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Inmate Grievance Procedures Leavenworth Ky Cca 2007
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/ cc~ CORRECTIONS CORPORATION OFAMERICA SIGNATURE ON FILE AT FAC!!.I!YSUPPORT CENTER RkhlJlfI P. Soltor &oculivo Vlco ProsldOlll/Chloi Conocl/ons Officor SiGNATURE ON fILE AT fACILITY SUP!'OBT CENTER GoA. Pur)',,,,,, IV &oculivo Vlco ProsidOlll/Gonorai Counsol POLICY nTLE CHAPTER Inmate/Resident Grievance Procedures 14 I POLICY NUMBER 14-5 I Page EFFECTIVE DATE SUPERSEDES DATE MARCH 14, 2007 DECEMBER 1, 2002 FACILITY NAME 1 of 12 LEAVENWORTH DETENTION CENTER FACIUTV EFFECTIVE DATE FACILITY SUPERSEDES DATE SEPTEMBER 28, 2007 MAY 19,2007 14-5.1 POLlCY: CCA will provide a means for all inmates/residents to address complaints regarding facility conditions, treatment, and policies and procedures. Many matters can and should be resolved directly and promptly between the inmate/resident and institutional staff. All inmates/residents will have access to an informal resolution process to resolve their complaints. At any time the informal resolution process has not provided successful resolution of the complaint or in the event of an emergency grievance, inmates/residents may use the formal grievance process. All complaints should be assessed in a fair and impartial manner. Resolution in the best interest of the inmate/resident and the facility should be the primary goal. 14-5.2 AUTHORITY: CCA Company Policy 14-5.3 DEFINITION: Emergency Grievance - A grievance in which the potential for personal injury or irreparable harm exists. Grievance Officer - Facility staff member responsible for tracking and management of the grievance process. This includes coordination of investigations and ensuring that resolution is reached. Grievance - A written complaint concerning the facility conditions, treatment, policies, and/or procedures which is believed to personally affect the inmate/resident in a negative manner. Inmate/Resident - Any adult or juvenile, male or female, housed in a CCA facility. Inmates/residents may also be referred to as detainees. prisoners, or offenders depending on classification and in accordance with facility management contracts. Reasonable Suspicion - A suspicion which is based upon documentable, articulable facts which. together with the employee's knowledge and experience, lead him/her to believe that an unauthorized situation or violation of rules exists. Reprisal - Any action or threat of action against any inmate/resident for the good faith use of or good faith participation in the informal resolution process or grievance procedure. 14-5.4 PROCEDURES: PROCEDURES INDEX SECTION A B C 0 E SUBJECT Availability of Information Trainina Grievance Availability Confidentiality Protection from Reprisal Proprietary InfonnaUon - Not For Distribution - Copyrighted Property of Corrections Corporation of America Page 2 of 12 F G H I 14-5 Grievable Matters Non-Grievable Matters Excessive Filing of Grievances Grievance Extensions Grievance Officer Informal Resolutions Emergency Grievances Formal Grievances Grievances Against Contractina Aaency Remedies ADDeal Process Transfers/Releases Records Reporting ATF Section J K L M N 0 P Q R S T A. MARCH 14, 2007 AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION 1. Employees A copy of this policy will be available to all employees. 2. Inmates/Residents a. New inmates/residents will be informed of the informal resolution process and grievance procedures upon arrival. b. A summary of procedures outlined in this policy will be included in the Inmate/Resident Handbook. c. A copy of this policy will be available in the inmate/resident library. A copy will also be available for inmates/residents that do not have the opportunity to visit the library (i.e. segregated inmates/residents). NOTE: In the event an inmate/resident has difficulty in understanding the procedures outlined in this policy, employees must ensure that the information is effectively communicated on an individual basis. Auxiliary aids which are reasonable. effective. and appropriate to the needs of the inmate/resident shall be provided when simple written or oral communication is not effective. B. TRAINING All employees will receive training on this policy in pre-service and in-service training. Training will be documented in accordance with CCA Policy 4-2. Maintenance of Training Records. C. D. GRIEVANCE AVAILABILITY 1. Inmates/residents can invoke the grievance procedure regardless of disciplinary, classification, or other administrative decisions to which the inmate/resident may be subject. 