Communication and Mail Correspondence: Inmates can only receive letters, but mail is often subject to inspection for contraband or inappropriate content.

Telephone Calls: Inmates may be allowed to make a phone call for 3 minutes, often on a phone given to qualified prisoners (at least 10 months served) issued by a Correctional Officer or above from the box office in the prison yard. Inmates can only receive 1 phone call per hour. Calls may be monitored or recorded.
Electronic Communication: Some facilities allow limited Video call access through secure platforms via Correctional Officers, but messages are typically not allowed.
Dress Code and Personal Appearance Uniforms: Inmates are usually required to wear standardized uniforms only, removing uniforms will result in a minimum of 30 months in solitary. Inmates must be searched entering and leaving ANY area of the compound.

Work and Educational Programs

Work Assignments: Inmates may be required to participate in work assignments, which can range from facility maintenance to working in kitchens, electrical, sweeping or manufacturing, etc..
Educational Opportunities: Many facilities offer educational programs such as television programs that teach not to return back to prison, inmates improve their skills and prepare for reintegration into society.
Participation: Participation in these programs is often encouraged and may be tied to parole eligibility or good behavior time off.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES FOR TIME OFF

Correctional Officer Given Tasks:

-Running Laps

5 Minutes per lap ran

i.e. 10 laps = 20 minutes

-Working out

-Push-ups

100 Push-Ups for 30 Minutes

-Sit-ups

1 set for 5 Minutes

-Playing Basketball

1 Game for 30 Minutes

-Yoga

1 Session for 25 Minutes

-Uno

Beat a C.O. for 25 Minutes

-Watching TV

15 Minutes of watch time for 25 Minutes

Health and Safety

Medical Care: Inmates are entitled to medical care, including mental health services, but the quality and availability of care may vary.
Emergency Procedures: Correctional facilities have protocols for handling medical emergencies such as take inmate to the infirmary, or call EMS.

Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions

Minor Infractions: Minor infractions may result in warnings, loss of privileges (e.g., visitation, phone use, lockdown in cell), or confinement to a solitary cell.
Major Infractions: Serious violations such as assault, escape attempts, or involvement in criminal activity within the facility can lead to harsher penalties, including longer sentences.
Due Process: Inmates are generally entitled to a disciplinary hearing before penalties are imposed, where they can present their side of the story (call a lawyer and arrange a visit to the prison) unless a lawyer is not available within 1 phone call attempt.

Bolingbroke Penitentiary Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

Introduction

This SOP outlines the procedures and protocols for the operation of Bolingbroke Penitentiary, focusing on inmate management, disciplinary actions, and CO conduct. These guidelines ensure a safe and orderly environment for both inmates and staff.

Inmate Disciplinary Actions

2.1. Disciplinary Time for Violations

Assaulting Another Inmate:

Penalty: 5 months in solitary confinement.

Assaulting a Correctional Officer (CO):

Penalty: 10 months in solitary confinement.

Killing Another Inmate:

Penalty: 15 months in solitary confinement.

Killing a CO:

Penalty: 20 months in solitary confinement.

2.2. Reduction of Sentence

Participation in Activities:

Sports, Uno Games, and Working Out: 25 months reduction from sentence.

TV Time:

Reduction: 15 months off for every 5 minutes of participation.

Facility Operations

3.1. Weapons and Equipment

Authorized Weapons for COs:

Tasers

Batons

Beanbag Shotguns

Lethal Weapons:

Authorized only if there are intruders outside the exterior gate or if COs’ lives are threatened.

3.2. Contraband Management

Inmate Access to Contraband:

Inmates may obtain contraband such as radios, phones, and food from COs.

Fines: All transactions involving contraband will incur fines that contribute to PD funds.

Inmate Interaction and Management

4.1. Searches and Monitoring

Searches: Conduct routine and random searches of inmates and their cells to prevent the possession of unauthorized items.

Monitoring: Continuously monitor inmate behavior to prevent and address any violations promptly.

