SOP 209.04: Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|
|Policy Number: 209.04|Effective Date: 2/18/2021|Page Number: 1 of 30|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

I. Introduction and Summary:

Force may be used to accomplish legitimate and necessary functions of Facility/Center
operations, and to prevent injury to persons or substantial damage to property. The use
of force to compel an offender to take involuntary action, or to restrain and prevent him
or her from an action, is authorized only to the extent necessary to maintain positive
control of the offender. When the offender involved is Mental Health (MH) as defined
in Section III.D. below, SOP 508.27, Time Out and Physical Restraints becomes the
controlling procedure for use of restraints. At no time does this transfer of control nullify
the responsibility and authority of security staff to protect the safety and security of
employees, offenders, and the Facility/Center as a whole.

A. Authorization - Authority for the use of force, security equipment and restraint

equipment, or special cells such as hardened cells or stripped cells, shall rest with
the Warden, Superintendent, Deputy Warden, Assistant Superintendent, Chief
Correctional Supervisor, or Administrative Duty Officer.

1. Facility/Center staf ~~fs~~ are authorized and shall use appropriate force when an

escape is in progress, when it is evident that an escape may ensue or when it is
evident that danger to persons or damage to property may ensue.

2. If time and circumstances permit, employees shall obtain authorization from the

Warden, Superintendent, or designee before using force. In an emergency where
it is not possible or practical to seek prior authorization, an employee shall use
appropriate force, and then notify the Warden, Superintendent, or designee as
soon as possible. The employee shall be required to justify use-of-force without
prior authorization.

C. Punishment Not Permitted - Force, security equipment, and restraint equipment

are intended to be used only as control measures when necessary. They are not
intended and shall never be used as a means of punishment.

D. Notification - The Warden, Superintendent or designee shall be immediately

notified when any type of force is used. A written report, as outlined in Section (IV)
(J), Reporting Use of Force, shall be submitted no later than the conclusion of that
shift.

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|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|
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|Authority:
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II. Authority:

A. Executive Order 13929, Safe Policing for Safe Communities;

B. O.C.G.A. §17-4-20;

C. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 125-2-1-.09; 125-3-1-.06(a); 125-3-2-.07; 125-3-2-.12; and

125-4-4-.05(d).;

D. GDC Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): 103.10 Evidence Handling and Crime

Scene Processing, 103.63 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title II
Provisions, 203.02 Document Flow, 203.03 Incident Reporting, 206.02
Management of Offender Property or Contraband, 209.05 Stripped Cells and
Temporary Confiscation of Personal Property, 209.07, Disciplinary Segregation Tier I Program, 209.08 Administrative Segregation, 209.09 Special Management
Unit - Tier III Program, 224.01 Control, Storage, and Issuance of
Firearms/Ammunition Chemical Agents and other Security Equipment, 507.04.23
Medical Classification and Profiling, and 507.04.69 Women’s Health Services, and
508.01 Mental Health Organization and Administration, and 508.27 Time Out and
Physical Restraint; and

E. ACA Standards: 2-CO-3A-01, 5-ACI-2G-03 (ref. 4-4173), 5-ACI-1D-19 (ref. 4
4090), 5-ACI-1D-20 (ref. 4-4091 Mandatory), 5-ACI-1D-21 (ref. 4-4092
Mandatory), 5-ACI-3A-25 (ref. 4-4189), 5-ACI-3A-16 (ref. 4-4190), 5-ACI-3A-17
(ref. 4-4190-1), 5-ACI-3A-18 (ref. 4-4191 Mandatory), 5-ACI-3A-28 (ref. 4-4199),
5-ACI-3A-29 (ref. 4-4200), 5-ACI-3A-30 (ref. 4-4201), 5-ACI-3A-31 (ref. 4-4202),
5-ACI-3A-32 (ref. 4-4203 Mandatory), 5-ACI-3A-33 (ref. 4-4204 Mandatory), 5ACI-3A-34 (ref. 4-4205 Mandatory), 5ACI-3A-35 (ref. 4-4206 Mandatory), 5-ACI3D-08 (ref. 4-4281 Mandatory), 5-ACI-6C-10 (ref. 4-4403), 5-ACI-6C-13 (ref. 44405 Mandatory), 4-ACRS-2B-01, 4-ACRS-2B-02, 4-ACRS-2B-03, 4-ACRS-6A03, 4-ALDF-2B-01 (Mandatory), 4-ALDF-2B-02, 4-ALDF-2B-02-1, 4-ADLF-2B03, 4-ALDF-4D-21, 4-ALDF-6A-03, 4-ALDF-6A-07 (Mandatory), 4-ALDF-7B-14
(Mandatory), and 4-ALDF-7B-15.

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|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|
|Policy Number: 209.04|Effective Date: 2/18/2021|Page Number: 3 of 30|
|Authority:
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III. Definitions:

A. Anticipated Use of Force - A planned use of force in which time and circumstances

allow for the preparation of the use of force and there is not an immediate threat of
injury to staff or other offenders or damage to state property.

B. Spontaneous Use of Force - An unplanned use of force in which there is immediate

action necessary to prevent injury to staff or other offenders or damage to state
property.

C. Use of Force - Use of force shall be defined as physical force used to compel an

offender to take action against his or her will, or to prevent an offender from taking
action that would be damaging to themselves, other persons, or property. The use of
force may include the use of hands, batons, chemical agents, water pressure,
firearms, or other instruments. The use of physical force shall be restricted to
instances of justifiable self-defense, protection of others, protection of property,
prevention of escapes, to maintain or regain control of an offender and deadly force
will only be utilized as the last resort. Refer to Section IV.G.2.a. and b. of this
policy, which governs the Use of Deadly Force.

