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Welcome to the EuroPris Knowledge Management System. The table below shows questions and responses from European National Agencies. Select a question for more information or use the filters on the left to narrow down questions based on Agency or Category.
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Introduction: The Irish Prison Service is reviewing its policy and practice for managing prisoners during periods of lock-down. Currently, cell checks for ordinary prisoners in general accommodation cells take place every hour during lock-down at night. Cell checks on prisoners placed in special cells (e.g. because of an immediate threat of serious-harm to self and/ or others) are checked every 15 minutes. The following questions are asked to assist us in determining such practice in neighbouring jurisdictions.
Swedish prisons are classified as 1, 2 and 3. Class 1 prisons have the highest security, followed by class 2 and 3. At prisons classified as 1 and 2 the prisoners are locked in there cells at night. The personnel do not conduct any cell checks during the nights. Although, in every cell there is a communication device which the prisoner can use if he or she needs to communicate with the personnel at night.
How frequently, such cell checks take place during daytime periods of lockdown?Personnel checks the prisoners by making sure they are accounted for at four times a day; at morning when the cells are unlocked, at mid day, after work in the afternoon and at lock in. The same arrangement is also applied at periods of lockdown during daytime.
How are observations carried out ?In the morning personnel unlocks and open the door to each cell. They check that the prisoner is in place and that he or she is in good health which means that the prisoner has to make some kind of sign; say something, make a sound, move around etc. At daytime, a prison officer at each cellblock is responsible for the count which means to secure that every prisoner on that cellblock are accounted for. At night the personnel are responsible for checking that the prisoner are in his or her cell before the door to the cell is shot and locked.
What is the reason for the particular frequency of cell checks ?First and foremost the reason for the check-ups is to make sure that all prisoners are accounted for.
Has the frequency of cell checks for ordinary prisoners changed at all in the last 10 years?No, they have not changed.
If any change has been introduced – what was the reason for the change?-
Do you have certain categories of prisoners on special/higher levels of monitoring?Yes.
What is the reason for the special/higher levels of checks?There are higher levels of checks if a prisoner shows signs of bad mental health and there is a high risk that he or she might be suicidal.
If yes, what is the frequency of cell checks on such prisoners?There are three types of monitoring; once an hour, every fifteen minutes or monitoring by the second. Which kind of monitoring that is chosen depends of the state of the prisoner.
What is your method of recording all cell checks?The four check-ups every day, when the prisoners are accounted for, are documented in a written form. The monitoring when a prisoner might be suicidal is documented in another written form. It is also documented, in a third written form, which time and the reason for the contact if a prisoner contacts the personnel during the night.
The frequency of cell checks at night for prisoners during periods of lock down in cloesed prisons its minimum each hour. In semmi open and open prisons frequency of cell checks at night its minimum every two hour. This is prescribed by standard operating procedures for a each prison.
How frequently, such cell checks take place during daytime periods of lockdown?During daytime periods prisineres ar inovolving in various activities (education, work, sport, free time, etc.) however, prisoners checks its before and after each activity but not so often as during the night. This is prescribed by standard operating procedures for a each prison.
How are observations carried out ?The observations are recorded in the official book of daily reports of the wards where inmates. Entering the room and checking prisoners is a mandatory part of every shift handover, but entering the room during the night is permitted only in exceptional circumstances and with the obligatory presence of at least two officers (ie. suicide attempts, physical fighting, fire, health problems, etc.).
What is the reason for the particular frequency of cell checks ?Some of the reasons are: the implementation of specific measures - increased supervision where there is a determinant of medical or safety reasons, the need for more frequent monitoring. Also, in this context, to treat differently in relation to the estimated security risk prisoners and some specific protection measures (eg. The prevention of suicide and self-destructive behavior previously recorded, the organizational structure of work - a special department)
Has the frequency of cell checks for ordinary prisoners changed at all in the last 10 years?Not. Except, in part, to change the way the structure of recording frequency of cell checks.
If any change has been introduced – what was the reason for the change?Better control of Conducting.
Do you have certain categories of prisoners on special/higher levels of monitoring?There are several categories of prisoners who are intensively monitored, and mentioned the specific implementation of some specific measures to maintain order and security, the assessment of the safety level of individual prisoners, specific plan and the implementation of specific monitoring measures to prevent the incidence of incidental events (eg. The prisoners for the first time in prison, addicts and similar). In particular, the following prisoners in the context of the existence of certain medical indications where highlights the need for increased supervision.
What is the reason for the special/higher levels of checks?The most common security and medical reasons.
If yes, what is the frequency of cell checks on such prisoners?Specifies the plan of implementation of certain measures or actions, (or defined bay security measures), usually a minimum of every 15 minutes or half an hour.
What is your method of recording all cell checks?The officer who performs duties records all changes into the appropriate records and the all prison corridor covered by video surveillance recorded all tours officers.
There is no legislation that determinates the frequency of cell checks. The frequency depends on the daily routine of the prison and on the prisoner.
How frequently, such cell checks take place during daytime periods of lockdown?The cells are not regularly checked during daytime. Usually checks take place during dining, distribution of medication and outdoor activities. Practices vary depending on the daily routine of the prison and on the prisoner.
How are observations carried out ?Usually it is only checked that the prisoner is in the cell and ok.
