Federal Bureau of Prisons: Special Housing Unit Review and Assessment Key Contributors: Kenneth McGinnis, Dr. James Austin, Karl Becker, Larry Fields, Michael Lane, Mike Maloney, Mary Marcial, Robert May, Jon Ozmint, Tom Roth, Emmitt Sparkman, Dr. Roberta Stellman, Dr. Pablo Stewart, George Vose, and Tammy Felix December 2014 Distribution limited to Federal Bureau of Prisons Acknowledgements The project team acknowledges and thanks Director Charles E. Samuels, Jr. and the executive staff of the Bureau of Prisons for their assistance and support in conducting an independent assessment of the restrictive housing programs within the agency. This review could not have been successfully completed without Director Samuels’ strong personal support of the scope of the review and the goals and objectives of this project. His personal involvement and interest in the independent review of the operations and programs of this aspect of the Bureau was critical to completing the assessment. In addition, the project team thanks the wardens and staff of the institutions visited by the team for their outstanding support and willingness to fully open their operation to outside scrutiny. Finally, this project could not have been possible without the support and deep involvement of the National Institute of Corrections and Acting Director Robert M. Brown, Jr. and his staff. In particular, the CNA project team is grateful to Shaina Vanek for her commitment to and coordination of the project and for facilitating communication and the exchange of information between the project team and the Bureau staff. Without her personal involvement and the initiative she took to find resolution to literally every challenge that arose during the project, this report could not have been completed. Distribution Distribution limited to Federal Bureau of Prisons. Specific authority: Order Number DJBP0700NAS079 Distribution authority is controlled by Federal Bureau of Prisons. This document represents the best opinion of CNA at the time of issue. Approved by: December 2014 Monica Giovachino Managing Director, Safety and Security CNA, Institute for Public Research Copyright © 2014 CNA Abstract This report provides an independent, comprehensive review of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ operation of restrictive housing and identifies potential operational and policy improvements. Specifically, it provides a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of the Bureau’s use of restrictive housing, including the following key areas: national trends and best practices in the management of restrictive housing units; profile of the Bureau’s segregation population; Bureau policies and procedures governing the management of restrictive housing; unit operations and conditions of confinement; mental health assessment and treatment within restrictive housing units; application of inmate due-process rights; reentry programming; and the impact of the use of restrictive housing on system safety and security. The report also evaluates the impact of the restrictive housing program on the federal prison system and places the Bureau’s use of segregation in context with professional standards and best practices found in other correctional systems. The findings and recommendations contained in this report are based on the information and data collected while conducting site visits to the Bureau’s restrictive housing units and facilities from November 2013 through May 2014. Any operational changes or new written policies implemented by the Bureau after completion of the site visits regarding their use of restrictive housing are not reflected in this report. Some such changes were in process or were scheduled for implementation after the completion of the site visits. i CNA This page intentionally left blank. 11 Executive Summary The Federal Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) uses restrictive housing for serious infractions of institutional and system-wide rules governing inmate conduct, such as engaging in violent, aggressive behavior against other inmates and staff. Restrictive housing is also used for inmates who cannot be safely managed in a general population setting, or who have been otherwise determined to be a security threat. There are three categories of restrictive housing used by the Bureau: Special Housing Units (SHU), Special Management Units (SMU), and the United States Penitentiary, Administrative Maximum (ADX) in Florence, Colorado. The Bureau’s Program Statements governing the three types of segregated housing units indicate that all three types of housing have a similar function and purpose which is to “separate inmates from the general inmate population to protect the safety, security, and orderly operation of Bureau facilities, and to protect the public.” The specific placement criteria and conditions of confinement vary for each type of segregated housing unit as does the type of inmate housed in each of the respective units. As of November 2013, approximately 5 percent of the entire Bureau’s prisoner population was being housed in one of these restrictive housing populations with the vast majority in the SHU status (see Figure 1). Shortly thereafter the number of inmates held in SHU housing began to decline. Similarly the SMU population began to decline in the summer of 2013. The Bureau population as a whole has also been slightly reduced from a peak of 217,815 to its current population of 212,283 as of December 12, 2014. This level of use of restrictive housing is consistent with that experienced by most state correctional systems. Much of the decline is attributable to a reduction in the SHU population and, in particular, inmates who have been assigned to protective custody or are serving disciplinary segregation sanctions. The Bureau was able to provide detailed SHU population statistics beginning in February 2013. At that time, the count was 10,262 in over 100 facilities and has steadily declined since then reaching 8,939 by June 2014. This is a reduction of 31 percent from the 13,000 reported count of the SHU population in 2011. There have been no reductions in the ADX populations. iii Figure 1. Number of ADX, SMU and SHU Inmates February 2013 – June 2014 Below we summarize key findings from our review: The general conditions of confinement in restricted housing units are consistent with national regulations and standards. Management of the SHU’s is complicated by the high percentage of inmates that have requested protection from other inmates, often due to gang related issues. The Bureau does not have adequate non-punitive protective custody housing units that have equivalent levels of programs and privileges as general population inmates. Backlogs in inmates awaiting transfer to the next program level negate the intent of the program design and decrease the motivation to change behavior. Mental health services in restrictive housing require improvement in three specific areas: 1) proper mental health diagnoses; 2) more effective treatment; and 3) providing sufficient psychiatric staffing. The lack of time parameters for completion of disciplinary hearings results in substantial variation among facilities in the amount of time served in segregation for similar offenses, and can result in disproportionately long sanctions. There is no formal Bureau-wide reentry preparedness program specific to restrictive housing and inmates in these settings have very limited access to reentry programming. iv Bureau information systems do not effectively track the number and movement of inmates within the restrictive housing units. There are additional opportunities available to the Bureau to further lower the SHU and SMU populations by adopting the recommendations outlined in this report. Primary approaches to further reduce the restrictive housing population include: Establish a time limit on the amount of time that an inmate can be held in investigative status; Allow credit for time served in SHU upon determination of disciplinary sanction; Establish a housing option separate from SHU for inmates in protection status (protective custody); Continue rigorous review of referrals to restrictive housing; Reduce the time period for completion of the SMU program from the present 18-24 months to 12 months and compress the four levels to three levels by combining Level 3 and Level 4 and allowing more differentiation between the conditions of confinement between the levels; and To ensure appropriate treatment for seriously mentally ill inmates, a complete review of all inmates assigned to ADX, SMU and SHU should be completed by the Bureau to identify all inmates who should be transferred to a secure mental health program similar to the ones being developed at USP Atlanta and USP Allenwood. v CNA This page intentionally left blank. Contents Chapter 1: Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1 Project background ............................................................................................................... 1 Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 2 Facility selection ............................................................................................................. 3 Operational assessment—facility site visit protocol .............................................. 4 Inmate samples and interviews................................................................................... 6 Mental health interviews .............................................................................................. 8 Quantitative data analysis—individual level ............................................................ 9 Quantitative data analysis—aggregate level ........................................................... 10 Composition of the Bureau of Prisons special housing .............................................. 11 Special housing units .................................................................................................. 11 Special management units ......................................................................................... 14 Administrative maximum facility program ............................................................ 18 ADX and SMU population trends .............................................................................. 20 Summary of the Bureau’s recent initiatives and segregation capacity .................... 22 Development of the reintegration housing unit .................................................... 23 USP Atlanta mental health unit ................................................................................. 24 Chapter 2: National trends and use of segregated housing .....................................25 Definitions of segregation and types of inmates in segregation .............................. 28 Key litigation issues ............................................................................................................ 31 Standards regarding segregation ..................................................................................... 33 Segregation sentencing structures .................................................................................. 35 Impact of segregation systems on institutional safety ............................................... 36 Mental health issues in segregated housing .................................................................. 38 Step-down programs .......................................................................................................... 43 Virginia ........................................................................................................................... 44 Mississippi ..................................................................................................................... 44 Washington .................................................................................................................... 46 Maine............................................................................................................................... 46 Reductions in segregation populations .......................................................................... 47 Mississippi ..................................................................................................................... 47 Colorado ......................................................................................................................... 48 vii Reentry and prerelease programming ............................................................................ 48 Summary ............................................................................................................................... 50 Chapter 3: Analysis of the restrictive housing populations ....................................51 Population characteristics ................................................................................................. 51 Primary offenses and sentences ............................................................................... 52 Medical and mental health care levels ..................................................................... 54 Security and special management issues ................................................................ 56 Time in restrictive housing ........................................................................................ 58 Disciplinary conduct of the SMU and ADX ............................................................. 58 Recidivism rates of ADX and SMU inmates ............................................................ 63 Trends in assault rates and lockdowns ................................................................... 64 Summary of major findings ....................................................................................... 66 Chapter 4: Due process ...................................................................................................... 67 Federal due process standards......................................................................................... 68 Inmate discipline ................................................................................................................. 70 Disciplinary process observations ............................................................................ 75 Special housing units.......................................................................................................... 79 Placement ....................................................................................................................... 80 Placement of protection cases in administrative detention................................ 81 Protective custody........................................................................................................ 82 Weekly review meetings.............................................................................................. 85 Segregation reviews ..................................................................................................... 86 Special management units................................................................................................. 88 Referral and assignment ............................................................................................. 88 Progression through program phases ..................................................................... 94 Observations on progression..................................................................................... 97 Due process and ADX ...................................................................................................... 102 Administrative remedy program .................................................................................. 105 Chapter 5: Mental health assessment and treatment .............................................. 111 Assessment process ........................................................................................................ 113 Inmate interviews and case review trends .................................................................. 115 Clinical analysis and observations ............................................................................... 118 Mental health diagnostic process .......................................................................... 118 Mental health treatment .......................................................................................... 126 Other site-specific observations ............................................................................ 129 Chapter 6: Reentry ........................................................................................................... 133 viii Reentry programs for inmates in the general population ....................................... 134 Reentry program evaluation .......................................................................................... 138 Program services in restrictive housing ............................................................... 139 Reentry program services in restrictive housing................................................ 141 Reentry program observations ............................................................................... 146 Chapter 7: Restrictive housing operations and conditions of confinement ..... 151 Organizational structure ................................................................................................ 151 Special housing unit management......................................................................... 151 ADX Florence unit management ............................................................................ 153 Restrictive housing management structure observations ................................ 154 Correctional operations staffing levels and approach ............................................. 155 Special housing unit staffing .................................................................................. 155 Special management unit staffing ......................................................................... 158 Control unit staffing at Florence ADX .................................................................. 160 Staffing observations ............................................................................................... 162 Staff training, curriculum, and approach .................................................................... 163 Bureau of Prisons employee development manual ............................................ 165 Annual refresher training ........................................................................................ 165 Specialized training .................................................................................................. 166 Special housing unit specific training................................................................... 167 Special housing unit training curriculum ............................................................ 168 Staff training observations...................................................................................... 169 Security systems and practices ..................................................................................... 170 Physical plant characteristics ................................................................................. 171 Patrol requirements .................................................................................................. 173 Inmate movement practices.................................................................................... 174 Impact of gang issues and separation practices........................................................ 178 Post orders ......................................................................................................................... 180 Use of force and critical incidents ................................................................................ 180 Types of force ............................................................................................................ 182 Use of force observations ........................................................................................ 187 Use of force at USP Lewisburg ................................................................................ 187 Conditions of confinement ............................................................................................ 188 Adequacy and allocation of program space ............................................................... 204 Statutory and Bureau requirements ...................................................................... 205 Existing potential program space .......................................................................... 207 Observations on conditions of confinement ....................................................... 209 Program reviews ............................................................................................................... 210 Program review observations ................................................................................. 211 Reporting .................................................................................................................... 212 ix Operational review observations ........................................................................... 213 Chapter 8: Summary of conclusions ................................................................................. 215 Extent of segregation ....................................................................................................... 215 Conditions of confinement ............................................................................................ 217 Impact of the “separatee” status .................................................................................. 218 Investigation, protective custody, and pending transfer inmates in SHU ............ 219 Inmates awaiting administrative actions .................................................................... 219 Protective custody inmates in special housing units ............................................... 220 The special management unit program ....................................................................... 221 Mental health services ..................................................................................................... 222 Crowding and segregation.............................................................................................. 224 Due process ....................................................................................................................... 225 Reentry ............................................................................................................................... 227 Information system needs .............................................................................................. 228 Summary of findings and recommendations ............................................................. 228 Statistical analysis of restrictive housing ............................................................ 228 Due process ................................................................................................................ 229 Mental health ............................................................................................................. 231 Reentry ........................................................................................................................ 233 Conditions of confinement ..................................................................................... 234 Appendix: Research team bios ........................................................................................... 237 x List of figures Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Number of ADX, SMU and SHU Inmates February 2013 – June 2014 ................................................................................................................... iv SMU and ADX populations, January 2004 – July 2014 .......................... 21 ADX and SMU populations and inmate assault rate, 2004-2013 ......... 65 Inmate disciplinary process......................................................................... 71 xi CNA This page intentionally left blank. X11 List of tables Table 1. Table 2. Table 3. Table 4. Table Table Table Table 5. 6. 7. 8. Table 9. Table 10. Table 11. Table 12. Table 13. Table 14. Table 15. Table 16. Table 17. Table 18. Table 19. Table 20. SMU and ADX facilities and populations selected for site visits, November 2013 ................................................................................................ 3 SHU facilities and populations selected for site visits, December 2013 .................................................................................................................... 4 SHU and SMU prisoner interviews attempted and completed by facility................................................................................................................. 8 Inmates interviewed and evaluated regarding mental health status by facility ........................................................................................................... 9 SHU populations by status, February 2013 – June 2014 ....................... 14 SMU populations by facility, December 2013 .......................................... 18 Bureau segregation populations by segregation type, 2004–2014...... 22 Demographic attributes of ADX, SMU, SHU, and other Bureau populations, November 23, 2013 ............................................................... 52 Primary offenses of ADX, SMU, SHU, and other Bureau populations, November 23, 2013 ............................................................... 53 Sentence and time served attributes of ADX, SMU, SHU, and other Bureau populations, November 23, 2013 ................................................. 54 Medical and mental health care levels of ADX, SMU, SHU, and other Bureau populations, November 23, 2013 ................................................. 56 Security and other management issues of ADX, SMU, SHU, and other Bureau populations, November 23, 2013 ...................................... 57 Length of time in ADX, SMU, and SHU status, November 23, 2013 .... 58 Disciplinary reports for current ADX and SMU populations, as of November 23, 2013—total number of reports ........................................ 59 Disciplinary reports for ADX and SMU populations, as of November 23, 2013—reports in the 12 months before and after restrictive housing placement ..................................................................... 59 Types of disciplinary infractions by ADX inmates, as of November 23, 2013 ........................................................................................................... 60 Types of disciplinary infractions by current SMU inmates, as of November 23, 2013 ....................................................................................... 61 In-prison recidivism rates for inmates released from ADX and SMU . 64 Prison recidivism rates for inmates released from SMU by time in SMU ................................................................................................................... 64 Changes in ADX and SMU populations, assaults, and lockdowns, 2008–2013 ....................................................................................................... 65 xiii Table 21. Table 22. Table 23. Table 24. Table 25. Table Table Table Table 26. 27. 28. 29. Hearing dismissal rates ................................................................................ 76 SMU referrals and outcomes, January 2013 – February 2014 .............. 92 Remedy/SMU filings by reason, December 19, 2012 – December 19, 2013 ......................................................................................................... 108 Remedy SHU filings by disposition type, December 19, 2012 – December 19, 2013 ...................................................................................... 108 Symptoms of a mental health disorder among prison and jail inmates........................................................................................................... 112 Cases interviewed and assessed ............................................................... 115 Key health care attributes of assessed inmates .................................... 117 Key conclusions of independent psychiatric review ............................ 118 Mental health treatment staff at reviewed facilities............................. 124 xiv Glossary ACA ADX ART ASCA BOP CHS CFR DHO DR DSCC ESL FCI GAO GED LCP MDOC NIC OC ORE PRD PREA RAC RHU RPP RRC SAM SHU SIS SMI SMU SRO SSU UDC USP VADOC American Correctional Association Administrative Maximum Security Institution Annual Refresher Training Association of State Correctional Administrators Federal Bureau of Prisons Criminal History Score Code of Federal Regulations Disciplinary Hearing Officer Disciplinary Report Designation and Sentence Computation Center English as a Second Language Federal Correctional Institution Government Accountability Office General Educational Development Life Connections Program Mississippi Department of Corrections National Institute of Corrections oleoresin capsicum Office of Research and Evaluation Program Review Division, Federal Bureau of Prisons Prison Rape Elimination Act reentry affairs coordinator reintegration housing unit Release Preparedness Program residential reentry center special administrative measure special housing unit Special Investigative Service Serious Mental Illness special management unit segregation review official special security unit unit disciplinary committee United States penitentiary Virginia Department of Corrections xv CNA This page intentionally left blank. Chapter 1: Introduction Project background The use of high-security, restrictive housing units, also known as segregation units, by prison systems to manage dangerous or problematic offenders has received increased scrutiny in recent years. Virtually all state correctional systems, as well as most large local jail systems, use these units as a disciplinary tool and as a means to manage offenders who may need to be kept separate from general institutional populations. These units are typically characterized by very limited out-of-cell time and reduced access to privileges such as phone calls, visits, and personal property. The Federal Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) uses restrictive housing for serious infractions of institutional and system-wide rules governing inmate conduct, such as engaging in violent, aggressive behavior against other inmates and staff. Restrictive housing is also utilized for inmates who cannot be safely managed in a general population setting, or who have been otherwise determined to be a security threat. There are three categories of restrictive housing used by the Bureau: Special housing units (SHU) Special management units (SMU) The administrative maximum (ADX) facility in Florence, Colorado The Bureau has developed a comprehensive set of policies and procedures that govern the operation of these restrictive housing units. In order to assess the effectiveness of these policies and the consistency of restrictive housing operations with accepted national standards and best practices, the Bureau sought an independent, outside review of the restrictive housing program. Accordingly, on January 29, 2013, the Bureau issued RFQ AS0139-2013, Special Housing Unit Review and Assessment. The stated objective of the RFQ was to select a contractor to conduct an independent, comprehensive review of the Bureau’s operation of restrictive housing and identify potential operational and policy improvements. After an extensive evaluation process including a technical review of qualifications by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), CNA was selected to conduct this assessment. Upon completion of background checks of project team members, CNA received 1 notice to commence work on the project on September 19, 2013. Interviews and fieldwork at Bureau facilities began in November 2013 and continued through May 2014. Data analysis and follow-up reviews were completed by November 2014. The CNA project team was composed of eight former state correctional system directors, four former deputy correctional system directors, two psychiatrists, and two PhD-level criminal justice system researchers. All team members had substantial experience in the management and evaluation of restrictive housing units. The following report provides a comprehensive, detailed evaluation of the Bureau’s use of restrictive housing, including the following key areas: National trends and best practices in the management of restrictive housing units Profile of the Bureau’s segregation population Bureau policies and procedures governing the management of restrictive housing Unit operations and conditions of confinement Mental health assessment and treatment within restrictive housing units Application of inmate due process rights Reentry programming Impact of the use of restrictive housing on system safety and security The report evaluates the impact of the restrictive housing program on the federal prison system and places the Bureau’s use of segregation in context with professional standards and best practices found in other correctional systems. Methodology The overall research approach consisted of a wide variety of qualitative operational assessments as well as quantitative methods that provided a comprehensive review of the Bureau’s current restrictive housing practices. In this section of the report, these methods are described. 2 Facility selection The first step in structuring the analysis was selection of the facilities to be included in the review. The three Bureau facilities that house inmates in SMU and ADX status—Florence, Lewisburg, and Allenwood—were designated for comprehensive site visits. At the time the study commenced, there were approximately 2,100 inmates in the SMU and ADX units at these facilities. Table 1 shows the population breakdowns at these facilities at the beginning of the project. Inmates under special administrative measures (SAMs) located at the ADX were excluded from this study under the terms of the contract. Table 1. SMU and ADX facilities and populations selected for site visits, November 2013 Facility SMU ADX Control USP Florence ADX Florence Totals 645 0 97 742 0 322 0 322 USP Lewisburg 786 0 0 786 USP Allenwood 249 0 0 249 1,680 322 97 2,099 Totals Source: Bureau/NIC. The next step was the selection of facilities that house the much larger SHU populations. A list of these facilities was provided by the Bureau/NIC, outlining each facility’s SHU population and geographic location. The 14 private facilities that hold nearly 1,700 SHU inmates on any given day and the various metropolitan correctional centers were excluded from the study.1 Table 2 lists the facilities selected for comprehensive, on-site SHU reviews. The USP Hazelton facility, which houses female SHU inmates, was included in the study in order to assess conditions in female restrictive housing. Currently, there are no female inmates in SMU or ADX status, largely because there is not a sufficient number to create specialized SMU or ADX female units. The sites selected were the more secure USP facilities with the exception of the federal correctional institution (FCI) Butner Medium II. Concentrating on higher security facilities that contained significant SHU populations offered the most value to the project, given the project budget and the time constraints. However, the geographical mix of the facilities combined with the size of the sample they provide 1 Bureau Secure Housing and Inmate Discipline Quarterly Report, June 30, 2013, p. 13. 3 ensures sufficient numbers to make this review valid and representative of the Bureau as a whole. Table 2. SHU facilities and populations selected for site visits, December 2013 Facility FCI Butner Medium II Region Mid-Atlantic USP Coleman I Southeast USP Hazelton (females) USP Terre Haute Total SHU population Disciplinary Administrative 72 58 14 184 36 148 Mid-Atlantic 24 NA NA North Central 206 19 187 USP Tucson West 143 39 104 USP Victorville West 256 46 210 USP Florence North Central 13 13 0 898 211 663 Total Source: Bureau/NIC. Operational assessment—facility site visit protocol The project team conducted an assessment of segregated housing unit operations at each facility. The teams assessed operational performance and compared policy compliance with applicable statutes; the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR); Bureau of Prisons program statements, policies, and operational memoranda; and American Correctional Association (ACA) standards. Each project team member has experience and expertise in the areas they were assigned to evaluate. The team included former directors of corrections, former prison wardens, program supervisors, psychiatrists with experience in mental health treatment and correctional medicine, an attorney, and project researchers. Initially, the reviews addressed the facility mission, goals, and objectives of the restrictive housing unit. In advance of the site visits, a document review was conducted to determine the availability of data required for the assessment process. Each facility that was assessed is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the ACA, and the latest Visiting Committee report that led to the accreditation was assessed as part of preliminary data gathering. The team also reviewed any pending litigation and court orders that affected operational performance, policies, and/or operating procedures. Each site visit included two to three days on site with observations of facility operations on all three shifts. CNA team members were able to access all areas housing segregated inmates and interview any staff member at the facility to gather information for the facility assessment. At the end of each site visit, the warden and 4 associated executive staff received a preliminary briefing on major findings and possible recommendations. During the site visits, inmates from pre-selected representative samples were interviewed in conjunction with a review of their case files. A detailed description of the sampling process follows in the next section of this report. File reviews were conducted to determine if Bureau policies regarding due process issues were followed. The inmates’ disciplinary records were also examined to better understand the basis for placement in restrictive housing. Specific areas of review by the consultants included, but were not limited to, the following: Physical plant—assessment of unit design and the availability of services within the context of the design. Cell size and adequacy of cell furnishings were examined as well as the present cell occupancy versus the intended cell design. Conditions of confinement—adequacy of recreation space, amount of out-of-cell time, quality and quantity of meals, clothing, access to hygiene products, correspondence privileges, access to legal services, visitation, access to commissary, and access to showers and sanitary facilities. As part of this process, facility records on out-of-cell time, recreation, meals, showers, haircuts, telephone use, and visitation were reviewed. Staffing levels—unit staffing plans were assessed to determine the adequacy of staffing to meet unit demands and workload. As part of the analysis, records of actual deployment on posts in the staffing plan were reviewed to ensure that staffing levels were consistent with the post plan. The consultants reviewed up to three months of records, known as staffing rosters, to make their judgments. The staffing assessment included a review of the manner in which the Bureau supervises staff and assigns staff to work in the units and the staff rotation schedule. Staff training—evaluations of Bureau training programs that prepare staff to work in the correctional environment, as well as training specific to the management of restrictive housing units. Special attention was paid to training in the use of force, use of chemical agents, self-defense, and unit operations, as related to restrictive housing operations. Staff training attendance records were reviewed to determine if the staff in need of such training was receiving it. Use of force—analysis of federal regulations and policies relating to the authorized use of force, including a review of six months of data on use-of-force incidents and a close examination of a random selection of use-of-force incidents, including review of video footage of the incidents. 5 Disciplinary procedures and due process—compliance with federal regulations and the program statements concerning inmate discipline, including an examination of disciplinary records documenting compliance with due process requirements. Operational requirements—review included job descriptions, post orders, policies and procedures, supervision and patrol requirements, the application of restraints, documentation of unit activity such as logs, inmate movement procedures, and visits by institutional staff including managers, supervisors, healthcare professionals, and program staff. The frequency of critical incidents and use-of-force incidents was also a part of this assessment. Classification procedures and compliance—review included periodic progress reviews, interviews with unit team members, and a review of inmate case files. Compliance with segregation reviews was also reviewed. Programming/reentry—institutional practice relating to the availability of and inmate participation in programming. A review of practices providing inmates with a program release preparation prior to their release was also conducted. Access to medical services—examination of records documenting medical staff presence in the restrictive housing units and access to care inmates receive. The operational assessment did not include a review of the quality of medical care. Mental health care—review of the management of inmates with mental health issues, particularly those classified as seriously mentally ill. The project reviewed medical and mental health records and conducted interviews with inmates and clinical staff. Inmate samples and interviews As noted above, representative samples of inmates at selected facilities served as the focus of the data collection and analysis. By closely examining these inmates through case file review, observations, and interviews, the project team obtained a better understanding of the nature and effects of restrictive housing within the Bureau. A considerable amount of time was also spent interviewing staff at each facility and at the Bureau executive level to gain their perspectives. Restrictive housing operations were also assessed through a review of a wide range of Bureau documents and reports. The design of the study called for sampling of inmates currently housed at the selected facilities. Once selected, all data on the inmate was collected and evaluated on each of the factors listed above. The Bureau created an electronic spreadsheet for 6 each facility approximately one week prior to the site visit. Based on that spreadsheet, a random number was assigned to each listed inmate and samples of approximately 25 or more were selected. The goal was to ensure that at least 20 inmates would receive an in-depth assessment, including interviews and case file reviews. A central part of the assessment was a private interview with each inmate outside of his/her cell. Security procedures typically required that all inmates were escorted by two officers to the interview room in restraints. With the exception of USP Lewisburg, the interviews were conducted with just the inmate and interviewer.2 All inmates were required to sign a standardized informed consent form that was developed by the NIC, the Bureau, and CNA. The interviews were based on a structured format that sought responses from the inmates on the following topics: Extent of Bureau incarceration Extent of placement in SHU/SMU/ADX confinement Basis for placement and due process issues Conditions of confinement in restrictive housing, including time out of cell, access to programs, and privileges Medical and mental health status and care Staff and/or inmate abuse Recommendations Table 3 summarizes the number of inmates who were selected and those who were actually interviewed. In order to attempt to meet the minimum number of 20 inmates per site, it was necessary to supplement the random selected sample with inmates who were not on the list but were willing to be interviewed. These “supplemental” sampled inmates may have biased the effort to generate representative samples in unknown ways. Limited analysis is provided in the report to determine how the inmates chosen for the random sample and inmates actually interviewed differed from the total SHU/SMU/ADX populations. Due to significant problems with the data requests, which are detailed later in this report, it was not possible to directly 2 For some interviews, facility leadership required that a facility staff person sit in on the interview for security reasons. 7 identify the interviewed inmates and compare them with the total population in restrictive housing at each facility and across the Bureau. Overall, there was a 70 percent interview completion rate, which, given the security requirements associated with the interviews, was better than expected. The lowest rates were at the Lewisburg and Tucson facilities, where less than 50 percent of the sampled inmates expressed a willingness to be interviewed. The average number of interviews across the 12 facilities or units was 22, which met the overall goal of having at least 20 interviews and cases analyzed. Table 3. SHU and SMU prisoner interviews attempted and completed by facility Completed No Yes Total Completion rate Allenwood 9 26 35 74% Florence 3 21 24 88% Florence ADX 11 23 34 68% Lewisburg 22 21 43 49% SMU subtotal 45 91 136 67% ADX 3 13 16 81% Butner 11 18 29 62% Coleman 8 29 37 78% Florence 10 12 22 55% Hazelton 1 30 31 97% Terre Haute 6 24 30 80% Tucson 28 25 53 47% Victorville 5 27 32 84% SHU subtotal 70 178 250 71% Grand total 115 269 386 70% Facility SMU SHU Source: CNA/JFA Institute. Mental health interviews In addition to the inmate interviews listed above, separate lists were generated for inmates to be privately interviewed by the project team psychiatrists. Prior to their site visit, the roster generated by the Bureau was provided to the research team. This allowed the researchers to identify inmates by level of mental health condition. (Four levels exist, with Level 1 reflecting no significant mental health illness.) A sample was 8 then produced a few days in advance of the site visit. There was some very limited duplication of the inmate and mental health evaluations that were completed. The overall response rate for the mental health reviews was slightly higher than for the inmate reviews (81 percent). The interviews were designed to allow CNA consulting psychiatrists to offer their professional assessment. Table 4 summarizes the completion rate for the mental health interviews by facility. Table 4. Inmates interviewed and evaluated regarding mental health status by facility Facility Not completed Completed Completion rate Allenwood 0 20 100% Atlanta 0 7 100% Butner 1 9 89% Coleman 11 14 56% Florence 6 47 89% Hazelton 4 11 73% Lewisburg 2 25 93% Terre Haute 9 16 64% Tucson 8 13 62% Victorville 0 18 100% Total 41 180 81% Source: CNA/JFA Institute. Quantitative data analysis—individual level The study also sought to conduct a more comprehensive assessment of the SMU and SHU population using the Bureau data systems. Like most if not all state correctional data systems, the Bureau’s data systems are not designed to directly measure the status of restrictive housing in terms of admissions to SHU and SMU, release from these same statuses, and the current restrictive housing populations. For this and other reasons, securing the necessary data and readying them for statistical analysis took much longer than originally projected.3 3 Another reason for this delay was the decision by the Bureau to not allow the CNA researchers to have regular and informal contacts with the Bureau’s Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) staff. Instead formal meetings had to be convened and emails transmitted through the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) at NIC. This process resulted in lengthy 9 Beginning in November 2013, the Bureau first attempted to provide such information for the SMU and ADX populations. This was done by creating multiple large data files that captured all movements in and out of SMU and ADX status since 2009. These files were then merged and analyzed to create a snapshot of the SMU and ADX populations based on the absence of a release movement from that status. This was achieved in May 2014. A similar effort was made to create cohorts of SMU and ADX releases. These cohorts were needed to calculate the length of stay in SMU and ADX status. Our goal was also to conduct a recidivism study to determine what percentage of SMU and ADX releases were returning to restrictive housing and for what reasons. After many efforts to create such release cohorts, Bureau researchers opted to create the cohorts for CNA using their considerable and intimate knowledge of the Bureau SENTRY data system. These cohorts were finally established in July 2014, leaving little time to conduct the analysis within the project schedule. Until very recently, there have been no data system capabilities within the Bureau to evaluate the much larger SHU population. The new special housing unit application system is a stand-alone data system that has not been used by the Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE) staff for evaluation purposes. The ORE team made several attempts, without success, to create files from this system that could then be used to create SHU release and snapshot data files. It was decided in June 2014 that the Bureau would only be able to create a current SHU population listing with which more complete data could be merged. It was also mutually agreed that a SHU release cohort could not be produced for this study. The SHU snapshot file was produced in July 2014, which did not permit sufficient time to conduct a comprehensive analysis of that population as originally intended. Quantitative data analysis—aggregate level The study design also proposed to review trends in the number of Bureau inmates in restrictive housing over time. The shift in Bureau policies that has led to a significant increase in the SMU population, large transfers of the SMU population from Florence to Lewisburg, and a significant decline in the SHU population have all significantly affected the Bureau’s restrictive housing population over time. We also requested that the Bureau provide the numbers of assaults on staff and inmates over time as well as the number of lockdowns occurring each month. delays in receiving answers to data questions and data files. The typical time frame for receiving such data files for similar studies in Ohio, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Colorado and Georgia has been 30-60 days. 10 Data on the SMU and ADX populations going back to 2004 were provided in a timely manner. Data on staff and inmate assaults were provided in May 2014. The number of lockdowns per month was not being collected on a systemic basis until 2008, and those data were provided in June 2014. Similar data on the number of inmates in SHU status per month were available in a “dashboard” report that was available only in a portable document format (PDF). These data were not retrieved in a spreadsheet format until July 2014, when ORE was able to manually transfer the information for the CNA team. Composition of the Bureau of Prisons special housing As described earlier, the Bureau operates three types of segregated housing units: special housing units (SHUs), special management units (SMUs), and the administrative maximum security (ADX) institution in Florence, Colorado. The Bureau also operates communications management units. The conditions of confinement in these units are similar to general population in that inmates are allowed to participate in out-of-cell activities for up to 16 hours per day. The communications management units were excluded from the scope of work of this study. The Bureau’s program statements governing the three types of segregated housing units indicate that all three have similar functions and purpose: to “separate inmates from the general inmate population to protect the safety, security, and orderly operation of Bureau facilities, and to protect the public.”4 The specific placement criteria and conditions of confinement vary for each type of segregated housing unit, as does the type of inmate housed in each. Special housing units As outlined in Program Statement 5270.10, Special Housing Units, the purpose of the SHU is as follows: Special Housing Units (SHUs) are housing units in Bureau institutions where inmates are securely separated from the general inmate population, and may be housed either alone or with other inmates. 4 Program Statement 5270.10, Special Housing Units, 28 C.F.R. 541.21. 11 Special housing units help ensure the safety, security, and orderly operation of correctional facilities, and protect the public, by providing alternative housing assignments for inmates removed from the general population. The policy further indicates that inmates placed in SHU are in either administrative detention status or disciplinary segregation status. Section 541.22 of the program statement describes administrative detention as follows: Administrative detention status is an administrative status, which removes you from the general population when necessary to ensure the safety, security, and orderly operation of correctional facilities, or protect the public. Administrative detention status is nonpunitive, and can occur for a variety of reasons. The program statement permits placement in administrative detention status for the following reasons:5 The inmate is awaiting classification or reclassification. The inmate has been placed in holdover status and is awaiting or in transit to a designated institution or other destination. It is determined that the inmate’s removal from general population is necessary because continued placement in general population poses a threat to life, property, self, staff, other inmates, the public, or to the security or orderly running of the institution and one or more of the following— 5 o The inmate is under investigation or awaiting a hearing for possibly violating a Bureau regulation or criminal law. o The inmate is awaiting transfer to another institution or location. o It has been determined that the inmate requires protective custody based on the inmate’s request or staff determination that administrative detention status is required for the inmate’s own protection. o The inmate has been determined to require postdisciplinary detention and is ending confinement in disciplinary segregation status, and a return to Program Statement 5270.10, Special Housing Units, 28 C.F.R. 541.23. 12 the general population would threaten the safety, security, and orderly operation of a correctional facility, or public safety. As noted in the above eligibility standards for placement in the SHU, inmates may be placed in administrative detention status for protection. The program statement outlines the following circumstances in which this can occur:6 Inmate has been determined to be a victim of inmate assault or threats. Inmate has been confirmed to be an informant and his/her safety is at risk because of providing, or being perceived as having provided, information to staff or law enforcement authorities regarding other inmates or people in the community. Inmate has refused to enter general population because of alleged pressures or threats from unidentified inmates, or for no specific expressed reason. Based on evidence, staff believes that the inmate’s safety may be seriously jeopardized by placement in the general population. The statistical analysis of the SHU population was severely hampered by the inability of the Bureau to provide an accurate data file of the inmates assigned to and released from SHU status as well as an accurate snapshot of the current SHU population. At that time, the count was 10,262 in over 100 Bureau facilities, with the population steadily declining since then, reaching 8,939 by June 2014. This is a significant reduction from the self-reported count of the SHU population of over 13,000 in 2011. As with the SMU and ADX population, a very large percentage (66 percent) of the SHU population has “separatee orders,” which means they have enemies and/or there are safety and security concerns that prohibit specific inmates from being housed with one another. This issue greatly restricts the Bureau’s ability to return SHU (as well as SMU and ADX) inmates to the general population—even when considering transfers to other Bureau facilities. A further complication is the level of crowding that exists within the Bureau. As of 2013, the Bureau stated it was at 137 percent of its rated capacity. The rates of crowding are even higher at their high- and medium-security facilities (154 percent and 144 percent, respectively). Since many of the SMU inmates upon their release will require placement in the high- and medium-security facilities, this level of crowding 6 Program Statement 5270.10, Special Housing Units, 28 C.F.R. 541.27. 13 further exacerbates the difficulty of transferring these inmates out of SHU in a timely manner. Table 5. SHU populations by status, February 2013 – June 2014 Date Total Disciplinary segregation Investigation Protective custody Pending actions 2/2013 10,262 1,722 4,581 1,882 2,002 75 3/2013 10,070 1,700 4,516 1,868 1,868 118 4/2013 10,235 1,802 4,634 1,906 1,769 124 5/2013 10,086 2,041 4,355 1,854 1,714 122 6/2013 9,915 1,860 4,369 1,825 1,719 142 7/2013 9,821 1,542 4,707 1,787 1,675 110 8/2013 9,808 1,716 4,635 1,687 1,598 172 Other 9/2013 9,696 1,803 4,458 1,709 1,515 211 10/2013 9,530 1,771 4,483 1,613 1,516 147 11/2013 9,483 1,768 4,451 1,718 1,405 141 12/2013 9,434 1,506 4,567 1,562 1,726 73 1/2014 9,357 1,570 4,283 1,593 1,825 86 2/2014 9,484 1,424 4,750 1,532 1,718 60 3/2014 9,177 1,585 4,388 1,432 1,704 68 4/2014 9,096 1,533 4,336 1,380 1,766 81 5/2014 8,926 1,508 4,260 1,340 1,716 102 6/2014 8,939 1,376 4,252 1,361 1,802 148 Source: Bureau/ORE. Special management units As specified in Program Statement 5217.01, Special Management Units, inmates who have participated in or had a leadership role in geographical group/gang-related activity, and/or present unique security and management concerns may be designated to an SMU, where enhanced and more restrictive management approaches have been determined to be necessary to ensure the safety, security, or orderly operation of Bureau facilities, or protection of the public. The program statement defines the SMU as a nonpunitive program status that may be appropriate for any inmate meeting the referral criteria as outlined in Section 2 of P5217.01. The objective of the SMU status as outlined in that document is to enhance a safe and orderly environment at all Bureau institutions. 14 Bureau policy permits placement in a SMU for any sentenced inmate whose history, behavior, or situation requires enhanced management approaches that would ensure the safety, security, or orderly operation of Bureau facilities, or for protection of the public. The policy states that one or more of the following criteria must exist to support consideration for placement in an SMU: Participated in disruptive geographical group/gang-related activity. Had a leadership role in disruptive geographical group/gang-related activity. Has a history of serious and/or disruptive disciplinary infractions. Committed any 100-level prohibited act.7 Participated in, organized, or facilitated any group misconduct that adversely affected the orderly operation of a correctional facility. Participated in or was associated with activity such that greater management of the inmate’s interaction with other people is necessary to ensure the safety, security, or orderly operation of the Bureau facilities, or protection of the public.8 The SMU program has four levels or phases, differentiated by the conditions of confinement and expected time frames for completion. Completion of all levels is expected to occur within 18–24 months in the absence of any further behavioral issues. Level 1 completion is expected within four months. Levels 2 and 3 are expected to take from six to eight months each, and Level 4 is expected to take two to four months. Level 1—minimum stay four months. At this level, interaction between inmates is minimal (for example, showers and recreation). All inmates are double bunked. The associate warden is responsible for determining which inmates may be housed or can participate in activities together, as necessary, to protect the safety, security, and good order of the institution. Inmates are ordinarily restricted to their assigned cells. Inmates participate in an institution and unit admission and orientation program as outlined in the policy on admission and orientation. The goal of the SMU admission and orientation program is to provide inmates with information regarding the institution’s operations, program availability, and the requirements for successful 7 •P.S. 5270.09, Inmate Discipline Program. 8 Program Statement 5217.01, Special Management Unit, Section 2, Referral Process. 15 progression through each of the four levels of the program, based upon specific goals established for each inmate. Institution staff will interact with each inmate on an individual basis to assess the inmate’s program and counseling needs, discuss the SMU program objectives and expectations, establish a set of program goals based on the inmate’s individual needs and the programming available within the unit, and communicate the requirements of the SMU program. Progression through Level 1 is based upon the inmate’s compliance with behavioral expectations as established by institution and SMU staff. A multidisciplinary special management review is conducted by the unit manager, captain, and associate warden (chairperson) or the person acting in that capacity. This review includes input from the SMU unit team, correctional staff, psychology staff, education staff, and other appropriate staff to determine the inmate’s readiness to progress to the next level. After the initial programming assessment, Level 1 inmates are reviewed at least every 90 days. Inmates are expected to progress to Level 2 after four months. Level 2—minimum stay six to eight months. At this level, interaction between inmates remains minimal. The associate warden is responsible for determining which inmates may be housed or participate in activities together, as necessary to protect the safety, security, and good order of the institution. Inmates are ordinarily restricted to their assigned cells; however, out-of-cell activities and programming may be increased on a case-by-case basis depending on behavioral performance. Inmates continue their involvement in General Educational Development (GED) (or high school equivalency) or ESL (English as a second language) education, either individually or in a classroom setting. Initially at this level, inmates may be involved in programs on a self-study basis; then, individual and small group counseling sessions dealing specifically with treatment readiness and fundamental communication skills will be required. The associate warden is responsible for determining which inmates will participate in group activities. All program activities are intended to reinforce the goal of coexisting and acting responsibly. Curriculum at this level targets “treatment readiness skills” (such as basic empathy, attentiveness responding, respect, and genuineness) to enhance inmate receptivity to the new concepts which they will be exposed to in Level 3. Small-group counseling sessions, in particular, focus on treatment readiness and fundamental communication skills. Progression through this level is based upon the inmate demonstrating the potential for positive community interaction. During Level 2, inmates generally program and function separately. Progression to Level 3, however, requires the inmate to demonstrate the ability to coexist with other individuals, groups, or gangs. Level 2 inmates are reviewed at least every 90 days and are expected to progress to Level 3 after six to eight months. Inmates who fail to make satisfactory progress may be returned to a previous level. 16 Level 3—minimum stay six to eight months. Inmates at this level begin to interact in an open but supervised setting with individuals from various groups, including open movement in the unit with their demonstrated ability to effectively coexist with other inmates. The associate warden is responsible for determining which inmates may be housed or participate in activities together, as necessary to protect the safety, security, and good order of the institution. There are also increased privileges (for example, commissary and property) at this level for those who accomplish unit goals and maintain appropriate conduct. Progression through this level is based upon the inmate’s ability to demonstrate positive community interaction skills. Inmates are formally reviewed by the unit team every 90 days and are expected to progress to Level 4 after six to eight months. Inmates who fail to make satisfactory progress may be returned to a previous level. Level 4—minimum stay two to four months. At this level, inmates must be able to demonstrate their sustained ability to coexist and interact appropriately with other individuals and groups in the unit. The associate warden is responsible for determining which inmates will participate in group activities. This level encompasses the inmate’s last two-to-four months in the SMU program. Level 4 inmate reviews are conducted every 30 days and documented in the same manner as previous reviews. SMU inmates are reviewed by the unit team in conjunction with regularly scheduled program reviews as provided in the policy on inmate classification and program review. The unit team specifically reviews inmates for progression through the levels of the program. An inmate’s institutional adjustment, program participation, personal hygiene, and cell sanitation are considered during review for progression to subsequent levels. Progression through the program levels is dependent upon time in the specific level, demonstration of appropriate behavior, and participation in programming goals. A panel review is conducted at the end of each level to make recommendations regarding progression. By policy, progression from Level 3 to Level 4 is based on the “ability of the inmate to demonstrate positive ‘community’ interaction. It must also be determined the inmate will likely meet the re-designation criteria.” Progression from Level 4 to a general population facility is “based upon the inmate’s ability to function in a general population setting with inmates of various group affiliations.” Staff indicated that most team meetings for SMU inmates are done at the cell door. There are only slight programming and operational differences between inmates in Level 3 and Level 4. According to both policy and practice, Level 3 and Level 4 inmates may be housed in the same cell. At the time that this review was initiated, there were SMU programs operating at USP Allenwood, USP Lewisburg, and USP Florence. As of November 2013, the SMU census issued by the Bureau showed a total of 1,680 inmates assigned to SMU status across 17 these three facilities (table 6). Since then, the Bureau has been transferring SMU inmates to USP Lewisburg with the intention of eliminating the SMU program at USP Florence. Table 6. SMU populations by facility, December 2013 Facility SMU population USP Florence 645 USP Lewisburg 786 USP Allenwood 249 Totals 1,680 Source: Bureau/NIC/ORE. The Bureau was not able to provide a count of the SMU population broken down by the four levels described above. USP Allenwood is supposed to contain only Level 3 and Level 4 SMU inmates, while USP Lewisburg and USP Florence house only Level 1 and Level 2 inmates. As discussed later in this report, we encountered inmates at USP Lewisburg who had graduated from Level 2 but were being retained at that facility, reportedly due to a lack of capacity at USP Allenwood. Assuming that USP Allenwood does represent the Level 3 and 4 SMU populations, it is clear from table 6 that 85 percent of inmates in SMU are in Levels 1 and 2. Given the minimum length of time required to complete Levels 1 and 2 (10–12 months), it may take an extended period for many of these inmates to be returned to the general population. Administrative maximum facility program The ADX facility is located at the Federal Correctional Complex in Florence, Colorado. The ADX is a high security facility housing maximum-custody-sentenced inmates in single-occupancy cells. Maximum custody is the highest custody level that can be assigned to an inmate. This is the only facility of its type in the Bureau. The stated missions of the ADX are to (1) assist the Bureau in maintaining the safety of both staff and inmates, while eliminating the need to increase the security of other open population penitentiaries; and (2) confine inmates under close controls while providing them opportunities to demonstrate progressively responsible behavior; participate in programs in a safe, secure, and humane environment, and establish readiness for transfer to a less secure institution. The ADX houses inmates who require an uncommon level of security due to their records of serious institutional misconduct, involvement in violent or escape-related behavior, and/or who have unusual security needs based on the nature of their offense. Placement of these inmates at another facility would pose a risk to the safety and security of the institution, staff, and inmates and the public. 18 The institution operates three distinct programs throughout its numerous housing units, which includes the general population and step-down program, control unit program, and special security unit program. The ADX also has an SHU. Referrals of inmates for placement at the ADX must be approved by the regional director, the chief of the Bureau’s Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC), and the assistant director of the Correctional Programs Division in the central office. All inmates referred for placement receive a hearing prior to placement. Inmates may attend the hearing, make a statement, and present evidence to the hearing administrator conducting the hearing. A mental health evaluation is a required component of all referrals for placement at the ADX. The facility census at the time of our review on March 31, 2014, was 410 inmates. Of those, 75 were assigned to the control unit; 23 to the SHU control overflow; nine to the SHU segregation unit; 19 to the J unit step-down program; 28 to the H unit (housing inmates with SAMs); and 256 in general population. The H unit, which houses the Special Security Unit Program, was excluded from this review under the terms of the contract. A snapshot of the census was taken on the first of the month for a 12-month period from April 1, 2013, to April 1, 2014. During that time, the high census was 447 on April 1, 2013, and the low census was 411 inmates on March 1, 2014, and on April 1, 2014. For the 12-month period, the average census for the facility was 428. The three main components of the ADX that were reviewed in this assessment were the general population step-down units, the special security unit (SSU), and the control unit. Each of these is summarized below. General population: Inmates in this portion of the facility meet the basic ADX placement criteria. The purpose of the program is to monitor the inmate’s adjustment to general population while providing an increasing level of privileges and recreation access. The general population and step-down units have a fourphase, 36-month minimum program length. Inmates are gradually placed in less restrictive housing and program conditions based on their adjustment to their conditions of confinement. Special security unit: The SSU houses inmates who have the need for more restricted conditions or have a SAM authorized by the attorney general. SAMs may be deemed reasonably necessary to prevent disclosure of classified information that would pose a threat to national security if disclosed. SAMs include, but are not limited to, placing an inmate in administrative detention and restricting social visits, mail privileges, phone calls, and access to other inmates and to the media. While in the unit, each inmate participates in a three-phase program, with each phase being less restrictive. 19 Inmates housed in the SSU are reviewed annually to determine if the SAM status should be renewed or modified. Control unit: The control unit program, established by Program Statement 5212.07, provides housing for inmates who are unable to function in a less restrictive environment without posing a threat to others or the institution. Referral to the unit is outlined in PS 5212.07 and is reviewed by the regional director in the region which the inmate is housed. If the regional director concurs with the placement, the referral is submitted to the regional director of the North Central region, where ADX Florence is located. The regional director then designates a hearing administrator to conduct a hearing to review the placement referral. A mental health evaluation is a required component of the referrals to the control unit, and medical, psychological, and psychiatric concerns are considered during the review. The hearing administrator conducts the hearing, which the inmate may attend and present evidence, call witnesses, and receive the assistance of staff if necessary. The decision of the hearing administrator is then submitted to the Executive Panel (warden of ADX Florence, North Central regional director, and assistant director of the Correctional Programs Division) for final review and placement. Inmates placed in the control unit are reviewed within four weeks of initial placement. Subsequent reviews are conducted on a monthly basis by the unit team, while the Executive Panel is to review each inmate’s status and placement on a quarterly basis. The Psychology Services Branch reviews all ADX referrals, a process that has been in place since 2012. Psychology Services reviews all cases prior to designation to the ADX. Bureau staff reported that cases have been rejected for ADX placement based upon this review, but no data were available on the number of cases in this category. ADX and SMU population trends The historical trends for both the ADX and SMU populations are shown in figure 2. A dramatic increase in the SMU population began in 2009 and plateaued at about 2,000; the population recently declined through July 2014. The ADX population has remained fairly stable at 425 since 2004. 20 Figure 2. SMU and ADX populations, January 2004 – July 2014 After a dramatic increase in the SMU program that began in 2009, there have been recent and significant reductions in the SHU and SMU populations (table 7). Similarly, the Bureau population has also been slightly reduced, from a peak of 217,815 to 210,961 as of December 25, 2014. However, even with the decline in the Bureau population, the proportion of inmates in some form of segregation is at 5 percent— down from an estimated 6.9 percent in 2011. Much of the total decline is attributed to a reduction in the SHU population and, in particular, inmates who have been assigned to protective custody or are serving disciplinary segregation sanctions. There have been no reductions in the number of SHU inmates being investigated or the ADX populations over this time frame. 