Deuel Vocational Institution
Staff Safety Evaluation
Corrective Action Plan
November 2006
Corrective Action Plan
Finding Issue
Staffing
Shift replacement of custody positions may be a
contributing factor to staff assaults.
Administrative staff responsible for the Prison Industry PIA funding not available for staffing
Authority facilities reported a need for additional relief
staff to provide supervision of inmate workers.

Responsible Partv

Completion Date

Headquarters

Staff Assault Incident Reports
After a collective review and discussion of the above No action necessary.
listed documents, there were no obvious trends
identified relative to the issue of staff battery, Other
than inmate classification (see discussion below), no
issues were identified as being significantly consistent
among the various incidents.

PIA Administrator

Nov-06

N/A

N/A

.,

With the exception of age, the victim demographics are Continued
training
and
supervision
of AW-CS AND AW-RC On-going
generally consistent with those of the overall institution, inexperienced staff. All staff assaults are referred
Younger officers were involved in a higher incidence of to the D. A,'s office for prosecution.
staff assaults.
Race. age and county of commitment of the involved No action necessary.
inmates do not appear to be significant assault factors.

N/A

N/A

The vast majority of the staff assaults did not result in No action necessary.
serious injury to the victim staff member or to other
personnel involved in the emergency response.

N/A

N/A

Accidental Injuries are not a frequent occurrence.

N/A

N/A

No action necessary.

1

Deuel Vocational Institution
Staff Safety Evaluation
Corrective Action Plan
November 2006
Timely documentation of reviews for incidents of Supervisor of injured employee completes self AW-BS
form 3067, Employer's Report, within 24 hours of
accident/injury of custody staff needs to occur.
the accident and the form is received and signed
by the Manager. The SelF form 3301,
Employee's Report, is issued to the injured
employee for completion within 24 hours of the
accident. The SCIF 3067 and 3301 forms are
reviewed by the Return to Work Coordinator for
contents and completeness then forwarded to
Workers' Compensation.

On-going

Inmates with high security classifications or serious
mental health issues are more likely to commit assaults
on staff. Length of stay for these inmates may also be
an influencing factor.
Inmate manufactured weapons were not factors in
assaults on staff.
Insufficient data were available to determine if gang
affiliation was a contributing factor related to staff
assaults.
Hours of the day and months of the year may be
factors in assaults on staff.

On-going

Departmental policy requires this action, AW-RC
however; institutions are limited to the beds
available within the Department.
No action necessary.

N/A

N/A

No action necessary.

N/A

N/A

No action necessary. Differences between # of N/A
assaults on third watch vs. second watch are
statistically insignificant.

N/A

Training
Documentation received by the evaluation team No action necessary.
N/A
confirmed that custody staff, non custody staff, and all
new employees at DVI are receiving mandated training
in addition to all other required departmental and site
specific training.
No special training is provided to staff members who All employee orientation instructors are certified 1ST LT.
act as training officers for purposes of orientation through the T for T process.
training

2

N/A

On-going

Deuel Vocational Institution
Staff Safety Evaluation
Corrective Action Plan
November 2006
No formal training program is in place to provide "field
training" to newly appointed peace officers. The team
suggests the CDeR Adult Division consider developing
a formalized institutional training program for new
recruits and an abbreviated program for newly
transferred officers.

Headquarters

The review team was unable to find documentation Oi Orientation is provided on site by staff assigned 1ST LT.
institutional orientation training being provided to to that Division Head
contract employees who provide short-term services at
the institution.
Safety Equipment
The COCR requires that the institution provide No action necessary.
N/A
identified custody staff with specific personal safety
equipment. The institution is required to provide
personally fitted statrresistant vests to specific
employees. DVI is compliant in issuing equipment as
specified in policy.
The Medical Technical Assistants (MTA) and
Headquarters
Correctional Counselors (Ce) who are custody staff.
are not fitted and issued stab-resistant vests.

