Revised January, 2003
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Admissions/Orientation
3.0 Property
4.0 Prisoner Rules and Sanctions
4.0 Prohibited Acts: Minor Rule Violations
5.0 Prohibited Acts: Major Rule Violations
6.0 Prohibited Acts: Serious Rule Violations
7.0 Minor Rule Sanctions
8.0 Major Rule Sanctions
9.0 Serious Rule Sanctions
10.0 Fundamental Rights
11.0 Telephones
12.0 Emergencies
13.0 Medical and Dental Services
14.0 Prisoner Request and Complaint Forms
15.0 Prisoner Visiting
16.0 Food Services
17.0 Commissary
18.0 Mail
19.0 Prisoner Programming and Recreation
20.0 Library Services
21.0 Television
22.0 Religious Services
23.0 Education, Legal, and Counseling Services
1.0 Introduction:
You have been committed into the Mahoning County Justice Center in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio. The Sheriff and his staff are not responsible for your confinement and have no legal authority to release you without proper order from the court. The Sheriff and his staff are responsible for the daily operation of the jail and responsible to provide a safe and secure environment for those who are confined within the facility. The Sheriff and his staff will strive to act fairly and humanely, in accordance with the law.
It is important that you read and understand this handbook. If you indicate, at the time of booking, that you do not understand the contents of this handbook, the contents of this handbook will be read and explained to you. Specific questions may be directed to any of the staff. You have a responsibility to follow these rules and regulations and to act in a proper manner. You must obey any instructions or orders given to you by jail staff.
Failure to follow these Rules and Regulations may result in disciplinary sanctions against you.
2.0 Admissions/Orientation:
You may be charged with a $30.00 dollar booking fee during your incarceration.
The process known as Admission or "Booking" will be done upon your arrival to the Mahoning County Justice Center. This process will consist of a series of procedures that must be accomplished in order to maintain a safe and secure facility. The Booking procedure will consist of:
2.1 Searching you and removing all valuable property and contraband items
2.2 Recording of personal information for our records
2.3 Fingerprinting and photographing
2.4 Showering and changing into our jail uniform and the issuance of jail property
2.5 A preliminary medical screening to determine your physical and mental well-being.
2.6 Allowing you to make necessary phone calls in order for you to secure bail and release
2.7 Classification into an assigned housing unit
It is important that you answer all questions asked of you, as it may bring to our attention a special need or circumstance that may affect your future well-being. The "Booking" process is standard for all persons no matter what their charge or how long they will be confined to the Justice Center. The process will be completed as soon as possible, and it must be completed before you can be released.
3.0 Property:
If you are not going to be immediately released, you will be required to relinquish all of your personal property. Your property will be securely locked in the Property Room and will be returned to you when you are released. Your money will be deposited in your own prisoner account which can be used to purchase commissary items. When you are released, the balance of your account will be returned to you. Jewelry, watches, and other valuables will be locked in the jail safe. If you are wearing white socks, and or white underwear, you may keep these items only.
All of your property will be inventoried and recorded on a receipt. You will be required to sign the receipt acknowledging that your property has been relinquished by you to the custody and care of the Sheriff’s Department.
When you enter the housing unit that you will be staying in, the type and amount of property which you can have in your possession will be restricted. The following items will be issued to you by the Justice Center:
3.1 One (1) jail uniform
3.2 One (1) blanket
3.3 Two (2) towels
3.4 One (1) pair of slip-on shoes
3.5 Two (2) sheets
3.6 One (1) Pillow case
You will be responsible for the above items. Any abuse or willful destruction of the above property may result in criminal and/or civil actions against you. In addition to the above property, you will be allowed to keep in your cell:
3.7 Up to three (3) pairs of all white socks
3.8 Up to three (3) all white T-shirts
3.9 Up to three (3) pairs of all white underwear
3.10 Soft back Bible or other religious materials
3.11 Up to three (3) soft back books
3.12 A reasonable amount of personal mail
3.13 Items purchased through Commissary
3.14 Legal materials in relation to your case
Any items that are in your possession that are not previously mentioned or is in an amount in excess of prescribed limits will be considered contraband and will be disposed of. In addition to the loss of the item, you may face disciplinary sanctions against you.
