001

CHAPTER 4: THE JAIL

AND THE BUREAU OF
JAIL MANAGEMENT AND
PENOLOGY

Subject : CA - 1 Output by : GROUP 2

 002

JAIL DEFINED
Are institutions for the confinement of persons who are awaiting
final disposition of their criminal cases and also the service of
those convicted and punished with shorter sentences, usually up
to three (3) years.
ORIGIN OF JAIL
The jail is said to have originated in Medieval England. When
Henry II ordered that the sheriff in each of the Institutions spread
through England in 1166 originally conceived as a place for
detaining suspected offenders until they could be tried, jails
 003

eventually came to serve the dual purposes of detention and

punishment.

The concept of the English jail was brought to the colonies soon after
the settlers arrived from the Old World, the jail was used to detain
those awaiting trial and those awaiting punishment; the stocks and
pillory and the whipping post being located nearby.

At the start of the nineteenth century, children, debtors, slaves,

mentally-ill and physically ill were usually sent to other institutions,
Both pre-trial and began to be housed in jails.
 004

TYPES OF JAIL IN GENERAL

1. Lock-up - is a security facility for the temporary detention of
persons held for investigation or waiting preliminary hearing.
2. Ordinary Jail - houses both offenders awaiting court action
and those serving short sentences usually up to three (3) years.
3. Work Houses - jail farm or Camp-houses minimum custody
offenders serving short sentences with constructive work
programs.
EX. LOCK UP JAIL
EX. ORDINARY JAIL
EX. WORKHOUSES
 005

TYPES OF JAIL BASED ON INMATE POPULATION

1. Type A - with population of 100 inmates or more
2. Type B - with population of 21-90 inmates
3. Type C - with population of 20 inmates or less

TYPES OF JAIL BASED ON ITS JURISDICTION

1. Municipal Jail
2. City Jail
3. District Jail
4. Provincial Jail
BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY

(The Jail Bureau) - the Bureau of Jail

Management and Penology also
referred to as the Jail Bureau was
created pursuant to Section 60, RA
6975, and initially consisting of
uniformed offices and members of the
Jail Management and Penology Service
as constituted under PD 765.
BRIEF ORIGIN OF BJMP
On January 2, 1991, the Bureau of Jail management
and Penology was created thru Republic Act 6975
as a line Bureau under the Department of Interior and
Local Government. The Jail Bureau is the upgraded
version of its foreunner, the Office of Jail
Management and Penology of the defunct
Philippine Constabulary-Intergrated National
Police (PC-INP)

As mandated by RA 6975, the BJMP shall operate

under the reorganized Department of the Interior and
Local Government (DILG)
Starting from scratch with 500
personnel in 1991 the BJMP weaned from
its mother PC/INP as a mere component
to become a full-pledge bureau.
Director Charles S. Mondejar took
his oath of office on July 1 of 1991 as
the first Chief of the BJMP.

The Bureau of Jail Management and

Penology supervises and controls all
district, city, and municipal jails
nationwide.
MISSION OF THE BUREAU

The Jail Bureau shall direct, supervise and control the

administration and operation of all district, city, and
municipal jails to affect a better system of jail
management nationwide.
POWERS OF THE JAIL BUREAU
The Jail Bureau shall exercise supervision and control overall district,
city, and municipal jails to ensure: a secured, clean, sanitary, and
equipped jail for the custody and safekeeping of city and municipal
prisoners, any fugitive from justice or person detained awaiting
investigation or trial and/or transfer to the National Penitentiary, and
any violent, mentally-ill person who endangers himself or the safety
of others.
FUNCTIONS OF THE JAIL BUREAU
Formulate policies and guidelines on the administration of all
district and municipal jails nationwide.
Formulate and implement policies for the programs of
correction, rehabilitation, and treatment of offenders.
 Plan and program funds for the subsistence allowances of
offenders; and Conduct researches, develop and implement
plans and programs for the improvement of jail services
throughout the country.
ORGANIZATION OF BJMP UNDER RA 6975
The Jail Bureau shall be headed by a Chief who shall be assisted by
a Deputy Chief.

The Jail Bureau shall be composed of city and municipal jails each
headed by a city or municipal warden: Provided that in case of
large cities municipalities, a district jail with subordinate jails
headed by a District Jail Wardern may be established as necessary.
ORGANIZATION AND KEY
POSITIONS OF THE BJMP UNDER
RA 9263
The BJMP shall be headed by a Chief who shall be
assisted by two (2) deputy chiefs, one (1) for
administration and one (1) for operation, all of
whom shall be appointed by the President upon the
recommendation of the Secretary of DILG from
among the qualified officers with at least the rank of
Senior Jail Superintendent.
NOTES:
In no case shall any officer who has retired or to be
retired with six (6) months from his/her compulsory
retirement age be appointed as Chief of Jail Bureau

