Chapter 4.

CUSTODIAL AND SECURITY PROCEDURES

Overview
The backbone of a correctional facility is good security. Every aspect of
custodial concern relates to security. If there is an operational area, which
marks the difference between prison custody and police security as a rule in
dealing with violations, it lays mainly in their rules of engagement. If a prisoner
poses a challenge at corrective functions as in escaping, the convict is
presumed to be armed and dangerous and therefore must be pursued and
subdued using any means with an emphasis on fatal effects. A shoot-to-kill
move is presumed unless contrary orders are given.
It does not apply to a person held and without conviction yet. The
constitutional presumption of innocence still shields the detainee from any
untoward harm, whether the latter has caused the violation or otherwise.
Under the precepts of correctional security, the heavy burden of securing not
only the person of both staff and inmate is highlighted, including the integrity
of the institution as well. Hence, correctional security must be handled by men
of exemplary probity and trained in social science with exactitude.

General Objectives
1. Discuss the principles of custody, security, and control of inmates and
applications thereof; and
2. Explain and identify the rules on emergency plans, movement and
transfer, and discipline of Person Deprived of Liberty.

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 Lesson 1.

CUSTODY, SECURITY, AND CONTROL OF PRISONERS

(PERSONS DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY)

Pre-discussion
When someone is incarcerated, it means that person is detained in a
correctional facility. There are several different types of correctional facilities
in the United States. A correctional facility is any institution or building used to
detain people who are in the lawful custody of the government. People can be
in the lawful custody of the government for many different reasons. The
reason for a person's custody determines the type of correctional facility in
which that person is detained.
In this topic, covers the security conditions of confinement facility;
perimeter fences; vehicle control, vehicular access to prison compounds; the
rules on inmate headcount; the location of armory; security measures while
serving/delivering meals; visitor control; filing of criminal/administrative
charges; bringing out food and prison-issue; and control of prison keys.

What to expect
At the end of the lesson, the students can:
1. identify the minimum standards in the security and control of persons
deprived of liberty;
2. Identify the general procedures in the counting of persons deprived of
liberty;
3. identify the minimum standard during the mail service and mail
censorship among persons deprived of liberty;
4. identify the procedures during room security; and
5. discuss the basic rules applied to prevent the occurrence of fire.

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Lesson Outline

I. Minimum Standards in the Security and Control of Person Deprived of

Liberty (PDL)

Key Terms:
Security – it involves safety measures to maintain the orderliness and
discipline within the jail or prison.
Prison Discipline – is the state of good order and behavior. It includes
maintenance of good standards of works, sanitation, safety, education, health
and recreation.
- it aims at self-reliance, self-control, self-respect and self-discipline.
Preventive Discipline – is the prompt correction of minor deviations
committed by prisoners before they become serious violations.
Control – it involves supervision of prisoners to ensure punctual and orderly
movement from one place work program or assignment to another.
The Control Center – is a centrally located and elevated facility.

Aims of Institutional Security and Control:

1. Prevention of Escapes
2. Control of Contrabands
3. Maintenance of good order

The following are the custodial and security procedures:

Security conditions of confinement facility. – All doors, bars, windows and
locks of security shall be examined regularly to insure their integrity and good
condition.
All prison personnel, regardless of assignment, shall be responsible for
the security of prison facilities.
They shall immediately report any sign of defect or deterioration in the
security system to their immediate supervisor. (Book II, Part III, Section 1,
BuCor Manual)

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Perimeter fences. – Maximum and medium security compounds must
maintain two parallel security barriers or perimeter fences provided with
sufficient lighting fixtures to prevent escapes or jail breaks.
These shall be periodically inspected by the general services division
and the commander of the guards.
Electrified fences shall be equipped with warning signs to avoid
accidental injury to both custodial personnel and visitors. (Book II, Part III,
Section 2, BuCor Manual)

Vehicle control. – Privately-owned vehicles of employees and residents of a

prison reservations shall be provided with security tags or stickers for proper
identification and clearance at the entry and exit gates.
All other transportation must be checked for both passengers and
cargo. (Book II, Part III, Section 3, BuCor Manual)

Vehicular access to prison compounds. – No privately-owned vehicle shall

be allowed access to a prison compound except upon prior written clearance
from the Superintendent.
All vehicles shall be checked at the inner and outer gates upon entry
and exit. (Book II, Part III, Section 4, BuCor Manual)

Inmate head count. – A head count of inmates shall be conducted four (4)
times a day as often as necessary to ensure that all inmates are duly
accounted for. (Book II, Part III, Section 5, BuCor Manual)

Location of Armory. – The prison armory shall be located outside of the

main prison and the inmate’s work/activity area. (Book II, Part III, Section 7,
BuCor Manual)

Security Measures while Serving/Delivering Meals. – If meals are served

in a dining room or similar facility, the following security measures shall be
observed:
a. Inmates shall be marched in columns of two’s along designated
routes under the supervision of one or two guards. Other guards may be
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stationed along the route to direct the or orderly movement of inmates to and
from the mess hall.
b. A roving supervisor shall establish order in the dining room area.
c. After meals, all eating and kitchen utensils of inmates shall be
collected and accounted (Book II, Part III, Section 8, BuCor Manual).