D. Mental Health Offenders - Incarcerated individuals assessed to have a mental

health disorder by either a psychologist, psychiatrist or Advanced Practice
Registered Nurse (APRN) and placed on the mental health caseload to receive
Mental Health Services. They receive Mental Health Services apart from inmates
who are deemed as not having symptoms at a level serious enough to receive a
mental health diagnosis.

E. Mental Health Services - The use of a variety of psychosocial and pharmacological

therapies, either individual or group, including biological, psychological and social,
to alleviate symptoms, attain appropriate functioning and prevent relapse.

F. Offender - A person who has been placed under the supervision of Georgia

Department of Corrections.

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|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|
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G. Body Worn Camera (BWC) - A wearable audio, video, or photographic recording

system used to record events in which Correctional Officers are involved.

H. Stated Issued Recording and Audio Devices - Devices issued by the Georgia

Department of Corrections, such as Phones, and I Pads, that have recording and
audio capabilities.

I. Serious Bodily Injury - Injury that involves a substantial risk of death, protracted

and obvious disfigurement, or extended loss or impairment of the function of a body
part or organ.

J. Objectively Reasonable - The determination that the decision to use force, and the

level of force used, is what a reasonable and prudent officer would use under the
same or similar situations based upon the officer’s evaluation of the situation,
experience, training, and the totality of the circumstances known to or believed to
exist by the officer at the time the force is used and is consistent with U.S. Supreme
Court precedent.

IV. Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:

Use of force applied in any circumstance and involving any equipment or only hands
shall not be more than is reasonable and necessary. Any willful or intentional physical
abuse of an offender shall result in adverse action up to and including immediate
termination, and possible civil or criminal charges.

A. Protective Gear: All available protective gear must be worn during an Anticipated

Use of Force. Wardens and Superintendents are required to ensure that this is
complied with and documented in the Warden’s and Superintendent’s Comment
Section on Attachment 3, Use of Force Cover/Checklist.

B. Restraint Equipment: Restraint equipment is designed to be applied to a person's

body to limit the ability to move about or to restrict the movement and use of his or
her extremities.

1. Use of Restraints: Restraints may be used routinely during the movement of

potentially violent or unruly offenders or during movement outside the

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|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|
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Facility/Center. The use of restraint equipment is also designed to prevent the
committing of an offense by violent or unruly offenders. In the latter case,
restraint equipment may be necessary to regain and maintain control of the
offender involved. Medical conditions and physical limitations shall be
considered when using restraints on ANY offender, male or female.

a . Restraints utilized on offenders with medical conditions or physical

limitations shall be in accordance with the issued “ medical restriction”
profile (see SOPs 507.04.23 and 507.04.69 for more information).

b . Restraints shall not be utilized on pregnant offenders. Waist chains, leg and

ankle restraints, four-point restraints shall not be used on pregnant offenders.

c. Restraints shall NOT to be utilized on pregnant offenders during the labor

and delivery process. Restraints shall be used only if absolutely needed
during post-partum or transports of pregnant females.

NOTE: Should security or medical reasons justify (Escape or harm to
self, fetus, or others); the Director, Facilities Division shall be notified
immediately and is authorized to deviate from the above requirements.
Restraints are to be utilized only if the events justify. An incident report
shall be completed justifying said action. A copy of the incident report is
to be placed in the offender’s medical file.

d. Use of Force and Restraint for Control of Offenders with Disabilities:

i. Before restraining an offender who may have a medically documented

disability, security staff shall consult with a medical practitioner (or
designee) to determine any restrictions on applying restraints, unless there
is imminent danger to self or others and the need for Spontaneous Use of
force.

ii. Unless there is a medically documented restriction regarding the use of

restraints, restraints shall be applied to offenders with disabilities with
consideration given to any illness or disability that adversely affects an

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offender’s stability, balance and/ or coordination, or communication as in
the same manner as any other offender.

iii. Force multipliers (chemical agents, impact weapons, canines, etc.) may

be used on offenders with disabilities, if necessary, to protect the staff,
visitors, and other offenders or to control disruptive behavior.

iv. Any authorized restraints may be used on offenders with disabilities

subject to the guidance below and recommendations of a medical
practitioner or medical professional.

v. Methods of Restraint for Types of Disabilities:

1) Back Injuries:

(a) Offenders should be laid with their backs on a board when

transporting (only with direct one-on-one supervision).

(b) Metal or soft restraints may be used to secure limbs to board.

(c) Soft restraints may be used under the back to secure the offender

to the board.

(d) Metal restraints should not be used between the offender’s back

and the board.

2) Arm Sling/Swath and Free Sling:

(a) Prior to treatment, offenders with an injured arm should have the

uninjured arm secured to a waist chain using metal handcuffs.

(b) The injured arm should be secured as approved by medical

personnel (on site or through the duty officer call roster)

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|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|
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3) Wheelchairs and Walkers:

(a) Quadriplegic offenders may be secured using metal or soft

restraints.

(b) Paraplegic offenders shall be restrained using a waist chain and

handcuffs. Leg irons may be used, if no medical restrictions
preclude their use. Medical staff, security staff, and the facility
ADA liaison shall be included on the decision for restraint use.

(c) Offenders requiring walkers, canes, or crutches may be

transferred to a wheelchair and appropriately restrained.

