Reflection
Reflection
Whereas, Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as the “Department of district, city and municipal inmates, any fugitive from justice, or person detained
the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990,” provides that the task of jail awaiting or undergoing investigation or trial and/or transfer to the National
management and penology shall be the responsibility of the Bureau of Jail Penitentiary, and/or violent mentally ill person who endangers him/herself or the
Management and Penology (BJMP). As an institution, and pursuant to the mandate safety of others as certified by the proper medical or health officer, pending
earlier mentioned, the BJMP has defined through consultative and participatory transfer to a mental institution.
strategic planning sessions its vision, mission, powers, functions, values, objectives
and principles; Section 5. FUNCTIONS -In line with its mission, the Bureau endeavors to
perform the following functions:
Whereas, in view of the number of challenges brought about by time and
circumstances having particular bearing on the bureau's operations, it behooves the a. to enhance and upgrade organizational capability on a regular basis;
BJMP to revisit its existing Comprehensive Operations Manual make it more thus, making all BJMP personnel updated on all advancements in law
responsive to the bureau's mandate of "Safekeeping and Development" of all enforcement eventually resulting in greater crime solution efficiency
district, city and municipal jail inmates; and decreased inmate population;
Whereas, it has become imperative to ensure uniformity in the discharge of b. to implement strong security measures for the control of inmates;
functions by all BJMP personnel concerned; to ensure uniformity in the
implementation BJMP policies, rules and regulations; and to ensure uniformity in c. to provide for the basic needs of inmates;
the treatment of inmates in BJMP-manned jails including those over which BJMP
may exercise operational jurisdiction, by virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement d. to conduct activities for the rehabilitation and development of inmates;
(MOA); and
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to Book IV of the Administrative Code of e. to improve jail facilities and conditions.
1987, this second edition of BJMP Comprehensive Operations Manual is hereby
adopted for observance, and guidance relative to ensuring humane safekeeping and Section 6. Vision, Mission, Objectives and Functions of Directorate
development of inmates. for Operations
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d. Functions b. To enhance the safekeeping, rehabilitation and development of
offenders in preparation for their eventual reintegration into the
- Advises and assists the BJMP chief on matters relating to the mainstream of society upon their release; and
formulation and execution of correctional programs, particularly as
regard organization, training, operation and planning; c. To professionalize jail services.
- Formulates and implements policies, guidelines, and programs
relating to security, custody, discipline and control of offenders; Section 11. PRINCIPLES - The following principles shall be observed in
- Conducts periodic inspection of jail facilities and supervision over the implementation of the preceding sections:
jail facility personnel; reviews matters concerning penology such as
custody, security, discipline and control of offenders; and ensures a. Humane treatment of inmates;
that the same are properly and religiously implemented;
- Formulates plans, programs, policies and guidelines for the b. Observance of professionalism in the performance of duties; and
effective nationwide implementation of rehabilitation programs and
services for all inmates; c. Multi-sectoral approach in the safekeeping and development of inmates
- Coordinates with private and government agencies and solicits their can be strengthened through active partnership with other members of
assistance and support for rehabilitation programs in jails the criminal justice system and global advocates of corrections.
nationwide; and
- Performs such other functions as the BJMP chief may direct. Section 12. DEFINITION OF TERMS - As used in this Manual, the
following terms are defined:
Section 7. DISTRICT JAIL - In large cities or a group of clustered
municipalities, a district jail headed by a district warden may be established. Alcoholics - those inmates who suffer from alcoholism or those engaged
in the improper compulsive intake of alcohol which may result in physical,
Section 8. CITY AND MUNICIPAL JAILS - The BJMP operates and social and behavioral problems.
maintains city and municipal jails, each headed by a city or municipal warden, as
the case may be. Bisexual - are those inmates who have a sexual attraction or sexual
behavior toward both males and females, and may also encompass sexual
Section 9. CORE VALUES -The BJMP’s officers and staff are guided by attraction to people of any gender identity or to a person irrespective of
the following core values: that person’s biological sex or gender.
a. Commitment - strong sense of dedication to the ideals of the Carpeta - otherwise known as “inmate record or jacket”, contains the
organization and to the public that it serves; personal and criminal records of inmates, documents related to his/her
incarceration such as but not limited to: commitment order, subpoenas,
b. Respect for Human Rights - to promote and protect the rights of personal identification, orders from the court, and all other papers
our fellow human beings; necessarily connected with the detention of an inmate.
c. Efficiency/Competence - mastery of important skills for delivery of Child or Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), also known as
quality services; “Youth Offender” - a person under eighteen (18) years old who is alleged
as, accused of or adjudged as having committed an offense under the
d. Cooperation - willingness to share efforts in implementing plans and Philippine laws.
achieving goals; and
Chief Custodial Officer - is the personnel in-charge in the overall
e. Teamwork - the combined effective action of all personnel. supervision of all custodial functions.
Section 10. OBJECTIVES -The broad objectives of the Bureau are the City Jail - is a facility or a place of confinement for those inmates who are
following: sentenced with a penalty from (1) one day to three (3) year imprisonment.
a. To improve the living conditions of offenders in accordance with the Clustering of Jails - the designation of a municipal or city Jail as a facility
accepted standards set by the United Nations; for one or more adjacent municipalities in order to maximize the utilization
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of personnel and other resources. The “host” city or municipality is named High Profile Inmates in BJMP Jails - are those who are not necessarily
as a district to accommodate inmates from the municipalities clustered to it. charged with heinous crimes but are prominent figures in society or public
figures whose cases have drawn public interest.
Commitment Order - a written order of the court, or any other agency
authorized by law to issue, entrusting an inmate to a jail for the purpose of Infirmed Inmates - are those inmates who are physically or mentally
safekeeping during the pendency of his/her case. weak for a prolonged period of time specifically caused by age or illness.
Contraband - any article, item, or thing prohibited by law and/or Inmate - is the generic term used to refer to a detainee or prisoner.
forbidden by jail rules that would pose as security hazards or endanger the
lives of inmates. Inmates with Disability - are those inmates who have an impairment
that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental,
Conjugal Visitation – refers to the visit by the wife for a short period, or some combination of these.
usually an hour, more or less, to her incarcerated husband during which
they are allowed privacy and are generally understood to have sexual Inmates with Other Nationalities - are those inmates who are foreign
contact. nationals.
Detainee - a person who is accused before a court or competent authority Instrument of Restraint - a device, contrivance, tool or instrument used
and is temporarily confined in jail while undergoing or awaiting to hold back, keep in, check or control inmates; e.g., handcuffs.
investigation, trial, or final judgment.
Jail - is a place of confinement for city and municipal detainees/prisoners,
District Jail - is a facility or a place of confinement for inmates coming any fugitive from justice, or person detained awaiting or undergoing
from a city or clustered municipalities who are waiting or undergoing trial investigation or trial and/or pending transfer to the National Penitentiary,
or serving sentence of one (1) day to three (3) years. and/or violent, mentally ill person who endangers him/herself or the safety
of others, duly certified as such by the proper medical or health officer,
Drug Dependents - are those inmates who have a psychological craving pending transfer to a mental institution.
for habituation to and abuse of or physiologic reliance on a chemical/drug
substance. Jail Aide – is an inmate who requires less supervision than other inmates.
Although he/she may be assigned special tasks, he/she has no special
Drug Users - are those inmates who take substances/drugs that can alter privileges, and is not allowed to work alone nor exercise any authority over
their body and mind works. other inmates.
Escape-Prone Inmates - are inmates who are likely and have the Jail Incident -any untoward or uncommon actions, events, or conditions
tendency to escape from the jail facility. such as jail break, riot, noise barrage, stabbing or assault upon personnel
that occurs in jail and perpetrated by any person, which may or may not
Gay - is a male homosexual inmate, who experiences romantic love or have followed or depended upon another action of grave or serious
sexual attraction to fellow male inmates. consequences such as escape, injury, death, fire, flood, earthquake, or
other calamity which affects the jail.
High Risk Inmates in BJMP Jails - are those considered as highly
dangerous or with high probability of escaping or being rescued because of Jailbreak - the escape from jail by more than two (2) inmates by the use
the gravity of the crimes they are accused of or have a propensity for being of force, threat, violence or deceit or by breaching security barriers such as
troublemakers or initiators of jail riots and disturbance and who require a by scaling the perimeter fence, by tunneling and/or by other similar means
high degree of control and supervision. Particularly included herein are or by burning or destructing of the facility or a portion of the facility with or
those charged with heinous crimes, such as murder, terrorism, kidnap for without the aid of jail officer or any other person.
ransom, violation of R.A. No. 9165, the imposable penalty for which is from
life imprisonment to death, etc. These also include those who have a record Jail escape - it is an act of leaving from jail of an inmate through unofficial
of escaping from jails, recidivists, habitual delinquents, and those with and illegal ways or without any legal order from the authorities.
severe personality or emotional disorders that make them dangerous to
their fellow inmates or the jail personnel. Jail Warden - person charged with the overall operational and
administrative control of jail.
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implementation of jail services of all district, city and municipal jails within
Illegal Contraband- are those that are unlawful in themselves and not its territorial jurisdiction.
because of some extraneous circumstances (i.e. dangerous drugs,
weapons, potential weapons, explosives). Reformation - means amending or improving by changing inmate's
behavior or removing his or her faults or abuse and removing or correcting
Lesbian - is a female homosexual inmate, who experiences romantic love an abuse a wrong or error.
or sexual attraction to fellow female inmates.
Regional Director - refers to the official duly designated to head the
Mentally ill - are those inmates who suffer from mental illness and BJMP Regional Office, to oversee the implementation of jail services within
afflicted with or exhibiting irrationality and mental unsoundness. his/her jurisdiction covering provincial jail administrator’s offices, district,
city and municipal jails, and to ensure the enforcement of laws and
Mittimus Order - a warrant issued by a court bearing its seal and the regulations related to the functions his or her office as mandated of him or
signature of the judge, directing the jail or prison authorities to receive her.
inmates for the service of sentence.
Regional Office- means an office, which has administrative and
Municipal Jail - is a facility or a place of confinement for those who are operational control over its provincial jail administrator’s offices, district, city
sentenced with a penalty for a term not exceeding six (6) month and municipal jails.
imprisonment.
Rehabilitation - a program of activity directed to restore an inmate’s self-
Nuisance Contraband - are those that may not be classified as illegal respect and sense of responsibility to the community, thereby making
under the Philippine laws but are forbidden by jail rules i.e. cellphone, him/her a law-abiding citizen after serving his/her sentence.
money or other commodities of exchange such as jewelry, appliances and
gadgets, excessive wearing apparels and sleeping paraphernalia, Safekeeping - refers to the temporary custody of a person for his/her own
intoxicating liquors, cigarettes, pornographic materials, gambling protection from the community he or she comes from, and for the
paraphernalia and other products that are considered as instruments for community he or she comes from.
vices since they threaten the security, fire safety, sanitation of the facility,
and the orderly activities of the jail. Senior Citizens Inmates - are those inmates who have reached sixty
years old, or those who have retired from work, and those who generally
Offender - refers to a person who is accused of violating or transgressing belong to the "old age" bracket.
laws and ordinances passed by competent authorities in the Philippines.
Sex Offenders - are those inmates who committed crimes involving sex,
Officer - in general, the term officer shall refer to all uniformed personnel including rape, molestation, pedophilia, sexual harassment and
of the BJMP; when referring to rank, however, the term officer shall refer to pornography production or distributions.
those holding the rank of jail inspector and above.
Sexual Deviates - inmates who have a type of mental disorder
Penology - a branch of criminology dealing with jail management and characterized by a preference for or obsession with unusual sexual
administration of inmates. practices, as pedophilia, sadomasochism, or exhibitionism or inmates whose
sexual practices are socially prohibited.
Pregnant Inmates - a female inmate bearing a developing embryo, fetus,
or unborn offspring within her body. Suicidal Inmates - are those inmates who have a tendency to commit
suicide or to harm themselves.
Prisoner - an inmate who is convicted by final judgment.
Transgender - are those inmates whose gender identity or gender
Provincial Jail – is a facility or a place of confinement for inmates who are expression does not match with their innate sexual identity.
sentenced with imprisonment from six (6) months and (1) one to three (3)
year imprisonment. Transfer -the delivery, notwithstanding his/her or their appeal, of an
inmate or inmates sentenced to more than three (3) year imprisonment,
Provincial Jail Administrator - refers to the official duly designated to from any BJMP manned jail to any of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)
head the BJMP Provincial Jail Administrator’s Office and to oversee the
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prisons or penal farms or the delivery of an inmate/s from BJMP-manned b. Provincial Prisoner - one who is sentenced to a prison term of six (6)
jail to another jail facility. months and one (1) day to three (3) years;
c. City Prisoner - one who is sentenced to a prison term of one (1) day
RULE II to three (3) years; and
COMMITMENT AND CLASSIFICATION OF PRISONERS AND DETAINEES d. Municipal Prisoner - one who is sentenced to a prison term of one
(1) day to six (6) months.
A person can be committed to jail only upon the issuance of an appropriate
order by a competent court or authority so mandated under Philippine laws. This Section 18.CLASSIFICATION OF DETAINEES - The three (3) classes of
Rule enumerates courts and authorities, and classifies inmates according to the detainees are those:
conditions for their commitment.
a. Undergoing investigation;
Section 13. COMMITMENT - means entrusting for the confinement of an b. Awaiting or undergoing trial; and
inmate to a jail by a competent court or authority, for the purposes of safekeeping c. Awaiting final judgment.
during the pendency of his/her case.
Section 19. INMATES SECURITY CLASSIFICATION -The following are
Section 14.COURTS AND OTHER ENTITIES AUTHORIZED TO the classifications of inmates according to security risk each may pose:
COMMIT A PERSON TO JAIL- The following (courts and entities) are authorized
to commit a person to jail: a. High Profile Inmate - those who require increased security based on
intense media coverage or public concern as a result of their offense
a. Supreme Court; such as but not limited to those who have been involved in a highly
b. Court of Appeals; controversial or sensationalized crime or those who became prominent
c. Sandiganbayan; for being a politician, government official, multi-million entrepreneur,
d. Regional Trial Court; religious or cause-oriented group leader and movie or television
e. Metropolitan/Municipal Trial Court; personality.
f. Municipal Circuit Trial Court;
g. Congress of the Philippines; and b. High Risk Inmate - those who are considered highly dangerous and
h. All other administrative bodies or persons authorized by law to arrest who require a greater degree of security, control and supervision
and commit a person to jail. because of their deemed capability of escape, of being rescued, and
their ability to launch or spearhead acts of violence inside the jail. This
Section 15.CLASSIFICATION - refers to assigning or to grouping of includes those charged with heinous crimes such as murder, kidnapping
inmates according to their respective penalty, gender, age, nationality, health, for ransom, economic sabotage, syndicated or organized crimes, etc.
criminal records, etc. Also included are inmates with military or police trainings or those
whose life is in danger or under imminent threat.
Section 16.CATEGORIES OF INMATES -The two (2) general categories
of inmates are: c. High Value Target (HVT) - a target, either a resource or a person,
who may either be an enemy combatant, high ranking official or a
a. Prisoner - inmate who is convicted by final judgment; and civilian in danger of capture or death, typically in possession of critical
b. Detainee - inmate who is undergoing investigation/trial or awaiting intelligence, data, or authority marked as an objective for a mission and
final judgment. which a commander requires for the successful completion of the same.
Section 17.CLASSIFICATION OF PRISONERS - The four (4) main d. Security Threat Group - any formal or informal ongoing inmates’
classes of prisoners are: group, gang, organization or association consisting of three or more
members falling into one of the following basic categories: street
a. Insular Prisoner - one who is sentenced to a prison term of three (3) gangs, prison gangs, outlaw gangs, traditional organized crime,
years and one (1) day to reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment; aboriginal gangs, subversive groups and terrorist organizations.
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e. Subversive Group - a group of persons that adopts or advocates him/her of his/her liberty. Therefore, the prison system shall not, except as
subversive principles or policies tending to overthrow or undermine an incidental to justifiable segregation or the maintenance of discipline, aggravate the
established government. suffering inherent in such a situation”. Hence, a well-planned and organized
reception of detainees is critical to achieving this. The inmate’s first impression of
f. Terrorist Group - a group of persons that commits any of the the correctional process greatly influences his/her attitude and behavior toward the
following: piracy and mutiny in the high seas or in the Philippine custodial and rehabilitative regimens he/she must undergo during confinement and
waters, rebellion or insurrection, coup d’état, murder, kidnapping and perhaps, to some extent, affect his/her outlook and adjustment after his/her
serious illegal detention, crimes involving destruction, arson, hijacking, release. This Rule provides guidance on the reception and disciplinary aspects of
violation of laws on toxic substances and hazardous and nuclear waste jail management.
control, violations of atomic energy regulations, anti-piracy and anti-
highway robbery, illegal and unlawful possession, manufacture, dealing Section 21. RECEPTION PROCEDURES - A decent and humane
in, acquisition or disposition of firearms, ammunitions or explosives. program of confinement starts with a systematic reception of inmates for
commitment to the BJMP’s jail facilities. The following procedures should therefore
g. Violent Extremist Offender (VEO) - a person whose political or be observed:
religious ideologies are considered far outside the mainstream attitudes
of the society or who violates common moral standards and who has A. Gater - He or she checks the credentials of the person bringing the
adopted an increasingly extreme ideals and aspirations resorting to the inmate/the committing officer to determine his/her identity and
employment of violence in the furtherance of his/her beliefs. authority. Also, he or she reviews the completeness of the following
documents before the person bringing an inmate/the committing officer
h. Medium Risk Inmates -those who represent a moderate risk to the is allowed to enter the facility. The documents mentioned earlier refer
public and staff. These inmates still require greater security, control to the:
and supervision as they might escape from and might commit violence
inside the jail. 1. Commitment Order;
2. Medical Certificate – recent medical certificate taken within 24 hours
i. Minimum Risk Inmates (Ordinary Inmates) - those inmates who prior to admission;
have lesser tendencies to commit offenses and generally pose the least 3. Complaint/Information;
risk to public safety. In most cases, they may be first time offenders 4. Police Booking Sheet; and
and are charged with light offenses. 5. Certificate of Detention from PNP and/or NBI.
Section 20. REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMITMENT - No person shall be Additionally, the "gater" shall subject the person to be committed
committed to any jail facility without the following required documents: and his/her escorts for search and inspection as prescribed. Finally, he
or she (gater) refers the person to be committed and his or her escorts
a. Commitment Order; to the Records Unit.
b. Medical Certificate - recent medical certificate taken within 24 hours
prior to admission; B. Records Unit- This unit examines the completeness and authenticity
c. Complaint/Information; of the requirements for Commitment (Commitment Order, Booking
d. Police Booking Sheet; and Sheet, Arrest Report and Information) before it refers the inmate for
e. Certificate of Detention from PNP and/or NBI. physical examination by the Health Unit.
C. Health Unit:
RULE III
1. Checks the authenticity of the entries in the medical certificate;
RECEPTION AND RELEASING PROCEDURES, CLASSIFICATION BOARD, conducts thorough physical examination of the inmate to determine
DISCIPLINARY BOARD AND PUNISHABLE ACTS OF INMATES his or her true physical condition; and asks searching questions to
determine injury/injuries found to have been sustained by the
One of the Guiding Principles of the United Nations Standard Minimum inmate after the conduct of medical examination or those injuries
Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners states that “Imprisonment and other measures not diagnosed prior to commitment in jail. Inmate is required to
which result in cutting off an offender from the outside world are afflictive by the undress while undergoing medical examination. A female inmate
very fact of taking from a person the right of self-determination by depriving
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shall be examined by female health personnel. A male inmate may 4. Store all documents in the Inmate’s Carpeta.
be examined by either male or female health personnel;
E. Property Custodian
2. In case of any discrepancy found during physical examination but
same discrepancy is not indicated in the medical certificate, the 1. Checks the inmate’s belongings for presence of contraband.
committing officer shall be required to secure another medical Discovery of any contraband shall be treated in accordance with
certificate of the inmate. The commitment of an inmate shall be existing policies.
held in abeyance pending the submission of a new medical
certificate with findings congruent to the medical findings of the jail 2. Takes all cash and other personal properties from the inmate, lists
physician/nurse. The reason for the deferment of commitment shall them down on a receipt form with duplicate, duly signed by
be recorded in the jail blotter. In case the committing officer fails to him/her and countersigned by the inmate. The original receipt
return the inmate to jail within twenty-four (24) hours, the reasons should be given to the inmate and the duplicate be kept by the
for the deferment of commitment and the grounds thereof shall be Property Custodian.
reported immediately to the court that issued the commitment
order; 3. Keeps all cash and other valuables of the inmate in a safety vault.
Said cash and valuables may be turned over to any person
3. In the absence of a jail nurse/medical personnel, the receiving authorized by the inmate.
officer shall refer the person to be committed to the nearest
government health facility for medical evaluation (check the 4. Refers the inmate to the desk officer.
medical certificate and observe the mental alertness, physical
abnormalities and the overall appearance of the inmates); and F. Desk Officer - books the newly committed inmate in the jail blotter;
assigns the inmate to a reception area, if any, where he/she shall be
4. If no discrepancy is found during physical examination, the inmate scheduled for orientation on jail rules and regulation, and shall undergo
shall be referred back to the Records Unit. risk assessment and classification, evaluation and conduct of further
medical evaluation/screening by the Medical Officer.
D. Records Unit -Receives the inmate and the documents from the
committing officer and conducts the following: G. Assistant Warden or Officer of the Day - Orients the newly
committed inmates on jail rules and regulations using the Inmate’s
1. Start the booking procedures: Orientation Sheet.
a. Accomplish the jail booking sheet; H. Jail Warden - Coordinates with concerned agencies regarding the
b. Strip-search the inmate to check for any birth marks, case of inmate for speedy disposition and to furnish them with copies
tattoos, etc; of the available needed documents. The jail warden shall see to it that
c. Encode the inmate's information to the NIMS;
all concerned agencies and persons will be informed of the commitment
d. Fingerprint and photograph the inmate with mug shot
background; and of the inmate in his/her jail by submitting a written report. Through
e. List the names of the visitors authorized by the inmate. his/her paralegal officer, he/she shall ensure that the courts and
prosecutors’ office are attending to the case of the inmate by
2. Apprise the inmate in a dialect that he/she understands of the constantly coordinating with them for the purpose of speeding up the
provisions of Art 29 of the RPC which was further amended by R.A. disposition of the case. For this purpose, the sharing of non-
10592; (Refer to ANNEX “A”) confidential information with the concerned agencies is encouraged.
3. Facilitate the signing of the Detainee’s Manifestation if he/she The following agencies/persons shall be notified by the warden upon
agrees to abide by the same disciplinary rules imposed upon commitment of the inmate:
convicted inmates. Otherwise, the warden issues a certification
under oath manifesting that the inmate was apprised of the 1. Presiding Judge - (monthly submission of list of committed
provision of Art 29 of the RPC as amended and refused to abide by inmates to the presiding judge is mandatory)
the same; and 2. Executive Judge/
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Clerk of court - (monthly submission of committed inmates is
mandatory) The inmate is required to appear before the Classification Board for
3. PNP - mandatory validation of his/her profile. Upon completion of the classification assessment, the
4. NBI - mandatory inmate is then apprised of his/her cell assignment and welfare programs
5. Family - mandatory appropriate for him/her. He/she is asked if he/she is willing to undergo this
6. PAO lawyer - in case of indigent inmate program for his/her own good. If he/she is willing, the Board will see to it that the
7. IBP legal aide - in case of indigent inmate and program planned for the inmate is followed. Then the inmate is assigned to his/her
unavailability of PAO lawyer cell according to the approved classification.
8. Private lawyer - upon request
9. Priest or religious Section 24. CLASSIFICATION PROCESS
minister - upon request
10. Private physician - upon request a. Admission of Inmate - Once the inmate has undergone the
11. Commission on registration process; he/she will be temporarily housed at the Inmate Classification
Human Rights - as needed/to submit list of committed and Counseling Unit (ICCU) in jails where it is available. The inmate shall stay at
inmates monthly the ICCU for a minimum period of thirty (30) days but not exceeding sixty (60) days
12. Public physician - as needed or until the completion of the classification process. At the ICCU, the newly
13. Psychologist/ committed inmate will undergo assessment by the different health professionals.
Psychiatrist - as needed
14. Embassy - mandatory in case of foreign national/alien b. Medical Examination - The jail medical Officer or the jail officer
15. DSWD - mandatory in case of CICL designated nurse of the Health Unit will conduct a thorough physical examination
16. Court/ on the newly committed inmate and will note down significant bodily marks, scars,
Other branches - in case of multiple cases tattoos and lesions based on the medical certificate presented by the committing
officer. He or she must ensure that his/her findings are congruent to the medical
Section 22. CLASSIFICATION BOARD - Each jail shall maintain a certificate presented. Any discrepancy shall warrant further investigation by and
classification board, if facilities and personnel are available, to be composed of the reporting of the same to the CHR.
following:
c. Results of the medical examination shall be recorded and shall bear
Chairperson - Assistant Warden the signature of the physician or nurse who conducted the examination. Medical
Member - Chief, Custodial/Security Office issues will be attended to accordingly.
Member - Medical Officer/Public Health Officer
Member - Jail Chaplain d. Dental Examination - The jail dentist shall perform a thorough
Member - Inmates Welfare and Development Officer dental examination and recording of his or her findings. The record shall bear the
signature of the dentist who conducted the examination. Dental issues that need
Section 23. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION immediate attention shall be so attended to accordingly.
BOARD - The Classification Board is tasked to conduct background investigation of
inmates to determine the cell assignment, the appropriate rehabilitative program, e. Psychological Examination - The jail psychologist-in-charge
the type of supervision and degree of custody and restrictions applicable to the shall conduct psychological examination to determine the inmate’s psychological
inmate/s. The investigation shall focus on the following: state at the time of examination. Results will be recorded in the psychologist’s
logbook or in the health assessment card/HAS and shall bear the signature of the
a. Facts and data of the present case; psychologist who conducted the examination.
b. Inmate's recent criminal history and the facts about the inmate's
attitudes and behavior while confined in other institutions, if the inmate f. Social Case Study - The jail social worker at the ICCU shall
is a recidivist or a habitual delinquent; conduct in-depth interview with the newly admitted inmate, an interview that
c. Biography or life history; considers the "who the inmate is" from birth up to the present including his/her
d. Medical History; familial, educational, social, vocational and other issues that has an impact on
e. Vocational, recreational, educational and religious his/her personality. The findings will be recorded and shall bear the signature of the
background/interests; and social worker who conducted the assessment. In jails without ICCU, the interview
f. Psychological characteristics as evaluated by the psychiatrist and will be done by the social worker-in-charge upon the order of the court or as
psychologist.
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requested by the medical officer, the psychiatrist or the duly designated jail warden make the proper decision as to the classification of the inmates and the
for specific purposes. identification development programs for each inmate.
g. Risk Assessment - A risk assessment tool shall be utilized to j. Inmate Orientation and Counseling - While undergoing
determine the level of violence/risk the inmate poses, either external or internal. assessment, the inmate shall be oriented on the basic jail rules and regulations.
This will help in the proper classification and segregation of inmates and in the He/she shall be introduced to the different development programs that would best
design of specific development plans. promote his/her personal growth.
h. Psychiatric Evaluation - Using the results of the psychological In this phase, the newly committed inmate shall likewise undergo
examination, social case study, and risk assessment, the psychiatrist conducts a counseling for him/her to develop better coping skills thereby preventing
psychiatric evaluation to determine the present mental state of the inmate and to psychological imbalance in the early phase of incarceration.
diagnose any existing psychiatric illness for further treatment. The result will be
recorded and shall bear the signature of the psychiatrist who conducted the k. Inmate Evaluation and Classification - Using the different
examination. tools of assessment, the newly committed inmate will now be classified based on
the level of risk and present physical, mental and emotional state.
The inmate shall undergo psychiatric evaluation under the following
conditions: l. Proper Cell Assignment and Development Plans - After the
inmate has undergone all the assessments, his/her case manager shall consolidate
1. The jail psychologist refers the inmate for further evaluation; all the results. Based on the results of the final evaluation, the inmate may then be
2. The court orders the psychological/psychiatric evaluation of the assigned to the cell that is deemed best for his/her growth and well-being.
inmate;
3. The inmate was/is manifesting behavioral oddities; m. The newly committed inmate is encouraged to participate in
4. The inmate discloses or admits upon inquiry by the admitting the recommended development programs.
health staff that he/she had previous psychiatric consultation or
had undergone psychiatric treatment; n. Monitoring - After the inmate has been transferred to his/her
5. The inmate discloses or admits upon inquiry by the admitting assigned cell and has been attending the prescribed development programs, the
health staff that he/she had attempted to commit or had case manager shall periodically monitor, and change and enhance inmate's
committed suicide or that he or she has noticeable body marks or development program/s depending on his or her behavioral progress.
scars indicating history of suicidal behavior;
6. The inmate discloses or admits that he or she has a history of Section 25. DISCIPLINARY BOARD - A disciplinary board shall be
recent torture, or he or she has been a victim of physical abuse or organized and maintained for the purpose of hearing disciplinary cases involving
domestic violence; any inmate who violates jail rules and regulations. It shall be composed of the
7. The inmate discloses upon inquiry by the health staff that he/she following:
has recently ingested/abused illicit substances or that he or she is
an alcohol or other illicit substance dependent; Chairperson - Assistant Warden
8. The disciplinary board referred the inmate for further evaluation Member - Chief, Custodial/Security Office
and management; and Member - Medical Officer/Public Health Officer
9. The inmate is a recidivist for heinous crimes or was charged of a Member - Jail Chaplain
sexual offense or was considered as violent sex offender. Member - Inmates Welfare and Development Officer
Member - Inmates’ Representative
The working diagnosis will be recorded at the inmate’s health
assessment card and the details of the examination will be written in the If the above composition is not feasible because of personnel limitation, the
psychiatrist’s logbook provided by the jail health unit. Every examination result shall warden shall perform the board’s functions and he shall act as the summary
bear the signature of the examining psychiatrist. disciplinary officer.
i. Case Management - Each inmate will be assigned to a specific Section 26. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE DISCIPLINARY
case manager who may either be a psychologist, a social worker or a nurse. The BOARD – The Board is tasked to investigate the facts of an alleged misconduct
case manager shall be responsible for the consolidation of all the results and shall referred to it. It shall hold sessions as often as necessary in a room, which may be
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provided for the purpose. All cases referred to it shall be heard and decided within i. Permanent cancellation of visiting privileges with respect to persons not
forty-eight (48) hours from the date of receipt of the case. included in the definition of immediate family under RA 7438, provided
that this sanction shall not apply to the lawyer, physician or religious
Section 27. AUTHORIZED DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS/MEASURES minister serving the needs of the prisoner.
FOR INMATES - The Board is authorized to impose any of the following
disciplinary ACTIONS/MEASURES: In addition to the above-mentioned punishment, the disciplinary board may
recommend to the warden partial or full forfeiture of good conduct time allowance
1. For Detainees: (GCTA) to be earned for a particular month and subsequent months depending
upon the gravity of the offense.
a. Admonition or verbal reprimand;
Section 28. LIMITATIONS ON DISCIPLINARY PUNISHMENT FOR
b. Restitution or reparation; INMATES - The Disciplinary Board shall consider the following limitations when
imposing disciplinary punishment:
c. Temporary or permanent cancellation of all or some recreational
privileges; a. No female inmate shall be subjected to any disciplinary punishment
which might affect her unborn or nursing child;
d. Reduction of visiting time;
b. No infirm or handicapped offender shall be meted out punishment,
e. Close confinement in a cell for a period not exceeding seven (7) days in which might affect his/her health or physical well-being;
any calendar month, provided that this disciplinary action shall be
imposed only in the case of an incorrigible inmate, and when other c. Corporal punishment, confinement in dark or inadequately ventilated
disciplinary measures had been proven ineffective; and cells and any form of cruel, unusual, inhumane or degrading
punishment are absolutely prohibited;
f. Transfer to another BJMP jail in the area, in coordination with the Court.
d. When necessary, the jail physician shall visit the detainee/prisoner
2. For Prisoners: undergoing punishment and shall advise the warden of the need for the
termination of the punishment imposed upon the inmate on grounds of
a. Admonition or verbal reprimand; the inmate's physical or mental health;
b. Restitution or reparation; e. Instruments of restraint, such as handcuffs, leg irons and straitjackets
are not to be applied as a form of punishment. They shall only be used
c. Additional job functions/community service within the jail premises; as a precaution against escape and on medical grounds to prevent an
offender from injuring himself or others;
d. Temporary or permanent cancellation of some or all recreational
privileges; f. Breaches of discipline shall be handled without anger or emotionalism
and decisions shall be executed firmly and justly; and
e. Reduction of visiting time;
g. As a general rule, any violation of jail rules and regulations or
f. Close confinement in a cell for a period not exceeding seven (7) days in misconduct committed by the inmate shall be dealt with accordingly.
any calendar month, provided that this disciplinary action shall be In extreme cases where the violation necessitates immediate action,
imposed only in the case of an incorrigible inmate, and when other the warden or the officer of the day may administer the necessary
disciplinary measures had been proven ineffective; restraints and report the action he or she has taken to the disciplinary
board.
g. Transfer to another BJMP jail in the area in coordination with the Court;
Section 29. PROCEDURES IN THE HEARING OF DISCIPLINARY
h. Suspension of visiting privileges for a period not exceeding one (1) CASES - The following procedures shall be followed in the hearing of disciplinary
month, provided that this sanction shall not apply to the lawyer, cases:
physician or religious minister serving the needs of the prisoner.
