JAIL RULES AND REGULATIONS
ROSS COUNTYSHERIFF'S OFFICE
CORRECTIONS DIVISION CHILLICOTHE,
OHIO 45601
SHERIFF George W. Lavender Jr.
THE ROSS COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT DOES HEREBY
PRESCRIBE THE FOLLOWING RULES FOR THE REGULATION AND GOVERNMENT OF
THE COUNTY
JAIL
IN ROSS
COUNTY, STATE OF
OHIO.
A
INTRODUCTION. The following rules and regulations are
based upon Minimum Standards for Jails in
Ohio, dated January 2003. The rules define what
is required of you as a prisoner and the responsibility of the Jail
Staff You are required to read and understand these rules. These rules
are to ensure your safe custody, safe health and fair treatment. If you
cannot read or you do not understand the rules, ask the Correction
Officer on duty for assistance. In accordance with ORC 311.17
(B)
(1) (a), the
Ross County Sheriff's Office charges a
$5.00 "PROCESSING IN" and a $5.00 "PROCESSING OUT" fee on a prisoner
admitted and released from the Jail. These charges are assessed against
funds deposited in the inmates commissary account. Your signature, on
the “Check-in” documents, acknowledges that you are aware of the rules
and regulations and have/will read and understand them.
B.
.MANAGEMENT. The Ross County Jail is managed and
controlled by the Ross County Sheriff and his Correctional Staff The
Sheriff and his Corrections Staff are required by law to maintain the
security, approved living conditions and fair treatment of all
prisoners.
(1) All rules, for
governing the Ross County Jail, will be approved by the Judges of the
Municipal and Court of Common Pleas of Ross County.
(2) Exceptions to the
rules and regulations may be granted only by the Sheriff or his Jail
Administrator.
(3) Violation of a Rule
and/or Regulation will be punishable as "Minor" ,"Major", or "Serious"
as noted after some Rules and Regulations.
C.
DAILY JAIL OPERATIONS. Daily jail operations will include, but are not limited to the following
schedule: 0545- Place cleaning materials in each POD. Prisoners will
clean individual cells and the entire POD.
0600- Wake prisoners. All
occupied cell doors are to be opened flat against the wall. Razors will
be distributed as requested. 0630- Prepare to serve breakfast. Prisoners
will eat meals at the POD tables and not in their cell. Conduct an
"Official Count". 0730- Remove cleaning gear from all PODS. Floor
Control Officer to make inspections of cells and POD. Razors collected .
0800- Prepare prisoners for delivery to court(s).
0830- Begin general
visiting on Tuesday.
0900- Turn on telephones
and televisions, after CELLS and PODS pass inspection.
Commence exercise programs. 1000- Stop all General visiting on Tuesday
morning.
1030- Conduct an
"Official Count." Prepare to serve lunch. Prisoners will eat meals at
the POD tables and not in their cell. 1200- Continue exercise programs.
1630- Conduct an
"Official Count." Prepare to serve dinner. Prisoners will eat meals at
the POD tables and not in their cell. 1800- Begin Cadre' visiting on
Sunday and Thursday.
1830- Begin General
visiting on Monday and Saturday.
2100- Stop Cadre'
visiting on Sunday and Thursday.
2130- Stop General
visiting on Monday and Saturday.
2250- Announce over P.A.
system, "Ten minutes until lights out and lock-down."
2300- Turn off all
televisions and telephones. "All prisoners, go to your cell and close
cell door for night lock-down" Conduct an "Official Count."
D.
PERSONAL CLOTHING. While confined, prisoners are NOT permitted to have articles of value in
their possession. All personal property will be inventoried. You will
sign the Booking Sheet to indicate that you witnessed the inventory.
Washable property will be laundered and placed in storage during your
confinement. Upon release from confinement your personal property and
clothing will be returned to you, for which your signature will again be
required. Your signature will acknowledge that the Jail Staff returned
all personal property/clothing to you. During admission, all jewelry,
(e.g., rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.) that cannot be removed by the
prisoner will be removed by cutting the jewelry, if necessary.
NOTE:
ONLY MEMBERS OF THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY, WITH PROPER IDENTIFICATION,
WILL BE ALLOWED TO RECEIVE
PROPERTY OR
VALUABLES BELONGING TO A PRISONER. THE PRISONER MUST FIRST GIVE WRITTEN
CONSENT TO THE JAIL STAFF TO RELEASE PROPERTY OR VALUABLES TO ANY OF THE
ABOVE LISTED INDIVIDUALS.
(1) While confined: ONLY the following items of underclothing will be
permitted in your possession: The Inmate will be able to
purchase these clothing items on his/her commissary.
MEN: Seven (7)
pair of white socks, seven (7) white undershirts, seven (7) white shorts
(briefs or boxer).
WOMEN: Seven (7)
white panties, seven (7) white brassieres (no underwire or stays in the
brassieres) seven (7) pair white socks, and seven (7) white undershirts.
Authorized clothing will be accepted Monday through Friday at the 24
Hour Night Bonding entrance of the jail between 0800 and 1600 hours.