4) Prostheses:

(a) Leg prostheses are not normally removed and shall only be

removed by medical personnel.

(b) Arm or hand prostheses may be removed under the direct

supervision of medical staff.

(c) Full restraints (metal or soft) can be used, if there is no medical

restriction.

5) Dialysis:

(a) Offenders who require dialysis may be fully restrained as

approved by a medical practitioner.

(b) Metal handcuffs may be loosely applied to wrists, cuffed in front

only, and more than one (1) inch from the graft or swelling if
present.

(c) Leg irons can be worn provided there is no swelling or sores

around the ankle.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|
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(d) Any offender being returned from the hospital after graft surgery

should not be restrained with any device on the graft arm. The
other arm may be cuffed to a waist chain.

6) Bedridden Offenders - A medical practitioner (or designee) shall

indicate which transport vehicles and restraints are appropriate for
bedridden offenders, and transport decisions shall be made in
collaboration with the Warden and Transportation Unit of Facility
Operations.

7) Deaf Offenders - A deaf offender will be handcuffed in waist chains

to allow for hand use for sign language communication. If the
offender is combative or other security measures are necessary, the
Warden/Superintendent or designee during normal working hours and
Administrative Duty Officer after normal working hours shall be
contacted for guidance.

8) Standard Position for Four-Point or Five-Point Restraints:

(a) To prevent medical problems, offenders in four or five-point

restraints should be placed on their back with arms secured at their
side.

(b) Hands shall be positioned no higher than the waist.

2. Types of Restraints: Restraint equipment shall be categorized as follows:

a. Soft Restraints: These include leather straps or other similar devices

constructed of soft material. The Safety Restraint Chair shall be considered a
soft restraint.

i. Authorization for Use of the Safety Restraint Chair: The Warden or

Superintendent shall authorize use of the Safety Restraint Chair. Any time
in the Safety Restraint Chair exceeding the initial two (2) hour time
period shall be approved by the Warden or Superintendent and a

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Qualified Health Care Official (defined in SOP 508.27). The
Warden/Superintendent can approve up to an eight (8) hour period in the
chair. Any time over eight (8) hours shall be approved by the Regional
Director.

ii. The Safety Restraint Chair may be used in the following instances:

1) When an offender has demonstrated violent or uncontrollable

behavior;

2) To prevent offender self-injury, injury to others, or property damage

when other techniques have been ineffective in regaining control of
the offender;

3) Upon recommendation by a psychiatrist, physician, or qualified health

care professional if self-harm (banging of the head, etc.) has been
determined as behavioral; or

4) As a means of moving a combative offender safely from one section

of the facility to another.

iii. Staff Training: Only Correctional Staff trained in the use of the Safety

Restraint Chair shall place an offender in the Safety Restraint Chair.
Mental Health and Medical Staff shall also be trained on the use of the
Safety Restraint Chair.

iv. Duration of Stay in the Safety Restraint Chair: The offender shall be

placed in the Safety Restraint Chair long enough to regain control of
his/her behavior.

v. Reporting: An Incident Report shall be completed along with

Attachment 6, Safety Restraint Chair Authorization Form. If the behavior
is considered to be MH, then MH staff shall direct the management of the
offender. MH staff shall evaluate and if deemed behavioral, this shall be
notated prior to use of the Safety Restraint Chair. Use of the Safety

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
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|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|
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Restraint Chair shall be documented in an official logbook that shall be
kept in a secure place and maintained when the Safety Restraint Chair is
in use. The following shall be recorded:

1) Who authorized the placement;

2) What time the offender was placed in the Safety Restraint Chair;

3) Who placed the offender in the Safety Restraint Chair;

4) What time the offender was taken out of Safety Restraint chair and

who authorized removal;

5) Who removed the offender from the Safety Restraint Chair; and

6) The condition and behavior of the offender when removed.

vi. Placement in the Safety Restraint Chair:

1) A minimum of two (2) Correctional Officers and a Supervisor shall be

present to assist in the placement of an offender in the Safety
Restraint Chair.

2) The placement of an offender in the Safety Restraint Chair and the

entire duration of the offender’s time in the Safety Restraint Chair
shall be videotaped. (Follow the procedures outlined in this policy.
(VI.K.)

3) The Safety Restraint Chair shall be used in an upright position. Never

lay it on its back while occupied.

4) Any offender placed in the Safety Restraint Chair shall be

decontaminated if they have been subjected to the use of Oleoresin
Capsicum (O.C.) Spray prior to placement in the chair.

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5) The offender shall be restrained with hard restraints. (Leg-irons and

Handcuffs)

6) The offender shall be strip searched, if possible, prior to placement. If

not strip searched, then a thorough pat search shall be completed.

7) An offender shall not be placed in a Safety Restraint Chair naked nor

shall his/her clothing be removed unless, in the judgment of the
Warden or Superintendent, Facility/Center Physician, or the Mental
Health Director, the offender is classified as violent, or likely to
become so, or might commit mutilation or bodily harm to one’s self
or others. A paper gown may be appropriate in some cases.

8) The offender shall be positioned in front of the Safety Restraint Chair

with their back toward the seat, with an officer on each side
maintaining positive control of the offender. Staff shall assist the
offender while being placed into the chair.

9) Staff shall not, at any time, wrap any of the belts or straps around the

head or neck.

10) Be aware at all times of your position in relation to the offender’s

head, to reduce the chance of being bitten or spat on. If the offender is
displaying this kind of behavior, the Spit Hood shall be used.

11) The offender shall be under direct and constant observation while in

the Safety Restraint Chair.