4.2. Emergency Protocols

Incident Response:

Fights, Escapes, and Medical Emergencies: Respond immediately and escalate according to the facility's chain of command.

Use of Force:

Use the minimum amount of force necessary to maintain order. Utilize non-lethal methods whenever possible.

Shift Procedures

Shift Changes:

Ensure a thorough handover of all ongoing situations, incidents, and critical information during shift changes.

Documentation:

Maintain accurate and detailed logs of all incidents, disciplinary actions, and inmate interactions.

Training and Conduct

Ongoing Training:

Participate in regular training sessions to stay updated on facility protocols, safety procedures, and new regulations.

Professional Conduct:

Maintain a high standard of professionalism at all times. Address all inmates respectfully and fairly.

Communication

Radio Use:

Use the radio system for clear and concise communication. Avoid using radio channels for personal conversations.

Reporting:

Report all unusual or suspicious activities to superiors immediately. Document these reports thoroughly.

Policy Violations and Discipline

Protocol for Violations:

Follow established procedures for addressing and documenting policy violations. Ensure all disciplinary actions are fair and consistent.

Appeals:

Inmates may appeal disciplinary actions according to facility procedures. Review appeals impartially and in accordance with SOP guidelines.

Conclusion

Adherence to these SOPs is crucial for maintaining order, safety, and fairness within Bolingbroke Penitentiary. All staff members and inmates are expected to comply with these standards to ensure a well-functioning correctional facility.

Security Measures

Searches: Routine and random searches are conducted on inmates, their cells, and personal property to prevent the introduction of contraband or dangerous items.
Monitoring: Security staff are used to monitor inmate behavior and ensure the safety of all individuals within the facility.
Movement: Inmates are typically restricted in their movement, with different areas of the facility designated for specific activities (e.g., dining, recreation, work).

Gang Activity and Organizational Control

Gang Associations: Gangs must be grouped with their own affiliations upon arrival to prevent uncontrollable violence to one or more opposing gang members in certain areas of the compound (IE. the yard, chow hall, and the day room).
Control and Security Threats: Facilities will have measures in place to control inmate groups or individuals who pose a high security risk (solitary, and lockdown in cells).

Rehabilitation and Re-entry

Reentry Programs: Some facilities provide programs designed to help inmates transition back into society, including job training, counseling, and life skills. I.E.: C. O. can call a business and ask if they want to speak with an inmate about what their job has to offer to maybe interest them in a job upon release.

Key Components of a Corrections Counseling Program:

Assessment and Evaluation:

The program often starts with an assessment of the individual’s needs, including psychological evaluations, substance abuse screening, and assessments of criminal behavior. This helps to create a tailored treatment plan.

Therapeutic Counseling:

Counseling may include one-on-one therapy. These sessions often address emotional issues, trauma, and past experiences that may have contributed to criminal behavior.

These rules and regulations aim to maintain order and security while providing inmates with opportunities for rehabilitation. Violating the rules can lead to penalties, including loss of privileges or harsher security measures.)

-Responding to emergencies and disturbances.

-Conducting searches (inmates, cells, and common areas).

-Ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards.

General Conduct

Professionalism: Officers are expected to display professionalism, integrity, and respect in all interactions with inmates, fellow officers, and visitors.
Communication: Clear and concise communication is essential in maintaining order. Officers should always use proper radio etiquette, and verbal communication.
Ethics: Officers must avoid any actions that could compromise their integrity or that of the facility, including bribery, corruption, and inappropriate relationships with inmates.

Security Procedures

Inmate Supervision: Correctional officers must remain alert and vigilant while supervising inmates. This includes monitoring behavior during work assignments, recreational time, and meal periods.
Cell Inspections: Officers are responsible for conducting routine cell inspections to ensure compliance with facility rules, including no contraband or unauthorized items.
Contraband Search: Periodically, officers should conduct searches for contraband within the facility, including the following:
- Inmate Pat-downs: At intake, transfers, and before and after visitation.
- Facility Searches: Routine searches of cells, common areas, and staff areas.
- Visitor Screening: Ensure all visitors are screened for contraband, weapons, and illegal items before entering the facility.