On-going

Officers transferring 10 other institutions are not Policy Changed
permitted to keep their vests.
The institutional armory and sub-armory used for the No action necessary.
storage and ready dispersal of lethal weapons, less
lethal weapons, munitions and related emergency
equipment are maintained in proper and secure order.

Headquarters

Jan-oS

N/A

N/A

Physical Plant
Within the receiving/intake area, an inadequate Capital Outlay Budget Change Proposal AW-BS
amount of space is available for processing up to (COBep) submitted - approved 10-31-05
and funded, scheduled for construction to
500 intakes received each week.
start July 2006 by Inmate Day Labor (lOll

3

N/A

Jun-07

Deuel Vocational Institution
Staff Safety Evaluation
Corrective Action Plan
November 2006
The facility is crowded. As a result, 960
emergency-beds are utilized throughout the
institution. This was accomplished by placing
double bunks in the hallways of the housing units
(known as Broadway beds), converting inmate
program spaces into dormitories and converting
the entire gymnasium into inmate housing areas.

Headquarters

Headquarters
The evaluation team encourages the Division of
Adult Institutions to consider utilizing a facility with
a modern podular design as the regional reception
center.
The constant non-stop program movement of
Headquarters
inmates in a "telephone poleu design institution
creates opportunities for inmates to attack each
other or staff.
Security cameras are currently located in several Additional areas have been addressed AW-RC AND AW-CS Continuous
locations, including employee entrances to the including Visiting and the Medical B-Ward
evaluations are
institution and in the Z and Y dorms, PIA shop Unit for the safety and security of the
going
areas and on the J and K Wing exercise yards. institution.
Adding cameras in other locations may enhance
safety and security.
The placement of convex mirrors within the law A work order was submitted and convex AW-CS
library would allow staff to provide better inmate mirrors have been installed within the Law
supervision. Library indicated that they were Library. The Law Library no longer has any
unable to view around corners into blind spots.
blind spots or obstructed views.

Oct-oe

Clergy staff were unaware of emergency Training has been conducted with the Clergy AW-CS
procedures or their responsibilities during an staff. The date of the last training was
emergency. Additionally, office equipment located November 1, 2006. Training will continue to
within the chapel areas has not been regularly be provided to ensure Clergy staff are
inventoried.
current with the emergency procedures as
they change or are updated.

On-going

4

on-

Deuel Vocational Institution
Staff Safety Evaluation
Corrective Action Plan
November 2006
The asphalt surface areas of the outside exercise The Special Repair Project (SRP) for the AW-BS
areas located between East and West Halls and area between EastlWest Hall was approved
the K Wings are in need of repair. Large chunks with funding. A contract request was
of loose asphalt and rocks accessible to the submitted in October 2006, therefore,
inmates were observed within these exercise pending contract processing and awarding to
yards. The loose material can be used as vendor. The K-Wing small management
weapons and the sUbsequent potholes create a yard project began September 18, 2006.
trip hazard for staff responding to incidents.
Institution administrators have secured funding to
resurface these areas.
Ensuring that the
necessary repairs to these exercise yards are
completed is encouraged.

The EastlWest Hall
project
estimated
completion date is
August 2007. The KWing
project
estimated completion
date is April 2007.

The railing along the stailWay leading up to the X Installed appropriate to code at time of AW-BS
Wing is low. The low railing height presents a risk construction.
Plant
Operations
has
to officers and inmates. The department should submitted il request to Architectural B!
consider raising the height of the stair rail along Engineering (A&EJ for evaluation of railing
this stairway.
and there has been no response. ~
RESPONSE IS NOT APPROPRIATE.
One of the window frames in the stairwell leading Plant Operations will install restrictive device AW-BS
to L3 protrudes into the stairwell when opened. on all windows in stairway corridor.
These windows are opened during the summer
months as a means of providing ventilation to the
stairwell. Because of the low height of this
window, staff is at risk of striking the window
frame. Considerations should be given to
restricting the distance the window can be opened
into this stailWay, or preventing the window from
opening at all.

