WE GOT THIS! THE SUCCESSFUL PANDEMIC PLAN OF ONE SHERIFF'S OFFICE - CYNTHIA SCOTT, JASON MCCAULEY, KABEERUDDIN HASHMI, AND TED FREEMAN
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
We Got This!
The Successful Pandemic
Plan of One Sheriff’s Office
C ynthia S cott , J ason M c C auley , K abeeruddin H ashmi , and T ed F reeman
8 | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 AMERICANJails
The Monmouth County Before the Pandemic
Correctional Institution (MCCI) is a During a normal day, officers and
1,328-bed direct supervision facil- inmates followed a standard routine.
ity under the administration of the On the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift and the
Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift, until the 8:45 and its computer, and more. Inmates
managed by Sheriff Shaun Golden. p.m. evening lockdown, inmates had on both shifts could move about the
Currently, the average daily popu- the ability to attend classes, reli- housing unit freely and access the
lation is approximately 500 to 600 gious services, participate in work weight room, unit telephones, the
inmates due to bail reform measures details and indoor recreation, attend television, microwave, and outdoor
that took effect on January 1, 2017. court appearances, receive visitors, recreation yards. Inmates could also
participate in medical assessments sit together for meals in the housing
and dental visits, use the law library
AMERICANJails JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 | 9
unit day area. The 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. made mandatory in all areas of the facility-wide quarantine was imple-
shift was the lockdown shift, dur- facility. Entry and exit routes for staff mented. Many other changes were
ing which only inmates assigned to entering or leaving the jail were des- implemented as COVID-19 contin-
work details were permitted out of ignated to avoid staff contamination ued. (Note: Some of these changes
their cells under correctional police from the incoming shift. In addition, are now MCCI’s “new normal.”)
supervision. for the staff dining room, overflow
Inmate movement was not seating in the gymnasium and class- New Protocols and Procedures
restricted unless the inmate was rooms was made available to staff so
Entry intake protocols. Prior to
housed in protective custody, disci- that social distancing requirements
entering the correctional facility,
plinary detention, or the infirmary. could be strictly maintained.
all new intakes are now medically
Both contact and non-contact visits Restrictions and protocols were screened outside of the building.
were offered to the inmate popula- developed for the welfare and safety Inmates are asked several ques-
tion. All this changed on March 4, of the inmate population. From tions by the booking nurse, and the
2020 when COVID-19 Precautionary March 4 to March 24, the following inmate’s temperature is taken. If
Protocols were implemented at steps were taken: the inmate is accepted, the booking
MCCI due to the rapid spread of the • COVID-19 screening protocols for officers process the necessary paper-
virus across the country. This article inmates were launched, work with the transporting agency
discusses how MCCI successfully waiting in the sally port. After the
• information regarding COVID-
implemented a pandemic prevention inmate is searched and the restraints
19 precautions was posted in all
and precautionary measures plan removed, the booking officer returns
units in both English and Spanish,
which began March 4 and remains the restraints to the transporting
in effect. • all civilian volunteer programs
agency, which is then released from
were canceled,
the sally port area.
The Challenges Begin • all inmate programs outside of
The inmate is processed and kept
With any new challenge, com- the housing unit were canceled,
separate from any other new intakes,
munication is vital. Information • a strict quarantine protocol for then placed in a quarantine intake
regarding COVID-19 screening of new intakes was established, housing unit for a minimum of 24
all intakes and inmates was made • a new female intake area was days. Should the inmate not pass
available to staff—as well as infor- created, the initial screening procedures, the
mation about the virus itself—via inmate is denied admittance to the
• the law library closed, and
an interoffice communications jail and the transporting agency is
tool. On March 9, the New Jersey • incoming inmate mail was
directed to take the inmate to the
Department of Corrections Office of suspended.
hospital.
County Services was advised of all In addition, the first fevers were
protocols that were put in place at reported by inmates in two hous-
Visit protocols. Effective March 14,
MCCI. Correctional police officers ing units; they were the first to be
2020, inmate visitation was sus-
in high-risk areas of the jail were ordered on strict quarantine status.
pended—and remains suspended
notified that the wearing of personal MCCI opened an overflow quaran-
until further notice. Due to current
protective equipment (PPE) was tine section that was populated with
social distancing requirements,
mandatory. symptomatic inmates. And the deci-
no tentative date has been estab-
On March 17, temperature checks sion was made to no longer permit
lished for the resumption of inmate
became mandatory for all staff prior attorneys inside MCCI.
visitation.
to entering the jail. Sheriff Golden On March 25, temperature checks
implemented an alternating work- were made on all inmates. Any
Court appearances. All court
from-home schedule for various inmate with a temperature above
appearances were immediately
staff, which remained in effect 99.4 was moved to a quarantine
switched to virtual and video
until June 15. On April 6, the use of unit. Due to multiple inmates who
teleconferencing, including con-
protective masks inside the jail was exceeded the temperature of 99.4, a
sultations with attorneys, court
10 | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 AMERICANJails
staff, probation, etc. Correctional
staff assists pretrial services for all
superior court appearances and
municipal court matters. All court
documents are emailed to staff and
served to the defendants who then
stand virtually before a judge.
