SOP_NUMBER: 210.01
TITLE: Inmate/Probation Boot Camp - General Policy
REFERENCE_CODE: IIB12-0001
DIVISION: Facilities Division
TOPIC_AREA: 210 Policy-Probation Boot Camp
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2015-07-16
WORD_COUNT: 1808
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/106053
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/210.01/
SUMMARY:
This policy establishes the general framework for Georgia's 90-day Inmate and Probation Boot Camp Programs, which use a strict military regimen to correct attitudes and behaviors of selected inmates and probationers. The policy emphasizes physical training, discipline, and order while strictly prohibiting physical abuse, humiliating tasks, and abusive language. It applies to all staff and participants in boot camp facilities and sets standards for humane treatment, appropriate use of physical contact, and professional conduct by correctional staff.
KEY_TOPICS: boot camp program, military discipline, physical training, close order drill, staff conduct standards, physical abuse prohibition, use of force, restraints, contraband prevention, fraternization, professional bearing, inmate treatment, probationer supervision, attitude correction, public safety
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FULL TEXT:
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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**`Functional Area: `**
`Facilities Division`|**`Reference Number: `**
`IIB12-0001`
`(210.01)`|**`Revises`**
**`Previous`**
**`Effective Date:`**
`3/01/2005`|
|**`Subject:`**
`Inmate/Probation Boot Camp`
`- General Policy`|||
|**`Authority:`**
`Bryson/Ward`|**`Effective Date:`**
`07/16/15`|`Page`**`1`**` of`
**7 **|
```
I. POLICY:
A. Inmates/probationers accepted to participate in the 90
day Boot Camp Program will be selected through a joint
process involving the Department of Corrections and the
Board of Pardons and Parole, for inmates, or the
Department of Corrections and the Courts, for
probationers.
B. Strict military regimen, discipline and order shall be a
key component of the program. Key elements in this
emphasis are:
1. Physical training utilizing approved guidelines
2. Close order drill
3. Emphasis on performing up to stringent standards
regarding behavior, cleanliness, order and
organization of possessions
C. Boot Camps shall emphasize, particularly in the early
phase of the program, an intense, confrontational style
on the part of the correctional staff’s communication
with inmates/probationers. Staff shall demand strict
adherence to orders and directives. Training and guidance
in the implementation of these methods shall be provided
by the Department. Staff behavior and actions shall be
guided by these training experiences. Certain staff
actions are prohibited:
1. There shall be no physical abuse of any
inmate/probationer. Unnecessary physical contact
```
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|`Functional Area:`
`Facilities Operations`|`Effective Date:`
`07/16/15`|`Reference Number:`
`IIB12-0001`
`(210.01)`|
```
will be avoided. Use of force shall be guided by GDC
- SOP IIB08-0001.
2. No cursing or derogatory terms will be used.
3. Inmates/probationers will not be assigned
humiliating or pointless job assignments or tasks.
II. APPLICABILITY:
Inmate and Probation Boot Camps.
III. RELATED DIRECTIVES:
A. O.C.G.A. 42-2-11.
B. Board Rules: 125-2-1-.01 (d).
C. GDC - SOPs: IIA07-0002, IIA07-0003, IIB01-0018, IIB06 0001, and IIB12-0004.
D. ACA Standards: 3-4223, 3-4226, 3-4232, 3-4235 and 3-4236.
IV. DEFINITIONS:
NONE.
V. ATTACHMENTS:
NONE.
VI. PROCEDURE:
A. GOALS and OBJECTIVES:
1. To protect the public.
2. To provide a safe and secure environment for both
GDC staff and the inmate/probationer.
3. To correct the attitude and motivation of
inmates/probationers through a regimen of hard work,
```
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`IIB12-0001`
`(210.01)`|
```
physical training, motivational and attitudinal
training in a strict military environment.
4. To positively impact upon immature, young adult
inmates/probationers who have not developed self
discipline, responsibility and a clear understanding
of socially acceptable behavior.