12) 15-minute checks shall be completed and documented on the

Segregation/Isolation Checklist.

13) The offender shall be given the opportunity to use the bathroom at

least once every two (2) hours and this shall be documented in the
official logbook. If the offender’s behavior does not warrant allowing
him/her out of the Safety Restraint Chair, once the offender calms

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down, a bathroom break shall be offered. A bathroom break shall be
offered every two hours after the initial 2-hour time span.

14) The offender shall be given the opportunity to eat. Meals shall be

governed by SOP 508.27, Time Out and Physical Restraint. The status
of meals shall be documented on Segregation/Isolation Checklist.

15) An offender shall be offered water whenever appropriate and at least

every two (2) hours to maintain hydration. This shall be documented
in the official logbook.

vii. The Chief of Security or Shift O.I.C. shall:

1) Review the use of the Safety Restraint Chair once every hour to

include talking with the offender, checking the restraints for comfort
and security, developing an appropriate plan for release, and checking
the Safety Restraint Chair Monitoring Log Form for appropriate
entries.

2) Ensure that the appropriate staff person completes Attachment 6,

Safety Restraint Chair Authorization Form and the
Segregation/Isolation Checklist, until the offender is released.

3) Ensure that no offender is kept in the Safety Restraint Chair for more

than two (2) hours without the Warden’s/ Superintendent’s or
designee’s authorization.

viii. A qualified health care professional shall:

1) Reassess the offender’s mental and medical health care status every

two (2) hours.

ix. Conditions for the Use of the Safety Restraint Chair:

1) The Use of the Safety Restraint Chair shall not be for punishment.

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2) The Safety Restraint Chair shall be used according to the

manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be altered, modified, or
customized in any way from the original manufactured state and
intended use.

3) The Safety Restraint Chair shall not be altered from the original

design.

x. After placement in the Safety Restraint Chair:

1) The offender can be transported to an area for observation, preferably,

in a single cell in the unit where he/she cannot be observed by other
offenders. Welfare checks or observation shall be documented every
15-minutes.

2) Correctional staff and qualified health care professionals shall follow

all monitoring requirements outlined above and all related directives
and Standard Operating Procedures. Use of the Safety Restraint Chair
in a way that would jeopardize the health of an offender, shall be
reported immediately by Staff to their immediate Supervisor, the
Chief of Security, Deputy Warden, or the Warden/ Superintendent.

xi. Removal from the Safety Restraint Chair:

1) Correctional staff shall remove the offender from the Safety Restraint

Chair when the Warden, Superintendent, or their Designee determines
that there is no longer a threat to self and others, and the offender can
be managed by other means. This decision shall be made in
conjunction with a qualified health care professional. Staff shall
complete the Attachment 6, Safety Restraint Chair Authorization
Form.

2) A minimum of two (2) Correctional Officers and a Supervisor shall be

present when an offender is removed from the Safety Restraint Chair.

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3) A qualified health care professional shall examine the offender

immediately after removal from the Safety Restraint Chair.

4) Staff shall clean and disinfect the Safety Restraint Chair prior to

storage.

b. Hard Restraints: These include handcuffs, leg chains, waist chains, waist

belts, and "flex cuffs."

3. Conditions of Restraint: No more force than is necessary shall be used to place a

violent offender or one becoming violent into restraints.

a. At no time shall an offender be attached by restraints to fixed objects such as

cell doors or grill work. (The Tier Program Chair is not considered a fixed
object for the purposes of this S.O.P.) An offender may be restrained on a
bed with appropriate restraints, including four-point restraints which may be
soft restraints or hard restraints, until he or she can be brought under control.
The only other exception is that offenders in the Tier Program are to be
placed in the GDC Authorized Tier Program Restraint Chairs for
programmatic use only and with the approval of the Warden or
Superintendent. Offenders are not to be placed in these for punishment.

b. Even if the offender is loud or boisterous, he or she shall never have his or

her mouth taped in an effort to repress noise.

c. Restraining an offender on his or her back or side shall be determined by MH

issues or physical health.

d. At no time shall an offender be restrained where the hands or hand restraints

are tied or otherwise attached behind the back to the feet or foot restraints.

C. Physical Handling: Hands-on force is the first level of force available to a

correctional officer. Physical handling is justified to subdue unruly offenders, to
separate participants in a fight, in self-defense and in defending staff, offenders or

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other persons, and protect state property. It may also be employed to move offenders
who fail to comply with lawful orders.

D. Use of Neck Restraints, Carotid Artery Holds, or Other Weaponless Control

Techniques: Correctional staff will not use neck restraints, carotid artery holds, or
other weaponless control techniques that are not taught or approved by the
Department due to the potential for serious injury or death; unless they are in an
emergency situation or under exigent circumstances where it is immediately
necessary to use force to prevent Serious Bodily Injury or death and Department
issued lethal or less lethal weapons are inoperable, inaccessible, or otherwise not
available or effective.

E. Duty to Intervene: Correctional staff present and observing another correctional

staff member using force that is clearly beyond that which is Objectively Reasonable
under the circumstances shall, when in a position to do so, intervene to prevent the
use of unreasonable force. Correctional staff who observe another correctional staff
member use force that exceeds the degree of force permitted by law shall promptly
report these observations to a supervisor.

F. Less Lethal Devices: Shock Shields, Tasers, Pepper Ball Projectors, Chemical

Agents, and R-E-A-C-T BAND-IT System: Less lethal devices that can greatly
reduce potential injuries to staff and offenders in cell extractions or in quelling
disturbances within a facility.