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a. The aggrieved inmate or any person (visitor, inmate or personnel) c. Untidy or dirty personal appearance;
reports the violation to the Desk Officer;
d. Littering or failing to maintain cleanliness and orderliness in his/her
b. The desk officer shall immediately submit a written report to the quarters and/or surroundings;
warden and the latter shall direct the Investigation Unit to conduct an
investigation within twenty-four (24) hours upon receipt of the e. Making frivolous or groundless complaints;
directive. The Investigation Unit shall submit to the Warden their report
together with their recommendations; f. Taking the cudgels for or reporting complaints on behalf of other
inmates;
c. The warden shall evaluate the report and if he/she believes that there
is no sufficient evidence to support the alleged violation, he/she shall g. Reporting late for inmate formation and inmate headcount without
dismiss the case. If he/she believes that sufficient evidence exists, justifiable reasons; and
he/she shall decide the case and impose the necessary penalty in case
of minor violations. If the offense is less grave or grave, he/she shall h. Willful waste of food.
endorse it to the disciplinary board for hearing or decide it
himself/herself as a in his or her capacity as summary disciplinary 2. LESS GRAVE OFFENSES:
officer in the absence of a disciplinary board;
a. Failure to report for work detail without sufficient justification;
d. The inmate shall be confronted of the reported violation and asked how
he/she pleads to the charge. If he/she admits the violation or pleads b. Failure to render assistance to an injured personnel or inmate;
guilty, the Board or the Warden, as the case may be, shall impose the
corresponding authorized disciplinary action; c. Failure to assist in putting out fires inside the jail;
e. If the inmate denies the charge, a summary hearing shall be held d. Behaving improperly or acting boisterously during religious, social
giving the opportunity for both parties to present their testimonies and and other group functions;
those of their witnesses, if any, and to present evidence to shed light
on the case; e. Swearing, cursing or using profane or defamatory language
directed at other persons;
f. After the hearing, the board shall decide with the merits of the case as
bases; f. Malingering or pretending to be sick to skip work assignment;
g. Whether the inmate is found guilty or not, he/she should be advised to g. Spreading rumors or malicious intrigues to besmirch the honor of
obey the rules and regulations strictly and be reminded that good any person, particularly BJMP personnel;
behavior is indispensable for his/her early release and/or the granting
of privileges; and h. Failure to stand at attention and give due respect when confronted
by or reporting to any BJMP personnel;
h. Decisions of the Board are subject to review and approval by the
warden whose decision should be final and executory. i. Forcing fellow inmates to render personal service to him/her and/or
to others;
Section 30. PUNISHABLE ACTS - An inmate is strictly prohibited from
committing any of the following acts: j. Exchanging uniforms or wearing clothes other than those issued to
him/her for the purpose of circumventing jail rules;
1. MINOR OFFENSES:
k. Loitering or being in an unauthorized place;
a. Selling or bartering with fellow inmate(s) those items not classified
as contraband; l. Using the telephone without authority from the desk
officer/warden;
b. Rendering personal service to fellow inmate(s);
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m. Writing, defacing, or drawing on walls, floors or any furniture or m. Helping, aiding or abetting others to escape;
equipment;
n. Fighting, causing any disturbance or participating therein and/or
n. Withholding information, which may be inimical or prejudicial to the agitating to cause such disturbance or riot;
jail administration;
o. Indecent, immoral or lascivious acts by himself/herself or others
o. Possession of lewd or pornographic literature and/or photographs; and/or allowing himself/herself to be the subject of such indecent,
immoral or lascivious acts;
p. Absence from cell, brigade, place of work during headcount, or at
any time without justifiable reason; and p. Willful disobedience to a lawful order issued by any BJMP
personnel;
q. Failure to turn over any implement/article/s issued after work
detail. q. Assaulting any BJMP personnel;
a. Making untruthful statements or lies in any official communication, s. Participating in kangaroo court, an unauthorized or irregular court
transaction, or investigation; conducted with disregard for or perversion of legal procedures as a
mock court by the inmates in a jail/prison;
b. Keeping or concealing keys or locks of places in the jail which are
off-limits to inmates; t. Affiliating with any gang or faction whose main purpose is to
foment regionalism or to segregate themselves from others;
c. Giving gifts, selling, or bartering items with jail personnel;
u. Failing to inform the authorities concerned when afflicted with any
d. Keeping in his/her possession money, jewelry, cellular phones or communicable disease, such as tuberculosis, sexually-transmitted
other communication devices and other items classified as diseases, etc.;
contraband under the rules; v. Engaging in gambling or any game of chance;
e. Tattooing others or allowing him/her to be tattooed on any part of w. Committing any act which violates any law or ordinance, in which
the body, or keeping any paraphernalia to be used in tattooing; case, he/she shall be prosecuted criminally in accordance with law;
and
f. Forcibly taking or extorting money from fellow inmates and visitors;
x. Committing any act prejudicial to good order and discipline.
g. Punishing or inflicting injury or any harm upon himself/herself or
other inmates; Any personnel, especially warden, found to be allowing and tolerating any
violation mentioned above will be immediately relieved from his/her designation
h. Receiving, keeping, taking or drinking liquor and prohibited drugs; without prejudice to his or her being administratively charged.
i. Making, improvising or keeping any kind of deadly weapon; Section 31. MODES AND GUIDELINES FOR RELEASE - The following
modes and guidelines shall be observed when inmates are to be released from
j. Concealing or withholding information on plans of attempted detention:
escapes;
1. An inmate may be released through:
k. Unruly conduct and flagrant disregard for discipline and a. Service of sentence;
instructions; b. Order of the Court;
c. Parole;
l. Escaping, attempting or planning to escape from the institution or d. Pardon; and
from any guard; e. Amnesty.
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2. Before an inmate is released, he/she shall be properly identified to d. Routes the release paper to different signatories.
ensure that he/she is the same person received and is subject of
release. His/her marks and fingerprints shall be verified with those 4. Property Custodian
taken when he/she was received. Any changes or differences in
his/her distinguishing marks and scars shall be investigated to ascertain 1. Checks on the receipt of property and returns to the inmate his/her
his/her real identity in order to prevent the mistaken release of another deposited items.
person;
2. Makes sure that returned items of the inmate are duly received and
3. No inmate shall be released on a mere verbal order or an order relayed properly recorded.
via telephone. The release of an inmate by reason of acquittal,
dismissal of case, payment of fines and/or indemnity, or filing of bond, 5. Desk Officer
shall take effect only upon receipt of the release order served by the
court process server. The court order shall bear the full name of the Records the release of inmate and the condition of the inmate upon
inmate, the crime he/she was charged with, the criminal case number his/her release.
and such other details that will enable the officer in charge to properly
identify the inmate to be released; 6. Jail Warden
4. Upon proper verification from the court of the authenticity of the order, Reports to concerned agencies/persons the release of inmate for
an inmate shall be released promptly and without unreasonable delay; aftercare program. Upon release of the inmate, the warden shall notify
the following agencies/persons:
5. Under proper receipt, all money earned, other valuables held and Barangay Captain - mandatory
entrusted by the inmate upon admission, shall be returned to him/her Priest or religious minister - mandatory
upon release; and Family - if release is not witnessed by any
member of immediate family
6. The released inmate shall be issued a certification of discharge from jail Court - in case of convicted inmate
by the warden or his/her authorized representative.
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keeping with this rule. It is assumed that the inmates have been properly d. Maintain close supervision over inmates to prevent attempts to commit
evaluated and classified for this purpose. suicide or self-mutilation by designating a jail personnel trained to manage
such cases; and
Section 34. HANDLING INMATES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - The
following guidelines shall be observed in handling inmates with special needs: e. Conducts a regular search of the inmate’s dorm and maintain constant
alertness to prevent the smuggling of narcotics, liquors and other
1. Female dangerous drugs.
a. The female dorm should be completely separated from the male dorm; 3. Mentally-ill
b. A female personnel shall be designated to keep the keys of the female a. Inmates manifesting signs and symptoms of mental illness must be referred
dorms; to the jail psychiatrist for evaluation and treatment;
c. Only work suitable to their age and physical condition should be assigned to b. Disturbed inmates (mentally-ill inmates) should be transferred to mental
female inmates; institutions for proper psychiatric treatment upon the issuance of a court
order;
d. No male inmate shall be allowed to enter the female dorm;
c. Close supervision and medical management of mentally-ill inmates should
e. Male personnel must provide female inmate with utmost privacy and be maintained by a jail medical personnel;
respect for personal space;
d. Place the mentally-ill inmates in separate dorms or in a special restraint
f. No male jail personnel should be allowed to enter the female dorm except room provided for violent cases; and
in emergency cases or when necessary;
e. Maintain close supervision over inmates to guard against suicidal attempts
g. Searches shall be performed by a female personnel trained in the conduct or violent attacks on others.
of appropriate searching methods, shall be made in accordance with
established rules, and shall be provided with privacy during the procedure; 4. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT)
h. Medical/physical examination shall be performed by female health a. Segregate LGBTs to prevent their maltreatment and abuse by other
personnel. In the absence of a female health staff, the examination shall be inmates and to prevent them from maltreating and abusing other inmates.
performed by a male health personnel in the presence of a female staff;
and 5. Sex Offenders
i. Female inmates shall be provided with the opportunity to avail themselves a. Inmates charged with sexually-related crimes should be segregated to
of all programs and activities male inmates are provided with. prevent them from taking advantage of other inmates; and
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10. Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL)
d. Subject them to frequent strip/frisk searches, and greyhound operation for
tools/materials that can be used for suicide. Pursuant to the RA 9344, CICL shall not be confined in jails. Hence, serious
efforts shall be exerted by Wardens to immediately transfer the custody of
7. Sex Deviates any CICL to a Youth Detention Home or Youth Rehabilitation Center.
a. Homosexuals should be segregated immediately to prevent them from a. Upon admission, CICL shall be subjected to a thorough physical
influencing other inmates or being maltreated or abused by other inmates; examination. The results of such examination shall form part of the
and records of the case of the CICL;
b. Likewise, other sex deviates should be separated from other inmates for b. Provide a separate detention cell for CICL;
closer supervision and control.
c. Continuously coordinate with the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) for the
8. Escape-Prone Inmates provision of paralegal assistance to expedite CICL cases;
a. Escape-prone inmates should be held in the most secure quarters, d. Continuous coordination and follow-up of CICL cases should be made
preferably in single-inmate cells, to minimize their contact with one facilitate the provision of appropriate intervention programs by the
another; DSWD;
b. Their conduct/behavior should be closely watched/observed during and e. The “Law on Proportionality" in the implementation of rehabilitation
after visiting hours and their activities, closely monitored; programs should be observed making said rehabilitation programs distinct
and different from those given to adult inmates;
c. They should be frequently strip searched and their quarters frequently
inspected; f. Unless absolutely necessary, a child in conflict with law should not be
handcuffed nor other instruments of restraint applied on him/her, when
d. Special attention should be given to the examination of items recovered he or she attends hearings or when he or she is brought to the hospital
from strip searches; and or is transferred to other institutions;
e. Telephone calls must be restricted and only calls that can be monitored g. The use of vulgar or profane words should be avoided in dealing CICL;
through an extension line shall be allowed.
h. CICL should not be required to wear prison uniforms; and
9. Inmates with Disability
i. Upon release from confinement, the records of the CICL shall be sealed,
a. Inmates with disability should be segregated and closely supervised to and at an appropriate time, expunged.
protect them from maltreatment and any form of abuse by other inmates,
personnel and visitors; 11. Senior Citizen Inmates
b. Individual case management and special activities should be developed and a. Senior citizen inmates should be segregated and close supervised to
conducted to address distinct of the inmates; protect them from maltreatment and other forms of abuse by other
inmates;
c. Collaboration with other government agencies should be done to ensure
that disabled inmates are provided with the services and benefits b. Individual case management strategies should be developed and adopted
contemplated under the Magna Carta for disabled persons; and to respond to the special needs of elderly inmates;
d. Tasks related to self-care of inmates with disability shall be supervised and c. Collaboration with other government agencies and community-based
assisted to avoid potential self-harm or accidents. senior citizen organizations should be done to ensure that the services
due the senior citizen inmates are provided; and
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d. Senior citizen inmates should be made to do tasks deemed fit and RULE V
appropriate, their age, capability, and physical condition considered.
CUSTODY, SECURITY AND CONTROL,
12. Infirm Inmates EMERGENCY PLANS, MOVEMENT AND TRANSFER
OF PRISONERS AND DETAINEES
a. Inmates with contagious diseases must be segregated to prevent the
spread of said contagious diseases; Jail management and penology is concerned with the humane safekeeping
and development of inmates. Effective custody ensures that inmates are well-
b. Infirm inmates should be referred to the jail physician or nurse for secured in all areas of the detention facility and properly escorted when attending
evaluation and management; and their court hearings and other authorized/lawful destinations. This Rule focuses on
effective safekeeping.
c. Infirm inmates must be closely monitored and provide with appropriate
medication and utmost care. Section 35. CUSTODY, SECURITY AND CONTROL
13. Pregnant Inmates/Female Inmates with Infants A. Each jail shall, as much as practicable, maintain the following minimum
standards with regard to security of the facility:
a. Pregnant inmates must be referred to jail physician or nurse for pre-natal
examination; 1. An established security perimeter. In every jail, there shall be a
defined, controlled security perimeter;
b. They should be given tasks that are deemed fit and proper, their physical
limitations, considered; 2. A secured office for personnel;
c. During active labor, pregnant inmates should be transferred nearest 3. A secured visiting area for inmates’ visitors;
government hospital;
4. A secured multi-purpose area for inmates’ activities and an area for
d. Treatment of mother and her infant/s shall be in accordance with the livelihood activities;
BJMP Policy (Refer to DIWD Manual); and
5. Armory and storage lockers for inmates’ valuable items and other
e. Female inmates with infants shall be provided with ample privacy during equipment;
breastfeeding activity.
6. Operational closed circuit televisions (CCTV) strategically mounted
14. Inmates of Other Nationalities
to monitor jail premises and all activities therein;
a. The Warden shall report in writing to the Bureau of Immigration and the
7. A two-way communication system to be used by the officer of the
respective embassies of the detained foreigners the following:
day, supervisor, desk officer and other personnel on duty; and
1) Name of Jail;
2) Name of Foreigner; 8. Equipment necessary to sustain operability of utilities,
3) Nationality and the number of his/her Alien Certificate of Registration, communications, security and fire protection equipment at all
if any; times.
4) Age/Sex;
B. To ensure that minimum standards in security and control are
5) Offense Charged;
maintained, the following policies, guidelines and procedures shall be
6) Case Number;
strictly implemented in all jail facilities:
7) Court/Branch;
8) Status of Case; and
1. Each newly admitted inmate shall be thoroughly searched for
9) Additional data information.
weapons and other contraband immediately upon arrival in the
facility;
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2. All inmates must be searched thoroughly by the duty personnel 10. All firearms, ammunition, chemical agents, related security and
whenever they enter or leave the security areas; emergency equipment must be inventoried and tested at least
quarterly to determine their condition and expiration dates, as the
3. Conduct surprise searches on inmates and inspection of their case may be. This shall include regular inspection of fire
quarters and other areas accessible to inmates at least once a extinguishers and other detection and suppression systems
week to detect and flush out contraband; available;
4. Maintain an updated written emergency operations plan such as 11. All tools, toxic, corrosive and flammable substances and other
but not limited to natural and man-made calamities and other jail potentially dangerous supplies and equipment shall be stored in a
disturbances. These plans must be made known to and understood locked area which is secure and located outside the inmate’s area.
by jail personnel through the conduct of regular dry runs; Tools, supplies and equipment which are particularly hazardous
shall be used by inmates only under direct supervision;
5. Maintain a journal of activities, emergency situations and unusual
incidents; 12. Conduct daily inspections of all security facilities (i.e. closed circuit
televisions, ceilings, window grills, iron bars, etc.) and document all
6. Maintain a key control center for storing keys that is inaccessible to findings. Any tampering or defects detected must be reported in
inmates and unauthorized persons. There shall be an accounting writing to proper authority for immediate action;
system for issuing and returning of keys. There shall be a reporting
system for documenting and repairing broken or malfunctioning 13. Regular conduct of "guard mounting" for all "incoming duty" of the
keys or locks. Inmates shall be prohibited from handling jail Custodial Unit and for the members of Escort Unit before their
security keys; assumption of duty to remind and update them of the
policies/guidelines pertaining to security and control;
7. There shall be one (1) full set of duplicate keys, secured in a place
accessible only to jail personnel for use in the event of an 14. Conduct regular count of inmates at least five to six (5-6) times
emergency. These keys shall be marked for easy identification within a 24-hour period and strictly implement the established
during adverse conditions; procedures in counting inmates (See Section 35). Personnel
conducting the count shall record the result;
8. Continuous inspection and maintenance of all locks. Replace locks
as often as possible and never allow inmates to install locking 15. Prohibit inmate’s visitor to stay inside jail premises beyond
system in the cell gates and to possess their own padlock for authorized visiting period regardless of any reasons; (Refer to
purposes of locking themselves in their cells that will cause delay ANNEX “B”)
for personnel conducting regular cell search and inspection;
16. Inmates shall be supervised at all times whenever they are outside
9. Maintain strict control of firearms such as, but not limited, to the their cells;
following:
17. Never allow any personnel under the influence of intoxicating
a. Never allow any personnel with firearms on areas of inmates beverage to enter the jail facility or to perform an official duty;
and/or in any area intended for inmates’ activities;
18. Carefully select the inmates to be utilized as jail aide and maintain
b. Never allow inmates in the workplace of personnel or in areas rigid control over their activities. Never allow inmate to be utilized
where firearms are authorized; and for any janitorial services at jail offices, restricted areas, and/or for
errands outside the jail premises. In no case shall an inmate be
c. Secure firearms and anti-riot equipment in the armory located allowed to perform clerical duties or to have access to personnel
within easy reach of jail personnel in case of emergencies but files and other official documents;
not accessible to inmates.
19. Never allow a jail officer to render successive shifts of duty except
in cases of emergencies;
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d. Submit a report of each count of a group of inmates to the warden
20. Never allow jail personnel to open inmates quarters alone. At least and/or assistant warden (officer of the day); and
one (1) other jail officer should be present and guarding the gate;
e. If the total jail count does not tally with the total jail population at any
21. Inmates should be taken out of jail only upon written order of the given time, conduct another count. Render an immediate report to the
Court; warden and/or assistant warden (officer of the day) relative to any
unaccounted inmate.
22. Ensure that all vehicles and persons entering the jail premises are
properly searched in accordance with the existing Section 37. SECURITY PROCEDURES DURING MEAL SERVICE -
policies/procedures; Security must be considered in serving food inside the cells/quarters. A jail officer
should not enter the inmates’ quarters to distribute food unless another officer is
23. Regularly inspect and check the availability of emergency lights and available to handle the keys and control the entrance door.
other emergency equipment and ensure that each personnel
Section 38. DINING ROOM SECURITY - For jail facilities that have
rendering night shift duties has one (1) flashlight, nightstick/baton
separate dining or mess halls, the following shall be observed:
and whistle; and
a. As a general precaution, individual mess utensils of inmates shall be
24. As regard the use of force:
made of plastic;
a. Use of force shall be limited to instances of justifiable self-
defense, prevention of self-inflicted harm, protection of others, b. When dining rooms are provided, the inmates should march in columns
prevention of riot, commission of a crime, escape or other jail of two’s along designated routes under the supervision of jail
personnel. Other officials to direct the orderly movement of inmates to
disturbance and to controlling or subduing an inmate who
and from the mess hall must be stationed along the routes;
refuses to obey a lawful command or order;
b. Use of force shall be limited to the amount of force necessary to c. Designate a roving supervisor to handle any disturbances or settle
control a given situation and shall include a continuum of complaints;
escalating force levels;
d. After every meal, all utensils used by the inmates should be collected.
c. An examination and/or treatment by health personnel shall be Jail personnel should strictly supervise this to ensure that no utensils
provided to prisoners or staff involved in a use of force incident are brought out the dining room; and
when there is obvious physical injury or there is a complaint of
injury or request for medical attention; and e. Check and account for all forks, spoons and other kitchen utensils after
every meal.
d. Use of force incidents shall be recorded and reviewed by the
Warden.
Section 39. MAIL SERVICES AND CENSORSHIP - Mail service shall be
Section 36. INMATES COUNT - It is imperative that at specified times provided to all inmates provided that all outgoing and incoming mail matters are
during each 24-hour period, all inmates are physically counted. For this type of passed through a designated Censor Officer in order to intercept any contraband or
count, the general procedures are as follows: illegal articles and any information affecting the security of the jail.
The following procedures should be strictly observed when censoring mail:
a. Count each inmate physically at specified times or as necessary;
a. There shall be no limitation on the amount of incoming or outgoing
b. During the count, ensure that all movements of inmates are stopped mail or correspondence when the inmates are responsible for the cost/s
until the count is completed; of postage;
c. The count must be accurate. Make a positive verification to ascertain b. Incoming inmates’ mail, correspondence and packages shall be opened
that the inmates are physically present. Refrain from conducting a and inspected to intercept cash, checks, money orders and contraband.
count on the basis of only having seen any part of his clothing, hair or The censor officer shall observe the documentary procedures in
shoes; disposing of intercepted items;
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o. If the outgoing or incoming mail has contraband or harmful
c. Legal mail or correspondence shall be opened and inspected in the information, such matter shall be registered as violation of jail rules and
presence of the inmate to intercept contraband; regulations and should be brought before the Disciplinary Board for
immediate adjudication;
d. Mails shall not be distributed to the inmates until the censors have
examined them. Mail shall only be opened and searched by qualified, p. The designated jail staff shall collect the inmates’ mail matters on a
trained and authorized jail personnel in the presence of inmate daily basis, Monday through Friday;
addressee;
q. Inmate’s letters or any other mail matter shall be sent as registered,
e. Any currency, checks or money found in the letter should be turned certified, "stamped" or marked "via special delivery" if he or she so
over to the Trust Officer/Property Custodian. The receiving officer desires at his or expense. The letters will be processed in accordance
should indicate the amount received on a "receipt form" in duplicate. with the procedures in handling mails; and
The original receipt signed by the receiving officer should be kept for
r. An inmate under disciplinary segregation shall be allowed full
the record and the duplicate copy should be given to the inmate;
correspondence privileges, unless his or her misconduct involves a
f. Carefully examine all greeting cards and collect fillers of any kind found serious violation of correspondence regulations.
therein for laboratory examination;
Section 40. MOVEMENT/TRANSFER OF INMATES - Prisoners or
g. Photographs that are clearly within the scope of jail regulations should detainees may be moved or transferred safely and humanely by trained personnel
be marked on the opposite side and placed in the envelope; who shall adopt the necessary level of security, supervision, and control to ensure
public safety under specific circumstances outlined below:
h. Bring to the warden’s attention any item or correspondence or
enclosure that does not conform to regulations or are detrimental to A. Subject to the conditions set forth in the succeeding sections and by
security, order and discipline of the jail; virtue of an appropriate court order, an inmate may be brought out of
jail under any of the following instances:
i. In the censoring of mails, prison slang, unusual nicknames, and
sentences with double meanings should be carefully studied and 1. To appear, as witness before any court of justice or prosecutor’s
analyzed to determine the real meanings; office during preliminary investigation, arraignment or hearing of a
criminal case;
j. Refer to the warden all letters containing statements concerning the
security or reputation of the jail, like attempts to escape or 2. To appear as witness in any investigation or formal inquiry being
smuggling/trafficking of contraband, and statements that may affect conducted by a government agency;
existing rules and policies;
3. To view the remains of a deceased relative within the second
k. All letters passing through the scrutiny standards of the censors should
degree of affinity or consanguinity; and
bear the censor’s stamp at the top of each page and on the envelope.
The letter should be placed back in the same envelope, resealed and
4. To undergo medical examination or treatment in a hospital or clinic.
given to the inmate;
l. A listing of mail for inmates should be properly kept and form part of B. An inmate may be transferred to another institution only upon specific
the records of the jail; order of the court having jurisdiction over him/her, except in cases of
serious illness where hospitalization is necessary, and the inmate has to
m. Do not discuss the contents of inmates’ mail with other jail personnel, be immediately taken to the nearest hospital upon recommendation of
except for official purposes; the health officer. In this case, the jail warden, or in his/her absence,
the officer in-charge, shall immediately notify the regional director and
n. The inmate sending out any mail matter shall open his mail/package the court concerned within six (6) hours after the inmate is brought to
and have it read and inspected by the designated censor officer, if the the hospital or within six (6) hours from the first hour of the following
mail is clear for dispatch, the inmate shall close and seal the mail and day (BJMP Revised Policy on Hospitalization and Death of Inmates
place the same in the outgoing mail box; dated 29 July 2010);
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C. In the case of inmates classified as high-risk/high-profile and detained a. Spouse - marriage contract;
in small and remote jail facilities or in jails not considered as high
security facility, their transfer to a better secured jail shall be effected b. Children - birth certificates of the deceased child and
provided a prior request is made from the executive judge who has marriage certificate of the inmate and his/her spouse;
administrative supervision over the court in the place where the jail in
which the inmate is detained for his/her immediate action, approval c. Father or Mother - birth certificates of the inmate and
and notification to the court’s Presiding Judge (See ANNEX “C” - his/her deceased parent;
Supreme Court Administrative Circular Nr 68-2005);
d. Brother or Sister - birth certificates of the inmate and
D. In any emergency like riot or other jail disturbance that happens on a his/her deceased sibling;
weekend and when the immediate transfer to other BJMP-manned jails
of inmates involved is necessary to ensure the safety of other inmates e. Grandparent - birth certificates of the inmate and his/her
and security of the jail, the warden, under such compelling situation, parent who is the child of the deceased grandparent; and
can recommend to the regional director, verbally or in writing, their
immediate transfer to another jail, provided that, on the first hour of f. Grandchild - birth certificates of the inmate and his/her
the following working day, the court concerned must be informed of child who is the parent of the deceased grandchild.
the said transfer and a commitment order must be issued, otherwise,
the return of the transferred inmates is imperative. Provided, however, 3. Sketch map of the place where the remains lie in state.
that those inmates who instigated and led, and those involved in the
disturbance or violence, disruptive and/or riotous actions so created G. Immediately upon receipt of the court order, and with the inmate's
shall be classified as high-risk detainees and shall be immediately written request yet to be submitted, the warden shall order the Jail
transferred to a more secured facility in accordance with the intelligence unit to conduct reconnaissance operation in the area where
immediately preceding paragraph; the remains of the deceased still lie in state, to assess any threat
against the inmate and/or his/her security escorts, to locate the place
E. The same classification shall be applied to inmates who (a) have of burial, and to conduct route survey to establish a safer and better
escaped, attempted to escape or committed acts to facilitate an escape route for the escorts;
from custody; (b) demonstrated physically or sexually assaultive
behavior resulting in either attempt to sexually assault any person, H. In case of Muslim inmates, it shall be ascertained whether the date
serious physical injury or death of any person; (c) assaulted or indicated in the Court Order for the inmate or inmates to viewthe
attempted to assault another with a deadly weapon; (d) compelled or remains their deceased relative/s within twenty-four (24) hours from
attempted to compel another to perform sexual acts, engage in sexual the time of the death of his or her/their relatives. This is view of Muslim
conduct or sexual contact, or submit to sexual contact all by means of customs and traditions, providing among others burying the dead
force or threat of force; or (e) compelled or coerced another, by force within twenty-four (24) hours after death.
or threat of serious physical harm or death, to provide anything of
value, to perform any act, or to violate any statute or jail rule; I. The warden shall timely oppose the request and timely notify the court
of his or her inability to comply with the order allowing the inmate to
F. Inmates who wish to view the remains of a deceased relative within the be escorted out of the jail to view the remains of a deceased relative in
second degree of consanguinity or affinity and whose motion for that any of the following cases:
purpose was approved by the court as proven by a valid court order
issued to the warden shall be required to submit a written request to 1. The deceased relative is lying-in-state in a place beyond thirty
the warden at least three (3) days before the date of viewing and kilometer radius from the jail or, in any case, where the inmate
which request should be accompanied by the following documents: cannot return to said place during daylight hours;
1. Death Certificate of the deceased relative duly certified by the 2. The inmate has a record of escape or attempted escape;
attending physician or local civil registrar;
3. The inmate has two (2) or more pending criminal cases or is a
2. The appropriate certificate as indicated after the name of the material witness in a pending criminal case;
deceased relative, to wit:
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4. The inmate is classified as high risk, high profile, high value or distance transport of inmates by way of conducting reconnaissance
violent extremist offender; operation prior to the scheduled arrival to determine any unusual activities
in the area which may affect the safe and secure transport of the inmate;
5. The inmate cannot be assured of his safety and security, or his
escape is highly possible; and 7. The most direct and shortest route to the destination shall be taken and no
deviation shall be allowed except when security consideration requires
6. There is an intelligence report that the inmate will escape or will be otherwise;
rescued.
8. Using rented vehicle shall not be allowed when transporting inmates;
J. If approved, the inmate shall not be allowed to stay more than three
(3) hours in the place where the remains of the deceased relative lie in 9. Team leader of the escort personnel must be equipped with a two-way
state. Further, in no case shall the inmate be allowed to join the funeral radio and/or a mobile phone;
cortege.
10. Inmates under escort shall always be under the watchful eye of the escort
Section 41. COOPERATION AND COORDINATION AMONG JAIL personnel. While in transit, the personnel shall stay close enough to the
WARDENS REGARDING TEMPORARY TRANSFER OF INMATE - Jail Wardens inmate to be able to respond effectively in case of emergency. If on board
must agree on the use of facilities for the temporary detention of an inmate from a prisoners van, escort personnel shall not seat inside the van but shall
other localities before, during and after trial. Warden who shall effect the instead strategically position himself or herself in the escort seat;
movement/transfer of an inmate shall shoulder all the expenses for transportation
and other incidental expenses of the same while confined in other jails. The 11. While en route, escort personnel shall ensure that the sliding bolt lock of
classification standards of the BJMP such as to the inmate’s age, gender, or those the back door of the van carrying the inmates is properly locked, observe
with special needs, among others, shall be observed while he/she is in temporary people and vehicles getting near their vehicle, and remain prepared for
detention. any eventuality;
Section 42. RULES TO BE FOLLOWED WHEN TRANSPORTING 12. Escort personnel shall observe and follow the established guidelines in
INMATES - When moving/transporting inmates, the following shall be observed: escorting high-risk/high-profile and VEO’s inmates;
A. General Precautions 13. Escort personnel shall be the first ones to disembark from the vehicle and
shall position in a safe distance to ensure clear vision of disembarking
1. Jail personnel shall not discuss with the inmate the transportation plans, inmates. However, when boarding the vehicle, it should be the inmate who
schedules or equipment to be used / adopted; shall first board the vehicle;
2. Inmates shall be notified of a trip only prior to the departure and shall not 14. Escort personnel are justified in using deadly force to protect themselves
be allowed to make any phone call; and/or the inmate/s from ambush or any deadly attack while in transport;
3. Prior to movement/transport, all escort personnel shall be given detailed 15. In case of an accident while en route, escort personnel shall secure and
instructions on their respective duties and responsibilities; observe the inmates inside the vehicle, let them stay inside the vehicle as
much as possible. Apply first aid to injured inmates when necessary, while
4. Whenever possible, transfer shall only be made during daytime; waiting for law enforcement and emergency assistance. The chief escort
shall also be informed about the incident and be updated of the
5. Long distance transport of one (1) or more inmates shall be escorted development in the situation;
by a minimum of three (3) escort personnel and a back-up vehicle, if
available; 16. In the event that radio or mobile phone communication is not possible,
escort personnel may flag down any motorist, identify themselves and
6. If possible, personnel from Jail Intelligence Unit shall serve covert security ask the motorist to notify the nearest law enforcement agency for
by serving as advance party of the convoy and shall conduct road scanning assistance;
of the agreed route to detect any threat to the inmate and his/her escorts
while en route. Being familiar with the area, the local intelligence unit of
the nearest jail facility in the place of destination shall also assist in long
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17. In the case of minor serious vehicular problem that can be repaired on the l. Never stop for a disabled motorist or road mishap while transporting
spot, escort personnel shall secure and observe inmates who shall remain inmates but notify local enforcement unit or the highway patrol
inside the vehicle to the extent possible; regarding the incident;
18. Maximum security measure shall be observed at all times in providing m. Avoid interfering with road incidences such as but not limited to
escort to high risk, high profile inmates and VEO’s following the ratio of one robbery in progress while transporting inmates unless it poses
is to one plus one escort supervisor; imminent threat against the inmate, escort personnel or the public and
if the same so occurs, the immediate evacuation of the inmate from the
19. The driver shall not leave the vehicle while in court or other authorized area shall be primarily considered. In no case shall the inmate and the
destination and be watchful of any suspicious individual; vehicle be left unattended;
20. To avoid unnecessary stops while in transit, inmates should have relieved n. In case of involvement in a road accident and no traffic authority is
themselves from personal necessity; and present or cannot arrive in a shortest possible times, the position of the
vehicles and the damage incurred including skid mark, if any, shall be
21. The following basic security precautions shall be observed during transport immediately photographed or sketched and before leaving, provide the
of inmates: driver of the other party a contact number of the jail. Once the inmate
was returned to the jail, immediately coordinate with the traffic
a. Do not allow inmates to tinker with the handcuff; authorities having jurisdiction in the place of incident;
b. Regard all inmates being transported as extremely dangerous; o. Secure inmates who damaged restraints, other equipment or vehicles
and report rule infraction;
c. Adjust the cuffs properly for tightness to avoid the need of adjustment
while en route and observe proper placement of handcuff which is p. Turn in vehicle inspection slip to the supply officer noting any vehicle
either right to right or left to left. High risk/ high profile inmates and deficiency or problem upon conclusion of each transport; and
VEO’s must be handcuffed at the back;
q. Turn in or check in all inmates, property/equipment and the necessary
d. The escort shall always be on guard for any possible attack or ambush; documents to the concerned offices.
e. Escort personnel shall be extra careful not to sit, stand or walk next to B. Chief Escort
an inmate while carrying a gun to avoid being grabbed by the inmate;
1. Coordinates with the records section chief and determines the number and
f. Stopping along the highway while in transit is highly discouraged; names of inmates scheduled for court hearing as well as their respective
destinations as approved by the warden;
g. Keep inmates inside the vehicle except when necessary;
2. Conducts guard mounting and accounting of the members of escort unit
h. Thoroughly inspect restraint equipment for proper function and and carefully inspects their service firearms including other equipment to be
damage, and make a thorough body search before placing the used;
equipment on an inmate and before removing an inmate from a holding
area; 3. Coordinates with the custodial unit the list of inmates scheduled for court
i. Keep inmates in sight at all times; hearing and assumes responsibility over them after they are properly
accounted for and turned over by the custodial unit;
j. While in court premises, firearms shall be unloaded. However, when
escorting the inmate to and from the vehicle, the same shall be 4. Records in the Jail Blotter the purpose, date, time, branch of court and
properly loaded with ammunitions; other destination of each movement/transfer of inmates. Maintain a
k. Exercise good judgment as unexpected events not covered by policy or logbook or database for Escort Unit indicating there in the same data to
procedure may occur on any transport. If in doubt, secure the inmate include the date and time of arrival as well as the occurrence of untoward
in a local law enforcement/jail facility and call the chief escort or officer incident, if any, as well as the observation of any unusual movement of
of the day for direction; inmates and other people en route;
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5. Select escort personnel and designate a team leader who shall serve as the 4. Conduct visual inspection of the vehicle to ensure that it is clean, fueled,
contact person for the duration of the transport of inmates; mechanically serviceable and free of contraband or any other item that may
impede the safe and secure transport of inmates;
6. Accomplish the Daily Escort Slip indicating the names of assigned escort
personnel for each inmate; 5. Ensure that all inmates are properly restrained before going out of the jail;
7. Ensure the availability of marked transportation vehicle; 6. Ascertain whether an inmate has a crippled, deformed or very small hand
that will allow him/her to slip the handcuff off his hand;
8. Supervise the conduct of strip searches on inmates prior to and after the
inmates’ movement/transport; 7. Be armed with an authorized and duly permitted weapon and ammunitions;
9. Ensure that appropriate security measures are undertaken to maintain 8. Transport and secure the inmate as assigned;
custody and control of inmates to be transported;
9. Maintain radio or mobile phone contact with the Chief escort/Officer of the
10. Ensures that all inmates are properly dressed in accordance with Day in the jail. Escort team leader shall bring his mobile phone or check out
prescriptions before they are transported, and ensure that inmates carry one from the Supply Officer for use, if any; and
only item/s duly inspected and for which they have been granted permit to
carry; 10. Be updated of their location along the roadways to expedite the response
from law enforcement units in case of any eventuality.