(2) Street clothing required for court appearance (Jury
Trials) must be delivered to the Bail Bondsman window on the morning of
the scheduled court appearance. The clothing will be inspected and
distributed just prior to the scheduled court appearance. A family
member must pick up this clothing immediately following the court trial
conclusion.
E.
JAIL PROPERTY.
Each prisoner will be issued a mattress, blanket, sheet, towel, wash
cloth and Jail uniform. All items will be in a "Good" condition, without
tears, rips, holes or frayed areas. You will ensure that each item is
not damaged. If the article is damaged, you must immediately advise the
Correction Officer on duty. If any of the above items are returned to
the Jail Staff in an unsatisfactory condition, you will be charged for
its replacement. (Major Violation) Replacement cost for each item is:
Mattress $55.00, Blanket $18.00,
Sheet $7.00, Uniform (top) $8.00, (bottom)
$11.00, Towel $3.50, Wash Cloth $1.25. Prisoners are not permitted to
transfer any clothing to another prisoner (Minor Violation)
F.PERSONAL
CLEANLINESS.
(1)
You will take a shower as soon as you are admitted to the Jail
and, thereafter, at least three (3) times each week while confined.
(Minor Violation).
(2)
Personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste and toothbrush) will be
issued upon completion of the booking process. If you are an indigent,
you may order an "indigent hygiene kit" as needed, on Sundays ONLY,
through the jail commissary. Indigent kits are distributed on Tuesdays.
(3) Safety razors will be issued at
0600 hours and collected at 0700 hours each day. Failure to return a
razor will be a (Major Violation).
(4) All prisoners are required to wear
the complete jail uniform between the hours of 0600 and 2300 hours. This
does not permit you to tie the uniform at your waist, while the upper
portion of your body is bare or while wearing a Tee-shirt or roll up the
trouser legs. (Minor Violation).
(5) Jail uniforms will be changed, by the Jail Staff, twice
weekly: Thursdays 1600-2400 hours and Sundays 0800-1600 hours.
(6) Prisoners' personal underwear,
towels and linen will be laundered twice weekly: Wednesdays 0800-1600
hours. The blanket(s) will be exchanged as necessary.
(7) Haircuts: When approved by the Jail
Shift Supervisor of day trick, prisoners may cut each other's hair. If
the prisoner wants a licensed Barber to cut hair, it will be arranged
providing the prisoner has money in their Commissary Fund account to pay
the Barber's fee.
G.
CARE OF LIVING
AREAS.
(I) All prisoners, both sentenced and
not sentenced, shall keep their cell clean at all times. This includes
cleaning walls, glass, floor, furniture and bunk. It includes making the
bed, cleaning the toilet and wash basin. All stainless steel must shine
or at least indicate some effort was made to thoroughly clean and/or
wipe down all surfaces. (Minor Violation for failure to complete any of
the above duties).
(2) Each POD shall be cleaned by the
prisoners everyday. Cleaning materials and equipment will be placed in
the POD at 0545 hours and removed by 0730 hours each day. Each POD will
be cleaned, all concrete surfaces mopped, all showers scrubbed and
washed down. All glass windows will be cleaned as necessary. All flat
surfaces will be dusted with a damp cloth. (Minor Violation for failure
to complete any of the above duties).
(3) Cell and POD inspections will be conducted
on a random schedule. During inspection all prisoners in the POD will
stand by their
respective bunks. Talking will not be
permitted. (Minor Violation)
(4) All excess personal property will be
declared as contraband and removed from the cell. (Minor Violation) (5)
Excessive amounts of snacks will be removed from the cell. (Minor
Violation)
(6) Nothing will be placed or hidden under the
mattress. (Minor Violation)
(7) When not occupied, all bunks will be
made-up neatly between the hours of 0700 and 2300 hours each day. (Minor
Violation)
(8) ALL CELL DOORS WILL BE IN THE
OPEN POSITION FLAT, AGAINST THE WALL, BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 0600 AND 2300
HOURS (EXCEPT WHEN THE PRISONER USES THE TOILET). When you are
absent from the POD, your cell door must be closed and locked with all
personal belongings inside the cell. Once you return to the POD (or you
have finished your toilet needs), the cell door must be opened flat
against the POD wall.
(9) DO NOT COVER THE LIGHT FIXTURES WITH
PAPER, TOWELS OR OTHER LIGHT RESTRICTING MATERIALS.
Lights are used for cell checks and a check on
your safety and well being (Major Violation).
(10) Televisions and telephones WILL NOT
be turned on at 0900 hours unless the POD and all occupied cells have
been cleaned. (Minor Violation)
H.
FOOD.
While confined, you will be served three meals a day. The local Board of
Health has approved the menu for nutritional balance and content. Meals
will be served at or near the following times: Breakfast 0630 to 0730,
Lunch 1030 to 1130 and Dinner 1630 to 1730.
I.
COMMISSARY.
Commissary is available for
purchases of candy, coffee, instant drinks, crackers, etc. and many
hygiene items.
