Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

It is departmental policy and therefore the expectation that inmates accept Inmate Housing Assignments (IHA) as directed by staff. Additionally, it is the expectation all inmates double cell when instructed to do so by staff and this policy is adhered to in the General Population (GP), an Administrative Segregation Unit (ASU), or a Security Housing Unit (SHUSecurity Housing Unit). The procedures for GP shall also apply to inmates who are housed in specialty program housing units such as a Protective Housing Unit, Transitional Housing Units, etc. If staff determines an inmate is suitable for double-cell housing, the inmate shall be expected to accept the housing assignment. Inmates shall be held accountable and responsible for their actions, and be subject to disciplinary action and consideration for placement in more restrictive housing for refusing a double-cell housing assignment. All IHA’s shall be made on the basis of available information, individual case factors, and objective criteria necessary to assign appropriate housing for all inmates. The IHA policy will ensure housing practices are made consistent with the safety, security, and treatment of the inmate, as well as the safety and security of the public, staff, and institutions.

The purpose of the IHA policy is to establish the procedures for determining the initial and subsequent housing assignments of inmates. This policy informs staff and inmates of their responsibility, provides details of the double-cell housing process and the expectation for all inmates to accept double-cell housing, and explains the ramifications for noncompliance.

The Warden/Administrator of the institution/facility shall be responsible for maximizing proper bed utilization, ensuring inmates are appropriately housed at the institution, implementing departmental policy in accordance with prison design and institution safety and security. Staff must use correctional experience and training, correctional awareness, and a sense of correctional reasonableness to determine suitability for dormitory, celled, and single-celled housing.

All staff involved in the review and approval of an inmate’s housing assignment must be cognizant of all available factors to be considered prior to determining an inmate housing assignment.

When evaluating compatibility, the approving authority shall consider each inmate candidate’s background and make a discretionary decision based on case factors that include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Length of sentence.

• Enemies and victimization history.

• Criminal influence demonstrated over other inmates.

• Vulnerability of the inmate due to medical, mental health, and disabilities.

• Reason(s) for segregation.

• History of “S” suffix determination.

• History of in-cell assaults and/or violence.

• Prison gang or disruptive group affiliation and/or association.

• Nature of commitment offense.

Staff involved in the review of an inmate’s case factors must be particularly aware of case factors that indicate an inmate has been either the victim of, or the perpetrator of, a sexual assault, and must screen for appropriate housing pursuant to Chapter 5, Article 44.

A classification committee and/or the screening authority shall review the Central File (C-file) and other available information to determine if the inmate has a history of in-cell assaultive, abusive, or predatory behavior towards a cellmate, or has been the victim of a sexual assault. A staff member at the level of a correctional supervisor or above shall be designated as the screening authority. Staff shall weigh circumstances documented in the C-file such as:

• Documented reports from a prior cellmate(s) the inmate intimidated, threatened, forced, and/or harassed him or her for sex.

• Documentation the cellmate(s) refused to return to a cell occupied by the inmate because of fear, threats, or abuse perpetrated by the inmate.

• Documentation the inmate has been the victim of a sexual assault.

• Adjudicated Department Rules Violations Reports (RVR) where the inmate was found guilty as a perpetrator in an act of physical abuse, sexual abuse, sodomy, or other act of force against a cellmate.

Upon arrival at an institution reception center, a program institution, or an ASU or SHUSecurity Housing Unit, an inmate shall be screened for an appropriate housing assignment. The screening authority shall review the C-file and other available information, interview the inmate, and complete the Strategic Offender Management System (SOMSStrategic Offender Management) Initial Housing Review (IHR).

Based on available information, including an interview with the inmate, the screening authority shall determine if the inmate is suitable for dorm/cell housing with or without restrictions. Restrictions are any case factors which may limit the inmate’s placement options at the institutions, such as, but not limited to:

• Security issues including ASU and SHUSecurity Housing Unit placement.

• Request for Protective Custody.

• Medical or mental health case factors.

• Integrated Housing Code.