Video conferencing. Virtual con-
ferencing was quickly established,
using iPads, desktop computers, and
video court booths using web-based
virtual meeting platforms. Desktop
computers were set up in housing
units with video cameras and speak-
ers. Additional telephones were also
installed. This enabled virtual court
appearances, consultations with
attorneys, court staff, and probation
without leaving the housing unit.
Suspension of inmate programs. All
inmate programs were suspended The following are some of the
mid-March to prevent the introduc- protocols established or revised by
tion or spread of the COVID-19 the COVID-19 committee:
virus. During the program hiatus, • Transportation protocols—Prior
Social Services/Substance Abuse to departure, inmates to be trans-
Services made daily rounds inside ported must have their tempera-
the housing units, speaking with tures taken, then are placed on a
inmates upon request, addressing 24-day quarantine period upon population once per day, inmate
concerns, and conducting welfare return to the facility. Staff and workers twice per day, and intake
checks. inmates must wear protective units twice per day.
masks for transport. All custody
The COVID-19 committee also
The COVID-19 Committee staff involved in the transporta-
made the following decisions:
On March 13, a COVID-19 com- tion of an inmate suspected of
mittee was established at MCCI. having COVID-19 must wear full • Programs—The medication-
This committee consisted of admin- PPE. assisted treatment program is to
istrators and directors from the be administered in the housing
• Hospital protocols—All inmates
medical department, correctional units as opposed to large group
returning from a hospital trip are
police, and business administration. distribution, which was protocol
placed on a 24-day quarantine
These committee meetings are held prior to COVID-19. Any classes/
period before returning to their
via teleconference every Monday services that need to be conducted
appropriate housing assignment.
and Thursday to discuss COVID-19 must enforce social distancing
• Other protocols—All regular with each seat placed six feet
matters and to review and update
medication distribution is done apart. (Note: Classes and services
protocols.
in the housing unit, door to door. were reinstated on July 27.)
Temperature checks are con-
ducted on each inmate in general
AMERICANJails JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 | 11
• Food Service—The use of nor- contact activities, and the success of
mal hard plastic food trays for new protocols that keep MCCI a safe
meals is currently discontinued. place for staff and inmates.
Styrofoam food trays are to be In addition, Sheriff Golden sends
used until it is deemed safe to a weekly letter to all division heads
return to the plastic trays. (Note: of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s
Hard plastic food trays were back Office. This communication updates
in service on October 12.) staff on current challenges and
innovative techniques employed by
Additional Changes divisions for combatting COVID-19.
Communications to inmates and Social Services/Substance Abuse
staff. Early in the ongoing COVID- Services Supervisor Stephanie Ruane
19 pandemic, it was learned that developed a newsletter created
informing the inmates and staff by and for inmates so they could
of decisions and new protocols express their ideas and concerns
was critical. Medical Director during the pandemic. This highly
Dr. Kabeeruddin Hashmi sends a successful initiative, the SMART
biweekly letter to the inmates and (Streets Making A Right Turn)
staff, updating them on current Way Newsletter, was featured in
safety precautions, the reasons for the November/December issue of
the temporary elimination of certain American Jails.
12 | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 AMERICANJails
“Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people
to attain uncommon results.”
—Andrew Carnegie
Commissary enhancements. With commissary kits were distributed to fully staffed on every shift. Inmate
the cancellation of various programs the inmate population from May 12 labor opportunities also existed with
to help stop the spread of COVID- until August 5. The enhanced snacks three COVID-19 disinfectant/sanita-
19 in the jail, inmates are spending continue to be provided to the tion details with Officers Clarence
additional time confined to a cell. inmate population three times per Morgan, Thomas Johnson, and Gary
Thus, Sheriff Golden approved week. This began on May 4.) Esporrin leading their respective
the introduction of commissary inmate labor crews.