Emergency Procedures

Disturbance Response: In the event of a disturbance, officers should:
- Remain calm and assess the situation.
- Call for backup immediately and use non-lethal methods to subdue the situation.
- If necessary, activate the facility’s emergency alarm system.
- Evacuate inmates and other officers from danger zones if required.
Use of Force: Officers may use force only when absolutely necessary, and only in accordance with facility policy and state laws(NON-LETHAL) unles rank allows for lethal but must only be used to prevent escape, and/or harm to one or more people who are working at the facilty . The use of force should always be proportional to the situation.
Medical Emergencies: If an inmate is injured or has a medical emergency, officers must:
- Immediately notify medical staff.
- Secure the scene to prevent further injury.

Inmate Management

Inmate Discipline: Officers must enforce facility rules and discipline inmates in accordance with the established disciplinary system. Sanctions for misconduct may include counseling, loss of privileges, and placement in segregation (Solitary).
Inmate Grievances: Officers should listen to inmate grievances and forward them to the appropriate department or supervisor for resolution. Officers should not take grievances personally but should follow protocol to address inmate concerns. (Acknowledge the Inmate's Concern
Listen Actively: When an inmate expresses a concern or grievance, correctional officers should listen respectfully and calmly. Acknowledge the inmate’s feelings to ensure they feel heard.
Clarify the Issue: If the issue is unclear, the officer should ask the inmate to provide further details so the concern can be properly addressed.
Determine the Type of Grievance
- Informal vs. Formal Grievance: Identify whether the issue can be resolved informally through a conversation or if it requires a formal grievance process.
- Informal Resolution: For minor issues, officers might be able to resolve the situation immediately, such as addressing a simple misunderstanding or facilitating a request for personal property.
- Formal Grievance: If the matter is serious, involves violations of rights, or is beyond the officer's scope to resolve, it should be elevated to a formal grievance.
- Inmate Programs: Officers are responsible for ensuring inmates attend scheduled programs, such as work assignments, educational classes, and counseling sessions.)

Shift Procedures

Pre-Shift Briefing: Officers must receive updates on any incidents, policy changes, and important facility information.
It is crucial to ensure that all areas are properly staffed at all times.

Officer Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Officers should always wear appropriate PPE, including handcuffs, radios, non-lethal items only, body armor (if applicable), and any other equipment(Pepper Spray, IFAKS, Heavy Armor, NightStick, Handcuffs) ONLY Unless you working roof duty as determined by facility policy.
Workplace Safety: Officers must remain aware of potential hazards, including inmate violence, contraband, and environmental risks.
Situational Awareness: Officers should be trained in maintaining situational awareness, recognizing the early signs of potential conflict, and preventing escalation whenever possible.

IF YOU WERE LIEUTENANT OR ABOVE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND GET TERMINATED OR SUSPENDED, YOU WILL RECEIVE A DEFERRAL DOCUMENT TO REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FOR POSSIBLE EMPLOYMENT AT THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT OR CAPTAIN.

NEW HIRE:

40: Bolingbroke Correctional Officer:

Limited Patrol Areas:

Bolingbroke Correctional Officers are restricted to patrolling only specific areas: the concrete pavement, corners of the cafeteria or serving food there, and the corners of the floor area in the day room.
Officers are also allowed to patrol the catwalks of the day room ONLY.

Non-lethal Equipment:

Officers are permitted to use only non-lethal items for enforcement and control during their patrols.
The restriction to non-lethal force means no firearms or other potentially deadly weapons can be used in these areas.

Safety and Security:

These guidelines are likely in place to maintain control while minimizing risks to both inmates and staff.
The patrol limits are designed to ensure security while balancing the need for officer mobility with the necessity of reducing potential conflict.

Restricted Movement:

Officers cannot move freely beyond their designated patrol areas, which could limit their ability to respond quickly to incidents outside the confined zones.

Operational Constraints:

The restriction to specific patrol zones and equipment may impact response times and tactical flexibility in certain situations.