Commissary is ordered on Monday and Thursday
of each week and distributed on Tuesday and Friday. For security reasons
and to prevent hoarding, a purchase limit may be placed on commissary
orders (excluding personal hygiene items). Commissary request forms will
be distributed to and collected from each POD during the 1600-2400 hour
shift. These forms must be returned to the Floor Control Officer. After
an Indigent prisoner has received the initial hygiene kit, replacement
items may be ordered by the prisoner, as necessary, through completion
of an "Indigent" commissary form. Indigent prisoners will also receive
two (2) stamped envelopes, four (4) sheets of stationary EACH WEEK
(SUNDAYS ONLY), and one (I) pencil EACH MONTH. Indigent kits
are distributed on Tuesdays. Excessive ordering of indigent items
(hoarding) will not be permitted (Major Violation)
J.
MONEY AND
JEWELRY. Money, for prisoner
commissary accounts, will be accepted daily (from immediate family
members only) at the Bail Bondsman/24 Hour Jail Entrance. A silver
speaker box is embedded in the doorframe of this door. Persons wishing
to leave money must push the button on the silver box and wait for
admittance. The Booking Officer will issue a receipt for the money and
immediately deposit that money into the prisoner's commissary account.
ONLY certified checks, money orders or cash will be accepted for
deposit into the prisoner's commissary account.
(I)
No money, personal checks, money orders, travelers checks or
valuable, such as rings, necklaces, earrings, etc. or similar jewelry
will be permitted inside POD areas of the Jail
(Major Violation).
K.
VISITATION.
Judges of
the Court of Common Pleas,
Probate Judges, Municipal Judges, Prosecuting Attorney, Jail Staff and
people ordered by the Courts shall have free access to the Jail and
prisoners at all times.
(1) Prisoners may visit with their Attorney,
Parole or Probation Officer at any reasonable time, which does not
adversely affect Jail operations or security
(2) Clergy are permitted to visit only at the
request of the prisoner and when scheduled by the Shift Supervisor.
(3)
During general public visitation, each prisoner will be permitted
two (2) fifteen (I5) minute visit periods or one thirty (30) minute
visit each week, unless circumstances dictate a temporary suspension of
visitation. Prisoners will not be permitted additional visits for the
week after they use their full thirty (30) minute visitation privilege.
Due to limited space in the visitation area, no more than two (2) adult
and two (2) child visitors are permitted at a time. PRISONERS ARE
DEBITED WITH FIFTEEN (15) MINUTES OF VISITING EVEN IF THE VISIT IS LESS
THAN FIFTEEN (15) MINUTES DURATION.
(4) General public visiting times are as
follows: Monday, 1830-2130 hrs, Tuesday, 0830-1000 hrs, and Saturday
1830-2130 hrs.
(5) Special visits (confirmed death in
the family, serious injury or similar incident) must be approved by the
Sheriff, Jail Administrator, or Assistant Jail Administrator twenty-four
(24) hours prior to the intended visit.
(6) The Sheriff and/or Jail Administrator have
the right to revoke and/or restrict the visitation privileges of any
prisoner and/or visitor.
Criteria for this action will be based on:
a.
Visitor(s)
under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to visit.
b.
Visitor(s)
refuse or fail to produce photographic identification upon request.
c.
A visitor is
not listed on the prisoner's visitor list in the computer records.
d.
A visitor under
the age of 18 will not be permitted to visit unless accompanied to the
visiting booth by a legal parent or guardian. (A spouse of a prisoner
under 18 years of age may visit if the spouse shows legal proof of the
marriage.)
e.
Visiting
children will be kept under positive control during visiting hours.
Children will not be permitted to run or play in the visitation area or
distract or disturb other visitors. Failure to control children will be
sufficient cause to cancel the visitation privileges of that person with
the children.
f.
Visitor refuses
to submit to a search upon entering or leaving visitation.
g.
Visitor is a
Security Risk. (Intoxicated or a clear and present danger to the
security of the Jail).
h.
Visitor has a
past history of disruptive conduct in the Law Enforcement Complex.
i.
Visitor was
caught transporting contraband.
j.
Visitor is in
violation of Rules and Regulations.
k.
Prisoner
refuses to see the visitor.
(7) During the booking process, prisoners are
asked if they wish to place anyone on their visitation list. While
incarcerated, the prisoner is responsible for making requests that
visitor's names be added/deleted from their list via a prisoner "Request
Form" which can be obtained by asking any officer. All visitors,
including children, must be listed on the prisoner's visitation list.
The prisoner's visitation list is linlited to ten (10) adult visitors
and unlimited children.
L.
RELIGIOUS
SERVICES AND COUNSELING.
(I) Church services will be conducted
on Tuesdays from 1800-1900 hrs. (When volunteer clergymen are
available). Church services will be conducted in a non-sectarian manner
that teaches religious principles not a doctrine or body of doctrines
concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively
proclaimed by a church.
(2)
Religious counselors will be contacted after you have submitted a
written request asking for a particular counselor or clergyman. Do not
abuse this privilege.
M.
CORRESPONDENCE AND TELEPHONE CALLS.
(I) MAIL. There shall be no limitation
on the amount of incoming or outgoing first class mail for prisoners.
Withholding mail will not be used a form of punishment. All outgoing
mail will be mailed at your expense. The Jail will not pay for postage.