At no time shall you have in your cell, any Food Service property unless you are confined to your cell for disciplinary or medical reasons. Cleaning supplies shall only be in your cell during clean up times. You may not keep leftovers from meals, sugar, salt, etc. for later consumption. You may not keep the spoon, tray, cup, etc. from the meal for later use.
Upon your release from the Justice Center, it is your responsibility to make sure that all your property is returned. If property is missing, you should bring it to the Deputy’s attention prior to you signing the receipt and leaving the facility. If the complaint against property cannot be resolved at the time of release, a complaint form shall be filled out and an investigation will be conducted.
If you leave property behind after you are released, you have thirty (30) days to claim your property. If you do not return within the prescribed time, the property will be disposed of by the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Department.
4.0 Prisoner Rule Violations and Sanctions:
If a prisoner violates one of the following rules, you will face a "write up" by the staff witnessing the rule violation. The following is a list of the prisoner violations and the severity of the offense. The punishment for the rule violation depends on the severity of the offense. If you do not know if something that you are about to do is a violation, you should first ask a staff member. Attempting to commit, making plans to commit, or aiding another to commit any of the following violations will be considered the same as committing any of the following violations.
PROHIBITED ACTS (Minor Violations):
4.1 Feigning an illness
4.2 Not doing work as instructed by supervising officer
4.3 Failure to follow safety or sanitation regulations
4.4 Using any supplies, equipment, or machinery without permission or contrary to instructions or posted safety standards
4.5 Using abusive language or gestures
4.6 Gambling, preparing or conducting a gambling pool, possession of gambling paraphernalia
4.7 Unauthorized use of mail or telephone
4.8 Unauthorized contacts with the public
4.9 Tattooing or self mutilation
4.10 Being unsanitary or untidy; failing to keep one's person and one's quarters in accordance with posted standards
4.11 Making loud unnecessary noise, including whistling, arguing, shouting, rattling or pounding of windows or doors
4.12 Using bedding, clothing or other Justice Center property improperly (e.g. mattresses on the floor, making hammocks, etc.)
4.13 Horse playing
4.14 Correspondence or conduct with a visitor in violation of posted regulations
4.15 Wearing Dew Rags or any homemade head wraps
4.16 Having excessive mail or papers, except legal papers
4.17 Any food or condiments from food trays including, food wrappers, white cups, soup containers or plastic bags
4.18 Having non commissary type pens
4.19 More than 3 books, (not including the Bible)
4.20 Wearing headphones out-side of room
4.21 Having papers or pictures on the walls or ceiling
4.22 Not making beds before leaving room
4.23 Must be fully clothed when out of room
4.24 Moving chairs from day room area
4.25 Placing feet on chairs
4.26 Covering vents in room
5.0 PROHIBITED ACTS (Major Violations):
5.1 Refusing to work (housing area)
5.2 Unexcused absence from work, or any assignment
5.3 Misuse of medication, abusing of medical services in any manner
5.4 Possession of money or currency in any form
5.5 Possession of property belonging to another without their permission
5.6 Giving, lending, trading, or selling any property, items of value, commissary, etc. for favors, profit, gain, or increased return
5.7 Possession of any item not authorized for retention or receipt by a prisoner and any item not issued through regular facility channels
5.8 Possession of a deputy's or other staff's clothing
5.9 Failing to be properly dressed
5.10 Minor damage to county owned items (less than $50.00)
5.11 Encouraging others to refuse to work or participation in a work stoppage
5.12 Lying or making a false statement to a staff member
5.13 Conduct which disrupts or interferes with the security or orderly running of the institution; Disruption of any programs or services including food service
5.14 Making intoxicants, being intoxicated, or being under the influence of drugs
5.15 Smoking or using tobacco products; possession of tobacco products, matches, or lighters
5.16 Failure to stand count or interfering with the taking of count
5.17 Being in an unauthorized area
5.18 Failure to report to housing cell during a range disturbance or emergency
5.19 Running, sitting, or loitering on balcony or stairway
5.20 Using an intercom button for reasons other than an emergency or at times when immediate staff assistance is not needed
