State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections

Scott Walker Governor Jon E. Litscher Secretary State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections Office of Detention Facilities 819 North Sixth Street ...
Author: Martina Willis
0 downloads 3 Views 167KB Size
Scott Walker Governor

Jon E. Litscher Secretary

State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections

Office of Detention Facilities 819 North Sixth Street Room 128 Milwaukee, WI 53203-1675 Telephone: (414) 227-3997 Facsimile: (414) 227-5232

December 22, 2016 Sheriff David A. Clarke, Jr. Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office 821 W. State Street, Room 107 Milwaukee, WI 53233 RE:

Milwaukee County Jail: Criminal Justice Facility, 2016 Annual Inspection

Dear Sheriff Clarke: The 2016 annual inspection of the Milwaukee County Jail was conducted on December 8, 2016 and December 9, 2016, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute 301.37(3). The inspection compared the facility and its operations to the Department of Corrections Administrative Code, Chapter DOC 350, and to applicable state statutes. The Milwaukee County Jail has a rated capacity of 972 which was verified during the inspection. The change in capacity from 990 to 972 is based on the subtraction of the receiving cells located on the ground floor which are considered temporary housing. On the first day of the inspection, a total of 939 individuals were in custody (831 male, 108 female). This report summarizes the findings of the inspection and identifies improvements since the last annual inspection, as well as any applicable recommendations.

INSPECTION SUMMARY Summary of Progress from the Previous Year Since the last annual inspection in 2015, a number of operational changes have been realized at the facility. Some of these changes include the following:  Re-established 2 officer positions to be liaisons with Facilities Management to expedite needed repairs within the facility.  Re-established a core group of officers in jail records, special projects, pre-booking, and release to ensure consistency and continuity in the operation of these areas of the jail.  Pod 4C has been designated as a mental health unit for male inmates who qualified mental health professionals have deemed stabilized enough to function in an open pod environment.  Weekly meetings are occurring with Armor Correctional Health Services in order to maintain open communication about issues needing to be addressed between jail security and health care services to inmates.

Physical Environment The inspection included a walkthrough of the facility including housing areas, programming space, intake/booking area, property, kitchen, court holding, and health services unit. Overall, the facility was found to be in good condition. In large part, the individual cells, dayrooms, and showers were found to be clean, and it was apparent that staff is holding inmates accountable for their living areas. It should be noted that there was a very limited amount of graffiti found throughout the facility, particularly in the cells which is excellent. The monthly safety and sanitation inspections being completed by staff continues to be a good tool to track items in need of repair. The report also captures contraband found during the monthly shakedowns of the housing areas. The walls in the dishwasher area continue to be in need of repair, as the food carts have created damage. The flooring and walls in the hallway that connects the kitchen and dishwasher and sinks are in need of repair and replacement. Numerous floor tiles are missing with others broken. Facilities Management indicated that they are reviewing several options regarding these concerns. The plastic curtains located within the entrance to the coolers and freezer are in need of replacement as they are ripped and missing. The curtains help to maintain the proper temperature for the food items located in the coolers and freezer. The electronic thermometer on the outside of the freezer is in need of repair as it was not functioning, and the wiring to cooler #2 was also in need of repair. Additionally, there was damage to the bottom of the door to cooler #3 where the insulation was exposed. There is a need to remove and replace the carpeting in all of the housing unit dayrooms as they are extremely worn out. Additionally, it was suggested that jail administration meet with CenturyLink to discuss the feasibility of adding more video visitation monitors to each of the housing units. Currently, only two monitors are accessible to inmates for video visits in each housing unit. Compared to past inspection reports, a significant improvement was realized in the timeliness of maintenance requests being resolved at the facility. It appears that the re-establishment of two officers as liaisons to Facilities Management has been effective. Yet as noted last year, given the age, size and inmate population (939 on first day of inspection), it continues to be recommended that priority be given to the establishment of a full-time facilities manager position at the jail, similar to what is provided at the House of Correction. As stated in last year’s report, the timeliness to correct maintenance needs within the jail should not be underestimated in terms of maintaining a safe and secure environment for inmates, staff and the community. There remains a concern regarding the “safety zones” that have been placed in each housing pod via a red-taped line that extends approximately 15 feet in all directions. Although the dayroom square footage remains in compliance with administrative code requirements, the size of the safety zone appears to limit the ability of the pod officer to communicate effectively with inmates, particularly if the communication requires confidentiality. It is suggested that the “safety zone” be reduced in size. The property area at the facility continues to be exceptionally well maintained. Staff continues to do an excellent job in coordinating inmate property items, including personal valuables that have been left behind upon release such as driver’s licenses, identification cards, eyeglasses, etc. However, the amount of property that has been left at the facility by inmates continues to increase which is further diminishing the available space. Currently, the facility holds inmate property for one year prior to auction or disposal. It was suggested that jail administration discuss the length of time property is 2