11. Ensures that the driver had checked the vehicle and ascertain BLOW
BAGETS is observed; D. Use of Restraints
12. Monitors through handheld radio or mobile phone the situation and current In all instances, an inmate being moved shall be handcuffed. When two
location of the inmates and their escorts while outside the jail facility; (2) or more inmates are transported, each must be secured to the other. In no
case shall an inmate be handcuffed in any part of the vehicle during transit to
13. In case of long distance transport of inmates, coordinates with the nearest avoid being trapped in case of an accident. Use additional restraints, or limited
local law enforcement agencies/jail units having territorial jurisdiction over restraints for special needs, when necessary shall be authorized.
the destination; and
1. Techniques in Handcuffing:
14. Maintain regular communication with the warden on all
movements/transfers of inmates. Rear Position Front Position
- thumbs up - thumbs down
C. Escort Personnel - palms out - palms out
- double locked - double locked
1. Check the identity and receive the inmate named in the Daily Escort Slip - key holes facing up - key holes facing up
duly signed by the Chief Escort; - used for hostile or violent inmates - used for general
population
2. Keep/maintain a copy of current profiles and photos of all inmates being
transported for immediate submission to local law enforcement units in the 2. Guidelines for using restraint:
event of an escape or other emergency situations. For this purpose, the
Records Section shall maintain a duplicate copy of the current profiles and a. Never place a restrained inmate in an area where unrestrained
photographs of all inmates in their respective carpetas which shall be inmates are located;
prepared on the day prior to the date of scheduled hearing and be given to
the Chief Escort prior to the inmates transport; b. Never handcuff an inmate without double-locking both handcuffs;
3. Ensure the correct identification of all inmates being transported by c. Never handcuff a male inmate with a female inmate;
comparing the face, name and other important data with the photograph
and information on each inmate’s profile before leaving the facility; d. Never handcuff an adult inmate with a juvenile inmate;
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e. Never handcuff a maximum risk inmate with a medium or minimum b. Inmate meals shall be served to the inmate in the transport
risk inmate; vehicle; and
f. Observe right to right/left to left when placing handcuff; and c. The inmate shall be kept in restraint at all times;
E. Special Concerns a. If possible, escort personnel shall coordinate restroom breaks with
the nearest local law enforcement units or jail facilities;
1. Illness En Route
b. In case of emergency stop, escort personnel should avoid
a. In the event that an inmate becomes gravely ill while en route and congested areas; and
there is no medical assistance available, the escort personnel shall
make an arrangement for a medical examination at the nearest c. Escort personnel must inspect emergency stop areas before entry
government hospital or medical facility and keep the inmate under visual supervision at all times without
removing the restraint.
b. The escort personnel shall contact the Chief Escort or Officer of the
Day for further instruction; and F. Contact to the Public
c. Should an escort personnel becomes ill during transport, the escort 1. Escort personnel shall maintain low profile and shall avoid public
shall secure the inmate/s in a nearest jail/police station and contact while in a the company of an inmate;
immediately notify the Chief Escort or Officer of the Day.
2. Inmates shall not be allowed to make any phone call or contact with
2. Escape anyone while in transport;
a. If an inmate escapes during transport, the escort personnel shall 3. Unauthorized person shall not be allowed to get near the inmate. Only
exhaust all means possible to immediately apprehend the inmate; a lawyer or lawyers and court personnel shall be permitted to converse
with the inmate; and
b. If more than one (1) inmate is being transported, at least one (1)
personnel shall remain with the inmates still in custody; 4. No media interview shall be allowed for the inmate and/or escort
personnel. (Based on the case of ANDREA ROSAL)
c. The escort personnel shall notify the nearest law enforcement unit
and the Chief Escort as soon as possible; Section 43. EMERGENCY PLANS/CONTINGENCY PLANS -Emergency
plans for both natural and man-made calamities and other forms of jail
d. Personnel shall remain in the vicinity of the place where escape disturbances shall be formulated to suit the physical structure and other factors
happened to assist local law enforcement units; and peculiar to every jail, such as:
e. In the event that an escape or attempted escape has transpired in Natural Calamities Man-made Calamities/ Disturbances
a public place, escort personnel shall not fire warning shots. If time a. Fire a. Riot
and opportunity allows and no other person is near the escapee, b. Flood b. Jailbreak
the personnel may shoot provided a verbal warning was made prior c. Earthquake c. Noise barrage
to the discharge of the firearm. d. Tsunami d. Hostage-taking
e. Landslide e. Food poisoning
3. Meals f. Typhoon f. Rescue
g. Volcanic eruption g. Biological attacks
a. Escort personnel shall provide all meals and drinks en route with h. Epidemics h. Bombing
packed meals and drinks; i. Others i. Water shortage
j. Power failure
k. Others
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Section 44. REGULAR DRY- RUN - To ensure that the contingency plans d. Always upholds human rights and observes the code of
would be applied to the letters, regular dry run shall be conducted taking into conduct.
consideration the actual strength of the jail per shift and the absolute reaction of
personnel on off duty upon notice of disturbance/s. Regional and provincial offices 3. Assumes responsibility for the formulation and implementation of
of the Jail Bureau shall adopt its own contingency plans on how to react upon emergency plans to preclude occurrence of jail incidents and
notice of any disturbance in the jail and on its own offices. The same shall likewise disturbances. He shall acts as adviser to the PA as regard the
conduct a regular dry-run to ensure effective and well-organized reaction. implementation of plans, programs and policies of the Jail Bureau;
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BJMP PERSONNEL 5. Ensures proper use and maintenance of equipment;
IN THE FRONTLINE SERVICE
6. Coordinates with GOs or NGOs and/or the media groups;
Section 45. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF BJMP PERSONNEL 7. Acts on other matters as his PA and/or RD may direct;
ASSIGNED IN JAILS -The following are the specific duties and responsibilities of
personnel assigned in a particular jail: 8. Submits spot reports, if necessary, to higher offices;
I. Jail Warden 9. Turnover duties and responsibilities including supplies, logistical funds,
organic equipment, records, paraphernalia, books and magazines to the
1. The jail warden generally exercises supervision and control over all incoming jail warden upon relief or such needed records, supplies and
personnel in the jail unit and the inmates in all matters related to the equipment to his designated OIC during his absence; and
following:
10. Performs such other functions as higher offices may direct.
a. Proper implementation of legal orders, rules and regulations
and directives on jail operation and administration; II. Assistant Warden
b. Administration of sanctions and other disciplinary actions on 1. Assumes the duties and responsibilities appurtenant to the warden in
inmates and reporting to higher authority those personnel the latter’s absence;
under his command who willfully disobey lawful order and
commit any infraction of law; and 2. Assists the jail warden in the implementation of plans, programs and
policies of the Jail Bureau;
c. Conduct of greyhound operations and inspections of jail
facilities and premises. 3. Assists the jail warden in the supervision and monitoring of various
projects, programs and policies of the Jail Unit;
2. Looks after the welfare of his men through awards, commendations
and the like: 4. Assists the jail warden in the over-all management of the jail unit; and
a. Leads and enforces a high standard of discipline among his 5. Acts as chairman of the inmate’s disciplinary machinery.
personnel;
III. Human Resource Management Officer (HRMO)
b. Endeavors to promote personal and professional growth of
subordinates; 1. Supervises the implementation of administrative policies relative to the
proper wearing of uniform, attendance and participation in jail
c. Observes fairness and impartiality in dealing with personnel functions;
and inmates; and
2. Implements programs for welfare development and uplift of morale and
discipline;
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The foregoing considered, a warden is required to be present on a 24/7
3. Prepares the necessary reports for submission to PA and the Regional basis to supervise personnel and direct the operations of his or her jail unit. Chaos,
Office; untoward incidents, and unsound subordinates' decisions often result from the
absence of an officer particularly during emergencies.
4. Shall be responsible in the safekeeping of administrative and personnel
records or 201 files;
B. RULES AND SOP’S
5. Prepares office orders, details and disposition of personnel,
memoranda, administrative issuances and other communications as 1. Generally, all personnel should be equipped and clothed with BJMP CORE
instructed; Values;
6. Programs activities to jail information and education, trainings and 2. Custodial personnel shall render the maximum of 8 hours of operational
seminars, and sports development; tour-of-duty daily;
7. Evaluates the performance of each personnel; and 3. No personnel shall render less than 50 hours of official tour-of-duty weekly;
8. Coordinates with NGOs/LGUs as regard personnel development 4. No personnel shall be allowed 1-day duty with 2-days off; or 2-day-duty
trainings. with 3-day-off; or weekly straight duty, especially in far flung jail units;
IV. Custodial Unit 5. No personnel shall be permitted, allowed or authorized by the warden to
act as his personal body guard or as Intel officer without approval by higher
A. CUSTODIAL PROCEDURES
headquarters. The designation of personnel as personal body guard or intel
Custodial function is a highly sensitive and delicate job that requires officer of the warden, if any, shall be covered by a "Letter Order" and not
personnel specialization, prowess, and keen knowledge of the job and of the by a "unit office order only;
hazards involved. It also requires personnel mental stability and physical attributes
needed to perform at optimum level. 6. In-coming duty custodial shall be present 30 minutes before the turn-over
to pave the way for “guard mounting activity;"
Incidents of escapes due to custodial lapses, however, cannot be attributed
solely to the absence of the factors mentioned earlier. These may boil down to 7. No personnel shall leave his/her post unless properly relieved. All out-going
laxity, lack of self-discipline, and lack of dedication to sworn to job on the part of personnel shall wait for his/her reliever and the completion of the turn-over
the personnel concerned. before going out;
It is a must that both dedication to the job and discipline be inculcated in 8. Before the accounting of inmates, greyhound should be conducted, if
the hearts and minds of all personnel. These can be done thru regular meeting, PI
necessary. Facility check shall be religiously done. This includes thorough
& E and other ways to remind personnel the essence of being a jail officers, the
nature of the job they have chosen, the things expected of them. inventory of firearms for fire power, check of vans for mobility, grills,
padlocks, restraining devices, gates and walls to ensure safety and prevent
Custodial function therefore is not merely seeing to it that the personnel possible escapes by inmates;
is/are physically present or existent. More importantly, it refers to the personnel's
conscious efforts ensure the prevention of any untoward incidents that would 9. During the accounting of inmates both in-coming and out-going shift
tarnish the image of the Jail Bureau and/or, and the prevention of destruction to supervisors and all members of the in-coming custodial personnel shall
lives and properties. personally account the inmates;
Custodial function is never easy. It involves an intrinsically great 10. Accounting of inmates shall be done at least 6 times in a day. No personnel
responsibilities, such as but not limited to, strict adherence to rules, regulations, shall carry his gun while in the designated “No Firearm” Zone inside the jail
SOP’s, and memoranda, etc. by all concerned. However, it can be made a hobby,
facility. No personnel shall enter the jail building unless accompanied by his
notwithstanding the temptations, hardships and dangers entwined with it.
buddy;
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11. It is a must for the in-coming desk officer to check "previous entries" in the 20. Searchers shall exercise courtesy to visitors but must be firm in decision
Logbook as some important details or information might have been making as regards his/her duty as searcher. Any item he/she has deemed
forgotten by the out-going desk officer to relay to the in-coming team; suspicious shall be disallowed to be brought inside the facility;
12. Personnel manning designated post shall stay in his/her post for the most 21. During visitation of inmates, the shift-in-charge shall assist the cell control
of their 8-hour tour-of-duty. Only when he/she has to relieve himself that officer who personally supervises and control the exit of inmates from the
he/she is allowed to leave his post but shall return immediately; cell building ensuring that only those who called are allowed to go out;
13. Personnel shall be vigilant at all times. No personnel take a nap or sleep 22. Establishes Intel inmate operatives/assets for better monitoring of events
while on his/her post especially during 3 rd shift duties or during unholy or happenings inside cells. Counter Intel operations to verify and evaluate
hours; gathered information shall be launched accordingly.
14. Shift supervisor shall conduct hourly inspection to ensure all duty personnel 23. Practice of and adhere to Jail Officers “COMMON SENSE” and “OPLAN
are intact, present and alert in their designated post. He shall likewise GREYHOUND” are musts all the among jail officers;
ensure that no personnel are using cell phone, tablet, i-pads or any gadgets
that can disrupt their attention while on tour-of-duty; 24. Never TRUST inmate. ZERO escape is everybody’s business; and
15. Personnel assigned at the main gate of the facility shall be professionally 25. To secure IWD programs and activities and closely monitor them, close
strict and firm, keen observer of the surrounding and shall open the gate coordination between the IWD unit officer and the chief security and
only when safety is sure. They should see to it visitors allowed to enter or custodial unit officer is highly necessary. The notion that IWD programs
to go out the jail are properly frisked or inspected and accounted. They or and activities weaken the security is immaterial.
he/she shall not by themselves or himself/herself deal with the media by
but they or he/she shall inform the warden or any authorized officer in the C. SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS
absence of the warden, for proper action/disposition. They or he/she must
ensure that no inmate shall escape at the gate and no enemy and/or 1. Officer-of-the-Day (OD)/ Chief Custodial Unit:
unauthorized person shall enter;
a. Assists, advises and recommends to the warden plans or strategies
16. Cell control personnel must not allow any inmate to go out except during regarding jail situation, personnel deployment and activities to be
IWD activities authorized by the warden. He shall personally open the cell undertaken inside the jail facility;
gates or cells accompanied by other personnel;
b. Monitors in-coming communications from higher offices, courts,
17. Roving guard-personnel shall from time to time inspect the facility building, LGU’s, and other offices;
walls, grills, and surroundings. They shall assist the IWD personnel during
c. Screens and checks all out-going communications;
activities of inmates outside cell;
d. Inspects on-duty custodial and escort personnel;
18. Female searchers shall religiously implement strip searches of visitors
suspected to be couriers of contrabands but shall adhere to existing memos e. Fully supervises over personnel conducting IWD activities inside the
and SOP’s as regards the process; jail facility;
19. Searchers shall be witty and resourceful in searching for contrabands as f. Imposes and implements “No Cell Phone Use, Smoking, Gambling
they are cleverly stashed in unassuming items such as in chocolates, and Drinking” by personnel while on operational Tour-of-Duty;
toothpastes tubes, bath soaps, sole of sandals or shoes, etc;
g. Strictly imposes the “No smoking, drinking and gambling” policy
inside jail;
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h. Recommends to the warden the formulation of OPLANs and assists
him during dry runs of the same;
3. Desk Officer:
i. Acts as Officer-in-Charge when the warden is on leave or on official
business; a. Observes strictly proper recording and entry of activities in the
logbook and records comprehensively and legibly all entries of
j. Performs other duties and functions as higher headquarter or the events and activities in jail;
warden may direct;
b. Accounts duty personnel before guard mounting;
k. Assists the higher authority in the proper implementation of
policies, SOP’s, rules and regulations pertaining to jail security; c. Properly maintains the logbook and preserves all entries made;
l. Supervises and monitors the conduct of custodial unit personnel as d. Thoroughly checks entries in the logbook and notifies the out-going
they perform duties; and desk officer about any discrepancy of entry in the logbook;
m. Prepares and submits to higher authorities necessary report/s to e. Asks the out-going desk officer about any unrecorded event or
pertaining to jail security and the conduct of custodial unit
about event/s the out-going desk officer failed to record in the
personnel.
official logbook;
2. Shift/Duty Supervisor:
f. Double checks the actual number of inmates recorded in the
a. Acts as model to his subordinates and emphasizes the promptness logbook before proceeding to official headcount of inmates;
and punctuality, cooperation, 100% attendance of his team
g. Records in the logbook the actual number of inmates accounted
members;
during the headcount;
b. Spearheads the proper conduct of guard mounting before the
h. Records all vehicles, individuals, calls or letters coming in and going
actual assumption of operational tour-of-duty;
out the jail facility;
c. Reminds his men about decency, dedication, professionalism and
i. Carefully checks and personally accounts for the names of inmates
positive attitude towards work;
due for court hearing and does the same checking, accounting and
d. Relays information to the officer-of-the-day, assistant warden and identification of the inmates upon their return from the court;
warden about any abnormal occurrence/s during the operational
j. Assists the gate guard when the latter opens or closes the gate and
tur-of-duty;
assists also in the identification of out-going visitors after visiting
e. Assists his team members in any situation/s that calls/call for his hours;
official intervention as senior NCJO;
k. Disseminates to all individuals concerned all instructions received
f. Assists the assistant warden and the warden in the formulation of from the jail warden and higher authorities;
OPLAN and during the conduct of dry runs;
l. Courteously receives incoming telephone calls, letters, mails, and
g. Assists in the supervision of personnel during the conduct of IWD other items requiring appropriate action or disposition;
activities inside the jail facility;
m. Serves as the information officer of the unit;
h. Shall be responsible for the discipline of his immediate
n. Records daily activities in the journal including special events,
subordinates; and
occasions, activities of personnel and inmates, VIP arrivals and
i. Performs other duties and functions as the warden may direct. unusual occurrences during the tour of duty;
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o. Maintains the posting/publication of letter/special orders and other cc. Ensures that keys to all emergency exits, cells, brigades, and stage
"disseminations" in the bulletin board such as lost and found items, places of fire-fighting equipment are made available when needed;
wanted persons, etc;
dd. Adheres to the Eleven General Orders; and
p. Safe keeps and maintains a separate logbook for visitors;
ee. Performs such other functions as higher authorities may direct
q. Informs the warden about any infraction/violation made by the
inmate/s while in custody for appropriate investigation and 4. Gate Supervisor:
disposition by the jail warden or the disciplinary board;
a. Supervises/monitors the conduct of searchers and other duty
personnel at the gate;
r. Acts as control officer by sounding the alarm in case of escape or
jail disturbances; hence, alerting the personnel on duty including b. Ensures that the duty personnel at the gate are always
those not on duty; and receives emergency instructions from the courteous/polite to visitors;
most senior officer on post or from the jail warden upon his arrival;
c. Ensures strict implementation of the SOP on the conduct of body
s. Coordinates with other agencies/friendly forces in case of jail searches on jail visitors and inspection of their belongings, and
disturbances, such as riot, escape, fire, etc; disallows visitor who refuses to be searched to enter the jail
facility;
t. Spearheads the headcount of inmates before the assumption of
their tour of duty; d. Is responsible for the temporary safekeeping of firearms and other
properties not allowed inside jail facility and brought by organic and
u. Assigns custodial unit members to different post and monitors them non-organic personnel and other law enforcement personnel;
regularly;
e. Supervises the inspection of all vehicles that pass through the gate,
v. Ensures the implementation of the Do’s and Don’ts in the security, and makes sure that all trips of official bureau van are for "official
business" only;
control and custody of inmates;
w. Prepares and submits necessary reports to higher authorities; f. Records activities/events at the gate;
x. Supervises the proper use of water and lighting facilities in jail in g. Reports to proper authority any unusual incident in his AOR; and
the absence of the personnel in-charge;
h. Performs such other functions as higher authorities may direct;
y. Books the newly committed inmate in the jail blotter and assigns
5. Main Gate JNCO:
the inmate to a reception area, if any;
a. The main gate shall function as primary check point where anybody
z. Ensures the conduct of search on newly admitted inmates and or material shall be subjected to rigid inspection before he/she or it
inmates returned by escort unit before allowing them to return to be allowed entry into the facility;
their respective cell;
b. Must be alert, vigilant and keen observer at all times must not carry
aa. Maintains a system of key control, which shall includes accurate long firearm;
listing and receiving of all keys and prohibiting inmates from
handling keys or scrutinizing them; c. Must open the main gate only when necessary must keep the same
securely locked at all times;
bb. Personally accounts for all keys before and after assumption of
duty to determine whether all keys are still intact; d. Must ensure that hinges and padlocks are fully operational;
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d. Must observe safety procedures by ensuring no inmate shall stay 6. Secondary Gate Guard:
near the gate at any time must not to talk to anyone except in line
of duty; a. The secondary gate shall function as final check point before
anybody or anything shall be allowed entry the heart of the facility;
f. Must ask who is at the gate, request for identification, ask the
purpose of the visit and name of inmate he/she intends to visit, b. Must conduct physical and ocular inspection of all persons or
and verify through the gate's peephole whether or not it’s already vehicles allowed entry through the main gate;
safe to open the gate;
c. Must advice non-organic personnel, friendly forces or civilians to
g. Informs the desk officer or any personnel about his decision to deposit their belongings such as cell phones, video or camera and
open the gate and thereafter requests for their assistance;
other gadgets not authorized inside the facility;
h. Upon entry of visitor/s, the gate must be closed immediately and
d. Must inspect the van thoroughly and account inmates due for Court
double checking of the padlock must be done to ensure that it is
properly locked; hearing before opening the secondary gate;
i. Must advise non-organic personnel, friendly forces to deposit their e. Must inspect the van and inmates on their return from the Court
firearms before entering the facility; before allowing their entry; and
j. No inmate shall be allowed near the main gate; f. Must conduct thorough and proper inspection of all vehicles going
out of the facility and of all persons passing his post.
k. Ensures that no inmate shall escape through the gate;
7. Main Cell Gate Control JNCO:
l. Religiously adheres to the eleven (11) general orders during the
tour of duty. a. The main cell gate JNCO shall function as main check point before
any inmate shall be allowed to go outside;
m. Requires/verifies ID, and checks individuals coming in and out the
facility; b. Must not carry firearm while on TOD;
n. Counterchecks entrance stamp/security marks of visitors leaving c. Must never leave his post unless he or she is going to relieve
the jail premises; himself or herself or he or she is properly relieved;
o. Strictly implements policies/guidelines pertaining to gate security d. Must not entrust key to any inmate;
and control;
e. Must open the main cell gate only when necessary in the presence
p. Thoroughly inspects all vehicles that enters and leaves the jail of a buddy;
facility;
f. Must devise a procedure ensuring systematic control of inmates
q. Immediately reports to the higher authority any unusual coming in and out the jail building;
circumstances during the tour of duty;
g. Must keep note on the number and identification of inmates that
r. Counterchecks the list of inmates going outside the jail facility for
went out to participate in any jail activity;
legal purposes; and
h. Must strictly impose memorandum, and SOP as regard time.
s. Performs such other functions as higher authorities may direct.
Inmates should be already inside their respective cell at 1700H and
ensure that no one shall be allowed to linger outside;
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i. Must refrain from playing games using electronic gadgets and must i. Immediately reports to the desk officer any incident or any unusual
refrain from engaging himself/herself with social media during his situation observed;
TOD;
j. Inspects regularly the jail security facilities, such as window grills,
j. Must refrain from taking any food or beverage offered by inmates ceilings, walls, iron bars, etc., and immediately reports to the desk
especially during night duties; and officer any unusual observations for proper disposition; and
k. Must not instantly open cell gate upon notice of commotions or k. Performs such other functions as higher authorities may direct.
receipt of emergency calls from inmates as these information about
commotions and emergency calls might only be tactics or ploys to 9. Tower Guard:
rattle the cell gate JNCO; hence, the need for him to assess first
a. Acts as the eyes of the whole facility for the duration of TOD;
the situation and apply contingency procedures as the need be.
hence, must be very alert and observant;
8. Roving Guard:
b. lmmediately alerts any personnel via handheld radio or sounds the
a. Must not stay long in a place and nor remain thereat for the alarm upon noticing any unnatural event/s inside and outside of the
duration of TOD; facility;
b. Must not bring firearm while in areas of the jail facility where c. Gives or sounds the alarm when calamity threatens the facility;
carrying said firearm is not allowed;
d. Instantly alerts all personnel in the event of any disturbance
c. Refrain from utilizing inmates as jail aides rendering massage/or perpetrated by inmates and that occurs more often when inmates
other personal services; are to perform tasks/activities in areas or places outside their cells;
d. Shall assist the secondary guard in the inspection of inmates going e. Using his utmost and sound discretion, fires warning shots during
out and coming in to the jail facility; disturbances, attacks from enemy forces, and when inmates are
trying to escape by scaling the wall or when inmates are in the act
e. Observes keenly the surroundings, behavior and actuations of of actually destroying parts of the facility;
inmates; checks perimeter walls, fences, and barbed wires for any
sign of breaches of security, and removes objects that can be used f. Must not allow any inmate to be in his designated place of
to climb or scale the walls and other materials that can be utilized assignment;
for escape by inmates;
g. Religiously adheres to the eleven (11) general orders during the
f. Tightly guards inmates requested to throw garbage or who simply tour of duty;
hang their clothes in the drying area;
h. Closely monitors the situation within his area of responsibility and
g. Acts accordingly and immediately calls the attention of other immediately reports to higher authority any unusual circumstances;
personnel, officers and the warden in in cases of any abnormal
i. Alarms the higher authority as the need arises; and
situation such as jail emergencies or disturbances as well as
emergencies brought about by natural or man-made calamities; j. Performs such other functions as higher authorities may direct.
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demands and intimidations by inmates, visitors or colleagues in the uniform service. 11. Adheres to related laws (GAD and VAWC) as regard the procedures to be
Basically, everything that goes in inside the jail passes through searchers. Searchers conducted and is sensitive to the rights of the person to be subjected to
comprise the first line of defense to thwart the entry of all contrabands and the last search;
line of defense when communications aimed to besmirch or embarrass the jail
bureau come from inside the jail. 12. Searcher must not divulge any personal observation made on the subject’s
body for whatever legal purposes;
It is a fact though, that contrabands were often slipped into the jail by
erring personnel. It is most imperative therefore that pre-emptive measures to 13. Let’s the visitors sign a waiver for the search he/she will undergo.
ensure that proliferation of these items will be curtailed once and for all. a. Refusal to sign any waiver means he/she shall not be allowed to enter
the facility on that day he/she shall be subjected to same procedure
Specific Functions of Searchers: when he/she decides to return for a visit on other date.
b. Refusal for a visitor to have his belongings searched shall be a ground
1. Searcher must aim for zero (0) contraband-slipping through him/her or
to disallow him/her entry to the facility.
smuggling into the jail facility during his/her duty as searcher;
c. Upon approval of the warden or his authorized representative,
2. Must be professional, exercising prudence and sound judgment, respecting personnel who shall refuse to be searched likewise must not be allowed
the rights of visitors or personnel whom he or she subject to search; inside the facility;
d. Personnel shall likewise be subjected to strip search. However, the
3. Searcher shall be strict and firm in his/her decision but must his/her procedure must be done by the warden, assistant warden or ranking
decision must be within the purview of existing BJMP memoranda, rules,
officer whom he is under.
regulations and SOP’s;
e. Refusal of personnel to undergo strip search will mean he/she will be
4. Searcher must be impartial and must treat all visitors and personnel equally disallowed to enter the facility and if he/she is a duty custodial, he/she
to avoid any misunderstanding; will be marked absent on that date. He/she shall undergo the
procedure the next day when reporting for work.
5. Observe courtesy to all visitors and/or personnel. Searcher must not be f. Personnel who refuse for two consecutive times to undergo strip search
harsh and rude during his/her duty and he or she must refrain from making shall be charged accordingly; that is, appropriate charged will be filed
any unnecessary comment/s on all visitors;
against them.
6. Any visitor whom he/she has observed to be under the influence of g. All vehicles must undergo intensive search before entry to and exit
intoxicating beverages shall be disallowed inside the jail facility; from the facility.
h. Relatives of personnel including those of the warden shall not be
7. Letters and all communications shall be thoroughly read and censored. excluded from anybody search before entering the facility.
Those which may affect security or emotion of inmates the visitor intends
to visits should not be given to the addressee; 14. Searcher must have at least one (1) buddy and shift supervisor during
searches;
8. He/she shall apprise any suspected visiting courier/s of contrabands of
his/her or their right before any bodily, strip or body cavity search will be 15. In cases where/when a contraband or contrabands is/are confiscated from
done on him/her or them; any person or organic personnel, the searcher shall immediately notify
his/her buddy, and turn-over the contraband/s and courier to the shift
9. Strip or body cavity search shall be done professionally in the designated
search room wherein the searcher is accompanied by the duty personnel supervisor or any duty personnel. The latter shall immediately inform the
who supervises and witnesses search conducted. The searcher must wear warden. The duty personnel must take photos of and document every
latex glove; detail of the search made;
10. Whenever possible, the searcher must see to it that the person to be 16. He or she shall inform the desk officer who shall record the incident in the
searched shall be accompanied by another visitor who shall act as witness logbook, stating every minute-detail of the confiscation. This is done for
the procedures conducted; documentary for documentary and evidentiary purposes relative to the
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filing of filing of appropriate charge/s against the courier of the sometimes results in casualties of personnel, more so; henceforth, putting the
contraband/s; Bureau in a bad light and embarrassment.
17. The searcher and his or her witnesses must be committed to pursue the Strategic and careful planning prior to any movement by the warden and
case filed against the suspect; chief escort is indeed necessary. Thus, members of escort team shall first be
briefed and notified about any scheduled movement. Proper coordination with
18. Strictly implements SOP in the conduct of body searches on jail visitors and friendly forces in the locality while en route to any destination is a must.
on the inspection of their belongings; Intelligence gathering shall be made inside jail units and around AOR before any
movement is done.
19. Prepares and maintains an official record of inmate’s visitor/s;
Therefore, escorting procedures must be strengthened and strict
20. Conducts body search on inmate’s visitors, personnel and other visitors who compliance with the same by escort personnel ensured. It is not enough that
escorting personnel adhere to existing rules and SOP’s. Equally or even more
enter the jail facility with their belongings likewise inspected;
important is the assumption by the personnel concerned of the “sense ofgreat
responsibility." Professionalism, team work, proficiency and cohesion must also be
21. Strictly implements the policies/guidelines pertaining to confiscated
inculcated in them. Stiffer penalty shall be imposed those who shall be found
contrabands; violating SOP’s, most especially in cases resulting in escape by an inmate or
inmates.