Purpose of Restrictions:

These measures are part of the policy designed to reduce inmate confrontation or maintain better control over a high-risk environment.

Impact on Officer Surveillance:

The limitation on areas for patrol is necessary for officer ranks, focusing surveillance efforts on key locations only.

41: Bolingbroke Correctional Sergeant:

Limited Patrol Areas:

Bolingbroke Correctional Sergeants are restricted to patrolling all floor level areas: the concrete pavement within prison walls(do not pass cafeteria doors unless escorting prisoners to visitation), entire cafeteria or serving food.
Sergeants are also allowed to patrol the catwalks of the day room, entire day room floor, visitation rooms, and speak with inmates in solitary.

Non-lethal Equipment:

Sergeants are permitted to use only non-lethal items for enforcement and control during their patrols.
The restriction to non-lethal force means no firearms or other potentially deadly weapons can be used in these areas.

Safety and Security:

These guidelines are likely in place to maintain control while minimizing risks to both inmates and staff.
The patrol limits are designed to ensure security while balancing the need for officer mobility with the necessity of reducing potential conflict.

Restricted Movement:

Sergeants cannot move freely beyond their designated patrol areas, which could limit their ability to respond quickly to incidents outside the confined zones.

Operational Constraints:

The restriction to specific patrol zones and equipment may impact response times and tactical flexibility in certain situations.

Purpose of Restrictions:

These measures are part of the policy designed to reduce inmate confrontation or maintain better control over a high-risk environment.

Impact on Sergeant Surveillance:

The limitation on areas for patrol could reduce the ability to observe and monitor the entire floor of the facility, focusing surveillance efforts on key locations only.

42: Bolingbroke Correctional Lieutenant:

Limited Patrol Areas:

Bolingbroke Correctional Lieutenants are restricted to patrolling all Roofs and the catwalks of the yard only.

Non-lethal Equipment:

Lieutenants are permitted to use only non-lethal items for enforcement and control during their patrols(except for the HK MP5 and 1of1 ONLY).
The restriction to non-lethal force means no firearms (except for the HK MP5 and 1of1 ONLY) or other potentially deadly weapons can be used in these areas.

Safety and Security:

These guidelines are likely in place to maintain control while minimizing risks to both inmates and staff.
The patrol limits are designed to ensure security while balancing the need for officer mobility with the necessity of reducing potential conflict.

Restricted Movement:

Lieutenants cannot move freely beyond their designated patrol areas, which could limit their ability to respond quickly to incidents outside the confined zones.

Operational Constraints:

The restriction to specific patrol zones and equipment may impact response times and tactical flexibility in certain situations.

Purpose of Restrictions:

These measures are part of the policy designed to reduce inmate confrontation or maintain better control over a high-risk environment.

Impact on Lieutenants Surveillance:

The limitation on areas for patrol could reduce the ability to observe and monitor the entire floor of the facility, focusing surveillance efforts on key locations only.

43: Bolingbroke Correctional Captain:

Limited Patrol Areas:

Bolingbroke Correctional Captains are restricted to patrolling concrete pavement outside of the prison yard, and towers only(pictures below)!

Non-lethal Equipment:

Captains are permitted to use non-lethal items only (except for the HK MP5) for enforcement and control during their patrols.
The restriction to non-lethal force means no firearms (except for the HK MP5, Heavy Sniper, and 1of1.) or other potentially deadly weapons can be used in these areas.

44: Bolingbroke Deputy Warden:

Limited Patrol Areas:

Bolingbroke Correctional Deputy Warden are restricted to patrolling all Roofs and the catwalks of the yard, concrete pavement outside of the prison yard, and towers only(pictures below)!

Non-lethal Equipment:

Captains are permitted to use non-lethal items only (except for the HK MP5) for enforcement and control during their patrols.
The restriction to non-lethal force means no firearms (except for the HK MP5, Heavy Sniper, Beanbag Shotgun, and 1of1.) or other potentially deadly weapons can be used in these areas. Certain Weapons are at the discretion of the Warden.