Policy Text
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 523.13
Page 1 of 2
523.13
HOSPITAL PRISONER SECURITY
06-29-16
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to establish p rocedures for prisoner security, movement, transportation, and
confinement , at a medical facility.
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police Department that officers use the appropr iate techniques and
equipment when restraining prisoners who require transportation to, from, or within a medical facility.
PROCEDURE
A. DEFINITION
For the purposes of this section, the term PRISONER shall mean any person in the custody of the
Sacramento Police Department pursuant to a criminal offense. Persons detained pursuant to Section
5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code are explicitly NOT included in this definition.
B. HOSPITAL WATCH
1. When a prisoner is to b e admitted to a medical facility for any reason, the Hospi tal Watch Prisoner
Security Kit shall be utilized.
a. Hospital Watch Prisoner Security Kit s are located in the emergen cy rooms within the UCD
Medical Center, Sutter General, Mercy General, Kaiser South , and Methodist Hospital . The kits
shall consist of
(1) Two (2) pairs of handcuffs .
(2) One (1) pair of blue leg shackles.
(3) Five (5 ) pairs of flex cuffs.
(4) One (1) pair of EMT scissors (for removal of flex cuffs).
(5) One (1) Hospital Watch Prisoner Security Log Binder containing Hospital Prisoner Watch
Log forms (SPD 916), equipment checklist, and a copy of this General Order.
b. It shall be the responsibility of the Hospital Unit sergean t to conduct a quarterly audit of the
Prisoner Watch Securi ty Kits at each of the medical facilities and assure they contain all of the
necessary items.
2. Each officer assigned to a hospital watch shall complete the SPD 916 (Hospital Pr isoner Watch
Log).
3. Officers sha ll utilize handcuffs, leg shackles , and/or flex cuffs to secure p risoners at medical
facilities. In the case of extenuating circumstances in which officers are unable to secure the
prisone r with handcuffs, leg shackles , and/or flex cuffs , officers shall notify their supervisor s.
a. Officers shall take care not to restrict the flow of blood to the prisoner's ankles.
b. Leg shackles shall be double locked to reduce the risk of injury to the prisoner.
c. Flex cuffs or soft restraints may be utilized when a medical or surgical treatment does not allow
metal restraints.
d. Leg shackles can be obtained
(1) From the Hospital Watch Prisoner Security Kit.
(2) By any patrol sergeant.
(3) Inside the booking area of the Sacramento County Main Jail inside the Sacramento
Police Department locker.
e. Prisoners will not b e left unattended at any time. When unable to accompany a prisoner to
surgery, X -Ray, CT SCAN, etc., the officer shall maintain visual contact with the priso ner.
When unable to do so, the officer shall remain at a location where he/she can be quickly
summoned for assistance by medical staff.
f. When prisoners are admitted into a medical facility, officers may work with the staff in placing
prisoners on the “black -out” list (if necessary).
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDERS
GO 523.13
Page 2 of 2
C. VISITATION RIGHTS OF THE PRISONER
1. The watch commander can restrict prisoner visitations. Factors to be considered when making this
determination include, but are not limited to
a. The crime charged .
b. Suspected gang involvement .
c. The prisoner’s criminal history .
d. Officer safety and staffing capabilities .
e. The integrity of the investigation and the safety of third parties, patients , and medical staff.
2. If the prisoner is allowed to have visitors , the watch commander shall
a. Check with the administration of the medical facility regarding visiting hours, number of visitors,
and any applicable regulations the medical facility has for patients’ visitors.
b. Limit the number of visitors , if needed, due to officer safety, patient safety, s afety of medical
facility’s staff, or other compelling justification provided any limitation is narrowly tailored .
c. Determine the h ours and/or frequency of visits for the prisoner .
3. A prisoner shall not be denied access to a licensed attorney summoned by the prisoner or a
relative of the prisoner.
4. Prior to the meeting betwe en a prisoner and a visitor /attorney , officers shall request consent to
conduct a limited frisk/pat down search of the visitor /attorney and belonging s for
weapons/ contraband (consistent with safety regulations at a secure facility – e.g., jail) .
5. If the visitor /attorney objects to the limited frisk/pat down search , they shall not be allowed to see
the prisoner. NOTE: Notify the watch commander of any instances where a visitor /attorney is
denied visitation .
6. Officers shall request photo identification and a California State Bar Card from a prisoner’s
attorney. An attorney’s sta tus with the California State Bar can be queried at www.calbar.ca.gov .
7. When a meeting between the prisoner and his/her attorney take s place , officers shall make
arrangements with medical personnel to obtain a secure room away fro m other patients