Inmate Dining Procedures PDF

Lesson 5 Inmate Dining Lesson Goal You will be able to maintain security and follow dining procedures during mealtime in a cor- rectional facility. Think About This An officer watches the line of inmates as they get their food. They notice that one inmate is car- rying their lunch tray very l...

Lesson 5 Inmate Dining Lesson Goal You will be able to maintain security and follow dining procedures during mealtime in a cor- rectional facility. Think About This An officer watches the line of inmates as they get their food. They notice that one inmate is car- rying their lunch tray very low and to the left. Suspicious, the officer halts the line and asks the in- mate to lift their tray higher. The inmate’s left pocket is bulging. After searching, the officer discov- ers that the inmate was attempting to leave the dining area with several utensils. How should this situation be handled? Security Check Before Meals ✅ CO605.1. Conduct a security check of the dining area prior to mealtime The dining area should be inspected for cleanliness and order to ensure health and safety. Desig- nated inmate dining areas may include a dining hall, dayroom, cell, or workgroup area. If inmates are served in cells or other common areas, a pre-mealtime security check is not neces- sary; regular searches will go on as usual. When serving meals in a dining hall, conduct a thorough and systematic security check before opening the dining facilities to inmates. Document the results on the appropriate form. The security check includes examining locations where contraband can be concealed. These areas include tables and chairs, heaters, ceiling fans, beverage containers, and trash cans. Document and report any equipment that poses a safety hazard; its use must be restricted until the equipment is repaired or replaced. Be aware that the dining area is a common location for inmates to obtain and distribute contra- band. Some examples of contraband include food, utensils, drugs, and sensitive items (food such as sugar, yeast, and fruit can be used to produce alcohol). Thoroughly search concealable areas, such as jackets, medical devices (casts, wheelchairs, or prosthetics), napkins, and containers. Make sure you account for all issued utensils, glasses, and trays. If you locate contraband, you should confiscate and process it. Inmate Monitoring During Food Distribution Depending on the type of facility, meals may be served in a dining hall or in a housing area. If meals take place in a dining facility, when mealtime is announced, inmates will report directly to the dining hall. Other inmates may need to be escorted to the designated dining area. The security level of the inmate determines the type of escort. Chapter 6 Supervising in a Correctional Facility / 173 ✅ CO605.2. Monitor food distribution during mealtime In most facilities, inmates serve the meals. Enforce all sanitation standards, making sure food handlers are properly attired in gloves, hairnets, and aprons. Observe and ensure the proper distri- bution of food, making sure each inmate receives only one tray of food and the proper number of utensils. Be aware of what foods are being served on a daily basis and ensure inmates receive the correct menu items. Also document the number of inmates and food trays served. Some inmates may have special dietary requirements because of diabetes, religious restrictions, allergies, or a need for more portions. Be aware of those differences and ensure that the correct inmate receives the proper prescribed meal. Identify, address, and correct any discrepancies. Facilities that house juveniles may have child-specific nutrition guidelines that must be followed. Compare the number of inmates who received food trays during the distribution of meals with the number of meal trays returned. The mealtime process should be orderly to ensure compliance with safety, security, and sanitation standards. Inmate Monitoring During Meals Disturbances and riots may occur in the inmate dining area. Officer positioning and patrolling are essential for effective observation of all inmate activity in the dining area. ✅ CO605.3. Monitor inmates during mealtime By walking around the dining area and making your presence known, you will be able to observe the inmates’ behavior and prevent rule violations. It will also allow you to monitor and supervise specific areas, such as the entrances, serving lines, seating areas, tray return windows, and exits. ✅ CO605.4. Conduct a security check of the dining area after mealtime Each agency establishes a policy on dining procedures that may include searching inmates who enter and exit the dining area. At the conclusion of a meal, clear the area of inmates. A security check of the dining area is then conducted to ensure the security of the facility. Conduct a post-mealtime security check in the same manner as a pre-mealtime security check. This check includes serving utensils. Following these policies ensures a safe and secure dining area. 174 / Florida Basic Recruit Training Program (CO): Volume 1