Policy Text
Correctional Services Page 1 of 9 2/05 (Rev 2/16)
MJ/RCCC
OPERATIONS ORDER
Custody Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.)
and
Cell Extraction Procedures
The purpose of this Order is to standardize procedures for the selection, training, and
utilization of the Cust ody Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) a nd processes relating
to cell extractions at the Main Jail and the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center
(RCCC).
I. Policy
The intent of this is to establis h consistent and safe methods to handle critical incidents
that may require the utilization of C.E.R.T. and the implementa tion of cell extraction
procedures to reduce the risk of i njury to staff and prisoners. Safe procedures to extract
a violent, non-cooperative or arm ed prisoner from his/her cell who fails to comply with
direct orders will be addressed . Only the amount of force nece ssary to overcome
resistance and maintain control s hall be used during a cell ext raction. The use of force
shall cease when control of a pri soner or situation is achieved and shall not be used as
a form of punishment. This policy is to be used in conjunction with, but does not super-
sede, either the General Order or Correctional Services Operati ons Order regarding the
use of force.
II. C.E.R.T. Member Selection Process
A. Each shift shall maintain a Custody Emergency Response Team with
specialized training. Each team i s directed by a C.E.R.T. Serg eant.
B. Each shift C.E.R.T. Sergeant, with input from the watch comm ander and
other supervisors, is responsible for selecting and maintaining their shift’s
Team.
C. The selection criter ia shall be as follows:
1. Interested sworn custody sta ff are required to complete the
following programs before selection to the Team:
a. Adult Corrections Suppl emental Core Course Jail
Operations.
b. Division Tr aining Program
Correctional Services Page 2 of 9 2/05 (Rev 2/16)
MJ/RCCC 2. Interested sworn staff will submit an Inter-Departmental
Correspondence (IDC) to his/her shift C.E.R.T. Sergeant. A tes ting
process may be administered to include any of the following:
a. Submission of a resume, writte n test, oral interview, and/or a
physical agility test.
D. The C.E.R.T. Sergeant, with i nput from the watch commander, may
deselect members if his/her per formance does no t meet C.E.R.T. or
departmental standards.
III. C.E.R.T. Train ing and Equipment
A. Sworn custody staff select ed to C.E.R.T. should attend the f ollowing
P.O.S.T. certified courses:
1. Custody Cell Extraction 2. Diversionary Devices 3. Less Lethal Weapon – 40mm 4. Tactical Rifle Course ( Law Enforcement Rifle)
5. Taser Operator – Conductive Energy Weapon
B. C.E.R.T. members are expected to be proficient in the use of Department-
issued firearms (handgun and shotgun).
C. C.E.R.T. members qualified in t he use of specialized weapons are
expected to maintain proficiency in the weapon(s) which they ar e qualified
to operate. These weapons may include:
1. Taser, 40mm Launcher, Diversionar y Devices, Law Enforcement
Rifle, and other weapons requi ring semi-annual or annual
qualification.
D. Training provided to C.E.R.T. members should minimally inclu de:
1. Riot control
2. Arrest control
3. Proper use of specialized equipment and weapons:
a. Safety Equipment (vests, helmets, padding, shield, etc.)
b. Specialized safety equipment ( bio-hazard suits, gas masks,
etc.)
c. All restraint devices authoriz ed for the custodial facility.
Correctional Services Page 3 of 9 2/05 (Rev 2/16)
MJ/RCCC d. Impact weapon(s).
E. All specialized C.E.R.T. equi pment and access to the Armory shall be
under the direction and cont rol of a supervisor.
IV. C.E.R.T. Training Exercises
A. C.E.R.T. training exercises are to be conducted at least qua rterly.
B. At the completion of a C.E.R .T. exercise, the information wi ll be
documented on an On-Line Watch Summary by the C.E.R.T. Sergeant or
his/her designee.
C. The training exercises should include, but are not limited t o, the following
disciplines: Cell Extraction, C rowd and Riot Control, Active S hooter, Less
Lethal Weapons, Fire Response, Restraint Devices, Firearms Trai ning,
and Defensive Tactics.
V. Command and Response
A. A sergeant may initiate a C.E. R.T. response with notificatio n to the watch
commander.
B. The C.E.R.T. Sergeant is respons ible for supervising any C.E .R.T.
response; however another supervi sor may supervise the response in the
absence of the designated C.E.R.T. Sergeant.
C. The C.E.R.T. Sergeant may st age medical personnel in a secur e area
near the disturbance as part o f the C.E.R.T. response.
D. C.E.R.T. shall respond to the following:
1. Escapes 2. Ri