Policy Text
Procedure Number: L9
Issued: 08/04
Revised: 10/05
Revised: 02/16
Reviewed: 11/17
DEATH
AUTHORITY
Title 15 Regulation:
Section 1341 Death and Serious Illness or Injury of a Youth While Detained
California Government Code (GOV):
Section 12525
Section 27491
Related Probation Department Policy:
IV23 Officer-Involved Critical Incident Protocol
If a youth dies in custody of a Juvenile Detention Facility (JDF), the Supervising Deputy
Probation Officer – Institutions (SDPO (I)) or shift supervisor shall:
Notify dispatch (9-911) for an ambulance.
Attempt immediate First Aid/CPR and continue trying to revive the youth until the
ambulance arrives.
Cut the victim down and begin First Aid/CPR, if by hanging.
Secure all youth in sleeping rooms, if possible. If a roommate is with the victim, an
alternative location may be more appropriate than a sleeping room.
Record the time the youth was discovered and the phone call to dispatch in the logbook.
Notify the Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, and the Chief Probation Officer.
Make all required phone calls.
As soon as possible, get the statements of all staff on duty regarding the incident.
Have every DPO (I) on duty prepare a detailed, accurate SIR, or supplemental SIR,
regarding their knowledge and involvement. This should include:
1. All times Room Safety Checks were made.
2. All efforts made to revive the youth.
3. Circumstances leading up to the death.
4. Notification of resource people.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner Unit, per Section 27491 of the Government
Code, shall investigate the circumstances and conditions surrounding the death.
The Supervisor should discuss with the Sheriff/Coroner investigators whether the Officer-
Involved Critical Incident Protocol is applicable, and invoke when appropriate.
REQUIRED TELEPHONE CALLS
Once a death has been discovered, the shift supervisor shall immediately notify by telephone the
following:
El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner Unit.
Facility Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent.
Chief Probation Officer.
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