AGENCY TESTIMONY
Current procedures for deaths and serious incidents in custody
1:01:12
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3 min
Deputy Commissioner Torres outlines the Department of Correction's current procedures for handling deaths and serious incidents in custody. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate notification and support services for both families and individuals in custody.
- DOC deploys chaplaincy services for in-person notifications to next of kin
- Mental health support is provided to individuals in custody and staff affected by incidents
- The department notifies proper authorities, oversight bodies, and attorneys following a death in custody
- Joint reviews with Correctional Health Services are conducted to address deficiencies and plan preventive measures
Francis Torres
1:01:12
There are several bills on the agenda today related to procedures surrounding deaths and serious incidents in the jails.
1:01:21
Any loss of life in our jails is a tragedy and our condolences and thoughts go out to the families and loved ones who have gone through this experience.
1:01:33
When an individual in custody passes away or experiences a serious incident or illness, with a potentially fatal prognosis, we immediately deploy our chaplenci services staff to make an impersonal notification to the next of king that has been identified by the individual when they entered our custody.
1:01:58
Our chaplains delivered the terrible news with compassion, and stay with the family member or loved one if the family desires.
1:02:09
To process the laws, pray and help them cope.
1:02:14
We believe it is imperative to make these notifications in person and to make them first to the next of king so that they do not have to hear about the loss of their loved one from a press release or otherwise in the absence of support.
1:02:33
In addition, DLC chaplain, social workers, and counselors will respond to a housing area or other affected area following a loss of life to engage with the people in custody who may have witnessed the event and provide support and trauma informed care.
1:02:52
DOC staff will also make referrals to CHS mental health staff for further treatment and follow-up.
1:03:00
DOC staff also follows up with staff assigned to the person in custody's housing area who are impacted by the laws.
1:03:10
In addition to the to the notifications to the next of king.
1:03:15
Following a death in custody, DOC immediately notifies proper authorities and oversight bodies, as well as the individual's attorney of record.
1:03:26
And begins the process of investigation.
1:03:30
Records are turned over to the board of correction and other oversight bodies as soon as they are available.
1:03:37
Serious incidents, including deaths in custody, are reviewed jointly with Health And Hospitals Correctional Health Services so that both agencies can collaboratively address any deficiencies identified and plan for corrective action and prevention efforts moving forward.
1:04:01
If DOC staff misconduct is identified in relation to an incident, The department takes corrective action, including training and education, and issues discipline when warranted, up to an including termination.
1:04:19
Inciliates may also be subject to further investigation by other oversight and investigative bodies, which may include criminal charges.
1:04:30
The department fully cooperates with independent investigative bodies such as district attorneys attorneys, the Department of Investigation, and the state attorney general in these matters.