22. Performs strip search on all inmates prior to and after transport and before
allowing the inmates to enter his/her cell; 1. Before Leaving for Court:
23. Strip searches shall be conducted by the personnel of the same gender as a. The prisoners’ van must be thoroughly checked (BLOW BAGETS) and
that of the inmate being searched; inspected for the presence of explosives;
24. Prepares and submits report on any incident/s taking place within his/her b. The inmate/s must be searched or frisked at the cell gate for any
area of responsibility; and weapon, key and other prohibited items before he/she or they steps or
step out his/her or their cell;
25. Performs such other functions as higher authorities may direct.
c. Before letting the inmate or inmates board the prisoners' van, proper
NOTE: Any personnel involved in the confiscation of contraband during
identification of the inmate or inmates must be conducted by both
his/her official TOD refuses or refuse to stand as witness during the trial shall put in
writing his/her or their reasons, stating therein all circumstances and compelling custodial and escort personnel to ensure that such inmate or inmates
grounds of his/her or their withdrawal with the same duly notarized. His/her or their is/are the same as the one or those whose name or names appears or
failure to act in the interest of the bureau will be dealt with accordingly. appear in the list of inmate or inmates to be escorted for the court
hearing;
V. Escort procedures
d. Otherwise notified in Open Court, names of inmates for the day’s
Escorting inmates from Jail Unit to another or to other destination is an scheduled hearing shall be announced “only” in the morning to deter
intrinsically risky function considering that both personnel and inmates are
inmate’s plan to escape;
vulnerable to any sorts of danger from unfriendly forces. In escorting, an inmate
has contact with the outside world which makes him more psychologically pumped
e. A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) must be practiced, Right-to
up to seek freedom using any means necessary for him to escape either by the help
Right or Left-to Left in placing handcuff to inmate in pairs; and
of other people or himself. Lawless elements or civilians will have the best
opportunity to abduct or assassinate inmate/s that may itself endanger escort
f. Aside from the issued standard two-way radios, “NO” escort personnel
personnel in the process.
including the official driver shall use personal cellular phone while
Escorting is authorized by law but there have been many cases where it is escorting en route to and from the court. Only the chief escort shall
abused by erring personnel. Eventually, this leads to escape by prisoners and have the privilege to use cellular phone while escorting but he or she
limited to official communication/s only.
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2. Inside the Court: of the inmate or inmates is in peril if he/she or they is/are left
unattended.
a. In Courts where there is no holding area for inmates, the personnel
should place the inmate or inmates in the most secured area within the d. During confinement of an inmate or inmates in a hospital, the escort
court house while waiting for the call of his/her or their; duty must not exceed an eight (8) hour tour of duty especially when
the illness of the inmate or inmates is contagious;
b. While the inmate or inmates is/ are inside the court, civilians or his/her
or their relatives be restricted from giving him/her or them anything e. Always adheres to the buddy system when escorting at hospital;
such as letters, toiletries, money, foods, clothes, etc;
f. Must strictly limit the number of relatives, friends or civilians visiting
c. Escort personnel shall not in any manner allow any civilian except his or inmate patient or patients especially when the inmate patient or
her counsel to sit with inmates during court hearing; patients is/are a high risk /a high profile inmate or high risk high
profile inmates VEO’s; and
d. As a general rule, inmate must be handcuffed at all-time unless the
Judge orders otherwise; and g. When the confinement of an inmate or inmates in a hospital or when
the medical evaluation of an inmate or inmates is deemed too risky or
e. Do not allow relatives lengthy talks to an inmate or inmates shall not be when the escorts are reasonably few, the warden shall immediately
allowed to talk lengthily with his/her or their relatives before or after make a formal letter to the court stating therein valid reasons for their
the hearing. (See ANNEX “D” para 14 OCA NO. 08-2013) inability to bring the inmate or inmates to the hospital and he/she shall
request the court to direct a government physician to treat or conduct
3. Upon Return to Jail:
checkup of the inmate or inmates inside the jail.
a. Upon arrival from the Court, an inmate or inmates shall be put in a
5. Viewing the Remains:
holding area where he/she or they will be accounted for by the
custodial duty personnel and searched for any contraband that might a. Authentic Court Order for the inmate to view the remains of his/her
have been given to him/her or them while in the court; and immediate members of the family must be obtained;
b. After inmate/s is/are cleared of any contraband and duly accounted for, b. Wardens or their authorized representatives shall coordinate with the
escort personnel shall then un-cuff and endorse him/her or them to the court to ensure that the order allowing an inmate or inmates to view
cell gate guard for his/her or their return to his/her or their respective the remains of his/her or their immediate members of the family must
cell. specify the date and that the purpose is purely inmate's or inmates'
viewing;
4. Medical Referrals:
c. The chief escort shall seek the approval of the warden on the planned
a. Authentic court order for the inmate to undergo Medical check-up must
route and best possible time proposed to proceed for monitoring
be obtained;
purposes and avoidance of deviation;
b. In cases of "between life and death situations," whether the cause is
d. In cases where court order has been issued but the place is risky and
natural or one that resulted from a fatal injury inflicted inside the jail,
there is a great possibility that inmate might be rescued, or escorts’ life
the inmate or inmates must be referred to personnel concerned for
might be greatly imperiled, the warden shall make immediate
appropriate medical care and attention;
representation before the court and manifest the impossibility of
c. In emergency cases, the duty doctor, medical staff or jail nurse shall bringing the inmate or inmates to the destination so indicated in the
immediately assess the inmate or inmates to determine whether or not order;
the inmate or inmates is/are in great danger or whether or not the life
e. At the wake, two (2) escorts shall accompany the inmate while other
escorts shall secure the place to prevent any untoward incident;
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f. Inmate must wear only yellow t-shirt marked with BJMP Detainee and e. Personnel aboard the main and back up vehicles shall maintain open
his handcuff shall not be removed while at the wake; and communication while in transit and shall treat other vehicles especially
those vehicles without plate numbers or conduction stickers as carrying
g. As much as possible, communication between him and his relatives, would be rescuers or assassins of the HR/HF inmate and VEO’s.
friends or other civilians shall be brief and limited. Personnel shall make hand signal for other vehicles to go slow or to
overtake the convoy;
6. Transport:
f. Deviation is not allowed. However, to deviate from the shortest route
a. First hour in the morning, as daily routine, official drivers shall observe
when there is a clear and present danger shall be allowed swiftly with
“BLOW BAGETS” procedures;
prudent assessment of the team leader and/or members of the team to
b. While en route, the driver should not stop in any place along the way ensure everyone’s safety;
unless, there is a reason to do so. However, he has slow down when
g. As much as possible, the route taken in going to the destination must
approaching check points or detachments put up by authorities;
be avoided during the return of the team to the jail unit. Alternate
c. When re-routing is inevitable, the official driver must be familiar with routes should be pre-identified, and security threats assessed for
the street or place he is traversing and must be sure that the route is smoother travel with delay in returning to the jail unit avoided, and
safe; and
h. When engine malfunctioning is experienced while on transit, pull over
d. He must drive at a reasonable speed while transporting inmates. He in a safe part of the way is recommended. The driver shall immediately
should drive carefully, prudently, and defensively all the time. assess the cause of the engine's malfunctioning and solve the same.
The team members must be on high alert making sure that the safety
7. Movement Schemes: of the inmate and all escort personnel is in place. If the vehicle is
totally broken, the other vehicle shall be used immediately and notice
a. Prior to any movement of HR/HP inmates and VEO’, unit intel shall
about the possible delayed arrival should be provided the warden and
coordinate with the intel community in his AOR and in the place where
the court concerned.
the inmates/s will be taken. The result of his work shall be relayed
immediately to the warden and escort team leader evaluation and 8. In times of Attack, Rescue Attempt:
concomitant planning for counter intelligence operations, as the need
be; The maxim “Kill when imperative than to be killed" should be applied.
However, the personnel concerned should always observe the salient
b. The warden is duty bound to personally coordinate with the local chiefs provisions in the rules of Engagement before resorting to such violent action.
of police and other friendly forces for assistance and/or back up en
a. When fired upon, driver shall out run the attackers if possible;
route to the destination. In his absence, the assistant warden shall do
the task; b. If it is impossible to out run the attackers, pull over along the road or
in an area where there can be a barrier for cover is recommended;
c. Upon assurance of assistance or back up from the PNP or other friendly
forces, the warden shall initiate strategic planning, tactical briefing or c. Personnel should observe and find out where the fire power is coming
brainstorming with team for other possible options that will ensure from;
safety of all personnel and inmate/s;
d. As much as possible and unless the threat is such very serious as to
d. The team shall then without delay proceed, maintaining an open result in personnel-casualties or inmate-casualties, the personnel
communication with PNP counterparts or friendly forces as regards should not engage with the enemy;
route security. However, the details of any route to be taken shall
solely rest under the discretion of the Escort Team Leader and e. Neutralize threat as necessity calls for it;
members as planned;
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f. When threat is far too strong, the personnel concerned should j. Maintains regular contact with the jail warden on all movements or
immediately call for back up from other jail units and friendly forces in transfer of inmates; and
the area; and
k. Performs such other functions as higher authorities may direct.
g. When threats have been neutralized, the personnel concerned shall
2. Escort Unit member:
identify the attackers, secure those who have survived, account
personnel and inmates and call/request for the call the assistance of
a. Checks and receives the inmates indicated in the escort slip duly
the nearest PNP in the area. signed by the chief escort:
Escort Personnel b. Properly handcuffs and conducts body search on inmates assigned
to him/her before the inmate or inmates leaves or leave the jail
1. Chief Escort Unit: facility and before the inmate/inmates leaves or leave for the place
for which purpose he/she or they is/are escorted;
a. Coordinates with chief of admin section and determines the
number and names of inmates scheduled for court hearings and c. Escorts and secures the inmates while in transit to court, to other
their places of destination as approved by the jail warden; authorized destinations and to hospitals in cases of emergencies;
b. Coordinates with the custodial unit in connection with the list of d. Properly implements the Do’s and Don’ts in escorting an inmate;
inmates scheduled for court hearings and assumes responsibility
over them after inmates are properly accounted for and turned e. Presents the inmates in person to the court concerned on time and
over by custodial unit.; observes court rules/demeanor;
c. Designates escort personnel for inmates scheduled for court f. Provides security during the conduct of body search by the member
hearing; of custodial unit upon return of the inmate or inmates to jail
facility;
d. Accomplishes and signs the Daily Escort Slip indicating there in the
names of corresponding security escorts and inmates, the cases of g. Properly turns over to the desk officer escorted inmates;
inmates and the courts concerned for the information of the jail
warden; h. Reinforces or augments the custodial unit as it conducts operation
greyhound, other security services and jail activities; and
e. Conducts guard mounting and accounts for all members of the
escort unit, drivers, vehicles to be used, and the firearms and i. Performs such other functions as higher authorities may direct.
equipment to be carried or issued;
VI. Records Unit
f. Inspects carefully all security devices such as handcuffs,
probations, metal detectors, etc. to be used during tours of duty; 1. Verifies the authenticity of court orders, subpoenas, release orders,
mittimus, bail bonds, and records of pending and decided cases, if any;
g. Ensures the proper use of handcuffs and color coded T-shirts by
inmates while outside the jail facility; 2. Receives the inmate and documents related thereto from the committing
officer, and conducts the following:
h. Personally supervises the conduct of body search on inmates by the
members of escort unit before the inmate or inmates leaves/leave a. Start the booking procedures;
the jail facility;
b. Accomplish the jail booking sheet;
i. Monitors thru handheld radio or cellular phone the
situation/location of escort and inmates while outside the jail c. Strip-search the inmate to check for any birth marks, tattoos, etc;
facility;
d. Encode the inmates’ information in the NIMS;
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e. Fingerprint and photograph the inmate with mug shot background; 4. Issues firearms, equipment and supplies to personnel concerned;
and
5. Accounts properties received from the regional office, LGUs and NGOs;
f. List the names of the visitors authorized by the inmate.
6. Issues receipt for deposited FAs and issues the necessary certification as an
3. Apprise the inmate about the provisions of Art 29 as amended by R.A. employee applies for leave or retirement;
10592 in the dialect that he or she understands;
7. Updates documents and other issuances;
4. Facilitate the signing of the detainee’s manifestation if he/she agrees to
abide by the same disciplinary rules imposed upon convicted inmates. 8. Takes custody of all confiscated/recovered contraband with
Otherwise, the Warden issues a certification under oath manifesting that corresponding markings necessary as material evidence in court;
the inmate was apprised of the provision of Art 29 of the RPC as amended
and refused to abide by the same; 9. Receives and issues corresponding receipt of deposited money and
personal properties of detainee upon his admission in jail;
5. Store all documents in the Inmate’s Carpeta;
10. Check the inmate’s belongings for presence of contraband upon his
6. Follow up mittimus and other documents or papers necessary for the Commitment;
transfer of prisoner to a correctional institution;
11. Takes all cash and other personal properties from the inmate, list them
7. Informs the court of the names, cases and dates of detention of inmates down on a receipt form with duplicate, duly signed by him/her and
who have not been arraigned yet. countersigned by the inmate. The original receipt should be given to the
inmate and the duplicate kept by him or her;
8. Secures court clearances and photocopies of legal documents;
12. Keeps all cash and other valuables of the inmate in a safety vault. Said cash
9. Records all documents received from courts, from prosecuting attorneys, and valuables may be turned over to any person authorized by the inmate;
and from the counsel/s of inmate/s; and
10. Monitors and prepares a status report of pending and resolved cases of 13. Provides all keys with tags, distinctly marked to avoid confusion during
inmates. emergencies.
1. Coordinates and officially transacts business with courts, and other 1. Verifies the authenticity of the court orders;
government agencies, NGOs and LGUs on jail programs, projects and
activities as directed by the warden; and 2. Coordinates with the custodial duty whenever there are paralegal activities;
2. Informs the chief of administration about the results daily transactions and 3. Monitors the case status of inmates and acts appropriately on cases that
liaison activities. qualify for early release of the inmate/s;
VIII. Property Custodian 4. Assists inmates in availing themselves of any of the modes for early
release;
1. Maintains inventory records of properties/equipment and supplies;
5. Endorses to the provincial paralegal officers cases that need to be acted
2. Installs markings, tags or symbols on equipment/properties to determine upon by a provincial agency or an agency within the territorial jurisdiction
level of priority during evacuation phase; of the province, if the jail does not have the resources to coordinate with
such an agency;
3. Receives and records all equipment and supplies issued by the regional
office and local government units and those donated by NGOs;
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6. Coordinates with other sections in the jail in the conduct of paralegal
activities; 6. Supervises the orientation of inmates on all BJMP rules and regulations
related only to their detention;
7. Coordinates with the local justice and welfare sector agencies (e.g., PAO,
Prosecutors, Courts, BPP, PPA, and LSWDO) to protect the rights of and to 7. Supervises the issuance/s, safekeeping, accounting, and disposal of IWD
promote the development inmates, especially CICL; materials and items;
9. Organizes, coordinates and supervises paralegal volunteers, service 8. Accounts and secures properly in a safe place kitchen utensils, knives, and
providers, and other organizations that provide paralegal services; other IWD materials making them inaccessible to inmates;
10. Oversees the organization of a pool of paralegal aides among the inmates 9. Provides inmates with education and skills training programs, and work
for the purpose of attaining the objectives of his/her office; programs to enhance their chances for employment upon release;
11. Supervises, trains, and leads paralegal coordinators in promoting 10. Provides opportunity for inmates to attend religious services, to avail
awareness of inmates’ rights, relevant laws, and the modes of releases; themselves of guidance and counseling, and coordinates with other
units/agencies/institutions concerned in conceptualizing, implementing and
12. Enforces uniform guidelines for paralegal volunteers and NGOs providing promoting inmates’ welfare program/s;
paralegal services in harmony with the BJMP National Headquarters
issuances; 11. Promotes participation by inmates in civic programs and activities, values
formation, group dynamics, etc;
13. Implements, develops, and plans short term and long term programs and
activities to enhance paralegal services; 12. Gives opportunity to inmates for active participation in a variety of
recreation and sports activities in jail;
14. Recommends to the provincial paralegal officer the adoption of certain
policies; 13. Assists in coordinating for the early release of inmates in line withan
existing of decongestion programs;
15. Submits paralegal reports to the Provincial Paralegal Officer not later than
every 10th day of each month; 14. Briefs or orients inmates on jail policies and regulations;
16. Submits an annual accomplishment report not later than the 10 th day of 15. Identifies inmates with potential or ability to undertake rehab education,
January of each year; and training and work programs;
17. Submits confidential report on any person, regulation, policy. 16. Initiates implementation of supplementary programs/activities to enhance
the rehabilitation of individual inmates;
X. Inmates Welfare and Development (IWD) Unit Officer
17. Conducts continuing study to determine the effectiveness of every IWD
1. Coordinates with the custodial duty whenever there are activities; program/project/activity implemented and make appropriate
recommendations;
2. Keeps records and reports of all IWD’s activities and accomplishments;
18. Conducts periodic inventory of IWD supplies and materials, in order to
3. Establishes coordination with GOs, NGOs, LGU’s, other service providers, prevent pilferage, loss or manufacture of improvised deadly weapons by
and the community through the jail warden on every IWD’s activity to be inmates and submit report thereon;
undertaken;
19. Improves the productivity of viable livelihood projects through employment
4. Coordinates with various religious sectors in the implementation in jail of of cost-saving measures, search for better market, and increase in yield or
religious activities/programs; production and quality enhancement;
5. Supervises the use of tools and other potentially dangerous articles, such as 20. Accounts for inmates who have been fully rehabilitated and recommend
bottles, acids, kitchen knives, etc. and keeps them out of inmates’ reach their possible employment upon release; and
when not in use;
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21. Insures sustainability of TCMP in jails. 4. Shall coordinate and / or assist in the conduct of medical missions by
benevolent groups, association and agencies.
XI. Medical Officers
XIII. Jail Nurse
1. All offenders committed to district, city and municipal jails, and BJMP
personnel are entitled to available health services; 1. All offenders committed to district, city and municipal jails, and BJMP
2. Check on the authenticity of the entries in the medical certificate. Conduct personnel are entitled to available health services;
thorough physical examination to assess the condition of the inmate, and
ask searching questions to determine injury sustained after the conduct of 2. Newly-committed offenders shall be thoroughly evaluated, examined and
medical examination or those injuries not diagnosed prior to commitment in properly recorded. Emphasis must be made on external signs of trauma
jail; like abrasions, contusions, hematomas, etc. Companions of offenders must
be noted and recorded, including jail guards in attendance;
3. Establish and maintain proper coordination with local executives, local
health units and civic health organizations for seeking health-related 3. Establish and maintain proper coordination with local executives, local
assistance; health units and civic health organizations for seeking health-related
assistance;
4. Shall coordinate and/or assist in the conduct of medical missions by
benevolent groups, association and agencies; 4. Shall coordinate and / or assist in the conduct of medical missions by
benevolent groups, association and agencies;
5. Make referral of patients to a hospital/clinic;
5. Shall properly document and report to higher authorities all kinds of
6. Shall perform actively in the physical examination, diagnosis and donations given to offenders and / or office;
treatment of medical and surgical cases affecting offenders and personnel;
6. Conducts regular assessment of health situation of inmates;
7. Shall conduct daily progress records of all confined patients in BJMP health
stations. Patients hospitalized in other health care institutions shall likewise 7. Programs health activities in jail, such as medical mission, health education
be monitored and properly recorded; and other related health activities and acts as medical/health records clerk;
8. Shall supervise and provide technical assistance to all health personnel in 8. Administers medications of general prescription for common diseases in the
the conduct of health care delivery; and absence of a medical officer;
9. Shall conduct epidemiologic studies of disease affecting personnel/ 9. Conducts frequent health education programs for inmates emphasizing on
offenders and other relevant statistics. the importance of personal hygiene in the prevention of diseases;
XII. Dental Officer 10. Provides first aid or emergency assistance to inmates; and
1. All offenders committed to district, city and municipal jails, and BJMP 11. Coordinates with the city/municipal health officer and other agencies, NGOs
personnel are entitled to available health services; for assistance, medical check-up and treatment of inmates.
2. Newly-committed offender shall be thoroughly evaluated, examined, and SECTION 46. SPECIAL TACTICS AND REPONSE (STAR) TEAM
the result of said evaluation/examination shall be properly recorded.
Emphasis must be made on external signs of trauma like abrasions, It is an elite tactical unit trained to perform high-risk operations that falls
contusions, hematomas, etc. Companions of offenders must be noted and outside the operational abilities of the regular BJMP personnel and is equipped with
recorded, including jail guards in attendance; specialized skills and sophisticated firearms and equipment. A ready force is
composed of highly trained BJMP personnel and experts in dealing with high risk,
3. Establish and maintain proper coordination with local executives, local high profile inmates and VEO’s, as well as in controlling critical jail disturbance and
health units and civic health organizations for seeking health-related incidents
assistance; and
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The Bureau shall maintain a STAR team in its national, regional and c. Oversees the general plans during tactical operation;
provincial offices; in big jails with high risk, high profile inmates and VEO’s; in jails d. Promotes the morale and welfare of S.T.A.R team members; and
that are strategically located for the STAR team's immediate response, and in e. Performs other functions as the Chief, BJMP/Regional Director may direct.
nearby jails to whom the STAR team could, during emergency cases, extend
assistance to if the number of its members so warrants. 2. Assistant Team Leader
STAR trained personnel should NEITHER be assigned individually in jail a. Must be the most senior JNCO;
NOR be given custodial responsibility. They should be assigned by teams only b. Must be a graduate of STAR Course, CQB or SWAT;
in places mentioned in the preceding paragraph in order not to defeat the c. Assists the team leader regarding plans for tactical operation;
primordial intent of its creation. d. Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the team leader during the
latter’s absence; and
A. Scope of Jurisdiction e. Performs other functions as the Team Leader may direct.
1. The BJMP-NHQ STAR Team shall be under the direct command and 3. Communication JNCO
supervision of the Director, Directorate for Operations.
a. Must be a graduate of STAR Course, CQB or SWAT;
2. The BJMP Regional STAR Team shall be under the direct command and b. Responsible in command post operations, radio communications,
supervision of the Regional Director. communication codes and video recording (if available) between the team
and the command post;
3. Upon deployment of the STAR Team, commands/orders shall emanate c. Responsible for coordination with other teams, units, media, and the
from the Team Leader. National Headquarter/Regional Office; and
d. Performs other functions as the team leader may direct.
B. Duties and Responsibilities
4. Supply JNCO
1. Shall serve as the last resort in addressing crisis in jail.
2. Shall augment the force during court hearings of high risk/high profile a. Must be a graduate of STAR Course, CQB or SWAT;
inmates and other similar tasks. b. Prepares request for logistical needs;
3. Escorts high ranking/key officers and other dignitaries of state. c. Ensures all equipment/gadgets are operational and accounted;
4. Performs other task/functions as the Chief, BJMP/Regional Director may d. Ensures the availability of other supplies needed; and
direct. e. Performs other functions as the Team Leader may direct.
1. To escort and secure dangerous inmates in high-risk situations; a. Must be a graduate of STAR Course, CQB or SWAT; and
2. To provide services for major jail operations; b. Performs other functions as the team leader may direct.
3. To resolve siege and hostage situations, as well as armed offender
situations; SECTION 47. QUICK RESPONSE TEAM (QRT)
4. To provide a negotiation service in high-risk and critical situations;
5. To undertake searches of jail premises in high-risk situations; and It is created purposely to respond immediately and efficiently and to
6. To neutralize jail disturbances that may arise at any of the BJMP contain, control, and solve in the shortest possible time any form of jail
facilities, using the necessary force to maintain and restore peace, incidents/disturbance while waiting for the arrival of reinforcement from the
discipline and order inside jail premises. National/Regional STAR team/s and friendly forces.
D. Team Composition and Basic Functions It is imperative that all jails nationwide have Quick Response Team/s
(QRT). As first responders, members of the QRT must undergo trainings and
1. Team Leader seminars for them to be equipped with the knowledge and skills in jail incident
management.
a. Must have the rank of inspector, at least;
b. Must be a graduate of STAR Course, CQB or SWAT; A. Scope of Jurisdiction
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b. Inmates’ information will be encoded thru NIMS within jail level;
➢ Shall be under the command and control of the jail warden, or in his c. 100% data within the jail; and
absence, the assistant warden or the most senior JCO/JNCO. d. Will be submitted to provincial/regional Office for consolidation.
➢ Acts as first responder to any jail incidents. ➢ Consolidates and submits consolidated data from jail level for regional level
consolidation.
1. Alarm -gives the alarm through siren, whistle, shouting, etc.
2. Contain - isolates/cordons the affected area. 3. National Level
3. Report - provides correct and precise information about the
situation. a. Submitted data from Provincial/Regional Level will be Consolidated for
4. Evaluate - evaluates damage to equipment and facilities; National Level Consolidation;
- evaluates personnel/inmates situations. b. Consolidation of database will be on the National Level; and
c. BJMP National Headquarters having a nationwide database for inmates’
C. Team Composition records.
a. Team Leader SECTION 49. GREYHOUND FORCE - It aims to eliminate in all BJMP
manned facilities any form of contrabands that could have adverse implications on
➢ A former STAR Team member or have undergone Quick Response overall administration of the facilities and to ultimately establish order in all jails,
Training. promote operational efficiency and encourage adherence to prescribed operating
policies.
b. Assistant Team Leader
All regions should create a Greyhound Force whose composition shall be in
➢ Have undergone Quick Response Training. accordance with BJMP Manual on Operation Greyhound and SOP on Control of
Contraband and Physical Evidence. This way, surprise major greyhound operation in
c. Members all jails to be spearheaded by the Regional Director or Assistant Regional Director
for Operations may launched anytime.
➢ Have undergone Quick Response Training.
A. Duties and Responsibilities
Section 48. NATIONAL INMATES’ MONITORING SYSTEM (NIMS) – A
dynamic stand-alone client application software is used in Bureau of Jail 1. Ground Commander - All orders concerning troop movements will
Management and Penology (BJMP) Jails nationwide in automating the inmates’ emanate from him. Irrespective of the hierarchy of command, no authority
records. shall take precedence or overrule his directives until his relief as ground
commander.
A. SCOPE
2. Team Leaders - Sub-groups or teams that make up every task group will
➢ NIMS is currently installed in all BJMP jails nationwide. Which includes, but each have its designated team leader. The team leader shall take direct
not limited to: hand in overseeing the movements of the elements of his team while
simultaneously maintaining close coordination with the ground
1. 460+ Jails commander. He shall take responsibility in maintaining fluidity in the
2. Jail Provincial Administrator’s (JPA) Offices execution of his team’s designated functions. He shall regularly inform the
3. BJMP Regional Offices ground commander about the status or progress of the operation.
B. PROCESS FLOW 3. Assistant Team Leaders - Sub-groups or teams that make up every task
group will each have its designated assistant team leader. The assistant
1. Jail Level team leader shall, in aid of the team leader, be responsible in overseeing
the movements of the elements of the team. He shall take custody of the
a. Committed inmate will undergo a jail booking; personal belongings of the operatives.
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b. Holding Area Security Elements – They shall secure the holding 4. Contraband Custodian - He shall be primarily responsible in taking
area of the inmates. custody of all confiscated contraband before these are turned-over to the
jail warden.
2. Contraband Search and Seizure Teams - They shall be responsible in
thoroughly searching and checking the quarters of inmates and personnel a. Contraband Inventory Control-in-Charge - He shall be
for contraband and such other items that may pose hazards to the overall responsible in maintaining a theoretical and an actual inventory
security of the facility. account of all confiscated contraband.
a. Team Supervisor - Other than the team leader and the assistant 5. Contraband Recorder - He shall be responsible in the on-site recording
team leader, a team supervisor will be designated to directly oversee of all contraband confiscated.
the inspection of each cell. He shall be responsible in making sure that
all items confiscated are properly documented, tagged and turned-over a. Facility Representative - He shall act as the representative of the
to the contraband custodian. jail warden of the facility inspected. He shall maintain a separate
record of all contraband confiscated to be reconciled with the
b. Searching Elements - They shall be primarily responsible in the theoretical inventory report being maintained by the contraband
search and seizure of contraband and the removal of unauthorized recorder. In the absence of the jail warden, he shall take part, in a
structures inside the facility. representative capacity in the validation of inventory balances during
the turn-over of custody of all contraband to the former.
c. Inmate Representative - An inmate made to witness the operation
must come from the particular cell being searched. He will act as the b. Contraband Sorters - They shall take primary responsibility in the
representatives of his fellow inmates to validate the claims of sorting, labeling and confiscated contraband.
ownership of the items seized.
C. Service Support Group
3. Friskers
1. Medical Support Team - A stand-by medical unit shall take responsibility
a. Friskers of Personnel - They shall have all operatives designated to in attending to medical cases, giving proper medical attention.
frisk inmates and cell searchers frisked before the conduct of the
search and seizure operations. They have to make sure those 2. Intelligence Support Services Team - They shall gather information
designated friskers of inmates and cell searchers do not bring any of before and during the conduct of operations to enable the operating teams
their personal belongings with them in the conduct of their function to to accurately purge its targets. At the same time, they shall maintain
preclude malice that these possessions were ill-gotten; hence, they coordination with the ground commander.
have to have their personal belongings turned-over to their designated
assistant team leader for safekeeping. They will likewise ensure that 3. Investigation and Legal Services Support Group - They shall be
personnel directly handling contraband do not furtively take any of the responsible for information gathering and facility inspection after the
items they have confiscated. conduct of Greyhound Operations to ensure that the items confiscated
were not returned inside the facility. It is their prime responsibility to
b. Friskers of inmates - They shall have all inmates lined up and ensure that all legal requirements are met to support the legitimacy of the
frisked before sending them to the holding area. Any contraband operations and as not to infringe the rights of the clientele or other
found to have been concealed by the inmate will be confiscated and personalities who will be affected by the operation.
turned over to the recorder for proper documentation.
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4. Administrative Support Team - They shall be responsible in the
detailed documentation of the progression of the operations. They shall Section 53. MAIL SERVICES
likewise properly observe the hierarchy of events in their documentation
before, during and until the termination of the operations. a. Mail service shall be provided to all inmates provided that all outgoing and
incoming mail matters shall pass through the designated censor officer in
E. Crisis Management Group - They shall be responsible in taking measures to order to prevent the entry of contraband or illegal articles and entry or exit
abate the tension in the event of crisis situations until the intervention of crisis of information affecting the security of the jail.
response authorities.
b. The inmate sending out any mail matter shall open his mail/package and
1. Negotiations Team - In crisis situations where negotiations are have it read and inspected by the designated censor officer. If the mail is
practicable it will be the role of the negotiations team to establish meeting cleared for dispatch, the inmate shall close and seal the mail and place the
points to neutralize the situation. In deteriorating crisis situations it will be same in the outgoing mail box. He shall likewise receive incoming mail or
their role to sustain making arrangements until the intervention of crisis mails that has or have been previously cleared by the Censor Officer. If the
response authorities. outgoing or incoming mail has contraband or harmful information, such
matter shall be registered as violations of jail rules and regulations and
2. Liaison Team - They shall be responsible in providing for tasks or shall be to the Disciplinary Board for immediate adjudication.
errands incidental to the crisis situation/operations.
c. The designated jail staff shall collect the inmates’ mail matters on a daily
3. Tactical Response team - In the event that a crisis deteriorated beyond basis, Monday through Friday.
the capabilities of the BJMP to handle, the aid of an ally tactical response
team will be sought. d. Inmate’s letters or any other mail matter shall be sent as registered,
certified, stamped or special delivery if they so desire at their expense. The
F. Communications and Media Control Group letters will be processed in accordance with procedures for the handling of
mail.
1. Media Barricade - They shall be responsible in controlling/regulating
media access to the subject jail facility of the Greyhound Operation. In no e. An inmate under disciplinary segregation shall be allowed full
way will members of the media barricade team entertain queries or give correspondence privileges, unless this misconduct involves a serious
any information as to the status of the operation. violation of correspondence regulations.
2. Spokesperson - He shall be responsible in making informative f. Inmates who receive or send money through the jail mail service shall be
disclosures to media about the operations as directed by the ground under the supervision of the Warden.
commander. In no way shall he engage himself in making or giving a
statement or statements to the media at his own volition. Every statement Section 54. OTHER SERVICES– Other services such as legal assistance
made and information disclosed must be limited only to what is authorized or specialist services shall be provided subject to jail policies and guidelines as
of him to convey. approved by the Chief, BJMP.
Section 51. SCHEDULE OF JAIL PERSONNEL - The jail warden shall Full blown crisis in BJMP-manned jails developed from improper application
draw a plan or a schedule of leave of absence for his men and a plan or schedule of of force. Improper use of force may be attributed to three lapses: a) vague rules of
rotation/designation of jail designation of personnel within his/ her AOR to avoid engagement, b) inadequate standards and alternatives in the use of force, or c)
depletion of manpower at any time of the day. misjudgment in the application of rules and standards. Therefore in the application
of force or the use of weapons in confronting crises in jails shall be subservient to
Section 52. VISITATION SERVICES -Visit of any immediate members of the principle of necessity and proportionality.
family or reputable and duly acknowledged friends of inmates shall always be under
strict supervision. In this regard, the warden shall determine and prescribe the
date, time and manner of facilitating visitation.