required to be maintained with Corporation Counsel as two different state statutes appear to address the issue: Stat. 59.66(3) and Stat. 66.0139(2). It was also discussed with Armor Correctional Health Services administration about the feasibility of adding televisions enclosed within a security box to the mental health unit dayrooms. It was suggested that security staff and mental health professionals determine whether the addition of televisions would benefit the inmates being housed within the unit. Jail Operations Security practices are being completed as required including monthly door and lock inspections, fire inspections (last completed by the City of Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services on 11/30/16), fire drills (each shift), SCBA checks, inmate classification, and physical observation checks. As noted in past inspections, the jail continues to utilize an excellent array of quality check tools for areas such as key inventory, monthly shakedowns, and safety and sanitation inspections. A spot review of the physical security checks (via Schlage Card Reader) indicated that they are being completed approximately every 30 minutes at irregular intervals, which is an excellent practice. Security checks for those inmates identified as special needs or with suicidal ideation are being completed every 15 minutes and at irregular intervals. It was suggested that jail administration review the effectiveness of having security staff complete both the electronic security checks via the Schlage card reader system and inputting the completion of a scheduled inspection (security check) into the activity log as the recorded times may, and often do, differ. The Schlage report indicates in “real time” when a physical security check was completed, whereas the activity log records the time only when the officer inputs the information into the computer that an inspection was completed. As such, there could be delays as to when the officer inputs their check on the activity log due to either unforeseen circumstances or speaking with an inmate(s). A review of the manual logbooks being used to complete physical security checks in the court holding areas also showed that they are being completed approximately every 30 minutes and at irregular intervals. However, some of the logbooks reviewed showed checks being completed exactly on the half hour (e.g., 9:00, 9:30, and 10:00) instead of at irregular intervals. It was suggested that administration review the feasibility of adding the Schlage card reader system in the court holding areas in order to have physical security checks be electronically recorded. It was also recommended that administration add signs to each holding room designating the maximum capacity permitted. The cameras and monitors for the court holding areas (and inside the courtrooms) are in need of replacement. This office was informed that a county-wide camera upgrade is scheduled to commence in 2017. In terms of court holding, it was again suggested that administration review the feasibility of installing a video conferencing system that would significantly reduce the amount of staff resources being utilized to move inmates from the jail to the adjacent courthouse. This could also reduce the need to house inmates waiting in the court holding rooms, thus permitting Deputies to focus more attention on the courtrooms. A number of jurisdictions in Southeastern Wisconsin have successfully implemented video conferencing from the jail to the courtroom for an individual’s initial court appearance. It is suggested that jail administration and the judiciary meet to discuss this possibility and to perhaps 3