5. To provide symbolic restitution to the citizens of
Georgia by means of community work projects and
details performed by inmates/probationers.
6. To provide for effective post-release supervision
which reinforces a positive lifestyle and behaviors
which are socially acceptable.
B. STAFF PERSONNEL STANDARDS: The following general
standards will apply to all personnel assigned to a Boot
Camp:
1. All inmates/probationers will be treated in a humane
manner.
2. Physical abuse in any form is prohibited.
3. Verbal harassment and interrogation as punishment is
prohibited.
4. Use of abusive language is prohibited.
5. Staff shall not strike or lay hands upon an
inmate/probationer except in self-defense, to
prevent serious injury to another person or
property, to quell a disturbance, or for the purpose
of inspecting or searching an inmate/probationer, or
giving military instruction. A Boot Camp officer may
place hands on an inmate/probationer only when:
a. Correcting an inmate’s/probationer’s position
(drill, physical training).
b. Correcting an arrangement of an
inmate’s/probationer’s clothing or equipment.
```
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`(210.01)`|
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c. Conducting an examination or inspection of the
person, his clothing or equipment.
d. Conducting a demonstration as part of
authorized training.
e. Protecting, avoiding or attending to an
inmate/probationer who has suffered injury or
harm.
f. Applying restraints.
6. Staff shall always remain vigilant to detect and
prevent breaches of security.
7. Staff shall not bring or permit others to bring
contraband into the Boot Camp. Contraband shall be
defined as anything not issued or authorized for use
by inmates/probationers. SOP IIB06-0001, Inmate
Personal Property Standards, provides general
guidelines. SOP IIB12-0004 Inmate Rights and
Standards, for Boot Camps, defines items explicitly
authorized for Boot Camp inmates/probationers.
8. Staff shall not fraternize with inmates/probationers
or their friends or relatives in any manner. Refer
to SOP IIA07-0002, Contact or Business Dealings with
Inmates.
9. Staff shall not give to or receive from any
inmate/probationer anything in the nature of a gift,
or in any manner, buy, sell, trade, or barter any
article with an inmate/probationer. Refer to SOP
Iia07-0002.
10. Staff shall not extend or promise an
inmate/probationer any special privileges or favors
not available to all inmates/probationers.
11. Staff shall always maintain a high standard of
professional bearing and appearance. Refer to SOP
IIA07-0003, Personal Appearance of Uniformed
Personnel.
```
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`Facilities Operations`|`Effective Date:`
`07/16/15`|`Reference Number:`
`IIB12-0001`
`(210.01)`|
```
12. Staff will not argue with inmates/probationers. When
orders or instructions are given they are to be
carried out to the fullest extent. Arguing or
questioning by an inmate/probationer constitutes an
offense which should be addressed by on the spot
verbal correction or reprimand. Disputed or
questioned authority will not be tolerated.
13. The following activities or ant variation thereof
are strictly prohibited. No one will cause an
inmate/probationer to:
a. Assume unnatural positions such as wall bends,
holding equipment overhead, etc.
b. To perform physical exercise not authorized for
training.
c. March in a degrading fashion such as hands in
pocket, covers backwards, etc.
d. Perform exercises or activities to the point
where life or health is endangered and illness
or injury may be reasonably foreseen as a
result.
e. Enter areas of possible danger such as
dangerous streams, steep banks or other area in
which the well being or safety of the
inmate/probationer may be jeopardized.
f. Assault other inmates/probationers who enter
their formation, dormitory, etc., participate
in belt lines or blanket parties.
g. Shave without soap and/or water.
h. Bath in water which by the perpetrator’s design
is uncomfortably hot or cold.
i. Perform gross or degrading acts such as having
the inmates/probationers washing their hands in
urinals or commodes.
```
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`Facilities Operations`|`Effective Date:`
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`IIB12-0001`
`(210.01)`|
```
j. Not given a sufficient amount of time to eat,
for instance, Eating Duck after sitting down to
eat inmates/probationers given 15 seconds to
eat and they are finished.
