CD: 550 - Inmate Accomodation

Inmate Accommodation Management

• Institutional Heads manage inmate placement and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Heads may delegate accommodation management to staff, typically a Correctional Manager or higher.
• Dormitories are allowed as temporary measures.
• Inmate placement/movement records must be promptly updated in the OMS (Offender Management System).
• Double-bunking capacity increases require approvals from Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Correctional Operations, and Regional Deputy Commissioner, considering staff/inmate safety.
• Emergency exceptions to accommodation plans require immediate notification to higher authorities (Regional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, and Commissioner) with reasoning and duration.
• Standing Orders are needed for reassigning single cells for inmates absent for prolonged periods.

Cell Assignment

• Single-occupancy cells preferentially allocated using unit/institution waiting lists for equitable access.
• Pathways program cells are usually single-occupancy.
• Single-occupancy assignment is not a reward or penalty.
• Precarious health conditions, mental health concerns, or other factors may grant single-occupancy priority.
• Co-convicted inmates should not share cells, ranges, or institutions whenever possible. Incompatibility is to be managed per CD 568-7.

Cell Conditions

• National Cell Condition Checklist (CSC/SCC 1448) is mandatory for all inmates (single, double, or shared) in maximum, medium, and multi-level institutions, and relevant units, identifying potential issues.
• Tampered/damaged cell components (e.g., air vents, furniture) must be recorded and reported to Maintenance for repair, potentially leading to inmate disciplinary action.
• Impacted cells are quarantined until repairs are completed, with a confirmation from Maintenance before reopening.
• The checklist must be completed when inmates vacate cells, before new placements, and monthly thereafter.

Double-Bunking/Shared Accommodation

• A Double-Bunking Cell Placement Assessment (completed through OMS) is mandated for double/shared cells; typically completed by a Correctional Officer II/Primary Worker.
• Assessment (unless only one current inmate) includes inmate interviews, review of OMS and RADAR alerts, and potentially seeking additional information from relevant staff, and filing reviews.
• If concerns can't be addressed, placement is not recommended.
• Subsequent assessments are not required for inmates staying in the same cell unless new information warrants it.
• Correctional Managers review and approve assessments for both inmates.

Exceptions to Double-Bunking

• Structured Intervention Unit cells, Special Handling Unit cells, and cells for mental health care inmates, cells too small, cells without natural light, handicapped inmates’ cells (except approved cases), observation cells, and specifically designated dry cells, are normally not used for double-bunking.

Operational Capacity

• Institutions should not exceed their design capacity.
• Capacity increases above 20% of the regional rated capacity require Commissioner approval.
• Minimum cell sizes are seven square meters (wet cells) and 6.5 square meters (dry cells) for new/replacement cells.