Staff will continue to ensure current housing policies regarding special category inmates such as Coleman, Plata, Madrid, Armstrong, and Clark, covered under specific litigation, remain in place during the housing process. Staff will also ensure those inmates in need of effective communication will be provided appropriate accommodation during the process.

Additionally, the screening authority shall review prior in-cell behavior towards cell partners. Verification an inmate is or has been predatory towards a cell partner, has a history of in-cell sexual abuse, is or has been assaultive towards a cell partner, has been the victim of in-cell physical or sexual abuse, or demonstrates any significant in-cell violence against a cell partner, shall require the inmate be referred to a Unit Classification Committee (UCCUnit Classification Committee) and/or an Institution Classification Committee (ICCInstitution Classification Committee) for single-cell status consideration.

The screening authority shall document the placement concerns which require single-cell assignment on the IHR. If the information is derived from the inmate interview, the screening authority shall document the interview information on a CDC Form 128-B, General Chrono, and reference it as supporting documentation by date on the IHR. If single-cell status is recommended by a screening authority at the level of Correctional Sergeant, an approving authority at the level of Correctional Lieutenant or above will document their approval, or disapproval, on the IHR/Single Cell approval.

Upon placement in an ASU or SHUSecurity Housing Unit, inmates shall be screened for an appropriate cell assignment. The segregation authority shall be a designated staff member at the level of Correctional Lieutenant or above. The segregation authority shall review the C-file and other available information, interview the inmate, and shall be responsible for ensuring the completion of CDC Form 114A-1, Inmate Segregation Profile.

Based on the available information, including an interview with the inmate, the segregation authority shall determine if the inmate is suitable for single-/double-cell housing.

Verification an ASU or SHUSecurity Housing Unit inmate is or has been predatory towards a cell partner, has a history of in-cell sexual abuse, is or has been assaultive towards a cell partner, has been the victim of in-cell physical or sexual abuse, demonstrates any significant in-cell violence against a cell partner, or has a history of propensity for victimization, shall require the inmate be single celled pending administrative review and subsequent ICCInstitution Classification Committee review and approval.

The segregation authority shall document placement concerns which require single-cell assignment on the CDC Form 114A-1. If the information is based on the inmate interview, then the segregation authority shall document the interview information on a CDC Form 128-B, and reference it as supporting documentation by the date on the CDC Form 114A-1. In cases where the segregation authority temporarily approves an inmate for double-cell assignment pending Administrative Review, the decision shall be based upon an evaluation of the inmate’s case factors through review of the C-file or completed CDC Form 114A-1, consideration of reasons for ASU placement, and the interview with the inmate. The segregation authority shall complete a CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 1882-B, Administrative Segregation Unit/Security Housing Unit Double-Cell Review, and sign the CDC Form 114A-1, Inmate Segregation Profile, in the Special Information section, in the Double Cell/Pending Administrative Review box.

During the first workday following an inmate’s placement in ASU, the Administrative Reviewer shall review the screening authority’s cell determination and confirm or amend the screening authority’s temporary cell assignment.

The Administrative Reviewer decision shall be based on:

• Interview with the inmate.

• Review of the C-file and/or completed CDC Form 114A-1.

• Circumstance of ASU/SHUSecurity Housing Unit placement.

• Any medical issues and/or mental health clinical staff input.

The Administrative Reviewer shall note the decision for double cell or single cell assignment on the CDC Form 114-A, Inmate Segregation Record, in the Daily Activity section, CDC Form 114A-1, and the CDC Form 114-D, Order for Placement/Retention ASU. The case shall be referred to ICCInstitution Classification Committee to review the inmate’s long-term housing assignment.

ICCInstitution Classification Committee shall review the inmate’s housing and safety concerns. ICCInstitution Classification Committee shall determine if the inmate is compatible with the other inmate assigned to the cell, if double celled. If the inmate is the only inmate assigned to the cell, ICCInstitution Classification Committee shall evaluate if the inmate is cleared for double-cell occupancy, or designate the inmate as being on single-cell status.

