RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

4.3.1 Purpose

To establish standardized procedures for detainee discipline that ensure the fair, impartial, and consistent enforcement of facility rules while safeguarding detainees’ constitutional rights and maintaining the safety, security, and orderly operation of the Randolph County Detention Center.

4.3.2 Policy

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center that:

1. Detainee discipline shall be administered in a fair, impartial, and consistent manner in accordance with:

1. • The U.S. Constitution

1. • Applicable laws of the State of Alabama

1. • Relevant case law

2. Disciplinary actions shall:

2. • Protect detainees from cruel and unusual punishment

2. • Ensure due process rights

2. • Be proportionate to the violation committed

2. • Promote institutional order, safety, and accountability

3. No detainee shall be subjected to punishment by another detainee.

4. All disciplinary actions shall be documented, reviewable, and subject to administrative oversight.

4.3.3 Definitions

• Minor Infraction: A rule violation that does not pose a significant threat to safety, security, or order.

• Major Infraction: A serious violation that threatens safety, security, or orderly operation.

• Disciplinary Detention: Separation from general population as a sanction following a disciplinary hearing.

• Administrative Segregation: Non-punitive separation for safety or security reasons.

• Rule Violation Report (RVR): Formal written documentation of an alleged rule violation.

4.3.4 General Disciplinary Procedures

4.3.4.1 Reporting Violations

1. Any staff member who observes or has reasonable belief that a detainee committed a violation shall:

1. • Prepare a Rule Violation Report (RVR) before the end of the shift

1. • Submit the report to the Shift Supervisor

2. The Shift Supervisor shall:

2. • Review the report for completeness and accuracy

2. • Forward it to the Chief Jail Administrator (or designee)

4.3.4.2 Initial Action

1. A detainee may be placed in temporary disciplinary detention or administrative segregation prior to a hearing if:

1. • The detainee poses a threat to safety or security, or

1. • There is risk of disruption or interference with the investigation

2. Such placement shall:

2. • Be reviewed within 72 hours

2. • Not be punitive prior to a finding of guilt

4.3.4.3 Investigation

1. An investigation shall begin within 72 hours of the reported violation, absent extraordinary circumstances.

2. Investigations shall include:

2. • Staff reports

2. • Witness statements

2. • Available video or physical evidence

3. All findings shall be documented.

4.3.5 Prohibited Disciplinary Practices

1. Detainees shall not be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment, including:

1. • Excessive or unauthorized use of force

1. • Deprivation of basic human needs (food, water, clothing, shelter, sanitation)

1. • Denial of access to courts or legal counsel

1. • Denial of medical or mental health care

2. The following are strictly prohibited:

2. • Removal of light, ventilation, or heat

2. • Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions

2. • Physical abuse

2. • Verbal abuse or harassment

2. • Humiliation or degradation

4.3.6 Minor Infractions (Informal Resolution)

1. Minor violations may be handled informally with approval of the Shift Supervisor.

2. Informal sanctions may include:

2. • Verbal warning

2. • Loss of privileges (short-term)

2. • Counseling or corrective instruction

3. Staff shall:

3. • Document the incident and action taken

   • Submit documentation to the Shift Supervisor for review and filing

4.3.7 Major Infractions (Formal Discipline)

4.3.7.1 Initiation

1. Major violations shall require:

1. • A formal Rule Violation Report

1. • Review by the Shift Supervisor

1. • Referral to the Chief Jail Administrator

4.3.7.2 Disciplinary Committee

1. The Chief Jail Administrator shall appoint a minimum two-person disciplinary committee.

2. Committee members:

2. • Shall be impartial

2. • Shall not have been involved in the incident

4.3.8 Disciplinary Hearing Procedures

4.3.8.1 Notice

1. The detainee shall receive written notice of charges at least 24 hours prior to the hearing.

4.3.8.2 Rights of the Detainee

The detainee shall have the right to:

1. Be present at the hearing unless disruptive

2. Make a statement or remain silent

3. Present relevant evidence when not hazardous to security

4. Receive a written statement of:

4. • Evidence relied upon

4. • Reasons for the decision

Limitations:

• No right to legal counsel unless criminal prosecution is pending

• No right to cross-examine witnesses

4.3.8.3 Hearing Process

1. The committee shall:

1. • Conduct a fair and impartial hearing

1. • Consider all relevant evidence

1. • Base decisions on substantial evidence

2. The committee may deliberate outside the presence of the detainee.

4.3.8.4 Findings and Recommendations

1. The committee shall provide a written report including:

1. • Summary of evidence

1. • Findings of fact

1. • Determination of guilt or innocence

1. • Recommended sanctions

2. Sanctions must be proportionate and consistent with policy.

4.3.9 Disciplinary Sanctions

Sanctions may include:

• Verbal or written reprimand

• Loss of privileges

• Restitution (if applicable)

• Disciplinary detention

• Program restrictions

4.3.10 Disciplinary Detention

4.3.10.1 Housing

1. Detainees assigned to disciplinary detention shall be housed in single cells unless otherwise approved.

4.3.10.2 Conditions

1. Detainees shall retain:

1. • Access to basic necessities

1. • Medical and mental health care

1. • Legal access

4.3.10.3 Monitoring and Review

1. Staff shall conduct and document regular visual checks.

2. The Chief Jail Administrator shall review each detainee in disciplinary detention every 5 days.

3. Documentation shall include:

3. • Date of placement

3. • Review dates

3. • Staff observations

3. • Unusual incidents

4.3.11 Criminal Violations

1. When a detainee commits an act violating criminal law:

1. • The case shall be referred to the District Attorney

1. • Evidence shall be preserved

2. Administrative discipline may proceed independently.

4.3.12 Appeals Process

1. The detainee may appeal within 48 hours of receiving the decision.

2. The Chief Jail Administrator shall review and issue a final decision.

4.3.13 Records and Documentation

1. A permanent record shall be maintained including:

1. • Rule Violation Reports

1. • Hearing documentation

1. • Findings and sanctions

1. • Appeals

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2. Records shall be maintained in the detainee’s file and available for review.

4.3.14 Administrative Oversight

The Chief Jail Administrator shall:

1. Ensure compliance with constitutional requirements and Alabama law

2. Monitor disciplinary trends for fairness and consistency

3. Take corrective action when necessary