21 Table 7. Bureau segregation populations by segregation type, 2004–2014 % of total Bureau population Year Total SMU ADX SHU Total segregation 2004 180,328 46 393 NA 439 NA 2005 187,618 71 398 NA 469 NA 2006 193,046 60 472 NA 532 NA 2007 199,618 61 487 NA 548 NA 2008 201,280 98 466 NA 564 NA 2009 208,118 894 449 NA 1,343 NA 2010 209,771 1,357 427 NA 1,784 NA 2011 216,632 1,491 451 13,000 14,942 6.9% 2012 217,815 1,942 434 10,262 12,638 5.8% 2013 216,570 1,680 419 9,434 11,533 5.3% 2014 215,324 1,399 409 8,939 10,747 5.0 % Source: Bureau/ORE. Note: 2011 SHU population is a self-reported estimate by the BOP. The 2014 populations are as of June 2014. Summary of the Bureau’s recent initiatives and segregation capacity As the populations have been reduced, there have also been reductions in the capacity of the program since its formation. Bureau Director Charles E. Samuels, Jr. reported that an SMU had been closed at FCI Talladega, Alabama, where there was an 80-bed unit for Level 1 and 2 inmates. This SMU was deactivated in February 2013. The director also reported that there had been plans to open an additional SMU program at Oakdale, Louisiana, but that plan was withdrawn, again due to the steady reduction in counts at the existing SMU programs and the absence of growth in previous years. The capacity of other units within existing SMU facilities has also been modified based on the reduced SMU population—for example, the deactivated units at USP Lewisburg that were observed during the site visit to that facility in January 2014. G unit, which had a potential capacity of 162 SMU inmates, was closed at the time of the site visit. Also during the site visit to Florence, Colorado, the complex warden reported that the SMU there was being phased out and the SMU inmates transferred to USP Lewisburg. At the time of our site visit (April 2, 2014), the SMU at USP Florence had a 22 capacity of 750 and a population of 474. The capacity was split, with 374 beds for Levels 1 and 2 and 376 beds for Levels 3 and 4. The available capacity was, in practice, lower than 750, as D unit was being used as a general population unit and other beds were housing the ADX step-down program. The warden indicated that those in Levels 3 and 4 would remain at USP Florence until completion of the program, while those in Levels 1 and 2 would gradually be transferred to USP Lewisburg. Development of the reintegration housing unit The Bureau has also initiated a housing and program option for the protective custody population, which makes up a significant portion of the overall SHU population. It was reported that in November 2013 there were 1,437 protection cases in special housing, with an additional 172 in special housing awaiting placement back into the general population. In October 2013, the Bureau issued a memorandum that provided field staff with procedures and criteria for placement of inmates in the reintegration housing unit (RHU) located at the Federal Correctional Complex at Oakdale, Louisiana.9 The target population for the RHU consists of male inmates who “consistently refuse to enter general population at multiple locations” and those who have been designated through the classification process as protective custody. The stated purpose of the RHU is as follows:10 Remove inmates from SHUs and provide a less restrictive housing environment. Address factors that cause inmates to refuse placement in general population. Develop skills to increase amenability to entering general population. Reduce continued transfers and SHU placement. The preferred candidates and outcomes for the RHU include the following: Target inmates who consistently refuse to enter general population at multiple institutions and who have a general fear of placement in general population. Memorandum to All Regional Directors, October 18, 2013, from Acting Assistant Director, Correctional Programs Division titled FCC Oakdale – RHU Activation Procedures. 9 10 Reintegration Housing Unit PowerPoint. 23 Remove inmates from SHUs and provide a less restrictive housing environment. Address factors that cause inmates to refuse general population. Develop skills to increase amenability to entering general population. Reduce continued transfers and SHU placement. The initial capacity of the RHU was established as 160 beds with a potential for future expansion to 320 beds. The RHU provides alternative housing outside the SHU for protective custody inmates who are not security threat group members and who could transition to general population housing. USP Atlanta mental health unit Finally, the Bureau has established a specialized unit for Mental Health Care Level 3 mentally ill inmates as an alternative to housing in the SMU, SHU, or ADX. This program, the USP Atlanta Secure Mental Health Step-Down Program, has an initial capacity of 24–30 and is primarily intended to remove some but not all Level 3 inmates with serious mental illness (SMI) from the ADX and other high-security USPs. Inmates classified by the Bureau as Mental Health Care Level 4 are housed in the Bureau’s medical referral centers. 24 Chapter 2: National trends and use of segregated housing Removal of disruptive and violent inmates from the general population and their placement in separate housing units has been a common practice in prison systems since their inception.11 In the United States, placement of inmates in solitary confinement—the most extreme form of segregated housing—has been documented as early as the 1800s, when administrators believed that silent contemplation led to reform.12 Although the use and management of segregated housing have changed, the practice of separating and isolating inmates using special cells or facilities has continued.13 The modern use of segregation and solitary confinement within specialized units and facilities began to emerge in the 1970s, as prison populations began to rise, spurring a series of highly publicized riots, prison violence, and increased prison crowding.14 It was hoped that segregating the most disruptive inmates for extensive periods of time under extreme forms of security would serve both to deter and to incapacitate highly disruptive behavior. By incapacitating disruptive inmates, centralized and specialized segregation units would allow the vast majority of inmates who were conforming to the prison systems rules and regulations to carry out their daily routines of work, recreation, and program participation without the fear of violence or intimidation by more aggressive inmates. It also allowed the other prisons to avoid lengthy lockdowns and major disturbances. C. Riveland. Supermax Prisons: Overview and General Considerations. National Institute of Corrections Technical Assistance Number 98P4002. Jan. 1999. 12 D.P. Mears and J. Watson. “Towards a Fair and Balanced Assessment of Supermax Prisons.” Justice Quarterly 23, no. 2, Jun. 2006: 232-270. 13 J.M. Pizarro, V.M. Stenius and T.C. Pratt. “Supermax Prisons Myths, Realities, and the Politics of Punishment in American Society.” Criminal Justice Policy Review 17, no. 1, Mar. 2006: 6-21. 14 J. Wooldrege. “Research Note: A State Level Analysis of Sentencing Policies and Inmate Crowding in State Prison.” Journal of Crime and Delinquency 42, no. 3, Jul. 1996: 456-466. 11 25 Three factors that influenced the rise of segregated housing deserve further attention: (1) the significant increases in the nation’s state and federal prison populations, (2) the attending increased crowding, and (3) the increased presence of organized street and prison gangs. After many decades of relative stability in the rate of incarceration, state and federal prison populations began to accelerate in the 1970s, which served to disrupt prison subcultures. In 1972 alone, 90 prison riots were reported by state and federal officials.15 As noted by many criminologists, prison administrators depend heavily upon a cooperative and conforming inmate population.16 Correctional officers are greatly outnumbered by the inmate population at any given time and are armed with few, if any, lethal weapons. Control is maintained by their daily interactions with inmates and by offering differing levels of freedom of movement, privileges, and activities (work, programs, and recreation) to mitigate the monotony of “doing time.” However, as the prison populations grew, greater numbers of less experienced people were needed to work in the expanding field of corrections. Prison crowding also worsened as policy-makers passed legislation designed to sentence more people to prison for longer periods of time. It simply was not possible to build a sufficient number of prisons to accommodate the rising tide of inmates. Crowding further exacerbated the level of violence in prisons and the need to better control highly disruptive inmates. Finally, the presence of modern organized street gangs within the prison population increased, which served to further disrupt stability.17 Although prison gangs have long been a prison management issue, the 1970s saw a new development in which street gangs that were organized outside the prison system began to enter it in much larger numbers. 15 Useem, B. & Piehl, A.M. (2008). Prison state: The challenge of mass incarceration. New York: Cambridge University Press. Starting with Donald Clemmer’s The Prison Community (New York: Holt, Rinehart, 1958), social scientists produced an extensive literature on prisoner society as it existed from the 1930s through the 1960s. A few of the studies are Graham Sykes, The Society of Captives (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1958); Rose Giallombardo, The Society of Women (New York: Wiley, 1966); David Ward and Gene Kassebaum, Women’s Prison (Chicago: Aldine, 1965); John Irwin, The Felon (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1970); James Jacobs, Stateville (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1977), and; and James Austin and John Irwin, It’s About Time: America’s Imprisonment Binge, 4th Edition (Palo Alto, CA: 16 17 Irwin, John. Prisons in Turmoil (Boston: Little, Brown, 1980). Jacobs, James, B. Stateville: The Penitentiary in Mass Society (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1977). 26 There was also shift from what Ward and Carlson described as the dispersion approach to the concentration approach to segregation housing.18 The dispersion approach involved dispersing disruptive inmates and repeatedly transferring them to different high-security prisons in the hopes of breaking up potential cliques or gangs and preventing them from recruiting other inmates. It also provided some relief to staff who had to manage these inmates on a daily basis. However, as prison populations and the number of disruptive inmates grew, the efficacy of this approach waned. It has now been replaced by the concentration approach, in which specially designed facilities are constructed or older facilities renovated to permit the long-term confinement of disruptive inmates in a highly controlled setting. These facilities have relatively small housing units with cells that are difficult to damage, enable staff to turn off water and electricity, and facilitate the use of force when needed to conduct searches and cell extractions. Specially designed “cages” are constructed to permit limited access to recreation, case managers, and medical and mental health staff. The security staff are expected to be specially trained in working in these prisons or units, which sometimes were known as “supermax” prisons. The first forms of supermax and high segregation units can be traced to the Bureau’s opening of Alcatraz in 1934 as a high-security penitentiary for “habitual” and “intractable” federal inmates. After its closure in 1963, the Bureau experimented with the dispersion model. With a rising population and increased levels of disruption, the agency decided to once again concentrate its disruptive inmates at a special highcontrol unit at the Marion Penitentiary, which opened in 1978. In 1983, the deaths of two officers and an inmate resulted in this prison’s conversion to indefinite administrative segregation, or lockdown. Marion continued to house this population until it opened a modern high-security, secure segregation unit called the administrative maximum penitentiary in Florence, Colorado, in 1994. This unit is now referred to as the ADX. Following the Bureau’s lead, supermax prisons and housing units began to spring up in most state prisons systems as well as many of the largest jail systems. It must be emphasized that, in most jurisdictions, the proportion of segregated inmates is relatively small. The last national survey, conducted in 2002, found that, on average, 5 percent of the state prison population was assigned to some form of 18 Ward, David A. and N. A. Carlson. “Super-Maximum Custody Prisons in the United States.” Prison Service Journal, Issue No. 97. April 1994. 27 administrative or disciplinary segregation.19 That same survey found significant variation among the states with a range of 1 percent to 16 percent. Definitions of segregation and types of inmates in segregation Segregated housing is known by a variety of names, including (but not limited to) restrictive housing, segregation, administrative segregation, punitive segregation, disciplinary segregation, isolation, control unit, special housing unit (SHU), special management unit (SMU), intensive management unit, security control unit, and supermax. For purposes of this report and based on several prior studies, the following definitions of segregation from the prison general population are used: Protective custody—The purpose is to protect an inmate from threats of violence and extortion from other inmates. The inmate remains in this status until the threats have been removed or the inmate is released from prison. Acute/serious mental health needs—The purpose is to provide intense mental health treatment to inmates with SMIs. The placement of an inmate and the treatment plan are determined by the mental health team. Acute medical needs—The purpose is to provide intense medical care to inmates with life-threatening medical conditions and/or physical disabilities. The placement of an inmate and the treatment plan are determined by medical health professionals, including a psychiatrist or a physician. Investigation segregation—The purpose is to temporally segregate an inmate until serious allegations of misconduct or the need for protective custody is determined. Once the investigative process is completed, the inmate can be assigned to a segregation status or returned to the general population. Disciplinary segregation—The purpose is to punish an inmate for a violation of a major disciplinary rule. The inmate is to be released back to the general population once the period of disciplinary segregation has been served. Austin, James and McGinnis, Kenneth. Classification of High-Risk and Special Management : A National Assessment of Current Practices. National Institute of Corrections. NIC Accession Number 01946. June 2004. 19 28 Administrative segregation—The purpose is to incapacitate an inmate whose presence in the general population would pose an ongoing threat to inmates and staff. The placement of an inmate in this status is solely determined by a limited set of criteria established by correctional administrators.20 In general, an inmate who is suspected of serious misconduct can be assigned to a segregation unit until an investigation is completed. If convicted of the charges, the inmate can then be sentenced to a specific period of time in segregation—often referred to as disciplinary segregation. While most states limit the amount of time one can serve in segregation, it is possible to accrue more time in disciplinary segregation based on misconduct committed in the unit. Once the disciplinary segregation time has been served, the inmate can then be placed in administrative segregation for an indefinite period of time. Some inmates do not pose a threat to the security of the prison system, but require protection from other inmates. They are referred to as protective custody inmates. It is not uncommon to find these inmates comingled with disciplinary and/or administrative segregation inmates.21 Placement in these various forms of segregation is wholly determined by correctional administrators. Segregation is allowed for a variety of reasons; consideration of the offense committed, the number of infractions, and pending investigations all factor into placement decisions. Some correctional systems further constrain placement decisions to include only those instances in which evidence of specific harm or an escape attempt is present. Despite their overall low prevalence, highly disruptive offenders have historically presented significant challenges for prison administrators and staff. Segregation units by their very nature require higher levels of staffing on all levels (security, medical, mental health, facility maintenance, programs and recreation, and legal services). In response to this dynamic, corrections administrators have increasingly developed and implemented a myriad of population segregation measures designed to mitigate the impact of highly disruptive offenders within the correctional system. A key issue is the nature and extent of isolation and solitary confinement. The most recent and comprehensive survey of current practices by the state and the Bureau 20 H. Metcalf, J. Morgan, S. Oliker-Friedland, J. Resnik, J. Spiegel, H. Tae, A. Work, and B. Holbrook. Administrative Segregation, Degrees of Isolation, and Incarceration: A National Overview of State and Federal Correctional Policies. Yale Law School, Public Law Working Paper No. 301. Jun. 1, 2013. Austin and McGinnis, 2004. 21 Metcalf, et al., 2013. 29 was completed by Metcalf et al. in 2013. They found that there was general agreement that the practice of segregation involves removing inmates from the general population and restricting their participation in recreation, group meals, and programmatic offerings.22 The same report found that the degree of isolation varied across systems, although the national standard is confinement to a cell at least 23 hours per day with very limited access to recreation, visits, and program services. Recent reviews of segregation in Oklahoma, Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, New York, California, and the Bureau of Prisons have found that large numbers of the segregated population are double celled rather than placed in a single cell, thus negating the claims of solitary confinement. In a study examining inmates’ experiences in administrative segregation, O’Keefe noted a general lack of interpersonal contact, meaningful activity, access to reading materials, and windows.23 According to Kupers et al., some of the particulars associated with segregation practices include near 24-hour-per-day cell confinement alone or with a cellmate, meals eaten in cells, limited trips to a recreation area, and relatively infrequent noncontact interactions with family and friends.24 A somewhat contrasting view of segregation was presented by Berger et al., who described cells that generally house two inmates and the ability to communicate with inmates on either side of single-occupancy cells.25 They also noted that inmates may talk with one another during recreation and with staff members during rounds. Furthermore, segregation cells are similar in size to (or larger than) those in general population, and meals served are similar to those received by general population inmates. With respect to activities, inmates in segregation can receive mail, make phone calls, participate in out-of-cell recreation and institutional programing (including educational and religious services), and possess reading material, but on a very restricted basis. Metcalf, et al., 2013. M.L. O’Keefe. “Administrative Segregation From Within: A Corrections Perspective.” The Prison Journal 88, no. 1, Mar 2008: 123-143. 24 Kupers, T.A., T. Dronet, M. Winter, J. Austin, L. Kelly, W. Cartier, T. J. Morris, S. F. Hanlon, E. L. Sparkman, P. Kumar, L. C. Vincent, J. Norris, K. Nagel, and J.McBride. “Beyond Supermax Administrative Segregation: Mississippi’s Experience Rethinking Prison Classification and Creating Alternative Mental Health Programs.” Criminal Justice and Behavior 36, no. 10, Oct. 2009: 1037-1050. 25 R.H. Berger, M. P. Chaplin, and R. L. Trestman. “Commentary: Toward an Improved Understanding of Administrative Segregation.” The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law 41, no. 1, Mar. 2013: 61-64. 22 23 30 As will be shown below, inmates in segregation often have more frequent contact with medical, dental, and mental health service providers, all of whom are often mandated to make daily rounds of segregated housing units. It can also be argued that inmates in segregation may also enjoy greater privacy, the ability to eat meals without interruption, a reduced likelihood of victimization and injury, and possibly a lower probability of committing infractions that would serve to increase their prison terms. These so-called benefits of segregation manifest themselves in inmates who refuse to be released to the general population, instead preferring to complete their prison sentence in segregation status. Key litigation issues There are key legal issues that correctional agencies must address in the operation of their segregation units. A growing number of cases being filed against correctional agencies are challenging the constitutionality of segregation. Our intent is not to provide a comprehensive legal analysis of these issues but to summarize key issues and court decisions. Virtually all of the pending and past litigation on the use of segregation focuses on the placement process, conditions of segregation, and duration of segregation. These three issues are linked to constitutional requirements of due process and the imposition of cruel and unusual punishment. The 5th and 14th Amendments to the US Constitution provide due process protections. The 8th Amendment bans cruel and unusual punishment. Fred Cohen’s recent comprehensive review of case law and Supreme Court decisions showed that the use of solitary confinement and segregation for extended periods of time is constitutional and does not necessarily violate the 8th Amendment.26 He noted that there are many cases where the courts have ruled that excessive deprivation of basic services and conditions of confinement (for example, objectionable food, insufficient clothing, insufficient heat, lack of lighting, or lack of mental health services) does constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Further, in several cases the courts have ruled that correctional officials must provide some level of due process in determining initial and continued placement in certain segregation housing conditions. 26 Cohen, Fred. “Penal Isolation: Beyond the Seriously Mentally Ill,” Criminal Justice and Behavior Vol. 35, No. 8, August 2008, 1017-1047. 31 Although many cases have direct bearing on these issues, three major cases that are narrowly related to segregation are frequently referenced by the courts: Sandin v. Conner, 515 U.S. 472, 484 (1995) Wilkinson v. Austin, 545 U.S. 209 (2005) Estate of DiMarco v. Wyoming Department of Corrections., 473 F.3d 1334, 1342 (10th Cir. 2007) The Sandin case was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. It involved an inmate in the Hawaii prison system who received a 30-day sentence to segregation. He was not allowed to call witnesses on his behalf. The Court ruled that the prisoner was not able to show that 30 days in segregation within the Hawaii prison system constituted “atypical and significant hardship on the inmate in relation to the ordinary incidents of prison life.” Consequently, there was not a protected liberty interest that would entitle him to due process procedures. In the Wilkinson case, which was brought against the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and its recently created supermax facility, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that recently adopted policies were sufficient to address the due process issues. The issue of cruel and unusual punishment was not addressed by the Court, as it had been previously settled by the parties. The DiMarco decision was based on the use of segregation within the Wyoming Department of Corrections. The case involved an anatomical male living as a female, who sued the Department of Corrections for being placed in solitary confinement for her own protection. The Tenth Circuit identified four factors that need to be assessed to determine if a liberty interest existed relative to the proper use of segregation: 1. Segregation relates to and furthers a legitimate penological interest, such as safety or rehabilitation. 2. Segregation conditions of confinement are extreme. 3. Placement in segregation increases the duration of confinement. 4. Placement is indeterminate. In its ruling, the Tenth Circuit found all four factors justified the placement of Ms. DiMarco in isolation. The Austin decision was focused on the Ohio State Penitentiary, which is the state’s supermax facility. The state had already settled with the plaintiff on conditions-ofconfinement claims, which significantly and positively changed the range of services 32 and privileges afforded inmates. In particular, a step-down level system was created, which permitted the vast majority of inmates to work their way out of segregation and back to the general population. These reforms left the U.S. Supreme Court to focus on due process issues. When the Ohio State Penitentiary first opened, the Court observed the following: There is no official policy governing placement that was in effect, and the procedures used to assign inmates to the facility were inconsistent and undefined, resulting in haphazard and erroneous placements. In response to the initial litigation, Ohio officials significantly narrowed the criteria by which a prisoner could be assigned to the Ohio State Penitentiary. Further, the authority to transfer prisoners to or release them from the Ohio State Penitentiary could only be approved and authorized by the central classification office. The Supreme Court held that the new criteria and review procedures did provide sufficient due process protection. It is worth noting that, with the new policies in place, the Ohio State Penitentiary segregation population dropped significantly. Standards regarding segregation Despite the widespread use of segregation, there is a lack of accepted guidelines or standards governing its use. In particular, criteria and process for placement in segregation, conditions of segregation, and criteria and process for release from segregation vary substantially by state.27 For example, Nebraska reports a total of 19 reasons that would justify segregation placement, including “any other information regarding the inmate that the classification authority deems appropriate.”28 Conversely, Mississippi allows only five such rationales for segregation placement. There are differences among the states in due process/notification procedures. Most states require a formal hearing and some form of written notice to the prisoner prior to reaching a decision on whether to place him/her in segregation. Such hearings usually must be held within 14 days of the notice. Very few states allow inmates to have a legal representative or advocate present at the hearing. Standards for periodic reviews are even less defined in agency policies. These reviews can occur as often as every six months, with most states requiring 30- or 60-day reviews. Only a few states 27 Metcalf, et al., 2013. 28 Metcalf, et al., 2013:6. 33 report a requirement for a face-to-face interview with the inmate as part of the review.29 When a face-to-face interview is not mandated, these reviews may simply be case file paper reviews with a notice sent to the prisoner after the decision has been reached. It was not until 2013 that the Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA) Administrative Segregation Sub-Committee examined the issues surrounding segregation and provided recommendations regarding the use of restrictive housing.30 The subcommittee’s final recommendations to correctional systems and administrators on the use of administrative segregation only were published as follows: 29 1. Provide a process, a separate review for decisions to place an offender in restrictive status housing. 2. Provide periodic classification reviews of offenders in restrictive status housing every 180 days or less. 3. Provide in-person mental health assessments, by trained personnel, within 72 hours of an offender being placed in restrictive status housing, and periodic mental health assessments thereafter including an appropriate mental health treatment plan. 4. Provide structured and progressive levels that include increased privileges as an incentive for positive behavior and/or program participation. 5. Determine an offender’s length of stay in restrictive status housing on the nature and level of threat to the safe and orderly operation of general population as well as program participation, rule compliance and the recommendation of the person(s) assigned to conduct the classification review as opposed to strictly held time periods. 6. Provide appropriate access to medical and mental health staff and services. 7. Provide access to visiting opportunities. 8. Provide appropriate exercise opportunities. 9. Provide the ability to maintain proper hygiene. Metcalf et al., 2013: pp 11-13. Association of State Correctional Administrators, Administrative Segregation Sub-Committee. Final Restricted Status Housing Policy Guidelines. Aug. 9, 2013. 30 34 10. Provide program opportunities appropriate to support transition back to a general population setting or to the community. 11. Collect sufficient data to assess the effectiveness of implementation of these guiding principles. 12. Conduct an objective review of all offenders in restrictive status housing by persons independent of the placement authority to determine the offenders’ need for continued placement in restrictive status housing. 13. Require all staff assigned to work in restrictive status housing units to receive appropriate training in managing offenders on restrictive status housing status. Although the ASCA guidelines provide the first effort to standardize the use and conditions of segregation, they offer little in terms of specifics. For example, guidelines 7 and 8 state that visits and recreation are to be provided, but fail to state the number of visits or recreation periods per month and their minimum duration. The recommendations are also silent on whether inmates requiring protective custody should be placed in administrative segregation and under what conditions of confinement. Segregation sentencing structures There are two basic models for committing a person to segregation status that mimic the indeterminate and determinate criminal sentencing structures. Most states use relatively short sentences for placing an inmate in disciplinary segregation, which often can range from five to thirty days. However, if an agency wishes to continue the segregation status beyond that time frame, they have developed two models. One model is comparable to an indeterminate sentencing structure, where release from administrative segregation is not specified and occurs only at the discretion of the agency. Under this structure, the inmate is committed to segregation with no specified release date. States including Ohio, Mississippi, and Colorado have used this model, often in tandem with a step-down, incentive-based program that is discussed in the next section. The determinate structure is essentially a segregation sentence that can range from 30 or more days to many years. Under this model, serious disciplinary offenses can produce long, fixed segregation terms. The only way to mitigate these terms is for the agency to reduce them at review hearings based on good conduct. States including Kentucky, New York, and California use this model. 35 Impact of segregation systems on institutional safety The overriding objective of administrative segregation is to protect inmates and staff by incapacitating high-risk inmates. But it may also serve to deter other inmates from becoming involved in serious rule infractions or in acts of violence out of fear of being segregated for long periods of time. With the recent advent of progressive stepdown programs, one can also argue that disruptive inmates are being successfully treated or rehabilitated while segregated. It has also been alternately argued that supermax prisons and/or increased use of administrative segregation units are either excessively expensive or cost-effective. There is consensus among correctional professionals that segregation units require higher staff-to-inmate ratios and increased presence of medical and mental health staff. Some have also argued that segregation increases the likelihood of mental illness and suicide. However, it may be that segregation units reduce the danger of violence in the general population, which allows the vast majority of the prison system to operate with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Although there have been several descriptive studies of administrative segregation, Mears31 and Berger et al.32 both suggest that there have been few, if any, credible studies on its outcomes. The primary methodological issue is establishing a control or “counterfactual” research design that would answer the basic question of what would have happened had the use of segregation not increased. A study of three state prison systems found that the increased use of segregation had no effect on inmate-on-inmate assaults, but did reduce the incidence of inmateon-staff assaults.33 A subsequent study in Illinois found the same results and offered evidence that the number of lockdowns in the other facilities was reduced.34 31 Mears, Daniel P. 2013. “Supermax Prisons: The Policy and the Evidence.” Criminology & Public Policy V. 12, (4): 681-720. 32 Berger, et al., 2013. Briggs, Chad S., Jody L. Sundt, and Thomas C. Castellano. 2003. “The effect of supermaximum security prisons on aggregate levels of institutional violence,” Criminology 41:1341–76. 34 Sundt, Jody L., Thomas C. Castellano, and Chad S. Briggs. 2008. “The sociopolitical context of prison violence and its control: A case study of supermax and its effect in Illinois.” The Prison Journal 88:94–122. 33 36 In Washington state, research found no difference in recidivism rates between inmates who had experienced its supermax system and a matched group that had not. However, the same study found that inmates released directly from supermax to the community had a significantly higher recidivism rate than the matched group (69 percent rearrested for a felony versus 51 percent for the control group).35 Mears and Bales completed what is arguably the most sophisticated quasiexperimental study of supermax confinement in the state of Florida.36 Using complex matching procedures, they found little if any difference in recidivism rates for inmates who experienced supermax confinement and those who did not. More significantly, there were no differences in recidivism rates based on how long a person was in supermax. In other words, it made little to no difference if an inmate was confined for 4, 8, 12, or 24 months—the recidivism rates were the same. The study also tried to replicate the Washington state finding that inmates released directly from segregation had higher recidivism rates. The authors concluded that it did not, but they used a measure of “recency” and not direct segregation releases.37 The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported in 2013 that there are five states (Colorado, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, and Ohio) where the use of administrative segregation has been reduced and that there has been no adverse impact on institutional safety.38 However, there may have been no association between reducing the size of the segregation population and assault rates, homicides, or other serious incidents; this does not by itself indicate a causal relationship. Conversely, the New York state prison system found a sharp decline in its rates of assaults as it rapidly expanded the size of its SHU population.39 These data led the agency to conclude that increasing the size of its SHU population caused the rate of assaults to decline. The Bureau made a similar claim to the GAO, saying that the rise in the SMU population was the reason assault rates and the number of lockdowns 35 Lovell, David, L. Clark Johnson, and Kevin C. Cain. 2007. “Recidivism of supermax inmates in Washington State.” Crime & Delinquency 53:633–56. Mears, Daniel and William Bakes. 2009. “Supermax Incarceration and Recidivism.” Criminology 47.4:801-836. 36 37 Recency referred to inmates who were relatively close (within a few months) to their prison release dates. 38 U.S. Government Accountability Office. May 2013. Bureau of Prisons: Improvements Needed in Bureau of Prisons’ Monitoring and Evaluation of the Impact of Segregated Housing. Washington, DC: GAO. 39 Goord, G.S. 2006. Prison safety in New York. Albany: NYDOCS. Available online at http://www.docs.state.ny.us/PressRel/06CommissionerRpt/06PrisonSafety Rpt.pdf 37 had declined.40 Despite these positive associations, it is not clear if there is a causal relationship between segregation policies and institutional safety. Mental health issues in segregated housing Mental illness has become increasingly prevalent in corrections systems. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), as of mid-2005, 56 percent (705,600) of state and 45 percent (78,800) of federal inmates had some type of mental health problem over the past 12 months.41 It should be recognized that the definition of “mental health problem” was broad and included symptoms such as insomnia, sadness, loss of appetite, and persistent irritability. The BJS survey also showed proportional increases in the number of inmates who said they had used prescribed medication for a mental health problem since admission to prison, used prescribed medication for a mental or emotional problem, or received mental health treatment. This is not to say that all or even a majority of these inmates require placement in specialized treatment programs or housing units. The majority of them suffered from some form of depression or mania, which is treatable by medication and counseling. The number of inmates who require special housing due to a severe mental illness (SMI) is much lower. According to Lovell, Allen, Johnson, and Jemelka, reviews of clinical studies indicate agreement that 10 to 15 percent of inmates in state prisons suffer from SMI.42 A 1999 BJS report on the same topic estimated that 16 percent of state and jail inmates and probationers were “mentally ill,” while only 7 percent of Bureau inmates were classified the same way.43 These figures are likely unsurprising to mental health clinicians and correctional officers who have witnessed the relationship between deinstitutionalization and the increasing number of mentally ill inmates in the correctional system.44 40 GAO, 2013, pp. 33-34. D.J. James and L.E. Glaze, L. E. Mental Health Problems of Prison and Jail Inmates. Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report NCJ 213600. Sep. 2006 (revised Dec. 2006). 42 D. Lovell, D. Allen, C. Johnson and R. Jemelka, Ron. “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Residential Treatment for with Mental Illness.” Criminal Justice and Behavior 28, no. 1, Feb. 2011: 83-104. 41 43 Ditton, Paula M. Mental Health and Treatment of and Probationers. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. July 1999. A.L.S Brandt. “Treatment of Persons with Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System: A Literature Review.” Journal of Offender Rehabilitation 51, no. 8, Nov. 2012:541-558. 44 38 The BJS report also found that violations and fight-related injuries are common among mentally ill inmates. Within the state-level prison population, 58 percent of those with mental illness, compared with 43 percent of those without, committed violations or were injured as a result of fighting. Among state and federal prison populations, mentally ill inmates were also more frequently involved in physical or verbal assaults on correctional staff or inmates. Mentally ill inmates are often more disruptive than inmates without mental illness, and disruptive behavior associated with mental illness often leads to the inappropriate placement of mentally ill inmates in administrative segregation. Given the above national statistics, it is not surprising that mentally ill inmates are more frequently segregated and often spend a longer time in segregation.45 Mentally ill inmates are also placed in segregation for protective custody reasons and because of a lack of proper placement options. It has also been claimed that the experience of segregation for lengthy periods of can result in an inmate decompensating and developing mental illness(es). Some have suggested that many SMIs worsen due to the stress of incarceration, presenting risks of self-injury and harm to staff or other inmates.46 Some courts have held that placement in administrative segregation under certain conditions is unsuitable for mentally ill, developmentally disabled, and nuisance inmates.47 For example, in 1995 a federal court in California found that the placement of certain inmates—those with mental illness such as, borderline personality disorder, brain damage, mental retardation, chronic depression, and/or impulse control disorders—in California’s Pelican Bay SHU constituted cruel and unusual punishment, an 8th Amendment violation.48 In Madrid v. Gomez, the court examined the placement of mentally ill inmates in the SHU at California’s Pelican Bay State Prison, a supermax facility, and found that an 8th Amendment violation existed for those who the record demonstrates are at a particularly high risk for suffering very serious or severe injury to their mental health, J. Skeem, J. Peterson, and E. Silver. “Toward Research-Informed Policy for High Risk Offenders with Serious Mental Illness.” In B. McSherry and P. Keiser, eds., Managing High Risk Offenders: Policy and Practice. New York: Routledge. 2011. 111-121. 45 46 Ford, Julian, Robert L. Trestman, Fred Osher, Jack .E. Scott, Henry J. Steadman and Pamela C. Robbins. Mental Health Screens in Corrections. National Institute of Justice Research for Practice. May 2007. 47 F.R. Maue. “Management of the Mentally Ill in Administrative Segregation: Legal and Management Challenges.” Corrections Today, July 2006, pp 46-47. 48 Madrid v. Gomez, 889 F. Supp. 1146 (N.D. Cal. 1995) 39 including overt paranoia, psychotic breaks with reality, or massive exacerbations of existing mental illness as a result of conditions in the SHU. 49 The Madrid court also found that inmates did not undergo psychiatric screening prior to placement in the Pelican Bay State Prison SHU, and that the provision of mental health services to SHU inmates with SMI was noticeably lacking. Although many researchers and experts agree that administrative segregation is generally not a suitable placement option for inmates with SMI, the evidence on whether such placement causes deterioration among mentally ill inmates is mixed.50 For example, a 2010 study of administrative segregation in the Colorado corrections system found that not only did inmates with and without mental illness not deteriorate while in segregation, but some actually exhibited signs of improvement.51 The authors of the study warned of its limited generalizability and the need for replication. In supportive reaction to the Colorado study’s findings, Berger et al. explained that context matters, and that some mentally ill inmates seek placement in segregation as a way to decrease interpersonal and environmental stimulation.52 These inmates, according to Berger et al., exhibit tendencies (such as self-imposed isolation) that are similar to individuals with SMI in a community setting. Other inmates self-select into segregated housing as a means of avoiding foes and reducing safety risks that they believe exist in general population settings. Conversely, Haney noted that personal accounts, descriptive studies, and systematic research published over several decades have substantiated that solitary confinement is associated with negative psychological effects, and that these effects are particularly pronounced among mentally ill inmates.53 This evidence, Haney asserted, is bolstered by findings from other areas of inquiry that demonstrate the 49 Madrid v. Gomez, 889 F. Supp. 1146 (N.D. Cal. 1995) 50 B.A. Arrigo and J.L. Bullock. “The Psychological Effects of Solitary Confinement on Inmates in Supermax Units.” International Journal of Offender Therapy & Comparative Criminology 52, no. 6, Dec. 2008: 622-640. M.L. O’Keefe, K. J. Klebe, A. Stucker, K. Sturm, and W. Leggett. One Year Longitudinal Study of the Psychological Effects of Administrative Segregation. National Institute of Justice Document 232973. Oct. 2010. 52 R.H. Berger, M. P. Chaplin, and R. L. Trestman. “Commentary: Toward an Improved Understanding of Administrative Segregation.” The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law 41, no. 1, Mar. 2013: 61-64. 51 Haney, Craig. “Prison Effects in the Age of Mass Incarceration.” The Prison Journal 92, no. 4, 2012:1-24. 53 40 negative effects of acute sensory deprivation, the effects of elderly loss of social contact, and the consequences of isolating mentally ill patients. Researchers have struggled to disentangle the relationship between high rates of mental illness in the segregation population and the potential role that segregation may play in the deterioration of mental health status. 54 It may be the case that higher rates of mental illness in segregation reflect self-selection of mentally ill offenders into segregation placements. Studies seeking to distinguish and closely examine the effects of segregation have often been constrained due to small sample sizes, timing of segregation placement relative to the study period(s), and reliance on quasiexperimental design. (True experimental design in this context is not feasible due to ethical concerns associated with denial or delay of mental health or medical services for research purposes.) Despite these constraints, research on mentally ill offenders and the use of administrative segregation, along with relevant legal guidance, can help frame discussions regarding appropriateness and application. In an evaluation of mental health screening tools, Ford et al. explained that mental health screenings and assessments are necessary to the timely identification and effective treatment of inmate mental health needs.55 Furthermore, information provided through screenings and assessments underlies the provision of services to which inmates are constitutionally entitled and facilitate positive readjustment when the inmate is released into general population or the community. Peters asserted that without early identification of mental disorders, inmates are unlikely to seek treatment, and missed identification of trauma undermines appropriate diagnosis, which in turn may lead to inadequate participation in treatment, supervision, and reentry planning.56 The guidance from ASCA on the use of restrictive housing suggests that facilities should conduct an in-person mental health assessment within 72 hours of an inmate’s placement in a segregated setting.57 Further, mental health assessments should be performed by trained personnel and conducted on a periodic basis following the initial assessment. Despite the disproportionate share of infractions committed by mentally ill inmates and the overrepresentation of inmates with mental illness in segregation settings, a survey of state-level corrections disciplinary processes found that many state M. L. O’Keefe, et al., 2013. J. Ford, et al., 2007. 56 R.H. Peters. Assessing Dependence, Comorbidity, and Trauma. Mental Health Law & Policy Faculty Publications Paper 642. 2013. 57 ASCA, Aug. 9, 2013. 54 55 41 correctional systems do not have formal policies on the role of mental health in the disciplinary process.58 In some states, mental health plays no role or merely a minor role for mentally ill inmates facing disciplinary charges. However, most states’ correctional policies require adequate medical and mental health treatment for mentally ill inmates placed in segregation. For mentally ill inmates found guilty of disciplinary infractions, most states have formal or informal policies directing consultations with mental health professionals regarding inmate disposition. The ACA National Commission on Correctional Health Care guidelines assert that health care staff should “immediately review the health care needs of offenders placed in disciplinary segregation to determine if there is any known health contraindication to segregation placement.”59 These guidelines also stress that processes must be implemented to ensure that mentally ill inmates in segregation undergo continued evaluation that is conducted by a qualified mental health professional, and significant inmate deterioration—indicating that segregation is no longer suitable—warrants an alert to correctional administrators. During the ACA 2013 Winter Conference plenary session entitled “Re-evaluating Administrative Segregation: The Human, Public Safety and Economic Impact,” correctional administrators highlighted the need for ACA standards regarding segregation. Expert panelists identified several approaches that could enhance compliance with the law,60 including the following: Defining the types of mental illnesses that are incompatible with segregation, and having mental health staff conduct screenings. Providing access to in- and out-of-cell mental health treatment for segregation inmates. Creating individualized mental health services plans through multidisciplinary treatment team collaborations. Identifying mental illnesses in a timely fashion, because early identification prevents deterioration. M.S. Krelstein. “The Role of Mental Health in the Inmate Disciplinary Process: A National Survey.” The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law 30, no. 4, Dec. 2002: 488–96. 58 59 Association of State Correctional Administrators, Administrative Segregation Sub-Committee. Final Restricted Status Housing Policy Guidelines. Aug. 9, 2013. J. Scafuri. “Administrative Segregation: Continuing the Conversation.” On the Line: An Online Publication of the American Correctional Association, Sep. 2013. 60 42 Step-down programs The ASCA‘s Guiding Principles for Restrictive Housing Status also suggested that correctional systems provide segregated inmates with the opportunity to progress through structured levels that link increased privileges to positive behavior and/or program participation.61 Its recommendation was based on a number of states, as well as the Bureau, that are actively working to reduce the number of inmates in segregation through the development and implementation of step-down, intensive management, and behavioral management programs.62 Metcalf et al. examined some of the step-down programs that attempt to link the transition out of administrative segregation to achievement of specific goals, including the completion of behavioral management plans and/or courses. Inmates in transition programs are selected according to specific, stringent processes. A minimum stay (generally six months to one year) is a common feature of these programs, and inmates are made aware that any disciplinary infraction during the program period will likely lead to additional time in segregation. Several states, including Colorado, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Virginia, and Washington, are developing or have developed programs that provide administratively segregated inmates with increased opportunities for group activities and therapy while maintaining a safe degree of separation. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Virginia have all reported development of programs that target inmate behavior issues. New Mexico’s program, for example, is structured around a two-level system that incentivizes positive inmate behavior through a corresponding measured reduction of restrictions. More detailed reports follow on the Virginia, Mississippi, Washington, and Maine stepdown programs. Association of State Correctional Administrators, Administrative Segregation Sub-Committee. Final Restrictive Status Housing Policy Guidelines. Aug. 9, 2013. 61 H. Metcalf, J. Morgan, S. Oliker-Friedland, J. Resnik, J. Spiegel, H. Tae, A. Work, and B. Holbrook. Administrative Segregation, Degrees of Isolation, and Incarceration: A National Overview of State and Federal Correctional Policies. Yale Law School, Public Law Working Paper No. 301. Jun. 1, 2013. 62 43 Virginia The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) is one of several state corrections departments that have developed an administrative segregation step-down program using evidence-based practices.63 The program claims to have reduced the administrative segregation population and lowered prison safety incidents, each by over 50 percent, and to have decreased inmate grievance filings by 23 percent.64 VADOC also reported a reduction in the use of sick leave and highlighted this finding as an indication of reduced staff stress and improved morale, although it is not clear how this assessment was made. The reported size of the Virginia program as of 2013 was 460 inmates and, as of August 2013, approximately two years after inception of the step-down program, none of the enrolled offenders had returned to administrative segregation. The VADOC step-down initiative includes an enhanced classification review prior to inmate assignment to or placement in segregation.65 Multidisciplinary staff teams and validated instruments that determine criminal risks, underlying reasons for negative individual inmate behaviors, and inmate motivators form the foundation of the more extensive assessment. Throughout this initiative, inmates are provided cognitive programming opportunities that promote learning and practice of positive behaviors. The process includes an additional step-down classification security level that provides a test bed for changed behavior. Segregation inmates who demonstrate that they can participate appropriately in programs and control behavior can earn additional responsibility. Mississippi In response to litigation regarding the use of segregation, the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) changed its classification process and mental health programming, leading to significantly decreased rates of violence, disciplinary infractions, and use of force in the segregation unit.66 One of the specific changes 63 “Virginia Recognized for Transforming Highest-Security Prisons.” Virginia Department of Corrections Press Release, Aug. 7, 2003. 64 “Virginia Step Down Program for Administrative Segregation.” Southern Legislative Conference Press Release, 2013; These reductions occurred over approximately two years following implementation of the VADOC Step-Down initiative. 65 Virginia DOC, 2013. 66 T. A. Kupers, T. Dronet, M. Winter, J. Austin, L. Kelly, W. Cartier, T. J. Morris, S. F. Hanlon, E. L. Sparkman, P. Kumar, L. C. Vincent, J. Norris, K. Nagel, and J.Mcbride. “Beyond Supermax Administrative Segregation: Mississippi’s Experience Rethinking Prison Classification and 44 made by MDOC was the development of a step-down unit for inmates with SMI, as required under the 2007 Presley v. Epps consent decree. Inmates requiring intermediate mental health treatment, but not inpatient psychiatric services, are eligible for the unit, which is jointly administered by MDOC and its medical and mental health contractor. The step-down unit, housed in MDOC’s segregation facility, was designed to gradually move inmates with SMI from a segregated setting to a more open one as they demonstrate appropriate behaviors and the ability to function within an open unit. To be eligible for the step-down unit, inmates must have a condition that is classified as an SMI. Inmates demonstrating motivation to succeed in the unit are given priority. Once in the unit, inmates earn their progress from the segregated tier to the open tier, and finally to general population upon graduation. The MDOC step-down unit relies on the “assertive community treatment” approach, and staff focus on inmates’ “intact faculties, ambitions, positive life experiences, and strengths of character, and how those buffer against disorder,” rather than on their mental illness67. Inmates learn about their illnesses and the means for appropriately addressing anger, impulses, and anxiety, and are rewarded via incentives (such as additional time alone in activities rooms with media equipment, and use of additional library materials) for positive behaviors. Although initial group treatment among inmates who are still segregated includes the use of ankle restraints secured to the floor, it still provides a necessary opportunity for interpersonal communication and connectedness. Once inmates have transitioned to the open tier, they participate in group sessions without restraints. Staff selection, training, and collaboration are critical to the success of the MDOC step-down unit. While respecting inmate confidentiality, mental health providers meet on a weekly basis with correctional staff to ensure the delivery of a high level of care in a secure environment. Correctional officers assigned to the unit must complete an intensive mental health training curriculum and upon completion are given the title of correctional mental health manager. The MDOC step-down unit’s success is indicated by a reduction in rule violation reports filed against inmate graduates. An examination of a cohort of 43 graduates revealed an average of 4.7 rule violation reports per inmate in the six months prior to unit admission. During the cohort’s time in the unit, that figure fell to an average of 1.2 per inmate. In the Creating Alternative Mental Health Programs.” Criminal Justice and Behavior 36, no. 10, Oct. 2009: 1037-1050. 67 Kupers, et al., p. 6 45 six months following unit graduation, the cohort exhibited an average of only 0.6 per inmate. Washington Similar to the experiences in Virginia and Mississippi, the limited information available regarding segregation reduction efforts in Washington indicates decreases in behavioral incidents. The Washington Department of Corrections, in collaboration with Disability Watch Washington and the Vera Institute of Justice, developed “intensive management” or “intensive treatment” programs that allow for structured group activities as well as a variety of therapy options for inmates housed in segregation. Inmates must participate to return to general population, and are assigned to specific programs based on individual mental health and behavioral assessments. Programming delivery formats include self-directed, cell-front and classroom, and course offerings include cognitive programming.68 It is now rare for an inmate in the Washington State corrections system to spend more than 90 days in segregation, and the proportion of inmates that return to segregation has decreased.69 In the past, inmates released from segregation came back more than 50 percent of the time. Since the inception of the intensive management program, 131 inmates have graduated and of those, only 24 have returned. Maine The Maine Department of Corrections conducts risk assessments for each administrative segregation inmate, and the information from the assessment is used to develop individualized behavioral programs. The unit team reviews inmate cases weekly and determines whether inmates will be provided the opportunity to participate in group recreation and therapy. Program participation/attendance is required and can include in-cell as well as individual and group counseling. While in the program, inmates are under an incentive system that allows them opportunities for increased amounts of out-of-cell time, more recreation time, fewer restraints, and access to additional property. Following the policy changes, the Maine Department of Corrections has not observed increased violence or other problems in the general population. Additionally, although the policy changes are relatively new, both behavioral incidents and the amount of time spent in segregation have decreased since the changes were implemented. 68 69 Association of State Correctional Administrators. Segregation Survey. Jan. 7, 2013. J. Martin. “State Prisons Rethink Solitary Confinement.” Seattle Times, Jan. 7, 2013. 46 Reductions in segregation populations A number of states have reduced their segregation populations. As suggested above, these declines have occurred by narrowing the criteria for placement in segregation and/or reducing the period of segregation. The latter is often achieved by implementing a step-down program or by adjusting the lengths of segregation sentences. Following are some examples of states that have accomplished such reductions. Mississippi Prior to 2006, Mississippi had approximately 1,000 inmates assigned to its highsecurity unit 32 at the Mississippi State Penitentiary prison complex in Parchman. In response to ongoing litigation that contested the criteria for placement in segregation and the conditions of confinement, the Mississippi Department of Corrections developed a plan to reduce this population over 12 months. The reforms centered on the following tasks: 1. Develop new criteria to limit the basis for admission to long-term segregation. 2. Using the new criteria, review all inmates in segregation at Parchman to determine who should be immediately transferred to other facilities. 3. Remove all inmates with a SMI and transfer them to the MDOC’s mental health facility. 4. For the remaining inmates, create a step-down program that would allow the inmates to be released to the general population within nine months. By the close of 2008, the Parchman segregation population was below 100. As of 2014, there are fewer than 230 inmates in long-term segregation out of a total prison population of 21,148 (or 1 percent of the total prison population).70 The remaining segregation population had been moved by the MDOC to private prisons located in the state that operate on contract with the MDOC. The most recent data indicates that a total of 280 long term segregation inmates are maintained in the system of which 109 are mental health cases. These inmates are 70 Kupers, T.A., et al., 2009. 47 housed at the East Mississippi Correctional Center, which is a private prison operated by the Management and Training Corporation (MTC).71 Colorado In 2011 there were approximately 1,500 inmates in administrative segregation in the Colorado Department of Corrections, or 7 percent of the entire prison population. Since then the number of inmates in restrictive housing has steadily declined.72 This was accomplished by narrowing the criteria for placement in segregation and reducing the length of stay. In particular, a more structured step-down protocol was established that allowed inmates to be released to general population within nine months if their behavior was compliant.73 This involved a four-level system with specific rules and privileges associated with each of the four 90-day periods. After the recommendations were implemented, the segregation population began to decline, reaching approximately 600 inmates by the end of 2013. Further programmatic reforms were implemented by the department in 2014, which resulted in the restrictive population dropping to below 200 (1 percent of the total population) by December 2014. There have been no associated increases in rates of institutional violence as the inmate population in restrictive housing has declined.74 Reentry and prerelease programming The reintegration of inmates who have been in segregation for significant periods back into the prison general population or the community is an increasingly important issue. It requires a strategy that balances less restrictive placement of inmates with institutional or community safety and security. Reintegration requires adequate assessment and intervention and should afford inmates the time and opportunity necessary to readjust to more regular human interaction and activity levels prior to a complete transition. Inmates transitioning out of a segregation environment are at greater risk of recidivism than their general population counterparts. For example, within the 71 Mississippi Department of Corrections Fact Sheet, December 1, 2014. 72 Colorado Department of Corrections, http://www.doc.state.co.us/dashboard-measures. 73 Based on telephone interview with Colorado Department of Corrections officials. 74 Colorado Department of Corrections, http://www.doc.state.co.us/dashboard-measures. 48 Colorado Department of Corrections system, the recidivism rate for administrative segregation inmates was between 60 and 66 percent, while the rate for general population was only 50 percent.75 Furthermore, 12 percent of inmates released from administrative segregation returned to segregation within one year; within two years, 20 percent had returned. One explanation for this trend is the comparative lack of coping skills observed within the recidivist cohort. In addition, as reported earlier, 40 percent of the Colorado inmates released from segregation were being released directly to the community with no period of decompression. Lessons learned from community re-entry programs (such as Reentry Partnership Initiatives76) provide a foundation for developing programs that transition inmates from administrative segregation to lower custody levels or the community. Taxman, Young, and Byrne asserted that a successful reentry program includes an “institutional phase” characterized by a wide range of programming options designed to prepare inmates for life within the community.77 Program options include education, vocational training, life skills training, and individual and/or group counseling (for example, individual motivational readiness treatment). As applied to administrative segregation, the institutional phase could be viewed as the period during which inmates in administrative segregation have been identified for transition to a lower level of custody and are actively working toward movement out of segregation. It should be noted that, despite the widespread validity of the re-entry concept, there is little evidence to date that such programs have been effective in reducing recidivism. The national evaluation of 12 adult reentry programs78 found that while participation in re-entry programs accelerated, there were only modest positive results in post-release employment, housing, and freedom from substance abuse. Furthermore, there were no discernable effects on recidivism rates. The problem with 75 A Bill for an Act Concerning Appropriate Use of Restricted Confinement. Sixty-eighth General Assembly of Colorado. Signed into law Jun. 3, 2011. Lattimore, Pamela K. and Christy A. Visher. 2013. “Prison Reentry Services on Short-Term Outcomes: Evidence From a Multisite Evaluation. Evaluation Review, 37(3-4) 274-313. 76 77 F. S. Taxman, D. Young and J. Byrne. Targeting for Reentry: Matching 8 Needs and Services to Maximize Public Safety. National Institute for Justice Document 196491. Aug. 20, 2002. In 2008, Congress passed the Second Chance Act (P.L. 110-199), an effort to improve outcomes for people returning to communities after incarceration. This first-of-its-kind legislation authorizes federal grants to government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide support strategies and services designed to reduce recidivism by improving outcomes for people returning from prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities. The Second Chance Act’s grant programs are funded and administered by the Office of Justice Programs in the U.S. Department of Justice. Source: http://csgjusticecenter.org/nrrc/projects/second-chance-act. 78 49 these reentry programs was that the “dosage” (length of programming) was insufficient to produce stronger treatment effects.79 The implications of this study for reentry from segregation to the general population are not clear. We noted earlier that prior studies suggest that exposure to supermax conditions does not affect recidivism. There have been no published studies to date on whether exposure to supermax or other forms of segregation reduce inmate reoffending within the prison system itself. Important unanswered questions are (1) whether increasing or reducing the duration of segregation is of any value to institutional safety, and (2) whether an improved reentry regime would help mitigate that risk. Summary The use of various forms of segregation began to increase in the 1970s as prison population growth began to accelerate. As segregation populations have increased, so, too, have concerns about their effects on segregated inmates and overall institutional safety. These concerns have led some states to reconsider their use of segregation and the conditions of confinement. In particular, states are reviewing their criteria for placement in segregation, conditions of confinement, and length of stay. Several states are under consent decrees regarding these issues and other constitutional matters. The extent to which mental health issues are associated with these high-security units has also been questioned. In particular, are inmates placed in such units who have a diagnosed mental health issue being properly treated and/or should they be placed in a separate mental health treatment unit? There is little published research to date on the effects of increased use of segregation. Published studies suggest that placement in segregation does not have a positive effect on recidivism rates. States that have reduced segregation populations have found no adverse impact on institutional safety. Still, many questions persist among corrections administrators and other stakeholders. 79 Lattimore, Pamela V and Christy A. Visher. 2013. “Prison Reentry Services on Short-Term Outcomes: Evidence From a Multisite Evaluation. Evaluation Review, 37(3-4) 274-313 50 Chapter 3: Analysis of the restrictive housing populations In this chapter, we present data on the key attributes of the three major restrictive housing populations (ADX, SMU, and SHU) in the Bureau. Where available data permit, we make comparisons between these three populations and the much larger number of inmates who are not in restrictive housing and who are mostly housed in the general population. At the time that this study began, there were approximately 220,000 inmates incarcerated in the Bureau on any given day. Of that number, only 5 percent were housed in the ADX, SMU, or SHU. What follows is a review of this small percent of the Bureau population, their admission and release trends, and their lengths of confinement. Population characteristics Table 8 compares the demographic attributes of the restrictive housing population and other Bureau inmates as of November 23, 2013. These and other comparisons are based on snapshot data files produced by the Bureau’s Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE). There are few major differences between the restrictive housing populations and the general population, with the following exceptions: 1. The ADX and SMU restrictive housing populations are exclusively male. 2. The SMU population is disproportionately younger. 3. The ADX population is disproportionately older. 4. The SMU population is disproportionately black. 5. All segregated populations are disproportionately U.S. citizens. 51 Table 8. Demographic attributes of ADX, SMU, SHU, and other Bureau populations, November 23, 2013 ADX SMU SHU Other 415 1,675 9,189 207,166 % % % % 100% 100% 98% 93% 0% 0% 2% 7% 25 or younger 1% 4% 11% 8% 26–35 18% 46% 41% 33% 36–50 46% 42% 39% 41% 51 or older 35% 8% 10% 19% White 59% 46% 55% 60% Black 38% 48% 40% 37% Indian 2% 5% 4% 2% Asian 2% 1% 1% 2% 16% 28% 30% 35% Total population Gender Males Females Current age Race Hispanic ethnicity Citizenship United States 88% 87% 83% 74% Mexico 4% 9% 12% 18% Other 9% 4% 5% 8% Source: Bureau/ORE. Primary offenses and sentences Table 9 summarizes the primary offenses for which inmates have been sentenced. Members of the ADX population (and to a lesser degree, the SMU and SHU populations) are far less likely to be sentenced for a drug crime, which is the dominant offense for the nonsegregated Bureau population. Rather, ADX inmates are more likely to have been sentenced for the violent crimes of homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, and possession/use of weapons/explosives. Regarding the type of sentences Bureau inmates are serving, ADX inmates are far more likely to have a life sentence (39 percent) than inmates of the SMU (9 percent), SHU (3 percent), or other Bureau facilities (2 percent). Predictably, the ADX inmates without a life sentence also have far longer sentences (average of nearly 30 years), 52 have served longer periods of incarceration (15 years), and have much longer periods of time left to serve (17 years). It was also possible to estimate the number of inmates who were scheduled to be released within 12 months (as of November 23, 2013). For the nonsegregated Bureau inmates, about 30 percent or 55,430 were to be released in the next 12 months. In contrast, only 2 percent of the ADX population was to be discharged from prison in that time frame. The numbers were progressively higher for the SMU (9 percent) and SHU (21 percent) populations. Overall, over 2,000 inmates in restrictive housing were scheduled to be released within a year. Table 9. Primary offenses of ADX, SMU, SHU, and other Bureau populations, November 23, 2013 Total population ADX 415 SMU 1,675 SHU 9,189 Other 207,166 Primary offense % % % % Drugs 12% 31% 35% 47% Weapons/explosives 12% 28% 21% 14% Homicide/aggravated Assault 32% 12% 5% 2% Burglary/larceny 15% 7% 5% 4% Robbery 16% 13% 8% 3% Immigration 1% 5% 10% 11% Fraud/bribery/extortion 3% 1% 3% 6% Sex offense 1% 2% 5% 6% Miscellaneous 7% 2% 2% 1% Missing/unsentenced 0% 0% 6% 6% Source: Bureau/ORE. These data have important implications for reentry programs and other related policies. Clearly, the need for such programs will be significant for the inmates in SHU and as well as the other nonrestricted inmate population; 57,525 of them were scheduled for release over the subsequent 12 months, as shown in table 10. This number should be fairly constant at any time. There is much less of a need for these programs for the ADX and SMU populations. However, given the long periods of placement in restrictive housing for these inmates, as described later in this chapter, the need for reentry programs remains significant for those nearing release in ADX and SMU housing. 