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Section 55. GENERAL RULES - Regardless of the types of functions to A. The decision on the appropriateness of the level of force to be used in
be performed and/or jail operations to be conducted, all BJMP units and personnel a given situation depends entirely on the judgment of the warden or his
shall comply with and apply the following rules: duly authorized representative or other jail personnel confronted with
situation requiring the use of force.
a. Under all circumstances, use of force is justifiable only by virtue of the
Doctrines of Self-Defense and Defense of a Stranger; B. NO FORCE CONTINUUM
b. The use of force shall not be resorted to except when strictly necessary for 1. General Principles
the maintenance of security and order, or when personnel’s safety is Any Jail Officer in the performance of his duty shall:
threatened;
a. Display an authority figure tempered with patience to maximize efforts
c. The use of force shall not be resorted to except in self-defense or in the to listen and discern between institutional and personal issues,
defense of others against grave and imminent threat of death or serious demands, and sentiments of the individual or group of individuals;
injury, or when strictly necessary such as escape of an inmate;
b. Use tactful persuasive language to gain willing cooperation in
d. As far as possible, non-violent means must be exhausted prior to use of discussing and addressing the various concerns that triggered the
deadly force; disturbance;
e. Whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, jail officers c. Exhaust all persuasive efforts to settle the issues, demands, and
shall: sentiments without compromise to security matters pertaining to
escape, attempt of escape, threat of harm or injury to the staff, other
1. Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness inmates, or visitors;
of the offense and the legitimate objective to be achieved;
d. Not, in any instance, use unacceptable language that would demean or
2. Minimize damage and injury, and respect human rights and preserve antagonize the status of the inmate as a person;
human life;
e. Not, in any instance, draw, un-holster or point any firearm to anyone
3. Ensure that assistance and medical aid are rendered to the injured as that may cause reactions that will aggravate the situation or necessarily
soon as possible; and antagonize anyone; and
4. Ensure that relatives or close friends of the injured or affected person f. Exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with hostile, arrogant taunting
are immediately notified as early or as earliest possible. inmates.
f. Where injury or death is caused by the use of force and firearms, the jail 2. Specific Principles
officer shall immediately render a detailed narrative report on the incident
to his superiors; a. Riot
g. The personnel shall be trained on the use of force and firearms; and a. 1Open Field
h. If necessary, stress counseling should be provided to jail personnel who a.1.1 Use of negotiation, persuasion and verbalization to
had been directly involved in incidents where force and, or firearms, were contain, pacify, subdue, and control incident.
used.
a.1.2 Assessing the danger of the situation by considering the
Section 56. USE OF FORCE CONTINUUM - The use of force number of inmates involved in the riot, whether or not inmates are
continuum is an escalating level of force commencing from no force, to non-deadly armed, the violent reputation of apparent leaders, and external
force and ultimately, to deadly force. In dealing with the use of force continuum, factors such as the weather, time, possibility of escalation, and
the following rules shall be observed: other external threats.
a. 2Close Field
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a.2.1 Use of negotiation, persuasion and verbalization to d.3 Ensure tight security of perimeter fence to avoid inmates taking
contain, pacify, subdue and control incident. advantage of the situation.
b.1 Lock up inmates to ensure perimeter security. The warden or his duly authorized representative must consider
b.2 Dialogue and negotiate with inmates. If inmates are compliant, the following factors in decision-making:
gather all inmate leaders for further dialogue and open forum.
- The firepower and number of rescuers; and
b.3 Never resort to any use of force as long as inmates are only - In rescue while in transit, presence of civilians and danger of
doing noise barrage and the incident does not escalate into a more cross-fire.
serious one.
e.1 Negotiation must be used to pacify, control, and subdue the
c. Hostage taking situation. It is also used to ascertain the goal of the rescuers and
may help the warden or his duly authorized representative arrive at
The warden or his duly authorized representative must a better decision.
consider the following factors before making any decision
regardless of the demands of the hostage takers: e.2 Secure the rest of the inmates who are not involved in the
incident.
- Whether or not hostage taker/s is/are armed;
- Whether or not the victim is a fellow inmate, jail f. Assault
personnel or civilian;
- Number of inmates involved in the hostage taking; The warden or his duly authorized representative shall consider
- Number of hostages; and the following factors in decision-making:
- Length of time.
- Whether or not inmates are armed; and
c.1 Maintain and establish communication with the hostage takers.
It is imperative that an experienced hostage negotiator be - Whether or not the victim is a civilian, jail personnel or fellow
designated as the primary negotiator. The first five (5) minutes is inmate.
critical, hence the jail officer nearest the incident must apply verbal
containment techniques by negotiating with the hostage-taker until f.1 Negotiation must be used to pacify, control, and subdue the
an experienced negotiator arrives. situation. No use of force is authorized if, after the assault, the
authorities have regained control of the situation and that there is
c.2 Evacuate inmates who are not involved with the incident into a no possibility that the assaulting inmate may attack again.
more secured place to avoid taking advantage of the situation and
to ensure their safety. Contain the scene of incident by putting up a SECTION 57. NON-DEADLY FORCE CONTINUUM
security perimeter that will prevent other from entering the scene
except the responder. 1. General Principles
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b. Evaluate the situation and decide on the degree of non-deadly force to ▪ The health and physical condition of inmates must be taken into
be employed taking into consideration the following circumstances: consideration in choosing this non-deadly force for this may be
fatal to inmates with asthma, etc.;
- The possibility that the incident could escalate into a more
serious one; ▪ The ventilation of the area should also be taken into
consideration.
- The skill and experience of the jail personnel who will
administer the non-deadly force; and
f.3Impact weapons
- The compliance of inmates or their sincerity to negotiate for
surrender. ▪ Only trained jail officers are authorized to use impact weapons.
c. Continue negotiation notwithstanding the use of non-deadly force. ▪ Fatal parts of the body must be avoided since these weapons are
Resume negotiation if inmates show willingness to cooperate. also capable of inflicting serious and even deadly harm.
d. Resort to non-deadly force when the use of words does not control and g. The use of non-deadly force shall be authorized only to temporarily
the use of deadly weapon is inappropriate. incapacitate inmate and bring him/her back the control of the
authorities.
e. Authorize the use of non-deadly force in cases where inmates are non-
compliant despite verbal containment or the gravity of the situation 2. Specific Principles
dictates that verbal containment is not appropriate.
a. Riot
f. Authorized use:
a.1Open Field
f.1Physical contact
a.1.1 With continued verbalization, ascertain whether inmates
▪ Jail Officers must be adequately and appropriately are armed or not to determine the appropriate force to be used.
trained for the purpose. The height, built and age of the
inmate must also be taken into consideration in selecting the a.1.2 Isolate and secure non-participating inmates.
most appropriate jail officer.
a.1.3 If inmates are unarmed but resistant, use impact
▪ Inmates must not be armed. weapons.
▪ Blows must be directed to non-fatal parts of the body such as a. 2Close Field
hands, legs etc.
a.2.1 Carefully assess the situation to minimize the risk to
f.2Chemical/Electrical/Inflammatory (CEI) agents inmates and responding personnel.
▪ Resort to or use of this kind of weapon only when there are a.2.2 Physical contact may be discouraged since this is a close
personnel trained for the purpose. Prior to use of CEI agents, a field incident and it might endanger the life of the responding
paramedic must be available to provide first aid. jail officer.
▪ The use of CEI weapon should be exercised with due diligence a.2.3 Determine whether the use of chemical weapon is
since sparks from these weapons are capable of igniting appropriate. Consider ventilation and amount of chemical
flammable materials thus causing more serious harm (e.g. fire weapon to be used as it may put the lives of the personnel or
and explosion) and injury; inmates at risk.
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e.2 In case of rescue inside the jail facility and the rescuers are
a.2.5 Use other means of non-deadly force in a proper and heavily armed, use CEI weapon to incapacitate the rescuers and
considerate manner. rescue inmates. The ventilation and the space must be taken into
consideration when using chemical weapons.
b. Noise barrage
e.3 Never use CEI weapon in case of rescue while on transit if
b.1 At the first stage of violence, non-deadly force shall be there are innocent civilians who might be affected.
considered.
b.2 CEI weapons may be used to pacify or subdue inmates only if e.4 As much as possible, in cases of rescue while on transit, the
incident is escalating to violence. nearest police station or the jail must be immediately informed of
the incident for proper back up.
b.3 Non-deadly impact weapons shall be deployed only when there
is apparent threat to life and property. e.5 Physical force and impact weapons shall be used only when
rescuers are armed.
c. Hostage
f. Assault
c.1 If the hostage-taker is unarmed, use of non-deadly force may
be authorized. However, try to minimize the risk of injury. f.1 CEI weapon may be used to temporarily incapacitate the
assaulting inmate, and to rescue the victim. Authorities may also
c.2 If the hostage-takers are armed, impact weapons might be use this to control the situation.
utilized to subdue the inmates. Careful evaluation of the situation is
needed to determine whether impact weapons are sufficient or not. f.2 Use physical restraint if the assaulting inmate is not armed.
d. Lock down f.3 Use impact weapons if inmates remain non-compliant after
several hours of negotiation and if they are unarmed.
d.1 Determine how long do the inmates have controlled the facility.
Reasonable time is dependent on each situation and within the SECTION 58. DEADLY FORCE CONTINUUM
discretion of the authorities.
1. General Principles
d.2 If inmates are unarmed, physical force is possible by individual
restraint. It is also important to consider the number of inmates The warden or his superior shall:
involved in the incident and the availability of manpower to
individually restrain each inmate and eventually pull them out of a. Notwithstanding the exercise of deadly force, exhaust efforts of
the facility. verbalization and persuasion to contain, subdue and control incident;
d.3 If inmates are armed, use chemical, electrical and other b. Resort to use of deadly force only after failure of negotiation or non-
inflammatory agents to control inmates. deadly force intervention;
d.4 Notwithstanding the use of non-deadly force, negotiation c. Use deadly force only to incapacitate inmates or restrict the mobility of
should be continuous. inmates and the same should not be aimed at any fatal part of the
body;
d.5 Non deadly force shall be immediately discontinued when it is
apparent that the inmates are ready to give up the controlled d. Do authorize the use of deadly force or non-deadly force when no force
facility. is needed to resolve the situation and immediately order personnel
concerned to discontinue the use of deadly force after the necessity of
e. Rescue using it has ended;
e.1 Immediately alert the proper authorities as regard the rescue. e. Include in his repertoire the threat to use of deadly force such as
pointing a gun against an inmate;
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c.4 Immediately discontinue use of deadly force if there are signs
f. Employ deadly force only in defense of life or if there is reasonable that the use of force is not already appropriate such as when
ground to believe that there is grave and imminent danger to the life of hostage takers already show signs of surrender.
the jail officer himself, fellow jail officers, inmate/inmates and innocent
civilians; and d. Lockdown
g. Exercise the use of deadly force with reasonable care and diligence to d.1 When the erring inmates have assaulted fellow inmates who
justify its use. refused to participate in the lockdown.
2. Specific Principles
d.2 If there is a reasonable ground to believe that there is grave
a. Riot and imminent danger to the lives of inmates and personnel in the
facility.
a. 1Open Field
e. Rescue
a.1.1 Deadly force shall be used if inmates are armed and
uncontrollable or; e.1 In case of rescue by outside forces or in any situation during
rescue where lives of inmates and personnel are on grave and
a.1.2 When negotiation fails and lives are in grave and imminent danger, or when it is established that the rescuers are
imminent danger. determined to inflict harm or injury.
a.1.3 Shall be used only after non-participating inmates are e.2 If part of the facility is destroyed or if the jail security is
properly isolated and secured. severely jeopardized by rescue attempt.
a.2Close Field e.3 Never use firearms in case of rescue while on transit if it such
would pose grave and imminent danger to the lives of the people
a.2.1 Deadly force may be used only if despite the use of non- living in the area.
deadly force, inmates remain non-compliant.
f. Assault
a.2.2 Prior to use of deadly force, the authorities should have
properly identified the inmates involved in the riot. f.1 When use of deadly force is authorized to incapacitate the
assaulting party and prevent him from attacking other people.
b. Noise Barrage
SECTION 59. WARNING SHOT
Deadly force shall be employed if in case a situation escalates
into a serious condition or other inmates have resorted to violence 1. Disadvantages of warning shot
and have posed grave and imminent danger to the lives of inmates
and jail personnel. a. Warning shots may pose risks to innocent civilians, inmates and jail
personnel.
c. Hostage taking b. Warning shots may cause an armed fleeing inmate to fire back
believing that the shot was intended to kill him.
c.1 Deadly force may be used if there is total failure of negotiation c. Jail personnel could inadvertently shoot the inmate on fatal part of
and the inmates remain non-compliant despite the use of non- the body resulting to his death.
deadly force; d. When exercised negligently, warning shots may cause injury to
persons or damage to property.
c.2 If the hostage takers are armed;
2. Advantages of warning shot
c.3 A hostage or hostages had been killed; and
a. Warning shots when exercised properly are effective ways to stop a
fleeing inmate or vehicle.
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b. Firing warning shots would draw the attention of other people to the c. Authorized to reduce food and water but not to totally deprive
ongoing commotion or incident. inmates throughout the incident.
c. It would caution other jail officers about the ongoing commotion, thus
making them respond immediately. SECTION 61. POST ACTION ACTIVITIES
a. The shot should not be aimed at the fatal parts of the body nor at a 1. Debriefing of Personnel
particular person.
b. Since they constitute deadly force, warning shots must be exercised a. All personnel involved in the incident must undergo a thorough
with due diligence and only if the jail personnel reasonably believes physical, medical and psychological checkup.
that the inmate/inmates pose grave and imminent threat to the lives
of innocent civilians, inmates and jail personnel in the area. b. After the critical jail incident, all personnel must be briefed on
c. Warning shots are authorized in open field but not in close field. In the event, must be made to present their evaluation and the
giving a warning shot, extra prudence must be exercised to ensure lessons learned. In this way, personnel may not only learn from
that it will not cause any injury to any person or damage to property. their experience but they can also participate in the
investigation.
SECTION 60. DEPRIVATION OF FOOD, WATER, AND ELECTRICITY
DURING JAIL INCIDENTS 2. Debriefing of Inmates
1. Advantages a. Within 24 hours after the critical jail incident is resolved and
the situation normalized, the warden shall gather all inmates
The provision of food, water, and electricity can be used by the jail for a dialogue, thresh out important issues and settle possible
personnel to negotiate with erring inmates and possibly to gain some sources of conflict.
concessions like release of a hostage in exchange of food.
b. All inmates involved in the incident must be segregated from
2. Disadvantages the rest.
a. Food and water are objects of one's basic right, which he or she c. Inmates involved in the incident must undergo a thorough
should not be deprived of in all cases and under any circumstances. physical and medical check-up. Seriously wounded inmates
must be immediately brought to the nearest hospital.
b. Deprivation of food and water is considered as deadly force since
continuous lack of these necessities may result in weakening of the body B. Record keeping of the Incident
and this condition, if made to last for a long time, may result in inmate's
to death. 1. Preserve the crime scene and make sure that all pieces of evidence
are sealed and protected/not tampered.
c. Human rights groups may question the deprivation, which may
result in lawsuits against the personnel concerned. 2. Within 24 hours after the incident, a partial report should be
submitted by the warden to the regional director who shall, in turn,
3. Authorized use make a report to the Chief, BJMP.
a. The deprivation is authorized only when there is reasonable ground C. Evaluation of the applicability of the Use of Force
to believe that there is an imminent and grave danger to the lives of jail
personnel who deliver the food, water or any other necessities. 1. After an incident involving the use of force, a thorough investigation
should be conducted to determine the appropriateness of the level
b. It is authorized to cut the flow of electricity during use of CEI of force used taking into consideration the following factors:
weapon. The cutting off, however, must be for a limited time only.
a. The nature of the incident;
b. The level of force used;
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c. Number of inmates involved in the incident;
d. Number of personnel present in the incident; 6. The right to practice his/her religious beliefs and moral precepts;
e. Logistical capability of personnel including firearms and
equipment; and 7. The right to vote unless disqualified by law;
f. Damages/casualties caused.
8. The right to separate detention facilities or cells particularly for women
2. Identify lessons learned from the incident. inmates; and
Section 62. DECISION MAKING IN THE USE OF FORCE 9. If a foreigner, the right to communicate with his/her embassy or
CONTINUUM - The decision on the appropriateness of the level of force to be consulate.
used in a given situation depends entirely on the judgment of the incident
commander, if any, or the warden or his duly authorized representative or other jail Section 64. PRIVILEGES ALLOWED THE INMATES - Detainees may
personnel confronted with the situation requiring the use of force. enjoy the following privileges:
5. The right to be visited anytime by his/her counsel, immediate family L. To be entitled to Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) as provided by
members, medical doctor or priest or religious minister chosen by him law; and
or by his immediate family or by his counsel;
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M. To be utilized as jail aides as designated by the warden himself, with Provided, however, that in life and death cases where immediate medical
the CONSENT OF THE INMATE/INMATES or upon the recommendation attention is imperative, the warden, at his/her own discretion, may allow
of the personnel. an inmate to be hospitalized or moved out of jail for medical treatment;
Provided further, that when the emergency has ceased as certified by the
1. Scope of Work attending physician, the warden shall cause the inmate’s immediate
transfer back to the jail, except when there is a court order directing him
They shall be help the jail personnel in performing certain tasks to continue the inmate’s confinement in a hospital until his/her recovery or
inside the jail such as, but not limited to cleaning the jail facility, upon order of the Court for his/her immediate return to the jail.
cooking, washing kitchen utensils and other similar tasks. All
activities of jail aides shall be under close monitoring and Section 66. COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCY-MEMBERS OF
supervision by the jail personnel. THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM - The warden shall coordinate with the Public
Attorney’s Office (PAO) and the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) and
2. Limitations request them to conduct periodic visits to the jail to enable the inmates thereat to
avail themselves of the following services:
a. They must not be allowed to exercise supervision of any kind
over fellow inmates. 1. Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)
b. They shall be allowed to stay outside of their cells to perform
certain tasks during daytime and until 1700H only. a. Provide legal representation in the trial of inmates’ cases.
c. They shall not be allowed to do the following:
b. Assist convicted inmates in filing applications for probation.
c.1 open the jail gates;
c.2 search visitors; c. Assist inmates, in coordination with the National Prosecution
c.3 go out without court order; Service, in obtaining release on recognizance or temporary release
c.4 have possession of jail keys; pursuant to Batas Pambansa Bilang 85.
c.5 perform custodial duties;
c.6 have access to/keep sensitive records;
c.7 handling of and marking of entries in the carpeta; and 2. Parole and Probation Administration (PPA)
c.8 Have access to information e.g. answering telephone
calls, handheld radio and other means of communication. a. Assist inmates qualified for probation.
d. Only inmates charged with light offenses (crimes where the b. Conduct an evaluation of cases that may merit parole,
maximum imposable sentences are six (6) years imprisonment commutation of sentence or conditional pardon, and submit a
and below) or sentenced city prisoners who are due for release report thereon, together with the prison records, to the Board of
should be utilized as jail aides. Pardon and Parole.
e. No inmate charged with drug pushing shall be designated as jail
aide.
f. Designated jail aides shall wear T-shirts with the marking “Jail RULE IX
Aides” prominently printed at the back thereof for identification.
g. They shall not be utilized as personal trustees of personnel. FINAL PROVISIONS
EFFECTIVITYANDREPEALING CLAUSE
Section 65. LEAVE FROM JAIL - Leave from jail shall be allowed in very
meritorious cases, like the following:
Section 67. REPEALING CLAUSE -All rules, policies, guidelines and
1. Death or serious illness of spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, or memoranda inconsistent with the provisions of this Manual are hereby repealed,
children. modified and amended accordingly.
2. Inmates who are seriously ill or injured may, under proper escort, be Section 68. EFFECTIVITY- This Second Edition 2015 Comprehensive
allowed hospitalization leave or medical attendance. However, such leave BJMP Comprehensive Operations shall take effect upon its approval by the Chief,
shall require prior approval of the Courts having jurisdiction over them; BJMP.
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REFERENCES STATUTORY AND REGULATORY PROCEDURES/EXTERNAL DOCUMENTS
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ANNEX “A” ANNEX “B”
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4. Upon admission, the inmate should provide a list of his/her ANNEX “C”
authorized visitors including the pertinent data for their
identification.
Republic of the Philippines
4. Relative thereto, direct your Wardens to adhere to the above policy on Supreme Court
jail visitation. Manila
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wardens relative to the transfer of high-risk or high-profile detainees to better ANNEX “D”
secure jails, the Supreme courts hereby direct that:
1. All request for such transfer shall be submitted for appropriate action to OCA Circular no. 08-2013
the executive judge who has administrative supervision over the court
in the place where the local jail in which the prisoner is currently
detained; and TO : All Judges and Court Personnel of the First and
Second Level Courts.
2. The Executive Judge shall act forthwith on the request with notice to
the Presiding Judge of the court before which the case of the detained SUBJECT : Reiterating Security Protocol for the First and
prisoner is pending. Second Level Courts.
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4) During trials of detention prisoners, the Executive Judge (EJ) 12) All firearms and object which may be used as weapons, except,
shall request the PNP to assign or detail at least two (2) those belonging to law enforcement officers who are on official
uniformed policemen to secure and patrol the hallways of the business shall be deposited with the guard-on-duty of the
HOJ’s and court houses and their premises. HOJ’s, or with the sheriff or in the latter’s absence, the branch
clerk of the court, for courts not found in the HOJs.
5) Where applicable, the HOJ shall have one (1) entry and exit
point for visitors. 13) Any illegal weapon or article, under the revised penal code or
existing laws, shall be confiscated and surrendered to the
6) The EJ’s shall secure a holding area in the HOJs or in the court police officers assigned to patrol the hallways. In their absence,
house where detention prisoners shall be temporarily detained these things shall be surrendered to the nearest police station.
while awaiting trial. When no holding area is available, the
detention prisoners shall be detained in the bus, van, or vehicle 14) Where applicable, the PJ shall specify an area in the courtroom
that they used as transport, or any secure place outside the for detention prisoners. No one, except lawyers, shall be
HOJs or court houses. The detention prisoners shall be brought allowed to talk to or go near the detention prisoners.
to the courtroom only when their cases are heard
15) The PJ shall place the witness stand at least one and a half
7) Before leaving the holding area or temporary detention area, meter (1 1/2m) away from his seat. When the prisoners is on
the custodian shall conduct a thorough body frisking of the witness stand, the custodian shall stand between the judge
detention prisoners to ensure that they have no concealed and the prisoner.
weapon on them.
16) The PJ shall assign the sheriff, process server, or other court
8) While in the court’s premises, detention prisoners shall always employee to be present during court hearings for orderly and
be handcuffed, unless the presiding judges (PJ) directs safe proceedings in the courtroom.
otherwise.
17) Finally, PJs whose lives are endangered or threatened, shall
9) In HOJ’s, EJs shall ensure that the court security personnel immediately inform any of the following officials…
(CSP) keep a logbook of the name, address, purpose of visit
and signature of guests who enter the premises. All visitors
(HON. Jose Midas P. Marquez
including law enforcement officers shall be required to log-in
Court administrator
before allowed entry. All visitors are required to present Office of the court Administrator
adequate identification documents which they shall leave with G/f, Old supreme court building
the CSP in exchange for a court ID to be worn at all times Supreme Court
while inside the HOJ Taft avenue corner Padre Faurast.,
Ermita, Manila
10) For courts not in the HOJs, the sheriff, process server, or other
staff member shall be assigned by the PJ to provide security Attention: Atty. Leah M.Enriquez
inside the courtroom. Telephone nos.
Office-5257143
11) All persons who wish to enter the courtroom shall be subjected Mobile-09178278872
Fax No.-523-2315
to body frisking by the court’s sheriff, process server, or other
E-mail Address:
court personnel, before entry. A female guest shall be frisked lmenriquez@sc.judiciary.gov.ph
only by a female court employee. In addition, all bags and
other things brought inside the room shall be thoroughly Atty. Nonnatus Caesar R. Rojas
inspected. Director
National Bureau of investigation
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Taft Ave. Ermita, Manila RELEVANT BJMP SOP’s, Policies and Guidelines
BJMP
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
JOSE MIDAS P. MARQUEZ NUMBER 2010 - 05
Court Administrator
CONDUCT OF BODY SEARCHES ON JAIL VISITORS
I. REFERENCES
4. Chapter 200, Section 2.29 of Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention
Center Facility Procedures re: Admission Searches;
5. Strip Searches and Pat Searches, Number 09-01-22, Boulder County Jail
Policy Procedure Manual;
10. Republic Act no. 9165 – “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of
2002”
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11. Republic Act no. 7438 - “An Act Defining Certain Rights of Person • Illegal contraband - unlawful in itself and not because of some
Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation as well as the Duties extraneous circumstance (i.e. dangerous drugs, weapons, potential
of the Arresting, Detaining and Investigating Officers, and Providing weapons, explosives)
Penalties for Violations Thereof”; and
• Merely prohibited and nuisance contraband - are those that may
12. Dangerous Drugs Board Regulation No. 1, s. 2002 re: Guidelines on the not be classified as illegal under the law but are forbidden by jail
Custody and Disposition of Seized Dangerous Drugs, Controlled rules.(i.e. cellphone, money or other commodities of exchange such as
Precursors and Essential Chemicals, and Laboratory Equipment. jewelry, appliances and gadgets, excessive wearing apparels and
sleeping paraphernalia, intoxicating liquors, cigarettes, pornographic
13. Revised Penal Code materials, gambling paraphernalia and other products that are
considered vices).
II. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE
DANGEROUS DRUGS - means dangerous drugs as defined in Article I Sec.
The proliferation of contraband in jail facilities is a perennial problem that the 3(j), RA 9165. Such drugs include, but not limited to, heroin, morphine,
BJMP is confronting since its inception. Contraband in the hands of inmates opium, cocaine or cocaine hydrochloride, marijuana, marijuana resin,
jeopardizes jail security and hampers rehabilitation programs. marijuana resin oil,methamphetamine hydrochloride or
“shabu”,methylenedioxymethampheta- mine (MDMA) or “ecstasy”,
The use of various types of searches shall be necessary to protect the safety paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), trimethoxy- amphetamine (TMA), lysergic
of visitors, inmates and personnel. It shall be used to detect and secure diethylamine (LSD) and gamma hydroxybutyrae (GHB).
contraband with the aim of safeguarding the security of the facility.
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE - items with evidentiary value used in an
However, time and again, adverse claims and reports that visitors are administrative disciplinary proceeding or court proceeding.
sexually abused/harassed during the conduct of body searches have put the
Bureau in the bad light. PAT/FRISK SEARCH - is a search wherein the officer pats or squeezes the
subject’s clothing to attempt to detect contraband. For same gender
While the conduct of various types of searches is indispensible in our searches the Pat/Frisk search is normally accomplished in concert with Rub
campaign to prevent the entry of contraband, it should be reasonably Search.
implemented with utmost care and fairness to protect the rights of the
subject as well as shield the jail personnel from harassment complaints. RUB SEARCH - is a search wherein the officer rubs and/or pats the subject’s
body over the clothing, but in a more intense and thorough manner. In a rub
III. PURPOSE AND SCOPE search, the genital, buttocks, and breast (of females) areas are carefully
rubbed-areas, which are not searched in a frisk/pat search. Rub searches
This SOP aims to provide adequate safeguards against the introduction of shall not be conducted on cross-gender individuals.
contraband into jail facilities and to establish guidelines for different types of
searches. All searches should be conducted in a professional manner, STRIP SEARCH - is a search, which involves the visual inspection of
without violating the legal rights of visitors/inmates and with due respect and disrobed or partially disrobed subject.
regard to human dignity.
VISUAL BODY CAVITY SEARCH - is a search, which involves the
IV. DEFINITION OF TERMS inspection of the anus and/or vaginal area, generally requiring the subject to
bend over and spread the cheeks of the buttocks; to squat and/or otherwise
ARREST - is the taking of a person into custody in order that he may be expose body cavity orifices.
bound to answer for the commission of an offense.
PROBABLE CAUSE - is defined as facts sufficient to support a reasonable
CONTRABAND - any article, item, or thing prohibited by law and/or belief that criminal activity is probably taking place or knowledge of
forbidden by jail rules that would pose as security hazards or endanger the circumstances indicating a fair probability that evidence of crime will be
lives of inmates. For this policy, contraband is further divided into the found. It requires more than a mere “hunch,” but less than proof beyond
following categories: reasonable doubt.
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VISITOR - a person who enters a jail facility for a definite period of time to 2. Grasp the collar and feel for any hidden items.
meet an inmate or personnel of the Bureau or conduct an official business or
activity inside the jail. A visitor includes the relative, friend, lawyer, doctor, 3. Search each of the arms separately.
spiritual adviser, service provider or any person who enters the jail for the
purpose of seeing or conferring with an inmate. 4. Run hands down the shirtfront, checking the pocket and stopping
at the beltline. Then check the back using the same process.
V. GENERAL POLICY
5. Once satisfied that all areas above the waist –the neck, arms,
1. Searches are to be conducted in the least intrusive manner, while chest, and back are clear, check the waistline to feel for any
ensuring accomplishment of the intended purpose, yet maintaining small articles hidden.
respect for individual dignity and insuring the greatest level of privacy.
Personnel performing searches shall not be allowed to talk/discuss the 6. From the waistline, run hands down the subject’s buttocks.
search they performed unless directed by the court or warden.
2. All visitors before being allowed entry into the jail must be requested to 7. Then move both hands to one leg. Repeat process on the other
submit the things they carry to a thorough inspection and a thorough leg.
body search to prevent the entry of contraband in our jails.
3. Money, jewelry, gadgets and other commodities of exchange shall be 8. Finally, run hands over the subject’s lower abdomen and crotch
duly turned over to the Property Custodian for receipting and eventual carefully, feeling for concealed articles that may be taped to
safekeeping in a safety vault or box. It shall be duly returned to the these areas
visitor upon his or her exit from the jail facility. All visitors who refuse to
undergo search and inspection shall be refused entry into the jail. 3. If during the pat/frisk/rub search the jail officer develops probable cause
4. All male visitors shall be searched by male jail officers while female that contraband is being hidden by the subject, who is not likely to be
visitors shall be searched by female jail officers only. At no instance that discovered, the Jail Officer shall request for a conduct of strip
a female homosexual jail officer shall be allowed to conduct body search search/visual body cavity search.
on female jail visitors while a male homosexual jail officer cannot body
search a male jail visitor. Further, no person of the opposite sex shall be VII. GUIDELINES IN THE CONDUCT OF STRIP SEARCH FOR VISITORS
allowed to conduct or view strip searches.
5. In performing searches, sanitary gloves shall be worn by the jail officer. The conduct of strip search shall be done provided all the following conditions
6. The search should not be more extensive than necessary to determine are met:
the existence of contraband believed to be concealed on the subject.
7. Strip search and Visual Body Cavity Search shall only be conducted inside 1. All strip search shall be conducted with the knowledge of and directed by
a searching room that is adequately lighted, safe and guarantees the Jail Warden or in his absence by the Assistant warden / Jail Officer of
confidentiality. the Day. The searcher shall accomplish a Strip Search/ Visual Body Cavity
Search Authorization (SSVBCSA) (Annex A) for this purpose. The
VI. GUIDELINES IN THE CONDUCT OF PAT/FRISK/RUB SEARCH FOR SSVBCSA Form shall include information that there is probable cause that
VISITORS contraband is being hidden by the subject or subject to be strip-searched
is suspected of bringing contraband inside the jail. It shall particularly
1. All inmates’ visitors who want to enter the jail facility must be subjected state the source of information, if known, and the contraband to be
to body search and inspection of their belongings. brought in.
2. To perform a pat/frisk/rub search, the jail officer shall accomplish the 2. The visitor agrees to be strip-searched which shall be in writing to shield
following: the jail officer performing the search from harassment complaints. For
this purpose, the Waiver of Right on Strip Search / Visual Body Cavity
a. Instruct the subject to remove items from pockets, shoes, jackets, or Search Form (Annex B) shall be signed by the visitor. It shall be duly
any extra clothing. explained by the jail personnel performing the search and should be
understood by the subject. If the subject refuses, he/she will not be
b. Search the subject top to bottom being systematic: allowed to visit.
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3. All strip search must be done in the confidentiality of an enclosed space. a. Males: have them raise their scrotum allowing the officer to view
This area must restrict the possibility of visual access by person(s) not underneath;
involved in the search.
b. Females: have them raise their breast allowing the jail officer to view
4. To perform a strip search the jail officer shall accomplish the following: under the breasts.
a. Direct the subject to remove his/her clothing and hand the clothing to If the subject is female, have her squat down and cough. This should
the searcher for inspection. dislodge anything hidden in the vaginal cavity.
b. Clothing shall be examined by touch, using the squeeze and rub c. Have the subject turn around with their back to the officer, bend over
method which crushes every part of the clothing. and/or squat, and use their hands to spread their buttocks allowing
the officer to view the area of the anus or vagina. While the subject
c. Articles should be scanned for bulges and signs of openings or freshly is in such position, the jail officer may further instruct him/her to
sewn areas. Linings should not be overlooked. cough to dislodge anything hidden in the anus/vaginal cavity.
d. The searcher shall have the subject perform the following measures: IX. ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN UPON DISCOVERY OF CONTRABAND
DURING SEARCH OF VISITORS
1. Hold his/her hands out in front of his/her body with fingers
spread; A. Merely Prohibited and Nuisance Contraband
2. Turn his/her hands over showing the officer each side; 1. On first offense, the visitor shall be warned that it is prohibited and
that he/she is at risk of being considered delinquent visitor if he/she
3. Raise his/her arms over head allowing the officer to view the do the same again. Contraband shall be confiscated and turned over
subject’s underarms; to the Property Custodian who shall dispose them accordingly.
4. Shake out his/her hair; 2. If the same visitor committed the same or similar act, he/she shall be
considered as delinquent visitor and shall be duly recorded by the
5. Open his/her mouth with head tilted back. Lifting his/her searcher in a separate logbook exclusively for such visitors. It should
tongue; be accessible to other searchers.
