Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

51020.15.6 In‑Cell Decontamination from Oleoresin Capsicum

• In-cell decontamination may be used for inmates housed in an institution/facility when the Incident Commander or Response Supervisor determines that removing the inmate would result in the need for additional use of force or give rise to an imminent threat.

• The circumstances leading to the order for in-cell decontamination shall be clearly explained in the Response Supervisor’s/Incident Commander’s report.

• When an inmate is going to be decontaminated in his/her cell, a licensed nursing staff shall advise the inmate how to self-decontaminate and the importance of decontamination. Licensed nursing staff shall explain to the inmate that he/she should remove contaminated clothing and use water from the sink to flush the affected area(s). The licensed nursing staff shall also explain to the inmate that he/she should pat or air dry and avoid rubbing the exposed areas.

• When an inmate is not removed from the cell, a licensed nursing staff shall monitor the inmate approximately every 15 minutes for a period of not less than 45 minutes starting from the last application of chemical agent. During the monitoring, if the licensed nursing staff determines there is a need for additional medical assessment/treatment outside the cell, the licensed nursing staff shall advise a custody supervisor of the need to remove the inmate from the cell. The custody supervisor shall coordinate the removal of the inmate.

• A licensed nursing staff shall document the fact the inmate was given instructions and the approximate times of the 15 minute observations on a CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation 7219, Medical Report of Injury or Unusual Occurrence.