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Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
10/3/2024

Part IX. Security Management

Article 1
Manuals and Procedures

6VAC15-45-690. Security manual.

There shall be a manual containing all procedures for facility security and control, with detailed instructions for implementing these procedures. The manual shall be available to all staff and procedures are reviewed at least annually and updated if necessary.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.1; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-700. Written post orders.

There shall be a written post order for each security post and a requirement for officers to read and be familiar with the order each time they assume a new post. The immediate supervisor shall document that the post order has been discussed with the officer. Post orders shall be reviewed annually.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.2; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-710. Permanent log and shift reports.

Written policy, procedure, and practice require that correctional staff maintain a permanent log and supervisors prepare shift reports that record routine information, emergency situations, and unusual incidents. A post log is maintained at each permanent post and other areas deemed necessary by the contractor.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.3; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-720. Written record of security equipment.

Written policy, procedure, and practice shall provide that the facility maintains a written record of all security equipment issued. The security equipment shall be approved by the Department of Corrections.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.4; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

Article 2
Security and Control

6VAC15-45-730. Controlled perimeter.

The facility's perimeter shall be controlled by appropriate means to ensure that inmates remain within the perimeter and to prevent unauthorized access by the general public.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.5; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-740. Control center.

Written policy, procedure, and practice shall ensure that the facility maintains a control center which is staffed 24 hours a day.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.6; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-750. Communication system.

The facility shall have a communication system between the control center and inmate living areas.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.7; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-760. Inmate count.

The facility shall have a system for physically counting inmates. The system shall include strict accountability for inmates assigned to work and educational release, furloughs, and other approved temporary absences.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.8; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-770. Inmate movement.

Written policy, procedure, and practice shall provide that staff regulate inmate movement.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.9; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-780. Searches.

Written policy, procedure, and practice shall provide for searches of facilities, staff, inmates and visitors to control contraband and provide for disposition of the contraband pursuant to applicable law.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.10; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-790. Use of nondeadly force.

Written policy, procedure, and practice shall govern the use of force, firearms, chemical agents, and security equipment. The contractor shall be authorized to use nondeadly force only where it is reasonable to do so. Physical force shall be limited to the amount of force that the officer reasonably believes is necessary in the given situation:

1. Reasonably required to prevent an escape, the commission of a felony, or a misdemeanor;

2. To defend himself or others against physical assault;

3. To prevent serious damage to property;

4. To enforce facility regulations and order;

5. To prevent or quell a riot; and

6. To prevent serious self-injury to the inmate.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.11; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-800. Use of deadly force.

Properly authorized employees may exercise their authority and use deadly force only as a last resort, and then only to prevent an act that could result in death or serious bodily injury to oneself or to another, or to prevent escape from confinement.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.12; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-810. Inspections of security systems.

Written policy, procedure, and practice shall require that at least weekly inspections be conducted of all security systems. The results of inspections shall be reported in writing to the contractor, and documentation of corrective action shall be required.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.13; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-820. Serious incident report.

Written policy, procedure, and practice shall require notification and reporting of serious incidents to the Department of Corrections in accordance with Department of Corrections procedures.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.14; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

Article 3
Keys and Equipment

6VAC15-45-830. Key control.

The distribution, use, and control of keys within the facility shall be in accordance with Department of Corrections procedures. Any departure from these procedures shall be subject to Department of Corrections review and approval.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.15; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

6VAC15-45-840. Security and equipment control.

The use and storage of all tools, culinary equipment and hazardous materials, including flammable, toxic, caustic materials, weapons, and security equipment shall be in accordance with Department of Corrections procedures. Any departure from these procedures shall be subject to Department of Corrections review and approval.

Statutory Authority

§ 53.1-266 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR230-01-006 § 9.16; Virginia Register Volume 12, Issue 4, eff. December 13, 1995.

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