IN
MCC New York
Special Housing Unit
Remember taking short cuts while
working in SHU will get you or your
fellow staff injured or killed
EFTA00036461
Introduction
The Special Housing Unit is not the same as if
you were working in a normal housing unit. Thus
the name `Special Housing Unit.'
The Special Housing Unit is designed to house
inmates:
Who have committed violations of the rules and
regulations
Disruptive inmates
Pending a SIS investigation
Hold-overs
Psych concerns
Pending transfer and classification
EFTA00036462
Special Housing Staff must have a strong
knowledge of Policy and Procedures to
succeed.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons has made a
basic commitment to the development of a
comprehensive philosophy which places equal
emphasis on custody, care and correction of
the criminal offender.
This objective can only be accomplished to all
aspects of inmate management and treatment
if we take responsibility of meeting this
challenge.
EFTA00036463
SPECIAL HOUSING BASICS II
• Positive Attitude/Work ethic
• No Personal Cuff Keys
What If Syndrome
Sound Correctional Judgment
Lock Doors / Grills / Cell Doors
Security is never convenient
Know Policy / Procedures (PS 5270.10)
Team Concept
Unit sanitation
Sign Post Orders / PPF / Emergency Plans
EFTA00036464
The sanitation of SHU is a direct reflection upon
the staff assigned.
Additionally, it's a reflection of all staff who conduct
rounds ( Non Custody staff).
We have a responsibility to ensure all areas of the
institution maintain a high level of sanitation.
A bigger ownership concerning SHU operations is
a custodial one.
EFTA00036465
Processing Inmates
Staff will conduct a visual search, metal detect and
place the inmate in appropriate clothing.
■ Staff will ask the inmate the following questions
).--Food concerns / no flesh / common fare
➢Separation concerns
➢Gang affiliation
Medical concerns
EFTA00036466
IN
Processing Inmates
Staff will provide the inmate with a copy of the
rules and regulations.
The inmate will sign for these.
Staff will inspect bed rolls, clothing, etc. before
giving them to the inmate.
The inmate will be placed in hand restraints.
,Hands behind the back
➢Hands back to back with the thumbs up
Double locked
EFTA00036467
Processing Inmates
Staff will escort the inmate to his assigned cell
maintaining 2 points of contact at all times.
When placing an inmate into an occupied cell
Before opening the cell door, place hand
restraints on the inmate in the cell, have him face
the wall.
Then place the inmate in the cell
Place the inmate's picture card on the cell door.
EFTA00036468
Special Housing Unit Roster
Program
Under the Windows Tab click on:
For Current SHU Roster: For new admits to SHU be sure to
click the "check" icon under the blue "C" to initiate the IA or
initial admittance date
For Due Cell Rotations
For Unit Record 292's - Select date, shift and quarter group
and click the blue magnifier search icon. Each quarter group
must be SAVED for meals, shower and exercise. Each
quarter group must also be APPROVED for the program to
save the OIC signature. If your name does not appear as
OIC on any shift contact the Operations Lieutenant to be
added under OIC assignment.
EFTA00036469
Special Housing Unit Roster III
Program
Under the Record Tab click on:
For Current Recreation Roster
This roster details inside or outside recreation, time in and time
out and all KAFs from other inmates
EFTA00036470
File Documentation
Upon receiving an inmate, an inmate file will be created.
Use a 6-part folder
Section 1
Administrative Detention Order
Make sure the inmate gets a copy
Section 2
PP41
.PP44
➢PPG0
yrr~u
➢PD15
■
EFTA00036471
File Documentation
Section 3
SHU Rules & Regulations Acknowledgement
Section 4
30 Day Psychology Reviews
EFTA00036472
File Documentation
Section 5
SRO's
• Section 6
.292's
EFTA00036473
Security
Security is everyone's responsibility and must not be taken
lightly.
Security starts with staff reading and being familiar with post
orders, program statements, institutional supplements,
memorandums, etc.
Are inmates correctly placed in restraints?
, Complacency will get you hurt.
r -Security is NEVER convenient.
:Don't assume anything.
EFTA00036474
Security
■ Do you carry all the appropriate equipment?
