RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

2.1.1 Purpose

To establish standardized procedures for the lawful admission, intake processing, classification, and housing assignment of all detainees received into the Randolph County Detention Center in compliance with the Code of Alabama (1975), the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), and accepted correctional best practices.

This policy ensures:

• Safe and secure housing assignments

• Proper identification and documentation

• Accurate and complete recordkeeping

• Protection of detainee constitutional rights

• Compliance with PREA standards

• Safety of staff, detainees, and the public

2.1.2 Policy Statement

All individuals admitted into the Randolph County Detention Center shall be processed in a consistent, secure, and systematic manner.

The intake and classification process shall ensure:

• Prevention of contraband introduction

• Positive identification and verification of legal authority

• Objective classification based on risk and need

• Appropriate medical and mental health screening

• Compliance with PREA vulnerability and abusiveness assessments

Classification decisions shall be based on objective criteria including:

• Security risk level

• Criminal history

• Behavioral factors

• Medical and mental health status

• PREA vulnerability or predatory risk

2.1.3 Admission Criteria

No detainee shall be accepted into the facility without proper legal authority, including:

• Arrest by a sworn law enforcement officer

• Valid warrant or court order

• Judicial commitment order

• Transfer from another law enforcement or correctional agency

All admissions shall be verified by intake staff prior to acceptance into custody.

2.1.4 Responsibilities

Booking Officer

• Conduct intake processing, identification, fingerprinting, and documentation

• Perform initial screening and classification

• Conduct body scanner screening

• Complete PREA screening and intake records

Shift Supervisor

• Ensure compliance with intake procedures

• Review refusals, delays, or irregular circumstances

• Approve acceptance, delay, or refusal of custody

Medical Staff

• Conduct medical and mental health screening

• Determine fitness for confinement

• Identify emergent medical or psychiatric conditions

2.1.5 Intake & Processing Procedures

All detainees shall undergo intake procedures unless exigent circumstances require deviation. Any deviation shall be documented and approved by a supervisor.

2.1.5.1 Intake and Pre-Admission Screening

• Verify identity of transporting officer and agency

• Confirm legal authority for detention

• Complete Pre-Admission Screening in jail management system

• No detainee shall be accepted without valid legal documentation

2.1.5.2 Medical and Mental Health Screening

Screen for:

• Injury or illness

• Intoxication or withdrawal

• Suicide risk or mental health concerns

• Chronic medical conditions

2.1.5.3 Mandatory Medical Referral Criteria

Booking shall be delayed or refused if detainee presents with:

• Unconsciousness or altered mental status

• Active bleeding or serious injury

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Suspected overdose or severe intoxication (Greater Than .25 BAC)

• Seizures or neurological impairment

• Imminent self-harm indicators

• Serious trauma (including vehicle crashes)

Required actions:

• Notify supervisor

• Contact EMS when necessary

• Refer to appropriate medical facility

• Transporting agency retains custody until medical clearance

2.1.5.4 Legal Standard – Duty of Care

This facility operates under constitutional standards established in:

• Estelle v. Gamble

• Farmer v. Brennan

Failure to provide adequate care may constitute deliberate indifference and result in civil liability.

2.1.5.5 Custody Acceptance and Refusal

The facility may delay or refuse custody when:

• Legal documentation is incomplete

• Medical emergency exists

• Safety risks cannot be reasonably mitigated

All refusals or delays shall be:

• Documented in the jail management system

• Reviewed by a supervisor

2.1.5.6 Intake Decision Framework

ACCEPT

• Valid legal authority

• Medically stable

• Behavior manageable

DELAY / REFER

• Medical evaluation required

• Intoxication prevents safe processing

• Incomplete documentation

REFUSE

• No legal authority

• Medical emergency requiring outside treatment

• Unsafe for facility intake

2.1.5.7 Body Scanner Screening

All detainees shall be scanned prior to further processing.