5.21 Tampering with property, supplies, or equipment (e.g. logs, podiums, prisoner ID bands, furniture)
5.22 Abuse of telephone privileges (including telephone harassment)
5.23 Abusing privileges in cells (e.g. commissary, mail, razors, newspapers, visitations, etc.)
5.24 Repeated minor violations
5.25 Indecent exposure
5.26 Crossing or standing on red tiles in the pod
5.27 Touching T.V.
5.28 Refusing to obey an order of any staff member
5.29 Blatant disrespect, discourtesy, or rudeness towards a staff member
6.0 PROHIBITED ACTS (Serious Violations):
6.1 Destroying, altering or damaging County property or the property of another
6.2 Stealing (theft)
6.3 Counterfeiting, forging or unauthorized reproduction of any document, article, or identification, money, security, or official paper
6.4 Assaulting any person
6.5 Fighting with another person
6.6 Threatening another with bodily harm, or any offense against his person or his property
6.7 Extortion, blackmail protection, demanding or receiving money or anything of value in return for protection against others to avoid bodily harm or under threat of informing
6.8 Attempting to control another prisoner by use of threats or intimidation
6.9 Engaging in sexual acts with others
6.10 Making sexual proposals or threats to another
6.11 Escape
6.12 Attempting or planning escape, helping another to escape or failing to report knowledge of an escape attempt
6.13 Setting a fire for any reason
6.14 Tampering with or blocking any locking device, alarm, or safety and security device
6.15 Wearing a disguise or mask, or unauthorized clothing
6.16 Contaminating or adulteration of any food or drink
6.17 Making intoxicants
6.18 Possession or introduction of an explosive or ammunition
6.19 Possession or making a gun, firearm, weapons of any type including a sharpened object, utensil, chemical agents, or tool which has been modified to make a weapon