If ICCInstitution Classification Committee confirms single cell assignment, an “S” suffix shall be applied to the inmate’s custody designation. This information shall be documented as a committee action on the CDC Form 128-G, Classification Chrono, entered in the Distributed Data Processing System (DDPSDistributed Data Processing System), and noted on the CDC Forms 114A, 114A-1, and 262, Custody Classification Assigned. Additionally, at each subsequent ASU/SHUSecurity Housing Unit review, ICCInstitution Classification Committee shall determine the suitability for double-/single-cell occupancy.

The decision regarding inmate housing and determination of suitability for dormitory or celled housing, eligibility for double housing, or designation of single-cell status, shall be documented as follows:

• IHR.

• CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 1882-B.

• In the Evaluation section of the Institutional Staff Recommendation Summary for Reception Center inmates.

• On the CDC Form 128-G during the following actions:

  • Initial Review.

  • Annual Review.

  • Housing Review (including reasons for segregation).

  • Referral to the Classification Staff Representative.

  • Referral to the Departmental Review Board.

The designation of an “S” suffix shall be documented and affixed to the inmate’s custody on the following documents and data:

• CDC Form 262.

• Distributed Data Processing System.

• CDC Form 128-G.

• IHR.

• Temporary Single Cell Status Request.

Affixing and removing Single Cell and Temporary Single Cell Designation in SOMSStrategic Offender Management

• SOMSStrategic Offender Management can accommodate the two types of Single Cell designations, Temporary Single Cell and Single Cell status (“S” suffix that has been affixed by Classification Committee).

• The Temporary Single Cell is designed to appropriately house an inmate pending confirmation by Classification Committee and affixing an “S” suffix. A Temporary Single Cell is affixed in SOMSStrategic Offender Management via SOMSStrategic Offender Management screens IPTT105-Initial Housing Review or IPTS028B-Temporary Single Cell Status Request.

• An “S” suffix must be entered in the Distributed Data Processing System (DDPSDistributed Data Processing System) via the Counselor entry screen. Once the entry is made in DDPSDistributed Data Processing System the “S” suffix is automatically transferred to SOMSStrategic Offender Management within an hour of entry. Once SOMSStrategic Offender Management has received the “S” suffix designation it is reflected in the Inmate Header and SOMSStrategic Offender Management prevents the “S” suffix inmate from being housed with another inmate.

Review and Approval/Denial of Temporary Single Cell Status on the SOMSStrategic Offender Management IHR

• Temporary Single Cell requests must be approved by a staff member at the level of Correctional Lieutenant or higher. The Approving staff member shall note the Approval or Denial of the Temporary Single Cell in SOMSStrategic Offender Management.

Confirmation/Denial of Temporary Single Cell requests at Classification Committee review in SOMSStrategic Offender Management.

• If as a result of Committee decision the Temporary Single Cell inmate will be given an “S” suffix, the approval will be entered on SOMSStrategic Offender Management screen IPTS028B and the “S” will be entered in the Counseling entry screen of the DDPSDistributed Data Processing System. Once the “S” is entered in DDPSDistributed Data Processing System it will automatically update SOMSStrategic Offender Management and the “S” will be displayed in the inmate’s SOMSStrategic Offender Management Header.

• If Committee elects to disapprove the “S” suffix no entry will be required in DDPSDistributed Data Processing System. However, the decision to remove the Temporary Single Cell must be entered in SOMSStrategic Offender Management in order to remove the Temporary Single Cell status from the inmate.

• If an inmate has been incorrectly identified as single-cell status after a UCCUnit Classification Committee/ICCInstitution Classification Committee action, a subsequent UCCUnit Classification Committee/ICCInstitution Classification Committee action shall be required to remove/correct the “S” suffix.

• To reduce the possibility of housing single-cell status inmates with another inmate or non-designated single-cell housing status inmate, staff shall review the housing status of all inmates being processed for a bed cell move via SOMSStrategic Offender Management prior to authorization.