The chief of Jail Bureau shall serve a tour of duty not to

exceed four (4) years.
BJMP is under the Department of Interior and Local
Government
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF JAIL
MANAGEMENT
1. It is the obligation of jail authorities to confine inmates
safely and provide rehabilitative programs that will negate
criminals tendencies, and restore their positive values to
make them productive and law-abiding citizen.
2. No procedure or system of correction shall deprive any
inmate of hope for his ultimate return to the fold of the law
and full membership in society.
3. Unless proved, otherwise, any person accused of criminal
offense shall be presumed innocent and his rights as a free
citizen shall be respected, except for indispensable restraints
during his confinement in the interest of justice and public
safety.
4. Inmates are human beings entitle to the same basic rights
and privileges enjoyed by citizen in a free society, except
that the exercise of these rights are limited or controlled for
security reasons.
NOTE:
Under the recent ruling of the COMELEC, detainees are
allowed to exercise their rights to vote.
5. Health preservation and prompt treatment of illness or
injury are basic rights of every person confined in jail. It is the
duty of the jail authorities to arrange for their treatment
subject to security measures.

6. Members of the custodian force shall set themselves as an

example by performing their duties in accordance with the
rules and shall respect the laws dult constituted authorities.

7. No jail personnel shall use abusive, insulting, and indecent

language on inmates.
8. No jail personnel shall use unnecessary force on inmates,
except legitimate self-defense or in cases of attempted active
passive physical resistance to lawful order.

9. No penalty shall be imposed upon any inmate for violation

of rules/regulation unless in accordance with the duly
approved disciplinary procedures.

10. Penalties to be imposed shall not be cruel, inhuman or

degrading. No physical punishment shall be employed as a
correctional measure.
11. Members of the custodial force must understand that
inmates need treatment and counseling and the primary
purpose of confinement is for safekeeping and rehabilitation.
12. When conducting routine custodial (in dormitory
compound) guarding ratio of 1:7 or one (1) guard for every
seven (7) inmates shall be observed.
13. When an inmate is in trantsit the ratio of 1:1+1 every inmate
shall be observed. In case of high-risk inmate that demand
extra precaution, additional guards shall be employed. The
manning level shall be national in scope for effective jail
administration in all regional, provincial, district, city and
municipal jails.
JAIL POSITIONS AND
CORRESPONDING RANKS
RANK (UNDER RANK (UNDER RA
POSITION
RA 6975) 9263)

MUNICIPAL JAIL WARDEN SENIOR JAIL INSPECTOR SENIOR JAIL INSPECTOR

CITY JAIL WARDEN SENIOR JAIL INSPECTOR CHIEF JAIL INSPECTOR

DISTRICT JAIL WARDEN CHIEF JAIL INSPECTOR JAIL SUPERINTENDENT

PROVINCIAL JAIL
JAIL SUPERINTENDENT JAIL SUPERINTENDENT
ADMINISTRATION
 RANK (UNDER RANK (UNDER RA
POSITION
RA 6975) 9263)

ASST. REGIONAL
DIRECTOR FOR JAIL SUPERINTEDENT
ADMINISTRATION

ASST. REGIONAL
DIRECTOR FOR JAIL SUPERINTEDENT
OPERATION

REGIONAL CHIEF OF
JAIL SUPERINTENDENT
DIRECTORIAL STAFF

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF AT LEAST JAIL

BJMP SUPERINTENDENT
 RANK (UNDER RANK (UNDER RA
POSITION
RA 6975) 9263)

DIRECTOR OF THE
DIRECTORATE OF AT LEAST JAIL
NATIONAL SUPERINTEDENT
HEADQUARTERS OFFICE

DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE

DIRECTORATE OF CHIEF JAIL
NATIONAL SUPERINTEDENT
HEADQUARTERS OFFICE

DEPUTY CHIEF FOR

CHIEF JAIL
ADMINISTRATION OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT
JAIL BUREAU
 RANK (UNDER RANK (UNDER RA
POSITION
RA 6975) 9263)

DEPUTY CHIEF FOR

CHIEF JAIL
OPERATION OF THE JAIL
SUPERINTEDENT
BUREAU

CHIEF OF THE
CHIEF JAIL
DIRECTORIAL STAFF OF
SUPERINTEDENT
THE JAIL BUREAU

CHIEF OF THE JAIL

JAIL DIRECTOR JAIL DIRECTOR
BUREAU
JAIL OFFICES AND OPERATION UNITS
FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES

OFFICE OF THE WARDEN - the warden is responsible for the

direction, coordination, and control of the personnel, the
inmates and the programs of the institution.

Under the Office of the Warden are the ff:

Intelligence and Investigation Team
Jail Inspectorate Section
Public Relations Office
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT WARDEN - He undertakes the
development of a systematic process of the treatment for this
individual inmates and determines the degree of custody for such
individual in his capacity as chairman of the Classification Board. He
is also automatically serve as chair of the Disciplinary Board.

1. Classification Board - is taken with the gathering and collating

of information and other data of every prisoner into a case study
to determine the work assignment, type of supervision and
degree of custody and restriction under which an offender must
live in jail.
2. Disciplinary Board - hearing disciplinary cases involving
violation of jail rules and regulations by the inmates.
ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP - charge of all administrative functions of
the jail.
Personnel Management Branch - task for the assignment of
personnel, procedures of selection, preparation of personnel reports
and individual record files.