enhancements for the inmates. Telephone enhancements. Our All inmate movement outside
Each inmate housed in the facility telephone system provider offered of the housing units is still kept to
is provided one canteen care pack- the inmate population two free, five- a minimum. Medication and sick
age every two weeks. Each package minute phone calls each week from call assessments are conducted on
contains miscellaneous snack items March 19 to April 30, then provided the housing unit. Medical issues are
and drink mixes. The packages were one free, five-minute phone call each addressed by the medical depart-
purchased with funds from the week from May 4 to May 17. With ment on a case-by-case basis. And, a
Inmate Welfare Account and are at the elimination of visits during this protective mask is to be worn when
no cost to the county taxpayers. Each time, the free calls were a means of an inmate leaves the housing unit.
inmate in the facility is also provided communication between inmates The only inmate movement in
with an enhanced snack three times and their families. Following the the hallways is that of those going
per week, also funded through the duration of the free service, MCCI to their work details or to the visit
Inmate Welfare Account. (Note: The contracted with the provider directly hall for court-related purposes,
to continue the program using funds as well as those being released or
in the Inmate Welfare Account. attending programs or services. All
(Note: MCCI provided each inmate inmate/attorney visits are now held
For additional informa-
with one free, five-minute phone in the visit hall on Mondays through
tion about the success of the
call each week from September 14 to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
COVID-19 prevention methods
December 30.)
used by the Monmouth County
Sheriff’s Office, please con- Restrictions Begin to Relax
tact the following Corrections Reintroduction of Programs During late March and early
Division COVID-19 Committee July 27 marked a turning April, housing unit protocols were
members. point—the reintroduction of inmate adjusted regularly:
programs. The Substance Abuse
• Starting March 26, 2 inmates (one
Services (SAS) Department restarted
Administrative cell) were permitted to leave their
with a limit of 25 people at a time,
Warden Donald Sutton cell for 15 minutes during which
observing strict social distancing
dsutton@mcsonj.org they cleaned their cell, showered,
guidelines. These programs included
and could make a phone call.
Captain Jason McCauley medication-assisted treatment, reen-
jmccauley@mcsonj.org try, and relapse prevention. The SAS • On March 29, the protocol was
Department also provided a video changed to permit 4 inmates (2
Captain Victor Iannello cells) in the day space together
introducing the Fundamentals of
viannello@mcsonj.org with the duration expanded to 40
Addiction program, which is down-
loaded to a thumb drive for use on minutes.
Medical computers in the housing unit multi- • On May 6, housing unit protocol
Dr. Kabeeruddin Hashmi purpose rooms. was again modified to permit
khashmi@cfgpc.com 6 inmates (3 cells) to be out at
During the heart of the pandemic,
inmate labor opportunities were the same time with the duration
Business Administration expanded to 60 minutes.
kept to a minimum with all outside
Jeffrey Sauter
details suspended. However, the
jsauter@mcsonj.org
kitchen inmate labor crew remained
AMERICANJails JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 | 13
At the end of July, some programs
were permitted to resume, including
MAT, relapse prevention, reentry,
mental health, and religious services.
Housing units continued the proto-
col for one floor out at a time for a
period of 3.5 hours daily.
Lessons Learned
Medical Department
• Keep an ample supply of COVID-
19 testing kits on site as well as
a supply of PPE to include N95
masks, surgical masks, gloves,
boot covers, hat covers, face
shields, gowns, disinfectant,
cleaning supplies, etc.
• Keep infectious disease protocols
current for contemporary disease
applications. These plans are
interchangeable between differ-
ent respiratory pathogens. Early
quarantine of the entire facility
works to contain airborne infec-
tious disease.
• Frequent screening of quaran-
Also, in June, the Strict tined inmates in the early phases
Quarantine Unit protocols were is very important. For COVID-19,
adjusted to permit 2 inmates out the medical team checked tem-
• On May 20, the mandatory wear- together with duration extended to peratures of all inmates twice
ing of protective masks by the 30 minutes. The quarantined inmates daily initially. This allowed the
inmate population began. Masks were permitted to use telephones, medical team to detect disease
were issued to every inmate with showers, the television area, and the and treat inmates early. Though
a requirement to be worn any outdoor recreational yard, which is this protocol is labor intensive, it
time that they were out of their connected to the housing unit. Social is important to maintain through
cells. distancing was practiced. When the pandemics. The body temperature
The month of June saw more eas- inmates returned to their cells, the threshold was established at 99.4
ing of restrictions with the reopen- accessed areas were disinfected by degrees.