2. An inmate/resident may not submit a grievance on behalf of another inmate/resident; however, assistance from a staff member or inmate/resident may be provided when necessary to communicate the problem on the grievance form. CONFIDENTIALITY Proprietary Information - Not For Distribution - Copyrighted Property of Corrections Corporation of America Page 3 of 12 MARCH 14, 2007 14-5 Grievances are considered special correspondence. If a sealed envelope is labeled "Grievance" and addressed to the Grievance Officer, it will not be opened for inspection unless there is reasonable suspicion that the sealed envelope contains contraband. If reasonable suspicion exists and the Warden/Administrator or designee's approval has been obtained, the envelope may be opened and inspected for contraband only. E. PROTECTION FROM REPRISAL Inmates/residents shall not be subject to retaliation, reprisal, harassment, or discipline for use or participation in the informal resolution process or grievance process. Any allegations of this nature will be thoroughly investigated by the Warden/Administrator and reviewed by the appropriate Divisional Managing Director, Facility Operations. The Divisional Managing Director, Facility Operations will notify the appropriate Vice President, Facility Operations of any allegations that are found to be credible. F. GRIEVABLE MATTERS irm~ates/residents may grieve the following matters through the grievance process: (7) ~ l./ Violation of state and federal laws, regulations, or court decisions, to include but not limited to violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, constitutional rights, etc. Application of rules, policies, and/or procedures towards inmates/residents over which CCA has control; 3. Individual staff and inmate/resident actions, including any denial of access to the informal resolution or grievance processes; 4. Reprisals against inmates/residents for utilizing the informal resolution or grievance processes; and 5. Any other matter relating to the conditions of care and supervision within the authority of CCA. AT THIS FACILITY, ADDITIONAL GRIEVABLE MATTERS IS: CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION REGARDING INONE G. NON-GRIEVABLE MATTERS The following matters are not grievable by inmates/residents through these grievance procedures: 1. State and Federal court decisions; 2. State and Federal laws and regulations; 3. Final decisions on grievances; 4. Contracting agency (BOP, ICE, state department of corrections, etc.) policies, procedures, decisions, or matters (i.e., institutional transfers, parole and probation decisions, etc.); NOTE: Contracting agency policies. procedures, decisions. or matters shall be grieved in accordance with the regulations of the applicable contracting agency. 5. Disciplinary actions (all disciplinary action must be addressed in accordance with disciplinary procedures in place at the facility); Proprietary Infonnation - Not For Distribution - Copyrighted Property of Corrections Corporation of America Page 4 of12 MARCH 14, 2007 14-5 6. Property issues (all property issues must be addressed in accordance with property procedures in place at the facility); and 7. Classification status (all classification status must be addressed in accordance with classification procedures in place at the facility). AT THIS FACILITY, ADDITIONAL CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION REGARDING NONGRIEVABLE MATTERS IS: INONE H. EXCESSIVE FILING OF GRIEVANCES If it is determined by the Warden/Administrator that an inmate/resident is deliberately abusing the grievance system through excessive filing of grievances and/or repeated refusal to follow procedures. the Warden/Administrator may suspend the filing of additional grievances until all pending grievances have been resolved. The Warden/Administrator will provide the inmate/resident with written documentation of the suspension. AT THIS FACILITY, ADDITIONAL CONTRACTUAL EXCESSIVE FILING OF GRIEVANCES ARE: PROCEDURES REGARDING I NONE I. GRIEVANCE EXTENSIONS In certain instances it may be necessary to extend response deadlines to allow for a more complete investigation of the claim(s). Justification for the extension must be provided to the inmate/resident on the 14-5C Grievance Extension Notice. The time extension will be determined by the Warden/Administrator and will not exceed fifteen (15) calendar days. J. GRIEVANCE OFFICER The Warden/Administrator will designate an individual(s) as Grievance Officer(s) who will coordinate the grievance process to include: 1. Reviewing all formal grievances received to ensure all necessary information is included; NOTE: Grievances that are prematurely appealed to the Warden/Administrator or designee will be returned without review. 