What is the reason for the particular frequency of cell checks ?Health and safety reasons.
Has the frequency of cell checks for ordinary prisoners changed at all in the last 10 years?The frequency has remained about the same or lowered slightly because of the development of technical devices for monitoring and alarm systems.
If any change has been introduced – what was the reason for the change?Technical development.
Do you have certain categories of prisoners on special/higher levels of monitoring?The prisoners are not categorized in this respect in Finland. In a high security ward the physical conditions reduce the need for monitoring. In a segregation cell there is a continuous electronic surveillance.
What is the reason for the special/higher levels of checks?Health and safety reasons.
If yes, what is the frequency of cell checks on such prisoners?In a segregation cell there is continuous electronic surveillance.
What is your method of recording all cell checks?In many prisons electronic doors create log information. Otherwise the checks are done according to the daily routine of the prison and not recorded separately.
We carry out a ‘numbers check’ prior to lock up in the evening. This is our final cell check until the morning, unless we have an individual who is being managed under our Talk To Me process (that is, if we have concerns that they may be a risk to themselves), if there is a medical concern, i.e. being managed under Rule 41 and part of the management plan is to check on that individual or if they are being managed under the Substance Misuse Policy and we have concerns about their wellbeing, or if they are considered a Strict Escapee. Numbers checks are a legal obligation, and we have Standard Operating Procedures which dictate how these should be carried out.
How frequently, such cell checks take place during daytime periods of lockdown?We conduct four Numbers Checks each day to ensure that the security of the establishment has not been compromised, as well as checking that we can gain a response from each individual prisoner. As well as these Numbers Checks we conduct daily Cell Certifications which are more of a check of the cell itself, i.e. the cell call system is functioning, there is no offensive material displayed, etc.
How are observations carried out ?During regular Numbers Check, a response must be gained from each prisoner. This is the same for all those who are being managed under Talk To Me and any strict escapees. If a response is not gained from the door of the cell an Officer should enter the cell to gain this response. If an individual appears to be under the influence of a substance, then a verbal response should also be gained.
What is the reason for the particular frequency of cell checks ?Regular Numbers Checks are completed due to operational reasons, including ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the prisoners, as well as maintaining our legal obligation of conducting these checks four times a day. Any checks that are carried out more than the standard four times are due to medical or escapee reasons. It is the responsibility of the Officer and First Line Manager to determine how frequently these checks are completed through individual case conferences for those who are being managed under different protocols. These could range between ‘constant observations’ for those who are an imminent risk to themselves, or every 15/30/60 minutes, or whatever the area that is managing the prisoner sees as an appropriate time between checks.
Has the frequency of cell checks for ordinary prisoners changed at all in the last 10 years?No, the frequency has not changed.
If any change has been introduced – what was the reason for the change?N/A
Do you have certain categories of prisoners on special/higher levels of monitoring?As stated above, there are certain prisoners who require different levels of monitoring. These include; those who are managed under Talk To Me due to concerns about their wellbeing and the harm they may cause to themselves (medical), those who are being managed under the Substance Misuse Policy due to concerns that they may be under the influence of some substance (medical), those who are under Rule 41 and are being managed through an NHS care plan due to concerns about their mental health (medical), and those who are considered as Strict Escapees (operational).
What is the reason for the special/higher levels of checks?This is explained above
If yes, what is the frequency of cell checks on such prisoners?This is explained in question 4.
What is your method of recording all cell checks?Number checks are recorded within our internal computer database, PR2. Any further checks that are required to be completed are annotated through the paperwork of what protocol that individual is being managed under. For example, Talk To Me requires Officers to complete narratives throughout the day about that individual’s behaviour, mood, etc. Strict Escapees are required to have a ‘booklet’ filled out throughout the day which has a signature from staff stating that individual attended their area.
Normative acts do not state the frequency of cell checks at night; however, from the duty to carry out 24h monitoring we can conclude that these checks must be regular.
How frequently, such cell checks take place during daytime periods of lockdown?Normative acts do not state the frequency of cell checks; however, from the duty to carry out 24h monitoring we can conclude that these checks must be regular.
How are observations carried out ?Monitoring is carried out by specially trained officials – supervisors, who are constantly in their designated posts (areas where inmates are placed in closed cells – also in hallways next to these cells). Technical checks of cells and rooms where inmates stay are carried out no less than twice per month, which is recorded in a special register. Cell checks are carried out based on necessity in accordance with the schedule.
What is the reason for the particular frequency of cell checks ?-
Has the frequency of cell checks for ordinary prisoners changed at all in the last 10 years?No.
If any change has been introduced – what was the reason for the change?-
Do you have certain categories of prisoners on special/higher levels of monitoring?Inmates who have received a disciplinary punishment ( placed in a punishment isolation cell) are checked no less than once per hour; inmates with a tendency to attack or escape are checked no less than once per three hours; inmates with suicidal tendencies (according with the particular risk assessment) are checked once per 30 minutes, once per hour or once per two hours.
What is the reason for the special/higher levels of checks?The reason has been set in the normative acts (internal regulations that regulate monitoring) and guidelines.
If yes, what is the frequency of cell checks on such prisoners?No.
What is your method of recording all cell checks?All cell technical inspections as well as cell checks are recorded in registers.
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