initiate a pilot in one or two courtrooms for initial court appearances to determine if operations become more efficient. Pursuant to administrative code, each individual admitted to the facility is provided with access to the jail rules and regulations. The Sheriff’s Office website also provides the public with additional information regarding jail services. A disciplinary system is in place to address inmate rule violations. A range of sanctions is in place that is dependent upon the type of infraction violated. Inmates are receiving a copy of their disciplinary charges at least 24 hours prior to their hearing in accordance with administrative code. Disciplinary due process hearings are generally occurring within 3 days of the incident, which is an excellent practice and exceeds the administrative code requirement of 7 days. Hearings are completed by Lieutenants during 1st and 2nd shift, and inmates maintain the ability to appeal to the Deputy Inspector. A record of all actions is being maintained. A review of disciplinary reports showed them to be well written and explanatory as to the alleged offense and hearing decision. Objective jail classification continues to be used to determine inmate housing assignments (DecisionTree), and an inmate grievance procedure is in place that permits inmates to address any concerns regarding the condition of their confinement. A grievance appeal process is also in place with a first appeal responded to by a Lieutenant, then by a Captain, and to the Deputy Inspector. A grievance log is also being produced that allows administration the ability to monitor the facility’s inmate climate. A spot review of completed use of force reports indicates that staff continues to provide detailed information on their actions, as well as those of the inmate. The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office continues to maintain an excellent review process for all use of force reports with reviews being completed by supervisory staff, jail administration, Sheriff’s Office Training Academy personnel (POSC instructors), and the Internal Affairs Division. There remains concern regarding the amount of time inmates are permitted out of their cells each day. Although administrative code or state statutes do not address the amount of time inmates must be out of their cell, the current practice at the jail to “lockdown” the general population between 5:45 pm-6:00 pm every day appears excessive. The “lockdown” of inmates at 6:00 pm inhibits those whose family members work during the day to receive telephone calls or video visits. According to jail administration, this practice was implemented due to a lack of staffing. However, this office was informed that the practice would be discontinued early in 2017 because of the hiring of more security staff. Health care services continue to be contracted with Armor Correctional Health Services for medical and mental health services at both the Milwaukee County Jail and House of Correction. Nursing staff hours continue to be available on-site 24 hours per day at the jail. There continues to be concerns regarding the number of vacant Armor employed full-time nursing positions. However, both facilities utilize Armor employed pool nurses to fill needed positions. Positions that cannot be filled with Armor employed staff (full-time and pool), an additional core group of medical staff remain available to fill vacancies as needed. The majority of these contracted or agency staffs are in 13 week (or longer) contracts that assist in providing a degree of consistency and continuity of care. In other words, while Armor does maintain a number of vacant nursing positions, active efforts are in place to cover the hours required per contract.

4

Armor also attempts to utilize pool and agency staff to compensate for other medical and mental health positions that have full-time vacancies. Documentation provided by Armor indicates that the facilities (MCJ, HOC) were at approximately 93% of their contracted staffing level based off of total FTE hours worked as of October, 2016. The following represents the total hours available on-site at the jail per week: Position

Hours Per Week

Medical Director: Physician: Nurse Practitioners/Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners: Mental Health Director: Psychiatrist: Psychiatric Social Workers: Case Managers: Dentist:

32 2 208 24 29 280 40 16

Although the Medical Director is on-site at the jail for the majority of her time during the week and is therefore able to assess and evaluate inmates in addition to any administrative duties, it is apparent from the data provided that the jail is in need of further physician hours. In contrast, mental health hours appear to be good. It is important to note that the jail includes a mental health unit comprised of 17 single cells and 2 restraint beds, with Pod 4C having also been designated this year as a mental health unit for male inmates who qualified mental health professionals have deemed stabilized enough to function in an open pod environment. Medications continue to be administered by nursing staff, and inmates requesting health services are typically assessed and evaluated within three days of request. Testing for TB continues to be completed, as does a health care assessment within the first 7 days of confinement. In accordance with administrative code, all approved medications within the facility are being stored in locked medication carts within the health services unit. In large part, the jail does not accept medications coming off the street when someone is arrested, and only under exigent circumstances will medications be accepted. Therefore, the jail does not maintain unauthorized medications within the facility. Inmate medical records are electronic and maintained in a confidential manner. However, there was some concern with the extent of Wi-Fi available throughout the facility. Nursing staff indicated that it is difficult to obtain Wi-Fi services in a number of inmate housing areas. Therefore, once the nurse is within reach or connected to Wi-Fi, the nurses’ documentation in the medical record made outside of the Wi-Fi are then automatically saved to the electronic system. Facilities Management has been informed of the situation and indicated that they would research a solution. Inmate meals continue to be provided by Aramark. A review of the 4-week menu cycle showed that it offers a good variety of meals with at least two hot meals provided per day. All menus are reviewed and approved by a registered dietician, with a weekly average of 2500 calories per day being provided. Food continues to be transported to the jail from the House of Correction, where it is then prepared with the assistance of inmate workers and delivered to the housing units. The kitchen area was found to be clean and well organized, and an officer is assigned to the area when inmate workers are present. However, there were numerous maintenance issues in need of resolution which were discussed earlier. Aramark staff is also completing monthly internal inspections of the kitchen in accordance with 5

