Safety and Security Procedures

Provider Type

  • Physicians 
  • Hospitals
  • Ancillary

Typically, custody staffing consists of two correctional officers. If appropriate, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) watch commander may increase coverage. One officer is armed with a firearm at all times. The armed officer maintains a safe distance from the patient, ensuring the weapon is not easily accessible.

The armed officer inspects the hallways prior to moving the patient to ensure it is safe to proceed. Officers must be mindful of health care facility staff and the public. Both officers make every attempt to move the patient within the facility with the least amount of disruption and attention. When escorting patients, the armed officer generally walks two steps behind and to the left of the patient. This allows the officer to observe the patient and the surrounding area for potential problems. The unarmed officer walks beside the patient. This provides officers with a tactical advantage should the inmate try to attempt a violent act or escape.

When health care providers or staff is providing medical services to the patient, the unarmed officer is responsible for providing security. The unarmed officer does not leave the patient except under the following circumstances:

  • During certain medical procedures, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs). In these situations, the officer stays in an adjacent room where visual supervision of the patient is maintained.
  • During examinations of a personal nature or in the delivery room, the office positions himself to provide adequate observation of what is happening to the patient for documentary purposes and personal safety reasons, including the safety of health care staff.

All patients are escorted with a minimum of leg restraints. Waist chains may be used if a need has been established, such as unusually high public safety risk level or medical procedure. In the event a patient does not have any lower appendages, officers secure an upper limb to a sturdy portion of a mobile bed. If health care staff request restraints be removed, the CDCR institution’s health care access lieutenant or watch commander must be contacted for approval.