6. Have the subject lift his/her feet so that the soles and spaces 3. As disciplinary measure and for security reason, the warden may
between the toes can be examined carefully. impose an order to ban the entry of delinquent visitor in accordance
with the provision of Sec. 4 (b) of the RA 7438 which provides:
e. Inspection of any covered wounds, casts, false teeth, prosthesis, etc.
shall be conducted with assistance of a jail doctor or nurse. “The provisions of the above Section notwithstanding, any security
officer with custodial responsibility over any detainee or prisoner may
f. After completion of the search, the officer shall return the clothing to undertake such reasonable measures as may be necessary to secure
the subject and allow the subject to redress. his safety and prevent his escape.”
5. If during the course of the strip search, the officer develops probable 4. Concerned inmate may also be subjected to disciplinary process
cause that contraband is concealed in an area not readily visible using the under the Inmates’ Disciplinary Machinery if it is established that
strip search; the officer shall proceed on conducting Visual Body Cavity he/she has participated directly or indirectly in the commission of the
Search. offense.
VIII. GUIDELINES IN THE CONDUCT OF VISUAL BODY CAVITY SEARCH B. Illegal Contraband except Dangerous Drugs
FOR VISITORS
1. Possession of illegal contraband shall automatically result to denial of
1. To perform a visual body cavity search, the jail officer shall have the subject entry and immediate arrest of subject visitor. The provisions of RA
visitor perform the following measures:
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7438 shall apply. Section 2 of RA 7438 is hereunder provided for duly accredited by the Commission on Human Rights or by any
ready reference. international non-governmental organization duly accredited by the
Office of the President. The person's "immediate family" shall include
“Section 2.Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained or Under his or her spouse, fiancé or fiancée, parent or child, brother or sister,
Custodial Investigation; Duties of Public Officers . grandparent or grandchild, uncle or aunt, nephew or niece, and
guardian or ward.
(a) Any person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation
shall at all times be assisted by counsel. As used in this Act, "custodial investigation" shall include the practice
of issuing an "invitation" to a person who is investigated in
(b) Any public officer or employee, or anyone acting under his order connection with an offense he is suspected to have committed,
or his place, who arrests, detains or investigates any person for the without prejudice to the liability of the "inviting" officer for any
commission of an offense shall inform the latter, in a language violation of law.”
known to and understood by him, of his rights to remain silent and
to have competent and independent counsel, preferably of his own 2. The said contraband will be confiscated and may further be used as
choice, who shall at all times be allowed to confer privately with the evidence against the jail visitor in criminal action/proceeding. Proper
person arrested, detained or under custodial investigation. If such handling of evidence (i.e. inventory, labeling and receipting of
person cannot afford the services of his own counsel, the physical evidence obtained) shall be observed.
investigating officer must provide him with a competent and
independent counsel. 3. Confiscated contraband shall be properly turned over to the jail
property/contraband custodian who shall turn over it to the police
(c) The custodial investigation report shall be reduced to writing by station where the subject visitor shall also be referred.
the investigating officer, provided that before such report is signed,
or thumb marked if the person arrested or detained does not know 4. Subject visitor shall be arrested based on Sections 5 and 8 of Rule
how to read and write, it shall be read and adequately explained to 113 - Arrest of the Revised Rules of Court.
him by his counsel or by the assisting counsel provided by the
investigating officer in the language or dialect known to such 5. A jail visitor who was found in possession of the contraband must be
arrested or detained person, otherwise, such investigation report coordinated and turned-over immediately to the nearest police
shall be null and void and of no effect whatsoever. station who shall be the one to file the appropriate case against
him/her with the Prosecutor’s Office based on the report/complaint of
(d) Any extrajudicial confession made by a person arrested, detained the BJMP personnel who made the search. Detaining the subject
or under custodial investigation shall be in writing and signed by without court order in the jail (BJMP manned jail) where he/she
such person in the presence of his counsel or in the latter's absence, committed the said offense might constitute arbitrary detention.
upon a valid waiver, and in the presence of any of the parents, elder
brothers and sisters, his spouse, the municipal mayor, the municipal 6. No violence or unnecessary force shall be used in making an arrest.
judge, district school supervisor, or priest or minister of the gospel as The person arrested shall not be subject to a greater restraint than is
chosen by him; otherwise, such extrajudicial confession shall be necessary for his detention.
inadmissible as evidence in any proceeding.
7. Concerned inmate may also be subjected to disciplinary process
(e) Any waiver by a person arrested or detained under the provisions under the Inmates’ Disciplinary Machinery if it is established that
of Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code, or under custodial he/she has participated directly or indirectly in the commission of the
investigation, shall be in writing and signed by such person in the offense.
presence of his counsel; otherwise the waiver shall be null and void
and of no effect. C. Dangerous Drugs
(f) Any person arrested or detained or under custodial investigation 1. Possession of dangerous drugs shall automatically result in denial of
shall be allowed visits by or conferences with any member of his entry and immediate arrest of the subject visitor. Applicable
immediate family, or any medical doctor or priest or religious procedures and/or provisions of RA 9165 otherwise known as the
minister chosen by him or by any member of his immediate family or “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002” shall apply.
by his counsel, or by any national non-governmental organization
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2. A jail visitor who was found in possession of the contraband must be (4) After the filing of the criminal case, the Court shall, within
coordinated and turned over immediately to the Philippine Drug seventy-two (72) hours, conduct an ocular inspection of the
Enforcement Agency (PDEA). The jail warden shall make the confiscated, seized and/or surrendered dangerous drugs, plant
necessary report to be the basis for filing of appropriate case against sources of dangerous drugs, and controlled precursors and essential
the subject. chemicals, including the instruments/paraphernalia and/or laboratory
equipment, and through the PDEA shall within twenty-four (24)
3. For the custody and disposition of the confiscated/seized dangerous hours thereafter proceed with the destruction or burning of the
drugs, Section 21 of RA 9165 shall apply, to wit: same, in the presence of the accused or the person/s from whom
such items were confiscated and/or seized, or his/her representative
“Section 21. Custody and Disposition of Confiscated, Seized, and/or or counsel, a representative from the media and the DOJ, civil
Surrendered Dangerous Drugs, Plant Sources of Dangerous Drugs, society groups and any elected public official. The Board shall draw
Controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals, up the guidelines on the manner of proper disposition and
Instruments/Paraphernalia and/or Laboratory Equipment. – The destruction of such item/s which shall be borne by the
PDEA shall take charge and have custody of all dangerous drugs, offender: Provided, That those item/s of lawful commerce, as
plant sources of dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential determined by the Board, shall be donated, used or recycled for
chemicals, as well as instruments/paraphernalia and/or laboratory legitimate purposes: Provided, further, That a representative sample,
equipment so confiscated, seized and/or surrendered, for proper duly weighed and recorded is retained;
disposition in the following manner:
(5) The Board shall then issue a sworn certification as to the fact of
(1) The apprehending team having initial custody and control of the destruction or burning of the subject item/s, which, together with the
drugs shall, immediately after seizure and confiscation, physically representative sample/s in the custody of the PDEA, shall be
inventory and photograph the same in the presence of the accused submitted to the court having jurisdiction over the case. In all
or the person/s from whom such items were confiscated and/or instances, the representative sample/s shall be kept to a minimum
seized, or his/her representative or counsel, a representative from quantity as determined by the Board;
the media and the Department of Justice (DOJ), and any elected
public official who shall be required to sign the copies of the (6) The alleged offender or his/her representative or counsel shall be
inventory and be given a copy thereof; allowed to personally observe all of the above proceedings and
his/her presence shall not constitute an admission of guilt. In case
(2) Within twenty-four (24) hours upon confiscation/seizure of said offender or accused refuses or fails to appoint a representative
dangerous drugs, plant sources of dangerous drugs, controlled after due notice in writing to the accused or his/her counsel within
precursors and essential chemicals, as well as seventy-two (72) hours before the actual burning or destruction of
instruments/paraphernalia and/or laboratory equipment, the same the evidence in question, the Secretary of Justice shall appoint a
shall be submitted to the PDEA Forensic Laboratory for a qualitative member of the public attorney's office to represent the former;
and quantitative examination;
(7) After the promulgation and judgment in the criminal case wherein
(3) A certification of the forensic laboratory examination results, the representative sample/s was presented as evidence in court, the
which shall be done under oath by the forensic laboratory examiner, trial prosecutor shall inform the Board of the final termination of the
shall be issued within twenty-four (24) hours after the receipt of the case and, in turn, shall request the court for leave to turn over the
subject item/s: Provided, That when the volume of the dangerous said representative sample/s to the PDEA for proper disposition and
drugs, plant sources of dangerous drugs, and controlled precursors destruction within twenty-four (24) hours from receipt of the
and essential chemicals does not allow the completion of testing same….”
within the time frame, a partial laboratory examination report shall
be provisionally issued stating therein the quantities of dangerous 4. Concerned inmate may also be subjected to disciplinary process under
drugs still to be examined by the forensic laboratory: Provided, the Inmates’ Disciplinary Machinery if it is established that he/she has
however, That a final certification shall be issued on the completed participated directly or indirectly in the commission of the offense.
forensic laboratory examination on the same within the next twenty-
four (24) hours;
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X. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE
Annex A
In the event that any provision or part of the policy be declared unauthorized
or rendered invalid by a competent authority, those provisions not affected by
such declaration shall remain valid and effective. Name of Jail
XII. EFFECTIVITY
Rank and Name of Searcher:
Subject’s Name: Inmate to be Visited:
This policy shall take effect immediately.
Probable cause to conduct Strip Search / Visual Body Cavity Search:
[ ] STRIP SEARCH:
[ ] HEAD: Check nose, ears and mouth. Have subject shake out his/her
hair. Check under the tongue and around teeth.
[ ] ARMS& SHOULDERS: Instruct the subject to raise arms and check
arm pits. Examine the subject with fingers spread and extended.
[ ] FEET: Check bottom of the feet and in between toes.
[ ] BANDAGES& CASTS: Examination of any prosthesis or false teeth will
be accomplished with the assistance of facility medical personnel or qualified
medical professional.
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PROCEDURES ON DECONGESTION
Annex B
ACTION TAKEN
RA 6036 Inmate must be To provide Court grants Keep the Court issues Warden
RECOGNI- convicted for a existing recognizance grantees always order
I, , visitor of inmate/s ZANCE term of one (1) organization of applied by the informed of the directing the - Receives court
Akosi dalawni/nina year or less. NGOs involved in inmate while scheduled city/munici- order.
corrections, his/her case hearing and the pal district jail - Verifies
of Jail hereby voluntarily submit myself for Inmate applies information, and are still development of warden to authenticity of
ng dito’y kusang loob na ihain ang aking sarili sa for Release on education pending. the cases. release the court order.
Recognizance program on the inmate -Inmatewillbe
strip search /visual body cavity search by authorized BJMP personnel. while his case is coverage of ROR Issue order to CUSTODIAN through ROR. subjected to
Masusing paghahalughog / “visual body cavity search” ng otorisadong kagawad ng still pending in (Release on release the usual releasing
court. Recognizance) inmate under procedure.
BJMP. the custodian -Releases
To be notified of
Inmate chooses granted/recog the hearing. inmate if there
responsible nized by the is no other
That any contraband found in my possession as a consequence persons who are court. pending case.
Anumang mga bagay na ipinagbabawal na matatagpuan sa aking pag-iingat in good standing -Submits report
may be used as evidence against me in criminal action/proceeding. in the Direct the -Return all
community for probation deposited
Ay Maaring gamitin laban sa akin sa anumang usapang kriminal/pamamaraan. their officer to personal
recognizance. conduct close belongings of
surveillance inmate.
I therefore have understood the foregoing statements Inmate applies upon the
Samakatuwid, aking naintindihan ang mga nasabing pahayag at for release on inmate and
ROR and stating submit his
that he findings for
and affixed my signature to affirm my willingness to abide by the same. recognizes the further
authority of the evaluation.
ako ay lumagda upang ipagtibay ang aking kusang- loob na pagsang- person where he
ayon dito. is placed with
custody.
RA 6127 Inmate should -Receives court Court decides Prepares Court order (See column
FULL TIME sign the order. on full time detainee’s under Warden)
CREDIT detainee’s credit specified manifestation to
manifestation -Verifies in the court abide by the
and abide by the authenticity of order. Issues rules and
Signature of Visitor rules and court order. order either to regulations of
regulations of credit or not the jail. Apprises
LagdangDalaw the jail. (Full Warden, thru his preventive the inmates of
Time Credit) if record Section imprisonment. his right and
not, only 4/5 of computes privileges under
his preventive corresponding detention. Assist
imprisonment computation of offender in
will be given, to inmates’ signing his
be signed in the preventive detainee’s
Name and Signature of Witness presence of detention based on manifestation.
counsel or court order. (DM)
Pangalan at LagdangSaksi Inmate Welfare
Officer -Inmates subjected Submits DM to
to usual releasing the Jail Warden
Await decision procedure. through record
of the court. Section.
-Submits report to
court/immediate
superior upon
Date and Time of Search compliance of
Petsa at Oras ng Paghalughog release with CPI.
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ACTION TAKEN BP 85 Inmate Request the court in writing for Court Warden Inmate
AUTHORI PRE- applies for BP speedy trial. Conduct monthly Order will be subjected to
Decongestio AUTHORIZE TO VENTIVE 85 thru monitoring report on status of usual releasing
PROBATIO TY TO
n Programs INMATE WARDEN COURT RELEASE IMPRISON- his/her inmate’s cases. Conducts procedure: Return
N OFFICER RELEASE
MENT lawyer if his information drive on the mode all deposited
PD 603 Will request -Coordinates with religious Court will order Court Warden Releases /her of release of inmates. personal belongings
CHILD AND Social Action parishes. confinement of Order youth offenders to detention of inmate.
YOUTH Center of youth offenders to rehabilitation already being
WELFARE religious sects -Provides case evaluation to the NTSB, MARILAC centers Releases served is
CODE for custody. court. HILLS, and RRYC. youth offenders to equivalent to
the custodian as the maximum
Seeks -Summon concerned parents for stipulated in the impossible
assistance conference of the child’s case Court Order penalty for
from DSWD and recommend for possible Submits report the offense
for custody. solution. charge.
TRANSFER Inmates must Warden receives/follow-up: Issues Court Warden
Provide youth offender special TO BUCOR be convicted Mittimus/commitment order mittimus/commit Order Prepares all
rehabilitation programs. to 3 years, 1 Court decision ment order documents for
day to Information transfer. Provides
Coordinates with local reclusion Issues Certification of Detention security escorts, lift
executives for sports activities perpetua or Prepares Form 35 capability and
for the youth. life Returns all deposited logistical
PD 968 Inmates must Upon commitment, Warden Court will evaluate Submits Court Warden receives imprisonment belongings of inmate. requirements
PROBATIO be convicted shall take note of crime charged, the prison records his issues court order, verifies . during transfer.
N with a prison advice detainee of the submitted and findings order to authenticity of the Note: Submits report
term of 6 provisions of PD 968 (as well as direct probation and Jail court order. Insular Return all deposited
years and his possible sentence if officer to conduct recommen Warden Releases inmate prisoners personal belongings
below convicted), as to whether he is background dation to directing subject to usual must be of inmate.
qualified or not qualified to investigation of the court him to releasing procedure transferred to
avail such provision, and the inmate. and to the release if there is no other BUCOR within
indicate in the detainees’ index Board of the pending case. 48 hours
card a mark to denote Probation inmate as Submits report. upon receipt
possibility of provision. Upon for his/her Return all deposited of court order
conviction of the inmate, the approval. probation personal belongings with other
Warden shall know whether is of inmate. requirements
inmate may be qualified of granted. duly complied
probation thru his/her counsel with.
or PAO. SERVED Inmates -Receives court order Court Warden -Verifies
SENTENCED should be -Evaluates Records conviction Order authenticity of the
Warden must prepare all prison credited -Makes computation of court order -
records of the inmates and his/her sentence. Informs the court
submit it to Board of Probation preventive -Return all deposited personal that convicted
and Parole for evaluation. imprisonment belongings of inmate. Maintain inmate has clearly
Warden must get certification and the GCTA. index card of the inmate. Make served his/her
from clerk of court that follow-up with the court for sentence. -The
promulgation of said case is not early disposition of pending release of inmate
appealed. He shall assist the resolution status of the inmates’ will be subjected to
inmate to apply for probation. case. Prisoners who served the usual releasing
He shall inform PPA office of the minimum sentence thru the procedure. -Return
presence of an applicant for warden submit reports to the all deposited
probation in the jail, much more Boards of Pardon and Parole for personal belongings
if subject is illiterate, ignorant his application for Parole, of inmate. - Submits
or indigent, and further assist whether it should be granted or report.
PPA investigation so that not.
investigation can be terminated CASE Awaits court Warden- receives court order Follow-up Court (See column under
with speed. DISMISSED decision -Verifies authenticity of court calendar of cases Order Warden)
order for expeditious
Upon receipt of release order, - Release inmate subject to trial. Facilitates
Warden should conduct usual releasing procedure communication
verification of order including - Submits report to immediate systems to
its authenticity. If there’s no superior. offender, counsel,
other pending case, release and relatives.
inmate in accordance with the
usual procedure of release.
Conduct information and ON BAIL Applies for Warden- receives copy of court Encourages Court ( See column under
education program on bail order. application for bail Order Warden)
objectives and benefits of PD –Verifies authenticity of court bond to offender.
968 to all inmates. Evaluate and order Facilitates
determine whether the inmate –Releases inmate subject to communication
met the criteria to place usual releasing procedure. services to
him/her on probation in –Submits report to immediate offender, counsel,
coordination with PPO.
superior. and relatives.
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excessive application due to ambiguous authorized model of unit of measurement
to which actions can be referred.
More often than not, full-blown crisis developed from improper application
Republic of the Philippines of force. Improper use of force may be attributed to three lapses: a) vague rules of
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY
engagement, b) inadequate standards and alternatives in the use of force, or c)
Juco Building, 144 Mindanao Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City misjudgment in the application of rules and standards.
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as firearm. This includes the threatened use of contain the situation requiring him to give orders
deadly force such as drawing of firearm. Non- to ensure compliance by the inmates.
deadly force can also escalate into deadly force
when directed towards fatal part of the body Rescue - is the act of taking away of an inmate or
such as head. Since it is calculated to cause inmates from the custody of jail officers through
death, it is usually, the last resort in the use of the use of force, threat or intimidation while said
force continuum. inmate is inside the jail facility or while on
transit.
Non-deadly Force - is the use of physical force towards an inmate
with any device other than deadly force or Rescue of inmate inside the jail facility - this means that the inmate to
firearm designed to temporarily incapacitate an be rescued is within the jail premises or
inmate. Non-deadly force can be classified into compound.
three: physical contact, chemical/electrical and
other inflammatory agents and impact weapons. Rescue of inmate/s in transit - this means that the inmate to be
rescued is outside the jail premises, while on foot
Physical contact or weaponless control - is non-deadly force generally or on board by any means of transportation
used by jail officers to restrain inmates without either moving or stationary.
the use of any weapon primarily designed to
incapacitate or immobilize inmates. This includes Lockdown - is a situation where the inmates, whether in
restraining holds, come along holds, pain whole or in part, control the jail facility.
compliance holds and blows with feet and fists.
Generally, this requires skill of the jail officer Lockdown of the whole jail facility - is a situation where the inmates
using it, such as martial arts. control the whole facility.
Chemical /Electrical /Inflammatory agents (CEI) - are generally Lockdown of a portion of the jail facility - is a situation where inmates
non-deadly force when used appropriately to control a portion of the jail facility.
restrain inmates such as Oleoresin Capsicum
(OC) pepper spray, pepper gun, tear gas, Noise Barrage - is a situation where inmates create loud,
aerosol, mace, stun gun, taser etc. They are unpleasant sounds in order to express their
designed to temporarily incapacitate inmates. demands and grievances over issues usually
related to the management of jail such as low
Impact weapons - are non-deadly force generally used to quality of food, demand for visitation privileges,
temporarily incapacitate an inmate such as pro- poor leadership of the jail Warden etc.
batons and nightsticks.
Hostile act - a hostile act is an attack or other use of force
No Force - is a part of the use of force continuum where by an inmate or inmates against other inmate/s,
no force is used simply because the situation visitor/s, jail personnel, jail properties and
does not call for it. It includes the mere presence facilities, or an attack against jail security.
of the jail officers and verbalization and is usually
effective when inmates are not violent. Hostile intent - the threat of imminent use of force by an
inmate or inmates against other inmate/s,
Presence - is the authority figure of jail officers and their visitor/s, jail personnel, jail properties and
mere presence may be enough to cause facilities, or the threat of imminent use of force
compliance from the inmates. against jail security.
Verbal Containment - act, which includes negotiation, persuasion Immediate Danger - is a situation of high probability that a hazard,
and/or verbalization that is resorted to when the condition or activity caused by an inmate or
mere presence of jail officers is not enough to group of inmates which will be injurious to
themselves, to jail personnel, visitor/s, or other
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inmate/s’ health and/or safety; or harmful to jail person to drop a weapon, to gain the attention
facilities and security is so likely to exist or occur of a potentially violent crowd, etc.
almost immediately and without warning.
VI. GENERAL RULES
Imminent Danger - any condition or practice in a place of
employment where such a danger exist which Regardless of the types of functions to be performed and/or jail operations to
could reasonably be expected to cause death or be conducted, all BJMP units and personnel shall comply with and apply the
serious physical harm immediately or before the following rules:
imminence of such danger can be eliminated
through the procedures. A. Under all circumstances, use of force is justifiable only by virtue of the
Doctrines of Self-Defense and Defense of a Stranger.
Inmate - a person being held for confinement inside the
jail either for an offense charged or for B. The use of force shall not be resorted to except when strictly necessary
safekeeping purposes. for the maintenance of security and order, or when personnel’s safety is
Serious bodily injury - bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of threatened.
death or that causes death, serious permanent
disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment C. The use of force shall not be resorted to except in self-defense or in the
of the function of bodily member or organ. defense of others against grave and imminent threat of death or serious
injury, or when strictly necessary such as escape of an inmate.
Principle of Necessity - use of only such force as is, or reasonably
appears to be, necessary to resist the harm and D. As far as possible, non-violent means must be exhausted prior to use of
injury threatened or inflicted by inmate to fellow deadly force.
inmate, jail officer and civilian.
E. Whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, jail officers
Use of Proportional Force - is the force reasonably necessary in a given shall:
situation that is logical and proportionate to the
gravity of danger, hostile act or assault. 1. Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness
of the offence and the legitimate objective to be achieved;
Riot - is a large scale disorganized brawl or combat
between inmates usually due to long 2. Minimize damage and injury, and respect human rights and preserve
standing conflict. human life;
Assault - is a situation where violence, threat and 3. Ensure that assistance and medical aid are rendered to the injured as
intimidation by inmates is directed against fellow soon as possible;
inmate, civilian or any jail personnel.
4. Ensure that relatives or close friends of the injured or affected person
Hostage/s - a person or persons, who may be an inmate, are immediately notified as early as earliest possible.
jail personnel or civilian, held by another inmate
or inmates as a guarantee that certain actions or F. Where injury or death is caused by the use of force and firearms, the jail
promises will or will not be carried out. officer shall immediately render a detailed narrative report on the incident
to his superiors.
Maximum Tolerance - highest degree of restraint that jail personnel
shall observe in dealing with hostile inmate/s. G. The personnel shall be trained on the use of force and firearms.
Warning Shot - is the intentional discharge of a firearm with H. If necessary, stress counseling should be provided to jail personnel who
the purpose of causing a positive change in a had been directly involved in incidents where force and/or firearms were
person's behavior. A warning shot could be fired used.
to cause a person to stop fleeing, to cause a
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VII. USE OF FORCE CONTINUUM external factors such as the weather, time, possibility of
The use of force continuum is an escalating level of force commencing from escalation, and other external threats.
no force, to non-deadly force and ultimately, to deadly force. In dealing with the
use of force continuum, the following rules shall be observed: a. 2 Close Field
A. The decision on the appropriateness of the level of force to be used in a a.2.1 Use of negotiation, persuasion and verbalization to contain,
given situation depends entirely on the judgment of the Warden or his duly pacify, subdue and control incident.
authorized representative or other jail personnel confronted with situation requiring
the use of force. b. Noise Barrage
1. General Principles: b.2 Dialogue and negotiate with inmates. If inmates are compliant,
gather all inmate leaders for further dialogue and open forum.
Any Jail Officer in the performance of his duty shall:
b.3 Never resort to any use of force as long as inmates are only doing
a. Display an authority figure tempered with patience to maximize efforts noise barrage and the incident does not escalate into a more
to listen and discern between institutional and personal issues, serious one.
demands, and sentiments of the individual or group of individuals;
c. Hostage taking
b. Use tactful persuasive language to gain willing cooperation to discuss
and address the various concerns which triggered the disturbance; The Warden or his duly authorized representative must consider
the following factors before decision-making, and regardless of the
c. Exhaust all persuasive efforts to settle the issues, demands, and demands of the hostage takers:
sentiments without compromise to security matters pertaining to
escape, attempt of escape, threat of harm or injury to the staff, other - Whether or not hostage taker/s is/are armed;
inmates, or visitors; - Whether or not the victim is a fellow inmate, jail personnel
or civilian;
d. Not, in any instance, use unacceptable language that would demean - Number of inmates involved in the hostage taking;
or antagonize the status of the inmate as a person; - Number of hostages; and
- Length of time.
e. Not, in any instance, draw, un-holster or point any firearm to anyone
that may cause reactions that will aggravate the situation or c.1 Maintain and establish communication with the hostage takers. It
necessarily antagonize anyone; and is imperative that an experienced hostage negotiator be designated as
the primary negotiator. The first five (5) minutes is critical, hence the
f. Exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with hostile, arrogant taunting jail officer nearest the incident must apply verbal containment
inmates. techniques by negotiating with the hostage-taker until an experienced
negotiator arrives.
2. Specific Principles
c.2 Evacuate inmates who are not involved with the incident into a
a. Riot more secured place to avoid taking advantage of the situation and to
ensure their safety. Contain the scene of incident by putting up a
a. 1 Open Field security perimeter that will prevent other from entering the scene
except the responder.
a.1.1 Use of negotiation, persuasion and verbalization to contain,
pacify, subdue, and control incident.
a.1.2 Assess the danger of the situation by considering the
number of inmates involved in the riot, whether or not inmates
are armed, the violent reputation of apparent leaders, and
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d. Lockdown C. NON-DEADLY FORCE CONTINUUM
d.1 Immediately contain the controlled facility. If the inmates control 1. General Principles:
only a portion of the facility, immediately evacuate non-participating
inmates to the unaffected portion for their safety. The Warden or his duly designated representative or the Team
Leader of the Custodial and Security Force or the Team Leader of a task
d.2 Immediately conduct a dialogue with the inmates. As much as force shall:
possible, find out their demands and negotiate surrender of the a. Ascertain or recognize that there is indeed a need to assert authority
controlled portion of the facility. over erring inmates after exhaustion of efforts to settle issues,
demands and sentiments.
d.3 Ensure tight security of perimeter fence to avoid inmates taking
advantage of the situation. b. Evaluate the situation and decide on the degree of non-deadly force to
be employed taking into consideration the following circumstances:
e. Rescue
- the possibility that the incident could escalate into a more serious
The Warden or his duly authorized representative must consider one;
the following factors in decision-making:
- the skill and experience of the jail personnel who will administer
- the firepower and number of rescuers; and the non-deadly force; and
- in rescue while in transit, presence of civilians and danger
of cross-fire. - the compliance of inmates or their sincerity to negotiate
surrender.
e.1 Negotiation must be used to pacify, control, and subdue the
situation. It is also used to ascertain the goal of the rescuers and may c. Continue negotiation notwithstanding the use of non-deadly force.
help the Warden or his duly authorized representative into arriving at Resume negotiation if inmates show willingness to cooperate.
a better decision.
d. Resort to non-deadly force when the use of words does not control
e.2 Secure the rest of the inmates who are not involved in the and the use of deadly weapon is inappropriate.
incident.
e. Authorize the use of non-deadly force in cases where inmates are non-
f. Assault compliant despite verbal containment or the gravity of the situation
dictates that verbal containment is not appropriate.
The Warden or his duly authorized representative shall consider
the following factors in decision-making: f. Authorized use:
- The victim, whether a civilian, jail personnel or fellow ▪ Jail Officers must be adequately and appropriately trained
inmate. for the purpose. The height, built and age of the inmate must
also be taken into consideration to select the most appropriate jail
f.1 Negotiation must be used to pacify, control, and subdue the officer.
situation. No use of force is authorized if, after the assault, the ▪ Inmates must not be armed.
authorities have regained control of the situation and that there is no ▪ Blows must be directed to non-fatal parts of the body such as
possibility that the assaulting inmate may attack again. hands, legs etc.
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f.2 Chemical/Electrical/Inflammatory (CEI) agents to be used as it may put the lives of the personnel or inmates at
risk.
▪ Resort to use of this kind of weapon only when there are personnel
trained for the purpose. Prior to use of CEI agents, a paramedic a.2.4 Impact weapons shall only be applied by trained personnel.
must be available to provide first aid.
▪ The use of CEI weapon should be exercised with due diligence a.2.5 Use other means of non-deadly force in a proper and
since sparks from these weapons are capable of igniting flammable considerate manner.
materials likely to cause more serious harm and injury like fire and
explosion. b. Noise barrage
▪ The health and physical condition of inmates must be taken into
consideration in choosing this non-deadly force for this may be b.1 At the first stage of violence, non-deadly force shall be
fatal for other inmates such as asthmatic and other sick inmates. considered.
▪ The ventilation of the area should also be taken into consideration.
b.2 CEI weapons may be used to pacify or subdue inmates only if
f.3 Impact weapons incident is escalating to violence.
▪ Only trained jail officers are authorized to use impact weapons. b.3 Non-deadly impact weapons shall be deployed only when there is
▪ Fatal parts of the body must be avoided since these weapons are apparent threat to life and property.
also capable of inflicting serious and even deadly harm.
c. Hostage
g. Authorized use of non-deadly force shall be used only to temporarily
incapacitate inmate and bring back the control to the authorities. c.1 If the hostage-taker is unarmed, use of non-deadly force may be
authorized. However, try to minimize the risk of injury.
2. Specific Principles
c.2 If the hostage-takers are armed, impact weapons might be
a. Riot utilized to subdue the inmates. Careful evaluation of the situation is
needed to determine whether impact weapons are sufficient or not.
a. 1Open Field
d. Lock down
a.1.1 With continued use of verbalization. Ascertain whether
inmates are armed or not to determine the appropriate force to d.1 Determine how long do the inmates have controlled the facility.
use. Reasonable time is dependent on each situation and within the
discretion of the authorities.
a.1.2 Isolate and secure non-participating inmates.
d.2 If inmates are unarmed, physical force is possible by individual
a.1.3 If inmates are unarmed but resistant, use impact weapons. restraint. It is also important to consider the number of inmates
involved in the incident and the availability of manpower to
a.2Close Field individually restrain each inmate and eventually pull them out of the
facility.
a.2.1 Carefully assess the situation to minimize the risk to
inmates and responding personnel. d.3 If inmates are armed, use chemical, electrical and other
inflammatory agents to control inmates.
a.2.2 Physical contact may be discouraged since this is a close
field incident and it might endanger the life of the responding jail d.4 Notwithstanding the use of non-deadly force, negotiation should
officer. be continuous.
a.2.3 Determine whether the use of chemical weapon is d.5 Non deadly force shall be immediately discontinued when it is
appropriate. Consider ventilation and amount of chemical weapon apparent that the inmates are ready to give up the controlled facility.
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e. Rescue
e. Include in his repertoire the threat to use of deadly force such as
e.1 Immediately alert the proper authorities as regards the rescue. pointing a gun against an inmate;
e.2 In case of rescue inside the jail facility and the rescuers are f. Employ deadly force only in defense of life or if there is reasonable
heavily armed, use CEI weapon to incapacitate the rescuers and ground to believe that there is grave and imminent danger to the
rescue inmates. The ventilation and the space must be taken into life of the jail officer himself, fellow jail officers, inmate/inmates and
consideration when using chemical weapons. innocent civilians; and
e.3 Never use CEI weapon in case of rescue while on transit if there g. Exercise the use of deadly force with reasonable care and diligence
are innocent civilians who might be affected. to justify its use.
e.4 As much as possible in case of rescue while on transit, the 2. Specific Principles:
nearest police station or the jail must be immediately informed of the
incident for proper back up. a. Riot
e.5 Physical force and impact weapons shall be used only when a.1Open Field
rescuers are armed.
a.1.1 Deadly force shall be used if inmates are armed and
f. Assault uncontrollable or;
f.1 Use of CEI weapon in order to temporarily incapacitate the a.1.2 When negotiation fails and lives are in grave and imminent
assaulting inmate and at the same time, rescue the victim. danger.
Authorities to control the situation may also use this.
a.1.3 Shall be used only after non-participating inmates are
f.2 Use physical restraint if the assaulting inmate is not armed. properly isolated and secured.
f.3 Use impact weapons if inmates remain non-compliant after a.2Close Field
several hours of negotiation and only if inmates are unarmed.
a.2.1 Deadly force may be used only if despite the use of non-
D. DEADLY FORCE CONTINUUM deadly force, inmates remain non-compliant.
1. General Principles: a.2.2 Prior to use of deadly force, the authorities should have
properly identified the inmates involved in the riot.