1. The minimum level of authorization for use of Shock Shields, Tasers, Pepper

Ball Projectors, Chemical Agents, and R-E-A-C-T BAND-IT System is the
Warden or Superintendent or their designee, except in circumstances that can be
justified as spontaneous where immediate action is necessary. When these
devices are used spontaneously, the incident report shall reflect the necessity for
use without prior authorization.

2. Only those staff members that have attended the appropriate Departmental

training and are certified by the Georgia Department of Corrections may use
Shock Shields, Tasers, Pepper Ball Projectors, Chemical Agents, or R-E-A-C-T
BAND-IT System as authorized. After the initial training/certification with the

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CEW (Taser), staff shall maintain certification by completing annual
recertification.

a. Tasers: The Tasers in use by the Georgia Department of Corrections have an

integrated camera equipped with both audio and visual. The Tasers have two
(2) separate downloadable features, the Taser data and the HD Camera that
attaches to the Taser.

i. Issuing of the Taser: A Taser can only be issued to a staff member who

has completed the initial Taser Training and is current on their Annual
Recertification. The Taser should be issued to the staff member with the
cartridges out. Upon receiving the Taser, the staff member should
immediately conduct a Function Check to ensure the Taser and Camera
are operating properly. Function checks are conducted by pointing the
Taser in a safe direction while no cartridges are in the Taser, releasing the
safety, announcing their name, date, time, facility and that a function
check is being conducted, pull the trigger once allowing the Taser to
cycle for five seconds, observe the Central Information Display (CID) to
ensure the Taser is functioning properly and then reengage the safety.
Upon completion of the Function Check the staff member should inspect
the two (2) cartridges to ensure no damage or issues exist and then load
appropriately. Upon loading the cartridges, the staff member should point
the Taser in a safe direction and disengage the safety to observe the CID
and ensure no faults are found from the cartridges. The safety should
then be reengaged, and the Taser holstered.

ii. Use of the Taser: When a staff member draws a Taser and time permits

during a situation, the staff member shall give the command of “Camera,
Camera, Camera.” This shall inform all present that the Taser is
displayed, and the camera is recording. The taser should remain
recording with it pointed toward the situation until the situation is
resolved. When time permits prior to using force, the staff member with
the Taser shall give a verbal command with instructions to comply or the
Taser would be used. If compliance is not received, the Taser should then
be “arced” for approximately three (3) seconds and then given one (1)

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final instruction to comply or the Taser will be utilized. Prior to the
deployment of the cartridges or a drive stun from the Taser, if force is
needed and time permits, the staff member shall give the command of
“Taser, Taser, Taser!” While an offender is in restraints i.e. handcuffs, leg
irons, etc., the use of the Taser shall be one of the last resorts utilized and
only in order to prevent Serious Bodily Injury and/or death.

iii. Taser Laser Sights: The Taser is equipped with Laser Sights which is

activated upon releasing the safety. Laser sights shall only be utilized for
target acquisition in situations where weapons are equipped with lasers,
such as the Taser. Any other use of this laser sight device, including but
not limited to, pointing at any person (i.e. offender, staff), animals,
structures, buildings, vehicles, or objects for the purposes of intimidation,
harassment, “horseplay”, or any other unauthorized use, shall result in
adverse action up to and including immediate termination of employment,
and may additionally subject the identified correctional staff member to
prosecution in civil or criminal court as the situation dictates .

iv. Downloading of the Taser Device: Each facility will have an account set

up as the name of the facility. All devices for that facility will be
assigned to that account. Only two (2) staff members should have access
to this account, which will be the primary and back up downloaders. The
Warden and Deputy Warden of Security will have their own individual
accounts to view and review uses of force and Taser usage. Every Taser
and HD Camera must be downloaded within a seven (7) day period or
immediately after a use of force. Each video should be categorized
appropriately according to the footage. Categories include the following:
function check, accidental discharge, training, taser displayed, taser
deployed, and taser drive stun. During the downloading process, the
system may prompt you to perform an update on the Taser device or the
HD Camera which you should complete every time.

v. Reporting process for Use of Taser to Facility Operations: The individual

facility shall be responsible for tracking the use of the Taser. The report
shall be submitted no later than every Friday by 4:00 p.m. This would

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include all Taser usage from the prior Saturday through Friday.
Information that shall be tracked includes the number of times the device
was displayed, deployed, “drive” stuns, and accidental discharge. This
information shall be reported on Attachment 4, Conducted Electrical
Weapon Weekly Usage Report. An incident report shall also be
completed.

vi. Replacement of Taser Equipment: Most facilities received 20 Tasers and

25 HD Cameras to attach to the Tasers. Upon damage or the device not
working properly, the Taser and/or HD Camera should be immediately
pulled from circulation and not issued until the device is repaired or
replaced. The manufacturer can be contacted to see if it is under warranty
or it can be repaired or fixed. If the Taser or HD Camera needs to be
replaced, Care and Custody should be contacted to facilitate the
replacement. If it is determined that the battery is the only issue, they can
be replaced through Care and Custody and installed at the facility.

b. Chemical Agents: Chemical agents shall be used only in the control or

disbursing of offenders in emergency situations.

i. Chemical agents (e.g.: pepper spray, C.S. gas, etc.) are NOT to be utilized

on pregnant offenders.

ii. When time permits, the ventilation systems in areas where chemical

agents are to be deployed shall be turned off to maximize the
effectiveness of the chemical and to ensure that other areas are not
contaminated.