53 Table 10. Sentence and time served attributes of ADX, SMU, SHU, and other Bureau populations, November 23, 2013 ADX Attribute Lifers Inmates 161 SMU SHU Other % 39% Inmates 154 % 9% Inmates 286 % 3% Inmates 4,889 % 2% Average Median Average Median Average Median Average Median Sentence 29 years 25 years 18 years 15 years 11 years 9 years 10 years 8 years Time served 15 years 14 years 9 years 7 years 5 years 4 years 4 years 3 years Time left to serve 17 years 11 years 9 years 5 years 6 years 3 years 4 years 2 years Inmates % Inmates % Inmates % Inmates % 9 2% 155 9% 1,931 21% 55,430 29% Releases within 12 months Source: Bureau/ORE. Medical and mental health care levels The official medical and mental health status of the restrictive housing population is quite similar to that of the overall Bureau population. As noted earlier, the mental health care levels established by the Bureau are as follows:80 Level 1—no significant mental health care Level 2—routine outpatient mental health care or crisis-oriented mental health care Level 3—enhanced outpatient mental health care or residential mental health care Level 4—inpatient psychiatric care The medical care levels as defined by the Bureau are as follows: Level 1—healthy or simple chronic Level 2—stable or chronic care Level 3—unstable, complex chronic care 80 PS5310.16, page 8, 5/1/2014 54 Level 4—medical referral center care required The Bureau states that the mental health care level system is tied to resource needs, not diagnoses. Specifically, an inmate with a mental illness may be classified at mental health care level 1 if his/her treatment needs are minimal, or if he/she does not need care on an ongoing basis or crisis-oriented care of significant intensity. Mental health care levels are designed to identify inmates in need of more intensive mental health resources—for example, individual therapy or residential programming. The majority (between 68 and 72 percent) of restrictive housing inmates have been classified by the Bureau as healthy or only needing simple chronic medical care, and not requiring any specialized medical treatment (table 11). These proportions are virtually identical to those of other Bureau inmates (also 72 percent). Of those requiring medical care, the level of care is mostly at the lowest threshold; between 26 and 30 percent are at “care level 2—stable, chronic care.” Regarding mental health care level, the proportions of the restrictive population determined to be in need of care or treatment are even lower, with the vast majority assigned to care level 1. The ADX has the highest proportion of inmates at mental health care levels 2 and 3, but they only represent 10 percent of the entire ADX population. These proportions are comparable to the mental health care levels of the populations in nonrestrictive housing. As noted in the literature review, state prison systems have been reporting much higher proportions of inmates in their segregated population units. The chapter on mental health care does raise some questions on the accuracy of the mental health ratings provided by the Bureau’s mental health staff and suggests that a higher proportion of the segregated population may have a significant mental health ailment. 55 Table 11. Medical and mental health care levels of ADX, SMU, SHU, and other Bureau populations, November 23, 2013 Medical and mental health care levels Total Cases Medical ADX SMU SHU Other 415 1,675 9,189 207,166 % % % % Level 1 67% 72% 72% 72% Level 2 30% 28% 26% 24% Level 3 2% 0% 1% 2% Level 4 0% 0% 0% 1% 0% 0% 1% 1% Level 1 90% 94% 87% 93% Level 2 6% 5% 8% 6% Level 3 4% 0% 1% 0% Missing Mental health Level 4 Missing 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 4% 1% Source: Bureau/ORE. Security and special management issues As expected, the Bureau populations in restrictive housing pose special management issues, which is why they have been placed in ADX, SMU, or SHU. The Bureau’s classification system is designed to identify those inmates who pose the highest risk to inmate and staff safety. Table 12 shows that, unlike other Bureau inmates, the inmates in restrictive housing are classified at the highest security levels. Virtually all ADX and SMU inmates are assigned to the “high” category. The SHU population is classified predominantly as high (36 percent) or medium (40 percent) security, while the rest of the Bureau population is largely classified as medium, low, or minimum security. 56 Table 12. Security and other management issues of ADX, SMU, SHU, and other Bureau populations, November 23, 2013 Security attribute ADX SMU SHU Other Total cases 415 1,675 9,189 207,166 Security level % % % % Unclassified 0% 0% 4% 4% Minimum 0% 0% 5% 18% Low 0% 0% 16% 41% Medium 1% 1% 40% 29% High 99% 99% 36% 9% 96% 93% 67% 40% 57% 10 52% 11.1 21% 9.3 8% 6.2 Other Issues Separation required from specific other inmates Gang member Average criminal history score Source: Bureau /ORE. The higher number of medium-security custody inmates is largely due to the high number of protective custody inmates assigned to SHU status and inmates who are being investigated for possible rules violations. Virtually all ADX and SMU inmates have “separation” restrictions, which means that they cannot normally be placed in the same Bureau facility with one or more specific other inmates. Separation orders are often linked to rival gang affiliations, which are also a common attribute of the ADX, SMU, and SHU populations. Together, the separation and gang membership issues complicate efforts to double-cell inmates within the ADX, SMUs, and SHUs as well as to release them to the general population. The “Other” population has a lower but still noteworthy proportion of inmates with separation orders: 40 percent.81 Finally, the restrictive housing populations have significantly higher criminal history scores (CHSs). The CHS is a measure used by the federal courts to help determine whether a person should be incarcerated and how long the sentence should be. The higher the CHS, the more likely the person will be sentenced to prison and/or to a longer prison term. The higher CHS for the segregated populations means they have significantly more extensive prior convictions. “Other” refers to all other Bureau inmates who were not in any form of segregation as of November 23, 2013. 81 57 Time in restrictive housing The one-day snapshot also makes it possible to measure how long the current population has been in restrictive housing (table 13). ADX inmates have the longest periods of continuous assignment, with an average of approximately four years. The lower median number reflects inmates recently assigned to ADX and the small number of ADX inmates with extremely long periods of continuous confinement. The SMU population has an average stay in the program of 277 days. The SHU population has a relatively short period of confinement of 76 days. The median numbers are considerably lower for the same reasons as for the ADX population. The available data did not permit an analysis of length of stay in SHU for the various subgroups in this status (disciplinary segregation, administrative segregation, protective custody). SENTRY (the Bureau’s inmate management/database system) and other Bureau data systems do not track this status in terms of length of stay. Table 13. Length of time in ADX, SMU, and SHU status, November 23, 2013 ADX SMU SHU 415 1,675 9,189 Average 1,376 days 277 days 76 days Median 941 days 211 days 40 days Number of Inmates Time In restrictive housing Source: BOP/ORE. Disciplinary conduct of the SMU and ADX As suggested by the classification and special management data, inmates in ADX and SMU have accumulated lengthy histories of misconduct. The average number of disciplinary reports (DRs) for the ADX population prior to placement in ADX was 15 with a median of 7. For the SMU population, the numbers were even higher, with an average of 17 and a median of 11 reports prior to placement in SMU. For both groups, the number of reports since being placed in restrictive housing is substantially lower. However, these comparisons of disciplinary histories before and after restrictive housing do not account for the varying amounts of time different inmates served in the Bureau before and after placement in restrictive housing. Further, the number of DRs prior to the most recent placement in restrictive housing includes DRs received during prior commitments to ADX and SMU. 58 To further isolate the possible effects of restrictive housing on inmate misconduct, the analysis time frame was limited to the 12 months immediately before and after placement in restrictive housing (Table 15). Although the 12-month average and median numbers are lower than those based on total prior history, a suppression effect does not appear. This means that the conduct of the inmates in restrictive housing continues at the same rate that was occurring prior to placement in restrictive housing. While the inmates have been incapacitated, there appears to be little change on their behavior at least initially during the first 12 months of restrictive housing. Table 14. Disciplinary reports for current ADX and SMU populations, as of November 23, 2013—total number of reports Number of disciplinary reports ADX SMU Number of inmates 415 1,675 Average 15 17 Median 7 11 Average 10 7 Median 3 2 Average 19.5 19.8 Median 8 12 DRs prior to placement DRs after placement Total Source: BOP/ORE. Table 15. Disciplinary reports for ADX and SMU populations, as of November 23, 2013—reports in the 12 months before and after restrictive housing placement Disciplinary reports in past 12 months ADX SMU Number of inmates 415 1,675 Average 5.1 4.3 Median 2 2 Average 5.6 4.6 Median 1 2 12 months before placement 12 months after placement Source: BOP/ORE. The types of infractions in the reports accumulated by ADX and SMU inmates both prior to and while in restrictive housing status are quite varied but include a 59 significant number of very serious rule violations. The Bureau has classified all of the possible violations into four levels of severity: greatest, high, moderate, and low. The 415 ADX inmates had accumulated about 4,500 infractions prior to being placed in ADX, of which 65 percent were in the “greatest” or “high” levels. For ADX, of the 50 “killing” incidents that include attempts and aiding and abetting, 23 involved injuries that proved to be fatal. Of the four that occurred after placement in ADX, only one involved a fatal injury. For SMU, of the 24 “killing” incidents prior to placement, two involved injuries that proved to be fatal. Neither of the two that occurred after SMU placement resulted in a fatality. All 26 fatalities were inmates. The 1,675 SMU inmates had accumulated 25,996 infractions of which 62% were also in the “greatest” or “high” severity levels. Since being in ADX and SMU, the accumulated numbers have declined as well as the proportions that are in the “greatest” and “high” severity levels. This decline is expected given that the time frame for the “before” period exceeds the time in SHU and ADX. And as noted earlier, when one controls for time frames (12 months before and after), the number and rate of DRs have not changed. It should be emphasized that these results are largely descriptive in nature and not intended to test the impact of restricted housing on inmate conduct. That type of analysis was beyond the scope of this project and could not be supported by the data provided by the Bureau. Table 16. Types of disciplinary infractions by ADX inmates, as of November 23, 2013 Before ADX placement Total Greatest severity / 100 level Killing Assault with serious injury Escape Setting a fire Possessing dangerous weapon Rioting Encouraging riot Possessing hazardous tool Refusing drug or alcohol test Introducing drugs or alcohol Using drugs or alcohol Possessing drugs or alcohol During and after ADX placement N % of total N % of total 4,500 812 50 191 100% 18% 1 4 2,142 350 4 13 100% 16% <1 <1 10 53 307 4 6 20 95 2 41 17 <1 1 7 <1 <1 <1 2 <1 <1 <1 0 2 33 0 0 7 278 6 3 2 0 <1 2 0 0 <1 13 <1 <1 <1 60 Before ADX placement Other “greatest severity” High severity / 200 level During and after ADX placement N % of total N 16 <1 2 % of total <1 2,148 47% 697 33% Fighting with another person 116 3 5 <1 Threatening bodily harm Engaging in sex acts 503 308 11 7 201 143 9 7 Making sex proposal or threat Interfering with security devices Group demonstration 34 <1 17 <1 169 28 4 <1 31 2 1 <1 Destroying property over $100 Possessing intoxicants 156 117 4 3 79 24 4 1 31 581 50 55 1,490 118 111 619 165 86 106 66 219 50 <1 13 1. 1 34% 3 3 14 4 2 2 2 5 1% 46 111 13 25 1,083 43 78 506 63 180 50 30 133 12 2 5. <1 1 51% 2 4 24 3 8 2 1 6 <1% Refusing alcohol test Assault without serious injury Disruptive conduct—high Other “high severity” Moderate severity / 300 level Possessing unauthorized item Refusing work/program assignment Refusing to obey order Being insolent to staff Failing to stand count Destroying property $100 or less Being unsanitary or untidy Other “moderate severity” All “low severity” / 400 level Source: BOP/ORE. Table 17. Types of disciplinary infractions by current SMU inmates, as of November 23, 2013 Before SMU placement N % of total Total Greatest severity / 100 level Killing Assault with serious injury Escape Setting a fire Possessing dangerous weapon Rioting/encouraging riot 25,966 4,733 24 547 15 161 2,405 24 61 100% 18% <1 <1 <1 <1 9 <1 During and after SMU placement N % of total 5,061 694 2 19 0 23 233 0 100% 14% <1 <1 0 <1 5 0 Before SMU placement N % of total Taking hostages During and after SMU placement N % of total 3 <1 1 <1 114 300 <1 1 10 305 <1 6 Introducing drugs or alcohol 82 <1 9 <1 Using drugs or alcohol Possessing drugs or alcohol 541 2 7 <1 397 2 38 <1 45 <1 30 <1 12 47 16 11,402 1,289 1,471 2,254 226 937 100 391 959 159 2,498 100 288 730 9,624 1,015 905 3,144 874 872 422 153 2,239 207 <1 <1 <1 44% 5 6 9 1 4 <1 2 4 <1 10 <1 1 3 37% 4 4 12 3 3 2 <1 9 <1% 1 12 4 2,396 257 467 460 60 217 3 51 7 0 451 35 138 250 1,967 245 200 613 119 239 205 31 560 4 <1 <1 <1 47% 5 9 9 1 4 <1 1 <1 0 9 <1 3 5 39% 5 4 12 2 5 4 <1 11 <1% Possessing hazardous tool Refusing drug or alcohol test Destroying/disposing of item during search Interfering with staff—greatest Disruptive conduct—greatest Other “greatest severity” High severity / 200 level Fighting with another person Threatening bodily harm Engaging in sex acts Making sex proposal/threat Interfering with security devices Group demonstration Destroying property over $100 Possessing intoxicants Refusing alcohol test Assault without serious injury Interfering with staff—high Disruptive conduct—high Other “high severity” Moderate severity / 300 level Possessing unauthorized item Refusing work/program assignment Refusing to obey order Being insolent to staff Failing to stand count Destroying property $100 or less Being unsanitary/untidy Other “moderate severity” All “low severity” / 400 level Source: BOP/ORE. 62 Recidivism rates of ADX and SMU inmates To examine the question of how many inmates released from ADX or SMU subsequently return to restrictive housing, a cohort of inmates released in 2011 was created and recorded to determine whether they have returned to restrictive housing. Although the number of ADX and SMU releases are relatively small, the overall return to restrictive housing status are also low. Of the 66 ADX inmates released to the general population, only 9 percent returned to ADX. Of the 585 SMU inmates released, 19 percent have returned to SMU status (see table 18). A much higher proportion of the releases do incur at least one additional disciplinary report during the follow-up period. Of the inmates released from SMU, 84 percent recorded another disciplinary report, with an average of 3.7 reports. For the inmates released from ADX, the percentages are similar, 83 percent with a new disciplinary report, but for a much lower average of 1.6 reports. It is beyond the scope of this report to explain the higher prison recidivism rates for the SMU releases. Clearly, there are substantial differences between the attributes of the two cohorts that are related to institutional misconduct. For, example the inmates released from SMU are younger than those released from ADX. Older inmates are less likely to become involved in misconduct, so the maturation effect may be greater for the ADX inmates. The small number of ADX inmates released does not permit a multivariate analysis that could adequately control for age and other factors possibly related to recidivism. The larger number of inmates released from SMU makes it possible to examine the bivariate relationship between time in SMU and recidivism (table 19). Most of the releases are clustered in the 19–24 month range. The prison recidivism rates do not vary significantly by shorter or longer periods of SMU confinement. Those inmates who spent more than two years in SMU had a significantly higher rate of return to SMU but an equivalent rate of new disciplinary reports. Younger SMU inmates also tended to have shorter periods of SMU placement. These data suggest that the amount of time in the SMU is not a strong predictor. In fact, longer periods of time in SMU are associated with higher in-prison recidivism rates. While the numbers are not large, they do raise the question of whether the current time frame of 18 months or longer for completing the four-phase SMU program is excessive. As noted in the literature review, some state systems have shorter step-down programs, and these data support a move to moderate the current length of the SMU program. 63 Table 18. In-prison recidivism rates for inmates released from ADX and SMU Attribute ADX SMU Releases 66 585 Average age at release 44 years 36 years Average time In segregation 6.8 years 1.7 years 5.4 years 1.6 years 5 (8%) 77 (13%) Median Total (%) released directly to streets % returned to segregation (ADX or SMU) 9% 19% 246 days 469 days % with DR 83% 84% Average number DRs after release 1.6 3.7 Average time to segregation return Table 19. Prison recidivism rates for inmates released from SMU by time in SMU Length of Stay Releases % return % new DR 18 months or less 146 16% 69% 19–24 months 346 17% 77% 25 months or more 93 29% 75% Source: BOP/ORE. Trends in assault rates and lockdowns To what extent have overall rates of inmate assaults and the use of lockdowns changed as the Bureau’s segregation populations have increased? One of the key purposes of restrictive housing is to provide greater safety for inmates and staff as the more disruptive and violent inmates are incapacitated by removing them from the general population for extended periods of time. Figure 3 compares the rise in the SMU population with the annual inmate assault rate. The assault rate, which is low at less than three assaults per 100 inmates, has remained stable since 2004. There has been a slight decline since the rapid increase in the SMU population. However, while the overall assault rate has remained constant, there may have been a reduction in the high-security populations. Since most of the inmates placed in restrictive housing were classified at higher security levels and housed at the USPs, the reduction in assault rates may be limited to those facilities. Table 20 shows that there has been a decrease in the assault rate at the Bureau’s high-security prisons, suggesting that the rapid increase of the SMU population did have an incapacitation effect. Further, there has been a significant reduction in 64 (1) the number of lockdowns at the various Bureau prisons and (2) the total number of lockdown days (table 20). Again, no claim of causation can be made, as other external factors may be related to these trends. ADX and SMU populations and inmate assault rate, 2004-2013 2,500 10.00 Priosners in ADX or SMU 9.00 2,000 8.00 7.00 1,500 6.00 5.00 1,000 4.00 3.00 500 2.00 1.00 0 0.00 Assault Rate Per 100 Prisoner Population Figure 3. 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 SMU ADX Assault Rate Table 20. Changes in ADX and SMU populations, assaults, and lockdowns, 2008– 2013 Lockdowns Total lockdown days 148 1,210 8.2 111 917 8.3 10.4 129 877 6.8 2.3 9.1 93 773 8.3 86 526 6.1 71 706 9.9 Year SMU ADX Assaults per 100 inmates 2008 100 471 2.5 Assault rates in high-security prisons 10.5 2009 936 447 2.7 10.9 2010 1,398 433 2.6 2011 1,545 450 2012 2,042 434 2.4 8.7 2013 1,675 415 2.2 8.6 Source: BOP/ORE. 65 Days per lockdown Summary of major findings Inmates placed in ADX, SMU, and SHU status represent a small proportion of the Bureau’s prison population. They also differ from other BOP inmates on a number of key attributes. In particular, they are disproportionately male and older, and more of them are U.S. citizens. They tend to have been sentenced for a more serious/violent offense and assigned to higher custody levels, to be associated with a gang (either street- or prison-organized), and to have separation restrictions. All three populations have substantial time left to serve on their sentences. However, there are over 2,000 inmates in restrictive housing who will be released within a year, which suggests the need for reentry services. Differences in sentence lengths, time served, and time left to serve are especially pronounced among the ADX and SMU inmates. The majority of inmates in restrictive housing do not require any specialized medical treatment and are virtually identical to other Bureau inmates. Somewhat surprisingly, relative to mental health care level, the proportions of inmates that are reported in need of care or treatment are even lower and comparable to the mental health care levels of the nonrestrictive populations. The SMU and ADX inmates have lengthy disciplinary records, which include repeated histories of institutional violence and other types of serious misconduct. It does not appear that initial placement in the SMU and ADX units has any impact on the rate of misconduct that was occurring prior to placement in restrictive housing. The vast majority of ADX and SMU inmates released in 2011 were not returned to restrictive housing status, although most incurred another DR within two years. There was no strong or consistent relationship between time in SMU and in-prison recidivism rates, although inmates with the longest placement in SMU had a higher rate of return to restrictive housing. This may be due to the inmates’ failure to comply with the SMU program for a substantial period of time and thus their higher risk of recidivism than that of inmates who complied and completed the program in a shorter period of time. The Bureau’s assault rate remained unchanged as the size of the SMU population dramatically increased. However, there has been an associated decline in the rate of assaults in the high-security prisons, the number of lockdowns, and the number of lockdown days. 66 Chapter 4: Due process The project team conducted a comprehensive review of the application of inmate due process rights in the assignment and management of inmates in special housing at each site visited, including an evaluation of procedures to protect due process rights during referral, designation, and throughout the duration of placement within SHU, SMU, and/or ADX. This assessment reviews the application of the Bureau’s disciplinary process and assesses its administrative remedy procedures. The following documents were reviewed as part of the assessment: Applicable decisions of the United States Supreme Court and circuit and district courts P.S. 5212.07: Control Unit Programs P.S. 5217.01: Special Management Units P.S. 5270.09: Inmate Discipline Program P.S. 1315.07: Legal Activities, Inmate P.S. 1330.17: Administrative Remedy Program P.S. 5270.10: Special Housing Units Special Management Unit Handbook As outlined earlier in this report, data collection and analysis focused on representative samples of inmates at selected facilities. The Bureau placed no restrictions on the team’s access to inmate files. By closely examining the selected inmates through case file review, observations, and interviews, the project team developed a better understanding of the due process systems associated with placement into restrictive housing within the Bureau. The file reviews of the sampled inmates included a review of the basis of placement in restrictive housing, the review process involved in placement, inmates’ progress through the programs, and the process used to determine either release or transfer to another facility. 67 A number of recent disciplinary cases were also reviewed at each facility to more fully understand the basis of disciplinary sanctions imposed and the compliance with due process standards in administering discipline. The number of disciplinary cases varied at each facility, but a review typically covered 30–50 of the most recently completed disciplinary cases. The project team reviewed each case along with all supporting documents, including the incident report and associated hearing documents. The case file review was supplemented by interviews with inmates, disciplinary hearing officers (DHOs), and the administrative remedy coordinator at each facility. Staff at the Central Office who directly managed due process functions were also interviewed, as were staff at the Designations and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC).82 Federal due process standards The United States Supreme Court has held that prison inmates are entitled to certain procedural protections before they can be deprived of protected liberty interests. This is known as the right to due process. The Supreme Court holds that, when a protected liberty interest exists, for example in the case of good-time credits, certain minimum requirements are due to the inmate before this interest can be infringed upon. The inmate’s interest must, however, be considered in view of the fact that he is incarcerated and the environment is secure in nature. In Superintendent v. Hill, 472 U.S. 445, 454-55 (1985), the Court recognized that the safeguards of due process are to be considered in light of the “legitimate institutional needs of assuring the safety of inmates and staff, avoiding burdensome administrative requirements that might be susceptible to manipulation, and preserving the disciplinary process as a means of rehabilitation.” When a prison disciplinary action infringes on an interest protected by the due process clause (a protected liberty interest), the inmate must receive (1) advance written notice of the disciplinary charge, (2) an opportunity to call witnesses and present documentary evidence in his or her defense, and (3) a written statement by the fact finder of the evidence relied upon and the reasons for the action taken (Wolff 82 The Designations and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) is located in Grand Prairie, Texas and is responsible for the review of recommendations for designation to a specific facility, re-designation or transfer to a different facility, and also review the placement recommendations to SMU and the ADX General Population. 68 v. McDonnell, 418 U.S. 539 1974). If there is “some evidence” to support the decision, then due process is satisfied (Superintendent v. Hill). “Some evidence” means “any evidence on the record that could support the conclusion reached” (Id.) In regard to timing, there must be at least 24 hours between the time the inmate receives the written charges and the hearing. This has been determined to be sufficient time to allow the inmate to prepare a defense. The inmate has the right to call witnesses and present documents supporting his defense, as long as doing so is not hazardous to institutional safety. Prison regulations control when the hearing is held; if the hearing is not held within the time specified by the regulation, this failure is not in and of itself a violation of due process. In the court’s view, the relevant inquiry will not concern whether the prison complied with its own regulations, but rather whether the inmate ultimately received all he or she was entitled to under the Wolff standard outlined above. If an inmate needs legal assistance, the prison should provide access to a “reasonably adequate law library” for conducting legal research. The Supreme Court has declined to find that inmates have a right to counsel for disciplinary matters (Wolff, 18 U.S. at 570). The Court did indicate, however, that if an inmate is illiterate or suffers from a mental condition, legal assistance may be appropriate. However, that assistance need not be provided by an attorney. In sum, as long as the prison ensures that the requirements of Wolff are met, due process is viewed as being satisfied. Finally, even though an inmate may be able to file a grievance regarding a condition of confinement at any time for any reason, the mere fact that such a grievance process exists does not create a protected liberty interest. Most such “blanket” grievance processes are designed to comply with the Wolff standards and can serve as an additional fail-safe measure to protect against inadvertent violations of due process rights. However, if an inmate challenged the underlying decision in court, the court would first determine whether or not the particular issue the inmate raised implicated a protected liberty interest. If not, then the blanket grievance process would be unnecessary. Decisions to place inmates in some type of special housing unit, such as segregation or restrictive housing, that may result in a deprivation of the inmate’s liberty interest are protected by the Due Process Clause. Whether such placement amounts to a violation of a protected liberty interest requires an answer to the following question: 69 Does the segregation assignment impose an “atypical and significant” hardship on the inmate “in relation to the ordinary incidents of prison life?”83 It is important to remember that the act of confining an inmate to special housing is not, in and of itself, a violation of due process and therefore, the Wolff standard does not apply just because a transfer occurs. The transfer has to amount to an “atypical and significant hardship” in order to trigger due process protections. While an inmate may feel burdened by being placed in administrative segregation, if it is for a short time, this is not generally considered an “atypical and significant hardship.” On the other hand, courts have also held that even a minor hardship can amount to a deprivation of liberty if it is imposed for an extended period of time. As federal courts have applied this rule, it has become apparent that very few instances of administrative segregation, except those that clearly affect the total duration of the inmate’s incarceration, will result in infringement of due process. A recent relevant ruling84 held that if segregation leads ultimately to a longer prison sentence compared to those served by inmates in the general population, then the segregation may be “atypical and significant” and due process should be afforded. Inmate discipline Inmate discipline within the Bureau is governed by Program Statement 5270.09, Inmate Discipline Program, as amended July 8, 2011. The provisions of the policy apply to all people in the custody of the Bureau including in Bureau contract facilities. A May 2013, the Government Accountability Office report Improvements Needed in Bureau of Prisons’ Monitoring and Evaluation of Impact of Segregated Housing included a simplified summary of the process outlined in Program Statement 5270.09, from staff observation of a potential prohibited behavior through the referral process for review of the allegation to conclusion of the hearing process. This summary is included in figure 4. 83 Sandin v. Conner, 515 U.S. 472, 483 (1995). 84 Sandin v. Conner, 515 U.S. 472, 483 (1995). 70 Figure 4. Inmate disciplinary process The key elements of the inmate discipline program as required by PS 5270.09 are summarized in the pages that follow. The disciplinary process is initiated when a staff member believes the inmate has committed, or observes the inmate committing, a prohibited act. The resulting incident report must contain all known facts (except when there is information that must remain confidential). All people present during the incident are to be listed, as is any physical evidence. The staff member will issue the inmate the incident report within 24 hours of becoming aware of the incident. The incident report is then forwarded to the supervising lieutenant. The 24-hour notice period begins at the point at which staff becomes aware of the incident or of probable cause to believe that the inmate was involved in an incident. For example, it would begin on the date that a probable-cause drug test came back positive, not necessarily on the date that the staff observed inmate behavior that gave rise to the test. The lieutenant usually serves as the investigating officer and is responsible for completing the investigation and providing the inmate with formal notice of the charges as contained on the second page of the incident report. The investigating officer may informally resolve the incident report (except for those in the “greatest” and “high” severity levels). If not resolved informally or referred for external 71 investigation due to the nature of the incident, the incident report is forwarded to the unit disciplinary committee (UDC). The UDC reviews both the incident report and the investigation results, and can render one of the following decisions: Determine the inmate committed the prohibited act or identify similar prohibited acts. Determine that the inmate did not commit the specified acts. Refer the incident report to the DHO for further review based on the nature of the charges (prohibited acts of “greatest” or “high” severity level are automatically referred to the DHO). The following are examples of prohibited acts within each severity level: Greatest—killing, escaping from escort, manufacturing a weapon, rioting, assaulting any person, including sexual assault, taking a hostage, introducing or making any narcotics, drugs, alcohol, or related paraphernalia High—escaping from a work detail or other non-secure confinement, fighting, threatening with bodily harm, bribery, extortion, making sexual proposals or threats, engaging in sex acts, stealing, destroying government property Moderate—indecent exposure, misusing authorized medication, refusing to work or to accept a program assignment, violating conditions of a community program, insolence, gambling, possessing money, smoking where prohibited, communicating a gang affiliation Low—malingering, using obscene or abusive language, unauthorized physical contact, interfering with a staff member, conduct which disrupts or interferes with the security or orderly running of the institution or Bureau The UDC is ordinarily composed of two or more unit staff members. It is required to review the incident report and hold a hearing within five working days. It can dispose of most charges with findings and sanctions, but must refer 100- and 200-level offenses to the DHO. To render findings and order sanctions for low-level offenses (300 and 400 levels), two members of the UDC must participate in the hearing. If the UDC renders findings and sanctions (on low-level offenses), the inmate has no due process rights, as the low-level sanctions available for such offenses do not implicate any liberty interest. Even so, inmates may appeal the decision of the UDC and, using the appropriate section on the incident report, the UDC provides the inmate with notice of appellate rights. 72 For minor (300- and 400-level) infractions, the program statement also provides an informal resolution process. In this process, after the inmate receives a copy of the incident report, and the unit team and inmate may agree to an informal resolution. Informal resolution of an incident report requires the consent of both the staff and the inmate but occurs at the sole discretion of staff. The incident report is placed in “pending informal resolution” status. If the inmate completes tasks that may be required of him or her, the status is changed to “informally resolved.” If informal resolution fails for any reason, the disciplinary process starts again and the incident report is forwarded to the UDC. Incidents that involve possible criminal behavior—those involving narcotics, weapons, assaults, or cell phones—must first be referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation or other outside authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution prior to initiating the disciplinary process. Similarly, cases that require laboratory testing are deferred until the lab results are obtained. Accordingly, the incident report may not be fully completed or provided to the inmate until a later date. Incident reports may also be updated, supplemented, or rewritten and resubmitted after additional facts become known. For a referral to the DHO, only one member of the UDC is required. The UDC is required to provide the inmate with its disposition/notice of charges at least 24 hours prior to the DHO hearing. The policy lists the prohibited acts that may result in discipline.85 The acts are divided into four categories based on severity: greatest, high, moderate, and low. The policy also includes a table that outlines the prohibited acts and indicates the available sanctions for each act. Sanctions are imposed either by the DHO or the UDC depending on the severity level. Inmates have the right to select a staff representative to assist in preparation for the hearing and to serve as a representative during the hearing. This option was utilized frequently in the cases we reviewed, and in many instances continuances were granted to ensure the availability of the requested staff representative. If evidence indicates that an inmate does not fully understand the nature of the process or the allegations or cannot assist in his or her own defense, the disciplinary hearing may be postponed until the inmate is competent to participate. The UDC or 85 Table 1. Prohibited Acts and Available Sanctions, PS 5270.09 73 DHO will make this decision based on available evidence, including evidence presented by the mental health staff. 86 Bureau policy allows for the possibility that an inmate who has been determined to be mentally ill may not be held responsible for his/her conduct. In that case, the inmate is cleared but the incident report is retained in the inmate’s file for informational purposes only. If the charges in the incident report are sustained, the hearing officer may impose sanctions that vary depending on the severity level and related circumstances of the incident as outlined below. Greatest severity level: forfeit or withholding of earned statutory good time and nonvested good conduct time up to 100 percent; disciplinary segregation up to 12 months; monetary restitution or a monetary fine; impoundment of property; removal from a program, group activity, or job; loss of privileges including visits, telephone, commissary, movies, and recreation High severity level: forfeit or withholding of earned statutory good time and nonvested good conduct time up to 50 percent or up to 60 days, whichever is less; disciplinary segregation up to six months; monetary restitution or a monetary fine; impoundment of property; removal from a program, group activity, or job; extra duty; loss of privileges including visits, telephone, commissary, movies, and recreation Moderate severity level: forfeit or withholding of earned statutory good time and nonvested good conduct time up to 25 percent or up to 30 days, whichever is less; disciplinary segregation up to three months; monetary restitution; monetary fine; impoundment of property; removal from program, group activity, or job; extra duty; loss of privileges including visits, telephone, commissary, movies, and recreation Low severity level: forfeit of up to 12.5 percent of good conduct time credit available for year (on second occurrence of same offense in six months), or forfeit of up to 25 percent of good conduct time credit for year (on third occurrence of same offense in six months); monetary restitution or a monetary fine; impoundment of property; removal from a program, group activity, or job; extra duty; loss of privileges including visits, telephone, commissary, movies, and recreation 86 PS5270.09, Chapter 3, 541.6(b) 74 The maximum sanctions for disciplinary segregation for these levels are higher than the authorized levels applied in many state systems. Georgia limits disciplinary segregation to 30 days. In certain circumstances in Ohio, the 15-day segregation can be increased to 30 days.87 Other systems limit segregation to 180 days; systems including those in Illinois, New York, and Kentucky limit segregation for a single offense to 12 months. However, most states allow consecutive segregation sentences, which can lead to very long periods of disciplinary confinement. Disciplinary process observations In the course of this review, UDC and DHO hearings were reviewed and observed at each of the locations reviewed. DHO docket summaries were reviewed at each institution that was reviewed. The docket summaries included information on the violation code, location, and result of the hearing including the sanction imposed. The review also included interviewing staff involved in the UDC hearing process and the DHO assigned to each facility.88 In addition, hearing documents for the most recent 40–50 DHO cases were reviewed. This included all related materials that were used in the hearing process, including the original incident report, results of the investigation of the incident, documentation of the UDC review and referral to the DHO, all materials associated with the DHO hearing, and the imposed sanctions. In total over 450 case files were reviewed in the course of the site visits. The DHO staff members assigned to the facilities do not directly report to the local institution’s warden or a designated staff. DHO staff members have autonomy to impose sanctions and do not consult with the operations staff when determining those sanctions. The DHO staff report up through the organizational structure to the Bureau’s Correctional Programs Division. Regional DHO staff and central office staff provide direction, guidance, oversight, and training to the field-based DHO staff, but there is no direct reporting relationship to the administration of the institution where they are assigned. This is done in order to ensure the independence of the hearing process. At all facilities visited (with the exception of USP Terre Haute, where the assigned DHO was located in the Kansas City Regional Office and hearings were conducted by Inmate Disciplinary Process, 56-DSC-01, effective December 10, 2009, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. 87 All DHO staff were interviewed at the facility assigned with the exception of USP Terre Haute where the DHO was based in the regional office. In this case the interview was completed telephonically. 88 75 video), the disciplinary hearings were held out of cell in a private location in the presence of the DHO, consistent with policy and best practices. FINDING: The DHOs and others involved in the disciplinary process were well versed in their duties. All appropriate notices and procedures were followed, and inmates responded respectfully to the process and the decision. Generally, the DHO at each facility had arranged for a staff representative to attend or postponed the hearing until the staff representative could be present. In two cases, although the paperwork clearly indicated that the inmates had been given appropriate notice and service of charges, when the inmates questioned appropriate notice and/or service, the DHO re-served the inmates and delayed the hearings. FINDING: Bureau disciplinary processes and procedures provide substantial and redundant assurances for due process compliance. At some facilities, the file review of DHO cases found that a significant percent of charges filed through incident reports were expunged as a result of the DHO hearing process (table 21). This is the equivalent of a dismissal or acquittal for the inmate. Table 21. Hearing dismissal rates Facility USP Lewisburg USP Allenwood USP Florence USP Hazelton USP Victorville FCI Butner II Dismissal rate 12% 12% 22% 6% 7% 15% Source: BOP. These dismissal rates are higher than rates observed by project team members at comparable facilities at the state level, which is an indicator that the process is valid and ensures due process in the review of charges and allegations. It is also significant given that the process has multiple review points where the charges can be dismissed prior to referral to the DHO. Sanctions issued by the DHO were found to be consistently lower than the allowed level for each of the severity levels. For example, offenses in the “greatest” severity level carry a maximum time in disciplinary segregation of 12 months. Of all the case files reviewed, not one included a sanction of 12 months segregation. For 100-level offenses such as possession of a weapon the typical sanction included 30–45 days disciplinary segregation and in many cases was 15–20 days segregation. At USP Victorville, the typical sanction for an assault or a weapons offense was 30–60 days disciplinary segregation. At USP Tucson, a typical sanction for possession of a 76 weapon was 45 days, while an assault resulted in 60–90 days segregation. At USP Coleman, a weapons offense resulted in 30 days of disciplinary segregation. Bureau DHOs use the restriction of privileges such as visiting, commissary, and telephone extensively as a sanction for offenses within all severity levels. Almost every sanction issued by the DHO at each of the facilities reviewed included a restriction of one or all of the above privileges. At USP Coleman, weapons offenses typically resulted in a sanction of 41 days loss of good conduct time; 15 days placement in disciplinary segregation; or 180 days restriction on visits, commissary, and telephones. Similar sanctions, with some variance in the amount of segregation time, were found in virtually all the institutions reviewed. In the cases reviewed, it was normal for the DHO to impose 180 days loss of commissary, telephone, and visits. The extensive use of restriction of privileges resulted in the accumulation of loss of privileges over an extended period. It was not unusual to find inmates who had lost visit privileges for more than one or two years. During one interview, an inmate reported that he had lost visit and phone access for seven years. This was confirmed through review of disciplinary records provided by the DHO. File reviews confirmed that similarly lengthy restrictions of privileges were common in the system. The use of these sanctions is an outgrowth of the attempt to find alternative sanctions to placement in disciplinary segregation. Sanctions issued by the DHO are effective the date of the hearing and are not made retroactive to the date of the incident report or the date of referral by the UDC to the DHO. There is no time limit in policy that governs how quickly the DHO must hold a hearing after the investigation/UDC process is complete. Scheduling of hearings is at the discretion of the DHO. The lack of time limits for completion of disciplinary hearings results in substantial variation among facilities in the amount of time served in restrictive housing for similar offenses, and can result in disproportionately long sanctions. During our review we found institutions that had established informal internal requirements that the hearing be completed within 14 days of receipt by the DHO. Another facility had established a guideline of 20 days. In the course of this review, instances of hearings held more than 30 days after the incident date were not unusual. Longer delays occurred when cases were continued awaiting the results of drug tests or other information or referred for further investigation. For example, a sanction of 30 days in restrictive housing can extend to 90 days or longer since time served is not credited and the time frame of the sanction is not made retroactive to the date of original confinement in restrictive housing. By comparison, most state systems have specific time requirements for conducting a hearing or issuing a continuance based on need for additional information (such as investigation results or availability of witnesses). Ohio policy requires that inmates 77 charged with a rule violation must be scheduled for a hearing as soon as practicable but no later than seven days, excluding weekends and holidays, after the alleged violation is reported—unless the hearing is prevented by exceptional circumstances, unavoidable delays, or reasonable postponements, which must be documented.89 FINDING: Sanctions issued by the DHO are effective the date of the hearing and are not made retroactive to the date of the incident report or the date of referral by the UDC to the DHO. The result was that in many cases a sanction of 30 days segregation in actuality became a restrictive housing sanction of 90 day or longer since the time served in segregation was not credited to the sanction or made retroactive to the date of original confinement in a restrictive housing setting. RECOMMENDATION 4.1: Establish reasonable time frames in which the hearing must be scheduled while permitting reasonable continuances while awaiting investigation reports, drug test results, and other essential information. RECOMMENDATION 4.2: Establish by policy that a sanction of segregation time should be issued retroactive to the date of original admission to restrictive housing, providing credit for time served. File reviews indicated that sanctions for similar offenses vary from institution to institution. The policy only specifies the maximum sanction for each severity level, thus providing the DHO only general guidance for determining appropriate sanctions. We were also informed that the Bureau has no systemic way to measure disparities in sanctions across this large system. Over the years, initial DHO training has reportedly been cut from two weeks to one week to the current three days. In our visits to the selected facilities, we noted wide disparities in the type and severity of sanctions imposed for similar offenses. As noted, weapons offenses sanctions varied from 15 days of restrictive housing plus loss of privileges to 60 or 90 days of restrictive housing plus loss of privileges. The independence of the DHO staff in determining sanctions also results in some disparity in sanctions. The chief disciplinary officer of the Bureau90 stated that the central office does not monitor sanctions for consistency. They do, however, have the ability to identify inconsistencies from hearing officer to hearing officer and can address those when necessary and appropriate. Inmate Disciplinary Process, 56-DSC-01, effective December 10, 2009, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. 89 90 Interview conducted on 11/14/2013. 78 RECOMMENDATION 4.3: Establish a system for monitoring patterns and trends in the use of disciplinary sanctions among Bureau facilities. It was also noted through our review of individual cases that different DHOs have different philosophies about the use of specific types of sanctions. DHOs at some locations used monetary fines with great success in lieu of restriction of privileges or extended time in restrictive housing. However, this sanction was not universally used, and at some facilities appears not to have been used at all, based on the cases reviewed and the interviews with the DHO assigned to the unit. PS 5270.09 authorizes the DHO to suspend any sanction for a period not to exceed six months. In the event a sanction is suspended by the DHO or the UDC, the effect of the sanction is waived unless the inmate receives a new incident report for a prohibited act during the period of the suspension. In the event of a new incident the DHO or UDC will act on the new incident report and retroactively determine and impose the sanction for the suspended case. Review of case files and interviews with the DHO indicated that this option is used extensively by some DHOs as a means of providing motivation to avoid committing future prohibited acts. Overall, our findings show that DHO staff are adequately trained on the disciplinary processes and procedures, and that compliance with these requirements is consistent from facility to facility. The organizational independence of the DHO from the local administration is rare outside of the Bureau as only a small number of state systems use this option. This independence was apparent during interviews with staff both in headquarters and at the local institutional level. This, combined with the relatively high percent of dismissals and expunged cases as compared to what is observed in state systems, are indicators of the independent decision making of the DHO process. However, the review did note issues with consistency in the level of sanctions for similar offenses between facilities, hearing delays that resulted in prolonged stays in segregation, and loss of access to basic privileges (visits, telephone, and commissary) for extended periods of time. Special housing units SHUs are housing units in Bureau institutions where inmates are securely separated from the general inmate population and may be housed either alone or with other inmates. SHUs help ensure the safety, security, and orderly operation of correctional 79 facilities, and protect the public, by providing alternative housing assignments for inmates removed from the general population.91 According to Bureau policy, placement in an SHU is a result of assignment to either administrative detention or disciplinary segregation status. Administrative detention is an administrative and nonpunitive status and can occur for a variety of reasons. Disciplinary segregation is a punitive status that can be imposed only by a DHO. An inmate may, under Bureau policy, be placed in administrative detention for the following reasons: Pending classification or reclassification—for example, in the case of a new inmate or one whose classification is under review Holdover status during transfer to a designated institution or other destination Pending transfer to another institution or location Removal from general population, where it has been determined that placement poses a threat to life, property, self, staff, other inmates, the public, or the security or orderly running of the institution Being under investigation or awaiting a hearing on charges of violating a Bureau regulation or criminal law For protection, whether requested by the inmate or determined by staff to be necessary After completion of disciplinary detention when return to the general population would threaten the safety, security, and orderly operation of the facility, or public safety Placement Each inmate who is placed in the SHU is notified of the basis of the placement when the lieutenant or other correctional supervisor prepares and issues an administrative detention order. A separate administrative detention order is required when an inmate’s status in administrative detention changes. 91 PS 5270.10, Special Housing Units, Effective date of August 1, 2011. 80 Administrative detention status: When placed in administrative detention status, the inmate receives a copy of the administrative detention order within 24 hours detailing the basis for the placement. When an inmate is placed in administrative detention status pending classification or while in holdover status, an administrative detention order is not issued. Disciplinary segregation status: When an inmate is placed in disciplinary segregation status as a sanction for violating Bureau regulations, notice is provided to the inmate by the DHO at the end of the discipline hearing. Placement in the SHU is reviewed by the segregation review official (SRO) based on the following requirements as outlined in PS 5270.10. Three-day reviews: Within three work days of placement in administrative detention status, not counting the day of admission, weekends, and holidays, the SRO will review the supporting records. Inmates in disciplinary segregation status do not receive this review. Seven-day reviews: Within seven continuous calendar days of placement in either administrative detention or disciplinary segregation, the SRO will formally review the placement status at a hearing that the inmate may attend. The inmate must sign a waiver if he or she does not want to participate in this face-to-face review. Subsequent reviews of the case records will be performed by the SRO every seven continuous calendar days thereafter. Thirty-day reviews: After every 30 calendar days either administrative detention or disciplinary formally review the placement status at a hearing Again, inmates must sign a waiver if they do not face-to-face reviews. of continuous placement in segregation, the SRO will that the inmate may attend. want to participate in these Placement of protection cases in administrative detention Inmates may be placed in administrative detention as a protection case in the following circumstances: The inmate was the victim of an inmate assault, or was being threatened by other inmates. The inmate’s safety is threatened because of providing, or being perceived as having provided, information to staff or law enforcement authorities regarding other inmates or people in the community. 81 The inmate refuses to enter the general population because of alleged pressures or threats from unidentified inmates, or for no expressed reason. Based on available evidence, staff believe the inmate’s safety may be seriously jeopardized by placement in the general population. When an inmate is placed in administrative detention for protection, the warden or designee (ordinarily the captain) must review the placement within two business days to determine if continued protective custody is necessary. This review consists of: Staff investigation: Whenever an inmate is placed in the SHU as a protection case, whether requested by the inmate or staff, an investigation will occur to verify the reasons for the placement. Hearing: The inmate will receive a hearing conducted by the SRO according to the procedural requirements within seven calendar days of the placement. Periodic review: If the inmate remains in administrative detention status following the hearing, he/she will be periodically reviewed as an ordinary administrative detention case. This review includes documents that led to the inmate being placed in protective custody status and any other documents pertinent to the inmate’s protection. In addition, P5324.08 Suicide Prevention Program mandates that protective custody inmates be screened for suicidal ideation within 72 hours of being placed in SHU. Protective custody Despite the very different purposes of the SHU, all inmates including those in protection status are exposed to the same security and operational restrictions as well as the same access to programs and privileges. As shown in table 5, 15 percent of those housed in SHUs system-wide as of June 2014 were there based on protection needs. The percent varies from institution to institution, with the percentage in the USP SHUs being significantly higher. An additional portion of inmates in SHUs are unverified protection cases who refuse assignment outside of the unit. Some of the protection claims are the result of the inmate’s own behavior, while others are not validated. However, a significant portion of these offenders have legitimate protection needs. FINDING: A disproportionate number of inmates are being housed in the SHUs based on protection claims. 82 Often the reason for an inmate’s request for protection is gang related. The number of inmates that have separatee issues (cannot be housed with specific other inmates) is significant and affects inmate management. The warden at USP Lewisburg advised the assessment team that of 748 inmates at that facility, 334 had separatee issues.92 This raises the question of the appropriate way to manage inmates with verified protection needs. Such inmates are presently housed in administrative detention, which is identified by Bureau policy as a nonpunitive status. However, they are assigned to the same housing unit as inmates in punitive segregation. Inmate movement procedures, including application of restraints, are the same; the frequency of recreation and telephone access is the same, as was the frequency of visits at all but two facilities visited. With the exception of minor differences in personal property allowed and in-cell programming opportunities, the day-to-day conditions of confinement were not much different. Considering that one status is nonpunitive and that some individuals are included strictly as a result of being verified as requiring protection, serious consideration should be given to reevaluating the day-to-day conditions of confinement for individuals who have been verified as needing protection. FINDING: The application of the same security and operational restrictions to the protective custody population as to others in administrative segregation is contrary to nationally accepted practices. This is a complex issue within the Bureau due to the extensive presence of security threat group members, even in the SHU. Many of those have verified need for protection as a direct result of their prior involvement with a security threat group, who are also victims or potential victims that need protection while assigned to the Bureau. These protection needs should be provided, but in a more normalized setting than what is presently provided in the SHU. In numerous states, the conditions of confinement for protection cases have been altered to parallel that provided to other general population inmates. In these instances, inmates are housed in SHUs or similar units while the claim for protection is investigated. Once the need for protection is verified, they are moved to a separate unit that provides conditions of confinement that are similar if not identical to those provided to general population inmates. These units operate separately from other general population units and afford inmates the ability to function in a normalized prison environment while ensuring they are protected. Kentucky has done this successfully at the Eddyville facility, and Ohio operates units that replicate general 92 Interview briefing with Warden, January 21, 2014 83 population conditions for protective custody inmates. The Bureau is moving in the same direction with the establishment of the reintegration housing unit (RHU) in Oakdale, Louisiana. The RHU was activated in October 2013 with an objective to target male inmates who consistently refuse to enter general population.93 The facility was opened with an initial capacity of 160 beds but was increased to 208 in February 2014; it has a potential future capacity of 320 beds. The actual population of the facility in September 2014 was 82. The criteria for placement include documentation that the inmate is classified as a protective custody case, an assessment from psychological services that the inmate is willing to participate in programming offered at the RHU, and the following additional criteria: The inmate has refused to enter general population and this fear is unsubstantiated (cannot be verified by staff). The inmate will have been housed in an SHU for more than 12 months. Medium and high security inmates are considered appropriate. Inmates whose SHU placement is based on a gang-specific security threat group assignment are ordinarily excluded. Those currently in disciplinary segregation are excluded. Those whose sex offender classification is the basis for placement in SHU will ordinarily not be assigned to the RHU. Inmates must be classified in medical and mental health care level 1 or 2. Inmates should normally have at least 6 months remaining to serve. Sex offenders who require protection and who meet the established criteria have been designated for the Sex Offender Management Program at USP Tucson. This is a normalized general population program and allows this group of protection inmates to fully participate in programs. The Bureau reported that it operates nine Sex Offender Management Program facilities, all of which offer an environment which increases the likelihood a sex offender can remain in general population. Memorandum of October 18, 2013, FCC Oakdale – RHU Activation Procedures, authored by the Acting Assistant Director, Correctional Programs Division. 93 84 These are the only two general population options for verified protective custody inmates that the consultant team identified within the Bureau. RECOMMENDATION 4.4: Expand housing alternatives for inmates in verified protective custody status that have levels of programs and privileges that are equivalent to those for general population inmates. Weekly review meetings At all the Bureau facilities visited, SHU weekly review meetings were observed. These meetings are convened and directed by the warden of each facility and are attended by representatives of the warden’s management team as well as representatives of each key discipline within the facility. This includes associate wardens, unit managers, directors of psychological services and medical services, investigative staff, case management representatives, and security and chaplaincy staff. The purpose of the meeting is to review the status of each inmate held in the SHU and determine if continued placement in the SHU is appropriate or whether an alternative placement can be identified. The structure and approach to these meetings was similar at each location we observed. The reviews are guided by a formatted document that contains all the key information on an inmate including name, reason for placement in the SHU, mental health status, any medical issues, unit team comments, and status of any program referrals or redesignations. Also included in the document is a picture of the inmate so all participants in the meeting can identify the inmate being discussed. The participants in the review meeting systematically review the status of each inmate. A designated representative, usually a unit manager, summarizes the offender’s status, including any changes or pending actions. These can include pending transfer requests, status of any investigation, mental health or medical actions, program participation or completion, and general adjustment to the facility and/or unit. A representative of each discipline presents updated information on the inmate where appropriate. After discussion, the group with the concurrence of the warden may take action on the case, such as releasing the inmate from SHU (we observed that this action occurs frequently), referring the inmate for redesignation, or accelerating the investigation into the inmate’s case. The formal discussion is normally followed by the entire group touring the SHU and addressing any informal or formal requests presented by inmates. 85 FINDING: The conduct of weekly reviews of SHU placements in a formalized setting with the facility’s entire management team is an exemplary practice that ensures ongoing review of the status of inmates and their placement options. The review team for this project has not observed anything similar to this practice in terms of frequency of reviews, breadth of participants, and level of discussion on each and every case as was observed in the facilities reviewed. This process ensures that inmates housed in the SHU are reviewed at the highest levels on a weekly basis and that their placement options are evaluated regularly. Segregation reviews Policy requires frequent contact and review of those inmates placed in administrative segregation. Through the SRO reviews and the previously described SHU Weekly Review process, there is ongoing review of the status of each inmate in relation to his/her continued placement in the SHU. There is however, inconsistency in how the SRO reviews are conducted and the scope of these reviews. In some of the facilities reviewed, the SRO reviews are conducted cell-side and consists simply of an inquiry as to how things are going and if any problems exist that need to be addressed. This provides no privacy and little opportunity for the inmate to have a dialogue with staff on his situation and what may have precipitated the problems that resulted in his placement in the SHU. This is especially important given the prevalence of security threat group members housed in the same units as those with protection claims. RECOMMENDATION 4.5: Establish a policy standard requiring private, face-to-face interviews for the segregation review. The Bureau reports that Program Statement 5270.10 requires face to face meetings at the 7 and 30 day review. Three day reviews are paper reviews, seven day and 30 day reviews give the inmate an opportunity to attend the hearing. Those inmates who refuse to attend the hearing are required to sign a waiver stating they refuse. Some Bureau facilities provide the opportunity for the inmate to meet privately with the SRO outside of the cell area and in a private location where there can be an open discussion of the issues and concerns that the inmate may face. This should become the standard for the Bureau in conducting the SRO hearings. Other facilities do not encourage or facilitate the face to face meeting in a private location. FINDING: The SRO reviews at some of the facilities reviewed appeared perfunctory and lacked substance in contact and purpose. In these instances the SRO review becomes a situation of quickly doing “how are you doing and do you have any problems” rather than a review of the reasons for 86 placement, program needs, placement issues if any, and verifying that the inmate has access to medical, mental health issues, etc. It appeared that there was little formal structure to the purpose and content of the reviews. The GAO segregation review report issued in May 2013 found that “…the facilities did not consistently document conditions of confinement and procedural protections as required under Bureau policy guidelines.” The GAO reported deficiencies such as missing documentation, monitoring rounds not being consistently conducted, or inmate review policies not fully implemented. FINDING: The review of randomly selected inmate records found some omissions in the maintenance and content of inmate records documenting the placement rationale in the SHU.94 At one facility reviewed, ten percent (10 percent) of the files reviewed had problems with filing of these documents in the inmate record file including the absence of required supporting documents and the existence of a backlog in filing these documents in the inmate record. This was only observed at one facility during the course of the review. RECOMMENDATION 4.6: Develop and deploy an electronic inmate record system to document SHU placement decisions. The missing documents were later found as they were available elsewhere, but the inability to maintain inmate records in a timely and accurate fashion illustrates the need for the Bureau to substantially improve their recordkeeping, including the use of electronic means. FINDING: The requirements that are contained in the policy and procedures that govern the placement and review of inmates housed in the SHU are consistent with national standards and afford inmates in these units with due process in relation to their placement in the units. The execution of these requirements could be improved through the use of private, face-to-face, reviews with the inmates of his/her status in the SHU. This is done in some facilities, but not consistently applied throughout the system. 94 Documents examined and filed include Incident Reports, BP-AO298, Inmate Rights at Disciplinary Hearing, BP-293, Administrative Detention Orders, BP-308. The Bureau reported that in August 2014, the SHU application was upgraded to include a warning screen feature notifying staff when omissions from the records were noted. This upgrade resulted in no deficiencies for this step in any Correctional Services Program Reviews conducted during the last quarter 87 Special management units According to PS 5217.01, Special Management Units, assignment to a special management unit (SMU) is considered to be a programmatic assignment. PS 5217.01 states that SMU designation is nonpunitive, and may be appropriate for any inmate meeting the referral criteria outlined in the program statement. The conditions of confinement for SMU inmates are more restrictive than for general population inmates. Inmates are expected to complete the four-level SMU program in 18 to 24 months, at which time they may be re-designated (transferred) to an appropriate facility. At the time of the initiation of this review SMU programs were functioning at USP Lewisburg, USP Allenwood, and USP Florence. During the course of the review, the Bureau began the phasing out of the SMU at USP Florence through the gradual transfer of inmates in the unit to USP Lewisburg. Referral and assignment Per the program statement, designation to a SMU may be considered for any “sentenced inmate whose interaction requires greater management to ensure the safety, security, or orderly operation of Bureau facilities, or protection of the public.” Placement to a SMU requires that the inmate meet any of the following:95 Participated in disruptive geographical group/gang-related activity. Had a leadership role in disruptive geographical group/gang-related activity. Has a history of serious and/or disruptive disciplinary infractions. Committed any 100-level prohibited act, according to 28 CFR part 541, after being classified as a member of a Disruptive Group pursuant to 28 CFR part 524. Participated in, organized, or facilitated any group misconduct that adversely affected the orderly operation of a correctional facility. Otherwise participated in or was associated with activity such that greater management of the inmate’s interaction with other persons is necessary to 95 PS 5217.10, Section 2, effective 11/19/2008. 