Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

52020.5.8 Limited Visibility Count

• When visibility is severely restricted (due to inclement weather conditions) a recall of all inmates shall be initiated and a limited visibility count shall be completed.

• During limited visibility count, inmate workers who are on the critical workers list may be out counted. The critical workers list shall be developed by the Facility Captains and reviewed and approved by a designated Associate Warden.

• Operations

  • The Watch Commander shall initiate limited visibility operations whenever severely reduced visibility conditions exist, which afford inmates an increased opportunity to escape. Limited visibility operations shall be initiated when the outer perimeter tower posts are unable to see one another clearly and distinctly and shall consist of:

    • Initiating and clearing a limited visibility count.

    • All inmate movement shall be cleared by the Watch Commander or higher and shall be under direct supervision.

    • Continuing indoor programs within the facility.

    • Terminating yard exercise and outdoor programs within the security perimeter.

    • Posting foot patrols inside the security perimeter with designated safety equipment.

    • Posting armed foot/vehicle patrols outside the security perimeter (not authorized at institutions with a lethal electrified fence unless the lethal electrified fence becomes nonoperational).

    • On duty staff shall be utilized for posting inside and outside security perimeter patrols.

• Institutions with a lethal electrified fence may conduct indoor programs (e.g., academic and vocational programs, industries and maintenance) within the security perimeter.

• Institutions without a lethal electrified fence shall conduct programs (e.g., academic and vocational programs, industries and maintenance) in accordance with their limited visibility plans and security requirements.

• In the event the lethal electrified fence becomes nonoperational during times of limited visibility, institutions are advised to revert to their operational procedures, which were utilized prior to the installation and/or activation of the lethal electrified fence.

• Removal of Limited Visibility Operations

  • The Watch Commander shall promptly resume normal institution/facility operations when outer perimeter posts can see one another clearly and distinctly, or when a designated landmark can be seen clearly and distinctly by a designated post.