• Radiation exposure is minimal and within accepted safety standards

• Officers shall ensure proper positioning and review scan results

• Suspected contraband shall result in secondary search and supervisor notification

2.1.5.8 Fingerprinting and Identification

• Obtain fingerprints via Live Scan

• Verify identity through NCIC/ACIC

• Assign detainee identification number

2.1.5.9 Booking and Administrative Processing

Enter and document:

• Biographical information and aliases

• Charges and arresting agency

• Scars, marks, and tattoos

• Fingerprint and ID numbers

• Next of kin and bond information

Complete:

• Booking photograph

• Property inventory

• Medical screening documentation

2.1.5.10 RFID Tracking

• Assign RFID wristband

• Activate tracking system

• Monitor detainee movement within facility

2.1.5.11 Property and Dress-Out

• Remove and inventory personal property

• Confiscate unauthorized items

• Issue facility clothing and hygiene supplies

• Deposit funds into commissary account with receipt

2.1.5.12 DNA Collection (If Applicable)

• Verify requirement through applicable database

• Collect sample using PPE and proper chain-of-custody procedures

• Document collection and submission

2.1.6 Classification System

Classification shall be objective and based on:

• Current charges

• Criminal history

• Institutional behavior

• Violence or escape risk

• Medical and mental health needs

• PREA risk assessment

Classification levels:

• Minimum Security

• Maximum Security

• Special Management / Protective Custody

2.1.7 PREA Screening

All detainees shall be screened for:

• Risk of victimization

• Risk of sexual abusiveness

Results shall inform:

• Housing assignments

• Separation requirements

• Protective custody decisions

2.1.8 Housing Assignment

Housing shall ensure:

• Separation of incompatible detainees

• Protection of vulnerable detainees

• Prevention of predatory behavior

• Institutional safety and security

Housing may be modified based on:

• Behavior

• Intelligence information

• Operational necessity

2.1.9 Reclassification

Reclassification shall occur when:

• Behavioral changes occur

• Disciplinary action is taken

• New charges are received

• Security concerns arise

All changes require supervisory approval and documentation.

2.1.10 Placement & Lockdown Procedures

• Escort detainee to assigned housing

• Ensure proper separation by classification and risk

• Document placement in jail management system

2.1.11 Use of Force

Only the minimum force necessary shall be used. All uses of force shall be documented in accordance with agency policy.

2.1.12 Non-Compliance

All refusals or non-compliance shall be documented and reported to a supervisor immediately.

2.1.13 Documentation Requirements

Maintain complete records including:

• Intake and booking forms

• Medical and mental health screenings

• Classification records

• Property inventories

• Housing assignments

2.1.14 Supervisory Review

All intake records shall be reviewed for:

• Accuracy

• Completeness

• Policy compliance

2.1.15 Record Retention 

Records shall be maintained in accordance with:

• Code of Alabama (1975)

• Agency records retention schedules

2.1.16 Complaince & Accountability

Failure to comply may result in:

• Disciplinary action

• Administrative review

• Civil liability

• Constitutional violations

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring compliance.

2.1.17 Public Information & Website Display of Booking Information

2.1.17.1 Policy Statement

It is the policy of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office that booking photographs, criminal charges, and bond information for all detainees processed into the Randolph County Detention Center shall be publicly displayed on the Sheriff’s Office official website, unless restricted in accordance with this policy.

2.1.17.2 Automatic Publication

All detainees booked into the facility shall have their:

• Booking photograph

• Charges

• Bond information

• Booking data

Automatically posted to the Sheriff’s Office website upon intake processing.

2.1.17.3 Restricted Display Exceptions

Detainee information may be withheld or restricted only under limited circumstances, including:

1. Facility security concerns

2. Integrity of an active investigation

3. Direct request from local, state, or federal law enforcement agency

4. Compliance with state or federal law requiring nondisclosure

2.1.17.4 Authorization for Restriction

Restriction or suppression of detainee information may only be approved by:

• Sheriff

• Chief Deputy

• Chief Jail Administrator (or designee authorized by the Sheriff)

Only designated personnel approved by the Sheriff may implement or apply restrictions.

2.1.17.5 Unauthorized Restriction Prohibited

No employee shall:

• Intentionally suppress or alter detainee booking information for the purpose of preventing public display

• Restrict publication without proper authorization

• Circumvent approved procedures for website publication

2.1.17.6 Accountability

Improper restriction or unauthorized withholding of booking information may result in:

• Disciplinary action

• Administrative investigation

• Possible criminal or civil liability