Visitor control; body search of visitors. – All visitors, including prison

personnel, shall be subjected to a thorough body search and their
belongings/packages screened for contraband before entering the prison
compound.
Women visitors shall be searched only by female guards or employees
(Book II, Part III, Section 9, BuCor Manual).

Filing of criminal/administrative charges. – Those found with contraband

hidden in their body or belongings shall be barred from entering the prison
compound and in the proper cases, charged criminally/administratively (Book
II, Part III, Section 10, BuCor Manual).

Bringing out of food and prison issue. – Visitors shall not allowed to bring
out food or other articles issued for the consumption or use of inmates. (Book
II, Part III, Section 11, BuCor Manual)

Control of prison keys. – Only the following shall be authorized to possess

the keys of prison gates, cells, dormitories and hospital wards:
a. Gate officer;
b. Officer-of-the-Day or Shift Commander;
c. Keeper; and
d. Custodial or Medical Officer designated by the Superintendent. (Book
II, Part III, Section 12, BuCor Manual)

Security and Control of Prisoners

A. Each jail shall, as much as practicable, maintain the following minimum
standards with regard to security of the facility:

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 1. An established security perimeter. In every jail, there shall be a
defined, controlled security perimeter;
2. A secured office for personnel;
3. A secured visiting area for inmates’ visitors;
4. A secured multi-purpose area for inmates’ activities and an area for
livelihood activities;
5. Armory and storage lockers for inmates’ valuable items and other
equipment;
6. Operational closed circuit televisions (CCTV) strategically mounted
to monitor jail premises and all activities therein;
7. A two-way communication system to be used by the officer of the
day, supervisor, desk officer and other personnel on duty; and
8. Equipment necessary to sustain operability of utilities,
communications, security and fire protection equipment at all times.

B. To ensure that minimum standards in security and control are maintained,

the following policies, guidelines and procedures shall be strictly implemented
in all jail facilities:
1. Each newly admitted inmate shall be thoroughly searched for
weapons and other contraband immediately upon arrival in the facility;
2. All inmates must be searched thoroughly by the duty personnel
whenever they enter or leave the security areas;
3. Conduct surprise searches on inmates and inspection of their
quarters and other areas accessible to inmates at least once a week to detect
and flush out contraband;
4. Maintain an updated written emergency operations plan such as but
not limited to natural and man-made calamities and other jail disturbances.
These plans must be made known to and understood by jail personnel
through the conduct of regular dry runs;
5. Maintain a journal of activities, emergency situations and unusual
incidents;
6. Maintain a key control center for storing keys that is inaccessible to
inmates and unauthorized persons. There shall be an accounting system for
issuing and returning of keys. There shall be a reporting system for
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documenting and repairing broken or malfunctioning keys or locks. Inmates
shall be prohibited from handling jail security keys;
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 emergency. These
keys shall be marked for easy identification during adverse conditions;
8. Continuous inspection and maintenance of all locks. Replace locks
as often as possible and never allow inmates to install locking system in the
cell gates and to possess their own padlock for purposes of locking
themselves in their cells that will cause delay for personnel conducting regular
cell search and inspection;
9. Maintain strict control of firearms such as, but not limited, to the
following:
a. Never allow any personnel with firearms on areas of inmates
and/or in any area intended for inmates’ activities;
b. Never allow inmates in the workplace of personnel or in areas
where firearms are authorized; and
c. Secure firearms and anti-riot equipment in the armory located
within easy reach of jail personnel in case of emergencies but not accessible
to inmates.
10. All firearms, ammunition, chemical agents, related security and
emergency equipment must be inventoried and tested at least quarterly to
determine their condition and expiration dates, as the case may be. This shall
include regular inspection of fire extinguishers and other detection and
suppression systems available;
11. All tools, toxic, corrosive and flammable substances and other
potentially dangerous supplies and equipment shall be stored in a locked area
which is secure and located outside the inmate’s area. Tools, supplies and
equipment which are particularly hazardous shall be used by inmates only
under direct supervision;
12. Conduct daily inspections of all security facilities (i.e. closed circuit
televisions, ceilings, window grills, iron bars, etc.) and document all findings.
Any tampering or defects detected must be reported in writing to proper
authority for immediate action;