2. Ensuring informal resolution has been attempted (excluding emergency grievances); 3. Assigning a number to all formal grievances; 4. Logging all grievances received; 5. Forwarding formal grievances to the appropriate department head for response; 6. Coordinating the timely investigation and response of formal grievances; 7. Ensuring that, when a grievance decision specifies that an action is to be taken, a date is included for completing the action; 8. Ensuring the inmate/resident receives a copy of the completed grievance and ensuring that the inmate/resident's signature is acquired at the time a response is provided; 9. Ensuring all remedies/required actions are fulfilled by the imposed deadline; and Proprietary Information - Not For Distribution - Copyrighted Property of Corrections Corporation of America MARCH 14, 2007 Page 5 of 12 10. 14-5 Maintaining all grievance records and documents as outlined in 14-5.4.R. I AT THIS FACILITY, THE POSITION DESIGNATED AS THE GRIEVANCE OFFICER IS: UNIT MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK K. INFORMAL RESOLUTIONS With the exception of emergency grievances, inmates/residents are required to utilize the informal resolution process concerning questions, disputes, or complaints prior to the submission of a formal grievance. If an inmate/resident is not satisfied with the results of the informal resolution process, the inmate/resident may file a formal grievance. 1. Filing a. The 14-5A Informal Resolution form must be utilized to initiate the informal resolution process. b. All 14-5A's related to medical care and treatment must be submitted to qualified health services staff through facility mail. c. With the exception of grievances related to medical care and treatment, inmates/residents are required to submit 14-5A's through facility mail, or in person, to the appropriate unit staff. In the absence of unit management, the Warden/Administrator will designate a staff member to receive informal resolution forms. AT THIS FACILITY SUBMITTED TO: INFORMAL RESOLUTION FORMS WILL BE ANY MEMBER OF UNIT MANAGEMENT TEAM (CORRECTIONAL COUNSELORS, CASE MANAGERS, UNIT MANAGERS, ETC). NOTE: Only qualified health services staff are authorized to provide responses to any questions, disputes. or complaints regarding medical care and treatment. 2. Resolution The staff member assigned to complete the informal resolution process will be responsible for: 3. a. Conducting an initial meeting with the inmate/resident to discuss the issue; b. Meeting with all staff members involved with the issue; c. Researching necessary information to determine if a remedy is possible; d. Developing a response to present to the inmate/resident in an attempt to resolve the issue informally; e. Ensuring the inmate/resident receives a copy of the completed 14-5A at the time the response is provided; and f. Ensuring any remedies agreed upon are completed. Time Guidelines The total time for the informal resolution process will be no more than fifteen (15) calendar days from the date the 14-5A was submitted through the date the response Proprietary Information - Not For Distribution - Copyrighted Property of Corrections Corporation of America 14-5 MARCH 14, 2007 Page 6 of 12 was presented to the inmate/resident, unless unusual circumstances are present. In the event unusual circumstances (e.g. inability to contact a critical staff member for the investigation process, facility on lock down status, etc.) prohibit the ability to meet time guidelines, the assigned staff member will provide the inmate/resident with written documentation extending the response deadline. 