Unless approved for single-cell assignment, inmates are expected to share occupancy of living quarters, either in a dormitory setting or within an individual cell. The day of arrival at an institution, or a reception center, an IHR shall be completed, and if the screening authority determines there are no double-cell prohibitions, the inmate shall be expected to double cell. If the inmate refuses to double cell, progressive discipline shall be initiated, and the inmate will be considered for alternative and more restrictive housing.

In an ASU or SHUSecurity Housing Unit, determining double-cell assignment shall be based upon an evaluation of the involved inmate’s case factors through a review of the C-file, the reason for ASU or SHUSecurity Housing Unit placement, and an interview with the affected inmate(s). In these cases, the segregation authority shall complete a CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 1882-B, and sign the CDC Form 114A-1, Special Information section, in the Double-Cell/Pending Administrative Review box. The segregation authority shall note the decision for single or double-cell assignment on the CDC Form 114-A, Daily Activity section, and CDC Form 114A-1. The case shall be referred to ICCInstitution Classification Committee to review the inmate’s long-term housing assignment.

Unless approved for single-cell assignment, an inmate in ASU or SHUSecurity Housing Unit is expected to share a cell with another inmate. The process for assigning more than one inmate to the same cell in ASU and/or SHUSecurity Housing Unit shall be initiated by a staff recommendation or per request by the inmate candidate. The documentation of the process shall be recorded on the CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 1882-B.

Approval of double-cell assignments shall be based upon a review of the C-file, an interview with each inmate candidate, consideration of each inmate’s signature affirming compatibility, and an evaluation of security concerns. Each inmate candidate who agrees to the assignment is expected to sign the CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 1882-B to indicate compatibility prior to double celling the inmates. If an inmate refuses to sign the agreement, then this shall also be documented in the designated section of the CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 1882-B.

A staff member at the level of Correctional Officer, CCCorrectional Counselor-I, or above shall complete parts 1 and 2 of the CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 1882-B by identifying the initiator of the request, interviewing each inmate candidate, and having the inmate candidates sign the form to indicate their placement in the same cell is a compatible assignment. The staff member performing this function shall also provide his or her printed name and signature as the staff witness, and date the CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 1882-B.

The staff witness shall then forward the CDCRCalifornia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Form 1882-B to a staff member at the level of Correctional Lieutenant, CCCorrectional Counselor-II, or above. The approving authority shall be responsible for considering each inmate’s case factors and deciding whether to approve or disapprove the proposed cell assignment. An approving authority may determine there is no information available to indicate the inmates are incompatible, but there are other circumstances that lead the evaluator to believe approving the assignment would be contrary to legitimate penological interests or may threaten institution safety and security.

Single-cell status shall be considered for those inmates who demonstrate a history of in-cell abuse, significant in-cell violence towards a cell partner, verification of predatory behavior towards a cell partner, or who have been victimized in-cell by another inmate. Staff shall consider the inmate’s pattern of behavior, not just an isolated incident. Staff must weigh information in the inmate’s C-file with correctional awareness and knowledge of the inmate population, facility environment, and the level of supervision in the housing unit. The following factors must be considered when evaluating single-cell status:

• An act of mutual combat in itself does not warrant single-cell status.

• Predatory behavior is characterized by aggressive, repeated attempts to physically or sexually abuse another inmate.

• Documented and verified instances of being a victim of in-cell physical or sexual abuse by another inmate.

Staff shall consider whether the inmate has since proven capable of being double celled.

The classification committee shall consider the circumstances of a prior assault, length of time in general population without disciplinary violations, precipitating factors, or new issues affecting the inmate’s behavior.

When confidential information is relied upon to designate single-cell status, the reliability of the source shall be determined in accordance with the California Code of Regulations (CCRCalifornia Code of Regulations), Title 15, Section 3321, and shall be properly disclosed to the inmate via the CDC Form 1030, Confidential Information Disclosure.

In cases where an inmate on single-cell status is being referred for transfer to the General Population, the ICCInstitution Classification Committee is required to address the removal or the retention of the single-cell status as part of the referral for transfer review. The committee shall document the specific reason(s) on a CDC Form 128-G supporting the removal or retention of the single-cell status.

