Operational & Staffing Strain
Mandatory Checks: Staff are burdened by the need to conduct and log manual 15-minute checks, especially for at-risk inmates.
Staffing Shortages: A single incident, like a fight or medical emergency, can pull officers away from their posts, disrupting monitoring schedules. Suicide threats also require immediate staffing changes that create significant time burdens.
High-Risk Inmate Situations
Booking & Intake: Individuals often arrive with unknown health histories, creating risks for conditions like epilepsy, diabetic shock, or a drug overdose.
Detox Cells: These are highly unpredictable environments where inmates can experience severe withdrawal symptoms or medical emergencies.
Critical Incidents & Liability
Medical Emergencies: The constant risk of sudden events like a heart attack is a major concern.
Death in Custody: This is the most severe outcome, often leading to major legal and financial consequences for the facility.