88 ensure the safety, security, or orderly operation of Bureau facilities, or protection of the public. Referral. If an inmate meets any of the referral criteria the unit team may present a re-designation referral to the warden. The referral packet consists of a completed Request for Transfer/Application of Management Variable (EMS-A409), copies of pertinent Special Investigative Supervisor reports and incident reports, and a cover memorandum to the warden summarizing the rationale for referral for SMU designation. If the warden approves the referral, it is submitted to the regional director. Hearing on the redesignation request. If the regional director determines that sufficient evidence exists to convene a hearing, the regional director appoints a hearing administrator to conduct a hearing into whether the inmate meets the criteria for SMU designation. The hearing administrator will have been trained and certified as a discipline hearing officer (DHO), will be an impartial decision-maker, and will not have been personally involved as a witness or victim in any relevant disciplinary action involving that inmate. Interviews with Bureau executive staff indicated that the Bureau decided to use DHO’s in the SMU review process because they are trained to provide due process protections in administering the disciplinary systems and they are independent of the operational chain of command, reporting directly to the regional hearing administrator and to the Office of General Counsel. The warden will be notified of the regional director’s decision to conduct a hearing before the inmate is provided pre-hearing notice. The inmate’s security needs will be assessed and staff made aware of any additional security precautions. The appointed hearing administrator completes a notice of the hearing referral and sends it to the inmate’s current institution. Unit team staff at the institution provides the inmate with a copy of the notice at least 24 hours before the hearing, and document delivery to the inmate. If the inmate is illiterate, the delivering staff member will read the notice verbatim. If the inmate does not speak English, the unit team staff will make arrangements to provide translation. The notice advises the inmate of the date and time of the hearing and advises the inmate of the opportunity to appear at the hearing. The notice also provides a sufficiently detailed explanation of the reasons for the referral. The notice also informs the inmate that a nonprobationary staff member will be available to help the inmate compile documentary evidence and written witness statements to present at the hearing. The assisting staff member’s responsibility in this role is limited to assisting the inmate in obtaining copies of documents needed, for example, from his 89 central file or other reasonably available source(s), or a written statement(s) from other reasonably available inmates or staff. The inmate has the opportunity to appear at the hearing, make an oral statement, and present documentary evidence and written witness statements, except where contrary to the safety, security, or orderly operation of Bureau facilities, or protection of the public. The inmate may not call witnesses at the hearing. Post-hearing findings and decision. The hearing administrator is required to consider whether the inmate meets the criteria as specified in PS 5217.10 for placement into the SMU program. Upon completion of the hearing the hearing administrator will prepare the “Hearing Administrator’s Report on Referral for Designation to a Special Management Unit” and will submit it to the regional director. The report will provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for the hearing administrator’s findings. Upon receipt of the hearing findings the regional director determines whether the SMU referral is necessary to ensure the safety, security, or orderly operation of the Bureau or protection of the public. The regional director includes a recommendation on the placement request and then forwards it to the DSCC in Grand Prairie, Texas, for final review. The DSCC reviews all documents related to the case including the hearing administrator’s report and, after consulting with the assistant director, Correctional Programs Division, Central Office, will determine whether a SMU referral is approved. If the SMU referral is approved, the DSCC selects the SMU that best meets the inmate’s greater management needs. The DSCC will then forward the decision to the receiving regional director and warden, with copies to the referring regional director and warden. This review also includes a mandatory review by the Bureau’s Psychology Services Branch to determine if admission to SMU is appropriate. Post-decision notice and appeal. The inmate’s copy of the completed report will be sent to the referring warden, who is to ensure delivery to the inmate. The report advises the inmate of the opportunity to appeal the decision through the Administrative Remedy Program, directly to the Office of General Counsel. An inmate’s appeal of the decision or the hearing administrator’s findings does not delay designation and transfer to a SMU. FINDING: The Bureau has established policies and procedures that afford due process protections to inmates in the referral and assignment to SMU. Bureau policies and procedures governing referral and assignment to SMU provide for multiple layers of review and are clearly intended to comply with the principles of due process. The review of the documents and the process indicate that the 90 Bureau complies with its own requirements throughout the review and placement process. One indicator of the validity of the process of referral and review of requests for placement in the SMU is the number of individuals who had been referred for SMU placement since the initiation of the program and of those referred, the number that have been rejected for placement either by the regional director or by DSCC. Documentation provided by the DSCC indicated that a total of 5,435 inmates had been submitted from January 2009 to June 6, 2014. Of the inmates referred, 1,057 (19.5 percent) had been denied placement by the DSCC96. This does not include denials/rejections that occurred at the regional offices as those records were not readily available. A more recent picture of the validity of the referral and review process was obtained by reviewing the number of referrals by month that have been submitted since January 2013 through February 2014 and the number that have been rejected by either the DSCC or the regional director (see table 22).This more recent snapshot of the review process indicates that 14 percent of the referrals have been denied placement. 96 DSCC Initiatives Report of 6-6-14 91 Table 22. SMU referrals and outcomes, January 2013 – February 2014 Date January 2013 February 2013 March 2013 April 2013 May 2013 June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 October 2013 November 2013 December 2013 January 2014 February 2014 Total Rate Submitted 52 61 53 75 43 68 44 47 12 50 43 59 76 73 756 100% DSCC approved 40 52 49 57 37 53 38 42 11 46 40 53 66 63 647 86% DSCC denied 11 9 4 18 6 15 6 5 1 3 3 6 10 10 107 14% Region denied 6 2 2 3 2 4 3 1 9 5 8 10 8 2 65 9% DSCC deferred 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 <1% Source: Bureau ORE. FINDING: The significant level of SMU placement request denials indicates the review process provides independent assessment beyond the institution level of the necessity of the SMU placement that reduce the number of admissions by about 14 percent. Periodic review. SMU inmates are reviewed by the unit team in conjunction with regularly scheduled Program Reviews as provided in the policy on Inmate Classification and Program Review97. The unit team specifically reviews inmates for progression through the levels of the program. An inmate’s institutional adjustment, program participation, personal hygiene, and cell sanitation are considered when reviewing the inmate for progression to further levels. Redesignation criteria. To be re-designated from SMU status, an inmate must for a period of 12 to 18 months, abstain from all of the following: Geographical group/gang-related activity Serious and/or disruptive disciplinary infractions 97 P5100.08 Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification (9112/06) 92 Group misconduct that adversely affects the orderly operation of a correctional facility The inmate must also demonstrate a sustained ability to coexist with other inmates, staff, and other persons. Referral procedures. When an inmate has met the re-designation criteria, the unit team will submit a referral to the warden for designation to the general population. A review of records indicated that the referral is ordinarily for placement at another institution. If an inmate is not recommended by the unit team for re-designation after 24 months, a referral for continued SMU designation must be submitted to the regional director. If the regional director approves continued SMU designation, the inmate will receive written notice of the decision and the rationale for it. The inmate may appeal the decision as provided by the Administrative Remedy Program. The review of records, interviews with staff and inmates confirmed that the Bureau is in compliance with SMU referral and assignment policies and procedures both in form and in substance. However, the following concerns were identified in the review of this program and its associated processes. Subjective criteria for admissions. The Bureau placement criteria provides for discretion and flexibility in assigning inmates to the SMU program. This is similar to the selection process in similar programs operated in state prison system. Instances of inconsistent assignments/rejections were found both in the file reviews and in observing the weekly SHU review meetings. The inconsistencies primarily existed from region to region. This inconsistency is balanced by the layered review process and the fact the final placement decision is made centrally. While case law has indicated that assignment to programs like the SMU is left to the discretion and judgment of prison officials, inconsistencies in assigning practices have the potential to risk creating fairness and equity concerns. For example, we observed SMU inmates being referred for re-designation after a single serious disciplinary violation, while recommendations for other inmates with repeated instances of the same violation were rejected – or, in some cases – not initiated by the local administration. Demonstrable inconsistencies in assignment decisions create equity issues in the application of the placement of inmates to the SMU program. The balance between discretion of placement versus creating a consistent and reliable placement process is a challenge that all systems are presented with in rendering these types of placement decisions. Periodic reviews. As noted earlier, SMU inmates are reviewed by the unit team in conjunction with regularly scheduled Program Reviews as provided in the policy on 93 Inmate Classification and Program Review. Upon arrival to the SMU, an intake screening is to be completed within 24 hours of the placement, with follow-up review to be completed after three days in SMU. Subsequent reviews are then conducted at seven, fourteen and twenty-eight days. Thereafter, the case manager complete thirty day reviews using form BP-951, Special Management 30-Day Conditions Review. This schedule of reviews is completed for the duration of the inmate’s assignment to SMU. Our observations, file reviews, and interviews with staff and inmates confirmed compliance with these SMU assignment reviews. However, while the documentation was available electronically and/or in paper form in the appropriate units, we found that official inmate records were not updated in a timely or consistent manner. During the course of observing the reviews we found that in some cases the reviews were held cell-side. It is most appropriate that all reviews be conducted in a private setting so that a proper and private review and hearing can be conducted. FINDING: Scheduled SMU Conditions Reviews were in some cases not conducted in a private setting, consistent with professional practices, and were not reflected in the official inmate records in a timely manner. Progression through program phases The SMU program consists of four levels, with each level differentiated by conditions of confinement and anticipated time frames. Completion of all four levels will take at least 18-24 months with the goal of integrating the inmate successfully into a general population setting. An assessment of the progression process and the associated conditions of confinement from one level to the next is addressed in this section of the report. To determine the conditions outlined above, we examined several key factors: Statutory requirements Bureau program statements Special Management Unit Inmate Handbook Bureau performance review reports Inmate files Housing unit activity schedules Manual and confinement electronic systems designed 94 to document conditions of On-site observations of operational practices Staff interviews Inmate interviews The project team found that the conditions of confinement for inmates assigned to the special management unit program were generally more restrictive than the conditions for inmates assigned to the general population and less restrictive than those assigned to a special housing unit (SHU). Although the conditions were more restrictive than in a general population setting, the conditions being provided in SMU appeared to be consistent with applicable federal regulations. As the inmate progresses from one level to the next, the program is designed to provide fewer restrictions on the inmate and more opportunity for programming. The following general findings for each level within the program are described. SMU level 1. An inmate in Level 1 may be single or double-celled and is normally allowed to participate in recreation at the same time as other inmates however the overall interaction between inmates is minimal. With the exception of recreation almost all programming is provided while the inmate remains in the cell. The expected time to complete this level of the program is approximately four months. An initial programming assessment is completed by staff within the first 28 days of the inmates’ arrival to the unit and every 90 days thereafter. All of the conditions of confinement identified in the federal regulations and program statements appeared to be provided to the inmates. Progression through Level 1 is based on the inmate’s compliance with behavioral expectations, completion of treatment assignments and absence of significant misconduct reports. Inmates meeting the program stipulations are expected to advance to the next level in approximately four months. At the time of the project teams site visits, inmates in Level 1 were being housed at USP Florence and USP Lewisburg. Inmates in Level 1 at USP Florence were housed in separate cells from inmates in Level 2. However at USP Lewisburg inmates in both levels were housed together. The primary differences in conditions of confinement for inmates in this level compared to Level 2, were inmates in Level 1 are allowed two telephone calls per month compared to four per month for Level 2 and the topics covered in the in-cell treatment curriculum for each level were different. SMU level 2. Interaction between inmates allowed in Level 2 was found to be very similar to the interaction allowed between inmates in Level 1. With the exception of recreation, almost all programming is provided while the inmate is in the cell. Program Statement P5217.01 Special Management Unit states that inmates in this 95 level have minimal interaction with other inmates and inmates will ordinarily be restricted to their assigned cells. Level 2 inmates were being housed at USP Florence and USP Lewisburg. Observations made by team members reflect that operational practices were generally consistent with the program statement at this level. The progress of each inmate in Level 2 is formally reviewed by staff at least every 90 days. Progression through Level 2 is based upon the inmate demonstrating the potential for positive “community” interaction. Inmates meeting the program expectations of Level 2 are normally double-celled and expected to advance to the next level in approximately six to eight months. The primary differences in conditions of confinement between Level 1 and 2 were the number of telephones calls allowed per month (2 versus 4) and the treatment curriculum. In addition, at USP Florence, there was an incentive program for inmates who were on extensive telephone restriction to be allowed a telephone call if their adjustment and progress in the program was positive. All programming with the exception of recreation was being provided on an individual basis while the inmate remained in their cell. SMU level 3. The Program Statement, P5217.01, Special Management Unit, states in part the following: “inmates at this level will begin to interact in an open, but supervised, setting with individuals from various groups, to include open movement in the unit and frequent group counseling sessions commensurate with the inmate’s demonstrated ability to effectively coexist with other inmates.” The progress of a Level 3 inmate is formally reviewed by staff at least every 90 days. Progression through Level 3 is based upon the inmate’s ability to demonstrate positive “community” interaction skills. Inmates meeting the program expectations of Level 3 are normally double-celled and expected to complete Level 3 in approximately six to eight months. At the time of the project teams site visits, Level 3 inmates were being housed at all the three SMU program facilities; USP Allenwood, USP Lewisburg and USP Florence. Inmate interaction and conditions of confinement for inmates in Level 3 at USP Allenwood and USP Florence were noticeably increased compared to Level 1 and 2. The increase was primarily the result of the addition of indoor recreation opportunities being provided and expanded access to telephones, commissary and visits. Inmates housed at USP Lewisburg in Level 3 appeared to have little increase in inmate interaction as no indoor recreation was offered. Although inmate interaction and average out-of-cell time had increased at USP Allenwood and USP Florence when compared with Level 2, there was no “frequent group counseling” that was being offered at any of the three facilities. The lack of frequent group counseling or virtually any group counseling is in contrast with the language found in the SMU program statement which states “… to include frequent group counseling sessions.” Group counseling was almost 96 nonexistent. The only group program being provided at the time of the review was a “cognitive skills for reentry preparation” group that was being offered to Level 3 and 4 inmates at USP Florence. Facility staff reported that due to construction delays the group had recently started just prior to the project team’s arrival. SMU level 4. Program Statement P5217.01 states that “…inmates must be able to demonstrate their sustained ability to coexist and interact appropriately with other individuals and groups in the unit.” Inmates in Level 4 are reviewed by staff at least every 30 days. Progression through Level 4 is based upon the inmate’s ability to function in a general population setting with inmates of various group affiliations. Inmates meeting the program expectations of Level 4 are double-celled and expected to be integrated into the general population after being in the level between two and four months. There were very few differences noted in the conditions of confinement between Level 3 and 4 at USP Florence and USP Lewisburg. The primary difference was the increased treatment focus on preparation and transitioning out of the SMU program. At USP Allenwood, there were a few additional differences, including: Level 4 inmates were allowed to purchase extra clothing (sweat shirt/pants), make up to 300 minutes of social telephone calls per month (Level 3 150 minutes) and receive additional visiting hours per month (four). At USP Lewisburg and USP Florence there were no noted significant differences between the two levels with the exception of the treatment curriculum. Observations on progression At the time of the review, the USP Lewisburg SMU program was considered a Level 1 and 2 facility; however, a number of Level 3 inmates were being housed at USP Lewisburg in the SMU program. The inmate handbook dated May 2013 states that “…since bed space is sometimes limited some inmates will complete Level 3 at USP Lewisburg.” On the second day of the project team’s site visit, there were over one hundred Level 3 inmates housed at USP Lewisburg. Management personnel reported that a combination of factors resulted in a higher than normal number of inmates in Level 3 and 4 being housed in the SMU. The Bureau was unable to identify the number of Level 3 inmates housed with Level 2 and Level 1 inmates are Lewisburg. Factors influencing housing at USP Lewisburg included the following: USP Florence was no longer accepting Level 3 inmates as a result of a revised agency plan to phase out the SMU program at USP Florence. This decision temporarily reduced the number of available Level 3 and 4 beds in the SMU program. 97 USP Lewisburg had space available in the SMU while USP Allenwood, a Level 3 and 4 facility, had limited beds available to accept additional inmates. Several inmates in Level 3 and 4 had a scheduled release date into the community that was within the next few months, and a decision was made to allow those inmates to remain at USP Lewisburg until their release. Limited bed space was reported to be available at FTC Oklahoma City which serves as an administrative security federal transfer center designed to house holdover inmates in-transit to other facilities. The transfer review and authorization process including the centralized efforts by staff at the DSCC, located at the Grand Prairie, Texas, office complex, reportedly impacts the timeliness of transfers. Staff reported that several inmates had been approved for Level 3 program placement. However, because of a lack of alternative space being available and/or inmate separation issues, numerous inmates were on an approved waiting list pending transfer out of Lewisburg or were awaiting a decision regarding their transfer. This backlog appeared to impact the program progression process and the conditions of confinement received for inmates in Level 3 and 4. The average time on the waiting list for transfer to USP Allenwood was 60 days as reported by the associate warden for programs. A delay in transfers to various degrees was noticed at all three facilities providing a SMU program, however it was most significant at USP Lewisburg.98 The waiting list for inmates to transfer to USP Allenwood was not based on a chronological order. Staff reported that command personnel from USP Allenwood are allowed to select inmates on the approved transfer list who appear to be the most compatible with the inmate population at USP Allenwood. As a result, some inmates who had progressed to Level 3 and were approved for transfer had to wait an extended period of time prior to being transferred due to the selection process. The selection process appears to be in contrast with one of the primary goals of Levels 3 and 4, which is to prepare inmates to coexist in a general population setting with other individuals and groups. The project team reviewed several inmate files at each of the three SMU programs. The purpose of the review was to assess the progression process and to determine whether inmates were advancing in the program as described in the SMU program statement. As a result of the review, it was determined that in most situations 98 The Bureau reported that policy requires transfer applications be processed within 60 days. 98 inmates were progressing through the program in time frames consistent with their adjustment to the guidelines established for the program. Inmates who were in compliance with the guidelines were routinely advancing in levels. Inmates who were not completing assignments and/or were receiving disciplinary infractions were appropriately not progressing and in some cases regressing (i.e., going from Level 2 to 1 in the program. Overall, staff was consistently monitoring inmate behavior and the inmates’ progression through the program. Personnel assigned to the unit teams were found to be very familiar with the criteria for advancement in the program and they appropriately documented the progress of each inmate on their caseload. The most significant issue noted in the file review was that when an inmate completed a particular level, and the completion required a facility transfer, the timeliness of the transfer was not consistent with maintaining the integrity of the program. This practice was most prevalent at USP Lewisburg, although the delays occurred at all three SMU facilities. Although the inmate would advance to Level 3, they would remain at the facility and not receive similar conditions of confinement as those inmates in Level 3 housed at USP Florence or USP Allenwood. As a result, the inmates’ consistent exposure to less restrictive conditions of confinement based on level completion was often delayed. For example, expanded out-of-cell time, access to larger recreation areas, increased interaction, access to indoor recreation and access to additional program activities did not always occur in a timely fashion. During the course of our review at USP Lewisburg and USP Allenwood, we noted that delays in movement from Level 2 from Lewisburg to Level 3 at USP Allenwood were occurring. Inmates advancing to Level 3 and 4 from USP Lewisburg were considered for transfer to USP Allenwood or USP Florence. At the time of the site visit to Lewisburg only USP Allenwood was accepting Level 3 inmates from Lewisburg. The average time on the waiting list for transfer to USP Allenwood was 60 days according to the associate warden for programs. Similar information was obtained during the subsequent review of USP Allenwood. Level 3 inmates awaiting transfer from USP Lewisburg are generally held in housing units E, F and I. Due to the limited space and separation issues, numerous inmates who have completed the program and have earned a transfer from the facility are on a transfer waiting list. Staff reported there were 112 inmates in Level 3 housed in the SMU. This backlog proves to be a concern and disrupts the smooth flow of inmates who should be progressing through the system. The waiting list for transfer is not managed chronologically. USP Allenwood personnel are allowed to select inmates who are most compatible with the population at that facility, based largely on separation issues. Inmates in Level 3 housed at Lewisburg pending transfer or release do not receive the same programing opportunities as inmates in Level 3 at USP Allenwood. Inmates who advance to Level 3 at USP Lewisburg earn credit toward completion of Level 3 and are 99 afforded some of the Level 3 privileges to the extent possible. However, no group activities are allowed outside of the recreation that is being provided at Lewisburg. Long delays in advancement to USP Allenwood, are problematic and are somewhat self-defeating for the SMU program. Staff at both USP Lewisburg and USP Allenwood reported that the backlog in the system was in part the result of the limited number of appropriate beds available in the Bureau. Staff indicated there are few beds available at USP Allenwood, which provides Level 3 and 4 housing. FINDING: Current backlogs in inmates awaiting transfer to the next program level negate the intent of the program design and decrease the motivation to change behavior. Further, it is inconsistent with the program’s objectives to hold graduates of Level 2 in a unit that operates with that level’s restrictions rather than receiving the benefits of advancement to Level 3. The project team visited each of the SMU programs and observed highly qualified and trained staff closely monitoring the progress of each inmate assigned to the SMU program. This monitoring process was reflected by staff’s routine on-site presence in the units and a review of the inmate files where progression compliance was well documented. The design of the SMU program held the inmate accountable for his actions. The inmate was responsible for taking an active role in the program and through the successful application of self-study and individual participation he was able to advance through the levels. The program activities that have been established focus primarily on the development of positive behavior and values that are designed to assist the inmate in successfully residing in a general population setting. The project team found that the SMU program was essentially a two phase program where in each phase there are currently two levels. The first major phase primarily is what the Bureau refers to as Level 1 and 2 which consists of in-cell programming. With the exception of recreation and individual access to an electronic law library kiosk almost all programming is provided to the inmate while he remains in the cell. The Bureau Program Statement, P5217.01, Special Management Unit, states inmate interaction with other inmates at Levels 1 and 2 is designed to be “minimal”. The project team found interaction was indeed minimal and that there was very little difference in the conditions of confinement between the two levels. The primary difference was the number of telephone calls allowed per month and the topics covered in the treatment curriculum. The second major phase of the program includes Levels 3 and 4. This phase is designed to focus more on preparing the inmate for general population housing. Through expanded out-of-cell time, increased interaction with others and exposure to a revised treatment curriculum the inmate is being presented the opportunity to 100 experience conditions and treatment that will allow him to demonstrate “positive” community interaction skills. The program statement cites that during these two levels “frequent group counseling sessions” will be offered. The project team did not identify any frequent group counseling sessions occurring – either first hand through observation or through staff/inmate interviews. There was one reentry group that had recently started at USP Florence however most programming, outside of recreation, continued to be provided individually while the inmate remained in his cell. The primary difference in the conditions of confinement between Level 3 and Four was is in the treatment curriculum provided. The project team did find some minor differences between the two levels involving frequency of telephones calls or types of visits provided at an isolated facility, however, this was not the case at all three facilities. The expanded focus on developing preparedness to enter the general population was the key difference observed between Levels 3 and 4. In reality, Level 4 has become an almost perfunctory step at USP Allenwood. When the inmate graduates from Level 3 and moves to Level 4, the re-designation request is immediately submitted. The completion of the Level 4 program is almost universally four months, except where major issues arise with the inmate’s adjustment. In reality, once Level 3 is completed, the inmate is prepared to return to general population. Based on other state practices and the observations of the SMU programs, the program should be consolidated into a three-phase program rather than the current four-phase program. In order to achieve this, Level 3 and Level 4 as now constituted in the SMU would be consolidated into a single program phase. It would operate like the current Level 4. Level 1 and 2 would continue to operate as presently constituted. RECOMMENDATION 4.7: Reexamine the SMU levels as they currently operate, their corresponding conditions of confinement, the length of time in each level, and their compliance with the SMU program statement. The program should be consolidated into a three-phase program rather than the current four-phase program and the minimum length of time to complete the program adjusted accordingly. Additional concerns noted by the project team involved the delays in progression through the levels, specifically when the progression involves a facility transfer. Inmates requiring a facility transfer in order to continue to advance in the program were often delayed access to the full scope of conditions that came with the new level because of the delay. As a result of the delays, extensive backlogs in transfers develop and the opportunity for access to the full scope of less restricted conditions of confinement exist. This practice was most evident at USP Lewisburg. 101 As mentioned previously in this section of the report, the lack of frequent group counseling sessions being offered for Level 3 and 4 inmates was a concern identified by the review team. The Bureau program statement on SMUs clearly states that in Level 3 and 4 frequent group counseling sessions are to be included. Group counseling was limited and the continued practice of providing individual in-cell programming was primarily being offered to inmates in Level 3 and 4. Lastly, the progression process identified by the project team raised concerns due to the inconsistency in conditions of confinement offered to inmates in the same level. For example, inmates in Level 3 of the SMU program housed at USP Allenwood are allowed up to 150 minutes in social telephone calls per month, two (2) one-hour noncontact social visits per month and indoor and outdoor recreation. The same inmate if housed at USP Lewisburg would be allowed twice the number of social telephone call minutes per month (up to 300 minutes), more than twice the amount of social visits per month (five (5) one-hour social visits) and outdoor recreation only. FINDING: There is a lack of consistency in the conditions of confinement for an inmate classified at the same level in the same program when housed at a different facility. This presents concerns regarding the integrity and design of the level system. Due process and ADX In October 2012, a memorandum was issued by the assistant director of the Bureau’s Correctional Programs Division, outlining a revised referral process for ADX general population placement.99 The key provisions of the referral process are outlined in this memorandum and are summarized in the following paragraphs. Placement of inmates in the ADX general population is at the discretion of the assistant director of the Correctional Programs Division (CPD). The Executive Panel (assistant director, North Central regional director, warden of Florence ADX) retains authority for placement of inmates into the ADX control unit. Placement criteria: Referrals for placement at ADX–general population must meet one or both of the following: 99 Memorandum from Assistant Director, Correctional Program Division, Oct 15, 2012, Administrative Maximum Facility General Population Referral Procedures. 102 Inmate’s placement at other facilities creates a risk to institutional security and good order or poses a risk to the safety of staff, inmates, others or to the public safety. Due to the inmate’s status either before or after incarceration, the inmate may not be safely housed in the general population of another institution. The memorandum outlines the factors that are sufficient to warrant consideration for placement: The inmate is subject to restrictive conditions of confinement as a result of a SAM or based on documented information from a government agency that the inmate was linked to terrorist activities and presents national security management concerns. The inmate is subject to restrictive conditions and the sentencing judge imposes restrictions on contacts by the inmate pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3582(d) or a similar statute. The inmate engaged in any conduct that is prohibited by any federal or state law in the facility where the inmate was housed. The inmate has committed two 100 or 200 level prohibited acts within the last 60 months. After being validated as a member of a Disruptive Group the inmate committed any 100 level prohibited act. The inmate has been identified as participating in, organizing, or facilitating any group misconduct that adversely affected the operation of the facility. The inmate engaged in behavior that is of such severity that it is determined that the inmate would be unable to function in a less restrictive environment without being a threat. The notoriety of the inmate is such that his well-being would be jeopardized if placed in a less secure facility. The inmate has access to resources to the extent that housing in a less secure facility would pose a higher probability of escape. There is a detailed outline of the referral and review process for inmates who were already designated, for inmates referred for initial designation after sentencing, and for referral of those within the witness security program. The process for review of these referrals is somewhat similar and requires the appointment of a hearing 103 administrator to conduct a due process hearing. The review process, similar to that for SMU placement, is a multi-tiered review process that includes reviews by the warden, regional director, the administrator of the Intelligence and Counter Terrorism Branch, the chief of DSCC and the assistant director of the Correctional Programs Division. The Office of Medical Designations and Transportation also performs a review of the case in relation to mental health and medical needs. The intent of this review is to exclude inmates from ADX placement if they have serious mental or medical illnesses. This review is cited in P5310.16. In addition, a requirement to include psychological testing in the mental health evaluation is incorporated in this policy along with more detailed guidance regarding the content of the mental health evaluation. A hearing administrator will be designated by the national discipline hearing administrator to conduct a due process hearing for inmates who are referred for placement at ADX–general population. Notice is provided to the inmate at 24 hours prior to the hearing. The inmate has the right to be present for the hearing and have opportunity to make a statement and present evidence to the hearing administrator. At the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing administrator shall prepare a written recommendation on whether placement at ADX is warranted. The report is submitted to the assistant director of the Correctional Programs Division for review and either acceptance or rejection of the placement. If accepted the Chief of DSCC is notified of the final decision to initiate the placement. The process for admission to the ADX control unit is similar. However, the request is forwarded to the regional director for the North Central region (as the ADX falls within that region) and the final decision must be jointly approved by the assistant director for the Correctional Programs Division and the regional director for the North Central region. After the adoption of the ADX referral and assignment process as outlined in the October 13, 2012 memorandum100, all inmates already assigned to ADX were afforded a hearing, retroactively.101 100 The Bureau reported that they first implemented these procedures on January 1, 2008. They have since been updated and modified. In November 2009, the agency decided to provide this due process placement hearing, following the new procedures and criteria outlined in the guidance memorandums, to all inmates housed at the ADX who had not received such a hearing. In our interviews, one ADX inmate claimed that he was never afforded a hearing before or after his assignment to ADX. Along with ADX Florence staff, we reviewed the inmate’s file and could find no documentation that the inmate was ever afforded a hearing. ADX Florence staff attempted 101 104 Through the file reviews, interviews with inmates, and review of the operations of ADX we confirmed that inmates are advancing through the ADX program into the step down program that can lead to assignment to general population outside of ADX. At the time of our visit to USP Florence, 18 inmates were in the final stage of the step down program, with several awaiting assignment to an appropriate unit in the general population of USPs. The review of due process for ADX found general compliance with the referral and admission policies and procedures, including completion of appropriate documentation. The review of ADX control unit inmate records revealed missing or incomplete documentation directly related to the ability to verify due process-type protections in four of the files reviewed. This is consistent with our review of SMU inmate records where we noted that due process-type documentation for SMU inmates was missing from some of those records. As noted in the assessment of Bureau re-entry programs we found that there is little education or information sharing for inmates who are completing the lengthy ADX confinement process and preparing to be either released to the community or released to general population at a non-ADX facility. This is detailed further in the reentry section of this report. Administrative remedy program The policy and procedures of the Bureau Administrative Remedy program are outlined in PS 1330.18 dated January 6, 2014. The purpose of the Administrative Remedy Program as stated in PS 1330.18 is to allow an inmate to seek formal review of an issue relating to any aspect of his/her own confinement. An inmate may not submit a Request or Appeal on behalf of another inmate. As stated in the policy document the objectives of the Administrative Remedy Program are as follows: to locate the documentation while we were on-site. Then, they were invited to locate the appropriate documentation of the hearing and to notify us when it was located. We never received such notification. 105 Provides a procedure that is available to all inmates by which they will be able to have any issue related to their incarceration formally reviewed by high-level Bureau officials. Provides that each request for review, including appeals, will be responded to within the time frames specified in the policy. Provides for a process to ensure that a record of inmate administrative remedy requests and appeals will be maintained. Through the administrative remedy process, it is believed that Bureau policies will be more correctly interpreted and applied by staff. The Bureau’s Administrative Remedy Program contains no time or subject matter limits, thus allowing any inmate a separate and unrestricted avenue to raise issues or seek relief regardless of when the alleged incident occurred. FINDING: The Administrative Remedy Program provides a redundant level of due process protection for all Bureau inmates, beyond that provided by many state departments of corrections. Using the process, inmates can challenge any aspect of their confinement, including segregation placement and conditions at any time. For disciplinary segregation inmates, because their challenge is to the DHO decision, the challenge goes directly to the regional office via form BP-10. For SMU and ADX inmates the challenge goes directly to the Office of General Counsel in the Central Office via form BP-11. The warden is required to appoint one staff member, ordinarily above the department head level, as the administrative remedy coordinator (coordinator) and one person to serve as administrative remedy clerk (clerk). The regional director and the national inmate appeals administrator, Office of General Counsel, is to be advised of these appointees and any subsequent changes. To coordinate the regional office program, each regional director is required to appoint an administrative remedy coordinator of at least the regional administrator level, ordinarily the regional counsel, and an administrative remedy clerk. PS 1330.18 establishes timelines for responses from the appropriate Bureau officials. Administrative Remedy fillings and responses are tracked via the Bureau central computer system. A listing of all remedy filings for the period from December 19, 2012 to December 19, 2013 for all inmates housed in SMU was provided. A total of 404 filings are listed for this time period for inmates housed in USP Lewisburg, USP Allenwood, and USP Florence. The report provides a status code for each remedy request filed. These codes (and their unedited language supplied by the Bureau) are as follows: 106 ACC (Accepted)—The inmate has properly filed an administrative remedy at the appropriate level (i.e., the packet that the inmate submitted has all required documentation for the level that the inmate is filing at) and has properly exhausted at the lower levels. REJ (Rejected)—The inmate has not properly filed an administrative remedy at the level that the remedy was submitted at (i.e., the packet that the inmate submitted does not have all required documentation for the level that the inmate is filing at) and/or the inmate has not properly exhausted at the lower levels prior to submitting the remedy. We do not reject appeals because the nature of the issue is not valid for a remedy request. We respond to all appeals even though the inmate may have to use another avenue for their request (i.e., Tort Claims), but we do not reject an appeal based on a nonvalid issue. CLD (Closed Denied)—The inmate will NOT be granted the relief that they are requesting in their administrative remedy. CLG (Closed Granted)—The inmate WILL be granted the relief that they are requesting in their administrative remedy. CLO (Closed Other)—An appeal can be closed using CLO for various reason which will be reflected in the status reason code. For example, CLO ISJ improper subject matter; CLO MOT request or appeal is moot; CLO REP request or appeal is denied as repetitive of previous filing; CLO WDN withdrawn at inmate’s request; CLO XPL information or explanation for the inmate’s request is only provided; or CLO OTH, this can be used when an inmate who filed an administrative remedy has died. VOID—An appeal can be voided out of the system when the information initially entered for the inmate is entered incorrectly and needs to be corrected for a proper record of the appeal submission. The status of the 404 remedy filings by SMU inmates listed on the documents is noted in table 23. 107 Table 23. Remedy/SMU filings by reason, December 19, 2012 – December 19, 2013 Decision Number Percent Accepted 118 29% Closed—denied 89 22% Closed—granted 0 0.% Closed—other 71 18% Rejected 122 30% Void 4 1% Granted 0 0% 404 100% Total Source: Bureau of Prisons. The above analysis does not included filings that are informally resolved as provided by PS 1330.18, paragraph 542.13. The most obvious indicator from this review is the fact that none of the 404 filings are listed as granted. Similarly, data on filings for SHU inmates for the same time period were obtained from the Bureau. For the time period from December 19, 2012 to December 19, 2013 a total of 285 requests were noted on the data sheet. The status of the 285 filings by SHU inmates are shown in table 24. Table 24. Remedy SHU filings by disposition type, December 19, 2012 – December 19, 2013 Decision Number Percent Accepted 101 35% Closed—denied 15 5% Closed—granted 0 0% Closed—other 21 7% Rejected 147 51% Void (VOD) 1 <1% Granted 0 0% 285 100.00% Total Source: Bureau of Prisons. As noted with SMU filings, these data do not include filings that have been informally resolved per the policy. Also similar to the SMU the most obvious indicator is that none of the requests for relief have been granted. Each facility AR clerk maintains a separate tracking and accountability system to track each filing from initiation of the remedy request to investigation and response, 108 through the appeals process. These systems are time sensitive so that reminders and flags are attached to ensure timely responses.102 The AR clerks also ensure that AR’s are entered into the central Bureau system. Institutional staff reported that the local tracking systems (spreadsheets) are more detailed and helpful than reliance on the central tracking system. Inmates can appeal UDC or DHO decision via the Administrative Remedy Program. UDC decision is appealed locally (form BP-8) and DHO decision is appealed to the region (form BP-10). A 2013 study, “Procedural justice and prison: Examining complaints among federal inmates (2000-2007),”103 which was conducted by David M. Bierie appears to validate the Bureau’s grievance system. “Generally speaking, people feel a process is more ‘just’ when their voice is heard before decisions are made, decision makers treat everyone equally, outcomes are proportionate, and there is a process of appeal or challenge if they don’t agree with an outcome.” The opposite is also true if the system is perceived to be unfair; thus, the grievance process plays “a central role in generating compliance or defiance” by inmates. The study found that the Bureau’s grievance system is perceived by some inmates as overly formal and more concerned with procedural practices and deadlines than the substance of a complaint. The study also reported that most complaints concerned issues related to discipline, medical care and staff, with food, housing and use of force at the bottom of the list. The timelines for responses to PS 1330.18 remedy requests were summarized by the national inmate appeals administrator during an interview on November 14, 2013. These timelines are as follows: Initial filing: 20 calendar days from the date on which the basis of the filing occurred Wardens review: Warden’s review is to be completed within 30 calendar days with a possible 30 day extension with cause For example, PS 1330.18 requires that grievances to wardens must be answered within 30 days, appeals to the region must be responded to within 30 days and appeals to the central office must be responded to within 40 days, each with possible 30-day extensions. 102 103 “Procedural justice and prison: Examining complaints among federal inmates (2000-2007),” by David M. Bierie. Psychology, Public Policy and Law, Vol. 19(1), Feb. 2013. 109 Regional director: Inmate must appeal to the regional director within 20 calendar days of the date Warden signed the response. The regional director must respond within 30 calendar days with an additional 30 day possible extension Central office appeal: Appeals submitted to the central office are to be responded to within 40 days with a possible 30-day extension with cause The national inmate appeals administrator reported that in November 2013 central office was 11 months behind in responding to appeals to central office. It was reported that this was due to the volume of complaints and the complexity of the appeals. However, the administrator reported that the office has made a concerted effort to process restrictive housing appeals in a more expeditious manner, resulting in less time to address these issues. 110 Chapter 5: Mental health assessment and treatment One of key areas of concern in the use of restrictive housing and/or solitary confinement is the mental health status of the people who are assigned to such housing units. As suggested in the literature review, it has been found in other studies that large proportions of the segregated populations suffer from mental illnesses that either predate admission to restrictive housing and/or develop as a result of the restrictive housing experience. Regardless of the basis for the mental health illness, it is essential that inmates with a current mental health illness in restrictive housing be properly diagnosed and treated. In this chapter, we review the Bureau’s mental health population that is assigned to SHU, SMU or ADX facilities and units. As noted in the earlier chapter, only a small percent of the Bureau’s restrictive inmate population has been identified with a significant mental illness of some kind. This figure likely represents an under identification of those inmates who are truly suffering from some form of a mental health illness. The most recent mental health status data on state, local jails and the Bureau are based on a 2005 survey. As shown in table 25, large percentages of all three inmate populations were found to be diagnosed by the external researchers to have at least one recent history (past 12 months) of a mental health illness. In terms of current symptoms, the percentages are somewhat lower but still significant. For the Bureau the estimate was 31 percent of the inmates having current mental health illness . symptoms. Also shown in table 25 are the November 2013 mental health care levels. Significantly, 93 percent of the population are in Care Level 1 which is the lowest care level available. This is not to say that some portion of these inmates have no mental health issues. The Bureau reported that under current policy, inmates assigned to Care Level 1 can and do have such symptoms but do not raise the level of elevated treatment beyond medication. 111 Table 25. Symptoms of a mental health disorder among prison and jail inmates Symptoms in past 12 months or since admission Major depressive or mania symptoms State prison Federal prison Local jail % % % Persistent sad, numb, or empty mood 32.9 23.7 39.6 Loss of interest or pleasure in activities 35.4 30.8 36.4 Increased or decreased appetite 32.4 25.1 42.8 Insomnia or hypersomnia 39.8 32.8 49.2 Psychomotor agitation or retardation 39.6 31.4 46.2 Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt 35.0 25.3 43.0 Diminished ability to concentrate or think 28.4 21.3 34.1 Any attempted suicide 13.0 6.0 12.9 Persistent anger or irritability 37.8 30.5 49.4 Increased or decreased interest in sexual activities 34.4 29.0 29.5 Thoughts of revenge 28.4 21.3 34.1 Delusions 11.8 7.8 17.5 Hallucinations 7.9 4.8 13.7 Care level 1 N/A 93% N/A Care level 2 N/A 6% N/A Care level 3 N/A <1% N/A Care level 4 N/A <1% N/A Psychotic disorder symptoms Bureau mental health care levels Source: Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities, 2004, and the Survey of Inmates in Local Jails, 2002. Nationally, the Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates that at least 15 percent of the state inmate population has symptoms of psychotic disorders as compared with the Bureau’s percentage of 13 percent.104 A very small percentage of the Bureau inmates with serious mental illnesses are transferred to specialized mental health treatment facilities located at the Atlanta, Butner, Springfield, Carswell, Devens or Rochester facilities. In addition, residential mental treatment units addressing a range of mental health conditions are located at Atlanta, Coleman, Danbury, and Terre Haute. 104 Bureau of Justice Statistics, Mental Health Problems of Prison and Jail Inmates, September 2006, NCJ 213600. 112 The Bureau advised the project team that additional residential mental health treatment units are planned for activation in 2015 at Allenwood and Florence. This assessment is intended to evaluate those inmates in the Bureau with a serious mental health problem to determine if the diagnosis and treatment plans prescribed by the Bureau are appropriate. Recommendations are made at the end of the chapter that would serve to improve the current mental health system within the Bureau. Assessment process Two board-certified psychiatrists (Dr. Pablo Stewart and Dr. Roberta Stellman) were retained to conduct independent mental health assessments of inmates assigned to the various restrictive housing units within the Bureau. Each psychiatrist was given a structured interview form to be completed on each sampled inmate. The assessment was based on: (1) a brief review of the existing BOP mental health record retained at the BOP facility and (2) a face-to-face confidential interview with the inmate. For each inmate taking part in the review process the CNA retained psychiatrist was asked to make the following assessments and opinions: Did the CNA psychiatrist agree with the Bureau mental health diagnosis? o If no, what was diagnosis is recommended by the CNA psychiatrist? Did the CNA psychiatrist agree with the Bureau prescribed treatment including medication and out of cell treatment? o If no, what is the recommended treatment for the inmate? Did the CNA psychiatrist believe the inmate was appropriate for placement in restrictive housing? o If no, what form of housing is recommended? Were there any other comments that pertained to this inmate’s mental health status or treatment appropriate for this person? For each selected facility, a list of inmates housed in restrictive housing and scheduled to be assessed was provided by CNA several days in advance of each visit. Inmates that were sampled were predominantly assigned to Mental Health Care Levels 2 and higher. As noted in Chapter 3, the specific definitions provided by the Bureau for the four care levels are as follows: CARE Level 1-MH—no significant mental health care 113 CARE Level 2-MH—routine outpatient mental health care or crisis oriented mental health care CARE Level 3-MH—enhanced outpatient mental health care or residential mental health care CARE Level 4-MH—inpatient psychiatric care In addition to the level of mental health care, the Bureau also provided the date the inmate was admitted to either SHU, SMU or ADX status in order to calculate the length of stay in restrictive housing. In sampling the cases, efforts were made to ensure that people who had experienced lengthy periods of time in restrictive housing were included in the sample. As such the sample is not a pure random sample but rather a purposeful sample that was designed to ensure inmates with various lengths of stay were captured. CNA also sampled a small number of inmates who were a) assigned to Mental Health Care Level 1 and b) who had been in restrictive housing for extensive periods of time. These cases were sampled to determine if some levels of de-compensation in their mental health status had occurred since being assigned to restrictive housing. Due to the inmate refusals there were some instances where additional inmates were evaluated simply based on their willingness to be assessed. These “nonsampled” cases were included in the overall evaluation to ensure a sufficient number of inmates were evaluated at each facility. It is recognized that there has been considerable debate about the reliability of psychiatric diagnosis between psychiatrists. Previous studies have shown low level of inter-reliability when two psychiatrists are asked to assess the same mental health patient.105 However, in this situation the project psychiatrists were not being asked to develop a full psychiatric assessment to formulate a diagnosis. Rather the task was to review the current diagnosis and treatment plan to determine whether the two were consistent with one another. This type of review is commonly done by supervising psychiatrists who oversee mental treatment units. Both of the project psychiatrists who conducted these reviews have considerable experience in this area. Aboraya, Ahmed, Eric Rankin, Cheryl France, Ahmed El-Missiry, and Collin John. “The Reliability of Psychiatric Diagnosis Revisited: The Clinician's Guide to Improve the Reliability of Psychiatric Diagnosis.” Psychiatry. January 2006; 3(1): 41–50. 105 114 Inmate interviews and case review trends Table 26 summarizes the overall sampling results. The 12 facilities/housing units reviewed had a total of 2,683 inmates in restrictive housing shortly prior to each site visit. Of that population, only 297 (or 11 percent) were determined by the Bureau to have some mental health issue. Of these 297 inmates, 180 (or 61 percent) were interviewed and assessed. For some facilities, the number of cases evaluated exceeded the number of mental health care inmates at the facility. These higher numbers reflect inmates who were not designated with a significant mental health issue but were evaluated to assess the accuracy of the Level 1 mental health status. Table 26. Cases interviewed and assessed Population in restricted housing at time of site visit Mental health care level 2 or higher Inmates interviewed and assessed Allenwood SHU 116 20 20 Atlanta SMU MH 7 7 7 Facility Butner SHU 70 4 9 Coleman SHU 171 21 14 Florence ADX 368 36 23 Florence SMU 493 41 22 Florence SHU 13 5 2 Hazelton SHU 24 6 11 Lewisburg SMU 779 47 25 Terre Haute SHU 200 32 16 Tucson SHU 221 39 13 Victorville SHU 221 39 18 2,683 297 180 Total Source: Bureau/JFA Table 27 shows the medical and mental health care levels for the interviewed inmates. The most frequent level of mental health care is Level 2 followed by Care Level 3. The 35 Care Level 1 inmates were those that had been assessed by the Bureau as not having a substantial mental health problem. However, the CNA psychiatrists concluded that 7 (or 20 percent) of the 35 cases had a significant mental health problem. While the sample size is quite small and may not be completely representative of the entire Care Level 1 population, it raises the possibility that a proportion (20 percent) of the entire Care Level 1 population may have a significant mental health issue that 115 has been missed by the Bureau mental health system. This conclusion is supported by the non–mental health interviews where a significant proportion of the inmates reported being depressed and/or having medical symptoms related to depression and anxiety (e.g., loss of weight, inability to sleep). The Medical Care Levels are also noteworthy with almost half of the sample having significant medical problems, which placed them in Care Levels 2 and 3. In terms of their time in restrictive housing at the time of the site reviews, the average overall time was 242 days. The ADX inmates had the longest average number of days in restrictive housing at 959 days. 116 Table 27. Key health care attributes of assessed inmates Attribute Total cases Frequency % of Total 180 100% Mental health care status Mental health care 1 35 19% Assessed as care level 1 27 77%* Assessed as care level 2 4 11%* Assessed as care level 3 3 9%* Mental health care 2 114 63% Mental health care 3 31 17% SHU 49 27% SMU 108 60% ADX 23 13% Care level 1 84 47% Care level 2 69 38% Care level 3 12 7% Unknown 15 Restrictive housing status Medical care status Average time in restrictive housing 8% 242 days SHU 107 days SMU 144 days ADX 959 days * Percentages based on the 34 care level 1 inmates. For one case there was no CNA assessment. Finally, in general terms, the independent psychiatric review found considerable disagreement in the core areas of a mental health program. These include: initial mental health diagnosis, adequate psychiatric staff coverage and coordination with other mental health staff, provision of adequate out-of-cell treatment services based on individualized treatment needs, review/modification of prescribed medication, and the capacity to quickly remove an individual from a segregated environment and place them in a health services treatment unit for residential treatment. FINDING: Based on the review of the inmate mental health records and the inmate interviews, the reviewers disagreed with the BOP diagnosis in nearly two thirds of the cases reviewed. The review further indicated that the treatment being offered by the BOP was insufficient or inappropriate in over half of the cases reviewed. 117 CNA believes that approximately one-third of the cases reviewed should not be assigned to restrictive housing and about 30 percent should be placed in a specialized mental health program or residential treatment unit similar to the one implemented at USP Atlanta and found in many state prison systems. These units are structured clinical environments that provide daily programming and a therapeutic milieu for individuals who cannot function in general population due to their mental illness and frequently receive disciplinary reports as a consequence. It is noted that the Bureau has indicated that, in 2015, the Atlanta program will be expanded with the establishment of a similar treatment program at USP Allenwood. Table 28. Key conclusions of independent psychiatric review Assessment item Inmates % Total sample 180 100% Disagree with bureau diagnosis 114 63% Inappropriate treatment 95 53% Does not require restrictive housing 65 36% Needs mental health program 53 29% Clinical analysis and observations The following section provides a more in-depth assessment of the current BOP mental health system as it is operating in the SHU, SMU and ADX restrictive housing environments. The intent is to better understand the statistical data presented earlier in this chapter and to identify problems that are restricting the delivery of effective mental health services to inmates in the SHU, SMU and ADX housing units. Mental health diagnostic process As noted above, there was considerable diagnostic disagreement between the Bureau mental health staff (which is comprised mostly of psychologists) and the CNA psychiatrists. Some of the reasons for this level of disagreement are outlined in the following. Infrequent updates of initial mental health assessments. The Bureau does complete a comprehensive psychological assessment at the time of admission to the Bureau. However, there is not a similarly comprehensive re-evaluation during the course of 118 their incarceration within the restrictive housing units other than monthly progress notes – and these are completed only for those on the Bureau mental health caseload. These assessments are usually based on brief, cell-front visits106, which are part of the mandatory rounds mental health and medical staff must make on at least a weekly basis. At USP Hazelton when private interviews occurred, they were performed by psychology interns rotating through the psychology service as part of their graduate training. Although the use of interns can be beneficial to both the interns and the agency in terms of service, the use of such interns can lead to a lack of continuity in programming when the interns rotate off the service, as was reported by the staff at USP Hazelton. RECOMMENDATION 5.1: All inmates should be seen in a private setting for a comprehensive mental health evaluation prior to placement in any restrictive housing environment. The initial evaluations should assess the presence of a mental illness and the determination of whether the inmate can tolerate the conditions of restrictive confinement. They should also assess the presence of the potential for self-injury and active signs or vulnerabilities for significant mental health de-compensation. It is acknowledged that a pre-screening procedure is in place at all Bureau facilities. Per 5324.08 Suicide Prevention Program, the Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator is to provide SHU staff with a list of inmates with mental health conditions who may become dangerous, self-destructive, or suicidal when placed into SHU. The Correctional Services Supervisor is to immediately notify Psychology Services if one of these inmates is placed in SHU. In addition P5310.16 mandates a comprehensive mental health evaluation, to include psychological testing, prior to placement at the ADX. Many of the mental health inmates interviewed were in need of and were receiving psychotropic medications. However, the notes in the case file did not follow a differential diagnosis pathway. Rather it appears that the inmate receives a diagnosis, most often by a practitioner without specialty training in psychiatry, and is treated for that diagnosis alone without consideration that they may actually have another condition that manifests with similar symptoms but for which the treatment differs. There is little, if any, consideration of more than one diagnosis or evolving 106 The revised Treatment and Care of Inmates with Mental Illness policy, issued May 1, 2014, now mandates private meetings with inmates classified as CARE2-MH and above. This policy change was aimed at addressing an identified concern with cell-front sessions. The policy was not in effect at the time of the site visits and thus was not assessed by the team. 119 consideration that the initial diagnosis was incorrect and perhaps the person suffers from another disorder entity requiring alterations in the treatment plan. The concern is that modification to the initial set of prescribed medications and treatment plan may be needed due to (1) a comprehensive follow-up diagnoses, (2) consideration that the initial diagnosis was incorrect, and/or (3) that the person has developed an illness requiring alterations in the initial treatment plan. FINDING: The lack of on-going assessments can lead to the absence of a proper mental health status evaluation. For example, at USP Tucson there had been a recent suicide in the special housing unit. The inmate in the adjoining cell (diagnosed with depression and traumatic brain injury) was interviewed. He expressed significant difficulty in adjusting the death of his neighbor, which increased his own depression and suicidal ideation. After the loss, he requested to be put in the restraint cell and have the staff keep his medications. He was identified as being on the mental health caseload but, at the time of the site visit, was not being considered for transfer to a treatment unit or receiving additional mental health services. RECOMMENDATION 5.2: A complete re-evaluation of the mental health record should be performed by psychology and psychiatry staff every 30 days. Included in this review should be a face-to-face interview by a member of the mental health team in a private setting and the results of this interview included in the reevaluation record. The re-evaluations should assess the presence of a mental illness and the determination of whether the inmate can tolerate the conditions for segregated confinement. They should also assess the presence of the potential for self-injury and active signs or vulnerabilities for significant mental health de-compensation. It should be noted that after the completion of the site visits the Bureau issued a revised Program Statement 5310.16, Treatment and Care of Inmates with Mental Illness. The provisions of this modified program statement address in policy some of the issues observed during this review. Specifically, the policy states the following in Section 8a, Restrictive Housing: Ordinarily, all critical contacts, regardless of an inmate’s mental health care level, will, to the extent possible, be conducted in a private area. These include the following: Diagnostic assessments Suicide risk assessments 120 Crisis intervention contacts Protective custody reviews Sexual assault prevention intervention Mental health treatment contacts as indicated by the treatment plan Any other service that addresses potentially sensitive issues or high-risk behaviors Additionally, all inmates with mental illness in restrictive housing units (e.g., SHU, SMU, ADX) will receive, at a minimum, face-to-face mental health contacts consistent with the type and frequency indicated by their care level, to the extent feasible. These contacts take place in a manner that protects an inmate’s privacy to the extent that safety and security of staff are not compromised. Contacts should be consistent with the goals of the treatment plan, and are in addition to any critical contacts or contacts required by policy (e.g., SHU Review).107 Due to the timing of the issuance of this program statement, the CNA team was unable to assess the impact of the requirements on the actual delivery of services to those in restrictive housing. Lack of close coordination between psychology and psychiatric staff. Much of the treatment being provided to the inmates takes the form of psychiatric medications that can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practitioner who are very familiar with the patient’s symptoms and prior mental health history. In the majority of the facilities inspected, the prescribing physician was not a psychiatrist, which further added to the problems of coordination with the psychology staff. The electronic medical record system also contributed to the diagnostic difficulties encountered. Psychology and medical services document in different electronic records so one must exit one software system and enter another to try and integrate the treatment for those with mental illness108. FINDING: A number inmates in restrictive housing demonstrated significant symptomatology compatible with the presence of a serious mental illness, which was undetected by the psychology staff. This is based not only on the cases 107 Program Statement 5310.16, Treatment and Care of Inmates with Mental Illness. The Bureau has reported that as of April 2014, the electronic medical and mental health records have been integrated and all providers document in BEMR. Due to the date of implementation this was not verified. 108 121 interviewed by the CNA psychiatrists but also the larger number of Mental Health Level Care Level 1 inmates who were reporting symptoms of depression, lack of sleep and loss of weight, and anxiety. RECOMMENDATION 5.3: A vigorous quality improvement program should be established. The Bureau should ensure that the psychologists are adequately identifying all of the inmates who suffer from mental illness. The existing quality assurance measures in place, to include remote reviews of the mental health record conducted by the Psychology Services Branch should be included in an internal evaluation of the quality assurance programs. Assessments and contacts are not completed in private confidential settings. A major system-wide deficiency is the practice of providing the vast majority of clinical mental health contacts in a nonprivate, cell-side rounds format. According to Bureau policy, the psychology staff is expected to complete a direct contact with every inmate in restrictive housing on the mental health caseload at least monthly and conduct weekly rounds on all inmates in restrictive housing109. FINDING: Very few of the monthly mental health assessments occur in private settings on a face-to-face basis. Instead, these contacts typically occur through the cell door within the presence of a cellmate and within earshot of the inmates housed in adjacent cells. In this nonconfidential environment it is unlikely that an inmate will confide vulnerabilities including suicidality. Therefore, inmates with worsening mental illnesses or the onset of new symptoms can remain under-identified throughout the course of their restrictive housing incarceration. An example of this situation was a young man interviewed at the USP Florence facility. He was actively delusional, isolative, and demonstrated a full complement of symptoms compatible with chronic paranoid schizophrenia. Psychology staff suspected he had a mental illness because of his poor hygiene; yet he had not been adequately interviewed in a private confidential setting for sufficient time to reveal his psychopathology. 109 The Bureau noted that P5310.16 Treatment and Care of Inmates with Mental Illness issued May 1, 2014 mandates private, at least monthly sessions with CARE2-MH inmates and private, at least weekly sessions with CARE3-MH inmates. In addition, critical contacts, such as suicide risk assessments, are also to be conducted in a private setting. 122 Another example was encountered at USP Lewisburg, where an overtly psychotic inmate was assessed by the psychology staff as being antisocial and was not offered any mental health services. Lack of psychiatric staff. Inmates who are identified as having a mental health issue treated by pharmacological methods are most frequently evaluated and followed by a general health practitioner (sometimes a physician but more often a physician’s assistant) and not a board certified psychiatrist. There is a clear shortage of psychiatric physicians throughout the facilities that were visited. FINDING: The shortage of psychiatric staff in Bureau facilities leads to numerous problems in both diagnosis and treatment, particularly for the seriously mentally ill inmates. Recommendation 5.4: Given the level of disagreement in the assessment and treatment plan formulation, the Bureau should conduct an inter-reliability test for its mental health staff to better determine the accuracy of the diagnosis and treatment plan process. Most facilities have limited psychiatry hours that are insufficient to assess and treat those inmates with mental disorders in the system, not just restricted to the SHU or SMU. Psychologists must prioritize psychiatric review to only a handful of the least stable mentally ill inmates on their caseloads. Table 29 summarizes current and vacant mental health treatment positions at reviewed Bureau facilities. 123 Table 29. Mental health treatment staff at reviewed facilities Doctoral-level psychologist Psychology interns/ postdoctoral residents Treatment specialists Social workers Psychiatrists Psychiatric nurse practitioners Contract psychiatry or tele-psychiatry FCC Allenwood 12 0 15 1 1 0 Tele-psychiatry FCC Butner 27 7 14 4 6 0 N/A FCC Coleman 18 0 26 1 1 0 Tele-psychiatry FCC Florence 15 0 12 1 0 1 Contract and tele-psychiatry USP/SFF Hazelton 14 0 13 1 0 0 Tele-psychiatry 3 psychologists Facility 124 USP Lewisburg FCC Terre Haute FCC Tucson FCC Victorville Vacant positions as of October 30, 2014 1 psychiatrist* 2 psychologists 1 social worker* 3 psychiatrists 2 psychologists* 1 treatment specialist 1 psychiatrist 1 psychologist 3 treatment specialists 1 psychiatric nurse practitioner 1 psychologist* 1 social worker 8 1 11 0 0 0 Tele-psychiatry 1 postdoctoral resident 1 psychologist 2 treatment specialists 12 4 11 0 0 0 Tele-psychiatry 3 psychologists 9 0 8 0 1 0 N/A 10 0 6 0 0 0 Tele-psychiatry FCC = Federal Correctional Complex. * Vacant position is newly allocated. 