RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

5.6.1 Purpose

To establish constitutionally sound and operationally necessary guidelines for the authorized carry, control, and use of concealable folding knives by detention personnel, while minimizing risk, ensuring institutional safety, and maintaining compliance with applicable state standards and federal law.

5.6.2 Policy

The Randolph County Detention Center permits the limited and controlled carry of concealable folding knives by authorized personnel when a legitimate operational need exists.

This authorization is strictly regulated and subject to supervisory oversight and compliance with:

• Alabama Minimum Jail Standards

• Agency Use of Force Policy

• Applicable federal constitutional standards

Improper use, negligent handling, or unauthorized possession is strictly prohibited.

5.6.3 LEGAL AUTHORITY AND STANDARDS

All actions taken under this policy shall comply with established legal principles, including:

• Objective Reasonableness Standard under Graham v. Connor

• Deliberate Indifference Standard under Farmer v. Brennan

• Duty to protect detainees from harm and prevent introduction of dangerous contraband

The carry of a concealable knife shall never create an unreasonable risk to detainees, staff, or the public.

5.6.4 DEFINITIONS

Concealable Folding Knife:
 

A folding blade knife designed for pocket carry and capable of being hidden from plain view, including:

• Pocket knives

• Manual or spring-assisted folding knives

• Clip-style folding knives

5.6.5 AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL

Authorization is limited to:

• Correctional officers

• Supervisors

• Other personnel approved by the Chief Jail Administrator

Requirements:

• Written authorization

• Demonstrated operational necessity

• Subject to revocation at any time

5.6.6 APPROVED KNIFE SPECIFICATIONS

Approved knives must meet the following criteria:

• Folding blade only

• Blade length not to exceed 3.5 inches (or as designated by the Chief Jail Administrator)

• Single-edged blade only

• No automatic or switchblade deployment

• Maintained in safe, operable condition

All knives are subject to inspection and approval.

5.6.7 CARRY AND RETENTION REQUIREMENTS

• Knives shall be carried concealed and secured on the employee’s person

• Knives shall not be openly displayed except when required for legitimate operational use

• Employees shall maintain positive control at all times

• Failure to maintain control may be considered negligence

5.6.8 OPERATIONAL RESTRICTIONS

Carry of concealable folding knives is prohibited or restricted:

• In designated high-risk areas as determined by the Chief Jail Administrator

• During detainee contact where weapon retention risk is elevated

• During searches, transports, or close-contact operations unless specifically authorized

Supervisors may further restrict carry based on situational risk.

5.6.9 USE GUIDELINES

Authorized use is limited to legitimate, work-related purposes such as:

• Cutting materials

• Emergency response (e.g., seatbelt or ligature removal)

Prohibited uses include:

• Displaying the knife to gain compliance

• Threatening or intimidating behavior

• Any punitive or coercive use

5.6.10 USE OF FORCE AND DEADLY FORCE STANDARD

Concealable folding knives are not authorized as standard use-of-force tools.

Use of a knife against a person constitutes deadly force.

Deadly force may only be used when consistent with agency policy and when the officer reasonably believes it is necessary to:

• Prevent imminent death or serious bodily harm

All uses must meet the objective reasonableness standard and are subject to strict review.

5.6.11 CONTRABAND AND SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

A concealable knife, if lost or accessed by a detainee, constitutes serious contraband.

All personnel must ensure their actions do not create conditions that could be interpreted as deliberate indifference to safety or security.

5.6.12 ACCOUNTABILITY

Supervisors shall conduct periodic inspections.

Loss, theft, or damage must be immediately reported. Failure to report may result in disciplinary action.

5.6.13 INCIDENT RESPONSE

If a knife is:

Lost or unaccounted for:

• Immediate supervisor notification

• Secure and restrict movement within affected area if necessary

• Initiate systematic search

• Document incident and notify command staff

Misused:

• Remove employee from duty if necessary

• Initiate administrative investigation

• Refer for criminal investigation if applicable

5.6.14 TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

All authorized personnel shall receive documented training on:

• Legal standards governing use of force

• Weapon retention and safety

• Contraband control

• Facility-specific restrictions

Training shall occur:

• Prior to authorization

• Annually thereafter

5.6.15 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisors shall:

• Ensure compliance with this policy

• Conduct inspections and spot checks

• Evaluate operational risk and restrict carry when necessary

• Take immediate corrective action for violations

5.6.16 DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Violations may result in:

• Revocation of authorization

• Written reprimand

• Suspension

• Termination

• Criminal prosecution

5.6.17 POLICY REVIEW

This policy shall be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with:

• Alabama Minimum Jail Standards

• Evolving case law

• Risk management best practices