4. a. The inmate/resident must submit the 14-5A within seven (7) calendar days of the alleged incident. b. The time for filing begins from the date the problem or incident became known to the inmate/resident. c. In the event the inmate/resident is not satisfied with the response, the inmate/resident will have five (5) calendar days to submit a formal grievance to the Grievance Officer. In the event the inmate/resident pursues a formal grievance, the inmate/resident will be required to attach a copy of the 14-5A to the formal grievance form. Documentation The original 14-5A will be maintained by the facility with a copy presented to the inmate/resident at the time the response was presented. AT THIS FACILITY, ORIGINAL 14-5A FORMS WILL BE MAINTAINED IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATION(S): THE CHIEF OF UNIT MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATIVE CLERK'S OFFICE L. EMERGENCY GRIEVANCES If the subject matter of the grievance is such that compliance with the regular time guidelines would subject the inmate/resident to risk of personal injury, the inmate/resident may request that the grievance be considered an emergency grievance. The emergency grievance must detail the basis for requiring an immediate response. When the grievance is of an emergency nature, utilization of the informal resolution process is not required. 1. Filing a. The 14-58 Inmate/Resident Grievance form must be utilized to file an emergency grievance. The inmate/resident will complete Page 1 of the 14-58 and place it in a sealed envelope marked "Emergency Grievance". Sealed envelopes may be placed in the grievance mail box. If a grievance mail box is not used, the emergency grievance will be forwarded to the Grievance Officer. AT THIS FACILITY, THE PROCEDURE FOR GRIEVANCE TO THE GRIEVANCE OFFICER IS: FORWARDING THE INONE b. The Grievance Officer will check the grievance mail boxes daily, excluding weekends and holidays. If a grievancemailboxisnotused.grievances are to be forwarded daily, excluding weekends and holidays, to the Grievance Officer in accordance with the procedures listed above. c. In the event it is necessary to file the emergency grievance on weekends or holidays, the sealed envelope will be given to the Shift Supervisor. The Shift Proprietary Information - Not For Distribution - Copyrighted Property of Corrections Corporation of America MARCH 14, 2007 Page 7 of 12 14-5 Supervisor will ensure the Administrative Duty Officer is notified upon receipt of the emergency grievance. 2. 3. Resolution a. Emergency grievances received through the grievance mail box or alternative means. as identified above, will be reviewed by the Grievance Officer to determine if the grievance is of an emergency nature. If the grievance is determined to be of an emergency nature, the Grievance Officer will assign a number to the emergency grievance. document the grievance on the 14-50 Facility Grievance Log or via the current approved FSC/CCA electronic database, and immediately forward to an individual authorized to serve as Administrative Duty Officer below the rank of Warden/Administrator for a response. b. Emergency grievances received on weekends and holidays will be reviewed by an individual authorized to serve as Administrative Duty Officer below the rank of Warden/Administrator to determine if the grievance is of an emergency nature and will respond accordingly. c. The response must be documented on Page 2 of the 14-5B and submitted to the inmate/resident for signature at the time of presenting the response in person. The inmatelresident will receive a complete copy of the emergency grievance and any corresponding attachments at the time of presenting the response. Time Guidelines An individual authorized to serve as Administrative Duty Officer (below the rank of Warden/Administrator) shall take action to resolve the grievance within one (1) calendar day of receipt of the grievance and provide a written response to the inmate/resident. 4. Documentation The individual authorized to respond to the emergency grievance will ensure that the Grievance Officer receives a copy of the emergency grievance and corresponding attachments to ensure that the emergency grievance is appropriately logged and filed. M. FORMAL GRIEVANCES 1. Filing a. The inmate/resident must file the grievance within five (5) calendar days of the response date listed on the 14-5A Informal Resolution form. b. The 14-5B Inmate/Resident Grievance form must be utilized to file a formal grievance. The inmate/resident will complete Page 1 of the 14-5B and place it in a sealed envelope marked "Grievance". Sealed envelopes may be placed in the grievance mail box. If a grievance mail box is not used, the formal grievance will be forwarded to the Grievance Officer. AT THIS FACILITY, THE PROCEDURE FOR GRIEVANCE TO THE GRIEVANCE OFFICER IS: FORWARDING THE INMATES IN SEGREGATION WILL GIVE THEIR GRIEVANCES TO THE GRIEVANCE OFFICER WHEN SEGREGATION ROUNDS ARE CONDUCTED. GENERAL POPULATION INMATES WILL SUBMIT THEIR GRIEVANCES Proprietary Infonnatlon - Not For Distribution - Copyrighted Property of Corrections Corporation of America MARCH 14, 2007 Page 8 of 12 14-5 BY PLACING THEM IN THE GRIEVANCE BOX IN EACH