■ Do you utilize good communication skills?
■ Professional bearing is critical.
➢How we present ourselves (as a Soft target/
Hard target)
Counts must be conducted in accordance with
policy, not negotiated at any time.
The 4:00pm, 10:00pm, and 10:00am (weekends
and holidays) are stand up counts period.
Immediate corrective action if needed.
EFTA00036475
Security
You are empowered to assume responsibility
within the limits of your job.
If you can resolve a situation at your level, do it.
- Look for signs of tampering:
Lights
-Bunks
Bars
Showers
Recreation cage fencing
Clothing
EFTA00036476
Security
Become familiar with:
>Radios
>Metal detectors
>Use of force equipment
-Video cameras
>Incident reports / memorandums
Know your inmates
>Separation concerns
>Disruptive inmates
Gangmcmuci
mnmknr c
>Psych concerns
Sexual deviants
•
EFTA00036477
Security
■ Become aware of:
➢Facility crews
➢Food carts
➢Laundry carts
Rounds must be conducted every 30 minutes
>Don't do it the same way every time
➢Remember, inmates are watching you.
Before you open a cell door, both of the inmates in the cell
must be restrained.
/-kfly ureauri ui SeULIrlly 1T1USr rue repon.eu immeuieuely.
EFTA00036478
III
Communication
If you lack the ability to communicate, you can't do your job
effectively.
You have to communicate 24/7
If you can't say NO perhaps the Special Housing Unit is not
for you.
Your job is communication with the inmates and staff.
Be assertive.
EFTA00036479
Communication
I
Who do we communicate with?
➢Inmates
➢Fellow officers
➢Supervisors
>Executive staff
➢Visitors
➢Department heads
➢Ourselves
:Teamwork D/W and E/W
With unit team
With the DHO
-1,Alith the SHU Lieutenant
■
EFTA00036480
Communication
I
How do we communicate?
➢Verbally
➢Written
➢Visual
➢Body
➢Closed door syndrome or little man big badge
➢Appearance
EFTA00036481
Keys to Understanding Inmate
Body Movement
Observe the inmate's head position
If the head is down while you are talking, this usually indicates a
negative attitude.
■ Observe the inmate's eyes
Eyes can be very deceptive
>If an inmate is lying to you, he will fail to maintain eye contact.
Closing of the eyes or placing the hand over the face is a
good indicator of deception
Some deceptive inmates may actually turn their head to
avoid eye contact.
EFTA00036482
Keys to Understanding Inmate
Body Movement
An inmate may attempt phony smiles or smirks to show
sincerity.
The inmate may even chew his finger nails
➢The inmate may appear to have a dry mouth
➢The inmate may lick his lips continually
The hand to nose gesture is often used to screen eyes and
face during the course of a lie.
Deceitful inmates are vague and stammering in their
responses.
EFTA00036483
Keys to Understanding Inmate IN
Body Movement
Indications of deceit during responses are
Long pauses
➢Quick answers
➢Short answers
➢Long answers
➢Elaborate answers
=
EFTA00036484
Sanitation
Sanitation is a direct reflection of all staff assigned to the
Special Housing Unit.
Staff who conduct daily rounds
First impressions are critical. If you walk into a Special
Housing Unit and the first things you see are trash on the
floor, marks and writing on the walls, food trays laying about,
it signifies staff just don't care. If this is happening, there is
more behind the scenes occurring. This leads to assaults on
staff, assaults on inmates, and inmates refusing to comply
with orders. Basically, a unit where inmates are in charge.
EFTA00036485
Sanitation I
■ How do you achieve high levels of sanitation?
➢Inmate received rules and regulations
➢Staff trained
➢No compromises
➢Orderlies
➢Supplies
➢Communication
➢Hold the inmates accountable
➢Strategies to combat disruptive inmates
Support staff in the performance of their duties.
EFTA00036486
Feeding
Feeding inmates in the SHU is demanding and one of the
most important responsibilities during your shift.
Shake down food carts
Meals must be served at the appropriate temperature
➢141 degrees for hot trays
➢41 degrees for cold trays
• Staff must be aware of security measures while serving trays.
EFTA00036487
Feeding
Trays have been fashioned into all types of weapons.