6.20 Rioting
6.21 Encouraging others to riot
6.22 Trading ID bracelets with another or modifying or counterfeiting any document, money security, or official paper
6.23 Giving or offering any official or staff member a bribe, or anything of value
6.24 With or Without their permission, being in another prisoner's housing cell
6.25 Tampering with appliances or furnishings, televisions, phones, lights, electrical equipment, etc.
6.26 Damage of over $50.00 to county owned property
6.27 Spitting or throwing any object or substance on any person (staff or prisoners)
6.28 Interfering with the security operations of the Justice Center
6.29 Repeated or persistent major offenses
6.30 Purposely clogging toilets, sinks, or showers
7.0 SANCTIONS (For Minor Violations):
7.1 Entertainment restrictions (e.g. radio, TV, movies, games, etc.)
7.2 Commissary restrictions except for personal hygiene items
7.3 Visits by friends
7.4 Phone calls to friends and family restricted
7.5 Loss of desserts, snacks
7.6 Loss of in-facility work privileges (CSP at MSJ)
7.7 Loss of Exercise time
8.0 SANCTIONS (For Major Violations):
8.1 All privileges listed in section 7.0 of this handbook
8.2 Visits by family
8.3 Loss of all Exercise privileges
8.4 Clothing, bed, bedding, unlimited access to toilet, lavatory, and shower
9.0 SANCTIONS (For Serious Violations):
9.1 All privileges listed in Section 7.0 of this handbook
9.2 All privileges listed in Section 8.0 of this handbook
9.3 Maybe placed in disciplinary isolation
9.4 Loss of "good time."
9.5 Possible criminal charges were applicable
10.0 Fundamental rights that cannot be suspended except in an emergency or other condition beyond the control of the jail administrator are as follows:
10.1 Visits by attorneys
10.2 Visits by clergy
10.3 Phone calls to attorneys or clergy
10.4 Adequate food (nutritional diet)
10.5 Adequate light, ventilation, temperature control and sanitation
10.6 Medical care
11.0 Telephones:
After Booking, you will be afforded reasonable opportunity to complete at least two local telephone calls to:
11.1 Retain an attorney
11.2 Secure release
11. 3 contact the person of their choice
If you need to make long distance phone calls you must use the pay phone in the prisoner waiting area and call your party collect. Telephone calls during Booking will be no longer than five minutes each.
Once in the housing unit, you may use the pay phones in the housing unit to keep in contact with your family and friends. The phones will be turned on from 0900-2200 hours daily. You may use the phone except during lock down, meal time, and prisoner counts. An announcement will be made to the prisoners five-to-ten minutes before the time that telephones may not be used or are turned off for the day via use of the public address system.
You will be allowed reasonable privacy unless there is reasonable cause to believe that the telephone privilege is being used in a manner that is in violation of law or detrimental to the safety of the facility, staff, other prisoners, or the public. Abuses, such as profanity, threatening and obscene phone calls, and misuse of equipment may result in the loss of telephone privileges and other possible disciplinary actions.
You will not be permitted to receive incoming phone calls.
12.0 Emergencies:
In case of a fire, you must follow the instructions of the Deputy and/or Fire personnel. These people have been specially trained to safely evacuate you from the building.
In case of heavy smoke, wet a towel or T-shirt and hold it over your mouth and nose. Get as close to the ground as you can and crawl. Do not panic and run. The best bet to survive a fire emergency is to remain calm and follow the instructions of staff. If evacuation is necessary, the staff will direct you to a safe location.
Should a total evacuation of the building be necessary, you will be instructed to follow a route to a secure area for temporary housing. All prisoners will obey the directives of jail staff to ensure the prompt and safe evacuation of the building.
Should you experience any medical emergency, you will be able to notify the staff using several means. While in your housing cell, the silver button on the wall may be used to speak to a deputy in an emergency situation. If you misuse or abuse the intercom, you may face disciplinary sanctions. To use the intercom you will:
12.1 Push the silver intercom button
12.2 Wait for the Deputy’s response
12.3 State clearly what your emergency is
You will not need to keep pushing the button to respond. Just talk normally into the speaker. Do not shout, as this will distort your voice and make it difficult to understand.
Intercoms are located in various multi-access areas throughout the facility. You will be connected to a Deputy. Do not shout into the intercom. Speak in a normal tone.
Should a fight break out in the housing unit or there is a disturbance that does not require evacuation, all prisoners that are unaffected by the emergency must return to their assigned cell. Failure to return to your cell will result in disciplinary sanctions.
Each cell is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system for your safety. It is important that you do not tamper with the sprinkler.
In the event of a tornado or other natural disaster, you should wrap yourself in your blanket and lay under your bunk until the event is over.
13.0 Medical and Dental Services:
When you first arrive at the Justice Center, you will be given a medical assessment by the medical staff. You should answer all questions thoroughly and truthfully. This assessment will be kept confidential and will help the medical staff meet any special conditions or treatment that you may need while you are housed in the Justice Center.
Sick call will be conducted by the medical staff on a daily basis. When the medical staff arrives to your housing unit, you should describe exactly what your medical problem is.
If a medical condition arises at times when sick call is not be conducted, you may fill out a prisoner request form directing it to the medical staff. It will be answered at their earliest convenience.
Dental requests should be made at sick call or written out on a request form so that an appointment can be scheduled.
If a medical emergency occurs, you should notify the nearest staff member, who will contact the medical staff.
Inmates will be charged three(3) dollars for nurse visits and five (5) dollars dental and doctor visits.
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