ing of the law library. Inmate access an inmate work detail assigned to • Continuous training must be
was determined on a case-by-case the housing unit. provided to staff regarding use of
basis. The housing unit protocol was In July, Sheriff Golden issued a PPE, providing information about
again adjusted on June 3 to permit COVID-19 Travel Quarantine Policy the seriousness of the illness, as
12 inmates (6 cells) out together and to all Sheriff’s Office staff. Any well as updates.
the duration extended to 2 hours. On employees who visit states experi- • Education for inmates is essential
June 16, housing unit protocols were encing a resurgence of COVID-19 to foster trust and boost compli-
again changed to permit one floor (a would be required to self-quarantine ance. The medical director sent a
maximum of 22 inmates) to be out of for 14 days upon returning to New letter every two weeks explain-
their cells for a duration of 3.5 hours. Jersey, using their personal, sick, or ing the current situation, reason
vacation time. for quarantine, and expectations
14 | JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 AMERICANJails
about the future. Restriction of (surgical style masks, gloves, • Planning—assessing the present
movement is key to controlling boot covers, face shields, etc.) situation and determining future
infection. Medical care was taken was in short supply everywhere. needs.
to the housing units and this We were most fortunate that • Communication—recognizing the
significantly limited movement. generous donations from various importance of keeping communi-
All non-essential medical services companies such as Lowe’s, Home cations open between the various
were stopped. Depot, and the Axon COVID-19 departments, front-line officers,
• The psychological impact of a Support Program helped to fill the and the inmate population.
quarantine must be considered. gap in PPE availability until other
• Implementation—revising estab-
Custody offered free phone sources could be found through
lished protocols and creating new
calls, snacks, and games to all the Monmouth County Office of
ones to meet the continuing chal-
inmates which allowed for stress Emergency Management.
lenges of the pandemic.
reduction. All activity without • Although tablet technology had
• Integrity—the importance of
significant clinical impact was been explored previously, it was
all staff to maintain and remain
also eliminated. This decreased not until the pandemic that this
consistent with enforcing new
contact time and improved social technology was recognized as
protocols established as a result of
distancing. an extremely useful tool, espe-
the pandemic.
cially to reduce stress and anxiety
among the inmate population. • Continuous assessment—the
The Substance Abuse Services
Utilizing tablet technology opens role of the COVID-19 commit-
Department
the opportunity to provide video tee, which meets twice a week to
The SAS Department realized that
visitation, email, entertainment, assess, discuss, and adjust proto-
it could deliver services—both group
and electronic forms delivery; all cols as needed to ensure the safety
and individual sessions—via a web-
of which helps to reduce the stress and security of inmates and staff.
based platform. If tablet technology
was available or if the housing units and anxiety levels of the inmate Praising his staff’s work, Sheriff
were outfitted with desktop com- population. Golden said, “I commend the
puters, the SAS Department could • Communication is key to success- entire staff of all divisions of the
provide classes by way of a virtual fully accomplishing a common Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office
meeting platform such as the Zoom goal—in this case to mitigate the for their outstanding proactive
application. spread of COVID-19 within the and continuing efforts in keep-
correctional setting. Keeping staff, ing COVID-19 cases to an absolute
Some examples of classes that
as well as the inmate population minimum with no loss of life during
could be offered virtually are anger
informed, every step of the way, these challenging times.”
management, relapse prevention,
fundamentals of addiction, reentry, was vital to our success.
and MAT. Individual and group
Cynthia Scott is the Public Information
counseling were possible as well. Success Officer for the Monmouth County
If the housing units were set up to By creating the Corrections Sheriff’s Office. She can be contacted at
deliver classes and counseling on a Division COVID-19 Committee, cscott@mcsonj.org.
virtual platform, there would have with its constant review and revi- Jason McCauley is an Administrative
been very little lapse in the avail- sion of new and existing protocols, Captain for the Monmouth County
ability to participate in the listed the number of confirmed cases Sheriff’s Office. He can be contacted at
services. During this unprecedented of COVID-19 at the Monmouth jmccauley@mcsonj.org.
time, the SAS Department contrib- County Correctional Institution as Dr. Kabeeruddin Hashmi is the Medical
uted greatly to help the inmates of October 2020 totals only three Director at the Monmouth County
cope. inmates. An amazing accomplish- Correctional Institution. He can be
ment by an amazing team. contacted at khashmi@cfgpc.com.
Correctional Police Five key elements led to our suc- Ted Freeman is Executive Undersheriff
• Due to the rapid spread of cessful initiative against COVID-19: of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.
He can be contacted at TFreeman@
COVID-19 worldwide, PPE mcsonj.org.
AMERICANJails JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2021 | 15
You can also read