The UCCUnit Classification Committee/ICCInstitution Classification Committee shall review and determine an inmate’s need for single-cell status as part of the Initial and the Annual Classification Review. If upon review a UCCUnit Classification Committee determines the “S” suffix is no longer warranted and an ICCInstitution Classification Committee imposed the “S” suffix, the UCCUnit Classification Committee shall refer the case to ICCInstitution Classification Committee for review and final determination.

As it is the expectation all inmates will double cell, the determination of single-cell status shall be documented as part of the ICCInstitution Classification Committee review and updated at the inmate’s annual classification committee review. Prior to referral for transfer or placement consideration, the UCCUnit Classification Committee or ICCInstitution Classification Committee shall determine the inmate’s need for continued single-cell status. A classification committee’s decision regarding involuntary cell assignments or housing status reevaluations shall be documented on a CDC Form 128-G.

In cases where single-cell status is recommended by clinical staff due to mental health or medical concerns, a classification committee shall make the final determination of an inmate’s cell assignment. The classification committee shall consider the clinical recommendations made by the evaluating clinician with assistance from the clinician who participates in the committee and review the inmate’s case factors when determining the housing assignment. Single-cell status based upon clinical recommendation is usually a temporary short-term measure and must be periodically reviewed, minimally at an inmate’s annual review or more frequently at the UCCUnit Classification Committee/ICCInstitution Classification Committee or clinician’s request.

If an inmate refuses to be housed in appropriately determined housing, they shall be subject to the disciplinary process, with the potential to be housed in alternative and more restrictive housing. Refusal to participate will result in the issuance of a RVR for Conduct, CCRCalifornia Code of Regulations subsection 3005(c), Refusing to Accept Assigned Housing, for the specific act of Willfully Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing any Peace Officer in the Performance of Duty (CCRCalifornia Code of Regulations subsection 3323(f)(6)), and shall be considered after the first RVR for placement in more restrictive housing such as an ASU or a SHUSecurity Housing Unit.

Violation of Refusing to Accept Assigned Housing of subsections 3005(c), 3323(f)(6), and 3323(g)(8) shall result in:

• First offense violation shall result in placement in Privilege Group C for up to 90 days.

• Second offense and subsequent offense violation(s) within a 12-month period shall result in placement on Privilege Group C for up to 180 days and a referral as a program failure to classification committee for placement on Work Group C and Privilege Group C. An inmate who is deemed a program failure by a classification committee is subject to having their personal property/appliances disposed of in accordance with procedures outlined in Section 3191.

Following the completion of the disciplinary process and a finding of guilt, security precautions and disciplinary restrictions may remain in effect for a period of time designated by the Senior Hearing Officer consistent with this policy. If a finding of not guilty results, the security precautions shall be removed.

Any inmate charged with Refusing to Participate in the IHA shall be considered for placement in an ASU and reviewed by the ICCInstitution Classification Committee to determine the appropriateness of ASU retention, pending disciplinary matters and/or future housing considerations. At each ICCInstitution Classification Committee review, the inmate’s case factors shall be reviewed for the appropriateness of the double cell or dormitory approval status, and to determine if the inmate will participate in the IHA if case factors do not preclude such.

A determination period of confinement in a SHUSecurity Housing Unit may be established for an inmate when found guilty of Refusing to Participate in an IHA. The term shall be established by an ICCInstitution Classification Committee utilizing the standards set forth in the SHUSecurity Housing Unit Term Assessment Chart in CCRCalifornia Code of Regulations Section 3341.5.

The Director, Division of Adult Institutions or designee shall be responsible for ensuring the contents of this Article are kept current and accurate.

CCRCalifornia Code of Regulations, Title 15, Division 3, Sections 3000, 3005(c), 3191, 3269, 3269.1, 3321, 3323(f)(6), 3323(g)(8), and 3341.5.

DOMDepartment Operations Manual, Chapter 5, Article 44.