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 13. Regular conduct of "guard mounting" for all "incoming duty" of the
Custodial Unit and for the members of Escort Unit before their assumption of
duty to remind and update them of the policies/guidelines pertaining to
security and control;
14. Conduct regular count of inmates at least five to six (5-6) times
within a 24-hour period and strictly implement the established procedures in
counting inmates (See Section 35). Personnel conducting the count shall
record the result;
15. Prohibit inmate’s visitor to stay inside jail premises beyond
authorized visiting period regardless of any reasons;
16. Inmates shall be supervised at all times whenever they are outside
their cells;
17. Never allow any personnel under the influence of intoxicating
beverage to enter the jail facility or to perform an official duty;
18. Carefully select the inmates to be utilized as jail aide and maintain
rigid control over their activities. Never allow inmate to be utilized for any
janitorial services at jail offices, restricted areas, and/or for errands outside the
jail premises. In no case shall an inmate be allowed to perform clerical duties
or to have access to personnel files and other official documents;
19. Never allow a jail officer to render successive shifts of duty except
in cases of emergencies;
20. Never allow jail personnel to open inmates quarters alone. At least
one (1) other jail officer should be present and guarding the gate;
21. Inmates should be taken out of jail only upon written order of the
Court;
22. Ensure that all vehicles and persons entering the jail premises are
properly searched in accordance with the existing policies/procedures;
23. Regularly inspect and check the availability of emergency lights
and other emergency equipment and ensure that each personnel rendering
night shift duties has one (1) flashlight, nightstick/baton and whistle; and
24. As regard the use of force:
a. Use of force shall be limited to instances of justifiable self-
defense, prevention of self-inflicted harm, protection of others, prevention of

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riot, commission of a crime, escape or other jail disturbance and to controlling
or subduing an inmate who refuses to obey a lawful command or order;
b. Use of force shall be limited to the amount of force necessary
to control a given situation and shall include a continuum of escalating force
levels;
c. An examination and/or treatment by health personnel shall be
provided to prisoners or staff involved in a use of force incident when there
is obvious physical injury or there is a complaint of injury or request for
medical attention; and
d. Use of force incidents shall be recorded and reviewed by the
Warden (Rule V, Section 35, BJMP Manual 2015 edition).

II. General Procedures in the Counting of Persons Deprived of Liberty

It is imperative that at specified times during each 24-hour period, all
inmates are physically counted. For this type of count, the general procedures
are as follows:
a. Count each inmate physically at specified times or as necessary;
b. During the count, ensure that all movements of inmates are stopped until
the count is completed;
c. The count must be accurate. Make a positive verification to ascertain that
the inmates are physically present. Refrain from conducting a count on the
basis of only having seen any part of his clothing, hair or shoes;
d. Submit a report of each count of a group of inmates to the warden and/or
assistant warden (officer of the day); and
e. If the total jail count does not tally with the total jail population at any given
time, conduct another count. Render an immediate report to the warden
and/or assistant warden (officer of the day) relative to any unaccounted
inmate (Section 36. BJMP Manual 2015 edition).
A head count of inmates shall be conducted four (4) times a day as
often as necessary to ensure that all inmates are duly accounted for (Part III,
Section 5. BUCOR Manual).
The procedure for conducting a periodic physical head count of
inmates shall be as follows:

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 a. During the count, the inmates shall not be allowed to move until the
count is completed.
b. There must be a positive verification of an inmate’s presence. Counting
an inmate as present on the basis of seeing any part of his clothing, his
hair, or shoes shall not be made.
c. A written report on the results of each head count shall be submitted to
the Chief Overseer.
d. If the inmate count does not tally with the list of inmates, the matter
shall be immediately reported to the Chief Overseer (Part III, Section 6.
BUCOR Manual).

III. Minimum Standard during the Mail Service and Mail Censorship
among Person Deprived of Liberty
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 available to handle the keys and control the entrance door.

Mail Services and Censorship

Mail service shall be provided to all inmates provided that all outgoing
and incoming mail matters are passed through a designated Censor Officer in
order to intercept any contraband or illegal articles and any information
affecting the security of the jail.
The following procedures should be strictly observed when censoring
mail:
a. There shall be no limitation on the amount of incoming or outgoing mail or
correspondence when the inmates are responsible for the cost/s of postage;
b. Incoming inmates’ mail, correspondence and packages shall be opened
and inspected to intercept cash, checks, money orders and contraband. The
censor officer shall observe the documentary procedures in disposing of
intercepted items;
c. Legal mail or correspondence shall be opened and inspected in the
presence of the inmate to intercept contraband;