The Warden or his superior shall:
b. Noise Barrage
a. Notwithstanding the exercise of deadly force, exhaust efforts of
verbalization and persuasion to contain, subdue and control Deadly force shall be employed if in case a situation escalates
incident; into a serious condition or other inmates resort to violence and pose
grave and imminent danger to the lives of inmates and jail personnel.
b. Resort to use of deadly force only after failure of negotiation or non-
deadly force intervention; c. Hostage taking
c. Use deadly force only to incapacitate inmates or restrict the mobility c.1 Deadly force may be used if there is total failure of negotiation
of inmates and should not be aimed at any fatal part of the body; and the inmates remain non-compliant despite the use of non-deadly
force;
d. Not authorize the use of deadly force or non-deadly force when no
force is needed to resolve the situation and shall immediately order c.2 If the hostage takers are armed;
to discontinue the use of deadly force after the necessity of using it
has ended; c.3 A hostage or hostages had been killed;
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b. It enables to get the attention of other people of the ongoing
c.4 Immediately discontinue use of deadly force if there are signs commotion or incident.
that the use of force is not already appropriate such as when hostage c. It enables to give caution to other jail officers of the ongoing
takers already show signs of surrender. commotion and to respond immediately.
d.1 When the erring inmates have assaulted fellow inmates who a. The shot should not be aimed at fatal parts of the body nor in a
refused to participate in the lockdown. particular person.
b. Since they constitute deadly force, warning shots must be exercised
d.2 If there is a reasonable ground to believe that there is grave and with due diligence and only if the jail personnel reasonably believes
imminent danger to the lives of inmates and personnel in the facility. that the inmate/inmates pose grave and imminent threat into the
lives of innocent civilians, inmates and jail personnel in the area.
e. Rescue c. Warning shots are authorized in open field but not in close field. In
giving a warning shot, extra prudence must be exercised to ensure
e.1 In case of rescue by outside forces or in any situation during that it will not cause any injury to any person or damage to
rescue where lives of inmates and personnel are on grave and property.
imminent danger, or when it is established that the rescuers are
determined to inflict harm or injury. F. DEPRIVATION OF FOOD, WATER, AND ELECTRICITY DURING
JAIL INCIDENTS
e.2 If part of the facility is destroyed or if the jail security is severely
jeopardized by rescue attempt. 1. Advantages
e.3 Never use firearms in case of rescue while on transit if it The provision of food, water, and electricity can be used by the jail
possesses a grave and imminent danger to the lives of the people personnel to negotiate with erring inmates and possibly to gain some
living in the area. concessions like release of a hostage in exchange of food.
f. Assault 2. Disadvantages
f.1 When use of deadly force is authorized to incapacitate the a. Food and water are basic rights, which cannot be deprived in all
assaulting party and prevent him from attacking other people. cases and under any circumstances. To deprive inmates of these rights
is a violation of their human rights.
E. WARNING SHOT
b. Deprivation of food and water is considered as deadly force since
1. Disadvantages of warning shot continuous lack of these necessities may result in weakening of the
body and if for a longer period may result to death.
a. Warning shots may pose risks to innocent civilians, inmates and jail
personnel. c. Human rights groups may question the deprivation, which may
b. Warning shots may cause an armed fleeing inmate to fire back result in unnecessary lawsuit.
believing that the shot was intended to kill him.
c. Jail personnel could inadvertently shoot the inmate on fatal part of 3. Authorized use
the body resulting to his death.
d. When exercised negligently, warning shots may cause injury to a. The deprivation is authorized only when there is reasonable
persons or damage to property. ground to believe that there is an imminent and grave danger to the
lives of jail personnel who will deliver the food, water or any
2. Advantages of warning shot necessities.
a. Warning shots when exercised properly are effective ways to stop a b. It is authorized to cut off electricity during use of CEI weapon
fleeing inmate or vehicle. since sparks from chemical weapon are capable of igniting flammable
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materials, which may result in fire and explosion. The cutting off, b. The level of force used;
however, must be for a limited time only. c. Number of inmates involved in the incident;
d. Number of personnel present in the incident; and
c. Authorized to reduce food and water but not to totally deprive e. Logistical capability of personnel including firearms and equipment.
inmates throughout the incident. f. Damages/casualties caused.
VIII. POST ACTION ACTIVITIES: 2. Identify lessons learned from the incident.
A. Debriefing IX. REPEALING CLAUSE:
1. Debriefing of Personnel All circulars or issuances inconsistent with this directive are hereby rescinded
or modified accordingly.
a. All personnel involved in the incident must undergo a thorough
physical, medical and psychological checkup. X. EFFECTIVITY:
b. After the critical jail incident, all personnel must be briefed on the This policy shall take effect immediately.
event, present the evaluation and recognized lessons learned. In this
way, personnel may not only learn from the experience but also
participate in the investigation.
ROSENDO M DIAL, CESO III
2. Debriefing of Inmates Jail Director (DSC)
Chief, BJMP
a. Within 24 hours after the critical jail incident is resolved and the
situation is back to normal, the Warden shall gather all inmates for a
dialogue, thresh out important issues and settle possible sources of
conflict.
1. Preserve the crime scene and make sure that all pieces of evidence
are sealed and protected/not tampered.
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MEMORANDUM
2. ITCON, direct the Wardens to have the jail aides constantly monitored and
their activities supervised to ensure proper compliance with this directive.
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MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT : Violation on the Policy re: Designation as Jail Aides TO : All Regional Directors
a. Memo to all ARDs, dated 16 January 2003, re: Designation of JAIL 1. Reference: Memorandum issued by the Directorate for Operations
AIDES. dated 05 July 2010 re: Deployment of STAR Team.
b. Jail Inspection Reports. 2. Reiterated hereby the compliance on policy of the deployment of the
STAR Team in the Regional Office. For the regions with two or more STAR Team
2. It has been observed that inspire of very clear provisions of the policy composition, other team/s should be deployed in big jails strategically located
regarding designation of inmates as jail aides, some wardens wittingly continue to nearby other jails for immediate response in case of emergencies.
disregard the policy by utilizing inmates to open the jail gates; search visitors; go
out without court order; have possession of jail keys; perform custodial duties; 3. For strict compliance.
perform sensitive records keeping duties such as making entries in the carpeta,
handling of carpeta, handling of carpeta and the like; and receive and transmit BY AUTHORITY OF THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE:
commo and/or information by answering telephone calls, radio and other means of
communications.
3. These tasks should not be performed by inmates designated as jail aides PIO B CAPISTRANO
because these are violations of the policy. ITCON, you are hereby directed to advise Jail Chief Superintendent
all wardens in your respective AORs to refrain utilizing inmates to perform the Directorate for Operations
above-mentioned tasks.
4. Violation of this policy will be dealt with accordingly including the RELIEF
of the jail Warden concerned and being charged administratively with
insubordination. You will be held answerable if any Jail Warden in your AOR does
not know this policy.
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02 April 2012
MEMORANDUM Date
TO : ALL REGIONAL DIRECTORS
BJMP – OPNS
SUBJECT : Actual Number of STAR Team Personnel and STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Specific Assignment NUMBERS 2012 – 01
DATE : 05 January 2015 GUIDELINES IN ESCORTING HIGH-RISK/HIGH-PROFILE INMATES
1. It has come to the attention of this Office that some STAR Team I. REFERENCES
personnel were assigned as custodial personnel in jail, defeating the purpose of
their creation as reaction and augment unit in any jail disturbances in your A. Memorandum from the HONORABLE SECRETARY, DILG to review the
respective AOR. Their trainings are specialized and designed not as custodial protocols in escorting high-risk inmates dated 14 March 2012;
personnel. B. Book II – Operations, BJMP Manual (Revised 2007); and
C. Operations Manual (1996).
2. ITCON, in order to maximize manpower and capabilities of STAR Team
personnel in your respective AOR, you are directed to submit ASAP their complete II. BACKGROUND/RATIONALE
names and specific places of assignment.
The escorting of high-risk/high –profile Inmates to Court is one of the
3. STAR Team members assigned as custodial personnel in jail units must critical jobs of the BJMP custodial personnel and during the discharge of said
be recalled back and re-assigned to mother unit or at the Regional Office and duties, incidents are sometimes encountered which require immediate response
further utilized for office functions. in order to avoid injuries, casualties or damage to or loss of government
properties. There is therefore a need to come up with a uniform procedure in
4. For your guidance and strict compliance. escorting high-risk/high-profile inmates.
This SOP aims to guide the members of the escort teams in securing
high-risk/high-profile inmates when attending Court hearing, especially in case
PIO B CAPISTRANO of incidents such as attack or ambush on the way to or from the Courts. High-
JCSUPT DSC risk/high-profile inmates need maximum security as they are known
Director for Operations personalities and may be targets for rescue by their associates or even
assassination attempts as some of them may have made ardent enemies prior
to their incarceration who would stop at nothing to get back at them.
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IV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES 5. Inspect the vehicles for potential weapons which may be used
by the inmates.
Being a critical task for escorts, the escorting of high-risk/high-profile 6. The inmates must be searched for contraband before boarding
inmates should be given priority security considerations by the Warden since it the van.
is when these inmates are escorted outside the jail when they are most 7. Inmates must wear the prescribed yellow T-shirt.
vulnerable to attacks or rescue by their cohorts. All possible support for this 8. Restrain inmates with double-locked handcuffs.
endeavor must be given by the Regional Office and/or the NHQ in order to 9. Inmates must be handcuffed at the back as an added
fulfill our mandate of safekeeping the inmates and avoiding unnecessary loss of precaution.
life and property. 10. There must be no more than eight (8) inmates per prisoners
van.
Proper coordination with the police and the military must be made 11. Inmates must be first to board the van the back door of which
prior to transporting high-risk/high-profile inmates and augmentation personnel must be locked once they are in.
and equipment may be requested from them if necessary. 12. As much as possible, the inmates’ movement should be kept
confidential, especially the time of departure.
V. GUIDELINES IN ESCORTING HIGH-RISK/HIGH-PROFILE
INMATES Vehicle, firearms, communications and other equipment
DELINEATION OF COMMAND/RESPONSIBILITIES 13. At least two (2) vehicles must be used in escorting HR/HP
inmates.
1. In case there are augmentation personnel from other units, the 14. An inmate’s private vehicle shall not be used in transporting
same are considered as additional escorts and are jointly them.
responsible in securing the safety of the inmates. The escorts 15. Ensure that the vehicles are in good condition and have extra
from the jail are the ones who should act as close-in security tires and basic repair equipment or tools.
for the inmates. 16. Escorts must have long and short firearms which must be
loaded and locked.
2. Before leaving for the Court, the Team Leaders of the 17. Must have extra ammunitions aside from the basic load.
Augmentation Team may give their guidance to compliment the 18. Must have the following equipment:
briefing by the Team leader of the Jail’s escorts.
Two-way radios cellphones extra handcuffs
3. While in the Court, the primary task of the Augmentation Pro-batons video cameras maps
Teams is to secure the entry/exit points, the prisoners vans at Flashlights raincoats umbrellas
the parking area and as perimeter guards. First aid kits First aid brochures
• ESCORTING PROCEDURES 19. The Team Leader must have contact numbers of PNP
Stations, Military Camps/detachments and BJMP along the
A. BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE COURT way.
1. A jail Officer with the rank of at least J/INSP or in the 1. The Team leader from the jail should be strategically seated
absence, the most ranking JNCO from the jail having custody on the vehicle.
over the inmates, should act as Team Leader. 2. To properly monitor their movement, the Team leaders must
2. He must conduct briefing, personnel and inmate accounting, give track of their movement to the designated personnel in
vehicle and equipment check. the jail, the Directorate for Operations or the Regional
3. The escort must be given their specific designations such as Operations Division, respectively, as often as necessary.
entrance/exit guard, inmate guard, perimeter guard, etc. 3. The escorts must always be on guard for possible attacks or
4. When using Prisoners Van, the lead van must at least have ambush.
four (4) escorts including the Team Leader and driver.
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4. No deviation shall be allowed except when security 1. Take cover and assess the situation.
considerations require otherwise.
5. Movement shall be made during daytime only. 2. Return fire to repel or neutralize the attackers.
6. The convoy must not make unnecessary stops, especially
along the highway to avoid incidents. 3. Immediately contact the nearest PNP Station, Military
7. As much as possible, the inmates must be concealed from Camp/Detachment or Jail Facility.
public view.
4. Evacuate the inmates to a safe area.
C. AT THE COURT
5. If vehicle or motorcycles are involved, take note of their
1. The Team leader must conduct prior coordination with the descriptions and plate numbers.
Court security.
2. Each escort must occupy a strategic position upon arrival at 6. Take photographs or videos of the suspects or perpetrators
the court. including their firearms and vehicles or motorcycles.
3. All entry and exit points must be secured.
4. Suspicious-looking persons inside the Court must be B. After the encounter and the attackers have been neutralized
monitored and identified. or have fled
5. No unauthorized persons must be allowed to get near the
inmates 7. Administer First aid to the wounded or injured and bring them
6. Inmates must not be allowed to talk with anyone except their to the nearest hospital if necessary.
lawyer, escorts and court personnel.
7. They shall not be allowed to go to the toilet or washroom 8. If the attackers flee, do not pursue them if doing so would
alone. jeopardize your security.
8. No media interview shall be allowed for both the escorts and
the inmates. 9. Preserve the crime scene and contact the PNP/law
9. The close-in escorts shall not lose sight of the inmates at all enforcement authorities.
times.
10. They shall not sit next to the inmate to prevent their firearms 10. If arrests would have to be made, read to them the Miranda
from being grabbed by the former, unless ordered by the Rights and observe standard arrest procedures. Restrain the
Judge. attackers and turn them over to the police.
11. The vehicles must be parked in strategic locations.
12. The Team leader must give a clear and concise instruction in 11. Conduct debriefing and submit the incident report to proper
case there is a change of the route in going back to the jail. authorities.
D. UPON RETURN TO THE JAIL 12. Inform the Court regarding incident.
1. Conduct debriefing.
2. The Team Leader should report to the Records Officer the VI. EFFECTIVITY
outcome of the hearing.
3. Render report to higher office. This SOP shall take effect immediately.
During an assault or ambush, the jail escorts team shall secure the DIONY D MAMARIL, CES (E)
inmates while the augmentation team shall engage the attackers Jail Chief Superintendent
and perform other necessary actions. Officer-in-Charge, BJMP
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5. It has also been noted that the MMDJ misconstrue their requests as
they asked for an augmentation team only to find out that all they need is a
vehicle. Be specific with the requirements as not to hamper operations at the
Republic of the Philippines National office.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY
Juco Building, 144 Mindanao Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City 6. For information.
MEMORANDUM
ARTURO W ALIT, CESO IV
TO : Regional Director, BJMP-NCR Director (DPA)
Chief, BJMP
SUBJECT : Concerns on Security Augmentation
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from the court hearing the case of the inmate. In case that the
prospect recipient jail is too far from the court hearing the case, a
petition for Transfer of venue must be filed with the Supreme Court
Republic of the Philippines along with the petition for Transfer of Place of Detention, following
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT the guidelines set forth in Memorandum dated 31 July 2008 re:
BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY Transfer of Provincial, City and Municipal Prisoners to Vacant Or
Juco Building, 144 Mindanao Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City Not Crowded Jails and with reference to Memorandum re:
Trunklines: (+ 632) 927-6383; 453-1196
Email Address: director@bjmp.gov.ph Website: www.bjm.gov.ph Guidelines of Reporting of Overstaying Inmates pursuant to Article
29 of the Revised Penal Code, Insular Prisoners and Children in
Conflict with the Law (CICL) under BJMP Custody dated 03 October
MEMORANDUM 2013.
TO : ALL REGIONAL DIRECTORS c. The releasing jail should also take into consideration the jail
ALL WARDENS population of the recipient jail in order to avoid jail congestion.
SUBJECT : Coordination in the Transfer of Inmates d. In case the initiating jail had a prior approval of the Regional Office
regarding such transfer without coordinating and consulting with
DATE : 14 July 2014 the prospect recipient jail, the Regional Office concerned shall
ensure that the jail where the inmate is sought to be transferred is
not over congested, and that it would be able to adequately meet
1. These guidelines will not cover transfer of inmates initiated by the courts at
the security requirements. The Regional office should immediately
their own instance, but only transfers initiated by the jails, provincial and
inform the receiving jail of the impending transfer.
regional offices of the BJMP.
e. In case of disagreement between the concerned jail units and or
2. The usual reasons cited for inmate transfer is either the inmate is
refusal of the prospect recipient jail for any reason, the issue shall
troublesome or incorrigible, a serious security risk or the jail is over
be resolved by the Regional Office which has jurisdiction over the
congested. It is noted with concern though that transfers are initiated with
two jails.
the courts without proper and prior coordination with the receiving jail,
provincial or regional offices. This results to an undue transfer of burden
3.2 Transferring of inmate from one region to another region:
from one unit to another regard to the capacity of the receiving unit to
absorb without sacrificing its operational integrity or due consideration of
a. When transferring an inmate from one region to another, the
its capability to accommodate an inmate especially if classified a high
initiating jail thru its regional office should make a prior lateral
profile/risk.
coordination and consultation with the prospect recipient jail thru
the regional office having jurisdiction over it, to determine its
3. To rationalize such transfer the following guidelines should be followed:
peculiar circumstances such as availability of manpower and other
resources, congestion rate, vulnerability to attack or escape and
3.1 Transferring of inmate from one jail to another jail within the same
other surrounding circumstances vis-à-vis the classification of
region;
inmate sought to be transferred before requesting the National
Headquarters and the Supreme court for the transfer.
a. The jail initiating transfer should have prior lateral coordination and
consultation with the prospect recipient jail to determine its
b. The initiating jail must request and secure approval of petition for
peculiar circumstances such as availability of manpower and other
Transfer of Place of Detention and petition for Transfer of Venue
resources, congestion rate, vulnerability to attack or escape and
from the proper court.
other surrounding circumstances vis-à-vis the classification of
inmate sought to be transferred before requesting the regional
c. The initiating jail thru its regional office should also take into
office and the court for the transfer.
consideration the jail population of the prospect recipient jail in
order to avoid jail congestion.
b. The initiating jail must request and secure petition for transfer of
Place of Detention only, from the proper court in case that the
prospect recipient jail is adjacent or located within a safe distance
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d. In case that the initiating jail thru its regional office had a prior
approval of the National Headquarters regarding such transfer
without coordinating and consulting the prospect recipient jail and
regional office having jurisdiction over it, the concerned national Republic of the Philippines
Headquarters Office shall ensure that the jail where the inmate is DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
sought to betransferred is not over congested, and that it would be BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY
able to adequately meet the security requirements. The concerned Juco Building, 144 Mindanao Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City
Trunklines: (+ 632) 927-6383; 453-1196
office of the National Headquarters should immediately inform the Email Address: director@bjmp.gov.ph Website: www.bjm.gov.ph
receiving jail of the impending transfer.
5. The initiating unit must, as much as possible, work out its best efforts so DATE : 10 March 2014
that the transfer of place of detention will coincide with the transfer of
venue of the case
1. It has been keenly observed that in several instances, some Regional
Offices had made a request purposely for the BJMP-NHQ to intercede and make the
6. For guidance and strict compliance.
necessary representation before the Supreme Court for a change of venue involving
a case of inmates who have been detained with the BJMP. The underlying reason
for the requests were shrouded, within the context of serious security threats and
safety concerns of the inmates as well as the escorting personnel, which threats,
may be dealt with by transferring the venue of trial.
DIONY D MAMARIL, CES (E)
Jail Chief Superintendent
2. Taking full cognizance of the authority of the Supreme Court to
Officer-in-Charge, BJMP
change the place of trial under Section 5 (4) Article VIII of the 1987
Constitution, it is imperative to adopt and formulate the following guidelines that
will govern requests for transfer of the place of trial involving inmate under BJMP
custody.
a. The requesting party/region may directly channel its request for change
of venue to the Supreme Court if there are weighty reasons to believe that
serious security threat exists provided that prior coordination with the
Prosecutor shall be done and his/her written comment must be secured
duly cognizant of the latter’s authority and control in the prosecution of the
case;
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previous position of transferring such inmates appear to be working against the
interest of public service particularly public safety and runs counter to cost-effective
governance as it entail more resources to be spent to escort inmates from BuCor to
local courts and vice versa for trial. DIONY D MAMARIL, CES (E)
Jail Chief Superintendent
6. It bears stressing though that inmates sentenced with the penalties of Officer-in-Charge, BJMP
either reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment should be transferred immediately
regardless of the pendency of other cases considering their high-risk status and on
account of the express provision of the Rules of Court requiring the permission by
the Supreme Court for every movement or transfer of such convict. Also, the court
in SC Administrative Circular No. 2 dated December 2, 1976 directed the hearing of
cases so situated, to be conducted within the confines of BuCor facilities to preclude
escape.
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a) any member of his immediate family, which shall include his or her
spouse, fiancé or fiancée, parent or child, brother or sister, grandparent or
Republic of the Philippines
grandchild, uncle or aunt, nephew or niece guardian or ward, and friends, if it
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT can be ascertained that the association or friendship is a genuinely
BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY constructive one;
Juco Building, 144 Mindanao Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City
Trunklines: (+ 632) 927-6383; 453-1196
Email Address: director@bjmp.gov.ph Website: www.bjm.gov.ph b) any medical doctor or priest or religious minister chosen by him or by
any member of his immediate family;
MEMORANDUM
c) his counsel (lawyer);
TO : All Regional Directors
d) any national non-governmental organization duly accredited by the
SUBJECT : Revised Policy on Visitation in BJMP-manned Jails
Commission on Human Rights or by any international non-governmental
DATE : 02 March 2010 organization duly accredited by the Office of the President; and
1. Reference:
e) personnel from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) upon
a) Previous Memoranda on Jail Visitation.
presentation of a valid I.D. and Mission Order from their Regional Director or
b) BJMP Operations Manual (1996).
the Commission proper, without the need for a prior clearance from higher
c) RA 7438 “Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained or Under
authorities.
Custodial investigation”, promulgated on April 27, 1992.
7. Visitors for each inmate should be limited to five (5) persons while
2. To come up with a uniform rules on visitation our district, city and
those for high-risk inmates should be limited to two (2) persons only, at any given
municipal jails, this Revised Policy on Visitation in BJMP-manned jails is hereby
time. The visiting time for high-risk inmates is from thirty (30) minutes to one (1)
visitation but to strengthen the security of our jail facilities for the safety of both the
hour only, subject to the discretion of the Jail Warden.
visitors and the inmates.
8. Upon admission, the inmate should provide a list of his/her authorized
3. Visiting days are from Tuesday to Sunday only. Monday is a non-visiting
visitors including the pertinent data for their identification.
day and is reserved as inmates’ wash day and for the maintenance and clean-up of
the entire jail facility. 9. A visitors Logbook where the visitors’ name, age, sex, address, name of
the inmate to be visited, their relationship, and time-in/time-out are indicated must
4. Visiting hours will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Tuesday to
be maintained. There should be a separate logbook for visitors of inmates charged
Friday. No visits shall be allowed in the morning to give way to IWD activities.
with drugs cases. Likewise, a separate Visitors Logbook for high-risk inmates must
During Saturday and Sunday, visiting hours is from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and
also be maintained. From these logbooks, a visitors’ database including the visitors’
from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. but no visitor shall be allowed to visit in the afternoon
I.D. pictures must be complied for future reference.
if he/she has already visited in the morning.
10. Visitors must present a valid I.D. card for their proper identification
5. Exempted from the provisions on the limitations on days and visiting
otherwise, they should be denied entry.
hours are lawyers or medical doctors especially when the inmate needs immediate
medical attention. 11. In big jails where there are many visitors who fall in line, waiting for
their turn to be searched at the jail’s main gate, senior citizens or elderly visitors,
6. Who may be allowed visits:
including those who accompany them, must be given priority in entering the jail
facility.
An inmate shall be allowed visits by or conferences with the following:
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12. Inmates to be visited must wear the prescribed yellow t-shirts printed
with the name of the jail and the words “DETAINEE” at the front and “BJMP” at the
back.
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
13. All memoranda, directives or orders, or parts thereof, which are
BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY
contrary or inconsistent with this Memorandum are hereby repealed or modified Juco Building, 144 Mindanao Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City
accordingly. Trunklines: (+ 632) 927-6383; 453-1196
Email Address: director@bjmp.gov.ph Website: www.bjm.gov.ph
c) Republic Act No. 7438 “An Act Defining Certain Rights of Person
Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial And Investigating Officers,
and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof” dated April 27,
1992.
b) Cases which may be considered urgent are when the inmate must
be immediately attended to such as during medical emergencies,
where the services of a lawyer is urgently needed, when an
inmate needs to be visited or cared for while sick, and under any
other analogous circumstances;
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c) During night time, an urgent visit may only be allowed if the
security of the jail facility would not be compromised by such visit.
Said visit shall also not exceed two (2) hours and a certification as
to the urgency of the visit must be executed by the concerned Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
visitor; BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY
144 Mindanao Avenue, Project 8, Quezon City
d) A private nurse or Medical Doctor for an inmate with a special
medical condition as certified by a BJMP physician, requiring a
continuing or round-the-clock services may be allowed to stay MEMORANDUM
CIRCULAR NO. 2006-02
inside the jail but only at the jail’s Infirmary under close
supervision of jail personnel. An inmate thus situated shall be TO : All Regional Directors
treated or cared for by the nurse or doctor at the jail’s infirmary SUBJECT : BJMP Incident Management System (IMS)
only, but immediately afterward, he must be returned to his cell; DATE : 28 May 2006
===================================================
e) Delivery of prepared foods by the inmate’s relatives during regular
meal time is allowed, subject to inspection and approval by jail I. RFERENCES:
officials. No personal or private cook shall be allowed to prepare
1. BJMP Manual;
or cook food inside the jail facility; and
2. Presidential Decree No. 1566: Strengthening of the Philippine Disaster
Control Capabilities and the establishment of the national program on
f) Inmates’ visitors shall at all times stay at the Visiting Area only. In
community disaster preparedness;
no case shall they be allowed to enter the jail’s cells.
3. Eight United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and
3. All provisions of the Memorandum, re: Revised Policy on Visitation in Treatment of Offenders, Havana, Cuba, 27 August to 7 September
BJMP-manned Jails dated 02 March 2010 not affected by this 1990
guidelines shall remain effective.
II. Concept:
4. For guidance and strict compliance.
This is a comprehensive policy which prescribes the minimum standard that
must be met for managing critical incidents. This provides the necessary structure,
as well as determines the chain-of-command for an organized response to a critical
incident.
DORIS REMEDIOUS-DORIGO, CESO V
Jail Chief Superintendent DSC
III. PURPOSES:
OIC, BJMP
This Policy aims to:
IV. SCOPE:
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The provision of this policy shall take effect nationwide Whenever necessary, contact and request augmentation
from Neighboring jail Quick Response Team (QRT) shall be made.
IV. CONCEPT OF OPERATION:
Level D - Activation of the BJMP STAR Team
A. Incident Command Post
The Incident Commander has the authority to activate the
1. The primary function of the Incident Command Post is the management of Regional Office Special Tactics and Response Team (STAR Team).
the critical incident. Contact should be made to the Regional Office Operation Section
for activation of STAR team.
2. The Incident Commander shall activate the contingency plan, which
includes actions as documented on the checklist(s) for specific incidents. All Level E - Request Augmentation from other Law Enforcement Agencies.
necessary checklists are located in the attached appendices.
When the BJMP has exhausted all its effort and resources,
B. Incident Commander Responsibilities request for augmentation from the other Law Enforcement
Agencies must be made. Responding Law Enforcement Agencies
1. The Incident Commander shall respond according to five (5) level of shall respond according to its duties and responsibilities provided in
responses: the inter-agency agreement during crisis situation.
Law Enforcement Agencies shall be furnished with an
Level A - Initial Response update copy of the jail Contingency Plans subject to the approval of
the Regional Office.
a.1 designate an employee to oversee the deployment of
the inner perimeter. The inner perimeter leader shall be the team 2. The Incident Commander shall designate an employee to assume specific
“A” leader. The inner perimeter shall monitor the perimeter of the duties during a critical incident. If necessary, the following staff assignment
incident to the extent possible to keep the incident contained and are members of the Command Staff:
provide the incident commander with information; and
a. the liaison Officer serves as the point of contact for other agencies;
a.2 designate an employee to oversee the deployment of
the outer perimeter. The outer perimeter leader shall be the team b. the Jail manager is responsible for directing the operations of the non-
“B” leader and shall deploy the group outside the inner perimeter affected areas of the jail;
to limit access of the unauthorized staff and inmates in order to
create a buffer zone between the affected area and rest of the
c. the Safety Officer’s Function is to develop and recommend measures
facility. The outer perimeter may assist in the evacuation of staff
and uninvolved inmates or the detaining of involved inmates. for assuring personnel safety, and to assess and/or anticipate
hazardous and unsafe situations;
a.3 the size of the teams shall be determined by the
incident commander during the development of the contingency d. the recorder will develop and maintain an accurate and complete
Plans. written record of the actions and activities of the incident Commander;
Level B - Activation of the Quick Response Team (QRT) e. the Public Information Officer (PIO) shall be responsible for
entertaining the media personalities and shall release information only
The Incident Commander has the authority and discretion
to respond appropriately to a critical incident this includes decisions upon the approval of the Incident Commander.
to authorize weapons into the facility, initiate mutual aid call-up,
and the use of force, including the use of lethal force to control a 3. The Incident Commander may designate an employee to assume the duties
disturbance and/ or a hostage situation. After an evaluation of the of the General Staff, if necessary; the following staff assignments are
critical incident, the Incident Commander may activate the Quick members of the General Staff:
Response Team (QRT).
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a. the Operations Section Chief is responsible for development and 1. After the confirmation of a critical incident, the Incident Commander shall
management of the Operation Section. He/She ensures the ensure that the Regional Office is notified immediately.
implementation of the incident Action plan.
b. the Planning Section Chief is responsible for development and 2. The appropriate friendly forces shall also be notified. Depending on the
management of the Planning section. He/she is responsible for the circumstances, this may include:
development of the incident Action Plan.
c. the Logistics Section Chief is responsible for development and a. PNP;
management of the Logistics section; and b. BFP;
d. the Finance/ Administration Section Chief is responsible for c. Neighboring communities via the Communication Alert Network
development and management of the finance/ administration section. (CAN).
4. In addition, the Incident Commander shall: E. The National Headquarters Office Responsibilities
a. manage the critical incident and determine the immediate priorities; The National Headquarters Office shall monitor all critical incidents and
b. establish the incident objectives and approve the incident action plan; may, if appropriate and necessary, provide direction, assistance and resource
c. activate and collapse the Command Staff and General Staff to meet the management to the jail experiencing a critical incident.
needs of the incident. (General Staff section Chiefs’, in turn, has the
F. The Regional Office Responsibilities
authority to expand and collapse internally to meet the needs of the
situation; The Regional Office shall:
d. be responsible for any position and responsibilities not activated in the
Command Staff and General Staff section; a. provide notification and periodic updates to the BJMP National
e. authorize all media release; Headquarters Office.
f. release resources and approve requests for additional resources; b. notify and/or activate the Regional Special tactics and Response (STAR)
g. ensure safety measures are in place; and Team, when necessary;
h. order demobilization.
c. maintain communication with the affected family;
C. Chain of Command d. maintain and continuously log of information;
e. coordinate the release of information to the media at the National
1. The Highest-ranking jail officer present at the facility at the time of an Headquarters Office level through the Office of the Chief BJMP.
incident shall be the Incident Commander. f. assess the need for staff and other logistical support from unaffected
neighboring jails;
2. The Chain of Command in a critical incident at a jail facility shall be: g. ensure any necessary staff recalls are conducted;
h. develop/implement work and relief schedules for Regional Office staff
a. Jail Warden involved in assisting with critical incident;
b. Deputy Jail Warden i. if necessary, deploy management staff from adjacent jails to provide relief
c. Duty OD to the Incident Commander and other specialized function personnel of the
jail;
3. When necessary, the Regional Office may designate a trained incident j. assign personnel from Regional Office and/or unaffected jail to assist in
Commander to ensure effective control over the crisis situation. managing the demobilization of the affected jail;
k. provide legal advice through the Regional Office Chief Legal Service;
4. A transfer of command shall not occur until a thorough briefing has been
l. provide additional logistical Support, when necessary, monitor deployment
done and all operation areas of the facility are notified of the transfer.
of resources and personnel and monitor associated costs;
D. Notifications
m. review and approve demobilization plans; and
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n. ensure critical Incident stress debriefings for involved staff are place to ensure accountability of these items while re-enforcing the
schedule/conducted immediately after the resolution of the incident. other jails.
i. The QRT shall arm themselves with only the authorized weapons,
V. Specialized Teams munitions and necessary equipment.
j. QRT members shall be designated as part of the B Level response at
1. Special Tactics and Response (STAR) Team
the beginning of each appropriate shift. QRT members from unaffected
jail may provide augmentation to other jails as part of the C Level
a. Each BJMP Regional Office shall organize and maintain in at least one
response.
(1) 20-man STAR team, consisting of a weapons unit and a
k. QRT members initially deployed as part of a spontaneous A Level
negotiations unit.
response should be relieved as soon as practical anticipation of a B
b. STAR-Weapons Unit shall be composed of 15 staff and a weapons unit
Level commitment.
commander.
l. The QRT-weapons unit commander shall be designated as QRT-
c. STAR-Negotiations unit shall be composed of primary negotiator,
armorer who shall ensure accountability of all weapons and equipment
secondary negotiator, intelligence negotiator and the negotiation unit
and be familiar with accessing the armory(s) and all areas where
commander.
security and Critical Incident Management equipment is stored.
d. The STAR team shall be equipped with the necessary gears and
m. Jails that do not have enough personnel to compose a 10-man QRT
trainings for any critical incidents.
may create a 5-man QRT consisting of 3-man weapon unit, 1
e. Within the scope of the Incident Management System, STAR team
negotiator and a QRT commander.
members shall be designated as part of the D Level response.