(2)
INCOMING MAIL. All incoming mail, for prisoners, will be opened
and inspected. Mail will not be delivered to the prisoner if it contains
contraband (e.g., narcotics, drugs, tools of escape, weapons) but will
be confiscated. (CONFISCATED ITEMS WILL BE CONSIDERED A SERIOUS
VIOLATION AND THE PRISONER MAY BE SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION). Monies
received through the mail will be placed into the prisoner's commissary
account. No foods (canned, boxed, packaged and sealed) will be received
in the Jail and will be returned to the sender. Mail from Courts,
Attorneys of record or Public Officials shall be opened and inspected in
the presence of the prisoner.
(3) OUTGOING MAIL. Outgoing mail will
be opened and checked only if the Sheriff or Jail Administrator has
substantial evidence to believe there will be an escape or other
impending criminal activities.
(4) TELEPHONE CALLS. Each POD has a
telephone, which may be used, for unlimited collect calling. Time
restrictions will not be initiated unless problems are caused by
prisoners "Hogging" the telephone or refusing other prisoners access to
the system. (Major Violation)
(5) REQUEST SLIPS. Request slips will be
available to each prisoner for requesting any routine assistance for
personal inquiries.
Make sure that all requests are placed on
these forms. DO NOT EXPECT THE OFFICER, ON DUTY, TO TAKE ANY ACTION ON
YOUR "VERBAL REQUESTS".
(6) BOOKS. Books will be distributed to the
PODs twice each week. HARDBACK BOOKS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED IN
THE JAIL.
The Jail Staff will
distribute some soft back Bibles.
N.
MEDICAL
SERVICES.
(I) Quality medical and dental services
are available to all prisoners. You must report all illnesses or dental
problems on a MEDICAL REQUEST FORM. Be sure that the Officer on Duty has
been given the completed form by 1000 hrs. each day. Prisoners, who
appear to be ill, will be treated by our contracted medical staff, the
Urgent Care Center,
Emergency Squad or taken to the
Adena
Regional
Medical
Center
Hospital. Prisoners may obtain private
medical/dental treatment from a licensed Physician Dentist of their
choosing, but you must pay all medical costs at the time of treatment
and either the Medical Staff or the Jail Staff must make the appointment.
(2) Inmates are responsible for charges for
medical treatment as follows:
a.
Dr. Visit -
$5.00, Medicines - Actual Cost, Urinalysis (medical reasons). $3.00,
Pregnancy Test - $5.00, Dental- Actual Cost, Eye Glasses - Actual Cost.
(3) Medication(s) will be taken at the
time it is dispensed and in the presence of the dispensing Officer.
(Failure to follow this rule will be a (Major Violation.)
( 4) Hoarding of medication will not be
permitted. (Major Violation).
(5) All medications (including Aspirin,
Tylenol, cold tablets) will be dispensed in accordance with our medical
protocol and or prescribed directions. Hours for dispensing medications
will be 0800, 1200, 1600 and 2200 hrs. Hours will be changed if directed
by the prisoner's doctor. Dispensing hours must be followed to prevent
injury and/or over-medication to the prisoner.
(6) Prisoners who will be confined in
excess often (10) days will receive a physical examination conducted by
a physician or registered nurse within fourteen (14) days of their
admission or, if necessary, at the discretion of the Jail Staff.
O.
RECREATION.
(I) Recreation will be offered in accordance
with the recreation schedule, which is maintained in Booking and Second
Floor Control.
Both inside and outside recreation is offered,
depending on weather conditions. Inmates are offered one hour of
exercise, five days a week. Passive recreation (television, cards and
board games) is offered in POD day rooms.
P.
PROGRAMS.
(I) Drug and Alcohol treatment groups
meet once a week through the auspices of Scioto Paint
Valley Mental
Health Center.
Drug and Alcohol treatment groups meet once a week through the auspices
of Scioto
Paint
Valley Mental
Health Center.
To be placed on the approved attendance list, an Inmate Request Form is
sent to the Jail Administrator.
(2) Alcoholic Anonymous meeting are available
once a week. Request forms are not necessary to attend. (3) GED tutoring
is available by sending a Request Form to the GED Instructor.
Q.
CONDUCT.
(1) Prisoners must obey and follow all
instructions or orders issued by Correction Officers. (Major Violation)
(2) Prisoners must conduct themselves
in an orderly/obedient manner with respect for the rights of the Jail
Staff and other prisoners. (Minor Violation)
(3) No prisoner shall attempt to control the
action or behavior of any other prisoner by threat, promise, fear, force
or coercion. (Major
Violation)
(4) All forms of gambling are prohibited.
(Minor Violation)
(5) Loud noises, rowdiness, profane and
indecent language (verbal/portrayed) will not be permitted. (Minor
Violation)
(6) Prisoners will not look through the
POD windows toward the control center, make hand signals, yell or show
written messages at the windows to anyone outside the POD or the cell.
