Amador County Jail Comprehensive (2023-2024 inspection cycle)

Initial Inspection Report 2023-2024 Biennial Inspection Cycle Date of Exit Briefing: 11/20/2023 Inspection Type: Comprehensive County: Amador Facility Name(s): Amador County Jail BSCC #(s): 0320 BSCC Type: II Facility Representatives: Captain Stone, Lt. Davis, and Sgt. Place BSCC Field Representative: Dale Miller Corrective Action Plan Required? YES DATE CAP DUE TO BSCC: 12/20/2023 Current Items of Noncompliance Title 15. Section Description The facility administrator shall develop and implement policy and procedures for conducting safety checks that include, but are not limited to, the following: (c) Safety checks for people in sobering cells, safety cells, and restraints shall occur more frequently as § 1027.5 Safety Checks outlined in section 1055, section 1056, and section 1058 of these regulations. BSCC staff found that the checks of the Safety Cell do not meet section1055 requirements. (e) Documentation shall include: (1) the actual time at which each individual safety check occurred; (2) the location where each individual safety check occurred, such as a cell, module, or dormitory number; and § 1027.5 Safety Checks (3) Initials or employee identification number of staff who completed the safety check(s). BSCC staff found that although the safety checks were made in times required of the section, the specific documentation of times, location, and employee identification is not being recorded. (e) Direct visual observation shall be conducted at least twice every 30 minutes, with no more than a 15- § 1055. Use of Safety Cell minute lapse between safety checks. Such observation shall be documented. Amador County Initial Inspection Report Page 2 Title 15. Section Description BSCC staff found that checks of the safety cell met the requirement that observations shall be conducted at least twice every 30 minutes but did not meet the no more than 15-minute lapse between checks. Such charges pending against an incarcerated person shall be acted on with the following provisions and within specified timeframes: 4. A charge(s) shall be acted on no later than 72 hours § 1081. Plan for Inmate Discipline after an incarcerated person has been informed of the charge(s) in writing. BSCC staff found that documentation and hearings are not documented and taking place as specified in policy. All issued and exchanged clothing shall be clean and free of holes or tears, reasonably fitted, durable, easily laundered and repaired. Undergarments shall be clean, free of holes or tears, and substantially free of stains. Individuals shall be able to select the § 1260. Standard Institutional Clothing garment type more compatible with their gender identity and gender expression. BSCC staff inspected supplies of clothing and found that several garments were not serviceable. The standard issue of clean suitable bedding and linens, for each incarcerated person entering a living area who is expected to remain overnight, shall include, but not be limited to: (a) one serviceable mattress which meets the § 1270. Standard Bedding and Linen Issue requirements of Section 1272 of these regulations. BSCC staff checked mattresses and found several that were not serviceable. Title 24. Section Description BSCC rated capacity is 76, but the facility has been operating well over capacity for over a decade. On the date of the inspections, the facility had 87 in 1231.2.9 Dayrooms custody, 9% over the rated capacity. To accommodate the additional persons, some of the dayrooms contain triple bunks and sleeping boats that are in use.