CHESTER J. CULVER, GOVERNOR DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS PATTY JUDGE, LT. GOVERNOR JOHN R. BALDWIN, DIRECTOR
October 31, 2007
Ralph Kramar, Chairperson Buchanan County Supervisors 210 5th Avenue N.E. Independence, Iowa 50644
Re: Buchanan County Jail Inspection
Dear Chairperson Kramar,
The Buchanan County Jail was inspected on October 19, 2007 by the Iowa Department of Corrections, as required by Iowa Code Section 356, to ensure compliance with Chapter 201-50 of the Iowa Administrative Code. The inspection included an examination of staff training records, required documentation, prisoner files, jail policy and procedures and a tour of the jail. Please note the following Iowa Administrative Code Sections, comments and recommendations for corrective actions:
IAC 201-50.12(356,356A) Standard operating procedures manual. Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code sections 356.5 and 356.36, each jail shall establish and the jail administrator shall ensure compliance with a standard operating procedures manual to include the following administrative rules: subrules 50.2(5), 50.2(6), 50.4(11), 50.9(3), 50.9(4), 50.10(1), 50.10(2), 50.10(3), 5-.11(1) and rules 50.13(356,356A) to 50.22(356,356A) as noted. The following standards do not require written policy: 50.13(2)“c”(3), 50.15(4), 50.16(4), and 50.16(8).
Comment: On December 28, 2005 revisions to Chapter 201-50 went into effect. A review of the Buchanan County Jail Policy and Procedures Manual shows that changes to the following administrative rules will need to be included in the jail policy and procedures manual:
IAC 201-50.13(1)(d)(4) Prisoners likely to be exploited or victimized IAC 201-50.13(2)(e) Facility security
(4) Incidents that threaten securityIAC 201-50.19(1)(e) Prisoner mail distribution IAC 201-50.19(5) Non-U.S. Citizens IAC 201-50.21(4)(b) Description of disciplinary hearing process
The mission of the Iowa Department of Corrections is:
(Office) 515-725-5701 - 510 East 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319 - (FAX) 515-725-5799
www doc state ia us
Page 2 Buchanan County Jail Inspection
IAC 201-50.13(356,356A) Admissions/classification and security. 50.13(1) Admission and classification.
b. With the exception of incidental contact under staff supervision, the following classes of prisoners shall be kept separate by architectural design barring conversational and visual contact from each other:
(1) Juveniles and adults (pursuant to Iowa Code section 356.3).
(2) Females from males (exception-alternative jail facilities) (pursuant to Iowa Codesection 356.4).
c. The following shall be kept separate whenever possible:
Comment: The Buchanan County Jail is located on the third floor of the courthouse and originally consisted of three (3) cell areas and the sheriff’s residence. The former residence has been divided into minimum-security dormitory type cells. The design of the jail makes the required separation of prisoners difficult.
Recommendation: Prisoners requiring separation should be moved to a facility that can provide the required separation if separation cannot be accomplished at the Buchanan County Jail.
IAC 201-50.4(356,356A) Physical plant-general
50.4(4) Cells. Maximum security cells shall be equipped with tamper-resistant bunks, secured tables, and seats, plus a toilet and washbasin recommended for jail or prison use. Cells shall have adequate supply of both hot and cold water; mixing valves may be used. Housing areas of less secure design need not contain tamper-resistant fixtures.
Comment: Table in male work release and bunk in female cell are not secured.
Recommendation: Please ensure all fixtures are secured.
IAC 201-50.9(356,356A) Fire safety and emergency evacuation.
50.9(11) Mattresses. Only fire-resistant mattress of a type that will not sustain a flame and certified by an independent testing laboratory and that meet the standards established by the state fire marshal shall be used in jails. Mattresses that are ripped, excessively cracked or which contain large holes shall be replaced. Pillows shall be replaced when torn or excessively cracked.
Page 3 Buchanan County Jail Inspection
Comment: Mattresses are showing signs of wear.
Recommendation: Please replace mattresses and pillows that show sign of excessive wear or when they become crack or torn.
IAC 201-50.14(356,356A) Cleanliness and hygiene.
50.14(1) Housekeeping. The jail shall be kept clean and sanitary: Toilets, wash basins, showers and other equipment throughout the facility shall be maintained in good working order. Walls, floors and ceilings shall be well maintained.
Comment: The jail is clean. However, this is an older jail that will require continued maintenance to be in compliance with the jail standards.
Additional comments:
Security concerns noted during the previous inspection remain an issue. These included the movement of prisoners and visitors through non-secure areas for visitation and the movement of prisoners through non-secure areas for exercise.
Major improvements include new computer software system, property storage closet, protective covering for hot water heat registers. Also, Buchanan County voters of approved a bond issue for the construction of a new 41 bed jail. At the current time, Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office and Board of Supervisors are working with an architectural firm on plans for the new facility. The construction of a new jail will address many of the concerns noted during this inspection.
Buchanan County Jail staff is doing a good job in a facility that does not meet current needs.
Upon completion of the above corrective actions, the Buchanan County Jail will be in compliance with Chapter 201-50 of the Iowa Administrative Code.
I wish to thank Sheriff Bill Wolgram, Jail Administrator Russ West, Jailer Tammy Bathen, and jail staff for their cooperation and assistance during the inspection.
Sincerely,
Delbert G. Longley
Delbert G. Longley Chief Jail Inspector Page 4 Buchanan County Jail Inspection
cc: Sheriff County Attorney File