(Major Violation)
(7) NO PRISONER WILL ENTER THE CELL OF
ANOTHER PRISONER AT ANYTIME, FOR ANY REASON. (Major Violation)
(8) All prisoners will be "locked-down"
in their assigned cells each night between the hours of 2300 and 0600
hrs. While in your cell, you MUST keep quiet. You must not sing,
shout or create any similar noises. YOU MUST KEEP QUIET! (Major
Violation) A Correction Officer will conduct a head count, of each cell,
after "lock-down".
(9) Prisoners must render strict
obedience to the Correction Staff for all calls, signals or similar
methods of communication by which the daily operations of the Jail is
conducted. (Major Violation)
(10) Prisoners will not talk back., curse or
threaten any Law Enforcement Officer. (Major Violation)
(II) Each time a prisoner enters or leaves the
security perimeter of the Jail, the cell or the POD, the prisoner will
be subject to a strip search.
(12) During your confinement, all Officers
will be addressed as Officer, Deputy or by their rank. Prisoners will
never call an Officer by their first name. (Minor Violation)
(13) The Jail Cook will be shown the same
respect as any other Officer in the Jail. (Major Violation)
(14) Prisoners must wear the complete Jail
Uniform between the hours 01'0600 and 2300 hrs. This does not mean off
the shoulders, tied about the waist or trouser legs rolled up. You must
wear the uniform as it was designed to be worn. The only exception to
this rule will be during physical exercise in the gymnasium area. (Major
Violation) The Correction Officer, supervising any exercise activity,
may modify the uniform during the exercise.
(15) PRISONERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO CUT THEIR
HAlR IN UNUSUAL STYLES, WEAR HEADBANDS, HEAD COVERINGS, BRAIDS OR
SIMILAR SYMBOLS OF IDENTIFICATION. (Major Violation)
(16) All beds will be made up between the
hours 01'0600 and 2300 hrs. except when the prisoner if lying down on
the bed. (Minor Violation)
(17) Prisoners will not be permitted to place
personal items on the window frames or ledges. Prisoners WILL NOT
write or attach items to their cell or POD walls. (Major Violation)
(18) Prisoners and Cadre' are not permitted to
talk to each other except in the line of duty. (Major Violation)
(19)
If you leave the POD for any reason, (interview, visitation,
court, etc.) you will shut and lock your cell door. Ask the Officer on
Duty to lock the door. You must protect your property. (Major Violation)
(20)
Should a disturbance (e.g., fight, argument or similar melee)
start in your POD, you MUST go to your cell immediately, close
your cell door and remain in your cell. This action places you out o l'
the problem area and lets the Correction Officer see that you are not
participating in the problem. Protect yourself from additional violation
and confinement. (Major Violation)
(21) Do not remove the mattress from the bed
or cell. (Major Violation)
(22)
Do not hoard snacks, medication or foods. Excessive items,
including mail, papers, pictures, etc. may be confiscated, removed from
the cell or POD and placed in your personal property. (Minor Violation)
(23)
Excessive use and/or refusing to let other prisoners use the
television will result in disciplinary action against the abuser. (Major
Violation)
R.
CADRE'. Cadre' will be selected and approved by the
Assistant Jail Administrator. To be a Cadre', the prisoner must submit a
completed Request Slip asking for the
assignment. Each prisoner selected will sign a form that outlines some
duties and what is expected of a Cadre'.
(I)
In accordance with ORC 2947.151 entitled "Reduction of jail
sentence" the Sheriff, in charge of a
County
Jail, may, upon consideration of the quality and amount of
work done in the kitchen, in the Jail offices, on the Jail premises or
elsewhere, allow reductions of inmates' sentences as follows:
a.
On sentences of
ninety days or less, up to three days for each thirty days of sentence;
b.
On sentences
longer than ninety days but not longer than six months, up to four days
for each thirty days of sentence;
c.
On sentences
longer than six months, up to five days for each thirty days of
sentence;
d.
The reduction
of the inmate's sentence shall become effective only upon the written
concurrence of the presiding or Sentencing Judge or Magistrate of the
court where the sentence was imposed.
(2)
Cadre' will be assigned to either the night or day shift and/or
used as needed.
(3)
Cadre', except for those assigned to the kitchen, will not enter
the kitchen unless directed by the Cook or a correction Officer, (Minor
Violation)
(4)
CADRE' ARE NOT PERMITTED OUTSIDE THE SECURITY PERIMETER OF THE
JAIL FOR ANY REASON, UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY AN OFFICER ESCORT. (Major
Violation)
(5)
Cadre' caught with contraband or caught passing contraband to a
prisoner will be disciplined accordingly.
(6)
Cadre' visiting days and hours are Sunday 190-2100 hrs.
S.
WORK
RELEASE. A program run by the
Sheriff's Office and governed by the Courts. The program enables a
prisoner to retain his/her employment, while at the same time, serve a
jail sentence. The inmate must apply for this program by completing an
application and pay an application fee of$50.00. Once the completed
application and application fee is turned in, the Courts are contacted
for approval/disapproval. If the applicant is approved to be placed on
the program, he/she will be charged a daily fee of$25.00 for each day
he/she leaves the facility, with one (I) week's pay up front.
T.