iii. Decontamination: Anyone exposed to Direct, Indirect, or Area

Contamination shall be decontaminated. Decontamination shall include:

1) Remove offender(s) from the contaminated area;

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2) Establish verbal rapport for all offenders. For offenders with hearing

or vision disabilities, establish rapport ensuring effective
communication as outlined in SOP 103.63;

3) Expose the offender(s) to fresh air (non-contaminated area);

4) Have the offender stay still and encourage him/her to breathe

normally and relax; and

5) The resin shall be removed from the skin by placing the offender

under running cold water as soon as possible. If circumstances
prevent placing the offender in the shower, give the offender a wet
paper towel to press on the face followed by a dry one to help remove
resin from skin until they can be placed in the shower; flush eyes
liberally with cool water, while encouraging the offender to open eyes
in order to flush out the OC; or use a non-oil-based soap, shampoo or
detergent to help remove the OC.

NOTE: Once sprayed with OC, an offender should never be
restrained in four (4) or five (5) point restraint until medically
cleared. Individuals exposed to chemical agents shall be examined
by the medical staff as soon as practical and monitored until no
further effects or symptoms remain.

G. Batons and Riot Sticks: When the degree of force that can be applied by physical,

bodily intervention alone is inadequate, additional force may be exerted. The baton
or riot stick may be used to separate fighting offenders or to quell violence.

H. Water Hoses: The decision to employ high-pressure water shall be made by the

Warden or Superintendent in consultation with the respective Regional Director. If
time permits, the Regional Director shall contact the Director of Field
Operations who shall apprise the Assistant Commissioner, Facilities Division of
the situation which may necessitate the use of high-pressure water. If time does
not permit prior to the incident necessitating the use of high-pressure water,
then information regarding deployment of this device shall be relayed to the

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Assistant Commissioner, Facilities Division during or IMMEDIATELY
THEREAFTER the incident.

I. Firearms: Only those staff that have attended the appropriate Departmental training

and are certified by the Georgia Department of Corrections may use firearms. Only
those firearms issued by the Department shall be used for Departmental business.
Firearms are potentially lethal weapons, and for use only in the most extreme cases.
However, they are very effective tools that are authorized for use in facilities/centers
under the following conditions:

1. Non-deadly Force: Non-deadly firearms ammunition shall be an additional

option for controlling violent situations. This ammunition is constructed of
material (such as rubber) which can be used against the offender without
exposing him/her to a high risk of death or serious injury. This ammunition shall
not be used at close range direct fire.

2. Deadly Force: Firearms with standard ammunition constitute force that is

potentially deadly. They may be used only in situations where there is a danger
of death, escape, or Serious Bodily Injury. As in all other cases, deadly force
may not be used if less extreme measures shall suffice.

3. Authorization: Deadly force may be used only under the following

circumstances:

a. When an offender or other person:

1) Is carrying a weapon with intent to kill or cause Serious Bodily Injury;

2) Is attempting to get a weapon to kill or cause Serious Bodily Injury;

3) Gives the officer reason to believe the intent is to kill or cause Serious

Bodily Injury; or

4) Whom the officer has seen kill or cause Serious Bodily Injury to any

person and refuses to halt when ordered.

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b. Authorized Use of Force to Prevent an Escape: Correctional officers are

authorized to use force to prevent an escape from a secure facility, up to and
including deadly force. Deadly force should only be used in circumstances
where the escape cannot be prevented using a lesser degree of force.

c. Warning Shot is NOT Authorized: Correctional officers are NOT

authorized to fire a warning shot in an effort to prevent an escape or for any
other reason.

J. Unauthorized Persons Inside the Guard Line:

1. Committing a Crime: Correctional officers may use the minimum amount of

force necessary to detain any person inside the guard line observed committing
or attempting to commit a criminal offense. No officer shall pursue a person
beyond the guard line unless directed to do so by the Shift Officer in Charge
(Shift OIC). The officer shall report a description of the person and situation,
including the person’s departure direction and method, to the Shift OIC who shall
coordinate any necessary response with local law enforcement.

2. Investigatory Stops: Officers are authorized to conduct an investigatory stop on

all unauthorized or unidentified persons inside the guard line. If the person flees,
the officer shall not pursue the person outside the guard line but shall report a
description of the person and situation, including the person’s departure direction
and method, to the Shift OIC who shall coordinate any necessary response with
the duty officer and local law enforcement.

NOTE: If an officer observes a crime being committed outside the guard
line adjacent to a facility, the officer should report the crime and description
of the situation to the Shift OIC who shall coordinate any necessary
response with local law enforcement.

K. Medical Examination and Attention: After any use of force the offender shall be

examined by the medical staff as soon as possible. Individuals exposed to chemical
agents shall be examined by the medical staff as soon as practical and monitored
until no further effects or symptoms remain. (See VI.D.2.b.iii. for Decontamination

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Process) An offender may refuse treatment for an injury but cannot refuse an
examination. If an offender is uncooperative during an examination, a physical
assessment shall be made to the extent permitted under the circumstances and the
findings (including the offender’s statements) thoroughly documented.
Documentation shall be provided on the Use of Force Medical Exam Form.

L. Reporting Use of Force: The routine use of hard restraints in the movement and

transportation of offenders does not need to be reported.

