Policy Text
San Francisco Police Department
GENERAL ORDER 5.09
Rev. 11 102105
ABSENTIA BOOKINGS AND PRISONER SECURITY
This order describes officers' duties and responsibilities when transporting and admitting
an arrestee at San Francisco General Hospital, in absentia, into the San Francisco County
Jail.
I. POLICY
A. RESPONSIBILITIES: An officer transporting an arrestee to San Francisco
General Hospital (SFGH) is responsible for the arrestee until that arrestee is:
1. Booked into a District Station or the County Jail, or,
2. When all of the following conditions have taken place:
a. The arrestee is admitted by the "physician-in-charge".
b. A Field Arrest Card is completed (prisoner housing card) and any relevant
prisoner property (including clothing and money) are delivered to County
Jail #9.
c. The arrestee is booked at the SFGH Jail Ward and the officer is formally
relieved by a deputy sheriff.
B. CUSTODY
1. The Sheriffs Department does not accept custody of prisoners who are in the
Emergency Room, or in the Surgery or Recovery Wards of SFGH.
C. MISDEMEANOR PRISONERS. If a prisoner cannot be cited in accordance with
DGO 5.06, the provisions of this order shall be followed.
D. PRISONER CONTROL AND RESTRAINTS. Officers shall take reasonable steps
to insure that prisoners are under control and that the attending staff is protected
from potential prisoner violence. Handcuffs or other restraints may be used when a
prisoner exhibits a propensity for violence or escape. The use of restraints shall be
determined by the prisoner's demeanor andlor action.
E. SECURITY POLICY
1. TREATMENT ROOMS :
a. Officers should station themselves outside the treatment room unless
requested to remain with the prisoner by the attending medical staff.
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b. For less extensive treatment, officers shall decide after consultation with the -
attending medical staff, whether it is reasonable to accompany prisoners into
the treatment rooms, or to station themselves outside.
c. Officers shall take reasonable steps to maintain visual contact with
prisoners. If the treatment room has more than one exit door, an officer
shall be positioned at each exit to prevent escape.
2. X-RAY ROOMS. Officers shall accompany prisoners to and from the X-ray
room and take reasonable steps to position themselves in such a manner so as to
maintain visual contact. If the X-ray room has more than one exit door an
officer shall be positioned at each exit door to prevent escape.
3. OPERATING ROOMS. If the prisoner has not been admitted to the hospital
prior to surgery, officers should attempt to have the prisoner admitted and obtain
the Sheriffs assistance. In the case of emergency surgery before admission to
the hospital, officers shall position themselves outside the operating room,
making sure that each exit door is guarded.
4. VISITORS. Visitors shall not be allowed in any treatment area or allowed to
interact with prisoners:
F. PSYCHIATRIC DETENTIONS. See DGO 6.14, Psychological Evaluation of
Adults and DGO 7.02, Psychological Evaluation of Juveniles.
11. PROCEDURES
A. ABSENTIA BOOK.ING/DUTIES OF OFFICERS
1. ADULTS. If the physician-in-charge decides to admit your arrestee, follow
these procedures:
a. Ensure that a Field Arrest Card (prisoner housing card) is completed and
delivered to County Jail #9 (CJ#9). If the prisoner has personal property,
have the property delivered to CJ #9 along with .the Field Arrest Card.
b. After the Field Arrest Card and any prisoner property is delivered to CJ #9,
call Ward 7D (medical) or Ward 7L (psychiatric) to confirm that the "absentia
booking" has been completed. If so, take your prisoner to the ward and you
will be formally relieved.
c. If your prisoner is admitted to a ward other than Ward 7D or 7L, notify the
Watch Commander at Ward 7D so that a deputy sheriff can be sent to relieve
you.
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2. JUVENILES. If your prisoner is a juvenile being admitted to the hospital,
follow these procedures:
a. Contact the person in charge at the Youth Guidance Center to determine
whether the juvenile should be booked. If cause for booking exists, YGC
will immediately send a counselor to the hospital to relieve you.
b. Complete an Admission Form. After being relieved by the counselor, take the
completed form to YGC and leave it with the person in charge.
3. ADMISSIONS OUTSIDE OF SFGH. If your prisoner is admitted into a medical
facility other than SFGH, notify the Sheriffs Department and follow the
procedures for absentia bookings outlined in this order.
References
DGO 6.14, Psychological Evaluation of Adults
DGO 7.02, Psychological Evaluation of Juveniles
DGO 7.01, Juvenile Policies and Procedures
DM 12- Booking and Detention