ESCAPE AND
CONTRABAND. Prisoners who escape,
attempt to escape, assist another prisoner to escape, is responsible for
bringing into the Jail any contraband, (weapon, tools, narcotics, drugs,
alcohol, hallucinogenic substances or any items not issued or approved
by the Correction Staff ), will be prosecuted by law.
U.
PRISONER
CLASSIFICATION. Prisoners will be
segregated and classified in the following manner and consistent with
the Jail design:
(I)
Males and Females will be separated.
(2)
Adults and Juveniles will be separated.
(3)
Violent and Non- Violent prisoners will be separated.
(4)
Prisoners awaiting trial shall be segregated, WHEN POSSIBLE,
from those prisoners already convicted and awaiting commitment.
(5)
Administrative segregation shall be used to segregate a prisoner
from the general population, who has a chronic inability to adjust
within the general population. Those prisoners who pose a major threat
to themselves, to the security of the Jail or to others and present a
valid need for protection as determined by the Sheriff, Jail
Administrator or his Assistant, shall be administratively segregated.
(6)
Prisoners with special need (mental, physical, comununicable
diseases or other medical problems).
(I)
Minor Violations:
a.
Willfully
failing to address an officer properly.
b.
Possession of
linen clothing in excess of number issued.
c.
Making loud
unnecessary noise, such as arguing, shouting and rattling or pounding on
doors or windows at any time.
d.
Failure to
perform routine or assigned duties.
e.
Wasting or
abusing supplies.
f.
Improper use of
bedding, clothing or other Jail property.
g.
Failure to
shower at least three (3) times per week or more often, if necessary,
due to an individual's body chemistry.
h.
Improper
wearing of uniform.
i.
Hanging any
objects on waIls, mirrors, door, air vent or light.
j.
Abuse of
furniture (i.e. feet on furniture, standing on furniture etc.).
k.
Accumulating
unnecessary paper items or trash.
I.
Hoarding of any food or drink items other than that purchased
through commissary.
m.
Horse playing,
teasing or verbally harassing Staff, other inmates or visitors.
n.
Communicating
with persons on the outside of the jail by any means other than facility
approved communications.
o.
Laying on
tables or floors (putting any mattress or blanket, etc., on the floor
from your assigned bunk).
(2)
Major Violations:
a.
Repeated minor
rule violations cases where a determination is made that the remedy for
a minor violation has no deterrent effect.
b.
Using profanity
or obscene gestures toward the Staff, visitors or other inmates,
including radial, sexual or ethnic remarks.
c.
Arguing with,
lying to or disobeying an order from a Staff member.
1.
No inmate shall
disobey a direct order given by any Staff/Correction Officer. If the
inmate disagrees with the order, he/she must obey the order and then may
file a grievance. If the inmate fails to obey the order, the violation
will
automatically become a Serious Violation.
d.
Possession of
items not listed on the facility "Permitted Items" list.
e.
Abusing
privileges such as commissary, telephone, library, recreation, etc.
f.
Disrupting any
program or service.
g.
Use or
possession of cigarettes or any tobacco related products.
h.
Refusal to
carry out work details or other assignments.
I.
Making unfounded complaints against Staff members or the
facility.
j.
Entering
another inmate's cell or allowing another inmate in your cell.
k.
Climbing or
jumping off railings.
Repeated
or unnecessary calls from the intercom system.
m.
Covering
cell/dorm lights.
n.
Passing any
object to another inmate or communicating with an inmate not in your
housing unit without permission.
o.
Possession of
money or money substitute.
p.
Any misuse,
alteration or damage to facility property or equipment to include the
tearing of books, magazines, etc.
q.
No inmate will
switch cells or bunks on his own initiative.
r.
Aiding and
abetting, conspiracy to commit or attempting to commit any Major or
Serious rule violation.
s.
Unauthorized
use of telephone.
t.
No cleaning
supplies shall be kept in any inmate's cell.
u.
No physical
contact with family or friends during any transport.
(3) Serious Violations:
a.
Repeated Major
Rule Violations.
b.
Criminal
violations of local, State, or Federal Law.
c.
Possession of a
weapon, chemical agent or any object which has been altered or modified
so that it may be used as a weapon.
d.
Gambling or
possession of gambling articles.
e.
Attempting to
control the behavior of other inmates (coercion, force, threat or
assigning work to other inmates).
f.
Possession
and/or use of money or money substitutes.
g.
Saving
medication or possessing, or taking, another inmate's medication.
h.
Assault on
another inmate, Staff member or visitor (includes the threat of harm).
i.
Escape or
attempting escape or aiding and abetting another to escape or attempt
escape.
j.
Creating,
conspiring to create, inciting or participating in a riot or
disturbance.
k.
Fighting.
\.
Theft or Damage from/to facility or another inmate's property.
m.
Possession of
alcoholic beverages/Home Brew, unauthorized drugs or drug paraphernalia.
n.
Participating
in or attempting to participate in sex acts.
o.
Stoppage or
placement of foreign matter in locks, toilets or sinks. p. . Engaging in
tattooing or self-mutilation.
p.
Aiding and
abetting, conspiracy to commit or attempting to commit any serious rule
violation.
q.
Out of place •
being in an unauthorized area of the facility without permission.
r.