14. NO ONE SHALL CAUSE AN INMATE/PROBATIONER TO CONSUME:
a. Paper or other foreign matter not commonly used
as food for human consumption.
b. Food or beverage in excess of human needs.
c. Foods such as spices or hot sauce in amounts
not normally consumed or by methods not
normally employed by average individuals.
C. ORGANIZATION AND STAFF RELATIONS: The
Warden/Superintendent of the facility has responsibility
over all phases of the operation of the Boot Camp. Due to
the specialized nature of the Boot Camp, it is necessary
that it be carefully staffed and supervised with
personnel trained in techniques of control, management
and rehabilitation of inmates/probationers. Successful
operation of the Boot Camp depends upon understanding the
basic program objectives and compliance with all related
policies, procedures and standards. All staff must
demonstrate constant alertness, a high degree of order
and bearing, initiative, personal integrity, common sense
and mature judgement.
1. Inmate Boot Camp Manager: The Warden shall appoint a
Unit Manager to be in charge of the Inmate Boot
Camp. The Unit Manager shall report through the
chain-of-command to the Warden and shall coordinate
all day-to-day activities of the Inmate Boot Camp.
a. The Unit Manager shall provide liaison and
coordination for other staff specialists who
are involved with and support the Inmate Boot
Camp.
b. The Unit Manager shall accomplish all other
duties that may be assigned by the Warden and
```
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`Facilities Operations`|`Effective Date:`
`07/16/15`|`Reference Number:`
`IIB12-0001`
`(210.01)`|
```
shall not normally be assigned other duties
within the facility, except in special
situations.
2. Correctional Officers: Correctional officers
assigned to Boot Camps shall perform all tasks
assigned. Correctional officers are responsible for
the control, accountability, training and welfare of
all inmates/probationers.
a. Supervises and controls all
inmates/probationers.
b. Dispatch work details.
c. Supervise, monitor or escort work details.
d. Conduct physical training and close order
drill.
e. Supervise the daily routine in accordance with
the schedule of the day.
f. Conduct and verify counts.
g. Supervise all facility activities.
h. Enforce all orders, rules, policies and
procedures.
i. Make security/safety/sanitation inspections
(SOP IIB01-0018).
3. Counselors: Assigned counselors will coordinate
their duties with the Senior Boot Camp Counselor who
will coordinate with the Chief Counselor of the host
facility or the Warden/Superintendent in stand alone
facilities. The Senior Boot Camp Counselor is
directly responsible to the Warden/Superintendent
(Probation Boot Camps) or the Unit Manager (Inmate
Boot Camps) for all day-to-day counseling and
educational activities. Counseling duties will
include, but not be limited to, individual and group
counseling, establishing and maintaining liaison
```
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`Facilities Operations`|`Effective Date:`
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`IIB12-0001`
`(210.01)`|
```
with other support components of the facility, such
as medical services and chaplaincy; and providing
general coordination for the development of daily
schedules.
D. TRAINING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT: The Warden/Superintendent
shall identify and select a cadre of correctional
officers and counseling staff to assume duties within the
Boot Camp.
1. Pre-service: A pre-service training program will be
conducted for all security and care/treatment staff
personnel assigned to the Boot Camp. At a minimum,
any correctional officer assigned to a boot camp
should receive an orientation and an introduction to
boot camp procedures from the senior drill
instructor utilizing a lesson plan prepared and
approved by the Georgia Correctional Training
Academy Public Safety Training Instructor
responsible for boot camp training. Assigned
officers will be required to attend a boot camp
orientation training program when available.
2. In-Service: Consistent with the requirements and
learning objectives of the pre-service training
program, all staff personnel shall be required to
participate in in-service training to reinforce and
update their skills and knowledge for the duration
of their assignment to the Boot Camp.
E. Other SOPs in the IIE series are intended for Probation
Detention Centers, and in many cases, Probation Boot
Camp. Additionally, other SOPs in the IIE series are
applicable to the Boot Camp setting. The reader should
always check the Applicability section of individual
SOP’s to determine its reference to Boot Camp operations.
```