RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

4.6.1 Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the selection, supervision, and utilization of detainees designated as trustees (workers) within the Randolph County Detention Center. This policy ensures that trustee assignments are administered safely, securely, and in compliance with applicable laws and detention standards, while preventing any misuse of authority or compromise of facility security.

4.6.2 Policy Statement

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center to strictly regulate the use of detainee trustees. Trustees shall not be placed in any position of authority, control, or supervision over other detainees, nor in any role that compromises the safety, security, or orderly operation of the facility.

4.6.3 Eligibility and Selection Criteria

1. The Administrator shall be responsible for the selection and approval of all detainee trustees.

2. Selection shall be based on:

2. • Nature of the criminal charge or detention status

2. • Behavior and disciplinary record while incarcerated

2. • Demonstrated reliability and ability to perform assigned tasks

2. • Approval of the courts, when applicable

3. Detainees are ineligible for trustee status if they:

3. • Have been charged with a Class A felony

3. • Have an active “hold” from another law enforcement agency

3. • Have been sentenced to the Department of Corrections

4. Detainees must be incarcerated for a minimum of fourteen (14) days prior to assignment unless otherwise approved by the Sheriff or Administrator.

4.6.4 Assignment and Housing

1. Trustee assignments shall be made solely by the Administrator or Sheriff.

2. A Shift Supervisor may remove a detainee from trustee status but shall not assign or reassign trustee status without approval from the Sheriff or Administrator.

3. Male trustees shall be housed in a designated housing area as determined by the Administrator.

4. Female trustees shall be housed in the female housing unit.

4.6.5 Work Assignments and Compensation

1. Trustees may be assigned duties related to the daily operation, sanitation, and maintenance of the detention center.

2. All work shall be performed without pay or other compensation unless otherwise authorized by law.

3. Trustees may be utilized for work:

3. • Within the detention facility

3. • For Randolph County governmental operations

3. • For municipalities within Randolph County

3. • For the State of Alabama

3. • For approved non-profit organizations

4. Trustees shall not be used to perform labor for:

4. • Private citizens

4. • County employees in a personal capacity

4. • Members of the Sheriff’s Office or detention staff for personal benefit

4. • Any work on private property, except under emergency conditions as outlined below

4.6.6 Security Restrictions

Trustees shall be strictly prohibited from:

1. Possessing or accessing any keys controlling internal or external locking devices

2. Possessing or accessing vehicle keys

3. Distributing medications to other detainees

4. Performing duties of a correctional officer or any role that provides authority over other detainees

5. Operating electronic security systems or controls

6. Exercising any supervision, control, or authority over other detainees

4.6.7 Supervision and Searches

1. Trustees shall be under direct supervision of detention staff at all times while performing assigned duties.

2. Trustees working outside the secure perimeter shall be searched thoroughly upon re-entry into the facility.

3. Searches shall be conducted in accordance with facility search procedures to prevent contraband introduction.

4.6.8 Female Trustee Guidelines

1. Female trustees shall be selected and assigned by the Administrator.

2. Female trustees shall not be assigned duties that could compromise:

2. • Their personal safety

2. • The integrity of detainee-to-detainee relationships

2. • The integrity of detainee-to-staff relationships

3. Interactions between male staff and female trustees shall remain strictly professional at all times.

4. Female trustees shall be searched by a female staff member prior to returning to the housing unit.

4.6.9 Emergency Operations Exception

1. In the event of an emergency (e.g., tornado, flood, or other natural disaster), the Administrator may authorize trustees to assist in emergency operations, including entry onto private property when necessary to protect life or property.

2. During such operations:

2. • Trustees shall remain under direct supervision of detention staff or a law enforcement officer

2. • Safety and security protocols shall remain in effect

4.6.10 Removal from Trustee Status

1. Trustee status is a privilege and may be revoked at any time.

2. Grounds for removal include, but are not limited to:

2. • Rule violations or disciplinary infractions

2. • Failure to perform assigned duties

2. • Security concerns

2. • Any behavior deemed inappropriate by staff

3. Removal may be initiated by a Shift Supervisor, with notification to the Administrator.

4.6.11 Compliance

All trustee program operations shall comply with applicable federal and state laws, including constitutional protections, and shall align with recognized correctional standards to ensure safety, fairness, and accountability.