Failure to
participate in Headcount or Lock-down or interfering with Headcount or
Lock-down.
s.
Malicious
destruction, alterations or misuse of Jail (County) property.
t.
Any act not
otherwise set forth herein, knowingly done, which constitutes a threat
to the security of the facility, it's Staff, other inmates or the inmate
themselves or is disruptive to the normal operation of the facility.
(4)
A hearing must be held, if the inmate has not waived a hearing,
for a Serious Rule Violation or an inmate has been locked down, or may
be locked down, for a Major Rule Violation. If a hearing is to be held,
the Shift Supervisor will forward all paperwork to the Assistant Jail
Administrator.
a.
A hearing shall
be conducted under the following circumstances:
I. The prisoner is charged with committing a
serious rule violation.
2.
The prisoner
charged with a major rule violation, requests a hearing and the Jail
Administrator or his designee determines a hearing is warranted.
3.
The prisoner is
charged with committing a major rule violation that will likely result
in disciplinary isolation.
V.
PENALTIES
FOR VIOLATIONS.
(1)
Minor Violatiol15:
A prisoner may be reprimanded. If the Jail Administrator
thinks a reprimand will not correct the prisoner's behavior, the Jail
Administrator may deny the prisoner any of his privileges. Privileges
shall not be denied to a prisoner for more than 120 hours (five (5)
days) for any Minor Violation. Prisoners may be denied privileges up to
120 hours (five (5) days) for any Minor Violation.
(2)
Major Violation: A prisoner may be denied any or all
privileges for a period of time, not to exceed 360 hours (fifteen (15)
days).
Prisoners may be denied his privileges up to
360 hours (fifteen (15) days) for any Major Violation.
(3)
Serious Violation: For any serious violation, the prisoner
may be denied any or all privileges for a period of time not to exceed
thirty (30) days and the prisoner may be placed in isolation for a
period of time not to exceed thirty (30) days. If necessary, the
Sheriff and or the Jail Administrator may extend isolation beyond the
time limitation of720 hours (thirty (30) days), but in no case will
disciplinary isolation be extended beyond sixty (60) days.
(4)
Privileges which may be denied are:
a.
Entertainment
(e.g. television, games, reading material- except a Bible).
b.
Commissary
(except personal hygiene items).
c.
Telephone
privileges.
d.
Visitation
privileges.
e.
Deserts and/or
snacks.
(5)
Qualified rights which may be denied are:
a.
Visits by
family (review weekly).
b.
Exercise
(review weekly).
c.
Use of Shower
(review weekly).
d.
Clothing, bed,
bedding, unlimited access to shower (review daily).
e.
Restricted from
attending programming (review weekly).
(6)
Fundamental rights which MAY NOT be denied:
a.
Visits by
attorneys.
b.
Visits by
clergy.
c.
Phone calls to
attorneys or clergy.
d.
Adequate food
(nutritional diet).
e.
Adequate light,
ventilation, temperature control, and sanitation. f Medical care.
(7) Additional Penalties: The
following penalties may be imposed by the Sheriff or Jail Administrator
after reviewing the charges and all documentation.
a.
Reclassification and transfer of the prisoner to the next higher level
of security.
b.
Transfer the
prisoner to another POD or to Administrative Segregation.
c.
Manacling the
prisoner.
(8) Corporal Punishment: Under no
circumstances shall corporal punishment be permitted.
(9) Discipline: Shall ONLY be
administered by Corrections Staff.
W.
Due Process.
(I) The Correction Officer charging a
prisoner with a specific violation shall notify the Shift Supervisor
(SS) for approval before action is taken and then inform the prisoner of
the charges. The prisoner may be placed in Segregation at the time of
the offense, if necessary. This confinement must be taken into
consideration at the hearing. The Officer filing the charges, will
complete all
initial paperwork as required by the Ross
County Jail Policy and Procedure Manual. The Officer will submit the
paperwork to the SS who will then submit all paperwork to the Assistant
Jail Administrator. The prisoner may request a hearing or waive (in
writing) the right to a hearing. The SS will obtain all facts on the
case, within twenty-four (24) hours, questioning the Officer filing the
charges, the defendant and all witnesses. The SS will make sure the
defendant was given a written summary of the charges within twenty-four
(24) hours after the investigation and a Waiver of Rights Form, if
needed. The SS will forward a copy of the investigation report to the
Assistant Jail Administrator who may act as the Hearing Officer or
appoint another officer of supervisory capacity. The Hearing Officer
will set a time and date for the hearing and make the final disposition
of the case within forty-eight (48) hours excluding holidays, weekends
and emergencies). A request for review of the records may be made to the
Sheriff on a Prisoner Request Form. Prisoners have the right to appeal
the decision of the Hearing Officer to the Jail Administrator by filling
out the Disciplinary Action Appeal Form.
(2) Detailed records will be kept on
the misconduct of prisoners while they are confined. A report of all
infractions will be delivered to the Judges of the Federal, Common Pleas
or Municipal Courts upon request.
X.