1. When any use of force is employed, the following reporting process must

occur: A written report must be submitted no later than the conclusion of the
shift in which the use of force incident occurred. The Senior Official in charge
of the incident shall be responsible for reporting the facts necessitating the use of
force on an offender and forwarding of the report through the chain of command,
Chief of Security, Assistant Superintendent or Deputy Warden, and
Superintendent or Warden.

a. Attachment 3, Use of Force Cover/Checklist shall be used to document the

processing of the Use of Force Incident Report, including any pending
documentation, by the Senior Official in charge of the incident. This form
shall document the administrative review of the report and videotape by the
Chief of Security, Assistant Superintendent or Deputy Warden, and
Superintendent or Warden.

b. A Use of Force Incident Report is the standard document that shall be utilized

when reporting a use of force incident.

c. A Supplementary Report shall be used when force is employed on an

offender. Each staff member involved in the actual use of force shall
complete Attachment 1, Use of Force Supplementary Report. Any use of less
lethal weapons (chemical agents, Taser, pepper ball gun, shock shield, etc.)
shall be documented on this form, as well as the certification date of the
employee deploying the less lethal weapon.

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d. Witnesses: Any staff and offender that witnesses a use of force shall submit a

written statement. In addition, the offender that use of force was employed
on shall complete a written statement. This statement shall normally be
requested by a counselor but never by a staff member involved in the use of
force.

e. Medical Reports: A written report completed by the Medical Staff serving as

documentation of the Use of Force Medical Examination.

f. Mental Health Reports: A written report completed by the Mental Health

Staff when applicable.

g. Disciplinary Report: A copy of the disciplinary report that has been

completed and served on the offender justifying the use of force incident.

h. All Use of Force Incident Reports containing bodily injury to either an

offender or staff shall be forwarded to Office of Professional Standards, for
their review and any action deemed necessary. All relevant documentation,
videos, and photographs shall also be sent with this report. The report shall be
forwarded within (5) five working days after the incident.

i. Any use of force that does not fall into the above referenced category shall be

reviewed by the Warden or Superintendent, who shall make a determination
as to whether the incident should be forwarded to the Office of Professional
Standards. Should the Warden or Superintendent determine that the report
shall be forwarded to the Office of Professional Standards, a cover letter shall
be included in the package outlining their concerns and any adverse actions
taken.

j. Non-compliance with requirements specified in Section VI.J.1.a. through j.

may result in adverse action.

M. Video Recording: Primarily, the department utilizes camcorders and body worn

cameras (BWC’s) to record contact with offenders pursuant to this policy. However,
State Issued video and audio recording devices may be utilized, when Camcorders or

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BWCs are not readily available. Officers shall activate a camcorder and the body
worn camera (BWC) when such use is appropriate to the performance of his or her
official duties, including during a use of force. BWC’s shall also be activated during
shakedowns, search of an offender or location, movement of an offender into
segregation or isolation, or as otherwise directed by the Warden, Superintendent or
designee. This policy does not govern the use of surreptitious recording devices used
in undercover operations. Video recordings may be subject to the Open Records Act.

1. Policy Objectives:

a. Video documentation of contacts with offenders, contacts with the public and
critical incidents may enhance the accuracy of officer reports and testimony
in court.

b. Audio and video recordings also may enhance the department’s ability to

capture statements from offenders and witnesses, verify officers’ compliance
with legal and procedural directives, identify security threats or weaknesses,
and provide additional information for officer evaluation and training.

c. Video documentation may also be useful in documenting crime and accident

scenes or other events, including confiscation and documentation of evidence
or contraband.

2. General Use and Maintenance of the Camcorder or BWC:

a. Camcorders and BWC equipment are issued primarily to CERT Team

Officers. Officers who are assigned camcorder or BWC equipment must use
the equipment pursuant to this policy unless otherwise directed by
supervisory personnel.

b. Officers shall use only camcorders and BWC’s issued by this department.

The Camcorders, BWCs, and all data, images, video, and metadata captured,
recorded or otherwise produced by the equipment is the sole property of the
department.

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c. Officers assigned camcorders or BWC’s must complete a department
approved and/or provided training program to ensure proper use and
operation.

d. The Chief of Security shall ensure a system is in place to maintain the

camcorder and BWC equipment, including charged batteries, extra disks, and
that the equipment is functioning properly.

e. Officers shall inspect and test camcorder and BWC equipment prior to each

shift to verify proper functioning and shall report equipment malfunctions to
the Chief of Security or designee as soon as possible.

f. Officers shall use reasonable care to prevent damage to the camcorder or

BWC.

g. Officers shall not edit, alter, or erase camcorder or BWC recordings.

However, the Office of Legal Services may approve editing of video copies
for training or other authorized purposes.

h. Videos may not be duplicated, copied, shared, or otherwise distributed in any

manner without authorization and approval by the General Counsel, or a
designee.

i. Officers are encouraged to inform their supervisor of any recordings that may

be valuable for training.

j. If an officer is suspected of wrongdoing or involved in an officer-involved

shooting or other serious use-of-force, the department reserves the right to
limit or restrict an officer from viewing the video file.

3. When and How to Use the Camcorder or BWC: A video recording with a

camcorder shall be a routine supplemental report for ANY use of force,
consistent with the following provisions. Use of the camcorder is not optional. If
an officer has a BWC, this video shall also be provided. Officers shall note in

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Use of Force Incidents and related Reports when recordings were made during an
incident.

a. Anticipated Use of Force: All Anticipated Use of Force shall be video

recorded with two (2) camcorders. If an officer fails to activate the
camcorders or fails to record the entire event, or interrupts the
recording, the officer shall explain and justify the circumstances on the
Use of Force Incident Report. If the camcorder(s) malfunctions, State
Issued Devices with recording and audio capabilities, BWCs, and
Building Cameras, shall be authorized for use.

i. Officers shall record the anticipated use of force on two (2) Camcorders.

