Protecting ourselves in the aftermath of recent events

Recently there have been several incidents of in-custody deaths within our facilities. As is often the case when there are high profile events, such as an in-custody death, there is a need for our agency to look inward at our policies and practices to ensure we are doing what is required to provide for the safety and security of our facilities and the people we are charged with supervising in custody. This inward look can, and often does involve a review of available video before, during and after the incident(s).

The e-board would like to take just a moment to remind all of us the best way to protect ourselves from administrative, criminal, and financial liability is to ensure we are following agency policy and procedures.

Completing required tasks, as well as properly documenting the completion of them is key in protecting us from liability and potentially even discipline.  If you need help – ask for it. We are all here to help and look out for each other.   If, however, you are not able to  complete a required task, informing a supervisor and documenting the reason it could not be completed helps protect us as well.