2 psychologists 2 treatment specialists 2 treatment specialists Psychiatric medications were observed in several cases to be prescribed in subtherapeutic or inadequate doses to treat the identified condition. At USP Terre Haute, a mid-level provider prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant to an inmate with serious depression despite this family of antidepressants being potentially lethal in an overdose situation. When medications were prescribed, inmates were not seen for review in a timely manner compatible with community and correctional standards of practice. One inmate at USP Florence had not been seen by any medical provider regarding his medications since 2012. Some sites, including USP Florence and USP Atlanta, had no psychiatric presence within the prison whatsoever. All psychiatric services were provided by tele-psychiatry at those facilities. Wardens expressed their frustration with their (and the Bureau’s) inability to recruit and retain psychiatrists. Tele-psychiatry is available at sites without a psychiatrist, but the hours provided are so limited that the referral system is delayed and insufficient to meet the health needs of the inmates. For example, USP Florence has four hours per month of tele-psychiatry time available for 128 SMU inmates. Time is split between two psychiatrists, one of which has refused to staff cases with the psychology staff. On average, no more than six to eight inmates can be seen per tele-psychiatry session. The on-site physician assistant and nurse practitioner will not follow psychiatric patients. The facility physician sees inmates on psychiatric medications but frequently will not start medication if the inmate is not deemed to be “a perfect match for a DSM criteria” or put patients on drug holidays, a practice that is discouraged because of the likely risk of a relapse. The assessment team was told that the Bureau brought in their chief psychiatrist several months ago to try and catch up with inmate care. One inmate summed the situation up by saying that access to psychiatry at USP Florence was “impossible.” Similarly, USP Terre Haute has four hours of tele-psychiatry available every 4-6 weeks and only 23 percent of their SHU mentally ill have been seen by the psychiatrist. At USP Hazelton, 16 hours of psychiatry services are available per month for 600 female inmates. Given the traditionally high degree of expressed psychopathology in female incarcerated populations, this amount of dedicated psychiatry time is insufficient to meet the needs of the population. Understaffing in this area leads to potential under diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and delayed referral because the psychiatrist only has time to see the most severely mentally ill inmates. Tele-psychiatry should be a resource of last resort when there is no psychiatrist present in a facility. It should not be routinely relied upon for day-to-day psychiatric care. For example, in one case at USP Terre Haute, the psychology staff noted there was a significant delay in the receipt of a progress note by the tele-psychiatrist. In that one case, no note has yet been received despite the inmate being seen six weeks ago. 125 At USP Florence, the sick call system was reported to be unreliable and not confidential – both of which are requirements by any national accrediting body and federal standards that require reliable access to care. This observation was also reported by inmates at USP Terre Haute. While on site, the assessment team was notified that USP Tucson had hired a full time psychiatrist. RECOMMENDATION 5.5: Psychiatrists need to be more actively involved in the diagnostic and treatment process. Currently, the psychiatrists only get involved if a patient is brought to them for evaluation. The psychiatric staff needs to work more closely with the psychologists to ensure that all of the mentally ill inmates are properly identified and referred to treatment. The psychiatrist should also meet with the psychology staff on a monthly basis to review the medication and case management plan for each Mental Care Level 2 and 3 inmates housed in restrictive housing. Mental health treatment Lack of out of cell treatment. Inmates in restrictive confinement rarely receive out of cell mental health programming within the Bureau. Instead, the primary form of treatment consists of written materials, such as cognitive behavioral handouts, delivered to the cell by psychologists. For example, written homework assignments are passed out to the inmates who are expected to complete them in their cells and turn them within a few days. These assignments are then graded by the psychologist and the results are used to determine whether the inmate can progress to the next level in the SMU or ADX progressive programs. These workbooks do not constitute mental health treatment. Efforts to provide out of cell group activities at the expanding USP Florence SMU were curtailed because of the timing of such activities had to conform to the Bureau’s approved evidence based plan of approved group therapies. Psychologists at the site level have not been encouraged to implement innovative group services to fit the mental health needs of their inmate populations. There are some notable exceptions that were positive in nature. For example, at USP Florence, one psychologist was conducting a weekly out of cell group in the SMU. Psychologists at the ADX Florence have recently begun seeing some of their patients 126 in out-of-cell settings.110 USP Allenwood is another facility where the psychologists attempt to see their patients in out-of-cell settings. Another exception is the Level-III treatment program at the USP Atlanta. A very conscientious lead psychologist directed this program and saw to it that her patients participated in out of cell treatment activities. FINDING: Overall most restrictive housing units had no mental health programing and especially no out of cell programming for any inmates with or without mental illness. Some interviewed inmates reported little or no response by psychology to their requests for individual counseling. Exceptions to this practice were noted at the United States penitentiaries at Allenwood and Atlanta, as well as at the ADX. As noted above, facility staff reported they do not have adequate staffing in the facility to provide more than the minimum required weekly rounds and monthly cell front checks. RECOMMENDATION 5.6: A program of regular out-of-cell mental health treatment should be implemented. Specifically, it is generally accepted that inmates with serious mental illnesses in restrictive housing should receive a minimum of 10 hours of unstructured out-of-cell time and at least 10 hours of structured therapeutic activities. They also should receive weekly, out-of-cell clinical interviews by their assigned psychologist. Some interviewed inmates with serious mental illnesses in restrictive housing, with the noted exception of USP Florence, described their conditions as worsening in confinement or not improving. These reports by inmates were especially prevalent at USP Lewisburg which houses the largest number of SMU inmates (almost 800) of whom approximately 50 are assigned to Mental Health Levels 2 and 3. Lack of sufficiently trained mental health staff to provide treatment to the segregated housing units. A consistent finding of the assessment team was that access to mental health services is directly related to the level of professional expertise by the chief psychologist as well as the number of mental health staff available at each site. In several of the facilities reviewed, the project psychiatrist opined that the chief psychologist did not possess adequate experience or clinical skills to run a comprehensive mental health program. This is especially problematic in that the facility psychologists act as gatekeepers to psychiatric and mental health treatment. CNA was informed by the Bureau that this change has come about due to the ongoing litigation about mental health system inadequacies. 110 127 FINDING: Almost all facilities reported a lack of mental health staff required to provide treatment services. USP Hazelton was down five psychology positions with no psychologist assigned to the SHU. USP Florence had only three psychologists and one psych tech for a 700inmate population with no dedicated psychologist for the segregation unit. This duty was split among the psychologists on the staff. In most facilities, providing treatment services to the restrictive housing units was not the primary focus of the mental health staff, which has to provide care to the larger general population inmates with mental health needs. It is acknowledged that in comparison the Bureau’s mental health staffing levels exceed that found in many state correctional facilities. As noted previously, the Bureau employs a large number of doctoral level psychologists – more than 600, a higher doctoral level psychologist staffing rate than many state systems. RECOMMENDATION 5.7: The Bureau should complete a clinical staffing needs analysis. Based on the results of this clinical staffing needs analysis, the Bureau should then recruit and retain a sufficient number of psychiatrists to meet agency demands. No specific number for psychiatrists can be offered until the staffing analysis is completed. It is acknowledged that there are significant challenges associated with the recruitment and retention of psychiatrists. It is a fact that there are a decreasing number of training programs in psychiatry, a decreasing number of applicants for existing programs, and a decreasing number of graduates from programs – all at the time of a national shortage of psychiatrists. Improper assignment to restrictive housing. As noted earlier, there were a number of interviewed inmates who had demonstrated serious and unstable psychiatric symptomatology, which should have excluded them from a restrictive housing setting. FINDING: This review identified inmates in restrictive housing whose mental conditions should have precluded them from assignment to these units. In some cases, the facility’s lack of mental health treatment warranted a transfer to a specialized treatment program that did not require the level of security that was operating at the SHU, SMU or ADX units. It is acknowledges that legitimate security needs can be associated with a small, violent segment of the mental health population. A heightened level of security may be required for these inmates, even within a specialized treatment program. This complicates placement options for these inmates. 128 RECOMMENDATION 5.8: A protocol needs to be established that identifies those inmates with serious mental illness who should be excluded from SHU, SMU or ADX housing. A similar review and re-assessment protocol should be implemented that facilitates the identification of those inmates who decompensate while in SHU, SMU or ADX housing. Other site-specific observations SMU programming. Psychology contacts with SMU inmates are primarily a selfguided activity based on the delivery of written handouts and homework assignments. This does not constitute a treatment program driven by an individualized mental health treatment plan. This behavioral approach for inmates with only disciplinary problems might be adequate, but is insufficient for individuals with significant mental health conditions. The SMU program does not take into account the inmate’s mental illness in evaluating the inmate’s progress or lack thereof with the four SMU program levels. For example, one inmate (who would benefit from residential mental health treatment) had been assigned to the SMU for three years. He has an SMI diagnosis and a history of repeated self-injury and persistent suicidal ideation. He was almost to Level 3 in SMU when he overdosed on a potentially fatal antidepressant and was regressed back to Level 1. This exemplifies a case of someone with a serious mental illness/personality disorder being punished for his psychopathology, rather than treated for it. He reported to the CNA psychiatrist that he is only seen during the weekly rounds despite requesting more intensive counseling for over three years. Long-term segregation effects at ADX. ADX Florence presented an interesting mix of mentally ill patients. While there were a significant number of seriously mentally ill individuals who required care at ADX, there were also a significant number of non– mentally ill inmates housed at ADX. A majority of these inmates made it very clear that they wanted to remain in the ADX Florence and would commit a serious offense to ensure their ongoing housing in the facility. Several of the inmates interviewed said they would assault someone if they were told that they were going to be transferred to another Bureau facility. The reason given was their belief that the yards at the various USP’s were exceedingly more dangerous and they knew that they would likely have to kill someone on the yard if transferred out of the ADX. Among the interviewed inmates, none stated that they wanted to be transferred from the ADX, which was a tribute to the level of care the inmates are receiving. 129 It should be noted that part of the desire for these inmates to remain at ADX is the unique and often close relationship these men have with the staff. It was clear from our observations that ADX staff knew the inmates very well in terms of the basis for their placement in ADX but also they individual needs and interests. FINDING: The assessment team encountered no cases where an inmate’s serious mental illness was due to their prolonged placement in the ADX. This reluctance to leave ADX Florence may be related to privileges such as reading materials, television, and recreation activities afforded inmates at ADX and the professionalism of the security and program staff assigned there. As noted above, the quality and quantity of the mental health care at ADX has recently improved. Delays in transferring inmates out of SHUs. Inmates in SHUs can wait for many months for an opening in a program at another prison. During this time no additional mental health services are offered which potentially can have significant adverse effects while the inmate remains under segregation conditions. RECOMMENDATION 5.9: All inmates who are found to be decompensating from the effects of restrictive housing should be transferred to the most appropriate unit for treatment and observation. RECOMMENDATION 5.10: Inmates with serious mental illness who are not excluded from restrictive housing should start participating in a treatment program. Such programming should consist of a minimum of ten hours of out-of-cell structured therapeutic activities and an additional ten hours of out-of-cell unstructured activities should as yard and dayroom time. Within these standards the treatment programming should be individualized to the inmate’s specific condition and treatment needs. Large numbers of protective custody inmates who require mental health treatment but are not receiving it. As indicated earlier in this report, these inmates are supposed to be receiving protection from other inmates by the Bureau. However, the restrictive nature of the SHUs makes it very difficult to afford any form of meaningful mental health treatment to these inmates. For example, at USP Coleman, there was an overrepresentation of protective custody inmates being housed in the SHU with only five hours per week of out-of-cell time. RECOMMENDATION 5.11: Inmates should not be housed in a SHU for protective custody but rather, should be in sheltered general population housing. Innovation at Hazelton to enhance mental health services. At USP Hazelton, the psychology staff has a “Hot List” which is a binder kept in the officers’ station updated monthly that lists the inmate’s name, diagnosis and the psychology staff’s 130 concerns regarding the inmate’s risk of behavioral disturbances. The staff there was also very active in a multidisciplinary meeting with security and classification to aid in expediting women being progressed out of the SHU. This best practice approach should be expanded to the other SHUs. It is our understanding that the Bureau has done so. 131 CNA This page intentionally left blank. 132 Chapter 6: Reentry Federal and state corrections facilities held over 1.6 million inmates at the end of 2010 — approximately one of every 201 U.S. residents.111 According to the National Reentry Resource Center, 708,677 individuals are released to the community annually from state and Federal prisons and another 9 million are released from local jails each year.112 Persons involved in the criminal justice system often cycle in and out of various correctional agencies throughout their lives. The reentry of an individual into the community without appropriate support and resources is a major public safety concern. This is a particular concern for those inmates being released directly from the highly controlled environment of restrictive housing. As noted in chapter 3, within a year over 2,000 inmates currently in ADX, SMU or SHU status will be released from the Bureau to the community. A small but visible number of SMU and ADX inmates (approximately 80) were released directly from segregation to the community. A higher but unknown number of SHU inmates were are also directly released to the community from SHU housing units. For these reasons alone it is important that the Bureau have effective re-entry programs for the restrictive populations. Since the passage of the Second Chance Act in 2008, reentry has become a major policy emphasis for corrections professionals. Hundreds of millions of dollars in Second Chance and Justice Reinvestment monies have been dedicated to expanding and improving reentry programs with the goal of reducing recidivism. While researchers are evaluating the effects of these programs, the Urban Institute has developed a “What Works in Reentry” clearinghouse to inform the field about promising and best practices. Four of these guiding principles are as follows: 111 Guerino, P.M., P.M. Harrison, and W. Sabol. Inmates in 2010. NCJ 236096. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2011. http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/p10.pdf 112 Beck, A.J. The Importance of Successful Reentry to Jail Population Growth. Presented at the Urban Institute's Jail Reentry Roundtable, June 27, 2006. www.urban.org/projects/Reentryroundtable/upload/beck.PPT 133 1. Focus on individuals most likely to reoffend. Research clearly indicates that successful programs begin with carefully sorting offenders according to their risk --separating those likely to reoffend from those less likely. 2. Base programs on science and ensure quality. Researchers are very clear that resources must be invested in program models that have the promise of reducing recidivism. 3. Implement effective community supervision practices. Policies and practices must provide supervision officers with a broad range of options for swift and certain sanctions that are proportionate to the violation and appropriate for the individual under supervision. 4. Apply place-based strategies. Place matters. Ensuring that resources are available to offenders – where they live – is particularly critical to reducing recidivism. For individuals to change their behavior, services and supports crucial to their success must be nearby. In order to place the Bureau’s approach to reentry planning for inmates in restrictive housing in context, the project team first conducted a general review of reentry services for general population inmates as well as the overall delivery of program services to inmates in restrictive housing. However, the scope of this project limits this review to the evaluation of the content and delivery of reentry programming to the restrictive housing population and the findings and recommendations do not apply to the overall reentry approach for general population inmates. Reentry programs for inmates in the general population The Bureau’s website states that release preparation begins the first day of incarceration; however, the focus on release preparation intensifies at least 18 months prior to release. The Bureau’s Release Preparation Program includes classes in résumé writing, job search, and job retention while incorporating presentations by community-based organizations that help ex-inmates find jobs and training opportunities after release. In planning for release, the Bureau works with the United States Probation System providing all pertinent information to the probation officer that may bear on the safe and effective supervision of the released offender. This information includes any record of medical, psychiatric, psychological, sex offender, or substance abuse treatment. All inmates have the responsibility to develop and submit a suitable release plan for investigation and verification by the probation office in the district of supervision. Release plans may include placement in a residential reentry center (also known as 134 community correctional center), normally for a period of up to 180 days, to afford the inmate a reasonable opportunity to complete development of a suitable release plan. When no adequate release plan is developed and an inmate will be released to supervised release directly from an institution, U.S. probation officers may seek modification of the conditions of release to include a special condition that the inmate reside at a residential reentry center (RRC) or halfway house, a contracted facility that provides assistance to inmates nearing release.113 The Bureau typically places appropriate inmates in RRCs prior to release to help them adjust to life in the community and find employment. RRCs provide inmates with a structured and supervised environment along with employment counseling, job placement services, financial management assistance, and other communitybased social services and programs.114 RRCs facilitate inmates’ efforts at reestablishing ties to the community while allowing staff at the RRC to supervise inmates’ activities.115 RRCs provide suitable residence, structured programs, job placement, while the inmates’ activities are closely monitored. The Bureau ensures the provision of mental health, substance abuse, and sex offender treatment for offenders in RRCs and Home Confinement through contracts with community-based treatment providers. The Community Treatment Services section of the Psychology Services Branch is responsible for establishing and overseeing these contracts, and the associated care provided. There are two program components: the Community Corrections Component and the Prerelease Component. The Community Corrections Component is designed as the most restrictive option. Except for employment and other structured program activities, an inmate in this component is restricted to the RRC. An inmate shall ordinarily be placed in the Community Corrections Component upon arrival at the RRC. This orientation period normally lasts for two weeks or until the inmate has demonstrated the responsibility necessary to function in the community. Based on their professional judgment, the RRC staff shall determine when an inmate is prepared to advance to the Prerelease Component. U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau http://www.bop.gov/locations/cc/index.jsp. 113 114 Ibid. 115 Ibid. 135 of Prisons, Community Corrections, The Prerelease Component is designed to assist inmates making the transition from an institution setting to the community. These inmates have more access to the community and family members through weekend and evening passes. Participating in community-based transitional services may reduce the likelihood of an inmate with limited resources recidivating, whereas an inmate who is released directly from the institution to the community may return to a criminal lifestyle.116 The Bureau provides a comprehensive array of programs that directly or indirectly support reentry preparation for general population inmates. This programming includes: Education. All institutions offer literacy classes, English as a Second Language, parenting classes, wellness education, adult continuing education, library services, and instruction in leisure-time activities. Inmates who do not have a high school diploma or a GED certificate are required to participate in the literacy program for a minimum of 240 hours or until they obtain the GED. Non-English-speaking inmates must take English as a Second Language. Vocational training. Programs are based on the needs of the inmates, general labor market conditions, and institutional labor force needs. An important component is on-the-job training, which inmates receive through institution job assignments and Federal Prison Industries. The Bureau also facilitates post-secondary education in vocational and occupationally oriented areas. Behavioral skill building. Parenting classes help inmates develop appropriate skills during incarceration. Recreation and wellness activities encourage healthy life styles and habits. Substance abuse treatment. The Bureau offers four different levels of substance abuse treatment: (1) education regarding substance abuse and its effects; (2) the Residential Drug Abuse Program, which is a cognitive-behavioral program delivered within a modified therapeutic community model where offenders experience living in a prosocial community; (3) nonresidential drug treatment for offenders who have short sentences; may not meet the criteria for, or are awaiting an opening in, the Residential Drug Abuse Program; are transitioning to the community; or have had a positive urinalysis test; and (4) community treatment services, which as a part of reentry provides continuity of care for offenders placed in RRCs and on Home Confinement. Mental health. The Bureau provides formal counseling and treatment on an individual or group basis with institutional psychologists, psychiatrists, social 116 Bureau Program Statement Change Notice #7310.04. 136 workers, and treatment specialists. The Bureau operates a series of residential psychology treatment programs to provide more intensive care for inmates with serious mental illness. In addition, medical referral centers provide inpatient psychiatric care for acutely ill inmates. Sex offender programs. The Bureau offers both residential and nonresidential programs for inmates with a current or prior conviction for a sex crime (including sex involving consenting adults such as prostitution or pimping). Inmates may also be eligible if there was a sexual element in the crime. Religion. Chaplains facilitate religious worship and sacred scriptural studies across faith lines in addition to providing pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and counseling. Religious programming is led by agency chaplains, contracted spiritual leaders, and trained community volunteers. The Life Connections Program (LCP) and Threshold Programs offer inmates the opportunity to improve critical life areas within the context of their personal faith or value system. The LCP utilizes various faith communities nationwide who serve as support group facilitators or mentors at program sites and release destinations to enhance community reintegration. Reentry preparation for inmates not eligible for the residential LCP is also offered through the Threshold program that also seeks to strengthen inmate community reentry. Threshold is a nonresidential condensed version of LCP that is active in institutions throughout the agency. Programs directly supporting reentry include: Release planning. Inmates released under federal supervision (i.e., Supervised Release Parole) must submit release plans for review and approved by the U.S. Probation Office. Release plans have two primary components: residence and employment. These plans must be submitted 90-days prior to a release. Residential reentry centers. RRC placement provides an opportunity to establish/solidify sound release plans (i.e., residence and employment) prior to release to the community and to allow a readjustment to community life prior to release. Consideration and referral for RRC placement should occur well before a release date. Release preparation program. The RPP assists inmates in developing plans for their personal lives and future employment. The program offers six modules concerning the personal, social, and legal responsibilities of civilian life: (1) Continuity of Care and Infectious Disease; (2) Resume Writing; Money Management; (3) USPO and Supervision Requirements; (4) Veterans Outreach (only for veterans); (5) Release Requirements; and (6) Psychology of Release. Staff indicated that they encourage inmates who are within 30 months of release to complete the RPP. 137 Reentry affairs coordinators. Reentry affairs coordinators (RACs) are assigned to an institution or region and are responsible for preparing release readiness materials. RACs perform orientation for inmates related to the various aspects of reentry, which includes informing inmates of the requirements and benefits of the Affordable Care Act, as well as other reentry topics, to include job placement, housing, benefits, requiring identification, job skills, veteran benefits, Social Security benefits, etc. The also develop partnerships to foster reentry efforts and continuity of care; serve as the point of contact for outside agencies - providing training and information; help identify areas that need to be addressed for the inmate population specific to each institution and develop resources to address those needs; manage the volunteer program; and compile data and information to assess reentry efforts. Regional reentry affairs administrators. The regional reentry affairs administrators provide direct supervision to the RACs; providing training and oversight, as well as direct authority, monitoring and tracking for skill development and reentry initiatives, including volunteer program activities throughout the region. They serve as liaison with state and regional governmental agencies and organizations to foster partnerships and develop resources to assist institutions in reentry efforts. Additionally, they serve as the liaison with the NRB in Central Office. In addition to these specific programs the Bureau also provides staff training on reentry services both to new officers and on an in-service basis to current staff. Reentry program evaluation There have been very few rigorous studies of the impact of re-entry programs. Those that have been completed have shown either negative or no effects on recidivism. Project Greenlight was designed to provide reentry services for New York state inmates. It was evaluated using a rigorous experimental design with random assignment. One year follow-up results showed that the experimental group (reentry) performed worse than inmates who were not exposed to the re-entry program.117 More recently, an initial national evaluation of 12 reentry sites funded by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance reported that although there was an increase in the number and type of services provided to soon-to-be-released inmates, the services did not produce significant differences between the experimental reentry inmates 117 Wilson, J. A., and R. C. Davis. 2006. “Good Intentions Meet Hard Realities: An Evaluation of the Project Greenlight Reentry Program.” Criminology and Public Policy 5:303–38. 138 and the control group. The researchers believe the lack of an impact can be traced to insufficient “dosage” of services and the exposure of services to the control group.118 To date, the Bureau has not conducted a formal evaluation of its reentry programs or a formal recidivism study since 1994.119 This is surprising given the large number of such studies that were conducted in the 1970s and 1980s which were used to developed risk instruments and evaluate core treatment programs throughout the field of corrections. The 1994 study showed that Bureau inmates released in 1987 had a re-arrest rate of 41 percent, which was well below the rate reported in studies of recidivism among state inmates. This 3-year re-arrest rate was consistent with previous studies conducted on Bureau inmates. The lower Bureau re-arrest rate is consistent with the profile of the federal prison population. In aggregate, Bureau inmates tend to be older, not convicted of violent crimes and have modest prior criminal histories, and lower rates of mental illness as compared to state inmates. Collectively these data suggest a large low risk population that would require minimal reentry services. Program services in restrictive housing Program services in restrictive housing units are generally delivered by psychologists and treatment specialists providing routine mental health services, crisis intervention, and cognitive-behavioral interventions targeted to inmates’ specific needs. Cognitive-behavioral interventions offered include anger management, basic cognitive skills, criminal thinking, values, and the nonresidential drug abuse program. The physical design of most restrictive housing units as well as the severe limits on inmate interaction makes meaningful program delivery difficult. Inmates are generally not allowed to congregate in a classroom setting and space limitations in most restrictive housing areas do not provide suitable areas for program delivery. As a result, program staff services are provided on an individual basis via interactive journals, books, audio presentations, cell-side visits, and private counseling sessions. Specific types of restrictive housing programming include: Bibliotherapy. Psychologists provide inmates with specific self-help books and articles that target the inmate’s expressed interest/need. The staff defines 118 Lattimore, Pamela V and Christy A. Visher. 2013. “Prison Reentry Services on Short-Term Outcomes: Evidence From a Multisite Evaluation. Evaluation Review, 37(3-4) 274-313. 119 Harer, Miles D. 1994. “Recidivism Among Federal Inmates Released in 1987.” Washington, DC: Federal Bureau of Prisons, Office of Research and Evaluation. 139 “bibliotherapy” as “using books to aid people in solving the issues that they may be facing at a particular time.” Examples include Dialectic Behavior Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, and Chicken Soup for the Soul, etc. Inmates receive a certificate for participation in the program. ESL/GED. Small congregate education classes are provided on a very limited basis, with inmates confined in individual cages or secured to chairs that are bolted into the floor. For example at USP Allenwood, a new schedule has been introduced which allows for inmates enrolled in ESL/GED classes to participate in a congregate educational class for one hour per week. The maximum number of students in a class at any one time is nine. Self-study packets. A variety of educational, vocational, mental health, behavioral and substance abuse treatment programs are provided through self-study packets (workbooks to complete and be reviewed by staff). These workbooks are distributed to inmates, collected upon completion, and then evaluated by staff. The SMU programs at USP Allenwood and USP Lewisburg also use audio programs (referred to as “radio” programming) with paper tests to verify successful completion of specific courses. Life Skills. The psychologists and treatment specialists distribute word games, puzzles, and workbooks on stress management, communications, anger management and other related topics. Other self-help programs include Anger Management, Coping, Drug and Alcohol Abuse. These are booklet-driven programs that require homework by the inmate. Written feedback is provided cell side. Completion of this work is documented in the inmate’s electronic medical/mental health record. The specific programs offered and mode of delivery in restrictive housing varied by facility. Examples of the different approaches to programming at specific facilities include: ADX. The majority of the programming is provided in-cell on an individual selfstudy basis through closed circuit TV’s located within each cell. Within the past six months, five “therapeutic enclosures” were built in the gymnasium so five inmates at a time can receive congregate or group programming. Currently, the psychology department is using the therapeutic enclosures to conduct a reentry preparation program. One 90-minute group is meeting once a week. USP Hazelton. Staff reported that their philosophy is that programming is suspended while inmates are in the SHU because they believe inmates should lose privileges when they are sent to restrictive housing. Staff also reported that their practice is to minimize an inmate’s time in the SHU so that they can resume programming as soon as possible. There are no congregate programs provided to the inmates housed in SHU. 140 FCI Butner. Education courses are offered in six categories: Math (7 classes); Science (3); Reading (4); Social Studies (4); Writing (4); and Miscellaneous classes (4). Inmates can only enroll in one class at a time; coursework is provided on paper and collected when completed. Inmates are expected to complete each course in two weeks. If assistance is required, education staff will provide assistance cell side. USP Coleman. All programming in the SHU is in-cell and voluntary. There are no structured programs. Staff will speak with the inmates one-on-one through the solid steel cell door. Upon request, staff will provide a variety of written materials. SHU inmates are not allowed to officially enroll in an education program and are not allowed to take the GED exam. The methods used to deliver programming in restrictive housing necessarily limit the type and level of programming offered. For example at USP Allenwood, a Vocational Trades Instructor offers two Adult Continuing Education courses to the SMU inmates; a computer course and a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) course, both of which are in-cell, self-study programs. Each course takes four to six months to complete. The staff member stated she goes to the SMU for two hours, twice a week and will go cell to cell or speak to the inmates during their recreation time while out on the range. The staff member provides a test for each module that must be completed prior to advancing to the next module. At this point in time, no inmate has successfully completed either course. While this type of vocational programming is important for preparing inmates to be productive in the community, this program may be too difficult to complete by self-study. Reentry program services in restrictive housing The need for reentry programming in restrictive housing is predicated on the likelihood of an inmate’s direct release to the community from restrictive housing, or imminent release after transfer back to general population. The transition from the high level of control and restrictions on behavior present in restrictive housing units to the comparative freedom and lack of structure that inmates face upon release can be highly disorienting. Appropriate reentry programming can assist inmates in coping with this huge change in their living circumstances. FINDING: There was no data available at any of the facilities visited that identified the number of inmates released directly to the community from restrictive housing. However, staff at each facility acknowledged that inmates are being released directly from restrictive housing. Data on the number of offenders being released would be valuable to inform facility and Bureau leadership in making policy decisions regarding the need to provide reentry programming to inmates in restrictive housing. 141 RECOMMENDATION 6.1: The Bureau should routinely track and monitor the actual numbers of inmates releasing directly from restrictive housing at each facility monthly. The issue of inmates releasing from restrictive housing with little or no preparation is significant. The magnitude of the issue is not fully known since no data was available on the frequency of this practice. One staff member reported that they do not need to track that information since their goal is to minimize the time an inmate spends in restrictive housing. While the goal of shortening the time in restrictive housing is correct and will help this situation, it ignores the fact that inmates are still releasing from restrictive housing. FINDING: Facilities do not provide step-down planning to transition an inmate from restrictive housing to general population and subsequently to their eventual release. The prevailing practice is to keep inmates in restrictive housing until such time as they discharge to an RRC or directly to the community. With the exception of assigned completion of self-study activities related to reentry, inmates often abruptly transition from extended stays in restrictive housing to general population or the community without any meaningful step down programming. Many of the staff interviewed indicated that this was acceptable and suggested that it was preferable to release inmates from the SHU, SMU or ADX rather than first transitioning to general population due to the risk of violence to the general population. While this may be a sound decision for institutional security, it is not in the interests of the communities where these inmates are being released. Inmates spending extended periods of time in confinement with little social interaction or skill-building programming are seriously unprepared for reentry and re-socialization. RECOMMENDATION 6.2: Establish a policy whereby only under extraordinary circumstances would an inmate discharge directly from a SHU, SMU or the ADX. To support this policy, the Bureau should require monthly reports from each facility on all inmates releasing from restrictive housing. This ‘exception’ report should include the length of time in restrictive housing, specific reentry programming and preparation provided, and documentation of the reasons why the inmate was released from restrictive housing as opposed to step down or general population and other relevant information. Requiring facility staff to provide this information will help raise awareness of the problem and assist staff in finding ways to make better decisions about moving inmates to less restrictive settings prior to release. Requiring this type of report would force facility administration and Bureau leadership to regularly examine these occurrences and take steps as appropriate to minimize this occurrence. 142 RECOMMENDATION 6.3: Develop a step-down program with increasing incentives, more out of cell opportunities and increasing opportunities for congregate programming. When inmates in SMU Level 4 go to general population, they are going from restrictive housing to general population all at once, without any step-down or transition. Providing a step-down from Level 4 before general population would provide more meaningful programming and increase inmates’ social skills by interactions with others, and would also provide incentives for inmates to work harder on the programs and be less disruptive. The step-down process would also make it possible for more inmates in Level 4 to try to be tested in more of a congregate setting but with much less risk or exposure. The following is a representative summary of reentry programming provided in Bureau restrictive housing units. The common characteristic across all facilities visited was the absence of any actual programming of consequence provided to inmates. USP Lewisburg. The facility is designed to house only SMU Level 1 and 2 inmates and offers a Release Preparation Program (RPP) through self-study booklets and audio programs. Inmates progressing to Levels 3 and 4 are transferred to USP Allenwood. Staff indicated that inmates are released from USP Lewisburg to the community from the SMU Level 1 or 2 if they are unable to progress to Levels 3 and 4 due to behavior issues. Staff reported that some inmates do not want to be moved to Level 3 or Four and act out just prior to advancing to ensure they will remain in Level 1 or Two until release. One staff person described it as a way of keeping safe and away from general population without showing weakness or fear. For inmates who are to be released from the SMU, case managers begin informally providing them with reentry services at about 18 months before release. This includes more phone time to talk with family and their probation officer to prepare for return to the community. Case managers also begin planning for home placement and transfer to a RRC or “Public Law” placements in halfway houses. If a Public Law placement is denied, the probation officer finds a shelter for the inmate to live in when released. The RAC provides information for inmates related to the requirements and benefits of the Affordable Care Act, as well as other reentry topics such as job placement, housing, benefits, requiring identification, job skills, veteran benefits, Social Security benefits, etc. USP Allenwood. RPP programming for Level 3 and 4 inmates in the SMU at USP Allenwood is individualized and consists of six modules: (1) Continuity of Care and Infectious Disease; (2) Resume Writing; Money Management; (3) USPO and Supervision Requirements; (4) Veterans Outreach (only for veterans); (5) Release Requirements; and (6) Psychology of Release. All programs are offered through selfstudy packets or audio program. The RPP is voluntary and completion is not required 143 for Level progression. Staff indicated that they encourage inmates who are within 30 months of release to complete the RPP. In addition to the self-study packets, psychologists work with inmates that have significant mental health needs to facilitate linkage to community resources. This facilitation can include telephone consultations with community resources, providing written materials from the support services agencies, and release planning with family by telephone. In some cases, inmates releasing to a metropolitan area such as Washington, DC can be linked with advocacy agencies that have a specific mission to assist mentally ill inmates releasing to the community. USP Florence SHU. There is no coordinated, targeted reentry programming. Case managers, counselors, psychology staff and education staff provide materials for self-study upon request. ADX Florence. Inmates confined to the ADX typically serve extended periods of time there. All inmates at the ADX are provided release programming and there are no exclusions due to risk or classification level. The staff reported that they try not to have inmates release directly from the ADX, however, due to the nature of charges or institutional adjustment, some inmates do release directly to the street. The case manager and unit manager complete supervised release plans for inmates. The staff that works with the ADX inmates noted that because of the nature of the inmates they are supervising, they would ensure they have contact with the releasing inmate’s probation officer. For those inmates within 18-24 months of release, halfway house applications may be submitted to residential reentry managers for review/approval. Due to the nature of the inmates at the ADX, many are denied placement in residential release centers. As a result, staff has a lot of communication with the probation officer in the inmate’s home location. Staff aims to transfer inmates to a facility closer to their home prior to release however this was characterized by staff as a significant challenge. USP Terre Haute. A reentry affairs coordinator prepares release readiness materials, including Affordable Care Act benefits, job placement, housing, benefits, personal identification, job skills, veteran’s benefits, Social Security benefits etc. The coordinator is also responsible for training institutional staff regarding reentry concepts and procedures. Case managers work with the inmates as they prepare for release. USP Hazelton. Although there is no coordinated, comprehensive, targeted reentry programming available for SHU inmates, case managers work with the SHU inmates who are within 90 days of release to assist SHU inmates in obtaining a social security card, birth certificate and driver’s licenses if appropriate and to develop home plans which may consist of confirming a home address. The case manager sends the notes on the inmate and the home plan to the probation officer in the home area. The probation officer will investigate the home location and either approve or disapprove of the plan. If disapproved, an alternative release and home plan is developed by the 144 case manager working with the inmate. The case managers also provide inmates releasing to a halfway house or to the street, informational pamphlets including information on “one stop centers” which are in most large cities that assist reentering offenders with employment, disability employment, job seeker resources and veteran resources. General population inmates at Hazelton are often released to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency and Hope Village in Washington, DC. The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency provides video conferences with general population inmates and their children prior to release as a part of reentry programming. However this program is not provided to inmates in restrictive housing. FCI Butner. Facility case managers develop home plans for each inmate to be released from restrictive housing. This consists of identifying a home address so the probation officer can check the residence out for suitability. Halfway house referrals are completed and sent to residential reentry managers for review/approval although some inmates releasing from restrictive housing are not eligible for a halfway house due to the nature of their offenses. Inmates are not enrolled in any community services until they are in a halfway house or back in the community. The case manager also assists the inmate in obtaining a social security card, birth certificate and driver’s license if appropriate. There is no coordinated, comprehensive, targeted reentry programming otherwise available. The reentry affairs coordinator assists case managers with reentry preparation as needed. The unit manager may provide informational pamphlets on “one stop centers” located in most large cities that assist reentering offenders with employment, disability employment, job seeker resources and veteran resources. As in other Bureau facilities, there are no educational classes in restrictive housing with the exception that if an inmate was previously enrolled in education or requests programming, ‘push packets,’ self-administered course work, are provided. USP Coleman. Inmates must request information regarding reentry programs. There are no structured programs. Once an inmate is within 18 months of discharge, the case manager will begin release planning, which consists of verifying an address upon release and ensuring the inmate has appropriate identification to include a social security card, birth certificate and driver’s license if appropriate. A reentry affairs coordinator is available to staff and inmates as a resource to help with reentry services and provides the training to the staff on the topic of reentry during annual refresher training. As can be seen from these examples, inmates in Bureau restrictive housing have very limited access to reentry programming. Services are generally limited to providing basic information on identification and benefit issues, and referrals to community programs and services. This stands in stark contrast to range and depth of reentry 145 programming provided to Bureau general population inmates. Ironically, it is the restrictive housing population that is in the most need of programs and poses the greatest potential risk in their transition back to the community. Reentry program observations Access to program data. Currently, the record of inmates who complete psychology self-help programs such as Anger Management, Coping, Drug and Alcohol Abuse this work is documented in the Psychology Data System (PDS) and in the Bureau Electronic Medical Records System, but neither of these systems are accessible by case managers and case managers need to be aware of all course work being completed by inmates120. Inmates are provided with completion certificates and Psychology Services staff provide feedback to the unit team at the time of the inmate’s Progress Review. RECOMMENDATION 6.4: Ensure that when inmates complete psychology self-help programs such as Anger Management, Coping, Drug and Alcohol Abuse that completion of these activities are documented in support of reentry planning so that case managers and counselors are aware of these activities. Lack of program strategy. Although inmates in restrictive housing receive information about reentry, there is no formal coordinated, comprehensive, targeted, specialized reentry program inmates Bureau wide who are unable to participate in general population reentry programming due to their restrictive housing status. Some facilities visited had small rooms within the restrictive housing unit that would enable several inmates to be safely secured at tables to participate in small group classroom training or even individualized training for the highest risk inmates. RECOMMENDATION 6.5: Develop and provide a coordinated, comprehensive, targeted, specialized cognitive reentry programming specifically designed for inmates in restrictive housing. While there needs to be a loss of privileges for inmates in disciplinary segregation, there are many administrative segregation inmates and some disciplinary segregation inmates who will spend long periods of time in restrictive housing. Currently, those inmates will not return to general population and therefore not receive any meaningful reentry preparation programming. 120 Bureau has advised the project team that since April 2014, PDS has been a part of BEMR. The system is now integrated. Since site visits were complete we were unable to verify this improvement. 146 The Bureau should design instructor led cognitive programming to support reentry similar to what is being provided to general population inmates. This programming could be designed as the “Cliff’s Notes” version of reentry services in order to provide at least the most critical reentry related programming to those inmates at least 6 – 12 months prior to their release. Such programming does not have to be as comprehensive as that provided to the general population, however it should be meaningful. Such a program could easily be designed by the Reentry Services Division staff to include both instructor led classes with self-study and homework provided to these offenders whose risk levels and disciplinary status would enable such controlled group programming. Direct interaction with the inmate by the instructor would help prevent cheating where the inmate’s cellmates complete homework assignments. Considering the types of inmates being released from these units, and often after extensive periods of time in restrictive housing, this should be a priority. No substantive programming is provided in restrictive housing units at any level. Some of the Bureau’s program descriptions refer to self-help reading materials as ‘program’ or ‘therapy’ however they are barely more than reading activities. Additionally, there is currently no way to ensure an inmate actually did the work if they are double-celled. Some inmates interviewed reported cheating by having other inmates do the work so they could get credit for completing the assignments. Program communication. Most contact with inmates housed in SHUs, SMUs, and the ADX is cell side. This limits the ability for any meaningful or confidential dialogue. Inmates are not likely to discuss sensitive or private issues shouting through a cell door with other inmates and staff present. RECOMMENDATION 6.6: Provide inmates the opportunity to participate in more out of cell individual interviews. Congregate programming. Interaction with a service provider, psychologist etc. is essential for meaningful learning and aids in preparation for reentry by engaging in discussion and social interaction. With the exception of the ADX Florence, no other facilities visited provided any congregate programming. The ADX at USP Florence has begun using specially constructed “Therapy Enclosures,” on a very limited basis. While this may not be possible in every facility due to space constraints, it may be feasible in some facilities. RECOMMENDATION 6.7: Provide appropriately screened inmates with the opportunity to participate in small group programs facilitated by a counselor, case manager, psychologist, education instructor or other treatment provider. Such programming should only be provided to those inmates the Bureau staff feel are appropriate based on their disciplinary status, security risks etc. However, there 147 are a significant number of inmates who could be safely programmed in very small groups secured to tables separated a safe distance from other inmates. Program design. Research shows that programs for high-risk offenders should focus on evidence-based practices that target their individual criminogenic needs. Inmates in restrictive housing are unable to receive the programming available to general population inmates. RECOMMENDATION 6.8: Provide programming that identifies and addresses most significant areas of need for high-risk offenders in order to assist the offender to successfully reintegration into the community. If limited programming is made available for selected inmates in restrictive housing who are not likely to return to general population, the programming provided should be designed to meet their most significant areas of need based on their risk needs assessments and other relevant factors. Training. Staff (including civilian and contractor staff working within the institution) should receive additional training that reinforces the fact that reentry is not a program, but rather a philosophy. Staff do currently receive information as part of annual refresher training (ART) from the Reentry Affairs Coordinator and a brief module in the in-service training however, in order to ensure a more comprehensive and successful approach to reentry, particularly in restrictive units, all staff need to be trained and expected to work collaboratively with each other, understand they model and reinforce pro-social behavior as a way to encourage inmates to change. RECOMMENDATION 6.9: Educate staff about the need for inmates in restrictive housing to receive formal reentry programming if being released from restrictive housing. Reentry culture/philosophy. There is no formal Bureau-wide reentry preparedness program specific to restrictive housing. Each facility visited seemed to have their own unique programming that they tried to offer within the confines of the restrictive housing unit. Most staff interviewed did not appear to recognize the need for programming beyond self-help packet programs and no facility was able to provide data on the number of inmates actually being released from restrictive housing. The mindset that it is okay and preferable to discharge from a SHU needs to change. RECOMMENDATION 6.10: Establish and maintain a culture among all BOP staff, employees and contractors that recognizes the need for meaningful reentry programs for “all” inmates in the Bureau of Prisons, including those in restrictive housing, beginning at new officer/staff training and continuing in every annual in-service training. The Bureau of Prisons has made reentry a priority and has taken significant steps to emphasize the importance and impact of a comprehensive reentry program. The 148 mission statement of the Bureau of Prisons (that is prominently displayed in all agency communications including the BOP’s internal and external website, or internal newsletter, and many ad hoc memorandums and publications) is to operate safe, secure, humane prisons, and to prepare inmates for release. Bureau of Prisons staff interviewed understand their responsibility to prevent inmates who are released from returning to criminal activities in the community. Bureau staff (and inmates) have been told that, “Preparation for release begins on the first day of incarceration”. In the past few years the focus on reentry has been especially pronounced through the creation of the Reentry Services Division, an organizational change in the agency that required support from the attorney general and final approval from Congress. In addition to establishing this division to coordinate and amplify the agency’s reentry efforts and message, the director communicates continuously with staff about this critical aspect of the mission, and he has also communicated directly with the inmates. Specifically, the director wrote an open letter to inmates on June 19, 2013, expressing hopes that they embrace the opportunities provided to them to pursue the education, training and treatment needed to succeed when they return to the community. While we salute the director and BOP leadership for making reentry a priority, the reality is that inmates in restrictive housing are not afforded reentry services in any significant way due to their housing restrictions and because in disciplinary situations, loss of programs is a consequence of their placement. Psychology and education staff in the facilities visited were making individual efforts to provide more program services to this population. It is understood that the challenges that restrictive housing creates and the associated security concerns are a priority over programming. However, more effort should be made to provide meaningful reentry services to inmates in restrictive housing while still maintaining appropriate security. Because of the risks that many of these individuals pose, it is essential that the Bureau do more where possible to improve the reentry into the community in order to protect the public’s safety. The project team did observe and interview staff that believed reentry programming is not possible or appropriate for those inmates in restrictive housing. It is appropriate to not provide programming to inmates who are in restrictive housing for short periods who will likely return to the general population where they can resume programming. This recommendation is aimed at establishing a culture [and policy] that recognizes the need for inmates in restrictive housing to receive more meaningful reentry programming if they will likely never return to the general population and will eventually be released to the community. 149 ADX Releases. Inmates are spending a significant period of time at the ADX and then placed directly to a halfway house or released directly to the community. Some inmates interviewed have spent from eight to fifteen years at the ADX and will be releasing to a halfway house or to the community. The Bureau needs to develop a step-down or transitional program to prepare inmates for this adjustment. RECOMMENDATION 6.11: Review of the practice of keeping inmates at the ADX until halfway house placement or direct release to the community on the inmate’s release date. 150 Chapter 7: Restrictive housing operations and conditions of confinement The section of the report addresses the Bureau’s approach to management of restrictive housing units. This analysis includes assessment of organization, staffing, training, security operations, and conditions of confinement. The Bureau management approach is relatively uniform from one facility to another; however, there are some unique characteristics to each facility’s management structure; a number of which are described in the following chapter. Organizational structure Special housing unit management The organizational structure governing the SHUs is similar across facilities in structure and management approach. To a degree, the management structure is bifurcated with security managed by the Bureau’s Correctional Services department and issues pertaining to classification, programming, minor disciplinary matters and case management assigned to the unit management teams. Institutions with SHUs are generally but not always part of a larger complex of facilities managed by a single complex warden. The complex warden is supported by additional management staff that may include other wardens of a lower grade reporting to him or her, as well as associate wardens that are deployed in facilities throughout the complex. In the facilities that were assessed for this project, the complex warden was managing a USP. Within the USP a SHU is managed by the facility’s correctional services division and overseen by an associate warden. These associate wardens are responsible for supervising all uniformed staff in the correctional services division. Direct oversight of the SHUs is the responsibility of the SHU lieutenant, who is the uniform commander of the restrictive housing unit. These lieutenants supervise day- 151 to-day operations five days per week, and also are designated as the SRO, that conducts the segregation reviews of the inmates assigned to the unit as required by Program Statement 5270.10, Special Housing Units. Only the USP Hazelton Secure Female Facility did not have an SHU lieutenant assigned to manage unit operations. At Hazelton, the shift or operations lieutenant supervised the SHU, in addition to his/her other duties, and on occasion an extra lieutenant was assigned to the unit to supervise operations. Correctional officers are not selected by management for their posts, but are awarded their post assignments based on a seniority bidding process that takes place each quarter of the calendar year. Therefore, SHU staff can turnover once every three months, depending on bidding for the various posts and the officer’s status in the seniority system. Lieutenants are assigned by the warden and his/her staff, based on management prerogative. As outlined above, unit chain of command shifts when the SHU lieutenant is off duty and the shift commander or operations lieutenant for the facility takes over supervision of the SHU and the unit officer in charge (SHU#1 post). The Bureau is invested in a decentralized management program known as Unit Management. The theory behind unit management is to decentralize operations by dividing large correctional institutions into more manageable units, where staff work in close proximity to the inmates they manage. With respect to the SHUs, unit teams are not specifically assigned to the unit to manage the unit and inmate activity. Instead the unit team assigned to the inmate prior to placement in SHU will retain management of the inmate’s case, and will see the inmate in the SHU. Day to day responsibility rests with the SHU lieutenant or in the cases where there is no SHU lieutenant on duty, the operations lieutenant. Other departments of the institution provide services to inmates and regularly visit the unit. Medical staff enter the unit a minimum of two times per day to administer medications and conduct triage on inmate medical concerns. Facility chaplains, educational staff, caseworkers, and counselors provide services at least on a weekly basis. The shift supervisor or operations lieutenant visits the unit each shift that a SHU lieutenant isn’t present. At least weekly, a captain will visit the unit as well as a member of the top administration, such as a warden or associate warden. A mental health clinician visits the unit at least weekly and is further required to conduct a mental health review including a personal interview after every 30 days of continuous placement in the SHU. In a number of facilities assessed, the warden conducts rounds of the SHU with members of his/her management staff. The assessment team observed this practice at a number of facilities. Each member of the management team accompanies the warden on the tour and observes each inmate’s cell, stopping to respond to questions or concerns that the inmates may have. 152 Special management unit management Administrative oversight of SMU programs is similar to what is found with oversight of SHU programs. As noted earlier in this report, SMU programs at USP Lewisburg, USP Florence, and USP Allenwood were assessed as part of this review. Generally, each facility is managed by a warden and there are associate wardens assigned to manage correctional services or custody operations, as well as associate wardens responsible for programming. The special management unit custody and security is overseen by the facility captain, or in some cases by a deputy captain. Lieutenants are assigned, either directly to the units, as was the case at USP Allenwood, or covering a geographical sector of the facility that includes multiple units, as was the case at USP Lewisburg. Correctional officers are assigned to posts inside the housing units supervising the inmate population on the various ranges. Unit management personnel perform a prominent role in the SMU programs. Unit managers, caseworkers, counselors and unit secretaries provide services to the inmate population that includes classification, casework, disciplinary and programming. Unit team members work cooperatively with correctional services staff to manage each unit. It is important to note that correctional officers and lieutenants report in a parallel chain of command to the facility captain/deputy captain. Unit managers report to associate warden than the captain, although that is not always the case. Regardless, there is a different chain of command for correctional services staff and unit management staff. ADX Florence unit management The ADX Florence is managed directly by the complex warden, who is based physically at the ADX. Three associate wardens, also based at the ADX, are responsible for correctional services, programming, human resources, and a number of other ancillary functions. ADX custody operations fall under the associate warden for correctional services. A correctional captain manages security for the unit and all custody personnel. This position is supported by a deputy, a position that was vacant the time of the assessment. Each tour of duty is managed by a shift commander, who is the operations lieutenant that oversees shift operations. There are additional lieutenants that supervise “facility activities,” the SHU, the control unit, and the special security unit. SHU, control unit, and special security unit lieutenant posts are filled 16 hours per day on day and swing shift. An administrative lieutenant manages staff scheduling and administrative duties. Unit teams provide services to the inmate population and work cooperatively with correctional services personnel. There are three unit teams that provide unit management services e.g., inmate classification, minor discipline, casework. The SHU does not have a separate unit team assigned to it and the facility unit teams follow 153 their inmates and continue to monitor them while they are housed in the SHU, similar to the process described above for SHUs throughout the Bureau. Restrictive housing management structure observations FINDING: The management structure of the Bureau facilities is staffed with sufficient personnel to provide management and oversight of its restrictive housing units. Each complex is managed by a warden, who is further supported by subordinate level wardens and associate wardens. Associate wardens supervise department heads of the various departments throughout the correctional complex. These department heads provide direct oversight of functional areas and provide support to the segregated units depending on their function and responsibilities. Department heads that have particular responsibility for the segregated units include facility captains and unit managers. The captain provides oversight over lieutenants who are the key figures in managing the segregated units, as first line supervisors of the staff assigned there. The SHU and SMU lieutenants are the officers in charge of operations and are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that all aspects of policy and procedure are complied with. These policies and procedures include program statements, federal regulations, procedures and post orders. The Bureau utilizes a bifurcated management structure in which the Correctional Services Division oversees the uniformed staff and a unit team with a separate command structure provides direct service to the inmate population. Correctional services is responsible for most of the conditions of confinement an inmate is subjected to, as well as ensuring discipline and order is maintained in the units. As specified before, correctional services report to an associate warden, and in a parallel chain of command, unit teams report to an associate warden as well, providing casework, classification, minor discipline, and services to the inmate population. In the SHUs, unit teams provide support; whereas, in the SMU the unit teams provide direct service to the inmate population in the units they oversee. Although a bifurcated chain of command is somewhat unusual, unit management is a long-standing and successful management strategy that is used not only in the Bureau, but also in correctional departments throughout the nation. Correctional officers are the main providers of service and the staff that maintain security, order, and discipline in the restrictive housing units. Officers self-select 154 their assignments to restrictive housing units on the basis of seniority: the exception being the lieutenant who is assigned by the facility/complex warden121. This is a practice mandated by the labor contract and is not the most ideal method of staff assignment. Best practice dictates that staff assigned to restrictive housing units are selected on the basis of their performance and competencies. Furthermore, in many jurisdictions, they are rotated out of these units after a period of time because of the high stress nature of the assignments and the potential for ‘burnout.’ This cannot be accomplished in a system where staff select their assignments. Correctional operations staffing levels and approach This section of the report addresses the approach and methodology of staffing restrictive housing units in the Bureau, which includes special housing units (SHU), special management units (SMU), ADX, ADX general population and step-down units, and special security unit. In assessing staffing in these units, the following documents were reviewed to determine if staffing levels and approaches were consistent with Bureau policy, statutes, and nationally recognized best practices, to include conformance with American Correctional Association Standards. Special housing unit staffing The staffing of SHUs is consistent throughout the Bureau of Prisons facilities assessed. With the exception of the female unit at USP Hazelton, each of the SHUs was managed by the lieutenant that was designated as the SHU lieutenant, responsible for management and oversight of the unit. In most facilities, particularly the larger USPs, there was a SHU lieutenant on the day shift and a SHU lieutenant assigned to swing shift. Typically, a lieutenant was present at the facility from 6 AM to 10 PM. When the SHU lieutenant is not on duty, the operations lieutenant or shift commander is responsible for managing SHU operations. The SHU lieutenant is assigned by the warden to the post and may rotate out of the unit based on the warden’s decision. The SHU lieutenants report to the facility captain and are part of Work rosters are created in accordance with Article 18 of the collective bargaining agreement called the Master Agreement. The Master Agreement provides that staff can bid on certain posts by seniority, and preference requests are considered based on seniority. Management is required to make reasonable efforts to honor the requests (i.e. not deny request arbitrarily). 