Request
submitted
February 1, 2006

5

1-Jan-07

Deuel Vocational Institution
Staff Safety Evaluation
Corrective Action Plan
November 2006
Some of the individual standup holding tanks Plant Operations placed protective sheilds AW-BS
located in the release and receiving area and in on all holding cages as directed by Custody.
the K Wing are not equipped with Plexiglas
shields to prevent inmates from spitting at passing
inmates or staff. The department is encouraged
to place Plexiglas shields on all individual standup
holding tanks.
Staff and inmates reported the drinking water at Reverse Osmosis plant will be constructed. AW-BS
the facility had a bad taste. odor and color. Plant Funding
has
been
approved
and
operation staff reported the facility water is safe construction wiU begin in March 2007.
for drinking, but fails to meet a "secondary" water
quality standard (unforceable) due to the taste
and smell. Elevated levels of manganese in the
drinking water are responsible for the poor water
quality. Plant Operations staff said repairs to the
water supply system are in the works. The
institution is encouraged to expedite these repairs.

AW-BS

The DVI Fire Department fire truck holding tank Water leak repaired.
has a significant water leak. Staff reports the
truck must be refilled several times per day.
Records indicate the DVI Fire Department
responded to 160 fires last year and 130 this
calendar year. The department is encouraged to
make the necessary repairs to the fire truck.

6

Completed

March

2006

Estimated completion
date is November

2008

5-Dec-05

Deuel Vocational Institution
Staff Safety Evaluation
Corrective Action Plan
November 2006
The kitchen is in desperate need of repair and An
environmental
health
audit was AW-BS
refurbishment. Much of the cast iron has conducted on May 31, 2006. and DVI is
deteriorated, large portions of the floor tiles are currently completing a Corrective Action
broken or missing, paint is peeling and electrical Plan. The preventative maintenance of Pest
conduits are rusted exposing electrical wires. Control is on-going. Painting of the facililty is
Evaluation team members observed a rodent and also on-going in the five (5) year plan.
roaches in food preparation areas during the tour
of this area. An environmental health evaluation
is needed to assess the extent of repairs.

On-going

Fire Department Staff reported the fire The Special Repair Project for the fire AW-BS
suppression sprinkler system in the PIA portion of supression sprinkler system is being
the facility has obstructions in the pipe (resulting submitted. Meanwhile, the Fire Captains are
in low water flow) and is in need of repair. Due to walking through the PIA areas once a day
the age and function of this portion of this facility, after PIA staff leave in the evening and walk
it is essential that the fire suppression system is through three times on weekends and
fUlly functional. The department is encouraged to holidays.
~ REVIEW BY DEPT.
ensure the fire suppression system is in proper HEALTH & SAFETY. FIRE WATCH IS
working order.
HOURLY WHEN UNOCCUPIED.

SRP request will be
completed
by
November 3D, 2006.
The walk throughs are
on-going

The roof at the staff living quarters at the DVI Fire A Special Repair Project has been approved AW-BS
Department appears to leak. Water damage is and is pending funding.
evident in the cemng and walls. The department
is encouraged to obtain an environmental health
evaluation and make necessary repairs to the roof
of this area.
The fire exit in the Muslim Chapel, as identified on The furniture by the fire exit has been AW-CS
the posted emergency fire exit map, is blocked by removed. Training has been provided to
both staff and inmates. The fire exit was
several items of furniture.
inspected on Ocober 30. 2006, to ensure
compliance.

Pending funding

7

The
fire
exit is
on
a
checked
quarterly basis during
quarterly fire drills.
On-going

Deuel Vocational Institution
Staff Safety Evaluation
Corrective Action Plan
November 2006
Evaluation staff noted a large amount of Periodic sweeps are done by Custody staff
combustible material in the staff areas and in
inmate sleeping areas.