Be accountable for what goes into and what comes out of an
inmates cell.
Your safety and the safety of your fellow staff depend on your
ability to maintain security concerning weapons grade
material
Slow down, again, No short-cuts.
EFTA00036488
Serving Procedures
When handling inmate food trays, staff must wear the
following:
Disposable gloves when handling direct food product, i.e. fresh
fruit
The orderlies are not allowed to serve trays
Inmate food trays will remain covered while being transported
to the ranges.
EFTA00036489
Serving Procedures
I
Staff will not mix food from one tray to another tray.
If an inmate has a complaint about the food, take care of it at
your level if possible.
If you can't take care of the complaint, contact Food Service
or the Lieutenant.
EFTA00036490
Serving Procedures
III
When collecting the trays, make sure the same number come
out as went in.
Place the trays back in the food cart and make sure all trays
are present.
No trays will be left in the Special Housing Unit.
Should an inmate refuse to comply, a Lieutenant will be
notified immediately.
No exceptions period.
EFTA00036491
Shift Responsibilities
Morning Watch
III
Replace the weekly sign-in log
Razor box will be emptied by morning watch staff and
disposed of as hot trash
Audit files, note discrepancies and forward information to the
SRO for review
Ensure the cell doors have the correct information
Complete shakedowns of common areas
30 minute irregular rounds
Print all 292's for the prior week and place in inmate's file
All cell lights will be on from 7:30am until the conclusion of
the 10:00pm count period.
EFTA00036492
Shift Responsibilities
Day Watch
■ Trash will be collected
■ Cells will be inspected
➢No string lines
➢Windows, lights and vents will not be covered
➢Window ledges clear
➢Property stored in the space provided
➢Beds made up
- Recreation will not be conducted unless the above has been
completed.
Recreation schedule
➢Monday through Friday
>If the inmate's cell does not meet the basic cell sanitation
requirements, it is considered to be a refusal.
EFTA00036493
Shift Responsibilities
Day Watch
I
Monday, Wednesday & Friday are Shower Days
Tuesday is Medical and Dental Call-Outs
Thursday (Bi-Weekly) DHO
Saturday is Linen Exchange (Inter-changeable with Sunday)
Sunday is Cell Sanitation (Inter-changeable with Saturday)
Cell rotations daily (21 day)
Law library (daily if requested)
Hair cuts on Thursday Evening Watch
EFTA00036494
Shift Responsibilities
PM / Evening Watch
The 4pm, 1Opm, and 10am (weekend/holidays) counts, are
stand up counts.
Incident reports will be written on inmates who fail to stand
for count.
Process inmate mail
Cell Rotations
Property issue Monday through Friday
Phone calls
30 days from placement when an inmate is received from the
unit
7 days if the inmate comes from a bus movement for his initial
call, the next call is 30 days from then
EFTA00036495
Medical
We are not doctors, nurses, PA'S or EMT's.
We can't provide medical attention to an inmate unless it is
life or death.
• Our responsibility is very simple:
➢Ask the inmate what his medical issue is
➢Contact medical
➢Provide as much information as possible
Staff must escort all medical staff during rounds
EFTA00036496
Mail
Mail is one of the most important issues raised by inmates
When you receive the mail:
v Make sure the inmate is still in SHU
✓If the inmate is not in SHU
❖Find out what unit the inmate is assigned to
•:•Place a note on the mail and place it back in the mail
bag
Newspapers, magazines, books, pictures, legal mails, etc. is
restricted in the SHU.
EFTA00036497
Recreation
Each inmate must be afforded the opportunity to participate
in recreational activity.
Inmates will receive 5 hours per week
Documented on 292
■ Recreation can be suspended due to :
➢Inclement weather
➢Institutional emergencies
➢Must be documented
➢DHO sanction (not to exceed 7 days)
EFTA00036498
Recreation
Staff must complete shakedowns of the recreation area
Document any security breaches
Inmates will be restrained while being escorted
➢Hands behind the back
➢Hands back to back with thumbs up
➢Restraints double locked
• Staff must maintain constant supervision and the recreation
door will be closed and secured.