administrative code. Knives and sharps are being accounted for on a daily log, with security staff also documenting a check of the knives/sharps each day. Pursuant to administrative code DOC 350.11(3), EcoSure completed an independent food service inspection of the kitchen. The EcoSure inspection was completed on 10/11/16, with a score of 97.6% with one violation noted which is excellent. The inspection score was an improvement from last year. Your staff and Aramark’s should be commended for continuing to maintain a clean and healthy food service environment. There continues to be a number of programming opportunities available to inmates confined at the Milwaukee County Jail. Some of the programs available to inmates include the following:  Milwaukee Public School District: Educational services for inmates 16-21. Students may work toward earning high school credit or GED/HSED. Three full-time teachers are assigned to the jail to accommodate male and female inmates.  Religious Services: Sunday worship services, Bible study, spiritual counseling.  Substance Abuse Counseling: Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous.  Pre-Natal Programming: The Black Coalition offers a program for pregnant females incarcerated at the jail. A case manager, AODA counselor, mental health counselor, and health educator provide services to the women. Program provides both pre-natal as well as postpartum care.  Library Services: A volunteer from the Benedict Center maintains the stock of library books in conjunction with jail staff. The jail has entered into a partnership with Half Price Books, who donates reading materials. Books are delivered to the housing units on a rotating basis each week.  Law Library: Inmates submit requests to Law Library Coordinator who researches and provides the information back to the inmate. Law books are available in all housing units. 1.

A review of the law books (Wisconsin) in the dormitories showed that they are the 2011-2012 versions. The most recent set of law books are 2013-2014.

2.

It was suggested that administration review the feasibility of developing a physical law library room with computers that could be accessed by all inmates in addition to the law books located in the housing units. Currently, the jail is paying for the use of LexisNexis to research inmate requests, so costs would be limited to adding computers and upgrading the room for a law library.  Other volunteer programs include educational tutors, parenting classes, spiritual healing, AODA, and HIV-STD education and support services.

The inspection also included a review of the facility’s practices regarding inmate services. Blankets are being exchanged on a monthly basis, with issued clothing items laundered twice per week, and linens once per week (completed at the House of Correction). The facility maintains policies and procedures for inmate services such as mail (incoming/outgoing), visitation (video), recreation (indoor gyms), reading materials, and canteen. These policies and procedures indicate that all inmates are being provided reasonable access to these services.

6

Approval On the dates of inspection there were no violations of administrative code found at the facility. The Milwaukee County Jail is approved for operation by this Department. This approval is with the understanding that continued compliance with the Department of Corrections Administrative Code, Chapter DOC 350 and applicable state statutes occurs. You and your staff should be commended for the work being accomplished at the facility to ensure the safety and security of the jail and residents of Milwaukee County. I would like to thank Major Nancy Evans, Deputy Inspector Kevin Nyklewicz, Captain William Duckert and the rest of your staff for their assistance and cooperation during this year’s annual inspection and during times of my unannounced visits to the facility. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions, or if I can be of assistance to you and your Office. Sincerely,

Gregory A. Bucholtz, Ph.D. Inspector Office of Detention Facilities

Cc:

Richard Schmidt, Inspector Nancy Evans, Major Chris Abele, County Executive Kristi Dietz, ODF Director File

7

Suggest Documents