Iowa Admin. Code r. 201-50.21

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 10, November 13, 2024

Rule 201-50.21 - Discipline and grievance procedures

(1) No prisoner shall be allowed to have authority or disciplinary control over another prisoner

(2) The use of physical force by staff shall be restricted to instances of justifiable self-protection, the protection of others or property, the prevention of escapes or the suppression of disorder, and then only to the degree necessary to overcome resistance. Corporal punishment is

forbidden.

(3) The following information shall be made available to all prisoners and explained to any

prisoner unable to read English:

a. A set of rules (including sanctions) and regulations pertaining to the conduct of persons in custody.

b. What services are available to them.

c. A prisoner grievance procedure which includes at least one level of appeal. A jail may limit the use of the grievance process in order to make sure that it is not abused.

(4) Prisoners who have allegedly violated jail rules shall be provided information pertaining to the handling of disciplinary hearings consistent with the due process rights of the accused. This information shall include the following:

a. Notice of charges and hearing.

b. A description of the hearing process. The jail policy and procedures manual shall contain the following:

(1) Written guidelines for resolving minor prisoner infractions which include a written statement of the rule violated and a hearing and decision within seven days, excluding weekends and holidays, by a person not involved in the rule violation. The prisoner may waive the hearing.

(2) A procedure to refer violations of criminal law to the appropriate criminal justice agency.

(3) A policy which requires staff members to prepare a disciplinary report and forward it to a designated staff person. Disciplinary reports shall include the following information:

1. Specific rule(s) violated;

2. A statement of the charge;

3. Any unusual prisoner behavior;

4. Any staff witnesses;

5. An explanation of the event that includes who was involved, what transpired, and the time and location of the occurrence;

6. Any physical evidence and its disposition;

7. Any immediate action taken, including the use of force.

(4) A policy that requires an impartial investigation to begin within 24 hours of the time the violation is reported and be completed without unreasonable delay, unless there are exceptional circumstances for delaying the investigation.

(5) A policy and procedure that provides for prehearing detention of prisoners who are charged with a rule violation. The facility administrator or designee shall review the prisoner's prehearing status within 72 hours.

(6) A policy that prisoners charged with a rule violation receive a written statement of the charge(s), including a description of the incident and specific rule(s) violated. The prisoner shall be given the information at least 24 hours prior to the disciplinary hearing. The hearing may be held in less than 24 hours with the written consent of the prisoner

(7) A policy and procedure that allows the prisoner to be present at the hearing, unless the prisoner waives that right in writing or is a threat to the security and safety of the facility. Prisoners may be excluded during testimony. Any prisoner's absence shall be documented.

(8) A policy that provides for the disciplinary hearing to be conducted no later than seven days, excluding weekends and holidays, following the report of the alleged rule violation.

(9) A policy that provides for postponement or continuance of the disciplinary hearing for a reasonable period and for good cause. Reasons for postponement or continuance shall be documented.

(10) A policy and procedure that provides for an impartial person or panel of persons to conduct the disciplinary hearing. A record of the proceedings shall be made and maintained for at least two years.

(11) A policy and procedure that allows prisoners an opportunity to make a statement and present documentary evidence at the hearing and to call witnesses on their behalf unless calling witnesses creates a threat to the security or safety of the facility. The reasons for denying such a request shall be documented.

(12) A policy and procedure that allows a staff member or agency representative to assist prisoners at disciplinary hearings. A representative shall be appointed when it is apparent that a prisoner is not capable of collecting and presenting evidence on the prisoner's own behalf

(13) A policy that disciplinary committee decisions are based solely on information obtained in the hearing process.

(14) A policy and procedure to ensure that a written report is made of the decision and the supporting reasons and that a copy is given to the prisoner The hearing record and documents shall be kept in the prisoner's file.

(15) A policy that requires the jail administrator or designee to review all disciplinary hearings and dispositions to ensure conformity with the jail policy and procedures.

c. An explanation of the appeal process. The jail policy and procedure manual shall contain a policy and procedure to advise the prisoner that the prisoner may appeal the decision to the jail administrator or designee within 24 hours. The administrator or designee shall affirm or reverse the decision of the disciplinary committee as soon as possible but within 15 days, excluding weekends and holidays.

(5) Deprivation of clothing, bedding, or hygienic supplies shall not be used as discipline or punishment. These items may be withheld from any prisoner who the staff reasonably believes would destroy such items or use them as weapons, for self-injury or to aid in escape.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 201-50.21