RANDOLPH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

6.7.1 PURPOSE

To establish standardized procedures for the identification, prevention, control, and management of communicable diseases, infectious conditions, and infestations within the Randolph County Detention Center, while ensuring the safety of staff, detainees, and the public in accordance with accepted correctional and public health standards.

6.7.2 POLICY
 

It is the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center to ensure that all detainees with suspected or confirmed communicable diseases, infectious conditions, or infestations are managed in a safe, humane, and medically appropriate manner.

It is further the policy of the Randolph County Detention Center that detention center employees shall utilize appropriate precautionary measures when coming into direct contact with detainees or arrestees who may have a communicable disease, are injured, or are exposed to bodily fluids.

The facility shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of illness while ensuring detainees receive necessary care consistent with guidance from public health authorities and licensed healthcare professionals.

6.7.3 DEFINITIONS

• Communicable Disease: An illness caused by an infectious agent transmissible from one person to another.

• Infestation: The presence of parasites such as lice, scabies, or similar pests.

• Medical Isolation: Separation of a detainee based on medical direction to prevent disease transmission.

• Standard Precautions: Infection control practices including hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

6.7.4 PROCEDURES

A. Identification and Medical Evaluation

1. All detainees shall be screened during intake and monitored for signs of communicable diseases or infestations.

2. Any detainee suspected of having a communicable disease or infestation shall be referred to qualified medical personnel.

3. Only licensed healthcare professionals shall diagnose conditions and determine treatment, housing status, and restrictions.

B. Housing and Medical Isolation

1. Detainees diagnosed with a communicable disease or infectious condition shall be housed in accordance with medical direction, which may include medical isolation when appropriate.

2. Isolation decisions shall be based on the type of condition, method of transmission, and risk of exposure—not applied automatically in all cases.

3. Housing restrictions shall be non-punitive and consistent with humane treatment standards.

4. Detainees in isolation shall continue to receive access to basic services unless limited by medical necessity.

C. Employee Precautionary Measures (PPE and Exposure Control)

1. Detention center employees shall utilize Standard Precautions during all detainee interactions, particularly when exposure to bodily fluids or communicable diseases is suspected.

2. An adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), including disposable gloves and surgical masks, shall be maintained in designated areas, including but not limited to:

2. • Central Control Room

2. • Booking/Intake Area

2. • Housing Unit (Pod) Control Stations

3. Employees shall wear disposable gloves whenever:

3. • Coming into contact with a detainee known or suspected to have a communicable disease;

3. • Coming into contact with blood or other bodily fluids;

3. • Handling items or materials contaminated or previously handled by an infected detainee.

4. Surgical masks and additional PPE shall be worn when indicated by the nature of the exposure or as directed by medical personnel or public health guidance.

5. Hand hygiene shall be performed before and after all detainee contact and after removal of PPE.

6. All used PPE shall be disposed of in designated biohazard or approved waste containers in accordance with established protocols and healthcare guidance.

7. Any exposure incidents shall be reported immediately and handled in accordance with exposure control procedures.

D. Infection Control Practices

1. Staff shall adhere to all infection control protocols as directed by medical personnel or public health authorities.

2. Biohazard materials shall be handled, transported, and disposed of in accordance with established safety procedures.

E. Food Service and Utensils

1. Food service shall be conducted in a manner that prevents contamination and spread of infection.

2. Disposable utensils and meal service items shall be utilized when directed by medical personnel.

3. Disposal of contaminated items shall follow sanitation and biohazard procedures.

F. Cleaning and Sanitation

1. Housing areas shall be routinely cleaned and disinfected using approved disinfectants effective against the identified condition.

2. Linens, clothing, and waste shall be handled as potentially infectious when applicable.

3. Laundry shall be processed using appropriate water temperatures (recommended minimum 130°F where feasible) and high heat drying.

G. Infestation Control (e.g., Lice, Scabies)

1. Detainees identified with or suspected of having an infestation shall be managed promptly to prevent spread.

2. Temporary separation may be utilized when necessary based on medical or supervisory direction.

3. Affected and exposed detainees shall be provided appropriate treatment, including medicated shampoos or topical agents, in accordance with product instructions and medical guidance.

4. Compliance with treatment shall be documented. Refusal shall be addressed through medical consultation and appropriate administrative action. Any forced grooming measures shall only occur when medically justified and approved by healthcare personnel.

5. All personal property, bedding, and housing areas shall be properly cleaned and disinfected.

H. Staff Protection and Training

1. Staff shall receive training on communicable diseases, infestations, transmission risks, and PPE usage.

2. Staff shall report exposure incidents immediately and follow established protocols.

I. Medical Confidentiality

1. Information regarding a detainee’s medical condition shall remain confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

2. Records shall be maintained in compliance with applicable laws and standards.

J. Coordination with Public Health Authorities

1. The Randolph County Health Department shall be notified as required by law or public health regulations when a detainee is diagnosed with a reportable communicable disease.

2. The facility shall coordinate with local and state health authorities for reporting, guidance, and outbreak management.

3. In the event of an outbreak, appropriate containment and mitigation measures shall be implemented.

6.7.5 POLICY REVIEW AND UPDATES
 

This policy shall be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect current public health guidance and correctional best practices.

6.7.6 COMPLIANCE
 

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action and may compromise the health and safety of staff and detainees. All personnel are required to adhere strictly to these procedures.