121 155 the Correctional Services Division of the facility, which consists of uniformed correctional staff. In all units assessed, the facility captain reports to one of the associate wardens, who reports directly to a warden. The SHU lieutenant is responsible for supervising all staff assigned to the unit. The lieutenant is responsible for all security related matters in the unit to include the training of personnel; maintenance of inmate records; such as form BP-292, which is a record of inmate activity; census counts; ensuring inmates receive services and conditions of confinement are maintained at an acceptable level; movement procedures; overseeing use of force incidents; management of emergencies; searches of inmates; conducting supervision rounds; conducting segregation reviews as the SRO; and other security functions. The number of correctional officer positions assigned to the SHU varies from facility to facility depending on the size of the unit. In all facilities assessed, the SHU #1 post is designated as the officer in charge of floor operations. SHU #1 reports to the SHU lieutenant or, in that person’s absence, to the operations lieutenant for the facility. SHU #1 is normally the officer that carries the key to the inmate living areas, known as “ranges”. SHU #1 oversees the activities and performance of other line officers working in the unit, although he/she is not formally a supervisor. Specific duties may include maintaining the equipment inventory; conducting census counts; maintaining records, such as form BP-292, which tracks individual conditions of confinement; ensuring that officer’s conduct and record 30 minute rounds, which consist of wellness checks of inmates in their cells; ensuring meals are provided to inmates; controlling all inmate movement, ensuring that the application of restraints meets procedural requirements; conducting searches; and other security related duties. Additional officers assigned to the unit, specifically SHU #2 through SHU #6, (the number of officers assigned depends on the size of the unit), are range officers, who perform most of their security duties on the ranges supervising inmates, controlling their movements, conducting wellness checks, and providing them with meals and services. In units with a secure control center, SHU #2 is the control room officer, who manages access though electronically controlled doors and keeps unit records in logbooks and a computerized record-keeping program. In the larger USPs, a recreation officer is assigned to the day shift, and in some cases, swing shift to supervise inmate recreation. Inmates are normally asked at the beginning of the day shift they are interested in attending outdoor recreation. The recreation is conducted in secure recreation cages located adjacent to the cellblocks. The recreation officers are responsible for supervising the inmates while they recreate. In the smaller units, the post is a day shift post, as the recreation can be completed during the eight-hour tour of duty. In the larger units, recreation may continue into second or swing shift. Our assessment also revealed the assignment of a property officer in the USP SHUs. The property officer is responsible for 156 inventorying, distributing and maintaining inmate property, while the inmates are housed in the SHUs. SHU seniority bidding for post assignments. With the exception of the SHU lieutenant all correctional officers working in the SHUs select their assignments on the basis of a seniority bidding system. Already stated above, The Master Agreement between the American Federation of Government Employees and the Bureau mandates that officers are allowed to bid based on seniority for their shift and post assignments each quarter of the year. This process ensures that the most senior bidder is awarded the post. The only exception is that after one year the officer must bid to a different shift, but not necessarily to a different assignment/post. There are some exceptions to this rule, but as it relates to the SHU assignments, officers select their post and shift assignment. As a result, seniority plays a prominent role in these assignments. Program Statement 5500.14, Correctional Services Procedures Manual provides further guidance as it relates to post assignments. Chapter 1, Section 101 requires that wardens develop a quarterly assignment roster that is prepared at 13-week intervals. This policy further requires that officers are subject to post rotation in accordance with the contract. SHU management and program staff. Staffing of the SHU consists of unit lieutenants and correctional officers. There are typically no other staff assigned directly to work in these units. Bureau facilities have an established practice of assigning staff from the facility to make periodic visits to the unit to meet with inmates and provide service. This includes case managers, medical and mental health staff, etc. There is no separate unit team assigned and housed in the SHUs. However, the unit team members continue to work with inmates that were residing in their units prior to being placed in segregation/special housing. In practice, unit team members are expected to make periodic rounds of the SHU (least once per day) to ensure that members of a unit team make regular tours of the ranges. The presence of unit team members is documented on the sign in sheet. Members of the assessment team reviewed sign in sheets for a minimum of a three-month period at each of the sites assessed. This review revealed that unit team members, including the unit manager, made regular visits to the SHU in accordance with procedural requirements. Similarly, other staff members are also required to conduct rounds and meet with inmates providing service. A review of the sign in logs reveals that staff such as chaplains, mental health clinicians, captains, associate wardens, the warden, and other staff make periodic visits to the SHUs as well. 157 Special management unit staffing The history and background of the inmates housed in the SMU dictates a need for close supervision and a high level of security services. The SMU programs have a bifurcated management structure. Correctional officers working the unit are supervised by lieutenants that are specifically assigned to the day shift or swing shift. When a lieutenant is not present in the unit, correctional officers report to the operations lieutenant for the facility. All lieutenants report to the facility captain and are members of the Correctional Services Division. The facility captain reports to an associate warden at the facility. As is the case with SHU staffing and chain of command, housing unit post SMU #1 is designated as the unit officer in charge on each shift, and is considered second in command with regards to security in the SMU. Additional officers are assigned to each shift and provide correctional services, security and supervision to the inmates in the SMUs. SMU officers have similar functions and responsibilities as SHU officers and conduct census counts, maintain records of inmate activity, conduct periodic wellness checks and rounds, conduct searches, supervise inmate movement, and other security-related duties. The SMU’s are also managed, in part, by the unit team. The unit team is comprised of a unit manager, case managers, counselors, and a unit secretary. The unit team is primarily involved in classification matters that determine the inmate’s SMU phase status and subsequent placement. The unit manager also reports to an associate warden. Typically, the unit manager and facility captain report to a different associate warden. In this arrangement, it is expected that the unit manager and captain work closely with one another on operations and procedural issues. As evidence of this, Program Statement 5500.14, Correctional Services Procedures Manual requires that the captain and unit manager jointly sign and approve correctional officer post orders. This approach suggests that the two staff are operating in a united fashion to avoid divisiveness in this bifurcated management structure. SMU seniority bidding for post assignments. SMU line staff bid each quarter for a post assignment and are granted assignments on the basis of seniority. Therefore, a rotation occurs four times per year. The most senior person bidding for a post is awarded the post assignment. There is a four quarter limit on shift assignments to the same shift. In the case of an officer with significant seniority, he can only bid a particular shift four times in a row, and then must bid to a different shift for at least one quarter, before returning to the previous shift. This rotation requirement prevents an officer from bidding to the day shift more than four quarters in a row. According to lieutenants interviewed, a staff member can be removed from special management assignments for disciplinary reasons, although none of the lieutenants 158 could recall an instance where an officer was removed for disciplinary reasons. As described above, shift rotation takes place on a quarterly basis affecting correctional officers only and there is no selection process for line staff, only the shift bidding process, where officers choose their assignments on the basis of seniority. The lieutenant’s assignments, on the other hand, are selected by management and seniority does not officially play a part in those assignments. SMU program staffing. Staffing for two of the SMU programs is described in more detail below. These two facilities were selected because they provide programming for all four levels of the SMU, with USP Lewisburg housing mainly Level 1 and Level 2, while USP Allenwood provides housing and programming for Level 3 and Level 4 inmates. USP Lewisburg USP Lewisburg is the largest SMU in the Bureau, whose program is designed to house disruptive inmates in Level 1 and Two of the SMU program. Supervisory staffing includes a captain and a subordinate deputy captain, as well as a number of lieutenants assigned to manage the daily operations of the facility. Each shift has an operations lieutenant that operates as the shift commander and an East and West lieutenant who manage security operations in a sector of the facility. D and G units house inmates who are disruptive, or who pose special management challenges. Each of these units has a lieutenant present on the day shift. The east lieutenant is responsible for B, C, and X units. The west lieutenant is responsible for E, F, J, and I units. Officers are assigned to units based upon a quarterly seniority bid system as discussed previously. Based upon a review of 30 days of rosters and an interview with the captain, security staffing in the facility is sufficient and consistent with the roster and master schedule. In addition to the officers assigned to each unit there are also a number of correctional program staff assigned. Three unit managers are assigned to the eleven units in the facility (a fourth unit manager is assigned to the camp). In each unit there is an assigned case manager and a counselor. Additional assigned program staff provide reentry services, psychology services, religious services, and educational services, and casework services to the inmate population. Staffing at this facility is appropriate given the mission of the facility, and the size of the population in the assessment team’s judgment. USP Allenwood USP Allenwood is a step-down facility from USP Lewisburg that houses those inmates who have progressed to Level 3 and Level 4 of the SMU program. There are two SMU housing units at USP Allenwood. Each of the two units have staff assigned and there are two lieutenants that supervise the program five days per week . The lieutenants are assigned to the Correctional Services Division of the facility. In addition, the unit 159 management team provide services to both housing units. Shift rosters were examined for a 14-day period in the months of January and February 2014. SMU staffing on each unit was typically four officers on day shift (not including a shared property officer); three officers on afternoon shift; and one officer on the night shift. On Saturday and Sunday, the day shift complement is often reduced to three officers, as there is less activity to supervise on those days. Of the 14 shift rosters examined, there were no instances when the staffing complement was lower than described above. Occasionally, on third shift a second officer is added to the SMU. This officer is also listed as a floater and can be utilized in other areas of the facility based upon need. There is a lieutenant assigned to unit 4A SMU and a lieutenant assigned to unit 4B SMU on the day shift only. Supervision on afternoon and night shifts is provided by the shift or operations lieutenant. One of the four officers on the day shift is designated as the recreation officer, who manages and supervises inmate recreation. A property officer is added to the complement and is shared between units 4A and 4B five days a week on the day shift. A review of the rosters for the 14-day period reveals that staff are deployed consistently and the units did not run short of personnel at any time. The lieutenants queried on this issue also indicated that the posts are consistently manned per the staffing plan. During the course of an interview with the union’s representative it was confirmed that this was in fact the facility’s staffing practices. Control unit staffing at Florence ADX The Florence ADX is designated as a control unit within the Bureau. According to Program Statement 5212.07, Control Unit Programs, placement in the control unit is reserved for inmates who are unable to function in a less restrictive environment without being a threat to others or to the orderly operation of the institution. Inmates are referred to the control unit by facility wardens and approval for placement is made by an assistant director within the Bureau, with input from a regional director. Although inmates are frequently reviewed as described in other sections of this report, length of stay in ADX Florence can be substantial. The ADX is managed by a warden, who is based at the ADX. There is a correctional complex warden, who is the warden of one of the three Florence facilities and is responsible for all the facilities on the correctional complex. Three associate wardens, based at the ADX, are responsible for correctional services, psychology services, human resources and a number of other functions. ADX custody operations 160 fall under the associate warden for correctional services. A correctional captain manages security for the unit and all custody personnel. This position is supported by a deputy captain, a position that was vacant at the time of the assessment122. Each tour of duty is managed by a shift commander, who is a lieutenant and who oversees shift operations. Correctional officers working throughout the facility are supervised by a lieutenant, who is either the shift supervisor or one of the area lieutenants. There are area lieutenants assigned to the Activities position (two shifts, 16 hours, seven days), the SHU (two shifts, 16 hours, five days), and the special security unit, and the control unit (two shifts, 16 hours, five days). There are specialty lieutenant positions that include an administrative lieutenant, and other five-day post lieutenants including EPO, Special Investigative Service (SIS), and SIA lieutenants. All lieutenants report to the captain. Unit teams provide services to the inmate population. There are three unit teams that provide unit management services throughout the facility. These teams are responsible for inmate classification, discipline, casework and to some extent programming. Unit teams are assigned to geographic sectors of the facility and service those inmates living within the sector cellblocks. The SHU within the ADX does not have a separate unit team assigned to it, and the facility unit teams follow their inmates and continue to monitor them while they are housed in SHU. The assignment of unit teams to SHUs has been described above and there is no difference as to how they are utilized at the ADX than was described for other SHUs. Centralized management is practiced with regard to management of the SHU. The lieutenant works with the operations lieutenant, who reports to the facility deputy captain, who reports to the complex captain. ADX seniority bidding for post assignments. As with all Bureau facilities assessed, correctional officer personnel are assigned on the basis of seniority. Each quarter of the calendar year, post bidding takes place and staff select their assignments, days off and shift on the basis of seniority. This was confirmed with the administrative lieutenant. Staff may continually bid posts, days off, and shifts they are interested in each quarter. Staff must rotate to a different shift periodically. If they bid on sick and annual relief positions, changing of the shifts as indicated above is not required. Lieutenants are assigned by management to their positions. Seniority may be taken into account for those assignments. Also, SIS personnel, tool room personnel, and security officers are assigned by management to their posts. Unit management staff are assigned by management to their positions. Unit managers, unit counselors, and caseworkers are members of the unit teams. The unit The Bureau reported that the position was filled in April, 2014 and assumed duties after the completion of the project site visit. 122 161 teams manage classification and casework related functions, as well as providing other services to the inmate population. The unit teams report to an associate warden. In a parallel fashion, security staff report to their lieutenants and the facility captain, who also reports to an associate warden. Staffing observations Program Statement 5500.14, Correctional Services Procedures Manual, dated October 19, 2012, outlines procedures relating to correctional services and staffing. Chapter 1 entitled management of correctional services describes methodology for computing the correctional staff complement and the preparation requirements for the quarterly and daily staff roster assignment. The policy further describes correctional officer rotation requirements, referencing the Labor Contract Master Agreement. The procedures include requirements relating to the preparation, use, and distribution of post orders. Post orders are documents that describe in detail the requirements of the job and the schedule of duties for a particular post. The procedures outlined a format for post orders describing procedures and special instructions regarding a particular post. The Bureau has an organized and comprehensive process for determining staffing levels based upon post assignment needs. This process is reviewed on a regular basis. The application of post assignments is quite consistent in segregation units throughout the agency. Post orders are comprehensive and detailed, outlining duties and responsibilities of the officers assigned. Our analysis also determined that once staffing levels are set utilizing a formula to compute the correctional complement needed, there is little variation in staffing levels from what is prescribed in the daily roster and master schedule. When there are vacancies, staff are normally reassigned to work in the various restrictive housing units. If there are no staff available, overtime expenditures are typically authorized. This analysis also is in agreement with the Commission on Accreditation of the American Correctional Association that routinely reviews Bureau facilities for accreditation. ACA has accredited all of the Bureau facilities assessed. The accreditation process includes a review of staffing methodology, consistent with staffing standards. Those staffing standards were referenced earlier in this document. When staff were questioned regarding removing a poor performing staff member from the assignment, they believed that an individual could be removed for disciplinary purposes, but there were no instances when staff could recall this taking place. Staffing of these SHUs was found to be consistent throughout the assessed facilities. Post orders and job requirements are similar from one facility to another and focus attention on uniformity and consistency in its facilities. In addition to the consistency of staffing levels, the assessment team examined facility rosters 162 carefully to determine if staffing levels were maintained on a regular basis. In our experience, due to budget difficulties in many jurisdictions, as well as correctional officer vacancies, it is not unusual to see posts left vacant, from time to time, when there are insufficient personnel available to man the posts. This review revealed that there were few occasions identified where a post was left vacant in a SHU for any reason. FINDING: Each facility reviewed had sufficient staff to perform the functions of managing the restrictive housing units. FINDING: The presence of a correctional services team working alongside a unit management team appears to be an effective management approach and provides sufficient personnel to conduct the work as required by the Bureau. Staff training, curriculum, and approach This section addresses the approach, policy requirements and training provided to staff working in segregation units in the Bureau of Prisons, which includes SHUs and SMUs. There are a number of training mandates that the Bureau adheres to, and nationally accepted practices that will be reviewed as part of this analysis. The following documents were reviewed as part of the assessment of Bureau restrictive housing unit staff training. In addition, nationally recognized best practices including American Correctional Association Standards were also examined. Program Statement 3906.20, Employee Development Manual, dated January 24, 2007. Bureau of Prisons ART curriculum and lesson plans. Bureau of Prisons quarterly SHU training curriculum and PowerPoint presentations. ACA Standard 4 – 4075 - The training plan is developed, and updated based on an annual assessment that identifies current job related training needs. ACA Standard 4 – 4084 – 1- Written policy, procedure, and practice provide that all correctional officers receive at least 40 hours of annual training. This training shall include at a minimum the following areas: o Standards of conduct/ethics o Security/safety/fire/medical/emergency procedures 163 o Supervision of offenders including training on sexual abuse and assault; and use of force o Additional topics shall be included based upon the needs assessment of staff and institution requirements ACA Standard 4-4090 - All security custody personnel are trained in approved methods of self-defense and the use of force as a last resort to control inmates. ACA Standard 4-4092 - All personnel authorized to use chemical agents receive thorough training in their use and in the treatment of individuals exposed to a chemical agent. ACA Standard 4-4220 - All institution personnel are trained in the implementation of written emergency plans. Work stoppage and riot/disturbance plans are communicated only to appropriate supervisory or other personnel directly involved in the implementation of those plans. ACA Standard 4-4373 - There is a written suicide prevention plan that is approved by the health authority and reviewed by the facility or program administrator. The plan includes staff and offender critical incident debriefing that covers the management of suicidal incidents, suicide watch, assaults, prolonged threats, and death of an offender or staff member. It ensures a review of critical incidents by administration, security, and health services. All staff with responsibility for offender supervision are trained on an annual basis in the implementation of the program. Training should include but not being limited to: o identifying the warning signs and symptoms of impending suicidal behavior; o understanding the demographic and cultural parameters of suicidal behavior, including incidence and variations in precipitating factors; o responding to suicidal and depressed offenders; o communication between correctional and healthcare personnel; o referral procedures; o housing observation and suicide watch level procedures; and o follow-up monitoring of offenders who make a suicide attempt. 164 Bureau of Prisons employee development manual Program Statement 3906.20 establishes comprehensive training procedures, specify training management responsibilities, and provide employees with access to training. This policy and manual requires that the agency develop an annual training plan that addresses the needs of the employees that is approved by a Training Committee with employee representation. This requirement also conforms to ACA standards. The training plan is the basis for the annual refresher training that is conducted each year and is discussed below. New employees are required to attend a three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques program, which is considered basic training for new correctional employees and is conducted at the training academy in Glynco, GA. There is another component that is completed at the assigned institution. Annual refresher training All staff that work in Bureau facilities are required to participate in an annual 40hour in-service training program, commonly known as annual refresher training (ART). ART training is conducted and provided during the first quarter of the calendar year. The ART program is designed to comply with ACA standard 4-4084-1 relating to recommended annual training. The assessment team met with facility administrators, human resource representatives, training staff, and supervisory staff to determine the content and quality of the training programs provided. Each facility develops a curriculum that contains Bureau required core curriculum and adds content that is applicable to local training needs. The following curriculum is presented as an example of the training content for a typical Bureau facility. The curriculum offerings represent a comprehensive in-service training program that is offered in Bureau facilities with some variation depending on the site. The CNA team met with administrative, human resources, and training staff during the facility assessments. At each site, a minimum of 15 randomly selected training records were reviewed of staff assigned to the facility and a maximum of 25 records, mainly those staff assigned to work in restrictive housing units, such as the SHU, SMU, and control unit. The records revealed that ART training is a high priority in the Bureau and is conducted in the first quarter of the calendar year. With few exceptions, staff records reviewed revealed that staff completed the required training in 2013. FINDING: The Bureau’s commitment to staff training is outstanding and consistent with best practices in corrections. 165 Specialized training The assessment team examined a number of high risk and high liability areas where specialized training is offered and also recommended by the ACA to determine if Bureau training covers these important topics. Training areas chosen for review included the following: Suicide prevention. Each of the facilities assessed provided a training program on suicide prevention and recognition of the signs of suicidal behavior. Most often this training was conducted as part of Annual Refresher Training, but also was a topic of training in all of the SHU training programs offered quarterly in facilities that operate SHUs. PS 5324.08 states that supplemental training will be conducted approximately 6 months after the conclusion of institution ART. A review of selected training records indicated that the vast majority of Bureau staff receive the annual training and are familiarized (annually) in the recognition of the signs of suicidal behavior. Administration of oleo capsicum chemical agent. Oleo capsicum (OC) is a chemical irritant dispensed from aerosol containers or via projectiles to disable an inmate who is threatening or acting violent in a correctional institution. The administration of any chemical agent, such as OC is considered a use of force. There are specific manufacturer’s guidelines for the use of the chemical agent and staff need to be trained regarding the proper method to deploy, the amount to deploy, the type of reaction an inmate may have to the agent, and methods for decontamination after the use of the chemical agent. Bureau policy requires that those individuals authorized to administer chemical agents must be trained annually and also receive a quarterly refresher training. Our findings were that annual OC training is conducted at all facilities, and in a number of facilities, quarterly refresher training is mandated. Use of force. Use of force training is provided to guide staff on under what circumstances the use force may be used, levels of force allowed, and reporting procedures following use of force incidents. Each of the facilities assessed provided instruction on use of force as part of the Annual Refresher Training, as well as SHU specific training. Emergency plan training. Staff are regularly trained on an annual basis regarding emergency plans and the management of emergencies. This topic is included in the Annual Refresher Training program. Additional training in the Incident Command System is also provided as part of the ART training. Management of emergencies is also a training topic in a number of SHU training programs reviewed. Self defense. This training is provided to enhance officer safety by instructing them on self-protection against violent attacks. Self-defense training is a topic of instruction in ART at all facilities subject to our assessment. 166 Special housing unit specific training The Bureau requires that facilities that have SHUs provide a specialized curriculum of instruction for staff that work in SHUs. The requirement calls for an eight-hour program to be delivered on a quarterly basis for staff assigned to the units123. Beyond the requirement that training must be provided, no guidance is provided with regard to content or curriculum. Training content is determined locally by the facility warden and his/her staff. The assessment team inquired about this training at each facility in order to determine the content of training being provided, the length of the program, the training delivery methods, who was required to complete the training, as well as compliance with Bureau requirements and mandates. The following is a summary of that analysis. Training methodology/hours of instruction. Ten facilities were visited and assessed as part of this process. Eight of the ten facilities have a training program for staff that are assigned to the SHU that is an eight-hour program. USP Victorville, USP Hazelton, USP Florence, USP Allenwood, USP Coleman, USP Terre Haute, USP Lewisburg, and the Florence ADX all provide an eight-hour program. The delivery method and attendance requirements do vary from facility to facility. For example, at USP Victorville the warden has mandated that all staff at the facility regardless of their assignment participate in the quarterly training. Records reviewed indicated that over 300 staff have been provided with this training during the past year. The program is an eight-hour course of instruction provided in a classroom setting. Similarly, an eight-hour classroom session is provided quarterly at USP Hazelton, USP Florence, USP Terre Haute, USP Coleman, USP Lewisburg, and the ADX for staff assigned to the SHU as a regular assignment or on a temporary basis. An alternative method of delivering the required training is provided at USP Allenwood, where no classroom instruction is provided, but the SHU lieutenant has created a training binder with written content that staff assigned to the SHU must review each quarter of the year. The lieutenant indicated he verifies that staff review the content by questioning them on various aspects of the training and has the staff sign a training log that indicates they have reviewed the material. The Bureau reported that in November 2014, a standardized SHU Training lesson plan and slide show were completed. SHU staff will be required to participate in this training four hours per quarter. Additionally, a CENTRA training for captains regarding the presentation of this training is being routed for approval. 123 167 At USP Hazelton, the quarterly SHU training is offered only three quarters of the year. During the first quarter of the calendar year, because Annual Refresher Training is taking place, there is no SHU training. The captain explained that at this facility there is no requirement for SHU training during the first quarter, and ART participation satisfies the SHU training requirement for that quarter. The SHU training at USP Tucson and FCI Butner consists of a four-hour block of training provided on a quarterly basis for SHU staff as it is the policy at those facilities that SHU training consists of a four-hour program. Level of staff participation. At USP Victorville, over 300 staff received the required training in the past year. At a number of the facilities, records indicated that the majority of staff assigned to work in the SHU received the SHU training. There were instances where staff who were assigned to SHU per the roster did not receive the training when it was offered during the quarter. This was especially true for those staff assigned as sick and annual leave replacements for staff who are regularly assigned SHU employees. The only facility where 100 percent of the staff assigned to the SHU participated in the training was at USP Allenwood, where the training was not conducted in a classroom setting. At USP Victorville, the strategy of training all staff ensures that staff assigned to work in the SHU either on a permanent or temporary assignment are trained. In each of the other facilities, there were staff assigned to work in the SHU at various times that did not complete the training program. The frequency of the training (quarterly) and the significant number of staff who may work in the SHU one or two days a week, or in some cases, less frequently makes it challenging to achieve 100 percent compliance with the training requirement. This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that staff bid their posts on the basis of seniority quarterly, which can result in high turnover in the SHUs every three months, creating a new cohort of personnel that need to be trained four times per year. Special housing unit training curriculum Based upon staff interviews, there is no standardized curriculum for the SHU training. It was determined that the SHU training content varies from facility to facility. However, there appear to be similarities in the training content provided with respect to inmate management and security procedures. Examples of the training content found in the various training programs are noted below. USP Hazelton: Hunger Strike Management; SHU Strategies; Prison Rape Elimination Act; and Suicide Prevention. USP Allenwood: Use of Batons; Searches; Supervision of ; Cell rotation (21 days); Meal Service; Completing 292 Forms; Inmate Movement; Levels of 168 Supervision; Food Slot Operations; Food Trays; Recreation; Privileges; Cell Assignments; and Use of Force. FCI Butner: Application of Restraints; Suicide Risk Assessment and Prevention; Conducting Rounds; Searches; and Emergency Response. USP Coleman: Application of Restraints; Use of Batons; Inmate Discipline; Sanitation; Searches; Razor Procedure; Key Control; Cell Rotation(21 days); Completing 292 Forms; Food Service; Suicide Prevention; Inmate Supervision; Recreation; Privileges; Escorts; Programs; and Unit Evacuation. USP Terre Haute: Use of Force; Suicide Prevention; Prison Rape Elimination Act; SHU Operations (includes Escorts, Law Library, Haircuts, Recreation, Safety and Security). ADX: Use of Force; Interpersonal Communications; Conducting Rounds: Meal Service; Searches; Psychology/Suicide Prevention; Admissions and Releases; Escorts; and Searches. In the six examples provided, close attention is paid to unit operating procedures, proper record-keeping (BP-292 Forms, which note if inmates accepted meals, participated in recreation etc.), inmate escort and supervision practices, use of force, suicide prevention and recognition of signs of suicidal behavior, privileges and security procedures. Staff training observations The Bureau is heavily invested in both in-service training and preparing staff to carry out their duties efficiently and effectively. On an annual basis, a training plan is developed consistent with the requirements of Employee Development Manual, which is also in accordance with ACA standards previously referenced. From the training plan, a national curriculum is developed for the coming year’s Annual Refresher Training. The training curriculum includes all topics recommended by the ACA, including those high-risk areas that are addressed in the standards, where training is recommended. The Bureau also adds content to address identified training needs. During the first quarter of each calendar year, staff are scheduled to participate in ART training at each site and, as noted, the vast majority of personnel complete the training during the first quarter of the calendar year. This includes all staff assigned to the facility, such as correctional officers, supervisors, unit management, professional and support staff. The amount of training provided and the number of staff receiving ART training is impressive and, as previously stated, is a best practice. Many other correctional agencies are unable to provide this level of training, either for budgetary reasons or logistical reasons that can not be overcome. The Bureau is 169 seems to be deeply committed to the annual training and makes it a high priority mandate that all facility leaders must and do adhere to. FINDING: The training curriculum used by Bureau facilities is consistent with best practices, providing a range of topics that meet industry standards and ACA standards. High liability training areas, such as the use of force (to include OC training), providing first aid/medical attention, security procedures, emergency procedures, sexual misconduct, inmate mental health issues and suicide prevention are training topics addressed. The SHU training is also provided at each of the sites the assessment team reviewed. There are inconsistencies on how the SHU training is conducted, as some sites train four hours per quarter while others eight hours per quarter. The majority of the facilities provide classroom instruction and one facility requires staff to read a binder that contains training content outside of the classroom. Inconsistency was also found with the mandatory nature of the training, as the majority of the facilities were unable to train 100 percent of those staff assigned to work in the SHUs. USP Victorville, however, exceeded Bureau standards by training all staff, regardless of whether they were assigned to a SHU post or not. It is difficult to train all staff members that work in the unit on a quarterly basis, especially those who are temporarily assigned to fill a post to backfill for a regular SHU officer that is absent on a particular day. The quarterly rotation of staff resulting in turnover also contributes to the problem of ensuring SHU staff receive the training. FINDING: SHU training is not consistent throughout the Bureau in terms of delivery, content, hours of instruction, schedule, and mandatory attendance. Security systems and practices This section of the report addresses Bureau security systems and practices as described in policy and procedures, as well as observed during the assessment process at facilities reviewed. Team observations contributed to the summary and findings, as well as numerous documents that were also reviewed during the assessment process. The report does not document any practices or procedures that were observed by the project team that if reported would compromise the safety and security of the institutions. The following documents were reviewed during the assessment process and contributed to this section of the report. Statutory requirements 170 Bureau program statements relating to control units #5212.07, dated 2/20/2001; special housing units #5290.10, dated 7/29/2011; special management units #P5217.01, dated 11/19/2008, and use of force and application of restraints #P5566.06, dated 11/30/2005 Correctional officer post orders124 Bureau performance review reports American Correctional Association standards125 Bureau Operations Memorandum 004-2013 (5500) Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Aerosol Spray Pilot Program Bureau Memorandum, Conducting 30 minute Checks, authored by Assistant Director for the Correctional Programs Division, April 26, 2012 On-site observations of operational practices Staff interviews Inmate interviews Physical plant characteristics The physical plants of the Bureau segregated units are typically cellblock style units with a controlled entry point from a sally port126 leading from a main corridor into Post Orders are detailed descriptions of the duties and responsibilities of a correctional officer. They include the schedule of daily events and activities, as well as procedural requirements that an officer must comply with. Post Orders often include excerpts from policies and procedures that an officer must be familiar with. It is required that an officer review their post orders on a periodic basis, usually when they assume a new post, and sign and date the post order signature sheet. 124 The American Correctional Association (ACA) is a nationally recognized private, nonprofit organization whose mission includes the development and promotion of effective standards for the care, custody, training, and treatment of offenders. As part of its accreditation process, a visiting committee of ACA auditors audits the correctional facility against standards and expected practices documentation and evaluates the quality of life or conditions of confinement. An acceptable quality of life rating is necessary for a facility to be eligible for accreditation. The quality of life in a facility includes cell size and time inmates spend outside the cells, adequacy of medical services, offender programs, recreation, food service, sanitation, use of segregation, crowding, and reported and/or documentation of incidents of violence. 125 126 A sally port is a secure, controlled entryway in a correctional facility, which normally includes the use of two doors to control access to an area. Sally port doors are not opened at 171 the unit. The majority of the units viewed are linear style, with cells located on either side of the cellblock corridor. The cellblock area is protected by a “range” gate that leads from the cellblock common area, usually near the control room. Access through the range gate is carefully controlled by an officer, who controls entry into the cellblock area. At the opposite end of the corridor, there is typically an emergency exit as a secondary means of egress for fire evacuation purposes. All cells viewed were of solid steel construction with a tamper resistant security glazing vision panel to allow visibility inside the cell. All cells in SHU and SMU housing are occupied by two inmates, except security cells used to monitor inmates that require close monitoring due to security or mental health issues. All the cells at the ADX have one bunk and are occupied by one inmate. Each cell door is also equipped with a small panel that can be unlocked by the correctional officer to deliver food (also known as the “food slot”) that serves as a protected method of handcuffing inmates before the cell door is opened. The cells themselves are equipped with sleeping bunks, which are secured 12 inches off the floor, one on top of another; a toilet/sink combination unit; one or two shelves; a writing surface; one or two seats, property storage units; and, in many cases with the exception of the older facilities, a shower unit inside the cell. In the older units, showers are located at one end of the range and inmates must be escorted from their cells to the showers, one at a time. Most of the cellblocks viewed have cameras installed at either end of the range to record inmate and staff movement, with footage digitally recorded. Each unit has at least one cell that is of a modified design to house disruptive inmates and/or suicidal inmates that need to be controlled more closely. These cells often have a secure bunk constructed of concrete or steel and have the capability of securing inmates to the bunk with restraints if they are violent or a significant threat to security. These cells were positioned in the unit in such a way to allow for close staff observation of the inmate. Suicide Watch cells are not ordinarily contained in the physical plan of the restrictive housing unit. Rather, per policy they are generally located in the Health Services area or another similarly private location. A policy waiver is required in order for a Suicide Watch cell to be placed in SHU. Inmate recreation is conducted in secure recreation areas constructed of chain-link or expanded metal. Inmates recreate either one at a time or in small groups. Entry into the recreation areas is through a locked gate, equipped with a handcuff port to allow an officer to secure the inmate in handcuffs before opening the gate. the same time so the control officer can control entry and prevent someone from breeching the inner door. 172 The common area is located between the unit entrance door and the cellblock area. It typically consists of a control room or officer station, holding cells, interview rooms, staff offices, multipurpose rooms, storage areas and a room where inmates can access computerized law library materials. The multipurpose rooms are used for interviews, barbering services, and programming, where appropriate. Patrol requirements In April 2012, the assistant director for the Correctional Programs Division issued a memorandum, which requires correctional staff that work in SHUs to observe all inmates confined in continuous lockdown status, such as administrative detention or disciplinary segregation every 30 minutes on an irregular schedule, but with rounds that are not to take place less than 40 minutes apart. These observations are documented in a logbook maintained for that purpose. The purpose of these observations is to ensure that inmate activity is carefully supervised and the health/mental health of each inmate is monitored. This practice was observed at all facilities assessed. The Post Orders of SHU staff included a description of this requirement and it is a mandated practice throughout the assessed facilities. The 30-minute rounds are documented by the officer conducting the rounds and the logbook containing this information is reviewed and signed off by a supervisor at the end of the shift. The April 2012 memorandum and the practice of observing inmates in SHU every 30 minutes complies with the ACA standard. The standard also provides guidance in the management of violent, mentally disordered inmates, or suicidal inmates. Bureau officials at each site assessed have an established practice of removing suicidal inmates and placing them in a cell specially designed to provide for direct observation of inmates that are at risk. Bureau either assigns an inmate companion127 or staff member to directly observe the inmate in crisis and keep an ongoing log of the inmate’s activity and movements. Bureau policy128 and post orders also require that a lieutenant, typically the SHU/SMU lieutenant if on duty, must visit the unit and conduct a tour of the cellblock area once per shift. This practice ensures that supervisory staff are conducting inmate wellness checks and verifying that line staff are following approved procedures. Inmate companions are trained to provide direct observation of inmates housed in suicide resistant cells. The companions receive special training from the Bureau staff and also keep a log of the inmate's activity while being observed on suicide watch status. 127 Program Statement 5290.10, Special Housing Units, dated August 1, 2011, Section 12 (m) Staff Monitoring. 128 173 Patrol requirements observations. The assessment team found a meticulous level of compliance with the monitoring and supervisor tour requirement as 30 minute logs are typically up-to-date and entries are initialed by the recording officer and subsequently reviewed by a supervising officer, who also signs the document. Lieutenant rounds also take place each shift, as required. We would estimate a better than 95 percent compliance rate with these log entries, and found few cases where staff failed to make an entry or write their initials. There certainly were cases where noncompliance was detected, but these were anomalies. The log entry sheets are archived and maintained for future reference. FINDING: The observation of inmates in special housing and those that are being monitored as having suicidal tendencies in specially designed cells under direct supervision is consistent with best practices and in compliance with ACA standards. Inmate movement practices All inmates residing in SHUs, regardless of the reason for that placement, are transported in restraints whenever they leave their cells. Post orders require that an inmate be handcuffed from behind through the food slot before the cell door is opened to remove the inmate. In cases where there are two inmates residing in a cell, both inmates must be handcuffed before the cell door is opened. In these cases, two officers are present when the cell door is opened. The inmate may be transported by a single officer, once the cell door is closed and the second inmate is secured. Special circumstances may require a second officer be present at all times during an escort. For example, the handcuffing procedure at USP Lewisburg requires that the inmate be restrained from behind utilizing hand restraints, with palms up and thumbs out. The handcuffs are double locked, which helps prevent the inmate from tampering with the handcuffs. Inmates are also scanned with a hand-held metal detector and pat searched prior to any movement taking place. The double locking of handcuffs is not a universal practice throughout the Bureau for internal inmate movement, except when the inmate is being transported outside of the unit. A device, known as the “black box” (a cover for the handcuff key slot that prevents an inmate from tampering with the key slot) is often used for transportation outside of the facility, or if the inmate poses a substantial risk to security. Internal movement of inmates mostly takes place when the inmate is being moved to recreation, unit showers, law library, or for staff interviews. Movement within the unit is recorded when the inmate is transported to the law library, recreation, and to receive a haircut. Movement out of cell for interviews for example, is not recorded. Movement outside of the unit is noted in the unit log. 174 Special movement circumstances. In cases where staff safety dictates that inmates need more supervision than described above, additional precautions can be taken. These include the following: Two-man hold: The two-man hold is one method utilized by the Bureau. The two-man hold requires that two staff be present the entire time the inmate is out of his cell or secure area. This requires one staff member will remain in direct physical contact with the inmate at all times and both staff members are directly responsible for the control of the inmate. Three-man hold: Again, in cases where staff safety is a concern, the supervising officer may require that three staff be present the entire time the inmate is out of his cell or secure area. In a three-man hold situation, two staff members remain in direct physical contact with the inmate at all times, and all three staff are directly responsible for the control of the inmate. Lieutenant hold: The lieutenant hold technique calls for a lieutenant to be present the entire time the inmate is out of the cell and the lieutenant is required to provide supervisory oversight during the inmate movement. Other hold: In circumstances where an additional security is needed, staff may be required to wear protective gear and additional personnel may be dispatched to supervise inmate movement. Program Statement P5566.06 Use of Force and Application of Restraints, dated November 30, 2005 also allows for “…staff to place an inmate temporarily in restraints to prevent an inmate from hurting self, staff, or others, and/or to prevent serious property damage. When the temporary application of restraints is determined necessary, and after staff have gained control of the inmate, the warden or designee is to be notified immediately on whether use of restraints should continue.” The policy states that restraints should only be used when other effective means of control had failed, or are impractical, and that restraints can remain on the inmate until self-control is regained. Special management and control unit movement practices. Inmates residing in SMU programs at Level 1 and Level 2 are subject to restrictive movement as described above. As inmates are moved to Level 3 and Level 4, they earn additional privileges and are allowed to participate in small group congregate activity unrestrained. However, movement outside of the unit to medical and other locations, are conducted while the inmate is in restraints. Inmates housed in the ADX are subject to restraint conditions consistent with the conditions noted above for SHU inmates, except two officer escorts are the norm. Movement outside the unit requires utilization of the Martin chain, handcuffs 175 attached to the chain, with a black box covering handcuffs. Additional protective equipment is provided at the ADX for officer safety and to better control the inmate population, such as rapid rotation batons in defensive position. Progressive and ambulatory restraints. Program Statement 5566.06, Use of Force and Application of Restraints allows for the placement of inmates in restrictive and secure restraints to control behavior and protect staff and property. Use of ambulatory restraints is authorized when the inmate is acting aggressively and/or lacks selfcontrol. This is allowed until the inmate establishes a pattern of self-control and is no longer acting out. The policy refers to this as a “pattern of nondisruptive behavior over a period of time.” The placement of inmates in four-point restraints is authorized per policy when placement is “the only means available to obtain and maintain control over an inmate.” Each of these procedures requires regular observation of the inmate, examinations by medical personnel, regular reporting of activity, and review as to whether the placement in restraints is still necessary. The assessment team did not have an opportunity to review this process in great detail; however, our use of force analysis did include cases where inmates were placed in ambulatory and/or four-point restraints. ACA Standard 4-4190 regarding the use of restraints reads: “Written policy, procedure, and practice provide that instruments of restraint, such as handcuffs, irons, and straitjackets, are never applied as punishment and are applied only with the approval of the warden/superintendent or designee.” ACA Standard 4-4191 regarding restraints reads: “Written policy, procedure, and practice provide that the unit is placed in a four/five point restraint (arms, head and legs secured), advanced approval must be obtained from the warden/superintendent or designee. Subsequently, the health authority or designee must be notified to assess the inmate’s medical and mental health condition, and to advise whether, on the basis of serious danger to self or others, the inmate should be placed in a medical/mental health unit for emergency and involuntary treatment with sedation and/or other medical management, as appropriate. If the offender is not transferred to a medical/mental health unit and is restrained in a four/five point position, the following minimum procedures will be followed: Direct visual observation by staff must be continuous prior to obtaining approval from the health authority or designee; Subsequent visual observation must be made at least every 15 minutes; and, 176 Restraint procedures are in accordance with guidelines endorsed by the designated health authority.” Inmate movement practices/observations. Assessment of off-site transportation was beyond the scope of this review. However, the team did examine internal inmate movement, the use of restraints to safely facilitate inmate movement, and post orders that guide and direct officers in the performance of their duties. In visiting the selected facilities, there was only one instance observed where a staff member was observed opening a cell door without having two officers present, in apparent violation of operational procedures. This was at the female facility at USP Hazelton and staffing levels in that SHU may have contributed to this violation, as there were few officers available to conduct the movements. Otherwise, our observations found that Bureau staff and supervisors carry out their duties consistent with the post orders and in compliance with movement procedures as described above. Across the board, post orders are well drafted documents that include comprehensive content that act as a guide to ensure staff perform in accordance with procedures. Procedures and policy for the use of restraints describe the use of restraints as a method to control inmates and not to administer punishment. Bureau policy is in compliance with ACA standard 4-4190, which states restraints shall not be used as punishment. In the Use of Force section of this report, inmates interviewed at one facility claimed that the application of ambulatory restraints is managed improperly as the restraints are at times applied tightly, and cause minor injury to wrists. This assessment was unable to verify or confirm this alleged practice, but it should be reviewed to determine if there is any validity to the claim. A review of Program Statement P5566.06, Use of Force and Application of Restraints describes procedures for the use of four-point restraints. This policy is in compliance with ACA standard 4-4191. However, the assessment team did not examine in detail situations where four-point restraints were utilized as part of this study as no cases where four-point restraints were applied were taking place during the site visits. The policy does require that inmates be checked every 15 minutes and that qualified health personnel evaluate the inmate and ensure that the placement is appropriate. Subsequently, a lieutenant is charged with reviewing the placement in four-point restraints to determine if a period of calming effect has occurred, which will allow staff to remove the inmate from four-point restraints. Extensive reporting requirements are also outlined in the policy. 177 Impact of gang issues and separation practices One of the most difficult security issues facing the Bureau staff is the management of gang activity of the various gangs in the system. As is the case in many state correctional facilities, this issue plagues the general population of the Bureau’s USPs, which carries over to its segregated units. This assessment revealed that it is common practice for inmates in the USPs to associate themselves with a particular gang or what is termed “cars.” A car is a group of inmates who develop a close association as protection against other established inmate groups, such as gangs. The prevalence of inmate grouping and gangs places pressure on administrators to carefully place inmates in housing units throughout the agency, as placement of a gang member in a cellblock housing a high concentration of rival gang members can result in violence. In the case of the SHUs, administrators and staff exercise caution when making bed placements, as certain gang members cannot be housed with one another or violence will likely ensue. Given that all of the SHUs are double celled, an evaluation of each inmate’s record and associations has to be conducted by SHU and unit management staff prior to cell assignment. The SHU situation is complicated by the fact that a high percentage of inmates residing in SHUs have requested protection from other inmates, often due to gang related issues. Many inmates in the system have what is termed as “separatees.” A separatee is an inmate, who due to safety and security concerns cannot be placed in housing units with other specific individuals. As noted in chapter 3, the number of inmates that have separatee issues is significant and impacts inmate management in the agency. For example, the warden at USP Lewisburg advised the assessment team that of 748 inmates at that facility, 334 had separatee issues.129 Some inmates had as many as 14 separatees. Keeping in mind that these inmates cannot congregate with one another, bed management in the general population and in restrictive housing units is very complicated. In the SMU at USP Allenwood, where inmates in Level 3Three and 4 Level 4 are allowed to congregate, the lieutenants and unit management staff have to carefully place inmates according to their gang or group designation. For example, on one unit of the Allenwood SMU, one range can only house Caucasian inmates, Southern California Mexican Mafia, or African-American inmates. On another range, Southern 129 Interview briefing with Warden on January 21, 2014. 178 California Mexican Mafia, Caucasian protective custody and African-American inmates are housed. On yet another range, Texas Mexican Mafia, inmates from the District of Columbia, and nonaffiliated African-American inmates are housed; and on Range 4 Latin King, NETA, Northeast region inmates, and Caucasian Cars are housed. Staff indicated that the mixing of rival groups in the same housing unit can affect the security of the unit. This unit allows congregate group activity and only one range at a time is allowed out for recreation. The mixing of ranges is such a concern that the keys to the nonrecreating range are kept outside the unit to ensure that the nonrecreating range doesn’t mix with the range that is out on recreation.130 The issue of gang separation and taking a cautious approach with inmate housing to prevent violence, is less of a concern at the ADX because most of the recreation is in individualized areas and there is no double bunking of inmates. It does, however, become a concern when congregate activity takes place in the step-down unit, where limited congregate activity is allowed. Special Investigative Service. The Bureau assigns personnel at each USP and FCI the team visited to investigate criminal activity and gather intelligence to aid in the safe operation of the correctional facilities. The SIS investigates separatee issues and validates inmate protective custody requests. One of their most critical responsibilities is gathering gang intelligence to assist facility supervisors in managing the inmate population. SIS personnel also investigate and validate inmate gang membership and keep ongoing records of gang membership, as well as determining who the gang leaders are. The SIS performs a valuable security function to aid in the management of the inmate population that has a heavy concentration of gang and car membership, all of which complicates inmate management and placement practices. The gang issue in the USPs that was assessed impacts the management of the SHU as it creates separatee issues and likely increases the number of inmates requesting protective custody. This, in turn, results in these inmates being housed in restrictive housing. This was confirmed through interviews with staff and inmates who indicated that many of the segregated inmates were unable to live in general population because of the influence, harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence from members of gangs and cars in the facilities. FINDING: Difficulties in the management of the gang problem exacerbates the protective custody problem, thus causing a high incidence of inmates leaving general population by their own request and being placed in segregation units, after being threatened in general population. 130 Interview with Lieutenants on March 4, 2014. 179 Post orders Post Orders are detailed descriptions of the duties and responsibilities of a correctional officer. They include the schedule of daily events and activities, as well as procedural requirements that an officer must adhere to. Post Orders often include excerpts from policies and procedures that an officer must be familiar with to assist them in performing their duties. It is required that an officer review their post orders on a periodic basis, usually when they assume a new post, and sign and date the post order signature sheet. ACA Standard 4-4178 requires that there be written orders for every correctional officer post and that the orders should be reviewed annually and updated if necessary. ACA standard 4-4179 requires that policy, procedure, and practice provide for personnel to read the appropriate post order each time they assume a new post and sign and date the post order. Post orders were provided to the assessment team at each site for all posts in SHU, SMU, and at the various programs at the ADX. The post orders, as a general rule, include numerous procedures and instructions on important topics, which assist correctional officers in performing their jobs. The content of post orders, which are relatively consistent from one facility to another, reflects that a high priority is placed on utilizing post orders to provide procedural and job performance guidance to correctional staff. The post orders reviewed address the majority of the areas of security procedure that a correctional officer needs to be familiar with in the performance of their duties. Compliance with ACA standards is noted and each of the facilities visited had passed an accreditation audit within the past three years, and the above-referenced Post Order ACA standards were also complied with. FINDING: Bureau post orders are extremely comprehensive documents that meet national standard requirements and are considered a best practice. The Bureau utilizes post orders as working documents to guide the job performance of correctional staff. Use of force and critical incidents The focus of this section of the report addresses the project team’s findings regarding the use of force and critical incidents within the Bureau’s restrictive housing units. An assessment of the Bureau policies, operational practices and compliance levels were examined throughout the review process. 180 According to federal regulations and associated program statements, the Bureau of Prisons can authorize staff to use force only as a last alternative after all other reasonable efforts to resolve a situation have failed. When authorized, staff must use only that amount of force necessary to gain control of the inmate, to protect and ensure the safety of inmates, staff, and others, to prevent serious property damage and to ensure institution security and good order. Based on our review there was no supported evidence presented that policy or routine staff practice included operating outside the federal regulations. Program statements and facility supplemental statements (referred to as Institutional Supplements) related to the use of force in restrictive housing have all been developed in line with the requirements identified in the federal regulations. In addition to the regulatory requirements the Bureau program statements and facility supplemental statements also identify policies, procedures and objectives regarding when the use of force can be authorized, the type of force to be used, required documentation, the review process and staff training. For the most part, the Bureau’s program statements serve as core documents personnel use to reference the appropriate procedures to follow when applying restraints, when being involved in a critical incident, or when involved in a use of force incident. At each facility visited, the project team reviewed multiple Use of Force incident reports, associated documents, inmate files, staff training files and videos of incidents that occurred. At several of the facilities team members were also present to observe after action reviews conducted by the facility management team. The After Action Review team by Bureau policy consists of the warden, associate warden, captain and health services administrator or designee. The team is responsible in part for reviewing all use of force incidents at the facility. FINDING: The Bureau has established a comprehensive and extensive program statement that clearly identifies the step-by-step requirements associated with managing potential use of force and critical incidents consistent with nationally recognized standards. The Bureau’s Program Statement 5566.06 requires that a report be prepared by staff on all incidents involving the use of force, chemical agents, progressive restraints, and nonlethal weaponry. The report must describe the incident, establish the identity of all individuals involved and include appropriate mental health/medical reports. These reports must be submitted to the warden or his/her designee no later than the end of the tour of duty. The program statement further requires that use of force incidents be videotaped if time and circumstances permit. All calculated use of force incidents should be videotaped. All the required documentation that has been prepared is reviewed for completeness and maintained by the facility captain or deputy captain and becomes available for subsequent reviews including the required after action review. By policy, the after 181 action review team consists of the warden, associate warden, captain and health services administrator or designee. The warden must provide the appropriate documentation to the regional director within two days after the inmate has been released from restraints. Based upon a review of documentation and information provided, the assessment team found that generally appropriate procedures consistent with policy are routinely being followed. In cases where deficiencies are noted, corrective action is applied. In the project team’s review of documentation and video footage, there were deficiencies noted. Some of the deficiencies included: equipment failure, (video camera battery goes out), lack of proper staff identification, inappropriate application of restraints, and submittal of incomplete documentation. These were all considered deficiencies that required corrective action – however, these instances were considered the exception to practice rather than the norm. In each case, corrective action steps were initiated by management personnel. An overall review of these reports did not reveal any consistent issues with meeting the reporting requirements. Types of force The Bureau’s applicable Program Statement (P5566.06) and associated federal regulation (28 CFR 552.21) identify the primary types of force: Immediate Use of Force; Calculated Use of Force and/or Application of Restraints; Use of Force Team Technique. The following descriptions as provided in the federal regulations and program statement identify when each type of force may be considered appropriate. Immediate use of force. Staff may immediately use force and/or apply restraints when the behavior constitutes an immediate, serious threat to the inmate, staff, others, property, or to institution security and good order. Calculated use of force and/or application of restraint. This occurs in situations where an inmate is in an area that can be isolated (e.g., a locked cell, a range, recreation yard) and where there is no immediate, direct threat to the inmate or others. When there is time for the calculated use of force or application of restraints, staff must first determine if the situation can be resolved without resorting to force. Use of force team technique. If use of force is determined to be necessary, and other means of gaining control of an inmate are deemed inappropriate or ineffective, then the Use of Force Team Technique shall be used to control the inmate and to apply soft restraints, to include ambulatory leg restraints. The Use of Force Team Technique ordinarily involves trained staff, clothed in protective gear, who enter the inmate’s area in tandem, each with a coordinated responsibility for helping achieve immediate control of the inmate. 182 Any exception to this rule is prohibited, except where the facts and circumstances known to the staff member would warrant a person using sound correctional judgment to reasonably believe other action is necessary (as a last resort) to prevent serious physical injury, or serious property damage which would immediately endanger the safety of staff, inmates, or others. A review of the use of force incidents revealed that the majority of incidents involved the application of physical restraints (use of hand restraints). The policy on the application of restraints does not restrict the use of restraints in situations requiring precautionary restraints, particularly in the movement or transfer of inmates (e.g., the use of handcuffs in moving inmates to and from a cell in detention, escorting an inmate to an SHU, pending investigation). Staff routinely place inmates in restraints when moving the inmate to and from a cell/recreation/shower in most segregation units. This is a recognized practice that is consistent with national standards, with the exception of applying restraints for verified protective custody inmates. Most agencies have separate internal movement procedures for inmates verified as requiring protection which does not require the application of physical restraints each time the inmate is moved out of their cell. Inmates assigned to the SMU program in Level 3 and 4 or for inmates in the Transitional and Pre-Transfer steps of the ADX–general population and Step-Down Program are routinely moved outside the cell however within the unit without restraints. In addition to the established routine movement procedures, personnel are also authorized by policy to apply physical restraints necessary to gain control of an inmate who appears to be dangerous for one of the following reasons: Assaulted another individual. Destroyed government property. Attempted suicide. Inflicted injury upon self. Becomes violent or displays signs of imminent violence. This is consistent with national standards. In reviewing incident reports the use of ambulatory restraints was normally the result of staff attempting to control escalating inmate disruptive behavior or to prevent inmate self-injury. It was noted that a number of force incidents applied by staff were related to either resolving conflicts between cell mates, inmates refusing to submit to being restrained before movement or during a recreation incident. Overall, based on observation, video and document review, staff appeared to routinely follow established policy. Use of chemical agents. In some circumstances, the use of chemical agents may be required. By policy the use of chemical agents is used only after approval and a 183 review of the inmate’s medical file, unless such a delay would endanger the safety of the inmate, other inmates, staff and the community or result in severe property damage or escape. Only staff that have been trained in confrontation avoidance, use of force team technique and use of chemical agents are authorized to apply chemical agents. A review of incident reports revealed that the use of force incidents resulting in chemical agents being used primarily fell into one of three categories: 1. To gain control of inmates fighting or participating in assaults on the recreation yard. As many as six inmates can be placed in one recreation yard depending on the size of the yard. A pre-screening is normally conducted by staff prior to placement on a specific yard however the recreation period appeared to be a time when many of the reported assaults/fighting took place. A review of videotapes of incidents related to recreation revealed staff normally responded in a timely manner, ordered inmates to cease, followed protocol and if necessary administered chemical agent from hand-held canisters and/or a pepper ball launcher to gain control over the situation. 2. A second category in which the use of force and the application of chemical agents appeared to occur was when two cellmates were fighting in the cell and ceased to stop after several direct orders. A pre-screening is conducted prior to housing two inmates together, however staff report that occasionally fights between cell mates occur and they fail to stop after several direct orders. 3. A third type of use of force case that often involves the use of chemical agents occurs when an inmate is unwilling to have restraints applied in order to be removed from the cell/shower/recreation yard, and staff must respond to gain control over the inmate(s). If conflict avoidance techniques do not work, then a five-man team is assembled wearing protective gear, the inmate is provided repeated direct orders to comply with the application of restraints and the inmate continues to refuse. Chemical agent is occasionally applied to gain control over the inmate’s extremities in order to apply the restraints. If the chemical agent is unsuccessful and the inmate remains noncompliant, this may result in the five-member team entering the area and gaining control over the inmate applying force to contain the inmate(s). Based on a review of documentation and available video operational practices appear to be consistent with policy. Overall, the requirement for staff to follow the step-by-step procedures seems to be a part of routine practices and the application of confrontational avoidance techniques is an established part of the use of force protocol. 