Policy Text
POLICY
197.0HOLDING CELL/INTERVIEW ROOMS
REVISED: 11/2011 RELATED POLICIES:
Reviewed by Chief David Magnusson
5/2019
A.POLICY
It is the policy of the El Portal Police Department to provide holding cells to maintain
custody of arrestees.
B.PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety and security of the public, arrestees and
Department Members, and to address the physical needs of suspects, arrestees or
prisoners. This policy also addresses the physical conditions and security measures of the
designated areas.
C.HOLDING CELL
1.Definition:
Holding cells refer to the lockable cell located near the rear of the station. This
cell is used for the temporary, short-term detention of arrestees, who may be
juveniles or adults for processing.
2.All persons held in the holding cell shall be under continuous observation and
control. The custodial officer is responsible for the continual observation and
control of the arrestee until he is relieved by another Department Member or
transported.
3.As the holding cell is limited to that of a prisoner processing facility, no prisoner
shall remain within custody for a time exceeding that which it would take to
process or interview such prisoner.
4.As soon as processing or the interview is completed, the prisoner will be
transferred to the jail facility for booking or released, whichever is appropriate.
5.Induction Into Holding Cell Area:
a.The holding cell is located near the rear of the police building. Prisoner
entry into this area will be made via the rear entrance to the building. The
holding cell is to be entered primarily through the rear entrance.
b.Prisoners placed in the holding cell are to have no property, belts, shoes or
communication devices. The cell security door will be closed and locked.
Once the prisoner(s) is (are) secured in the holding cell, the officer shall
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lock the outer door by sliding the locking bolt provided on the outside of
the door
c.If a prisoner is to be removed from a holding cell by a detective for
interview purposes, the prisoner will be removed in handcuffs and remain
cuffed until placed in an interview room. Prisoners will be handcuffed
(hands behind back) while being escorted back to the holding cell.
d.If the detective completes his interview with a prisoner, prior to the
arresting officer completing the O.I. and related paperwork, the detective
will:
(1).return the prisoner to the holding cell;
(2).lock the cell door and outer door;
(3).advise the arresting officer that he has finished his business with
the prisoner; and
(4).at this time, the arresting officer resumes his responsibility for the
prisoner. (Keys to the holding cell must be returned to the
appropriate storage area).
e.If a Promise to Appear is to be issued, the arresting officer will issue the
Notice to Appear and obtain signatures and thumb print in the squad room,
then escort the released prisoner through the main lobby for release.
6.Cell Usage
a.At no time will male prisoners be placed in cells with female prisoners.
b.At no time will adult prisoners be placed in cells with juvenile prisoners.
c.During detention, juveniles shall not be held within sight or sound of an
adult detainee. Officers will complete Juvenile Log for every Juvenile
Arrest.
d.Before a prisoner is placed inside a cell, a complete search of the prisoner
shall be conducted. The personal property shall then be placed in a secure
location and transported with the prisoner to the jail or booking facility.
Personal property consists of, but not limited to, jewelry, belts, scarves,
wallets, writing instruments, lighters, cell phones etc.
e.Arresting officers will place prisoners inside a holding cell and secure the
cell door with locks provided (keys are located in storage box).
f.There will be "NO SMOKING" inside a holding cell.
g.The keys for the holding cells shall not be removed from the squad room.
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D.RESPONSIBILITY, GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES
1.The custodial officer will be responsible for the safety, care, and escape
prevention of all individuals brought into the holding cell.
2.Arresting officers will be responsible for the completion of the appropriate
paperwork relating to the processing of all prisoners within the holding cells.
3.Custodial officers will be responsible for persons confined within the interview
rooms including during an emergency and/or unusual situation.
4.The holding is under the responsibility of the Day Shift Supervisor. As such the
Supervisor or his designate will be responsible for maintaining, ordering, and
storing all materials needed to operate the facility.
5.All Department members shall comply with all policies and procedures pertaining
to the use of the holding cell.
E.ANIMALS
1.Officers shall not permit the introduction into the holding cell area any type of
animal of any prisoner confined within the holding cell area.
2.The arresting officer will be responsible for the proper disposition of the animal.
3.Animals used to aid bona fide handicapped people will be the only exception to
this rule.
F.BLANKETS
1.Upon the request of a prisoner, the arresting officer shall furnish blankets as
needed to prisoners.
2.When a person vacates a holding cell, removal of the blankets shall be the
responsibility of the arresting officer.
3.Emergency type blankets ONLY will be provided. They will be stored in the
adjacent write-up room.
G.CLEANLINESS
1.Janitorial personnel shall insure that the holding