HOUSING UNIT c. 2. The Grievance Officer will check the grievance mail boxes daily, excluding weekends and holidays. If a grievancemailboxisnotused.grievances are to be forwarded daily, excluding weekends and holidays, to the Grievance Officer in accordance with the procedures listed above. Resolution a. Formal grievances received through the grievance mail box or alternative means as identified above will be reviewed by the Grievance Officer to ensure the formal grievance is correctly submitted and required documentation attached. b. The Grievance Officer will assign a number to the formal grievance, document the grievance on the 14-50 Facility Grievance Log or via the current approved FSC/CCA electronic database and forward the formal grievance to the appropriate staff member for a response. 0) 3. 4. c. Formal grievance resolution should be determined by the appropriate department head in relation to the formal grievance unless the grievance pertain to the department head, in which case a different department head will be designated. For example, grievances related to medical care and treatment would be forwarded to the Health Services Administrator, grievances related to education would be forwarded to the principal, grievances related to classification would be forwarded to unit staff, etc. d. Each formal grievance will be responded to by including a written explanation for approval/disapproval. The response must be documented on Page 2 of the 14-58 and given to the inmate/resident, in person, for signature. Responses may be given to the inmate/resident, in person, by the responder or the Grievance Officer. The inmate/resident will receive a complete copy of the formal grievance and any corresponding attachments at the time of presenting the response. Time Guidelines a. Unless a time extension has been granted, the inmate/resident will receive a response to the formal grievance within fifteen (15) calendar days of submission. b. The total time for the formal grievance process will be no more than fifty (50) days from filing to a final appeal decision, unless unusual circumstances are present. Documentation The designated department head responding to the formal grievance will ensure that the Grievance Officer receives a copy of the formal grievance response and corresponding attachments to ensure that the formal grievance is appropriately logged and filed. 5. AT THIS FACILITY, ADDITIONAL CONTRACTUAL PROCEDURES ARE: I NONE Proprietary Information - Not For Distribution - Copyrighted "...GM d ( ..0.. 1..01 iih.6. .... ,3,,;,.1 "'J)iJJNAl,Az..M; Property of Corrections Corporation of America .. .. MAW .. !mp. = t./x" , (di..:;I "',....,...t44¥4W i0»&< i "wq:,,;,.. !p::cp, t.t.w» $.&4::· MARCH 14, 2007 Page 9 of 12 N. 14-5 GRIEVANCES AGAINST CONTRACTING AGENCY AT THIS FACILITY, PROCEDURES FOR FILING CONTRACTING AGENCY ARE AS FOLLOWS, A GRIEVANCE AGAINST THE I NONE O. REMEDIES The informal resolution process and formal grievance process shall afford the inmate/resident the opportunity for meaningful remedy. Remedies shall cover a broad range of reasonable and effective resolutions. Remedies may include the following: P. 1. Change of procedures or practices appropriately related to the complaint or conditions; 2. Correction of records; or 3. Other remedies, as appropriate. APPEAL PROCESS 1. Filing If an inmate/resident is not satisfied with the decision of a formal or emergency grievance, the inmate/resident may complete the appeal section of the 14-58 and resubmit the grievance. Inmates/residents are entitled to appeal all adverse decisions, even those made on a purely procedural basis including but not limited to the expiration of a time limit. The inmate/resident must file the appeal within five (5) calendar days of the response date listed on the 14-5B Inmate/Resident Grievance form. 2. Resolution a. The Grievance Officer will forward all grievance Warden/Administrator for review and a final response. appeals to the b. Each appeal will be responded to by including a written explanation for approval/disapproval. The response must be documented on Page 2 of the 1458 and given to the inmate/resident, in person, for signature. Responses may be given to the inmate/resident, in person, by the Warden/Administrator or the Grievance Officer. The inmate/resident will receive a complete copy of the appeal response and any corresponding attachments at the time of presenting the response. The Warden/Administrator's decision is final unless other\'Iise specified in the facility management contract. 