Report 2018-106 Recommendation 25 Responses

Report 2018-106: Correctional Officer Health and Safety: Some State and County Correctional Facilities Could Better Protect Their Officers From the Health Risks of Certain Inmate Attacks (Release Date: September 2018)

Recommendation #25 To: Alameda County Sheriff's Office

To ensure the health and safety of its officers when interacting with inmates, Santa Rita should develop a policy regarding the placement of "gasser" tags on the cells of inmates who have committed or attempted to commit a gassing attack.

60-Day Agency Response

In January 2018, additional safety measures were procedurally implemented to P&P 9.02, "Administrative Isolation" for staff working in housing units with known gassers. The measures included stocking the housing units with personal protective equipment. Minimally, staff shall wear protective face shields and latex gloves. A portable bio-barrier wall was also constructed for deployment when interacting or handcuffing an inmate that is a known gasser.

Additional language was drafted for P&P 9.02 regarding "gasser" tags for which a template was created that staff will affix to the specific pod door where an inmate is located.

California State Auditor's Assessment of 60-Day Status: Fully Implemented

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office implemented a policy that requires correctional staff to place a "Caution Gasser" notice on the pod door where the inmate is located.

All Recommendations in 2018-106

Agency responses received are posted verbatim.