184 Chemical agent use (oleoresin capsicum). In 2013, Bureau Director Charles E. Samuels, Jr. issued Operations Memorandum # 004-2013 (5500), authorizing the use of oleoresin capsicum (OC), an aerosol chemical agent pepper spray for use by authorized personnel to incapacitate or disable disruptive, assaultive, or armed inmates posing a threat to the safety of others or to institution security and good order. The OC product is designed primarily for an immediate use of force or a calculated use of force, where an inmate needs to be brought under control to avoid injuries to others. OC is particularly effective in disabling assaultive inmates without causing significant or long-term injury to the inmate. This less than lethal technology has become widely used in corrections to prevent violence, control disruptive inmates, and avoid staff injury. The Bureau memorandum directs that only trained staff shall use OC and detailed reporting requirements follow the use of OC, consistent with the Use of Force and Application of Restraints policy referenced above. The Bureau memorandum also identifies which staff members occupying certain posts are authorized to carry the OC aerosol dispenser and that Post Orders be revised providing specific instructions and direction for the use of OC. It is also required that instructions be consistent with the Use of Force and Application of Restraints policy. To ensure consistent application in compliance with the memorandum, post orders are required to be submitted to the regional correctional services administrator for signature and approval. The memorandum and policy outlines requirements for decontamination of the inmate and area where OC has been applied. Typically, fresh air and rinsing with water will reduce the effects of the chemical agent. Policy dictates that decontamination take place approximately 15 minutes after application of OC. Additional procedures are outlined in the document and in post orders at each facility where the use of OC is authorized. OC training is emphasized in the Bureau memorandum, which requires that staff be thoroughly trained in the use of OC, decontamination procedures, and reporting procedures. Each officer authorized to carry OC must receive a four-hour block of training, as well as a quarterly re-familiarization training. The facility captain is responsible to maintain records of training and personnel authorized to carry OC. ACA Standard 4-4199, reads: “Written policy and procedure govern the availability, control, and use of chemical agents, electrical disablers, and related security devices and specify the level of authority required for their access and use. Chemical agents and electrical disablers are used only with the authorization of the warden/superintendent or designee.” A review of the policy documents and practices observed found overall compliance with ACA standards. 185 The assessment team had occasion to review post orders at the facilities visited and found that post order special instructions are contained in those post orders that are considered “OC Carry” posts. Post order special instructions are thorough and consistent with the Operations Memorandum issued by Director Samuels. These procedures outline the allowed use of OC, which posts may use or carry OC, the purpose for using the product, reporting procedures, decontamination procedures and training requirements. Spot checks were conducted at each facility and initial training was taking place and quarterly refresher training was also occurring at most sites. For example at the ADX, the captain delegates the quarterly refresher training to a lieutenant at that facility. The lieutenant ensures that OC authorized staff review a PowerPoint presentation and sign a log, which indicates they had completed the training. That document is forwarded to the regional office for review by regional staff. Each site handles the quarterly training differently, however the assessment team’s spot checks revealed that some form of quarterly training was taking place at all sites. The application of OC chemical agent constitutes a use of force when used on an inmate. Use of force cases are analyzed as a separate section of this report. With regard to the procedures and training concerning the administration of the OC program, the assessment team found overall compliance with the policy. We did view cases where OC was dispensed on inmates either through the use of the aerosol spray or from a pepper ball launcher. The video recordings of the use of force cases we reviewed did not reveal any abuse with respect to OC use. Calculated use of force. This type of force occurs in situations where an inmate is in an area that can be isolated (e.g., a locked cell, a range) and there is no immediate, direct threat to the inmate or others. When there is time for the calculated use of force, staff must first determine if the situation can be resolved without resorting to force. All of the calculated use of force incidents reviewed by the project team were due to inmates refusing to obey orders. Overall in most instances the inmate complied with the verbal order of the team leader without further resistance; in these cases the reported use of force consisted of putting an inmate in restraints and removing him from the cell/recreation yard/shower. In another few instances where inmate(s) continued to refuse the orders, the team had to enter the cell and force was used. A review of documentation and videos revealed that occasionally inmates would repeatedly refuse to “cuff up” after one of them had broken a sprinkler head in the cell; chemical agent was authorized but not deployed and the inmates were subdued and seen by medical personal for examination of any injuries. The videos were reviewed and the level of force used appeared appropriate. 186 The project team reviewed several videos at each facility to observe operational practices and to ensure there were efforts made by staff to de-escalate and achieve compliance before any force was used. In most cases staff followed standard procedures. In cases where procedures were not followed facility management personnel, the after action review team or regional team ensured corrective action would be applied. Use of force observations The code of federal regulations clearly identifies the requirements as to when force can be applied. The regulations authorize the Bureau to use force only as a last alternative after all other reasonable efforts have failed. Programs Statements, facility supplemental statements and staff training are aligned with the federal regulations and are used by staff to clearly identify policy, procedures and expected practices. Based on the project team’s review there was no indication that there is an ongoing practice by management to operate outside the federal regulations or program statements. The project team did review documentation from isolated incidents where an individual staff member may not have followed policy and corrective action was taken. The program statement includes the requirements for an extensive review process including several layers of management review to ensure incidents involving the use of force are examined by multiple staff. These requirements appeared to be met on a regular basis. The project team reviewed over one hundred incident reports, policies were examined, videos were assessed and both staff and inmates were interviewed. As noted above, one concern was expressed by some inmates at USP Lewisburg or inmates who had previously been at USP Lewisburg. Several inmates referenced the operational practice of some staff to apply restraints in a manner inconsistent with policy. This practice was described as applying the restraints excessively tight often times after a previous incident. Use of force at USP Lewisburg As indicated above, our review of uses of force and critical incidents at each facility showed few cases that were inconsistent with policy. However, as noted before, there was a concern shared by a significant percentage of the interviewed inmates, especially those housed at USP Allenwood who had previously been assigned to SMU Levels 1 and 2 at USP Lewisburg. 187 Several inmates reported that some of the staff at USP Lewisburg have a tendency to apply physical restraints tighter than necessary or tighter than normal. Inmates shared that this was often the practice by some staff either after an earlier challenging interaction with an inmate, previous experiences an inmate may have had with staff, a combination of the overall nature of events occurring throughout the day or for no apparent reason. In addition, several inmates at USP Allenwood reported that staff at USP Lewisburg used verbal and physical intimidation techniques against inmates routinely. No supportive evidence was presented to indicate this was the routine staff practice, however the high number of reported incidents were mentioned during inmate interviews suggests the need for further investigation by the Bureau. The project team did not observe this practice directly, However, based on (1) the number of individuals that had expressed this concern and (2) the fact that many of the inmates were not currently at USP Lewisburg however had previously been there and shared this information was an issue that deserves mention and further review and evaluation by the Bureau. Conditions of confinement The focus of this section of the report addresses the findings and recommendations related to the housing, services and activity levels provided to individuals housed in the three main types of restrictive housing units being analyzed: SHUs, SMUs, and ADX (with general population, step-down, control, and special security units). This section addresses the conditions of confinement rather than placement and procedural issues which will be discussed in another section as well as an assessment of educational programs. To determine these conditions we examined several key factors: Regulatory requirements131 Bureau program statements Facility supplemental statements Bureau program review reports 131 Title 28 CFR Part 541. 188 American Correctional Association standards and most recent facility reports Housing unit activity schedules Manual and electronic systems designed to document conditions of confinement On-site observations of operational practices; Staff interviews Inmate interviews According to federal regulations and Bureau program statements, all three of the restrictive housing units are designed to help ensure the safety, security, and orderly operation of the Bureau facilities. The conditions of confinement are generally considered more restrictive than those found in the general population. Specific conditions of confinement for each type of segregation vary based on the unit and the inmates’ classification level within each unit. Program statements and facility supplemental statements related to conditions of confinement in segregation units have all been developed in-line with the statutory requirements identified in the federal regulations. In addition to the statutory requirements, the program statements and facility supplemental statements also identify policies, procedures and objectives regarding a specific area, including conditions of confinement. These program statements for the most part serve as the core documents staff use to reference the minimum required conditions of confinement for individuals housed in each of the forms of restrictive housing units. To be in compliance with the program statements, housing unit activity schedules have been developed, staff post responsibilities have been established, staffing patterns have been designed, staff training implemented and personnel and performance oversight is currently provided. The review team found that personnel were generally familiar with the program statements and the condition of confinement requirements. Activity schedules were in place, appropriately trained personnel were assigned to adhere to these requirements and oversight was being made. A general review is described in more detail below. Applicable federal regulations and Bureau program statements are referenced as well as the associated American Correctional Association standards. These references have all been italicized. In addition to the references the project team’s general assessments are provided. 189 The conditions of the living quarters are the result of an ongoing physical plant maintenance program that evaluates and addresses issues related to maintaining nationally accepted environmental conditions for living quarters. Overall, the preventive and ongoing maintenance program appears to be a priority at the facilities visited. Most facilities maintained a high level of sanitation. Some of the facilities housing units were air conditioned while others were not. At USP Lewisburg, the most recent ACA accreditation review completed in 2011 indicated there was inadequate lighting (low) in the SMU cells.132 This issue had since been corrected as reported in documentation provided and based on observation of the units. In October 2011, the Bureau Program Review Division reported that the sanitation condition of the SHU at USP Florence was below average and corrective action was required.133 Again, based on supported documentation and on-site observations, an ongoing practice has been established to maintain appropriate sanitation conditions at USP Florence on a regular basis134. FINDING: Overall the sanitation and physical plant maintenance programs in Bureau facilities are considered consistent with nationally recognized best practices. Cell occupancy. Living quarters ordinarily house inmates according to the design of the unit. The number of inmates assigned to a cell should not exceed the number for which the space was designated. Conditions may be altered by the warden as long as it meets applicable standards. (28 CFR 541.31, P5217.01, P5270.10, ACA 4-4134, 4-4140, 44141.) Inmates are generally housed based on their status and level within each restrictive housing unit. At the ADX, all inmates were housed in single cells in the same housing unit as other inmates assigned to the same level of the program. All cells are designed for one inmate and include one bed, toilet, wash basin and a shower. The size of the cell is consistent with nationally recognized standards. Commission on Accreditation for Corrections Standards Compliance Intensive Reaccreditation Process Audit Federal Bureau of Prisons Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, August 2011. 132 Bureau Program Review Division Memorandum dated October 27, 2011, Subject: Correctional Services Program Review FCC Florence. 133 A Correctional Services program review conducted in October 2014 after the completion of the site visits of this project, the Bureau Program Review Division reported the condition of both SHU units were at a “high level of sanitation in common areas and cells.” 134 190 The design of the SMU program is to have inmates housed according to their level within the program. Inmates assigned to Level 1 are either housed alone or with one other Level 1 inmate, inmates in Level 2 may be housed with one other Level 2 inmate and inmates assigned to Level 3 and four are designed to be housed with an inmate in the same level. At USP Florence and USP Allenwood, this policy appeared to be in practice. At USP Lewisburg, the operational practice observed was that inmates in Level 1 and Two may be housed together. In addition, at USP Lewisburg, the program was designed to house only inmates in Level 1 and Two at the time of the site visit. However, staff reported that – in part because of limited space at other sites including USP Allenwood – some Level 3 and 4 inmates were being housed at USP Lewisburg on the same ranges as Level 1 and 2 inmates. There were approximately 100 inmates in Level 3 or 4 housed at USP Lewisburg during the project team’s site visit. The number of inmates assigned to the cells in SMU’s did not exceed the number of beds in the cell. Most cells contained two beds. USP Lewisburg did have a few four-person cells containing four beds and the size of the cells were consistent with nationally recognized housing standards. FINDING: The size and furnishings provided in the cells in the SMUs were consistent with nationally accepted practices. In a SHU, inmates are assigned to either administrative detention or disciplinary segregation status. Administrative detention status inmates are generally not housed in the same cell as inmates assigned to disciplinary segregation status, however they are assigned to the same housing unit. Administrative detention is a nonpunitive status and disciplinary segregation is a punitive status.135 Some facilities house disciplinary segregation inmates on a separate range (housing floor) from administrative segregation inmates, while others have both types of inmates on the same range however in different cells. The average cell in a SHU contains two beds and the size of the cell is approximately 85 square feet with approximately 35 square feet of unencumbered space. The exact cell sizes vary to the physical plant configuration even within the same facility. In each SHU and SMU there are also a few cells designed to house one inmate. Some of 28 CFR 541.22 (a) Administrative detention is an administrative status which removes the inmate from the general population when necessary to ensure the safety, security and orderly operation of correctional facilities, or to protect the public. Administrative detention status is nonpunitive, and can occur for a variety of reasons. (b) Disciplinary segregation is a punitive status imposed only by a disciplinary hearing officer (DHO) as a sanction for committing a prohibited act(s). 135 191 these cells are normally used on a temporary basis to more closely observe an inmate. FINDING: The size and furnishings provided in the SHUs is consistent with nationally accepted practices when providing housing for the designed number of inmates. The fact that most cells in the SHUs contained showers exceeded national standards. However in one facility, the number of inmates housed in a cell exceeded the design capacity. At USP Victorville, the SHU consists of 120 cells of which 118 are designed for two inmates and two cells are designed for one inmate. Based on the overall SHU population level, facility staff reported they routinely found it necessary to house three inmates in a cell designed for two (contains two beds). This housing practice was confirmed by the warden, administrative personnel, housing unit staff and inmates. The third inmate is provided a mattress accompanied by appropriate bedding and is required to sleep on the floor of the cell. The frequency in which this practice occurs was reported as routine when the population level exceeds or comes close to capacity. The length of time an individual is housed on the floor was not being tracked and staff interviewed were not aware of the average length of time an inmate is housed in a cell with two other inmates. The warden reported this most often occurs when issues arise with the transportation systems ability to move inmates. On those occasions inmates get backlogged awaiting movement. On the second day of the on-site review, there were 35 USP inmates classified for SHU placement housed in the SHU at FCI Victorville I and 42 USP inmates housed at FCI Victorville II. There were no inmates being tripled-celled in the SHU at USP Victorville at the time of the on-site review. It was reported by supervisory staff that five days prior to the review team’s arrival, a number of inmates were transferred from the USP Victorville SHU to either the FCI I SHU or FCI II SHU. The warden reported there was no written policy or written procedure in place that identified the protocol to follow to determine when three individuals can be housed in a two-person cell, who can be assigned three to a cell, how long they can be assigned or when the FCI I or FCI II special housing units can be used to house USP SHU inmates. Once three individuals are assigned to a cell containing two beds and one individual is required to sleep on a mattress on the floor, unencumbered space is reduced and nationally recognized housing standards are no longer maintained. Clothing. Inmates should receive adequate institution clothing, including footwear. Inmates have opportunities to exchange clothing or have it washed. (28 CFR 541, P5580.08, P5217.01, P5270.10, ACA 4-4263.) 192 Based on observation, interviews and policies reviewed appropriate clothing, footwear and the opportunity to exchange the clothing and/or have it washed is available on a regular basis. Additional limited clothing items may be purchased from the commissary for inmates in specific levels within each restrictive housing unit. Bedding. Inmates should receive a mattress, blankets, a pillow, and linens for sleeping. Inmates have necessary opportunities to exchange linens. (28 CFR 541, P5217.01, P5270.10, ACA 4-4263). Based on site observation, interviews and policies reviewed inmates generally receive a mattress with a built-in pillow, sheets, blanket and a towel. The sheets can be exchanged at least once per week. Food. Inmates receive nutritionally adequate meals and may be required to eat all meals in their living quarters. (28 CFR 541, P5217.01, P5270.10, ACA 4-4264, 4-4316, 4-4318, 4-4319, 4-4320). The Bureau provides a standard menu that applies to most facilities and is approved by a dietician and nutritionist. Inmates may receive medical and religious diets when considered appropriate and may request heart healthy meals. Substitutions may be made in segregation units when meat or poultry items containing bones are being served to the general population. Inmates receive three meals per day and all meals are consumed in the cell. The timing of the meals at some of the facilities reflected the breakfast meal was occasionally being served approximately 14 or more hours after the last meal of the previous day. Although this feeding schedule was not observed at every facility the scheduling and time of delivery of meals should be closely monitored to avoid extensive periods with no food services. Personal hygiene. Inmates should have access to a wash basin and toilet. Inmates receive necessary personal hygiene items. (28 CFR 541, P5270.10, P5217.01 ACA 44261). Inmates should have the opportunity to shower and shave at least three times per week (P5270.10, P5217.01, ACA 4-4262). Inmates should have access to necessary hair care services (28 CFR 541.21, P5270.10, P5217.01; ACA 4-4263). All cells contained a wash basin and toilet. Most of the cells in the SHU and control unit contained a shower within the cell. Those facilities where a shower was not located within the cell, staff provided the inmate with access to a shower at least three times per week. The cells located in the SMUs at USP Lewisburg, USP Florence, and USP Allenwood did not contain a shower, however multiple showers were located within the housing unit. Documentation over a period of several months was reviewed and reflected showers and the opportunity to shave were being provided in a manner consistent with federal regulations. Hair care services are also available at least once per month. Personal hygiene items are available to the inmate in the housing unit as well as through the commissary. 193 Exercise. SHU and SMU inmates have the opportunity to exercise outside their individual quarters for five hours per week, ordinarily in one-hour periods on different days. The warden may deny these exercise periods for up to one week at a time if it is determined that an inmate’s recreation itself jeopardizes the safety, security, or orderly operation of the institution. However, recreation conditions specified here may not otherwise be limited, even as part of a disciplinary sanction imposed under P5217.01, P5370.11; ACA 4-4270. 28 CFR 541, P5270.10. Exercise and Recreation The frequency of exercise outside the cell varies based on the type of segregation/program assigned and the inmates’ level within the program. SHU exercise and recreation. Inmates assigned to a SHU are generally provided the opportunity to exercise outside their cells five hours per week, ordinarily in one-hour periods five days per week. One facility scheduled recreation four days per week and provided inmates between one and one quarter and one and one half hours of recreation per day. The five hours provided is consistent with the minimum requirements cited in the federal regulations. Inmates in administrative detention status are generally not placed in the same recreation cage as an inmate in disciplinary segregation status; however, inmates in both statuses are provided the same amount of recreation time per week. Outdoor recreation is provided in individual recreation cages located adjacent to the unit. Each individual recreation cage may contain between one and four inmates based on the size of the cage and the number and type of inmates requesting access. No indoor recreation is provided. The procedure for gaining access to recreation was found to be similar at most SHUs. Inmates are asked by an officer on each scheduled recreation day whether they are interested in recreation for that day. The request is generally made either before the breakfast meal or after the meal is served. No response or a negative response is considered a refusal and documented in the electronic file as the same. Recreation is generally provided first thing in the morning and at some facilities is completed by 0900. At other facilities, recreation continues until approximately 1600. The recreation scheduled varied at several facilities and was normally based on the number of inmates requesting recreation for that day. The Program Review Division reported in October 2011 that at USP Florence the facility failed to properly complete documentation identifying recreation, meals and unit officer signatures in the SHU136. The project team reviewed both manual and automated reports for the most recent four months and found that the documentation indicated that inmate access to meals, recreation and unit officer signatures were being provided on a regular basis. The Bureau subsequently report that at the FCC Florence Correctional Services Program Review conducted in October 2014, revealed these issues were corrected. 136 194 Reports and documentation reviewed at several facilities reflected that a very small percentage of inmates were utilizing the recreation cages. Inmates interviewed expressed concerns that recreation requests occur only once per day, at approximately 0500 and that if the inmates are not standing at the cell door at that time they were not allowed to participate in recreation on that day. The requirement to stand at the door was not found to be a required practice at all facilities. Project team members observed the practice at several facilities which consisted of the officer going to each cell and requesting whether the inmate wanted to go to recreation that day or not. Standing at the cell door was not a required procedure during the project team’s observation. Staff reported that on average, 50 percent of the inmates in administrative detention status do not participate in recreation on any given day. A significant number of inmates in administrative detention status reported to team members that they chose not to participate in recreation because they feared being assaulted. Inmates in administrative detention status are not placed in the same recreation cage as an inmate in disciplinary segregation status, however in some facilities recreation may take place at the same time. SMU exercise and recreation. Inmates assigned to the SMU program receive the opportunity to exercise outside their cells at least five hours per week, ordinarily in one-hour periods five days per week. SMU Level 1 and 2 inmates receive one hour of outdoor recreation, five days a week. SMU Level 3 and 4 inmates may receive up to 15 hours of indoor / outdoor recreation per week depending upon where they are housed. There is no difference in the amount of recreation time offered to Level 1 and 2 inmates or between Level 3 and 4 inmates, except for where they are housed. Inmates in Level 3 and 4 housed at USP Lewisburg were not provided indoor recreation. As a result, they were limited to approximately five hours of outdoor recreation per week based on weather conditions. Overall, however, practices were consistent with minimum federal regulations. ADX. exercise and recreation Inmates assigned to the ADX program receive the opportunity to exercise outside their cells at least seven hours per week. This practice is consistent with federal regulations. ADX General Population inmates receive two hours per day out of cell five days a week for a total of ten hours. Control inmates receive 1.5 hours a day four days per week and one hour one day for a total of seven hours per week out of cell. The ADX Step-down inmates normally receive 1.5 hours inside and 1.5 hours outside cell seven days a week for a total of 21 hours per week. Personal property. Inmates may have reasonable amounts of personal property. Personal property may be limited for reasons of fire safety, sanitation, or available space (28 CFR 553, 28 CFR 541, P5270.10, P5217.01; ACA 4-4261, 4-4265, 4-4292). In administrative detention status an inmate may ordinarily be allowed a reasonable amount of personal property and reasonable access to the commissary. In 195 disciplinary segregation status an inmate’s personal property will be impounded, with the exception of limited reading/writing materials, and religious articles. The warden may modify the quantity and type of personal property allowed. Personal property may be limited or withheld for reasons of security, fire safety, or housekeeping. Unauthorized use of any authorized item may result in the restriction of the item. Also, commissary privileges may be limited. SHU personal property. Although administrative detention status is a nonpunitive status and disciplinary segregation is a punitive status, there are very few differences in conditions of confinement between the two groups. However, personal property is one area where there are a few minor differences. The two notable differences in personal property were inmates assigned to administrative detention were allowed to purchase a portable radio with ear buds and a limited amount of food items and coffee from the commissary. Inmates in disciplinary segregation were normally not allowed to purchase those same items. Other noted differences between the two SHU statuses outside of personal property was that administrative detention inmates are to have access to educational programming while inmates in disciplinary segregation may have their programming suspended. In addition at two facilities, inmates in administrative detention received a two hour visit per week while inmates in disciplinary segregation received a one hour visit per week. No other significant differences in conditions were noted between the two statuses. With respect to personal property, administrative detention status inmates according to the SHU program statement are ordinarily allowed to have the following: Bible, Koran, or other scriptures (1), books, paperback (5), eyeglasses, prescription (2), legal material (see policy on inmate legal activities), magazine (3), mail (10), newspaper (1), personal hygiene items (1 of each type) (no dental floss or razors*), photo album (25 photos), authorized religious medals/headgear (e.g., kufi), shoes, shower shoes, snack foods without aluminum foil wrappers (5 individual packs), soft drinks, powdered (1 container), stationery/stamps (20 each), wedding band (1), radio with ear plugs (1) and a watch (1). FINDING: There is very little difference between the personal property of inmates assigned to administrative detention and disciplinary segregation with the exception of noted commissary items. This is problematic given that at some facilities the majority of administrative detention inmates are on protective custody status. SMU personal property. Inmates are limited in the amount of personal property that may be possessed, purchased and maintained in their assigned cell. As participants progress through the program, more property privileges become available. Separate commissary lists are available and generally grouped into lists for inmates in Level 1 and two and those inmates in Level 3 and 4. 196 USP Allenwood, which does not house Level 1 or 2 inmates, primarily has one list and the difference in approved property between Level 3 and 4 inmates is that inmates in Level 4 may purchase one pair of sweat pants and one sweatshirt and inmates in Level 3 cannot. Other than the clothing mentioned there were no significant differences. At USP Lewisburg the approved property list for SMU inmates is the same for each level,137 although a separate commissary list is provided for inmates in Level 1 and 2 compared to Level 3 and 4. The primary difference between inmates in Level 3 and 4 and those in Level 1 and Two at USP Lewisburg is inmates in Level 3 and 4 have access to additional clothing and snack items. Inmates placed on commissary restriction will be able to purchase stamps and certain hygiene items (as specified by staff) based on their level. At USP Florence, two separate commissary lists are provided, one for inmates in SHU and Level 1 and 2 of the SMU and one for inmates in Level 3 and 4 of SMU. The primary differences between the two lists are Level 3 and 4 inmates have access to more food items, clothing, miscellaneous items and additional options in each category. ADX personal property. Property limitations including limitations on legal materials were found to be appropriate in volume and type to ensure safety and good order of the ADX. Personal property was being stored appropriately in the space provided. All general population, step-down, control unit, special security unit, and SHU inmates, with the exception of those inmates assigned to disciplinary segregation, are issued televisions. With the exception of inmates assigned to the SHU, each television has leisure viewing channels. Separate commissary lists are provided for each classification within the ADX and appeared appropriate based on the classification and security nature of the facility. Primary differences in the various commissary lists included the number of options available, access to additional clothing and food and snack items. Overall, access to property and commissary items is consistent with national standards. Correspondence and telephone use. Inmates may correspond with persons in the community and use the telephone in accordance with 28 CFR 540.17 and Program Statements P5217.01, P5264.08 and P5270.10. Special mail and unmonitored attorney telephone calls are handled in accordance with 28 CFR 540.17. 28 CFR 540.17; ACA 4-4266, 4-4271, 4-4272. 28 CFR 540.16(b) states, the warden shall permit an inmate in segregation to have full correspondence privileges unless placed on restricted general correspondence under 540.15. 28 CFR. 540.15(a) states the 137 USP Lewisburg SMU Handbook, page 51, Appendix B. 197 warden may place an inmate on restricted general correspondence based on misconduct or as a matter of classification. The warden shall permit an inmate who has not been restricted from telephone use as a result of a specific institution disciplinary sanction to make at least one telephone call each month. 28 CFR 540.101(d) Procedures states ordinarily an inmate who has sufficient funds is allowed at least three minutes for a telephone call. 28 CFR 540.103 states the warden may not apply frequency limitations on inmate telephone calls to attorneys when the inmate demonstrates that communication with attorneys by correspondence, visiting or normal telephone use is not adequate. 28 CFR 540.105(b), Expenses of inmate telephone use, states that the warden shall provide at least one collect call each month for an inmate who is without funds. 28 CFR 540.17; P5217.01; ACA 4-4266, 44271, 4-4272, Program Statement P5264.08 states a local institution supplement is required and must include, in part, the following: a maximum length of telephone calls of 15 minutes. The frequency and length of time of a social telephone call as cited in the Bureau’s program statements is at least one telephone call per month for no more than 15 minutes, unless the inmate is placed on telephone restriction as a result of a disciplinary sanction. SHU correspondence and telephone use. In the SHU’s this is the general practice for both administrative detention and disciplinary segregation inmates. There is no difference in access to a telephone for inmates assigned to administrative detention or disciplinary segregation. The minimum frequency is provided and the maximum duration is set by the program statement. All other correspondence, including mail services are the same as those services provided to inmates assigned to general population, with the exception of email access. SMU correspondence and telephone use In the SMU program opportunities to send and receive written correspondence and make telephone calls are subject to monitoring and analysis for intelligence purposes. Legal correspondence and calls are not subject to monitoring and analysis. Unless an inmate is on telephone restriction status, inmates assigned to Level 1 of the SMU are allowed to make two telephone calls per month. Inmates assigned to Level 2 are allowed to make up to four telephone calls per month. Telephone calls may last up to 15 minutes. Level 3 inmates can access telephones from the common area of their housing unit and may make up to 150 minutes of calls per month. Level 4 inmates may make up to 300 minutes of calls per month and participate in the electronic mail program (email). There is a program at USP Florence for inmates who have lengthy telephone restrictions of months or years to earn back telephone privileges by compliance with certain items. This was not found to be an incentive found in all facilities. ADX correspondence and telephone use In the ADX General Population, Control and SHU inmates schedule legal calls through their assigned counselor. General 198 Population inmates can make (2) 15 minute telephone calls per month, Control inmates can make (1) 15 minute telephone call per month unless on disciplinary status then (1) 15 minute call every 90 days, SHU inmates receive (1) 15 minute personal telephone call per month on administrative detention status and (1) 15 minute telephone call if on disciplinary status. Control step-down unit inmates can receive (3) 15 minute calls per month. Incentive telephone calls can be earned. All inmate personal telephone calls must be live monitored by ADX staff. All incoming and outgoing ADX inmate correspondence is inspected by Special Investigation Service technicians. Incoming and outgoing social mail is reviewed by SIS technicians and must be processed within 36 hours. Legal mail is picked up and delivered by the unit counselor which must be processed within 24 hours of receipt. . Visiting. Inmates may receive visitors in accordance with 28 CFR 540.40. 28 CFR 540.43, Frequency of visits and number of visitors, P5217.01, P5270.10 and P5267.08. The warden shall allow each inmate a minimum of four hours visiting time per month. The warden may limit the length or frequency of visits only to avoid chronic overcrowding. Inmates may be provided noncontact visits, through the use of videoconferencing or other technology. (P5217.01, P5270.10, P5267.08, ACA 4-4267.) Title 28 CFR 541.17 states: “Ordinarily, an inmate in administrative detention or disciplinary segregation status may receive visits in accord with the same rules and regulations that apply to general population inmates, providing such visits do not pose a threat to the security or orderly operation of the institution. In such cases, the warden may authorize special visiting procedures to preclude such a threat.” SHU visitation. Generally an inmate retains their visiting privileges while in administrative detention or disciplinary segregation status. However, visiting may be restricted or disallowed when an inmate (while in administrative detention or disciplinary segregation) is charged with or was found guilty of a prohibited act related to visiting guidelines, or has acted in a way that would reasonably indicate a threat to security or order in the Visiting Room. A minimum of four hours per month of visitation is required by statute and the program statement unless the length of time creates chronic overcrowding. At one facility, FCI Butner II, inmates assigned to the SHU received contact visits, however at all other SHUs, only noncontact visits were provided. The frequency and length of visit for both administrative detention and disciplinary segregation inmates at most facilities were generally the same, one visit per week for two hours. At USP Coleman I and FCI Butner II inmates in disciplinary segregation status received a one-hour visit. SHU inmates generally receive noncontact visits while general population inmates receive contact visits. At USP Florence, the SHU inmates receive visits through video from a secure room within the SHU. Video visits at USP Florence may last two hours and there is a limit of five visits per month for SHU inmates. Few SHU inmates actually receive visits based 199 on information obtained during interviews. Legal visits are arranged upon request and take place in the general visiting room area either in a glass noncontact visiting booth or in private room designated for attorneys, depending on the circumstances. SMU visitation. At USP Lewisburg and USP Florence, social visits are provided primarily through video technology. The inmates utilize the video visiting room located in their assigned housing unit, and their visitors utilize the video-visiting units located in the Visiting Room. Regular visitation for SMU inmates in Levels One, Two, and Three is only available to immediate family members, and the relationship must be verified. At USP Lewisburg, inmates in Level 3 are permitted noncontact visits in the visiting room and inmates in Level 4 are permitted contact visits in the visiting room and are not limited to immediate family members. SMU inmates are limited to a maximum of five social visits per month. This does not include legal visits. SMU inmates must submit a request, in writing at least one week in advance of the expected visit. As the availability of video equipment may be limited, visits may be limited to two hours per inmate at USP Florence and one hour visits at USP Lewisburg, although more time may be allotted based on availability of visiting booths. At USP Allenwood, legal visits are allowed in a manner consistent with national practices. Social visits are noncontact visits and are ordinarily scheduled from 0830 to 1500 hours, Tuesday through Thursday. The social visits for these inmates are limited to immediate family members only. Level 3 inmates are allowed two one-hour visits per month and Level 4 inmates are allowed four one-hour visits per month. The frequency and duration allowed for each visit is reportedly limited due to the number of noncontact rooms available. There are four private noncontact visitation rooms. Staff at USP Allenwood reported the number of visits for SMU inmates was quite low because of several factors including the distances that most visitors have to travel in most instances. The applicable federal regulation states: “The Warden shall allow each inmate a minimum of four hours visiting time per month. The Warden may limit the length or frequency of visits only to avoid chronic overcrowding.”138 FINDING: The frequency of visitation allowed for inmates in Level 3 at USP Allenwood is inconsistent with Bureau practices for the same level of inmate at other facilities and not representative of national best practices. At USP Florence, the frequency for Level 3 inmates was five visits per month for up to two hours per visit through the use of video technology. At USP Lewisburg, Level 3 inmates were allowed up to five one-hour noncontact social visits per month. When 138 28 CFR 540.43, Frequency of visits and number of visitors. 200 comparing USP Lewisburg visitation policies with USP Allenwood visitation policies, inmates in the same level are allowed a difference of three hours in visits per month. RECOMMENDATION 7.1: A further review of the frequency and duration of visits should be conducted at USP Allenwood for Level 3 inmates. Serious consideration should be given to providing the allowance for additional time for those inmates in Level 3. Although the warden may limit the length of time or frequency of visits to avoid chronic overcrowding, there was no evidence presented to indicate the established frequency and duration for Level 3 inmates as identified in the facility policy should be less than four hours per month. In addition to the hours provided, there is an issue of consistency in the conditions of confinement for each level. Currently, an inmate housed at USP Allenwood in Level 3 is allowed up to two hours of social visits per month while the same inmate housed at USP Florence would receive ten hours of social visits per month. Establishing a reference to “more time may be allowed based on availability” in the policy, expanding the number of days or hours visitation is allowed for Level 3 inmates, use of video technology and/or increasing the number of noncontact rooms should all be considered as viable options to provide more consistent visitation practices. ADX Visitation. The legal visits for inmates confined at the ADX are scheduled through the housing unit counselor. ADX inmates can receive five general visits per month with each visit lasting as long as seven hours. Inmates are dressed in different clothing for visits; SHU-Orange Jumpsuits, Control-Yellow Jumpsuits, and General Population-White Jumpsuits. Hand restraints are removed from General Population and SHU inmates after the inmate is secured in the visitation booth with leg irons remaining in place. Control inmates remain in full restraints even after placement in the visitation booth. The ADX has ten noncontact visitation booths for general visits and four noncontact visitation booths for legal visits. Legal activity. SHU inmates must submit a request to use the electronic law library located in a room in SHU. The equipment is available seven days per week. A review of the logbooks reflects that this equipment is frequently used. SMU Level 1 and 2 inmates submit a request to use the electronic law library that is located in their respective housing units. At USP Florence, there are two enclosures in each unit that contain the equipment and a printer. They were observed in frequent use during our review. SMU Level 3 and 4 inmates have open access to this equipment that is located in the common area of their units, which they can frequently access. That equipment was also observed in use during our review. Upon approval of the unit manager, an inmate may request another inmate to assist in legal matters / use of the equipment. This was also observed in action with Level 1 and Two SMU inmates. At USP Allenwood, the records reflected a minimum of one hour access and frequently more 201 than that. SMU inmates have a dedicated electronic law library in the common recreation area that may be used during recreation. An additional terminal is located in a room adjacent to the common area when a SMU inmate needs privacy or for noise considerations. The project team noted consistent access to the electronic law library throughout site visits. Access to medical care. Inmates in restrictive housing units have limited capability to access and communicate to staff because of the nature of secure confinement. Nationally accepted best practice dictates that inmates are afforded daily access to medical care, or in more emergent circumstances immediately. Correctional institutions should have in place a method to allow for unimpeded access to medical care. This is particularly difficult to carry out in restrictive housing units, where the inmates are mainly locked in their cells 23 hours per day, seven days per week. This section of the report examines access to healthcare in the Bureau facilities assessed. Title 28 Code of Federal Regulations, section 541.32 (a) addresses the provision of medical and mental health care in the SHU. The regulation specifies that a health services staff member will visit each inmate daily to provide necessary medical care, exclusive of emergency care, which is provided on an as needed basis. The assessment team examined SHU sign-in records and logbooks, as well as making direct observations at each of the facilities assessed to determine the frequency that medical staff signed into the unit to make rounds of the cellblock ranges and also administer medication. The following findings are the result of that analysis. USP Tucson. Medical staff visit the unit two times per day. During the morning visit, healthcare staff observe each inmate in their cells and respond to inquiries. Also the medical staff receive formal written medical requests from the inmate. Evening medical rounds focus more on administering medication. USP Victorville. Records were reviewed for a 60 day period and the following was revealed. The average number of medical staff visits to the unit was two per day. In five of the 60 days medical staff signed into the unit one time. A medical staff member visited the unit at least once per day for all 60 days. USP Hazelton. At this facility, sign in records revealed that once per day a physician’s assistant visited the unit to visually observe the inmates. USP Florence. Assessment team members observed medical staff traveling cell to cell to check on the inmates and make visual observations. Records revealed that medical staff entered the unit multiple times per day. USP Terre Haute. Sign in logs revealed that a registered nurse enters the unit a minimum of once per day and a medical staff person visits the unit multiple times each day. 202 ADX Florence. SHU records revealed the presence of medical staff two times per day to conduct rounds and administer medication. USP Allenwood. In the SHU medical staff signed into the unit two times per day to conduct rounds and administer medication. FCI Butner. 90 days of sign in logs were reviewed and it was determined that medical staff visited the SHU multiple times per day administering medications, observing inmates, and collecting medical slips. USP Coleman. 62 days of sign in logs were reviewed revealing the presence of medical staff on a daily basis in the unit. The ACA standards that address the provision of medical care in restrictive housing units call for, at a minimum, daily visits by qualified healthcare personnel and unimpeded access to prescribed medication.139 SMU healthcare access requirements are outlined in Program Statement P5217.01, Special Management Units, dated 11/19/2008. Section 5 (a) 15 regarding medical care reads: “…a health services staff member visits inmates daily to provide necessary medical care. Emergency medical care is always available either at the institution or from the community.” Three SMUs were visited during this assessment. At USP Florence, SMU sign in records and logs revealed that health care staff visited the unit one time per day, consistent with the requirements of the program statement. The largest of the SMU programs is at USP Lewisburg. Logbooks, sign in sheets and observations revealed that health care staff enter the units at least one time per day to conduct their rounds. A spot check of sign in documents was conducted covering a six-week period to make this determination. At USP Allenwood, which houses SMU inmates in Level 3 and Level 4, records revealed that health care staff visited the two SMU cellblocks, two times per day. 4-4258 Written policy, procedure, and practice provide that inmates in segregation receive daily visits from the senior correctional supervisor in charge, daily visits from a qualified healthcare official (unless medical attention is needed more frequently), and visits from members of the program staff upon request. 4-4261 Written policy, procedure, and practice provide that all inmates in segregation provide prescribed medication, including that is not degrading, and access to basic personal items for use in their cells unless there is imminent danger that an inmate or any other inmate(s) will destroy an item or induce self-injury. 139 203 ADX control unit healthcare personnel make rounds of the various control unit housing areas once per shift or two times per day. Section 541.67, of Title 28 Code of Federal Regulations requires that “…a medical staff member see the inmate daily and regularly record medical and behavioral impressions.” Bureau regulations and program statements provide clear direction with respect to inmate access to healthcare in segregated units. Inmates in these units have limited mobility and a limited capacity to communicate with staff. This has been recognized by the corrections profession and nationally accepted correctional standards, such as the ACA standards require that inmates be seen daily in the living unit and also have unimpeded access to their prescribed medications. Bureau regulations call for a minimum of a daily visit by a qualified healthcare professional to these units. Our assessment process included a review of sign in or attendance records of health care staff entering the various segregated units. Our findings are outlined in the above paragraphs. These findings are supported by interviews with staff, interviews with inmates, and documentary evidence that revealed that health care staff meet and often exceed the minimum requirement of attending to inmates in segregated units. This examination did not include a review of medical records or the quality of medical care that is provided, as this was beyond the scope of this analysis. A number of the inmates interviewed did express concern about the quality of the care they were receiving; however, there were few complaints that medical staff were unavailable to speak with inmates during medical rounds. FINDING: The presence of health care staff in the segregated units is ongoing at least daily, and often more frequently, consistent with Bureau policy and ACA standards. Health care staff administer medications to inmates and this is an ongoing process that takes place at different times during the day. In addition, the medical staff are required each day to visually observe all inmates, regardless whether or not they are receiving medication, as a wellness check to determine if they may need healthcare services. There were no examples that we detected where a medical staff person didn’t make a visit to a segregated housing unit at least once per day. Adequacy and allocation of program space The focus of this section of the report addresses the findings and recommendations related to program space available in the three main segregation units being analyzed: SHUs, SMUs, and ADX. The reported lack of space has been cited at several facilities by staff as one of the primary reasons why programming is provided for 204 most inmates individually in their cell using a self-study format. This section focuses more on the potential use of existing space available to provide small group programming for appropriate inmates rather than on specific programming opportunities, which are addressed in another section of the report. According to federal regulations and applicable Bureau program statements, all three of the restrictive housing units are designed to help ensure the safety, security, and orderly operation of the Bureau facilities. Title 28 Code of Federal Regulations, section 544.81 Education states: “the warden shall ensure that an inmate with the need, capacity and sufficient time to serve has the opportunity to: Complete an Adult Literacy program leading to a General Educational Development (GED) certificate and/or high school diploma.” The required access to program activities is based in part on the inmates’ status and the type of restrictive housing unit in which they are housed. Statutory and Bureau requirements Special housing unit programs. In administrative detention status, an inmate will have access to programming activities to the extent safety, security, orderly operation of a correctional facility, or public safety are not jeopardized. In disciplinary segregation status, participation in programming activities, e.g., educational programs may be suspended. (28 CFR 541.31, 28 CFR 544.81, P5270.10). Inmates assigned to an SHU are either in administrative detention status (nonpunitive) or disciplinary segregation status (punitive). Based on federal regulations, inmates in administrative segregation status are allowed to have program access as long as it does not jeopardize safety. Inmates in disciplinary segregation status may have their program activities suspended. Educational and religious program activities are provided on an individual basis normally while the inmate is in the cell and the staff member is outside the door. There is no small group programming provided with the exception of recreation where between one and four inmates may be placed in a single recreation yard. In most facilities, educational services were available however the services were considered limited and provided in a self-study format while the inmate remained in the cell. At FCI Butner II, inmates enrolled in GED or ESL classes prior to being in the SHU were allowed to remain in those classes for 60 days and provided with appropriate instructional materials to continue their studies. Inmates in the SHU more than 60 days are dropped from those courses and placed on a waiting list to restart the courses upon their release from the SHU. A new education program with a series of classes on various topics was reported to have started in the SHU beginning February 17, 2014. The inmates are provided self-study materials to be completed in-cell. 205 Twenty-six courses are offered in six categories: Math (7 classes); Science (3); Reading (4); Social Studies (4); Writing (4); and Miscellaneous classes (4). The significant number of enrollees in the first week is a strong indication of the desire of SHU inmates to participate in programming. All of the inmates interviewed expressed a desire for more program offerings while in the SHU. An OASIS computer based course was being offered to inmates in the general population and could be offered to inmates in the SHU to complete in the SHU Law Library if approved. Most other facilities offered comparatively limited opportunities. Special management unit programs. SMUs consist of four program levels and access to program activities generally increases as the inmate advances through the program. Progression through Level 1 is based upon the inmate’s compliance with behavioral expectations as established by staff. Progression through Level 2 and Three is based upon the inmate demonstrating the “potential for” or positive “community” interaction. Progression from Level 4 to a general population facility is “based upon the inmate’s ability to function in a general population setting with inmates of various group affiliations.” P5217.01. The project team found that a staff member representing the education department was assigned to each of the SMU programs and based on documentation reviewed frequently visited the units. Inmates in Level 1 and Two normally are involved in individual self-study programming which takes place in the cell. Staff primarily visit the inmate in front of their cell and communicate through the cell door. Inmates without a verified high school diploma or GED certificate are required to participate in a literacy program with the goal of improving their knowledge and skills through academic activities. At all three SMU programs daily schedules reflect educational personnel are scheduled to make rounds in the housing unit on a regular basis. The opportunity for additional inmate interaction increases when the inmate reaches Level 3 and 4. Most programming for Level 3 and 4 inmates is individualized selfstudy however during the inmates’ out-of-cell time they are allowed to seek assistance from the staff member. There is no formal group educational programming offered in the SMU program. ADX programs. The federal regulations for the control unit program state that the warden shall assign a member of the education staff to the unit on at least a parttime basis to assist in developing an educational program to fulfill each inmate’s academic needs. The education staff member is ordinarily a member of the unit team140. 140 28 CFR 541.46, 28 CFR 544.81. 206 The ADX consists of several different program levels ranging from the general population, intermediate step of the step-down program, SHU, control unit, and special security unit. In each phase of the program the level of access to program activities changes. As an inmate progresses through the different program levels access to program activities increases. A staff member representing the education department is assigned to the each program. For those inmates in the control unit, the majority of programming is conducted in cell and on an individual self-study basis. Programming is also offered on the closed circuit TV within the inmate’s cell. For those inmates in the ADX general population units, the majority of the programming is conducted in-cell on an individual self-study basis and programming is offered on the closed circuit TV within the inmate’s cell. The ADX recently constructed five “therapeutic enclosures” in the gymnasium where five inmates in separate enclosures can participate in a group program. At the time of the on-site review, the psychology department was using the therapeutic enclosures to conduct a reentry preparation program. One 90-minute “group” is meeting once a week. Generally, inmates assigned to all of the ADX phases are provided self-study materials to be completed in their cell. Program statements and facility supplemental statements related to program access in restrictive housing units are aligned with the regulatory requirements identified in the federal regulations. The review team found that personnel were generally familiar with the program statements and the program access requirements. Daily activity schedules were in place, appropriately trained personnel were assigned to adhere to these requirements and oversight was provided. The assessment team observed that almost all programming outside of recreation was provided on an individual basis while the inmate remained in their cell. Existing potential program space The current practice observed by the project team reflected access to program activities for most of the inmates assigned to a segregation unit is provided individually while the inmate is in the cell and the staff member is outside the cell door. The federal regulations do not address how program activities are to be provided or the frequency in which they are to be provided. Outside of a few select cases or during recreation and the day room time provided for inmates assigned to an ADX transitional unit, or Level 3 and 4 of the SMU program, almost no formal group program activity is being provided. As indicated in other sections of the report, there had been recent initiatives including the building of multiple individual enclosures to provide some limited “group” programming. Overall, access to program activities appears to be consistent with meeting the minimum requirements cited in the federal regulations. Most programming consists primarily of cell-side services. Staff interviewed during the review process reported 207 that individual in-cell programming was preferred primarily due to safety concerns and the lack of available small group space. FINDING: Based on an assessment of the physical plants and on-site reviews, there does appear to be an opportunity to provide properly scheduled small group programming for appropriate inmates in existing space at the facilities. Every facility the project team visited had space within the unit to provide small group programming for three to six inmates at a time. Based on site observations and staff interviews, all of the potential group programming space was not consistently being used during the day. In the other facilities visited limited small group programming space located primarily on the front end of the range or unit that was being used primarily for interviews, hearings, storage or screening and could also be considered available programming space during select times. The project team identified limited space available to provide small group programming for appropriately screened inmates at all of the facilities visited. The project team is not advocating group programming be provided to all inmates in the segregation units however some may be considered appropriate. For example, inmates who are in administrative detention status (nonpunitive) for the sole reason they have been verified by staff as requiring protection or inmates who have advanced in their assigned program to a higher level (SMU Level 3 or 4, ADX stepdown, transitional and pre-transfer unit) structured small group programming should be considered an option as space appears to be available. FINDING: There are a limited number of potential small group programming spaces available at each facility. The location of the potential space was all in an area in the housing unit that was consistent with maintaining a secure environment for both the inmate and staff. Though the size of each space varied, the rooms appeared to be sufficient to accommodate multiple individuals for short periods of time. Currently, most programming is offered individually while the inmate remains in the cell. The project team is not advocating all individuals assigned to a restrictive housing unit be provided access to small group programming, however some inmates with specific classifications should be considered when proper security precautions are applied. For example, those inmates who have been assigned to administrative detention status (nonpunitive) solely for protection and have been verified by Bureau staff as requiring protection, inmates in Level 3 and 4 of the SMU program, (the program statement states frequent group counseling, they currently recreate in a group setting and participate in day room activities as a group), and ADX Step-Down, 208 Transitional and Pre-Transfer inmates who currently recreate and share day room activities at the same time should all be considered for small group programming. RECOMMENDATION 7.2: Use of existing small group space should be seriously considered for inmates who have been properly screened. Observations on conditions of confinement FINDING: The general conditions of confinement were found to be consistent with national regulations and standards. Establishing, maintaining and monitoring the conditions of confinement appeared to be a routine part of the daily operations of managing the Bureau facilities visited. Policies were in place, staff were familiar with the requirements, and post orders and job descriptions had been established to enforcing compliance in this area. The additional use of external monitoring and assessment through the Bureau’s ACA efforts was considered a valuable management tool that provided quality feedback regarding general conditions of confinement. The project team found that areas of deficiency that were cited by the Program Review Division (PRD) and/or ACA were addressed and/or seriously considered by facility management staff. Every facility visited had received accreditation status by the ACA. However, some areas of concern identified during this assessment were either not present at the time of the PRD or ACA review or had not been identified by the PRD and ACA reviews as concerns. Triple-celling. The practice of housing three individuals in a cell that is approximately 85 square feet in size and contains two beds should be eliminated. This practice is inconsistent with nationally accepted standards and creates an environment that threatens the safety of both inmates and staff. The absence of an established written policy that identifies proper procedures to follow before placing three individuals in a cell with two beds, including monitoring practices, inmate screening, time limits and authorization is inconsistent with national best practices. Low levels of participation in out of cell recreation. Many inmates do not take part in recreation due to access only at early hours (0500 wake up calls for recreation), fear of being assaulted, passing room inspection, and lack of equipment. Lack of consistency in the conditions of confinement provided for individuals in the same level. For example, and inmate in Level 3 housed at USP Allenwood is allowed up to 150 minutes in social telephone calls per month, two one-hour noncontact social visits per month and indoor and 209 outdoor recreation totaling approximately fifteen hours per week. The same inmate if housed at USP Lewisburg would be allowed twice the number of social telephone call minutes per month (up to 300 minutes), more than twice the amount of social visits per month (five one-hour social visits) and significantly fewer recreation hours per week (five hours of outdoor recreation). The differences in frequency, type, and the duration of conditions of confinement for an inmate classified at the same level in the same program while housed at a different facility presents concerns regarding the integrity and design of the level system. Similarity in conditions of confinement for inmates in administrative detention and disciplinary segregation status. Administrative detention is identified as a nonpunitive status while disciplinary segregation is identified as a punitive status. However, the inmates are assigned to the same housing unit, inmate movement procedures including application of restraints are the same, the frequency of recreation is the same, telephone access is the same and visits at all but two facilities visited were the same. With the exception of minor differences in personal property allowed and in-cell programming opportunities the day-to-day conditions of confinement were not much different. Considering one status is nonpunitive and includes in part individuals that are in administrative detention status strictly as a result of being verified as requiring protection serious consideration should be placed on reevaluating the day-to-day condition of confinement authorized for individuals in a nonpunitive status. Program reviews The Program Review Division (PRD) is directly responsible for overseeing Bureauwide performance reviews that are designed in part to examine facility operational compliance levels with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies. In addition, the division examines the adequacy of controls, the efficiency of operations, and effectiveness in achieving the desired program results. PRD is also responsible for ensuring an analysis of specific program performance patterns is completed and serves as the Bureau’s liaison with most external audit agencies. To provide personnel with consistent direction and guidance a comprehensive program statement141 has been established that identifies the purpose, requirements Program Statement 1210.23, Management Control and Program Review Manual, dated 8/21/2002. 141 210 and procedures associated with meeting review responsibilities. As a result, local operational reviews are required to be conducted by facility personnel at least once every 10 to 14 months. These operational reviews are commonly considered facility self-audits. In addition, a comprehensive program review managed by central office is conducted and completed by external Bureau personnel at least once every three years. Throughout the review process the project team examined the operational and monitoring practices and found that both program and operational reviews were normally being completed on a scheduled basis. Facility personnel were familiar with the process, documentation was available and dedicated personnel were assigned to each facility that were held accountable for monitoring local compliance levels. Program review observations Policy and review schedules have been established that are consistent with federal requirements and have been designed to ensure that both the operational and program reviews are conducted in a manner that best addresses the requirements of the Bureau. The division normally schedules the external performance reviews based on specific areas being analyzed and the location of the facilities. For example, either a correctional services or facilities management program performance review is scheduled for a prison complex and will include an examination of several subject areas to be reviewed within the complex. In most facilities specific guidelines have been established to ensure certain policies and procedures are reviewed. At the Federal Correctional Complex Tucson a facilities management review was conducted on February 12-14, 2013, which included the Federal Correctional Institution, USP, and the satellite work camp. Guidelines were established by PRD that identified specific policies to be reviewed including policies impacting both general population and SHUs at each of the facilities. The scope of coverage and format used during the Tucson review was typical of what the project team observed in evaluating other PRD reports. A typical performance review normally does not focus strictly on a particular housing type or specific subject matter, but analyzes and provides a report that identifies the overall complex performance findings and trends. Program reviews are not designed to examine each requirement identified in every policy in every housing type. However, program review guidelines have been established to ensure specific protective policies, conditions and procedures that are reviewed, include general population, SHUs and SMUs. Additionally, to provide further observation of SHU operations, each institution’s program review (all disciplines) includes the reviewerin-charge conducting a comprehensive tour of the SHU, promptly reporting findings as appropriate, and including the findings in the final report. 