GRIEVANCE
PROCEDURES. Prisoners may submit a
grievance (Request Form), to the Jail Administrator, for what they may
feel is wrong in the operation or administration of the Ross County
Jail. Additionally, the prisoner, in writing on a Request Form, may make
an appeal to the Sheriff.
(YOUR NAME)
28 North Paint Street
Chillicothe, Ohio 4560
I
Administrative segregation:
The act of confining a prisoner to an individual housing cell or
designated housing unit, physically separate from the general population
for specified reasons other than as a penalty, thereby, prohibiting
physical contact between this prisoner and the general population.
Cadre': A prisoner considered trustworthy and allowed special
privileges.
Censoring of Mail:
Withholding or deletion of postal material or any part of its contents.
Other forms of mail censorship, including reading written material, may
only be done as set forth in the Minimum Standards.
Classification:
A system or process for determining the needs and requirements of those
persons being confined and for assigning them housing units and
programs.
Contraband:
Anything possessed by prisoners or within the confinement facility which
is declared illegal by the law or which is expressly prohibited by those
legally charged with the responsibility for the administration and
government of the Jail.
Due Process:
A flexible term, for the compliance with the fundamental rules, which
guarantee that a person has notice and an opportunity to present
evidence in a dispute and that no law, rule or procedure is arbitrary or
unfair.
Disciplinary Isolation:
The act of confining a prisoner to an individual housing cell physically
separated from the general prisoner population as a penalty, thereby,
prohibiting physical contact between the prisoner and other prisoners.
Excessive:
Exceeding the usual, proper or normal. Implies an amount or degree too
great to be reasonable or acceptable. Family: That group of
people who are directly related by ancestry or marriage. (Common-law
associates are not family).
Frisk Search:
A search of a prisoner's clothes, head cavities and a thorough "pat
down" as described in the "National Sheriff's Association" booklet on
Jail security.
Fundamental Rights:
Rights which may not be suspended for disciplinary or classification
reasons and which are to be guaranteed to all prisoners except in time
of emergency such as riot, fire, severe weather or other conditions
beyond the control of the facility administrators.
Good Time:
A system established by law, whereby, a convicted offender is credited a set
amount of time off the sentence for time served in an acceptable manner.
Hoarding:
A hidden supply stored up. (An excessive amount of an item or substance that
could not be used within a reasonable time period).
Hogging:
Selfish, or gluttonous. The act of taking more of
a substance, item, or privilege than you would ordinarily be entitled to
enjoy.
Home Brew:
A gathering and storing of a liquid, that if properly prepared and tended,
will naturally ferment into a beverage with a sufficient alcoholic content
to make a person intoxicated or unstable.
Indigent Prisoner:
A prisoner confirmed to have insufficient resources necessary to provide for
his basic needs.
Indigent Kit:
A hygiene kit issued to qualified prisoners, upon admission, that contains a
bar of soap, a toothbrush, toothpaste and a feminine hygiene kit for
females, when necessary.
Leisure-Time Activities:
Such activities as television viewing, cards, checkers, dominoes and other
sedentary entertainment. Manacling: To confine hands, feet and body
with manacles (e.g. handcuffs, leg irons, straightjacket, chains) to make
fast or secure. Neutral Officer: An Officer who was not involved in
the incident in question and who was not a witness thereto.
Non-Sectarian:
Not having a sectarian character (i.e. of or relating to a sect, an
organized ecclesiastical body, religious denomination). Official Count:
An actual counting and recording of prisoners confined in a facility by
verifying the presence of each at a given time. Physical Force: Any
violence, compulsion or constraint physically exerted upon or against a
person's body by any means.
Qualified Rights:
Rights which prisoners, in the general population, enjoy but which may be
suspended for disciplinary or classification reasons as well as in time of
an emergency.
Reprimand:
To reprove sharply or censure formally from a position of authority.
Retaining Device:
Any mechanical contrivance, appliance or object designed or fashioned to
physically control or incapacitate a person. These shall include wrist
manacles, "straightjackets", restraining straps, chains, restraint chair and
other such devices.
Strip Search:
An inspection of the genitalia, buttocks, breasts or undergarments of a
person that is preceded by the removal or re-arrangement of some or all of
the person's clothing that directly covers the person's genitalia, buttocks,
breasts or undergarments that is conducted visually, manually, by means of
any instrument, apparatus, or object or any other manner while the person is
detained.
Security Perimeter:
A secure boundary, which encloses the entire portion of the facility in
which prisoners are confined, including any area to which prisoners may have
access. Passage through this boundary must be strictly controlled.
Violation:
An act of disregarding or breaking law or established rules.
Work Release:
A formal arrangement, sanctioned by law, whereby, a prisoner is permitted to
leave confinement for approval of employment in a job and/or participation
in specific programs.
HONORABLE WILLIAM
CORZINE III
HONORABLE NICHOLAS H. HOLMES
ROSS COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT
JUDGES
HONORABLE THOMAS BUNCH
HONORABLE JOHN B. STREET Jr.
MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGES CHILLICOTHE, OHIO
ROSS COUNTY
George W. Lavender Jr. SHERIFF
Colonel T.J. Hollis, JAIL
ADMINISTRATOR
ROSS
COUNTY
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