EFTA00036499
Key Control
• Ensure you have the correct set of keys for your area
• Verify the number on the chit
• Verify you have the exact number of keys
• Inspect the keys looking for:
>Cracks
>Bends
Key shield (Folger Adams Keys)
Ensure you have the proper belt, key clip, and chain.
EFTA00036500
Key Control
You should know what door(s) or lock(s) each key opens
Know policy and procedure for
Broken or damaged key
➢Key broken in door or lock
➢Missing keys
No personal cuff keys
EFTA00036501
IN
Legal Calls / Mail
This is usually a Unit Team responsibility
There are times SHU staff will help
EFTA00036502
Cell Inspections
III
This is everyone's responsibility
Every time you go down range, inspect cells as you go by
them
No graffiti
INO ulouies lines
Nothing in the windows or on the table. Shoes and all inmate
property should fit in the bins underneath the bottom bunk.
EFTA00036503
Clothing / Supply Issue III
Clothing and supply issues are conducted on different days
of the week.
Then exchanging clothes, make sure it is one for one.
Any destroyed government property will be documented
incident report) and the Lieutenant will be notified.
Alternative clothing will be issued.
1
EFTA00036504
Orderlies
Orderly jobs are a privilege, not a right.
To be hired as an orderly:
The inmate has to submit a cop-out
Staff requests or recommendations
■ The following inmates will not be hired:
✓Max custody
✓Verified PC
✓Refusing programs
Orderlies must be supervised and pat searched
Orderlies should not be out while other inmates are being
escorted.
Orderlies should not serve food to other inmates.
EFTA00036505
Emergency Situations
Institution
SHU staff are NOT to vacate their post unless instructed by a
supervisor
Special Housing Unit
When responding within the SHU
Be alert
Be attentive to the situation
Advise your supervisor, control, and other SHU staff
Always make sure you have adequate staff before opening a
cell door.
inmates are
IfI VVI LI I VVCcipUl for notify via
radio, think tactical.
EFTA00036506
Escorting
Hands will be placed behind the back
I
Hands will be back to back with thumbs up
2 staff to 1 inmate, if applicable
Maintain two points of contact on the inmate at all times.
Never allow a restrained inmate to walk in front of or behind you.
Have the inmate back out of his cell
Pat search and metal detect before escort.
EFTA00036507
Cell Rotations
Normal cell rotations are to be completed every 21 days
Cell rotations will be completed daily using a PP30 roster
from SENTRY
- Ensure all documentation is correct
➢Sentry
Roster program
EFTA00036508
Inmate Request to Staff
Cop-outs
Most effective way for an inmate to communicate with a staff
member.
Must be taken seriously
When you receive a cop-out
Look at it and read it
If it applies to SHU operation, document it in the appropriate log
book
Hair cuts
Law library
Phone calls
Cop-outs to other departments are placed in the appropriate mail
box
All other cop-outs go in the SHU Lt's box
Returned cop-outs must be delivered to the inmate
EFTA00036509
III
Commissary
Commissary slips are issued to the inmates on Wednesday
during the day.
Commissary is delivered the following day
Be aware of the allowed commissary on the A/D and D/S
status.
EFTA00036510
Religious Items
Inmates are allowed a limited number of religious items in
their cells:
)-Headwear
➢Prayer rug
➢Necklace
When in doubt, contact Religious Services
EFTA00036511
III
Incident Reports
Incident reports will be written for any and all violations.
This is absolutely critical.
Why?!?! Institutional Order & to Hold inmates Accountable
EFTA00036512
Program Statements
Relevant to Special Housing
5521.05 Searches of Housing Units, Inmates, and Work Areas
• 5538.05 Escorted Trips
• 5553.07 Escapes/Death Notification
• 5557.06 Hostage Situation Management
• 5562.05 Hunger Strike
• 5566.06 Use of Force/Application of Restraints
• 5324.08 Suicide Prevention
• 5360.09 Religious Beliefs
• 5510.13 Posted Picture File
i-nnn
• oziu.uo Grooming
• 5264.08 Inmate Telephone
5267.08 Visiting
5270.10 Inmate Discipline/ SHU
EFTA00036513
EFTA00036514