Warden reports inmate population, describes use of restraint chair after multiple self-harm incidents

The Lackawanna County warden reported to the board that the jail averaged 626 inmates in January, including 464 county inmates, and summarized staffing and recent safety incidents.

The warden said the facility averaged 556 adult males, one juvenile male and 68 adult females, with U.S. Marshal detainees averaging 148 and Susquehanna County detainees averaging 14. Staffing totals were described as 170 correctional officers on shift with three full-time vacancies among 182 authorized full-time officer positions.

The warden described four extraordinary occurrences in January. On Jan. 1 an inmate attempted suicide by jumping from a tier and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation before being returned and placed on suicide-precaution watch. On Jan. 6 a person on precaution covereda cell camera and repeatedly struck his head; staff used a pepper-ball launcher to saturate the cell, entered, and placed him in the emergency restraint chair for safety. Similar episodes on Jan. 7 and Jan. 12 involved self-harm and threats to staff; the warden said the emergency restraint chair was used to prevent further harm.

The warden stated the facility has a procedure for monitoring people in the chair: staff conduct regular checks and provide "exercise" opportunities (releasing one limb at a time) every two hours, and if restraint approaches an eight-hour mark medical staff and the facility psychiatrist are consulted. The warden identified the psychiatrist consulted as Dr. Malik.

The warden also reported one PREA investigation in January (an allegation of inmate sexual harassment) that was deemed unfounded and has been forwarded to the district attorney27s office for review.

Board members pressed the warden for details about how long individuals are held in restraints and the medical oversight process; the warden reiterated the two-hour monitoring practice and said psychiatric involvement is triggered when restraint durations are prolonged.

The board accepted the warden27s report by motion.

Ending: The board did not take policy votes on restraint procedures at this meeting; members asked for clarification about monitoring and medical escalation, and the warden described current practice and psychiatric consultation as the primary safeguards.