AW-BS, AW-RC, AND On-going
AW-CS

Interview Process
Deuel Vocational Institution was not designed as
a reception center.
Therefore,
adequate
resources (physical plant, staffing, and ancillary
resources to support RC) are lacking.

Headquarters

Managers said there is a need to provide Staff Meeting and OJT is provided several AW-BS, AW-RC, AND On-going
additional staff training beyond the mandated 1ST times a week during the assigned work shift. AW-CS
topics.
The training/OJT that is provided is on
current departmental changes, updates on
Ipoliqy and_proced ure, etc.
Inmates held at the RC are transient, pending Inmates caught destroying or damaging ALL STAFF
On-going
their transfer to a suitable institution (e.g.; right State property will receive disciplinary action.
inmate, right mission, and right prison) and,
consequently, exhibit destructive behavior.
Post and bid prevents managers from filling posts
with the best-aualified staff.
Managers indicated that staffing shortages are
contributing to an increase in sick leave use for
line staff.
Managers expressed frustration about the inequity
in pay resulting from compensation contracts
negotiated by the R06 and S06 groLips. In
addition, the pay inequity has resulted .in little
incentive for qualified staff to assume managerial
resDonsibilities.

CustodyfTreatment
SUDervisors

Staff-Interviews

Headquarters
Headquarters

Headquarters

with

8

Deuel Vocational Institution
Staff Safety Evaluation
Corrective Action Plan
November 2006
Reception Center (RC) inmates are averaging This is an on-going process. However, RC AW-RC
more than 90 days at DVI before they are inmates are currently averaging 73 days
before being transferred. This is based on
transferred to another institution.
the Third Quarter 2006 COMPSTAT data.

On-going

Crowding at DVI increases the pressure on staff Training is provided to all Custody staff on all AW-RC AND AW-CS On-going
to provide the basic services to the inmates. As a inmate services
result. supervisory staff indicate that custody staff
take shortcuts to com plete these basic activities.
Supervisors said that custody and non-custody Weekly Quality Management Committee 1ST LT., AW-CS. AW- On-going
staff would benefit from additional mental health meetings are held with Custody Staff and RC,AW-BS
traininQ.
Medical Staff.
CustodY Staff-Interviews with Line Staff
N/A
Staff reported that they felt comfortable and No action necessary. uNOTE: On page 3, N/A
satisfied with the safety equipment that is issued there is finding regarding safety vests not
to them at the institution.
being issued to MTA's and CC-I's. They
arA "Une staff" as well

MTA and CCI staff reported they have not been Same as above.
fitted or issued a stab-resistant vest at DVI
Crowding is a major safety concern with line staff.

Headquarters
Headquarters

Line staff expressed a desire to be better Safety alerts are shared with staff when the
informed of relevant safety issues (e.g., riot at prison receives the documentation. Other
prison Watch Commanders are contacted
another institution)
for information when reports come out on
possible safety issues etc. To get the most
updated information to share with staff.
Interviews with Non-Custodv Staff
Some short-term contract employees have not A Orientation and Clinician Evaluation HeM
received the mandated CDCR employee Tracking Log is faxed every Monday to the
orientation.
Compliance Unit

9

On-going

On-going

Deuel Vocational Institution
Staff Safety Evaluation
Corrective Action Plan
November 2006
During a one-hour period each morning (3:00 a.m.
to 4:00 a.m.) there is no uniformed officer
assigned to supervise 25-30 inmates as they are
preparing breakfast in the kitchen area.

Covered by the North Corridor Officer. AW-CS
Culinary staff and safety staff are authorized
to supervise inmates. Culinary staff have
received training and are compensated for
supervising inmates.

On-going

The psychiatric staff assigned to the Reception Weekly Quality Management Committee HCM, AW-RC, AW- On-going
Center stated that they would like a better line of meetings are held with Custody Staff and CS
communication between their office and custody Medical Staff.
staff.

10