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d. Mails shall not be distributed to the inmates until the censors have
examined them. Mail shall only be opened and searched by qualified, trained
and authorized jail personnel in the presence of inmate addressee;
e. Any currency, checks or money found in the letter should be turned over to
the Trust Officer/Property Custodian. The receiving officer should indicate the
amount received on a "receipt form" in duplicate.
The original receipt signed by the receiving officer should be kept for
the record and the duplicate copy should be given to the inmate;
f. Carefully examine all greeting cards and collect fillers of any kind found
therein for laboratory examination;
g. Photographs that are clearly within the scope of jail regulations should be
marked on the opposite side and placed in the envelope;
h. Bring to the warden’s attention any item or correspondence or enclosure
that does not conform to regulations or are detrimental to security, order and
discipline of the jail;
i. In the censoring of mails, prison slang, unusual nicknames, and sentences
with double meanings should be carefully studied and analyzed to determine
the real meanings;
j. Refer to the warden all letters containing statements concerning the security
or reputation of the jail, like attempts to escape or smuggling/trafficking of
contraband, and statements that may affect existing rules and policies;
k. All letters passing through the scrutiny standards of the censors should
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
given to the inmate;
l. A listing of mail for inmates should be properly kept and form part of the
records of the jail;
m. Do not discuss the contents of inmates’ mail with other jail personnel,
except for official purposes;
n. The inmate sending out any mail matter shall open his mail/package and
have it read and inspected by the designated censor officer, if the mail is clear
for dispatch, the inmate shall close and seal the mail and place the same in
the outgoing mail box;

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o. If the outgoing or incoming mail has contraband or harmful information,
such matter shall be registered as violation of jail rules and regulations and
should be brought before the Disciplinary Board for immediate adjudication;
p. The designated jail staff shall collect the inmates’ mail matters on a daily
basis, Monday through Friday;
q. Inmate’s letters or any other mail matter shall be sent as registered,
certified, "stamped" or marked "via special delivery" if he or she so desires at
his or expense. The letters will be processed in accordance with the
procedures in handling mails; and
r. An inmate under disciplinary segregation shall be allowed full
correspondence privileges, unless his or her misconduct involves a serious
violation of correspondence regulations.

IV. Dining Room Security

For jail facilities that have separate dining or mess halls, the following
shall be observed:
a. As a general precaution, individual mess utensils of inmates shall be made
of plastic;
b. When dining rooms are provided, the inmates should march in columns of
two’s along designated routes under the supervision of jail personnel. Other
officials to direct the orderly movement of inmates to and from the mess hall
must be stationed along the routes;
c. Designate a roving supervisor to handle any disturbances or settle
complaints;
d. After every meal, all utensils used by the inmates should be collected.
Jail personnel should strictly supervise this to ensure that no utensils are
brought out the dining room; and
e. Check and account for all forks, spoons and other kitchen utensils after
every meal.

V. Basic Rules Applied to Prevent the Occurrence of Fire

To prevent the occurrence of fire and to minimize its effects if such has
occurred, the following rules shall be followed:

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 a. Inmates shall be cautioned against the hazards caused by the careless
handling of lit cigarettes, inflammable materials, fuel, welding
equipment, etc.
b. Fire extinguishers shall be placed in close proximity to all housing units
and located in strategic places in buildings, and work areas.
c. Empty drums and cans shall be filled with water/sand and placed in
strategic places for ready use.
d. Keys to emergency exits, cells, brigades and storage places of fire-
fighting equipment shall have the distinct markings or tags, marked and
shall be accessible to the guards on duty.
e. Portable floodlights shall, when available, be placed in the Control
Center in case of nocturnal fires.
f. Government equipment shall be marked with tags or symbols for easy
identification and priority evacuation in case of a fire or other
emergency (Part IV, Section 8. BUCOR Manual).

Reference
Foronda, M.A. (2007) Correctional Administration (Institutional Corrections)
(1st ed.). Wiseman’s Book Trading, Manila

Gahar, L.D. (2013) Handbook on Institutional Corrections (1st ed.). Rex

Bookstore, Inc., Manila,

GOVPH. (2016). Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic

Act No. 10575, otherwise known as “The Bureau of Corrections Act of
2013”. Retrieved from
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2016/05/23/revised-irr-of-republic-
act-no-10575/.

GOVPH. (1990). Republic Act No. 6975. Retrieved from

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1990/12/13/republic-act-no-6975/.

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). Bureau of Corrections, Operating Manual

2000. Bureau of Corrections, Muntinlupa City, Philippines.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). BJMP Manual Revised
2007. 144 Mindanao Ave., Quezon City, Philippines. 2007.
Bureau of Corrections. (2012). Reformation Program. Retrieved from
https://bucor.gov.ph/programs/educ.html.

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