The use of two (2) camcorders provides additional documentation of the
incident and ensures coverage is continuous in case of malfunctions. The
exception to this rule is small centers, such as ITFs, RSATs, TC’s, and
PDC’s. When staffing is limited and does not permit the use of two
camcorders, Centers shall use at least one camcorder.

ii. Begin recording BEFORE ANY contact occurs. This INCLUDES

hands-on contact. This practice shall document the offender’s behavior
and the degree of force used to restrain the offender.

iii. Before entering the area where filming of the offender will occur, the

staff member recording the incident must record a narration by the Senior
Officer present. The Senior Officer shall be the sole narrator throughout
the filming of an incident. The narration shall include:

1) Name of the officer/staff narrating this incident (Senior Officer

present);

2) Date;

3) Time;

4) Place (building, cell, etc.);

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5) Name and number of all offenders involved;

6) Circumstances;

7) Name of the officer or staff member recording this incident;

8) Name of all involved officer(s)/staff; and

9) Plan of action.

iv. Once filming begins, do not release the action trigger or turn off the

Camcorder or BWC until AFTER staff leaves the scene. The officer
should film the exit, showing a closed cell door or other evidence that the
action is over. Do not edit by stopping the camera or pointing away from
the offender. Try to obtain a continuous stream of action. Let the camera
tell the story. If the camera gets jostled, continue filming and quickly
point it back on the offender.

b. Unanticipated Use of Force : An incident may require immediate action to

prevent injury to staff or other offenders or damage to state property. A
BWC, or other State Issued Devices with recording/audio capabilities (I
Phone, Cell Phone or I Pad) shall be activated whenever possible during an
unanticipated Use of Force. As soon as possible, Camcorders shall be used to
record the incident, to include the filming of a closed cell door or other
evidence that the action is over.

i. Officers shall adhere, as closely as possible, to the same procedures as

recording an anticipated use of force.

ii. The Senior Officer present shall summarize the incident on the video,

including the circumstances leading up to the unanticipated use of force
and what was done to gain control of the offender. The summary shall
include the following narrative:

1) The name of the officer giving the narration (Senior Officer present);

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2) Date;

3) Time;

4) Place (building, cell, etc.);

5) Name and number of all offenders involved;

6) Circumstances leading up to the Use of Force;

7) Name of the officer or staff member filming this incident; and

8) Name of all involved officer(s) or staff member;

4. Restrictions of Use: Camcorders, State Issued Devices with recording and audio

capabilities, and BWC’s shall only be used in performance of an officer’s official
duties. Unless an Officer is recording for a purpose authorized by this policy, the
following situations generally should not be recorded:

a. Communications with other department personnel;

b. Encounters with confidential informants;

c. When on break or otherwise engaged in personal activities;

d. Situations that would unreasonably invade an offender’s privacy; or

e. Encounters with visitors.

NOTE: During offender medical examinations, the camcorder shall be
turned on to capture audio but pointed away from the offender.

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5. Storage:

a. Camcorders, and BWC recordings shall be securely downloaded periodically

or no later than the end of each shift.

b. Each video recording shall be identified and labeled on a disk with

information relating to the date, camcorder, or BWC identifier, assigned
officer, and if applicable, corresponding Use of Force or Incident Report
number. The video recordings shall be retained in a secure location at the
facility where the incident occurred for a period of three (3) years. A single
disk may not contain multiple uses of force incidents or videos from different
cameras.

c. Attachment 6, Chain of Custody of Evidence from SOP 206.02 Management

of Offender Property or Contraband shall be completed on all Use of Force
Video Recordings. Each time the video recording is handled by a staff
member, the Chain of Custody of Evidence, shall be documented.

6. Review of Video Recordings:

a. The Chief of Security, Assistant Superintendent or Deputy Warden and

Superintendent or Warden shall review each Use of Force Video and its
corresponding Use of Force Report/Incident Report using Attachment 3, the
Use of Force Cover/Checklist. If any procedure was not following during
filming, the Warden or Superintendent shall cite the reasons for the policy
violation and whether corrective action was or will be taken. The Warden or
Superintendent shall also comment whether the Use of Force was conducted
in the safest means possible and with the appropriate protective gear.

b. At least monthly, the Chief of Security, Assistant Superintendent or Deputy

Warden, Superintendent or Warden, shall randomly review video recordings
to ensure the equipment is operating properly, that officers are using the
devices appropriately and in accordance with policy, and to identify any
additional training or guidance required.

|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|Policy Name:Use of Force and Restraint for Offender Control|
|Policy Number: 209.04|Effective Date: 2/18/2021|Page Number: 30 of 30|
|Authority:
Commissioner|Originating Division:
Facilities Division|Access Listing:
Level I: All Access|

V. Attachments:

Attachment 1: Use of Force Supplementary Report
Attachment 2: Use of Force Incident Report
Attachment 3: Use of Force Cover/Checklist
Attachment 4: Conducted Electrical Weapon Weekly Usage Report Example
Attachment 5: Official Witness Statement Form
Attachment 6: Restraint Chair Authorization Form

VI. Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:

Upon completion, Attachments 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 shall be placed in the offender’s
institutional file and retained according to the official retention schedule for that file.
Copies of Attachment 2 maintained in Security shall be retained for three (3) years and
then destroyed. Upon completion, Attachment 4 shall be submitted to Field Operations
and a copy shall be maintained locally at the facility.