VI. Development of Contingency Plans
2. Quick Response Team (QRT)
1. The Regional Office shall:
a. Each jail shall establish a full-strength QRT with ten members,
consisting of a Weapons Unit and Negotiations Unit. a. act as a resource/advisor to jail contingency plans. Conduct meetings
b. Weapons Unit shall be composed of 6 staff and weapons unit as necessary to ensure the dissemination of current information;
commander. b. conduct one (1) major exercise and two (2) drills annually (at a
c. Negotiations Unit shall be composed of primary negotiator, minimum);
secondary/intelligence negotiator and the negotiations unit c. monitor, coordinate and evaluate jail facility exercise and drills; and
commander. d. conduct unannounced drills at jail facilities.
d. The Warden shall ensure that all QRT members have complete QRT
training prior to assignment and are qualified with all team weapons. 2. Each Jail shall
e. QRT members shall be re-qualified on all team weaponry annually.
f. Staff assigned to QRT must be drawn from on duty-personnel. a. develop and maintain critical incident management plans and must be
Consistent with desired response time and available staff, the warden updated as necessary in accordance with the policy;
may designate adjacent jails QRT teams support each other, but only b. develop a notification and call-up system;
where such designation is done consistently to avoid any confusion as c. develop exercise and drill scenarios;
to assignment and response requirements. d. ensure the Facility Incident Command Post is properly equipped and all
g. At a minimum, the QRT commanders shall be familiarized with the critical incident plans stored there are accounted for and/or updated;
physical environment of the adjacent jails to which the team may e. maintain the checklist and post orders which outline procedures of the
provide support. various support functions. Additional post orders may be developed to
h. A QRT who deploys from one jail to re-enforce an adjacent jail’s QRT, assist staff as necessary.
shall draw their own weapons, ammunitions and equipment prior to f. include mobile phones and telephone numbers in the Command
departing for the jail they are supporting. Positive controls shall be in notifications section;
g. predetermine sites for parking vehicles and mustering support staff.
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h. predetermine an area (outside the facility perimeter) large enough to a. Once verified, isolation and containment of the critical incident are
accommodate the Special Teams, as well as staging of the emergency essential in reducing the possibility of involvement of other areas or
support service area (i.e., inmate family service, staff family service additional inmates.
area, media relations, etc…). b. The Incident Commander shall activate the Immediate Response
Teams (teams A, B, etc…). When an incident is reported and
3. Each jail must follow a single tactical approach, which is applicable to all or assistance is needed, these teams will be the initial response teams.
most critical incident situations. The 5-steps tactical plan must be c. Every inmate shall be secured in his/her cell/housing unit. Those not
integrated as part of the jail contingency plans. The 5-step tactical plan in a housing unit shall be placed in the nearest area providing
phases are reporting, containment, mobilization, response, and recovery. adequate security. All internal security posts shall be double-manned
to the extent possible.
3.1 Reporting d. A headcount of staff, visitors, volunteers and inmates shall be
initiated.
a. An employee who encounters a critical incident situation shall report
incident to the warden or in his absence, to the next higher ranking 3.3 Mobilization
officer present in the facility prior to attempting to respond to the
situation. The reporting employee shall include the following a. Notifications shall be made to Jail Administrative Staff, Regional
information, if possible: Office, National Headquarters Office, initiate staff callbacks and
possible support agencies.
1. his/her name and location; b. Activate notifications of special teams and recall jail personnel, as
2. location of the incident; applicable.
3. nature of the incident; c. Contingency plan shall be activated to deal with the critical incident.
4. number of inmates/ staff involved; d. Staff shall not fail to evacuate an inmate from a life threatening
5. weapons involved; and condition.
6. any other necessary information. e. In a hostage situation or other kind of inmate disturbance,
evacuation of the area with the outer perimeter shall begin as soon
b. If the report is received from an identifiable staff member and
as possible.However,caution must be taken not to unjustifiably
sufficiently detailed, the facility critical incident plan can be
compromise the containment security during this process.
immediately implemented. If however, verification is needed, the
following can be done: (1) Every inmate and non-involved staff be moved behind the lines
of the outer perimeter.
1. contact staff in close proximity to the area; or
(2) Every individual in danger shall be evacuated:
2. the Warden/Incident Commander can dispatch immediately
Response Team A to scout or probe the area. The
(a) First priority shall be given to any individual inside the inner
Warden/Incident Commander shall not personally verify.
perimeter;
(b) Second, every individual in exposed areas to threats of any
c. Staff shall use extreme caution when entering a potentially
sort shall be evacuated; then
dangerous area/situation to guard against an inmate setup; backup
(c) Individual(s) in more exposed areas but within the outer
staff shall always accompany the response team.
perimeter shall be evacuated.
d. Once the critical incident is verified, the Incident Commander shall
mobilize the critical incident plan, initiate a log, announce command,
(3) An evacuee shall be held at a designated location for
and restrict communication.
identification and debriefing purposes. The intelligence
Officer/designee shall debrief every evacuee. An inmate evacuee
3.2 Containment
shall be considered as a suspect until proven otherwise.
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f. Man-Made (Outside Assaults, fire, etc…) or natural Disasters manage the demobilization process. The plan shall be activated
(Earthquake, Floods, etc…) may require the total or partial when it has been approved by the regional Director. The plan shall
evacuation of a facility. To address the needs,the Jail Operation include, but not be limited to:
Section shall develop evacuation Plans to address on-site gradual,
a. monitor staff and inmate interaction by specific management
off-site immediate and off-site gradual evacuation plans. Evacuation
personnel, including:
plans shall identify predetermined travel routes to off-site locations,
which shall be approved by the Regional Office Operations section. (1) Account for all staff, visitors and inmates, keys, tools,
Should the evacuation site not be the property of the bureau, equipment;
written agreements shall be secured, included in the facility critical (2) Restrain inmates;
incident plans and be updated annually. (3) Search inmates, all areas, inmate property, preserve areas
g. Defend in place tactics shall be employed in those critical incidents of crime scene for and the collection and preservation of
when an imminent danger exists and evacuation is not possible or evidence;
logistical support cannot arrive in time to safely transport staff and (4) Escort inmates to a secure area;
inmates to a safer environment. The Jail Operation section shall (5) Separate inmates-involved versus non-involved;
inspect the facility and identify those areas suited to safely house (6) Place inmates in a secure areas with the security measures
inmates and protect staff. in place;
(7) Transport involved inmates to other facilities; and
3.4 Response
(8) Request PNP-SOCO assistance in the conduct of a crime
scene investigation.
a. Response to every critical incident involves two different tactics
and strategies. However, during all critical incidents, staff
b. evaluate the medical condition of staff and inmates;
actions shall be directed from the Incident Command Post.
c. inspect the physical plant, primarily security barriers, locking
b. Special Critical Incidents Checklist, which may contains possible
device and safety issues;
response options for each specific type of critical incident, are
d. debrief/defuse involved staff, reports, videotapes collected
attached in appendices.
prior to being relieved from critical incident;
c. The primary goal of the response step is to:
e. interview/interrogate the inmates based on his/her known level
of involvement;
(1) Respond to violent or potentially violent critical incidents
f. monitor the critical incident stress management plan for staff,
with minimal necessary force;
ensure mental health practitioners are available and provided
(2) Continue to isolate and contain the incident operations;
an assessment of involved staff;
(3) Establish control and restore order as quickly as possible;
g. record and videotape the demobilization process. Once the
(4) Prevent escapes during critical incident operations;
demobilization phase is over, collect and submit all applicable
(5) Maintain the personal safety of staff, innocent bystanders
documentation to the Regional Office;
(visitors, volunteers, the public, inmates, etc…), inmates
h. develop a step-down plan to assist with the returning of the
who may be involved in or creating the critical incident; and
facility to normal conditions;
(6) Minimize the impact of the critical incident on the rest of the
i. ensure the accountability of those inmates transported to local
facility and the surrounding community.
hospitals for treatment and those transferred to other facilities;
3.5 Recovery and
j. demobilize the Incident Command Post.
Once the critical incident is contained, a demobilization plan
shall be drafted and forwarded to the Regional Office for
review/approval. The regional office shall determine whether a
sufficient number of management staff is present to properly
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VII. Frequency of training for the various Emergency Responders Critical Incident Check List
Inmate Disturbances (IMS Appendix A)
A. All personnel involved in Incident Management System (IMS) training are The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this
required to conduct “A” and “B” Level response monthly on all shifts. checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken.
B. Quick Response Team (QRT) members are required to respond on a monthly
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
basis on each shift.
REPORT:
C. “C” Level response must be rehearsed on a quarterly basis
1. Verify the facts
D. All STAR team members are required to practice eight (8) hours each month A. Location of the incident
in addition to their regular work schedule. B. Nature of incident
E. A “D” Level response is to be practiced on a semi-annual basis, or twice per C. Indentify staff involvement
year. D. Identify inmate involvement
F. Lastly, an “E” Level response is to be practiced on an annual basis, involving E. Identify any injuries
multiple agencies. 2. Assess the situation to determine if the IMS should be activated.
3. Assess the situation to determine if the CAN (Community Alert
VIII. REPEALING CLAUSE: Network) should be activated
4. Sound alarm
All circulars which are inconsistent with this directive are hereby 5. Announcement of Command
rescinded or modified accordingly. 6. Restriction of Communication
7. Establish a log of the events
IX. EFFECTIVELY: 8. Lock down the facility
9. Conduct emergency count
This policy shall take effect upon approval. 10. Command notifications (Regional Office)
11. Medical department
Approved and signed this 28th day of June 2006 in Quezon City, 12. Notify on duty staff of situation
Philippines. 13. Recall QRT
CONTAIN:
14. Secure entrance and exits
15. Ensure inner perimeter is in place , assign a leader ,
ANTONIO CABIL CRUZ, Ed.D. adequately staffed and equipped , and communications
Chief Superintendent (DSC) established .
Officer-in-charge, BJMP 16. Ensure Outer Perimeter is in place , assign a leader .
Adequately staffed and equipped , and Communications
Established .
17. Activate Command Center
18. Account for Staff, visitors and inmates
MOBILIZE:
19. Assign appropriate Command staffs and General Staffs
20. Gather information and evaluate situations
21. Notify local agencies as deemed necessary by the Incident
Commander. External Notifications (Emergency Support)
22. Develop plan to regain control
23. Recall necessary staff
24. assemble equipment, vehicles and weapons
25. Conduct facility operations assessments
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Critical Incident Check List Critical Incident Check List
Inmate Disturbances (IMS Appendix A) Hostage Situation (IMS Appendix B)
The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this The Commanders Actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this
checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken. Checklist The situation will determine the priority of actions taken.
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Critical Incident Check List Critical Incident Check List
Hostage Situation (IMS Appendix B) Hostage Situation (IMS Appendix B)
The Commanders Actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this The Commanders Actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this
Checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken. Checklist The situation will determine the priority of actions taken.
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Hostage Situation (IMS Appendix B-1) - Media coverage
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE - Help related to hostages taker’s problem
- Food
- Beverages
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25. Selection of the primary and secondary negotiator in a particular Critical Incident Check List
incident will be accomplished by the negotiations unit commander after Escapes (IMS Appendix C)
considering all of the attendant factors: The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the content of this
Checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken.
- Who is on the scene ACTION TO BE TAKEN
- Who is likely to arrive on the scene
REPORT:
- Who is available
1. Verify the facts
- Who made initial contact
a. Location of the incident
- Who would be most effective under this particular
b. Nature of incident
circumstance
c. Indentify staff involvement
- The desire of the incident commander when considered
d. Identify inmate involvement
with all other factors
- Time e. Identify weapons involved
f. Identify any injuries
2. Assess the situation to determine if the ICS should be activated.
3. Assess the situation to determine if the CAN (Community Alert
Network) should be activated
4. Sound alarm
5. Announcement of Command
6. Restriction of Communication
7. Establish a log of the events
8. Lock down the facility
9. Conduct emergency count
10. Command notifications (Regional Office)
11. Medical department
12. Notify on duty staff of situation
13. Provide description of inmate(s) to agencies requiring information
(Escape packets) to include:
A. Full name
B. Race
C. DOB
D. Height/ Weight
E. Color Eyes/ Hair
F. Tattoos/ Scars
G. Type of dress
17. Post armed staff at any sites where damage exists to a security
feature (fence, wall, tunnel, sally port, etc…)
18. Initiate pursuit
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Critical Incident Check List Critical incident Check List
Escapes (IMS Appendix C) Fire (IMS Appendix D)
The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the content of this The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this
Checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken. checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken.
19. Activate Command Center assign command and general stuff as ACTION TO BE TAKEN
required REPORT:
20. Account for Staff, visitors and inmates 1. Verify the facts
MOBILIZE: A. Location of the incident/ area(s) affected
21. Notify local agencies as deemed necessary by the Incident B. Nature of incident
Commander. External Notifications (Emergency Support) C. Identify any injuries
22. Assemble equipment, vehicles and weapons D. Damage to facility
23. Collect property, records and files to escapee(s) E. Identify staff involved
24. Identify needed resources F. Identify inmates involved
A. Equipment 2. Assess the situation to determine if the IMS should be activated.
B. Supplies 3. Assess the situation to determine if the CAN (Community Alert
C. Medical services Network) should be activated
D. Local agencies support 4. Call 117 or local emergency numbers
E. Recall staff as needed 5. Announcement of Command
25. Conduct Facility operation assessment 6. Restriction of Communication
RESPOND: 7. Establish a log of the events
26. Deploy staff to affected area escape posts 8. Lock down unaffected areas of the facility
27. Continue pursuit of escapee(s) 9. Conduct emergency count
28. Distribute escape packets 10. Command notifications (Regional Office)
29. Initiate repair of damages security features 11. Medical department
30. Initiate facility operations plan 12. Notify on duty staff of situation
31. Develop intelligence resources CONTAIN:
32. Apprehend escapee(s) 13. Secure entrance and exits
RECOVER: 14. Ensure inner perimeter is in place , assign a leader ,
33. Announce to all Command Notifications of apprehension adequately staffed and equipped , and communications
34. Conduct medical review of participants established .
35. Account for all staff, visitors and inmates 15. Ensure Outer Perimeter is in place , assign a leader .
36. Assess the need to relocate participants Adequately staffed and equipped , and Communications
37. Secure scene/area for investigation Established .
38. Preserve all evidence 16. Initiate fire team to attempt to extinguish the fire
17. Post armed staff at any site where damage exists to a security
feature (fence, wall, tunnel, sally, port, etc…)
41. Conduct damage assessment 18. Activate Command Center assign command and general staff as
42. Repair/replace property required
19. Account for staff, visitors and inmates
44. Complete all documentation and reports MOBILIZE:
45. Deactivate Command Post 20. Notify local agencies as deemed necessary by the Incident
Commander. External Notifications (Emergency Support)
21. Assemble equipment, vehicles and weapons
22. Post additional staff at Sally Port for Support Agency escort purposes
23. Identify needed resources
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Critical incident Check List Critical incident Check List
Fire (IMS Appendix D) Natural Disaster (IMS Appendix E)
The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this
checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken. checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken.
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Critical incident Check List Critical incident Check List
Natural Disaster (IMS Appendix E) Epidemic (IMS Appendix G)
The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this
checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken. checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken.
27. Move all staff and inmates away from windows and take cover ACTION TO BE TAKEN
28. Secure all lose objects (wherever possible) REPORT:
29. Cover all windows (time permitting) 1. Verify the facts
30. Ensure maintenance staff is on site to: A. Location of the incident
A. Stand by emergency generators B. Nature of incident
B. Move vehicles under shelter C. Indentify staff involvement
C. Secure power and water as needed D. Identify inmate(s) involvement
RECOVER: E. Identify weapons involved
33. Announce to all Command Notifications of resolutions actions F. Identify any injuries
34. Conduct medical assessment 2. Verify that an epidemic has been declared by the Department of
35. Account for all staff, visitors and inmates Health.
36. Conduct damage assessment 3. Assess the situation to determine if the IMS should be activated.
37. Conduct Operation Greyhound 4. Assess the situation to determine if the CAN (Community Alert
38. Repair/replace property Network) should be activated
39. Return to update operations plan 5. Announcement of Command/ Location
40. Complete all documentation and reports 6. Restriction of non-emergency Communication
41. Deactivate Command Posts 7. Establish a log and tape recording of the events is initiated and
continued
8. Lock down the facility
9. Conduct emergency count
10. Notify on duty staff of situation
11. Conduct emergency mobilization including
Command Notification (Central office/ Duty Officer)
Command Notification facility (to level of lieutenant)
Staff Call-backs
External agencies
QRT
Specialized Functions
Medical Department
CONTAIN:
12. Conduct an assessment of the situation with BJMP Health Service
Nature of epidemics:
Health Hazards:
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Critical incident Check List Critical incident Check List
Epidemic (IMS Appendix G) Loss of utilities (Water, Electric, communication, etc)
The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this (IMS Appendix H)
checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken. The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this
checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken.
15. Clearing count
16. Account for staff ACTION TO BE TAKEN
17. Account for visitors REPORT:
MOBILIZE: 1. Verify the facts
18. Assign appropriate IMS function A. Location of the incident
19. Arrange gate clearance for arriving Department of Health Officials B. Nature of incident
20. Ensure all staff involved with epidemics receives training on C. Identify staff involvement
precautionary measures to follow, protective clothing to wear and D. Identify inmate involvement
equipment to use. E. Identify any injuries
21. Ensure unaffected infirmary inmates who require constant medical F. Identify what utilities are lost/ Deliberate or Accident
care are house in an alternate area that is not infected 2. Assess the situation to determine if the IMS should be activated.
22. Assign officers to isolation unit appropriate to number of inmates 3. Assess the situation to determine if the CAN (Community Alert
housed there. arrange transfer of infected inmates from their cells to Network) should be activated
the jail infirmary (No inmate may refuse move) 4. Notify effected Utility company to respond
RESPOND: 5. Sound alarm
23. If necessary, assist Medical Department in establishing a temporary 6. Announcement of Command
satellite treatment area. (Ensure secure area is available for staff and 7. Restriction of Communication
supplies). 8. Establish a log of the events
24. Ensure food service Department provides disposable food containers 9. Lock down the facility
to affected inmates. 10. Conduct emergency count
25. Ensure laundry from affected area is placed in identifiable isolation 11. Command notifications (Regional Office)
bags and processed properly 12. Health service notifications
26. In conjunction with medical department ensure all medical waste is 13. Notify on duty staff of situation
disposed of properly 14. Recall QRT
27. Ensure proper disinfections procedure are followed in isolation areas, CONTAIN:
Medical will provide instruction 15. Secure entrance and exits
28. Discharge from the isolation unit will be by Doctor’s order only 16. Initiate initial responders Team A
29. Provide frequent information updates to staff and inmates through 17. Ensure inner perimeter is in place , assign a leader ,
public information Officer adequately staffed and equipped , and communications
RECOVER: established .
30. After epidemic is declared over by the Medical Department and 18. Ensure Outer Perimeter is in place , assign a leader .
confirmed by the Department of Health, Return to update operation Adequately staffed and equipped , and Communications
plans Established .
31. Complete all documentation and reports 19. Activate Command Center
32. Deactivate Command Posts 20. Account for Staff, visitors and inmates
MOBILIZE:
21. Assign appropriate IMS functions
22. Gather information and evaluate situations
23. Notify local agencies as deemed necessary by the Incident
Commander. External Notifications (Emergency Support)
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Critical incident Check List Critical incident Check List
Loss of utilities (Water, Electric, communication, etc) Loss of utilities (Water, Electric, communication, etc)
(IMS Appendix H) (IMS Appendix H)
The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this
checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken. checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken.
24. Develop plan to restore affected utilities 42. Debrief staff and others involved
25. Recall necessary staff 43. Return to update operations plan
26. Assemble equipment, vehicles and weapons 44. Complete all documentation and reports
27. Conduct facility operations assessments 45. Deactivate Command Posts
RESPOND:
28. Deploy staff to affected area
29. Ensure following for area evacuation
A. Inner Perimeter
1. Route(s) of evacuation
2. Safety
3. Secure holding area(s)
4. Number of evacuees at a time
B. Outer Perimeter
1. Routes(s) of evacuation
2. Safety
3. Secure holding area(s)
4. Number of evacuees at a time
5. Staff for escort/containment/book up
30. Issue order for inmate to evacuate area specified routes and
numbers.
31. Debrief evacuees
32. Re-evaluate situation
A. Extent of damage or problem with utility
B. Estimate time frame to restore utility to normal
C. Evaluate need for evacuation plans
33. initiate resolutions actions
A. Utilize emergency resources until normal utility has been restored
B. If a water emergency determine the approximate amount needed
for food service, medical, sanitary needs, and personal usage
C. Activate evacuation plans/onsite/offsite
34. update and Evaluate Assessment of situation with effected utility
company
RECOVER:
35. Announce to all Command Notifications of resolutions actions
36. Conduct medical review
37. Account for all staff, visitors and inmates
38. Secure scene/area for investigation
39. Preserve all evidence
40. Conduct damage assessment
41. Repair/replace property
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Critical incident Check List Critical incident Check List
Outside Assault/Civil Disorder Outside Assault/Civil Disorder
(IMS Appendix I) (IMS Appendix I)
The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this The Commander’s actions are not restricted or limited by the contents of this
checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken. checklist. The situation will determine the priority of actions taken.
MOBILIZE:
20. Assign appropriate ICS functions
21. Gather information and evaluate situations
22. Notify local agencies as deemed necessary by the Incident
Commander. External Notifications (Emergency Support)
23. Develop plan to regain control
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STANDARD MINUMUN RULES FOR THE TREATMENT OF PRISONERS
Food
Approved by the Economic and Social Council, 31 July 1957 (resolution 663 C I
(XXIV)), on the recommendation of the First Congress Wholesome, well-prepared food is to be provided prisoners at usual hours.
PART 1: RULES OF GENERAL APPLICATION Drinking water shall be available whenever needed.
The following rules are to be applied without discrimination on the grounds of race, If not employed in outdoor work, every prisoner shall have at least one hour of
color, sex, language, religion, political opinions, national or social origin, property, exercise in the open air, weather permitting.
birth or other status.
Young prisoners and other of suitable age and physique are to receive physical and
It is necessary, however, to respect religious beliefs of prisoners. recreational training.
A bound registration book shall be maintained with the identity, reasons for A medical officer with some knowledge of psychiatry is to be available to every
commitment and day and hour of admission and release of prisoners. institution.
Separation of Categories Prisoners requiring specialized treatment are to be transferred to a civil hospital or
appropriate facility.
Men and women in detention are to be held in separate facilities; likewise, untried
and convicted prisoners, those imprisoned for civil offences and criminal offenders, A qualified dental officer shall be available to every prisoner.
and youths and adults shall be housed separately.
Prenatal and post-natal care and treatment are to be provided by women’s
Accommodation institutions; where nursing infants are allowed to remain with their mothers, a
nursery staffed by qualified persons is needed.
Cells for individuals should not be used to accommodate two or more persons
overnight; dormitory facilities are to be supervised at night. Every prisoner shall be examined by the medical officer shortly after admission;
prisoners suspected of contagious diseases are to be segregated.
Cells and prison dormitories should provide adequate space, ventilation, lighting
and sanitary facilities and are to be kept clean at all times. The medical officer shall see all sick prisoners daily, along with those who complain
of illness or are referred to his attention.
Personal hygiene
The medical officer is to report to the director on prisoners whose health is
Prisoners shall be provided with adequate water and toilet articles and required to jeopardized by continued imprisonment and on the quality of the food, hygiene,
keep themselves clean. bedding, clothing and physical regimen of the prisoners.
Prisoners not allowed to wear their own clothing are to be provided with an Discipline shall be no more restrictive than what is necessary to ensure custody and
adequate and suitable outfit, with provisions for laundry and changes of clothes. order.
Prisoners outside an institution for an authorized purpose are to be allowed to wear No prisoners shall be employed in a disciplinary capacity.
their own clothing.
The types of conduct to be considered offences and punishment for them shall be
Every prisoner shall be provided with a separate bed and clean, separate and set by law or regulation and prisoners are to be allowed to defend themselves
sufficient bedding. against charges.
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Cruel, inhuman and/or degrading punishments, including corporal punishment and As far as is practicable, every prisoner is to be allowed to satisfy religious needs by
restriction to a dark cell, shall be prohibited. attending services and possessing books of observance and instruction.
The medical officer is to be consulted before implementing any punishment that Retention of prisoners’ property
may prejudicial to the physical or mental health of a prisoner.
Money, valuables and personal effects which prisoners are not allowed to keep in
Instruments of restraint their possession are to be kept in safe custody until the prisoner’s release.
Handcuffs, strait-jackets and other instruments of restraint are never to be applied Money or effects received by a prisoner from outside shall be treated the same
as a punishment and irons and chains are not to be used as means of restraint. way.
Information to and complaints by prisoners The medical officer is to decide what uses shall be made of drugs or medicine a
prisoner brings with him.
Upon admission, prisoners shall be informed of the regulations they are to live by
and of authorized channels for seeking information and making complaints. Notification of death, illness, transfer, etc.
Prisoners are to have the right to make complaints to the director of the institution, The spouse or nearest relative shall be informed of the death, serious illness, injury
as well as to the central prison administration and the judicial authority, in the or transfer of a prisoner to an institution for treatment afflictions.
proper form but without censorship as to substance and they are to have the
opportunity to speak directly to an inspector of prisons outside the presence of A prisoner is to be informed at once of the death or serious illness of any near
institutional staff members. relative. In cases of critical illness, the prisoner is to be allowed to visit that relative.
Unless evidently frivolous, each complaint shall be replied to promptly. Every prisoner shall have the right to inform his family at once of his imprisonment
or transfer.
Contact with the outside world
Removal of prisoners
Prisoners are to be allowed regular contact with family and friends, by both
correspondence and personal visits. Prisoners being transferred are to be protected from insult, curiosity or publicity.
Prisoners who are foreign nationals shall be allowed communication with diplomatic Conveyances which subject prisoners being transferred to unnecessary hardship
and consular representatives of their State, or a State or international authority that shall be prohibited.
has taken charge of their interests.
Transport is to be at the expense of the prison administration and equal conditions
Prisoners are to be kept informed of current events and important items of news. shall obtain for all prisoners.
Every institution shall maintain for the use of prisoners a library with recreational The administration shall carefully select every grade of personnel and maintain in
and instructional books. their minds and the public’s the important social service they provide.
Religion To these ends, pay, conditions and benefits shall be suitable to professional and
exacting service.
If the institution contains a sufficient number of prisoners of the same religion, a
qualified representative of each religion shall be appointed to hold services and pay Personnel are to be sufficiently educated and to receive on going courses and
pastoral visits. training.
No prisoner shall be refused access to a qualified representative of a religion, nor As far as possible, personnel should include psychiatric, social work and education
shall he be required to entertain a religious visit he objects to. professionals.
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The director shall be a qualified administrator, retained on a full time basis and Government or private agencies should be available for the after care of released
residing on the premises or in the immediate vicinity. prisoners.
Staff personnel are to be able to speak the language of the greatest number of Treatment
prisoners and to retain the services of an interpreter when necessary.
Treatment of prisoners under sentence shall be directed to achieve the capacity for
In larger institutions, at least one medical officer should reside on the premises or law-abiding and self-supporting lives, utilizing professional services whenever
in the immediate vicinity. possible.
In others, a medical officer shall visit daily and reside near enough be available for The director shall receive full reports on the mental, social and physical status of
emergencies. prisoners under sentence of a suitable length directly after admission, keeping and
updating this information in individual files.
In an institution for both men and women, the part set aside for women shall be
under the authority of a woman officer, who shall have custody of the keys that Classification and individualization
section.
To separate from others those prisoners who are likely to exercise a negative
Male officers shall enter the section for women only in the presence of a woman influence and to facilitate specialized treatment, prisoners are to be classified and
officer and women prisoners shall be attended and treated only by women officers, kept so far as possible in separate instructions or sections.
without precluding male doctors and teachers from carrying out their duties.
Privileges
Officers shall not use force except in self-defense, cases of attempted escape or
resistance to an order based on law or regulation. Officers who have recourse to Systems of privileges appropriate to different classes of prisoners shall be
force must use no more than is strictly necessary and must report the incident established to encourage proper conduct and secure the cooperation of prisoners in
immediately. their treatment.
Prison officers are to receive physical training in the use of force. As a general rule, Work
they should not carry weapons in the presence of prisoners.
Prison labor must not be of an afflictive nature.
Inspection
All prisoners under sentence shall be required to work, unless determined to be
There shall be regular inspection of penal institutions. physically or medically unfit.
PART 2: RULES APPLICABLE TO SPECIAL CATEGORIES So far as possible, the work should be of a full-time nature, conducive to vocational
training and aligned with the choice of prisoners.
PRISONERS UNDER SENTENCE
The interests and vocational training of prisoners are of greater importance than
Guiding principles making a financial profit from their labor.
The prison system must not aggravate unnecessarily the suffering inherent in a Institutional labor preferably will be directed by prison administrators rather than
prisoner/s loss of self-determination and liberty. private contractors. When prisoners are employed in work not controlled by the
administration, they should be under the supervision of the institution’s personnel
Prisons should utilize all remedial, educational, medical and spiritual forms of and the administration should be paid the normal wages for such work, unless the
assistance to treat the prisoner’s needs and facilitate his return to society as a law- contractor is another government agency.
abiding member.
Precautions laid down to protect the safety and health of free workmen shall
It is desirable to provide varying degrees of security according to the needs of likewise be respected for prison laborers.
different groups of prisoners. Open prisons that rely on self-discipline as opposed to
physical restraint are preferable whenever possible.
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Maximum days and hours of work shall be fixed by law or regulation, taking into They may have food procured at their own expense; otherwise, the administration
account local rules or customs regarding the employment of free workmen and to shall provide food.
leave one rest day a week and sufficient time for educational treatment.
An untried prisoner may procure at his own expense or that of a third party books,
Prisoners are to be remunerated equitably, allowed to spend part of their earnings publications and writing materials.
on approved articles for their own use, send a part to their families and set aside
some in a savings fund. Treatment by an untried prisoner’s own doctor or dentist is to be allowed under
reasonable grounds and if the prisoner is willing to pay for the expenses incurred.
Education and creation
An untried prisoner shall be allowed to inform his family of his detention
The ongoing education of prisoners is to be facilitated and schooling of illiterates immediately after arrest and communicate with and receive visits from family and
and youthful prisoners is to be considered compulsory. friends.
Recreational and cultural activities are to be made available. He shall be allowed to apply for free legal aid where such aid is available and to
consult with his legal adviser regarding his defense. Such interviews may be within
Social relations and after-care sight but not within the hearing of a police or institution official.
Special attention shall be paid to maintaining and improving relations between a Civil prisoners
prisoner and his family.
Where law permits imprisonment for debt or by order of a non-criminal court, those
The prisoner should be encouraged and assisted in cultivating relations with so imprisoned shall be subjected to no greater restriction or severity than necessary
persons or extra-institutional agencies conducive to his rehabilitation and best for safe custody and good order. Their treatment shall be no less favorable than
interests after release. that accorded untried prisoners, with the reservation that they may be required to
work.
Upon release, prisoners shall be provided with appropriate documents and
identification papers, be suitably clothed and have sufficient means to reach their Persons arrested or imprisoned without charge
immediate destinations. They are to be assisted by services or agencies in locating
suitable homes and work. Persons arrested or imprisoned without charge shall be accorded the same
protection as other prisoners, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 9 of the
Representatives of such agencies shall have access to prisoners during their term of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
incarceration and be taken into consultation as to the future of each prisoner from
the beginning of his sentence.
Prisoners suffering from other mental abnormalities shall be observed and treated
in specialized institutions under medical management and steps shall be taken to
ensure the continuation of care after release.
They shall be held separately from convicted prisoners and the young kept separate
from adults.
Prisoners awaiting trial are to sleep singly in separate rooms.
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I also authorize the costs of shipping my property to be withdrawn from my trust account, if
necessary.
1. Designee
Name Date
Address
by
Date Signature Over Printed Name of Inmate
Right Hand Thumbmarkof Inmate
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CS-Form 03 CS-Form 03
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BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY
(Region) (Region)
(Jail) (Jail)
Allowable Property for Female Inmates Allowable Property for Male Inmates
Name of Inmate Name of Inmate
Date committed Date committed
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MEMORANDUM
MEMORANDUM
FOR :
FOR :
SUBJECT : Progress Report
SUBJECT : Spot Report
DATE :
DATE :
1. Reference: (previous related Memos)
1. (Indicate briefly the name, date, time and place of occurrence)
Simply answering the five (5) W’s and one (1) H. 2. (Indicate briefly the name/date/time and place of occurrence)
example
2. (Brief facts of the case)
3. (Brief facts of the case)
3. (Other related facts)
4. (Other Facts)
4. Initial action taken
5. Requested/recommended actions from NHQ/Regional Office/Other
5. Requested/recommended actions from National Headquarters, Agency.
Regional Office and Other Agency.
6. Disposition/ Action Taken
6. Progress report will follow
7. Final Report will follow
Signatory Signatory
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MEMORANDUM
FOR :
DATE :
4. Sequence of Events
5. Summary of Action
6. Recommendation/ Conclusion
7. Disposition/findings
Signatory