211 For example, inmate access to recreation may be examined complex-wide and by policy a sample number of general population, SHU and SMU files will be required to be reviewed. If there are specific concerns identified in this area those concerns are generally noted in a subsection entitled “general comments” or “deficiencies” in the PRD report. Bureau policy states that the reviews include an examination of a select percent or number of general population, SHU and/or SMU files. What is excluded in the review is the same level of examination of conditions for the ADX. The Program Review Division at the time of the project team’s assessment did not have specific monitoring requirements for ADX policies as was the case for the SHUs and SMUs. Operational reviews and performance reviews were being conducted at the ADX as evidenced by documents provided, however specific guidelines ensuring select areas were reviewed had not been established. FINDING: Specific conditions of confinement and protective policy compliance levels are monitored locally by facility personnel and in some areas by central office personnel that are not assigned to the Program Review Division. The lack of these specific guidelines for the ADX creates the potential for possible omissions in examining areas that require ongoing review. RECOMMENDATION 7.3: Guidelines that identify specific conditions of confinement and protection policies consistent with applicable federal regulations and national standards should be developed and included as part of the Program Review Division performance review process142. Reporting In addition to a review of the specific policies and conditions examined by the Program Review Division, an assessment of the performance reports was completed. Program Review Reports from 2011 to 2013 were reviewed as well as Program Statement 1210.03, Management Control and Program Review Manual. Each report identified the dates the review was completed, overall rating, response requirements, if applicable, reviewer assurance statement, background information, general comments (concerns, if any) and deficiencies. In examining the documents from 2011 to 2013, there were several program review reports that identified concerns in the restrictive housing units that required a response from facility personnel. Some of the concerns noted in the reports included such areas as: inadequate cell search procedures; consistent documentation of staff The Bureau has reported that ADX-specific program review guidelines were developed and became effective June 13, 2014. 142 212 rounds; consistent documentation of inmate access to services; proper application of restraints; and below average sanitation conditions. The positive aspect of the reviews was that the Program Review Division was identifying concerns during their review and requiring facility personnel to provide a written response and corrective action plan for each. A few of the concerns cited in the 2011 – 2013 reports were consistent with the review team’s observations in 2014. Policies were in place that required activities and service delivery to be documented when provided, however observations reflected there were occasions when incomplete documentation was being provided. The frequency of the omissions was few. The addition of the new automated software program designed to document inmate service delivery was in use at several of the facilities. The system allowed routine activities to be recorded electronically such as meals delivered, recreation, and shower access. This procedural upgrade was viewed by staff and the project team as a significant improvement over the manual system. Staff were familiar with the automated system and procedures were in place to ensure select service activities and conditions were documented and inputted into the system. Operational review observations The Program Review Division (PRD) is an essential part of the Bureau tasked with the responsibility of overseeing Bureau-wide performance reviews that are designed in part to identify facility operational compliance levels with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies. Policies and procedures have been developed, qualified staff are assigned and site reviews are conducted on a regular basis consistent with applicable regulations. FINDING: Both program and operational reviews served a vital role in the overall positive operations of the Bureau’s facilities. Appropriate adjustments and revisions were being implemented to refine the system and Bureau personnel reported additional modifications are being considered. In line with the approach of continued growth and refinement, the project team has identified a few recommendations in this area: RECOMMENDATION 7.4: Establish a separate program performance review for the USP Florence ADX that includes in part a comprehensive evaluation of specific policies and procedures that are unique to the ADX. The current review includes three facilities: Federal Correctional Institution; USP Florence High, and USP Florence ADX with a separate satellite work camp. The benefit of providing a separate review with specific guidelines focused on the unique 213 operations of the ADX can only assist in meeting the established mission of the Bureau. Specific guidelines to be reviewed have not been established for the ADX and should be considered. These guidelines should reflect federal regulations, Bureau policies and national standards. Based on the uniqueness of the program, including the ADX’s operations and conditions of confinement a separate review may provide for a more detailed assessment of the facilities overall compliance levels with established policies and regulations. RECOMMENDATION 7.5: Enhance the external oversight of the local operational reviews that are being conducted no less than on an annual basis. External program performance reviews appear to be identifying a number of issues that should be addressed and corrected as a result of the local operational reviews that are conducted by the facility. Written responses are required and provided on concerns identified in the operational review, however reported corrective action may not always resolve the deficiency. Exploring the expanded use of announced or unannounced follow-ups and or requiring repeated assurances over a period of time regarding the effectiveness of the correction action should be considered. RECOMMENDATION 7.6: Reassess the performance review rating system. A number of program reviews resulted in an overall rating that may not have been consistent with the findings or definitions identified in the applicable program statement. Based on the project team’s observations and review of documents, the team did not identify any facilities that warranted an overall rating of “deficient” or “at-risk,” and none of the reports indicated the same. Re-evaluating the overall performance rating designation and ensuring an accurate rating is provided essential to solidifying the integrity of the review process. 214 Chapter 8: Summary of conclusions The following summarizes the major findings and recommendations that were presented in the previous chapters of this report. Extent of segregation The Bureau experienced an increase in the use of restrictive housing that began in 2009 by rapidly implementing its existing SMU program. Data indicates that the ADX population has remained quite stable over the same time period. Only a limited amount of information is known about the SHU population in terms of historic trends as the Bureau did not retain data on the number and type of inmates placed in the SHU status - protective custody, investigation and disciplinary segregation. More recent data indicates that the size of the SHU population has been steadily declining since 2011. The Bureau was able to provide detailed SHU population statistics beginning in February 2013. At that time, the count was 10,262 in over 100 facilities and has steadily declined since then reaching 8,939 by June 2014. This is a significant reduction from the self-reported count of the SHU population of over 13,000 in 2011. The decline can be attributed to several factors as reported by staff at all levels and confirmed and observed by the CNA project team. The process of conducting weekly reviews of SHU placements has been in place for some time and is a key factor in the decline. These reviews are held in a formalized setting with the entire management team of the facility participating in a review of the status of each inmate in SHU. The review includes an assessment and evaluation of all placement options including release from SHU. Staff noted that in the last three years the process has been reemphasized as a means to ensure that inmates are managed in the least restrictive setting given their risk to the system. As of November 2013, approximately 5 percent of the entire Bureau’s inmate population was being housed in one of these three restrictive housing populations with the vast majority in the SHU status. From a state prison population perspective, this number is neither high nor low, but more in the middle. 215 However, this review indicates that there are excellent opportunities to significantly lower the SHU and SMU populations by adopting the recommendations outlined in this report. Specifically, we estimate that the current SMU and SHU populations can be lowered significantly by adopting the following approaches: As of 2014, there were 4,252 inmates in some form of investigation status. This is partially a result of the lack of a policy requirement that investigation be limited to a specified maximum time period, absence a rationale for continuing the inmate on investigation beyond the specified time period. Presently, investigations can linger for months without resolution: Related to the investigation time period, once the investigation is completed and the case heard by the DHO, the sanction issued is not retroactive to the original date of placement in the SHU. As a result, if the investigation continues for 180 day and the inmate is found guilty of the infraction and issued disciplinary time of 30 days, the sanction and disposition is in reality 210 days as it is not retroactive to the original placement date. Giving the option for credit for time served will reduce the bed days in segregation significantly given the size of the investigation population. It was reported that in November 2013, there were 1,437 protection cases in special housing with an additional 172 housed in special housing but pending placement back into the general population. As noted in the report, many states have removed protection cases from administrative segregation and created specialized housing that is secure but replicates the conditions of confinement and programming of a general population unit. Not all of those in protection status would qualify for such placement as those whose protection is related to their own behavior could be excluded as they represent an ongoing risk to others. This option would, however, remove a significant number of offenders from the SHU. The Bureau is already utilizing this option to a small degree with the establishment of the RHU in Oakdale, Louisiana. The Bureau should continue to utilize a process of careful review of all referrals for placement to the SMU program. As noted in this report a recent snapshot of the review process indicates that 22 percent of the referrals initiated at the institutional level have been denied placement. This recent level of denials are an increase over prior measured levels and will assist in controlling any future growth as the SMU beds are reserved for only those who require such placement. It is recommended that the time period for completion of the SMU program be reduced from the present 18-24 months to 12 months and also the four levels be compressed to three levels by combining Level 3 and 216 Level 4 and allowing more differentiation between the condition of confinement between the levels. Implementation of these recommendations will significantly reduce the present restrictive housing population, while ensuring that mechanisms are still in place to maintain the safety and security of the institutions. Conditions of confinement In general, we found the housing units, cells, and furnishings provided in the cells to be adequate to accommodate either single or double celling of the ADX, SMU and SHU populations. Lighting, ventilation, access to showers and recreation areas were also nonproblematic. Some concern is noted with recreation, as a significant portion of the restrictive population decline to use scheduled recreation periods. Interviews with inmates with few exceptions validated our on-site observations. The quality of food provided to inmates was rarely cited as an issue by inmates. Virtually all of the inmates in SMU and SHU are double-celled. Inmates do have regular access to showers and recreation but the vast majority of their time is spent in their cells with their cellmates (with the exception of the Level 4 SMU inmates). Security staff, case managers, medical and mental health staff make regular visits to the housing units. However, direct out-of-cell contact with staff is very limited. When such contacts occur, they are brief and in front of the cells doors. Establishing, maintaining and monitoring the conditions of confinement appeared to be a routine part of the daily operations of managing the Bureau facilities visited. Policies were in place, staff are familiar with the requirements and post and job descriptions had been established to help in enforcing compliance. A typical week for the inmate in restrictive housing consists of a few hours of recreation, limited visits, and no phone calls (primarily due to the restriction issued by the DHO as part of the disciplinary hearing process), and no participation in out of cell treatment programs. Based on the information obtained by the prisoner interviews, although inmates are afforded opportunities for out of cell activities, portions of the SHU and SMU populations never leave their cells each week. Administrative detention is identified as a nonpunitive status while disciplinary segregation is identified as a punitive status. However, the inmates are assigned to the same housing unit, inmate movement procedures including application of restraints are the same, the frequency of recreation is the same, telephone access is the same and visits at all but two facilities visited were the same. With the exception of minor differences in personal property allowed, number and duration of phone calls, and in-cell programming opportunities the day-to-day conditions of 217 confinement were basically equivalent. Considering one status is “nonpunitive” and includes individuals who are in administrative detention status for protection, serious consideration should be placed on reevaluating the day-to-day condition of confinement authorized for individuals in a nonpunitive status. The Bureau needs to increase the amount of out-of-cell activities and continue its ongoing efforts to reduce the overall size of the restrictive housing population. Impact of the “separatee” status The SHU situation is complicated by the fact that a high percentage of inmates residing in SHUs have requested protection from other inmates, often due to gang related issues. Many inmates in the system have what are termed as “separatees.” A separatee is an inmate who for security and safety concerns cannot be housed with specific inmates in housing units where they may congregate with one another. The number of inmates that have separatee issues is significant and impacts inmate management in the agency. For example, the warden at USP Lewisburg advised the assessment team that of 748 inmates at that facility, 334 of them had separatee issues. Some individual inmates had as many as 14 separatees. Keeping in mind that these inmates can’t congregate with one another, bed management in the general population and segregation units is very complicated. In the SMU at USP Allenwood, where inmates in Level 3 and Level 4 are allowed to congregate, the lieutenants and unit management staff have to carefully place inmates according to their gang or group designation. The gang issue in the USPs that was assessed impacts the management of the SHU as it creates separatee issues and likely increases the number of inmates requesting protective custody, resulting in them being housed in restrictive housing. This observation was confirmed through interviews with staff and inmates who indicated that many of the segregated inmates were unable to live in general population because of the influence, harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence from members of gangs and “cars” (Prison based gangs in the facilities). Difficulties in the management of the gang problem exacerbate the protective custody problem, thus causing a high incidence of inmates leaving general population by their own request and being placed in segregation units after being threatened in general population. There is no simple solution for this issue but its impact is significant throughout the Bureau. Through its investigation units and its gang management unit the Bureau is aggressively attacking the problem. The wide spread presence of the gang factions, especially in the United State Penitentiaries, significantly impact the presence and size of the restrictive housing units. 218 Investigation, protective custody, and pending transfer inmates in SHU The SHU population needs to be understood in terms of the major statuses that one can be assigned. Those assigned for disciplinary sanctions purposes are inmates who have been found guilty by a well-functioning disciplinary process for serious violations of prison rules and conduct. However, the much larger number of inmates held administrative detention for investigation, protective custody, and pending Bureau actions under restrictive conditions of confinement for extensive periods of time deserves further discussion and scrutiny. The largest number of inmates being held in SHU are either there for investigation or protective custody. Although the Bureau states in its policy that both statuses are “nonpunitive,” this is clearly not the case when examining the units from an operational and program standpoint. Inmates in protective custody and investigative status are housed in SHU experience the same living conditions as those placed in what is an explicitly punitive environment. As of 2014, there were 4,252 inmates in some form of investigation status and another 1,361 inmates in some form or protective custody. Further another 1,802 inmates in the punitive SHUs awaiting some action by the BOP to either have a hearing for discipline, or transfer to ADX or SMU status or some other location. Thus, over 80 percent of the SHU inmates have not been found guilty of disciplinary conduct. As noted previously, investigations should be completed in a more timely manner. It is suggested that a limit of 45 days be established, with provisions for an extension of this time limit when circumstances exist that require additional time. Also noted previously, there needs to be a clear difference in the conditions of confinement from those in punitive segregation, those in investigation or protection status, and those simply awaiting an administrative action of some kind. Inmates awaiting administrative actions Somewhat related to inmates under investigation status are those awaiting some final action by the Bureau’s central office. This population is excessive and needs to be reduced. The reasons for delays in transferring inmates from SHU either to SMU/ADX or back to the general population is complicated by lack of space and the number of separates. Little can be done about the number of separatees but, as noted later, much can be done about the lack of bed capacity. 219 SHU inmates who have pending transfer actions should be transferred out of SHU within ten working days once their status for placement in SHU has expired. Protective custody inmates in special housing units Housing protective custody inmates in a punitive setting clearly contradicts best correctional practices. States that have been found to do so have suffered from ongoing litigation and court ordered reforms. Many states have developed specialized protective custody housing units where inmates are provided the same level of basic privileges and access to rehabilitative programs and even work assignments as general population inmates. The one exception is that they are assigned to specially designated housing units within a prison or a specialized facility. It was reported that in November 2013 there were 1,437 protection cases in special housing with an additional 172 housed in special housing but pending placement back into the general population. In October 2013, the Bureau issued a memorandum that provided field staff with procedures and criteria for placement of inmates in the reintegration housing unit (RHU) located at the Federal Correctional Complex at Oakdale, Louisiana. The target population for the RHU consists of male inmates who “consistently refuse to enter general population at multiple locations” and those who have been designated through the classification process as protective custody. The question then becomes ‘what is the appropriate manner to manage inmates who have verified protection needs?’ such inmates are presently housed in administrative detention, which is identified by Bureau policy as a nonpunitive status. However, the inmates who are verified protection cases are assigned to the same housing unit as punitive segregation inmates, inmate movement procedures including application of restraints are the same, the frequency of recreation is the same, telephone access is the same and visits at all but two facilities reviewed were the same. With the exception of minor differences in personal property allowed and in-cell programming opportunities, the day-to-day conditions of confinement were not much different. Considering one status is nonpunitive and includes in part individuals that are in administrative detention status strictly as a result of being verified as requiring protection, serious consideration should be placed on reevaluating the day-to-day condition of confinement authorized for individuals who have been verified as needing protection. This is a complex issue within the Bureau due to extensive presence of security threat group members even in the SHU. Many of those have verified protection as a 220 direct result of their prior involvement with a security threat group. But many are also victims or potential victims who need protection. These protection needs should be provided but in a more normalized setting than what is presently provided in the SHU. In numerous state departments of correction, the conditions of confinement for protection cases have been altered to parallel that provided to other general population inmates. In these instances inmates are housed in SHU or similar units while the claim for protection is being investigated. Once the need for protection is verified they are moved to a separate unit that provides conditions of confinement that are similar if not identical to that provided to general population inmates. These units operate separate from other general population units and afford the inmate the ability to function in a normalized prison environment while ensuring they are protected. Kentucky has done this successfully at the Eddyville facility while Ohio also operates units that replicate general population conditions for protective custody inmates. It should be noted that the Bureau is moving in this same direction with the establishment of the RHU in Oakdale, Louisiana. The Bureau should to establish nonpunitive protective custody housing units that have equivalent levels of programs and privileges as general population inmates. The special management unit program The Bureau has developed a much-needed step-down program for inmates removed from the general population. The criteria for such removals are objective and reasonable (only inmates who have committed serious acts of violence or pose a threat to the safety and welfare of the other 95 percent of the inmate general population). The conditions of confinement for SMU inmates are more restrictive than for general population inmates. SMU inmates are expected to complete the four-level SMU program in 18 to 24 months, at which time they may be re-designated (transferred) to an appropriate facility. At the time of the initiation of this review, SMU programs were functioning at USP Lewisburg, USP Allenwood, and USP Florence. During the course of the review the Bureau began the phasing out of the SMU at USP Florence through the gradual transfer of inmates to USP Lewisburg. Documentation provided by the DSCC indicated that a total of 5,435 inmates had been submitted for SMU placement from January 2009 to June 6, 2014. Of the inmates referred, 1,057 (19.5 percent) had been denied placement by the DSCC. This does not include denials/rejections that occurred at the regional offices as those records were not readily available. 221 A more recent picture of the validity of the referral and review process was obtained by reviewing the number of referrals by month that have been submitted since January 2013 through February 2014 and the number of these by month that have been rejected by either the DSCC or the regional director. Table 21 summarizes these decisions. This more recent snapshot of the review process indicates that 22 percent of the referrals have been denied placement. What is uncertain is the need for four levels and overall time to complete all four levels before an inmate can be returned to the general population. Currently, the total minimal amount of time required to complete all four levels is approximately 18 months. We say “approximately,” because in the Bureau the levels are designated by policy as six to eight months and two to four months in each level. As noted in chapter 2, most of the reviewed state prison step down programs allow for only three phases of confinement, which tend to last 90 days each. Many have implemented a program that has a minimum stay exceeding 12 months. Nor is there any research basis for extending the minimum amount of time in segregation for fully compliant inmates beyond nine months or for that matter any length of time. It was also discovered that SMU inmates who have completed a particular phase of the program are not promptly transferred to the next program phase location. This was a problem at USP Lewisburg for inmates who had completed Level 2 and were scheduled to advance to Level 3. These backlogs in inmates awaiting transfer to the next program level negate the intent of the program design and decrease the motivation to change behavior. Finally, relative to program content, much of the program elements of the status (with the exception of Level 4) consist of in-cell written assignments that are not testing the prisoner’s ability to return to the general population. In order for the program to be more effective, the Bureau should examine whether to develop a range of structured out-of-cell contacts and activities beginning at Level 2 and expanding at Level 3/4. As a result of this review, it is recommended that the Bureau modify the current SMU program to have a stay of 12 months and only three levels and increase the amount of structured out of cell activities for SMU inmates especially for those in Level 2. Mental health services In general, each of the restrictive housing units is providing mental health services to the inmates assigned to the units. Mental health staff routinely visit the housing units as required by Bureau policies. There are sufficient nonpsychiatric mental 222 health staff assigned to the units to provide sufficient mental health services. Monthly mental health records are being updated on a regular basis as required by Bureau policy. Inmates in special housing being monitored for having suicidal tendencies in specially designed cells under direct supervision is consistent with best correctional practices. However, our review of the mental services found a number of areas that the Bureau needs to significantly improve upon. The issues raised can be separated into three separate subcategories: 1. Proper mental health diagnosis 2. Effective treatment 3. Sufficient psychiatric staffing Relative to diagnosis, based on the Bureau’s four level mental health rating system, only about 10 percent of the segregated populations were assigned to Care Levels 2, suggesting minimal need for mental health care treatment beyond limited psychotropic medications. However, our review of randomly selected Care Level 1 cases by two experienced psychiatrists found a number of inmates exhibiting significant mental health symptoms which suggest their care level should be increased to Care Level 2 or higher. A contributing factor to this issue is that very few of the monthly mental health assessments occur in private settings on a face-toface basis. The majority (between 68 and 72 percent) of restrictive housing inmates have been classified by the Bureau as healthy or only having simple chronic medical care, and not requiring any specialized medical treatment (see table 11). These proportions are virtually identical to the other Bureau inmates (also 72 percent). Of those requiring medical care, the level of care is mostly at the lowest threshold (between 26 and 30 percent at “Care Level 2 –Stable, Chronic Care”). Somewhat surprisingly, relative to mental health care level, the proportions in need of care or treatment are even lower with the vast majority assigned to Care Level 1. The ADX has the highest proportion of Mental Health Care Levels 2 and 3 but they only represent ten percent of the entire ADX population. These proportions are comparable to the mental health care levels of the nonrestrictive populations. Based on the assessment of the project psychiatrists the review further indicated that the treatment being offered by the Bureau was insufficient or inappropriate in over half of the cases. In particular, there was little evidence of structured out of cell treatment services occurring for those in need of services beyond medication. Much of the “treatment” being provided to the inmates takes the form of psychiatric medications that can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse 223 practitioner whom is familiar with the patient’s symptoms and prior mental health history. There is a significant lack of coordination between the psychology staff who cannot prescribe these medications and psychiatric staff who are prescribing the psychotropic medications. A significant number of the inmates which the review found had been misdiagnosed and/or were receiving inadequate treatment should be transferred from the SMU or SHU to a comprehensive mental health program directed by a psychiatrist. It is acknowledged that mental health clinicians frequently disagree on diagnoses and that doctoral level psychologists are most certainly capable of directing a mental health program. The shortage of psychiatric staff in Bureau facilities leads to numerous problems in both proper diagnosis and treatment, particularly for the seriously mentally ill inmates at the large segregation units. For example, at most facilities, the prescribing physician was not a psychiatrist, which further added to the problems of coordination with the psychology staff. As a result the following recommendations are submitted: All inmates should be seen in a private setting for a comprehensive mental health evaluation prior to placement in any segregated setting. A complete re-evaluation of the mental health record should be performed by psychology and psychiatry staff every 30 days which would require a face to face interview in a private setting. Additional full time psychiatric staff are needed at the major restrictive housing units (in particular USP Lewisburg). A complete review of all inmates assigned to ADX, SMU and SHU should be completed by the Bureau to identify all inmates who should be transferred to a secure mental health program similar to the one being developed at the USP Atlanta and USP Allenwood. Crowding and segregation As has been noted earlier, the ability of the Bureau to place inmates who are being returned to general population from restrictive housing and housing inmates within the SMU and SHU’s which are largely double-celled is often hampered by the number of separatees that each inmate may have. As noted in chapter 3, virtually all of the ADX and SMU, and 2/3rds of the SHU inmates have at least one other inmate they must be separated from. Even within the nonsegregated population, 40 percent have separation orders. Many of these separation orders are related to conflicting gang affiliations. 224 In general, inmates with separation orders cannot be transferred to general population in facilities where separatees are currently located. This in turn produces delays in the transfer of inmates from segregation status back to the general population. A final complication is the level of crowding that permeates the Bureau’s facilities. As of 2013, the Bureau was operating at 137 percent of its rated capacity and even higher at its high (154 percent) and medium (144 percent) security facilities. Only two options exist to reduce these exceedingly high crowding levels – add more and expensive high security general population beds or reduce the current Bureau population. These two factors (high numbers of separatees and prison crowding) contribute to the number of inmates in SHU who are awaiting transfer back to the general population. Due process Sanctions issued by the DHO were found to be consistently lower than the allowed level for each of the severity levels. For example, offenses in the Greatest Severity Level carry a maximum time in disciplinary segregation of 12 months. Of all the case files reviewed, not one included a sanction of 12 months in restrictive housing. For 100 level offenses such as a weapon, the typical sanction included 30 – 45 days disciplinary segregation and in many cases was 15 – 20 days segregation. At USP Victorville, the typical sanction for an assault or a weapon offense was 30 or 60 days disciplinary segregation. At USP Tucson, a typical sanction of possession of a weapon was 45 days while an assault resulted in 60 – 90 days segregation. At USP Coleman, a weapons offense resulted in 30 days disciplinary segregation. It was apparent from interviews and case file reviews that the DHO’s have made extensive use of the loss of access to basic privileges (visits, telephone, and commissary) for extended periods of time as a disciplinary sanction. The use of these sanctions is an outgrowth of the objective to find alternative sanctions to the placement of the offender in disciplinary segregation. The Bureau DHO’s use the restriction of privileges such as visiting, commissary, and telephone extensively as a sanction for offenses within all severity levels. Almost every sanction issued by the DHO at each of the facilities reviewed included a restriction of one or all of the above privileges. At USP Coleman, weapons offenses typically resulted in a sanction of 41 days loss of Good Conduct Time, 15 days placement in disciplinary segregation, 180 days restriction on visits, commissary and telephones. Similar sanctions with some variance in the amount of segregation time were found in virtually all the institutions reviewed. In the cases reviewed, it was a 225 normal practice for the DHO to use the restriction of 180 days loss of Commissary, Telephone, and Visits. The extensive use of restriction of privileges resulted in the accumulation of loss of privileges over an extended period. It was not unusual to find inmates who had lost visiting privileges for in excess of one or two years. During one interview, an inmate reported that he had lost visiting and phone access for a period of seven years. This was confirmed through review of disciplinary records provided by the DHO. File reviews confirmed that similarly lengthy periods of restrictive privileges was common place in the system. Sanctions issued by the DHO are effective the date of the hearing and are not made retroactive to the date of the incident report or the date of referral by the UDC to the DHO. There is no time limit in policy that governs how quickly the DHO must hold a hearing after the investigation/UDC process is complete. Scheduling of hearings is at the discretion of the DHO. The lack of time parameters for completion of disciplinary hearings results in substantial variation among facilities in the amount of time served in restrictive housing for similar offenses, and can result in disproportionately long sanctions. During our review, we found institutions that had established internal informal requirements that the hearing be completed within 14 days of receipt by the DHO (USP Coleman). Another facility had established a guideline of 20 days. In the course of this review, instances of hearings held more than 30 days after the incident date were not unusual. Longer delays occurred when cases were continued awaiting the results of drug tests, when cases where referred for further investigation, and when cases were continued for further information. The result was that, in many cases, a sanction of 30 days segregation in actuality became a sanction of 90 days segregation or longer since the time served in segregation was not credited to the sanction or made retroactive to the date of original confinement in segregation. By comparison most state systems have specific time requirements for conducting the hearing or issuing a continuance based on need for additional information (investigation, availability of witnesses, etc.). Ohio policy requires that inmates charged with a rule violation must be scheduled for a hearing as soon as practicable but no later than seven days, excluding weekends and holidays, after the alleged violation is reported, unless the hearing is prevented by exceptional circumstances, unavoidable delays, or reasonable postponements. The exceptional circumstances, unavoidable delays, or reasonable postponements must be documented. 226 Reentry There is no formal Bureau-wide reentry preparedness program specific to restrictive housing. Each facility visited seemed to have their own unique programming that they tried to offer within the confines of the restrictive housing unit. Most staff interviewed did not appear to recognize the need for programming beyond self-help packet programs and no facility was able to provide data on the number of inmates actually being released from restrictive housing. The mindset that it is okay and preferable to discharge from a SHU needs to change. The issue of inmates releasing from restrictive housing with little or no reentry preparation is significant. The magnitude of the issue is not fully known since no data was available on the frequency of this practice and limited research on the effectiveness of reentry programs. One staffer reported that they do not need to track that information since their goal is to minimize the time an inmate spends in restrictive housing. While the goal of shortening the time in restrictive housing is correct and will help this situation, it ignores the reality that inmates are still releasing from restrictive housing. Facilities do not provide step-down planning to transition an inmate from restrictive housing to general population and subsequently to their eventual release. The prevailing practice is to keep inmates in restrictive housing until such time as they discharge to an RRC or directly to the community. With the exception of assigned completion of self-study activities related to reentry, inmates transition from often extended stays in restrictive housing to an abrupt release to general population or the community without any meaningful step down programming. Many of the staff interviewed found this completely acceptable and indicated that it was preferable to release inmates from the SHU, SMU or ADX rather than first transitioning to general population due to the risk of violence to the general population. While this may be a sound decision for institutional security, it can hardly be in the interests of the communities where these inmates are being released. Inmates spending extended periods of time in close confinement with little social interaction or skill-building programming are seriously unprepared for reentry and re-socialization. As can be seen from these examples, inmates in Bureau restrictive housing have very limited access to reentry programming. Services are generally limited to providing basic information on identification and benefit issues, and referrals to community programs and services. This stands in stark contrast to range and depth of reentry programming provided to Bureau general population inmates. It is the restrictive housing population that is in the most need of programs and poses the greatest potential risk in their transition back to the community. 227 Information system needs The report has noted the difficulties in tracking the number and movement of inmates within the restrictive housing units. For the SMU population, it was not possible to track which level of the SMU program the inmate was assigned to and how long he had been assigned to that level. The lack of such data was even more pronounced for the much larger SHU population. If the Bureau is to develop more effective forms of restrictive housing intervention, it will need to significantly enhance its information data system and its capabilities to effectively analyze trends within this population. Summary of findings and recommendations Statistical analysis of restrictive housing FINDING: There are over 2,000 inmates in restrictive housing who will be released within a year, which suggests the need for reentry services. The differences in sentence lengths, time served, and time left to serve are especially pronounced among the ADX and SMU prisoners. FINDING: The majority of inmates in restrictive housing do not require specialized medical treatment and are virtually identical to the other Bureau inmates. Somewhat surprisingly, relative to mental health care level, the proportions reported in need of care or treatment are lower than and comparable to the mental health care levels of the inmates in general population housing. FINDING: SMU and ADX inmates have lengthy disciplinary records that include histories of repeated institutional violence and other types of serious misconduct. It appears that these rates of misconduct significantly decline while in restrictive housing status and after release from restrictive housing. FINDING: The vast majority of ADX and SMU inmates released in 2011 were not returned to restrictive housing status, although most incurred another disciplinary report within two years. The average number of disciplinary reports declined sharply after released from either ADX or SMU. FINDING: The Bureau’s information system cannot directly provide the most basic data on the number of inmates admitted and released from restrictive housing, the current restrictive housing population, and the status of inmates assigned to restrictive housing. 228 RECOMMENDATION: The Bureau information system needs to be modified so it will directly measure the movement of restrictive housing placements and removals as well as the basis for and current status of each placement. FINDING: The use of four SMU levels that last at least 18 months is not consistent with other, state programs, which typically require only two or three levels and a minimum period of confinement ranging from 9 to 12 months. FINDING: There was no strong or consistent relationship between time in SMU and prison recidivism rates, although inmates with the longest placement in SMU had higher rates of return to restrictive housing. RECOMMENDATION: The current required minimum length of stay for SMU inmates should be reduced from 18 months to 12 months and the number of levels consolidated from four to three. Due process FINDING: The DHOs and others involved in the disciplinary process were well versed in their duties. All appropriate notices and procedures were followed, and inmates responded respectfully to the process and the decision. FINDING: Bureau disciplinary processes and procedures provide substantial and redundant assurances for due process compliance. FINDING: The lack of time parameters for completion of disciplinary hearings results in substantial variation between facilities in the amount of time served in restrictive housing for similar offenses, and can result in disproportionately long sanctions. FINDING: Sanctions issued by the DHO become effective on the date of the hearing and are not made retroactive to the date of the incident report or the date of referral by the UDC to the DHO. RECOMMENDATION 4.1: Establish reasonable time frames in which the hearing must be scheduled, while permitting reasonable continuances when waiting for investigation reports, drug tests, etc. RECOMMENDATION 4.2: Establish by policy that a sanction of restrictive housing time should be issued retroactive to the date of the original admission, providing credit for time served. RECOMMENDATION 4.3: Establish a system for monitoring patterns and trends in the use of disciplinary sanctions among Bureau facilities. FINDING: A disproportionate number of inmates are being housed in the SHUs based on protection claims. 229 FINDING: The application of the same security and operational restrictions to the protective custody population as those applied in administrative segregation is contrary to national accepted practices. RECOMMENDATION 4.4: Expand housing alternatives for inmates in verified protective custody status to provide levels of programs and privileges equivalent to those provided for the general population. FINDING: The conduct of weekly reviews of SHU placements in a formalized setting with the entire management team of the facility is an exemplary practice that ensures ongoing review of the status of inmates in SHU and evaluation of placement options. RECOMMENDATION 4.5: Establish a policy standard requiring private, face-to-face interviews for the restrictive housing review. FINDING: The SRO reviews at some of the facilities reviewed appeared perfunctory and lacked substance in contact and purpose. FINDING: The review of randomly selected inmate records found omissions in the maintenance and content of inmate records documenting the placement rationale in the SHU. RECOMMENDATION 4.6: Develop and deploy an electronic inmate record system to document SHU placement decisions. FINDING: The requirements that are contained in the policy and procedures that govern the placement and review of inmates housed in the SHU are consistent with national standards and afford inmates in these units due process in relation to their placement in the units. FINDING: The Bureau has established policies and procedures that afford due process protections to inmates in the referral and assignment to SMU. FINDING: The significant level of SMU placement request denials indicates that the review process provides a valid and independent assessment beyond the institution level of the necessity of the SMU placement. FINDING: Scheduled SMU conditions reviews were in some cases not conducted in a private setting, consistent with professional practices, and were not reflected in the official inmate records in a timely manner. FINDING: Current backlogs in inmates awaiting transfer to the next program level negate the intent of the program design and decrease the motivation to change behavior. Further it is inconsistent with the program’s objectives to hold graduates of Level 2 in a unit that operates with that level’s restrictions rather than receiving the benefits of advancement to Level 3. 230 FINDING: SMU operational practices at the facilities fail to meet the standards set by the Bureau’s program statement. FINDING: There is a lack of consistency in the conditions of confinement for an inmate classified at the same level in the same program but housed at a different facility. This presents concerns regarding the integrity and design of the level system. RECOMMENDATION 4.7: Reexamine the SMU levels as they currently operate, their corresponding conditions of confinement, the length of time at each level, and their compliance with the SMU program statement. The program should be consolidated from four levels to three and the minimum length of time to complete the program adjusted accordingly. Mental health FINDING: Based on the review of the inmate mental health records and the inmate interviews, the reviewers disagreed with the Bureau diagnosis in nearly two thirds of the cases and found in over half of the cases that the treatment being offered was insufficient or inappropriate. RECOMMENDATION 5.1: All inmates should be seen in a private setting for a comprehensive mental health evaluation prior to placement in any segregated setting. FINDING: The lack of ongoing assessments can lead to the absence of a proper mental health status evaluation. RECOMMENDATION 5.2: A complete reevaluation of the mental health record should be performed by psychology and psychiatry staff every 30 days. Included in this review should be a face-to-face interview by a member of the mental health team in a private setting, and the results of this interview should be included in the reevaluation record. FINDING: Many inmates in restrictive housing demonstrated significant symptomatology compatible with the presence of an SMI, which was as yet undetected by the psychology staff. RECOMMENDATION 5.3: A vigorous quality improvement program should be established for the provision of mental health. FINDING: Very few of the monthly mental health assessments occur in private settings on a face-to-face basis. 231 FINDING: The shortage of psychiatric staff in Bureau facilities leads to numerous problems in both diagnosis and treatment, particularly for seriously mentally ill inmates. Recommendation 5.4: Given the level of disagreement in the assessment and treatment plan formulation, the Bureau should conduct an inter-reliability test for its mental health staff to better determine the accuracy of the diagnosis and treatment plan process. RECOMMENDATION 5.5: Psychiatrists need to be more actively involved in diagnosis and treatment. FINDING: Overall, most restrictive housing units had no mental health programing and especially no out-of-cell programming for any inmates with or without mental illness. RECOMMENDATION 5.6: A program of regular out-of-cell mental health treatment needs to be implemented. FINDING: Almost all facilities reported a lack of mental health staff required to provide treatment services. RECOMMENDATION 5.7: The Bureau should complete a clinical staffing needs analysis. FINDING: Our review identified inmates in restrictive housing whose mental conditions should have precluded them from assignment to these units. RECOMMENDATION 5.8: A protocol needs to be established that identifies those inmates with serious mental illness who should be excluded from SHU, SMU, or ADX housing. FINDING: The assessment team encountered no cases in which an inmate’s serious mental illness was due to prolonged placement in the ADX. RECOMMENDATION 5.9: Any inmates who are found to be decompensating from the effects of restrictive housing should be transferred to a mental health unit for treatment and observation. RECOMMENDATION 5.10: Inmates with SMI who are not excluded from restrictive housing should start participating in a treatment program. RECOMMENDATION 5.11: Inmates should not be housed in a SHU for protective custody but rather should be in sheltered general population housing. 232 Reentry FINDING: No data were available at any of the facilities visited that identified the number of inmates scheduled to be released directly to the community from restrictive housing within the next 180 days. RECOMMENDATION 6.1: On a monthly basis, track and monitor the numbers of inmates who are scheduled to be released within 180 days and are being released directly from restrictive housing at each facility. FINDING: Facilities do not provide step-down planning to transition an inmate from restrictive housing to general population and subsequently to their eventual release. The prevailing practice is to keep inmates in restrictive housing until they are discharged to an RRC or directly to the community. RECOMMENDATION 6.2: Establish a policy whereby only under extraordinary circumstances would an inmate be discharged directly from a SHU, SMU, or ADX. RECOMMENDATION 6.3: Develop a step-down program with increasing incentives, more out-of-cell opportunities, and increasing opportunities for congregate programming. RECOMMENDATION 6.4: Ensure that when inmates complete psychology self-help programs—for example on anger management, coping, or drug and alcohol abuse—completion is documented so that case managers and counselors are aware of it during reentry planning. RECOMMENDATION 6.5: Develop and provide coordinated, comprehensive, targeted, specialized cognitive reentry programming specifically designed for inmates in restrictive housing. RECOMMENDATION 6.6: Provide programming that identifies and addresses most significant areas of need for high-risk inmates in order to assist them in successfully reintegrating into the community. RECOMMENDATION 6.7: Educate staff about the need for inmates in restrictive housing to receive formal reentry programming if being released from restrictive housing. RECOMMENDATION 6.8: Establish and maintain a culture among all BOP staff, employees, and contractors that recognizes the need for meaningful reentry programs for all inmates in the Bureau of Prisons, including those in restrictive housing, beginning at new officer and staff training and continuing in every annual in-service training. 233 RECOMMENDATION 6.9: Review the practice of keeping inmates at the ADX until halfway house release or release directly to the community. Conditions of confinement FINDING: The management structure of the Bureau facilities is staffed with sufficient personnel to provide management and oversight of its segregated units. FINDING: Each facility reviewed had sufficient staff to manage the segregation units. FINDING: The presence of a correctional services team working alongside a unit management team appears to be an effective management approach and provides sufficient personnel to manage a difficult-to-manage inmate population. FINDING: The Bureau’s commitment to staff training is outstanding and consistent with best practices in corrections. FINDING: The training curriculum used by Bureau facilities is consistent with best practices, providing a range of topics that meet industry and ACA standards. FINDING: SHU training is not consistent throughout the Bureau in terms of delivery, content, hours of instruction, schedule, or mandatory attendance. FINDING: The observation of inmates in special housing and those that are being monitored as having suicidal tendencies in specially designed cells under direct supervision is consistent with best practices and in compliance with ACA standards. FINDING: Difficulties in the management of the gang problem exacerbates the protective custody problem, thus causing a high incidence of inmates leaving general population at their own request and being placed in segregation units after being threatened in general population. FINDING: Bureau post orders are extremely comprehensive documents that meet national standards and requirements and are considered a best practice. FINDING: The Bureau has established a comprehensive program statement that clearly identifies the step-by-step requirements associated with managing potential use of force and critical incidents consistent with nationally recognized standards. FINDING: Overall the sanitation and physical plant maintenance programs in Bureau facilities are considered consistent with nationally recognized best practices. FINDING: The size and furnishings provided in the cells in the SMUs were consistent with nationally accepted practices. 234 FINDING: The size and furnishings provided in the SHUs were consistent with nationally accepted practices when providing housing for the designed number of inmates. The fact that most cells in the SHUs contained showers exceeded national standards. However, in one facility, the number of inmates housed in a cell exceeded the design capacity. FINDING: There is very little difference between the personal property of inmates assigned to administrative segregation and disciplinary segregation, with the exception of noted commissary items. This is problematic given the fact that at some facilities the majority of administrative segregation inmates are on protective custody status. FINDING: The frequency of visitation allowed for inmates in Level 3 at USP Allenwood is inconsistent with Bureau practices for the same level of inmate at other facilities and not representative of national best practices. RECOMMENDATION 7.1: A further review of the frequency and duration of visits should be conducted at USP Allenwood for Level 3 inmates. Serious consideration should be given to allowing additional time for inmates in Level 3. FINDING: Health care staff are present in the segregated units at least daily, and often more frequently, consistent with Bureau policy and ACA standards. FINDING: A limited number of potential small-group programming spaces are available at each facility. RECOMMENDATION 7.2: Use of existing small-group space should be considered for inmates who have been properly screened. FINDING: The general conditions of confinement were found to be consistent with national regulations and standards. Establishing, maintaining, and monitoring the conditions of confinement appeared to be a routine part of the daily operations of managing the Bureau facilities visited. Policies were in place, staff were familiar with the requirements, and post and job descriptions had been established to enforce compliance in this area. RECOMMENDATION 7.3: Guidelines that identify specific conditions of confinement and protection policies consistent with applicable federal regulations and national standards should be developed and included as part of the PRD performance review process. RECOMMENDATION 7.4: Establish a PRD review for the ADX that is separate from the rest of the Florence Complex. FINDING: Both program and operational reviews served a vital role in the overall effective operation of the Bureau’s facilities. 235 RECOMMENDATION 7.5: Establish a separate program performance review for the USP Florence ADX that includes a comprehensive evaluation of policies and procedures that are unique to the ADX. RECOMMENDATION 7.6: Enhance the external oversight of the local operational reviews that are being conducted on at least an annual basis. RECOMMENDATION 7.7: Reassess the performance review rating system. 236 Appendix: Research team bios Project Directors Ken McGinnis and Karl Becker and Program Manager Tammy Felix were responsible for overseeing all work on this project. Mr. McGinnis was primarily responsible for making decisions on the direction of research activities and operational analysis, while Ms. Felix and Mr. Becker were responsible for monitoring progress on the project work plan and assuring the quality and timeliness of all products. Below we provide a list of the core team members, their role in the development of this report, and a brief summary of their background and experience. Ken McGinnis, Project Director (CGI). Mr. McGinnis directed all project analysis and the development and delivery of the final report to the Bureau. Mr. McGinnis worked in, managed, assessed, and developed plans for the use of restricted housing units over the course of his 30-year career in corrections. He has served as the Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections and the Illinois Department of Corrections. He also has worked as a warden in maximum, medium, and minimum security institutions and received a number of national awards for his contributions to the field of corrections, including the Walter A. Dunbar Award in recognition for his contributions to the development of professional standards for correctional facility operations. Mr. McGinnis has conducted operational reviews of correctional systems and facilities across the country. He is a recognized expert in security and management issues and has directed operational assessments for the Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, and District of Columbia correctional systems. Dr. James Austin, Research Team Lead (JFA). Dr. Austin has over 30 years of experience in criminal justice planning and research. He directed several DOJ-funded research and evaluation programs. He has also assisted numerous state and local correctional agencies design, implement and validate prison and jail classification and risk assessment systems. With regard segregation, Dr. Austin was assigned to the Illinois Department of Correction in one of the nation’s first specialized segregation units in the early 1970s. More recently he has conducted comprehensive assessment of the administrative segregation units in the states of Ohio, Mississippi, Colorado, Illinois New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Maryland. He has conducted this work through the JFA Institute (Ohio, Mississippi, Colorado), as the lead consultant for 237 Vera Institute (Illinois, Maryland, and New Mexico), and in support of CNA (Oklahoma). Karl Becker, Project Director (CGI). Mr. Becker was responsible for project logistics, work plan implementation, and quality assurance. He provided additional oversight of the development of project findings and the project report. Mr. Becker brings experience in managing more than 50 major consulting engagements that have included performance reviews, organizational assessments, and program evaluations for correctional systems. Mr. Becker has more than 25 years of experience working with federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies. He specializes in management, health care, and financial administration of correctional systems and has extensive expertise in institutional and departmental staffing assessments. Mr. Becker directed program services, planning, and finance for 12 years as the Deputy Director of Administration and Planning for the Illinois Department of Corrections. Over the last 12 years as a consultant specializing in correctional system management, Mr. Becker has worked with senior correctional officials, governor’s office staff and legislative appropriations staff on correctional system performance reviews and operational assessments in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Virginia. Larry Fields, Operations Reviewer (CNA). Larry Fields has over 40 years of experience in the field of correctional administration and leadership. He has demonstrated skills in facility management, community corrections and probation and parole. His expertise has been further enhanced by a background that includes work with juvenile offenders, psychiatric patients, and county jail operational reviews. In addition to serving as Director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Mr. Fields has also served as Deputy Director of Institutions, Regional Director, Warden, Deputy Warden, and Community Corrections Superintendent. His government experience has been supplemented by his extensive experience providing consultant services in correctional management and administration issues nationally for the last 16 years. Michael Lane, Operations Reviewer (CNA). Michael Lane has 35 years’ experience in law enforcement and corrections. As Inspector General for the Illinois State Police, Mr. Lane directed sworn and civilian staff responsible for financial, compliance, and management audits of all Illinois State Police divisions, as well as ensuring compliance with standards established by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Mr. Lane was Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections from 1981 to 1990, the longest tenure of any Corrections Director in the history of the state. He administered a budget of more than $528 million and managed a staff of 11,000 who supervised 38,000 adults and juveniles in prison or on parole. Mr. Lane supervised a massive $500 million expansion program to meet an adult inmate population that grew from 12,500 to 24,700. He established written, standard policies and procedures for the state correctional system and implemented 238 a highly effective auditing compliance system. Mr. Lane’s career includes experience managing all adult prisons in Illinois as an Assistant Director, as Warden of the largest maximum security prison in the state, the Menard Correctional Center, and as regional administrator of adult parole. Mike Maloney, Operations Reviewer (CNA). Mr. Maloney completed a 30-year career with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections in 2004. Since beginning his career in 1974, he served as a Social Worker, Director of Classification Deputy Superintendent, Superintendent, Deputy Commissioner, and Commissioner from 1997 to 2004. Throughout his career he has had operational responsibility over segregation units and high-security facilities. While a Deputy Superintendent in the largest medium security institution in Massachusetts, he was responsible for the daily operation of a 100-man segregation unit, which included a 30-man protective custody unit. As the Superintendent of Walpole Prison, the maximum security facility in Massachusetts, he was responsible for all aspects of the operation of the Department Segregation Unit, a department unit designed to hold the most violent and disruptive inmates in the Massachusetts system and also supported the design of the high-security unit, modeled after the Control Unit at U.S. Penitentiary Marion, that replaced the DSU. Mr. Maloney was directly responsible for overseeing the process to develop policy and procedures for the unit, to which inmates were assigned based on a departmental disciplinary hearing. Mr. Maloney was the Commissioner’s designee to approve or deny placement in the unit, and to act upon appeals. As Deputy Commissioner, part of Mr. Maloney’s responsibility was to ensure that all superintendents with segregation units within their facilities adhered to departmental policy regarding the operation of segregation units. Mary Marcial, Reentry Reviewer (CNA). Mary Marcial has 25 years of service with the Connecticut Department of Correction. She began her career as a Correctional Counselor in Addiction Services and in Classification and Case Management. In 1992 she was appointed as Warden of the state’s DWI unit and later that year was tasked with activating a new institution, which included developing the facility’s policies, procedures, post orders, staffing plans, and program mission. In 1995 she was selected to be the first female Warden of the state’s reception and high-risk offender special management unit, which at that time also served as the state’s Super-Max facility. While there, she initiated a High Bond unit for the state’s pretrial offenders and established the state’s Chronic Discipline Unit, developing policies, procedures, and post orders for those high-risk offender units. In March 2003, Ms. Marcial was selected to serve on the Commissioner’s executive team as Director of Programs and Treatment. In that capacity she was responsible for numerous divisions including Reentry Services, Education, Religious Services, Victim Services, Volunteer and Recreation Services, Program Review and Development, Correctional Enterprises, Health and Addiction Services, and Offender Classification and Population Management. She currently works with ASCA’s Reentry Committee managing a 239 reentry information-sharing grant and has recently conducted an assessment of the Virginia Department of Correction’s Reentry and community diversion programs. Robert May, Reentry Team Lead (CNA). Mr. May is Assistant Director of Program and Technology Services with the IJIS Institute where he oversees the Institute’s work in Corrections/Reentry, Justice to Health, Gang Information Sharing, and Statewide Automated Victims Information and Notification System Technology Assistance and Procurement Reform. Mr. May most recently was a principal with the Criminal Justice Institute where he also served as the Associate Director of the Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA). He has over 37 years of experience in the fields of criminal justice, law enforcement, substance abuse treatment programming, correctional health care, alternatives to incarceration, and substance abuse program design and implementation. Mr. May serves as ASCA's representative on the Second Chance National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) Steering Committee and as vice chair of the NRRC’s Pre-Release Planning and Post-Release Supervision Subcommittee. He has experience in treatment programming and alternatives to incarceration and has conducted alternatives assessments and reentry work for state correctional systems and counties. Mr. May directed ASCA’s Reentry Information Sharing projects funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) with pilot sites in Maryland, Rhode Island, and Hampden County, MA Sheriff’s Department. The main goals of these projects were to leverage corrections information for reentry purposes and enable effective sharing of information among corrections and various social service agencies and service providers to improve reentry of offenders back into the community. Jon Ozmint, Due Process Team Lead (CNA). Mr. Ozmint is an attorney who began his legal career in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where he served in various capacities in the criminal justice system. Mr. Ozmint later served as prosecutor in the Tenth Circuit Solicitors Office, where he served as General Counsel to the South Carolina State Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation until 1994, when the Attorney General appointed him Deputy Attorney General and Chief Prosecutor for the Statewide Grand Jury. In 2003 Mr. Ozmint was appointed Director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, where he served until 2011. Mr. Ozmint has served as chairman of the Staff Safety Committee for the American Correctional Association and of the Legal, Legislative and Policy Committee of the Association of State Correctional Administrators (ASCA). His experience as a practicing attorney, member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corp, and former director of corrections provides him with unique skills, abilities and knowledge that will enable CNA to conduct a thorough and comprehensive review of the due process issues within the special housing units of the Bureau. Tom Roth, SHU Operations Lead (MGT). Tom Roth has more than 27 years of experience in the field of corrections. He has been involved in virtually every facet of correctional management including central office leadership, facility management, 240 accreditation, training, and education. Mr. Roth has served as Deputy Chief of Administration for the Illinois Department of Corrections, warden of multiple correctional institutions, and accreditation auditor for the American Correctional Association for nine years. He led the creation and implementation of an agency-wide strategic plan for the Illinois Department of Corrections. Emmitt Sparkman, Operations Reviewer (CNA). Emmitt Sparkman, the current Deputy Commissioner of Institutions for the Mississippi Department of Corrections, brings extensive experience in the analysis of restricted housing as a tool in correctional system management. Mr. Sparkman has overseen all of the state’s correctional institutions for the last ten years and has also served as Warden and Deputy Warden in a career that spans more than 35 years in the operation of state correctional facilities. He has been a key figure in the development of capacity plans for the state of Mississippi that have managed the growth in the overall inmate population without new prison construction. More recently, he has participated in a study of the use of administrative segregation practices in the Colorado and Oklahoma correctional systems. Dr. Roberta Stellman, Mental Health Reviewer (CNA). Dr. Stellman is a boardcertified psychiatrist and Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. She provided clinical psychiatric services to the inmate population of the New Mexico Department of Corrections from 1983 to 2006. She has since served as a consultant in correctional mental health treatment for the state of Delaware, served as the federal court monitor for an agreement on the delivery of correctional mental health services between the state of Delaware and the Justice Department, and participated in a comprehensive outside review of mental health services in the Massachusetts Department of Correction. Dr. Pablo Stewart, Mental Health/Medical Service Team Lead (CNA). Dr. Stewart was the Senior Attending Psychiatrist for 4 years at the Forensic Unit of San Francisco General Hospital, with administrative and clinical responsibility for a 12bed, maximum-security psychiatric ward. He was appointed as the Psychiatric Expert for the U.S. Federal Court in the Gates v. Deukmejian case and Madrid v. Gomez, which addressed the quality and availability of psychiatric care provided to the inmates at Pelican Bay State Prison. He has worked extensively on correctional mental health issues as a consultant for the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division in both juvenile and adult systems. George Vose, ADX/SMU Operations Lead (MGT). Mr. Vose has more than 30 years of experience in the corrections field. He has served in a number of positions within the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, including the director, deputy director, and as superintendent of two facilities. He also served as the Commissioner of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. Through these positions, he has been responsible for the development and allocation of programs and resources, as well as determination of agency objectives, goals, and internal organizational structure. He 241 also served as first-in-command regarding correctional issues affecting public safety and was responsible for the safety and security of all state correctional facilities. Mr. Vose has provided consulting services and technical expertise to numerous state departments of correction including Arizona, Maryland, New Mexico, and Wyoming, as well as local government correctional systems in Bristol County, New Jersey, and the City of Philadelphia. He served as the Project Manager for the NIC project, “Assessing Prison Culture,” working with the consultant team and NIC to develop a protocol for assessing prison culture and to administer the protocol in correctional facilities throughout the U.S. He also was a consultant on a project for the Maryland Department of Corrections to conduct an organizational analysis of Central Office functions and staffing, and as a consultant on an assessment of the Vermont Department of Corrections organizational structure for the NIC. Tammy Felix, Program Manager (CNA). Ms. Felix was responsible for the overall delivery of the project and served as the single point of contact for project coordination and technical direction with the Bureau. She also provided project updates and coordinated/ensured the delivery of the final report to the Bureau. Ms. Felix has over 14 years’ experience performing analytical and research support work for a variety of safety and security projects focusing on emergency management, homeland security, and law enforcement issues. As the manager of a project assessing the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) implementation of vertical patrol tactics in New York City Housing Authority facilities, Ms. Felix provided oversight and analytic support for the review of the NYPD’s Housing Bureau Policies, procedures, rules, training and practice, transcripts, review of other Expert Reports, analysis of the conformity of practice with the policies and whether these policies reflect professional standards within policing. She has also supported site visits in Colorado and Massachusetts state prisons. 242 The CNA Corporation This report was written by CNA Corporation’s Safety and Security (SAS) division. SAS’s work helps improve decision-making during crisis operations and fosters innovative answers to challenges in the areas of first response; emergency management; public health and agriculture; homeland security; risk-management policy development and operations; and response and recovery capabilities at a national level. IRM-2014-U-009563 CNA Corporation is a not-for-profit research organization that serves the public interest by providing in-depth analysis and result-oriented solutions to help government leaders choose the best course of action in setting policy and managing operations. Nobody gets closer— to the people, to the data, to the problem. www.cna.org 703-824-2000 3003 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201