Comments from Riverside Regional Jail
1000 River Road
P.O. Box 1041
Hopewell, Va. 23860

The staff of Riverside Regional Jail has reviewed the proposed recommended revisions to the Minimum Standards.  The following are further recommended modifications:

Page 4              Definitions

“Juvenile” means a person less than 18 years of age who is not adjudicated as an adult.

 

6VAC15-40-120

Page 11, 12 and 13            Classification (Change wording of this Section to the Below)

Written policy, procedure and practice shall ensure the jail uses a Classification System to determine at least the level of housing and program participation.  The facility has the option of using a basic Classification System or an Objective Classification.

1.            A basic Classification System shall include the following:

·        Classification is conducted through prisoner interviews.

·        Classification of inmates as to level of housing assignment and participation in correctional programs;

·        Separate living quarters for males, females, and juveniles;

·        Inmates are not segregated by race, color, creed or national origin;

·        Security permitting, equal access to all programs under supervision; and;

·        Any exception to the above to be documented in writing.

·        Classification is conducted upon intake and prior to final housing assignment;

 2.            If the facility is using National Institute of Corrections Objective Classification System, then the following additional procedures shall be followed:

·        Classification determines the custody level and housing assignment;

·        Classification will include the use of data collection instruments or forms, which are maintained on file;

·        Classification instruments enable objective evaluation and/or scoring of:

a.       Current offenses

b.      Prior convictions

c.       History of assaultive behavior

d.      Escape history

e.       Prior institutional adjustment

f.        Court status and pending charges

g.       Mental health or medical treatment history or needs

h.       Identified stability factors

 ·        The Classification System includes administrative review of decisions; periodic reclassifications and override procedures, that are documented and maintained on file;

·        The Classification System addresses both the potential security risks posed and treatment needs of the inmate;

 Page 25            Add “Management of Sharps” (New Section in Medical)

            Written policy, procedure, and practice shall govern the control, storage, and use of sharps including at a minimum needles, scalpels, lancers, and dental tools.

6VAC15-40-520

Page 29            – Add

            ……..the acknowledgement shall be witnessed should the inmate refuse to sign.

 

6VAC15-40-831

Page 43

We recommend removal of wording in #3 “or fellow inmate” regarding inmate assistance at a hearing.  We are in agreement that an inmate advisor may use this as a way to control another inmate.  However, cannot assess the impact removing this wording would have on other jails.

 

6VAC15-40-870 #3

Page 45            #3            Change to:

Personnel who discharge firearms or use chemical agents, other than for training purposes, submit written reports to the administrator or designated subordinate no later than the conclusion of the shift during which same are discharged or used.

 

6VAC15-40- #910 and #920

Page 46 & 47

We believe clarification of the intent is needed between the two listed sections.  They appear to contradict each other.

 

 

Please let me know if there are questions regarding the above recommendations or further comment on the proposed standards.