3. Time Guidelines Barring extraordinary circumstances, a grievance will be considered settled if the decision at any step is not appealed by the inmate/resident within the given time limit. a. Emergency Grievances The inmate/resident will receive a response to the appeal within seven (7) calendar days of submission. b. Formal Grievances The inmate/resident will receive a response to the appeal within fifteen (15) calendar days of submission. Proprietary Information Not For Distribution Copyrighted Property of Corrections Corporation of America ., ..'. """- .,-" MARCH 14, 2007 Page 10 of 12 4. 14-5 Documentation If the response is presented to the inmate/resident by the Warden/Administrator, the Warden/Administrator will ensure that the Grievance Officer receives a copy of the appeal response and corresponding attachments to ensure the appeal is appropriately logged and maintained on file. 5. AT THIS FACILITY, ADDITIONAL CONTRACTUAL APPEAL PROCEDURES ARE AS FOLLOWS: I NONE Q. TRANSFERS/RELEASES If a grievance is submitted for review and the inmate/resident is transferred or released from custody, efforts to resolve the grievance will normally continue. It is the inmate/resident's responsibility to notify the Grievance Officer of the pending transfer or release and to provide a forwarding address and any other pertinent information. R. RECORDS 1. All grievances will be systematically maintained by the Grievance Officer. All grievances (formal and emergency) and corresponding attachments will indicate the assigned grievance number and be date stamped upon receipt. 2. The Grievance Officer will maintain a log of all grievances received utilizing the 14-50 Facility Grievance Log or via the current approved FSC/CCA electronic database. The log shall include the following information: a. Grievance number; b. Date received; c. Inmate/resident name; d. Inmate/resident number; e. Informal attempt; f. Grievance category; g. Disposition date; h. Disposition code; i. Date appeal received, if applicable; j Appeal disposition date; if applicable; and k. Appeal disposition code, if applicable. 3. All grievance documentation will be maintained in accordance with eCA Policy 1-15, Retention of Records. 4. Copies of grievances shall not be placed in an inmate/resident's file. unless it is a contractual requirement to do so. AT THIS FACILITY, CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS REGARDING LOCATION OF GRIEVANCE COPIES ARE: I~ Proprietary Information - Not For Distribution - Copyrighted -.&131 ",C.&'"-/I..Q . . . ..cw. . .. A ..(VMS 1 , \. .."'.t. . . Property of Corrections Corporation of America lMm;;;J6h8. ,.J.M&J.3iiiS£44AttRt6JHih .. .s.c.: ... dAio:-:'J'1MKt:.....;;::;::;:PMigq;:;;.((i::v( . Page 11 of 12 MARCH 14, 2007 14-5 Records regarding the participation of an individual in the informal resolution process or grievance procedure will not be available to other inmates/residents. 5. With the exception of employees involved in the grievance process or clerical processing, records regarding the participation of an individual in the informal resolution process or grievance procedures will not be available for review. Employees participating in the disposition of an informal resolution process or grievance procedure shall have access to the essential records necessary to respond appropriately. 7. S. REPORTING The 14-5E Grievance Report will be completed by the fifteenth day of each month and forwarded to the FSC Quality Assurance Department, unless a current approved FSC/CCA electronic database has been established. T. AT THIS FACILITY, ADDITIONAL CONTRACTUAL PROCEDURES ARE: \ NONE 14-5.5 REVIEW: This policy will be reviewed by the Chief Corrections Officer or designee on an annual basis. 14-5.6 APPLICABILITY: All CCA Facilities (Provided contractual requirements do not mandate otherwise) 14-5.7 APPENDICES: None 14-5.8 ATIACHMENTS: 14-5A Informal Resolution 14-58 Inmate/Resident Grievance 14-5C Grievance Extension Notice 14-50 Facility Grievance Log 14-5E Quarterly Grievance Report AT THIS FACILITY, ADDITIONAL FORM REQUIREMENTS ARE: INONE 14-5.9 REFERENCES: CCA Policy 1-15 CCA Policy 4-2 CCA Policy 15-1 CCA Policy 15-2 Proprietary Information - Not For Distribution - Copyrighted Property of Corrections Corporation of America ·. Page 12 of 12 MARCH 14, 2007 14-5 CCA Policy 14-6 CCA Policy 18-1 ACA Standards: 4-4284/4-ALDF-3E-11/3-JTS-3D-09 4-4394 4-4446/4-ALDF-5B-18 4-449214-ALDF-5B-09/3-JTS-5H-04 Proprietary Information - Not For Distribution - Copy rig hted Property of Corrections Corporation of America