RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

2.6.1 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish standardized procedures for the lawful, accurate, and secure release of detainees from the Randolph County Detention Center. This policy ensures proper verification of identity, legal authority, clearance of holds, documentation integrity, property accountability, and overall facility security.

2.6.2 Policy Statement

All detainees shall be released only upon verified legal authority and in strict accordance with established procedures. Release operations shall be conducted in a controlled and documented manner to prevent unauthorized release, ensure accountability, and maintain the integrity of custody records and jail operations.

2.6.3 Legal Authority for Release

A detainee may be released only upon receipt and verification of one or more of the following:

• Valid court order or judicial directive;

• Verified bond or bail posting;

• Completion of sentence (time served);

• Transfer to another law enforcement or correctional agency;

• Lawful dismissal or nolle prosequi;

• Other written authorization issued by a competent legal authority;

Verbal authorization shall not be accepted as legal authority for release.

2.6.4 Identity Verification

Prior to release, staff shall verify detainee identity using at minimum:

• Booking photograph comparison;

• Full name and date of birth;

• Booking number / detainee ID;

• Physical descriptors and record confirmation;

• Fingerprint verification when discrepancies exist;

Any inconsistency in identity shall immediately halt the release process pending supervisory review.

2.6.5 Clearance of Holds, Warrants, and Detainers

Prior to release, staff shall confirm the detainee has no active:

• Local, state, or out-of-county warrants;

• Detainers from other jurisdictions;

• Immigration holds;

• Probation or parole holds;

• Administrative or court-ordered restrictions;

All NCIC and applicable system checks shall be completed as the final verification step immediately prior to physical release.

If any active hold or warrant is discovered:

• Release shall be immediately stopped;

• The detainee shall remain in custody;

• The originating agency shall be notified per procedure;

2.6.6 Release Authorization Controls

Release shall not occur until:

• Legal authority is verified;

• Identity is confirmed;

• Holds are cleared;

• Required documentation is completed;

• Supervisory approval is obtained when required;

Supervisory approval is mandatory for:

• Time-served releases;

• Multiple charge cases;

• Discrepancies or system conflicts;

• Manual releases during system outages;

2.6.7 Release Processing Procedure (Mandatory Sequence)

All releases shall follow this required order:

1. Verification of legal authority;

2. Identity confirmation (dual verification when necessary);

3. Property inventory and processing;

4. Financial account reconciliation;

5. Supervisory review (if required);

6. Final NCIC/hold verification (final step prior to release);

7. Physical release through designated secure area;

Deviation from this sequence is prohibited.

2.6.8 Property Release Procedures

All detainee property shall be processed as follows:

• Property shall be inventoried and returned at release unless legally restricted;

• Any recipient other than the detainee must be properly authorized and verified;

• Medications shall be released per medical authorization and facility policy;

• Property release documentation shall be signed by detainee or authorized recipient and releasing officer;

2.6.9 Detainee Funds Disbursement

All detainee funds shall be reconciled and returned via:

• Check;

• Approved debit release system;

Documentation shall include:

• Total amount disbursed;

• Method of payment;

• Required signatures;

• Date and time of release;

2.6.10 Special Release Conditions

A. Intoxicated or Medically Impaired Detainees

If a detainee appears intoxicated, mentally impaired, or medically unstable:

• A supervisor shall be notified immediately;

• Medical evaluation shall be obtained if necessary;

• Release may be delayed or modified for safety;

Detainees arrested for DUI, Possession of Alcohol By Minor or Public Intoxication shall not be released until they are medically cleared and/or determined to have a BAC of 0.00 when applicable.

B. Safety and Protective Custody

Staff shall evaluate all safety risks prior to release. Release timing or procedures may be adjusted to ensure security and prevent harm.

C. Clothing Requirements

Detainees shall not be released in jail-issued clothing unless authorized. Civilian clothing should be provided when available.

2.6.11 Release Location and Security Requirements

All releases shall occur only at designated secure release points. Staff shall ensure:

• Controlled access to release areas;

• Continuous supervision during processing;

• Prevention of mistaken identity or unauthorized release;

• Compliance with all facility security procedures;

2.6.12 Documentation Requirements

Each release shall be fully documented, including:

• Date and time of release;

• Detainee name and ID number;

• Legal authority for release;

• Releasing officer name and signature;

• Supervisory approval (if applicable);

• Method of release;

• Property and financial reconciliation records;

2.6.13 Wrongful Release Prevention Protocol

To prevent unauthorized or erroneous release, the following safeguards are mandatory:

• Dual identity verification;

• Completion of standardized release checklist;

• Supervisory review when required;

• Cross-system verification of warrants and holds;

• Final NCIC/hold check as last step prior to release;

Immediate Stop Conditions:

• Name or identity discrepancies;

• Missing or incomplete documentation;

• Unverified court order or bond;

• System mismatches or conflicting records;

• Any uncertainty regarding custody status;

2.6.14 Incident Response: Unauthorized Release

If an unauthorized or wrongful release occurs:

• Notify supervisor immediately;

• Notify command staff;

• Enter subject into NCIC if applicable;

• Initiate recovery procedures;

• Complete incident report;

• Conduct administrative investigation and review;

2.6.15 Audit and Compliance

The facility shall conduct:

• Monthly random release file audits;

• Quarterly command-level compliance reviews;

• Documentation and procedural compliance inspections;

Findings shall be used for corrective action and training improvement.

2.6.16 Training Requirements

All personnel involved in release operations shall receive:

• Initial release procedure training;

• Annual refresher training;

• Scenario-based wrongful release prevention training;

• Written acknowledgment of policy understanding;

2.6.17 Disciplinary Action

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Any employee whose negligence or violation results in an unauthorized release shall be subject to termination and potential administrative or criminal review where applicable.

2.6.18 Required Forms

The following forms shall be used and maintained:

• Detainee Release Authorization Form;

• Property Receipt Form;

• Funds Disbursement Form;

• Release Log Entry Form;

2.6.19 Liability Statement

Noncompliance with this policy may result in:

• Civil liability (including wrongful release or unlawful detention claims);

• Criminal investigation where applicable;

• Administrative discipline and termination;

2.6.20 Command Emphasis

There is zero tolerance for procedural shortcuts in detainee release operations.

Every release shall be:

• Verified;

• Documented;

• Auditable;

• Legally defensible;

• Fully compliant with all applicable standards and law;