Records and Statistics Branch - keep and maintain booking sheets

and arrest reports, keep an orderly record of fingerprints and
photographs, prepare and presents statistical data inmates.

Property and Supply Branch - take charge of the safekeeping of

equipments and supplies and materials needed for the operation of the
jail.
Budget and Finance Branch - take charge of all financial matters
such as budgeting, financing, accounting, and auditing.

Mess Services Branch - prepare the daily menu, prepares and cook
the food and serve it to the inmates.

General Services Branch - maintain and repair of jail facilities and

equipments. it is also task with cleanliness beautification of the jail
compound.

Mittimus Computing Branch - receive court decisions and compute

the date of the full competition of the service sentence of inmates.
NOTE:
MITTIMUS - is a warrant issued by a court bearing its seal and
signature of the judge, directing the jail or prison authorities to
receive the convicted offender for service of imposed sentence
therein.

SECURITY GROUP
provides a system of sound custody, security and control of
inmates and their movements and also responsible to enforce
prison or jail discipline.
 1. ESCORT/SUBPOENA PLATOON
Escort Section - produce inmates under proper guard, to
Prosecutor’s authority upon proper summons. Transfer the
prisoner to penal institution on proper order of the court or
authority.
Subpoena Section - receives, distributes, and/or serve
subpoenas, notices, orders summons and other court processes
directed to inmates confined in jail.
2. SECURITY PLATOON - responsible for proper system of
security and control procedures of inmates in confinement, and the
searching of all personnel and visitors in entering the jail compound
to check and prevent the smuggling of contraband.
NOTES:
Contraband was commonly described in the past as any
material that might be used for an escape or used to take
advantage of other inmates. Such items as matches, money,
pornographic pictures, guns, drugs and tools are generally
considered as contraband. Any item can be placed on the list
of contraband if it is perceived as a threat to orderly operation
of jail or prison
At present, contraband is described as any item found on the
inmate or in his possession or in his dorm that is not specifically
authorized by the rules.
3. CUSTODIAN SECTION - conduct regular functions over
inmates.
4. ADMITTING AND RELEASING SECTION - part of the security
platoon. It is tasked with receiving of a person committed to the jail
and the proper released of prisoners who have served prison
sentence or are released on order of competent courts or
authority.
PROCESS OF ADMITTING PERSON IN JAIL
BOOKING
IDENTIFICATION
PROPERTY RECEIVING AND SAFEKEEPING
BRIEFING
REHABILITATION GROUP
- provides services and assistance to prisoners and their families to
enable them to solve their individual needs and problems arising
from the prisoner’s confinement. Correction and Rehabilitation it’s
the primary interest of this group.
1. Medical and Health Services - provides medical and
physical examination of inmates upon confinement, treatment of
sick inmates. Also conducts psychiatric and psychological
examination
2. Work and Education Therapy Services - in charge of the
job and educational programs needed for rehabilitation of
inmates by providing them job incentives so they can earn and
provide support for their families while in jail.
3. Socio-Cultural Services - it takes care of the social care of the
social casework study of the individual prisoners by making
interviews, home visits, and referral to community resources, free
legal services, and liaison works for inmates.
4. Chaplaincy Services - takes charge of the religious and moral
upliftment of the inmates through religious services. This branch
caters to all religious sects.
5. Guidance Counseling Services - responsible for the
individual and group counseling activities to help the lead a
wholesome constructive life.
 CHAPTER 5:
COMMITMENT,
RECEPTION AND
TREATMENT OF
INMATES IN JAILS
COMMITMENT
the means the entrusting for confinement of an offender to a jail by
competent court or authority for investigation, trial and/or service
of sentence is known as commitment.

COURTS AND INSTITUTION

AUTHORIZED TO COMMIT A PERSON
TO JAIL
Supreme Court
Court of Appeals
Regional Trial Court
Metropolitan/Municipal Trial Court
Board of Transportation
 Deportation Board
Commission om Election
National Prosecution Service
Police Authorities
All other administrative bodies as may be authorized
by law

RECEPTION PROCEDURES IN JAIL

The jail Desk Officer shall carefully check the credentials of the
person(s) bringing in the incoming inmate to determine his/her
identity and authority.
He shall examine carefully the arrest report and the authenticity
of the inmate has been committed under legal authority as
provided for by Section 3 Rule XIII, Rules of Court.

The admitting jail officer or jailer shall search carefully in the

incoming inmate for weapons and other contraband.

The admitting jail officer or jailer shall take all cash and other
personal property from the inmate, list them down on a receipt
from in duplicate, duly signed by him and countersigned by the
inmate. The original receipt should keep for the record and the
duplicate copy should be given to the inmate.
All cash and other valuables of the inmates must be turned over
to the Trust Officer or Property Custodian for keeping covered
by official receipts.

The inmate shall then be fingerprinted and his photograph

taken.

The admitting officer or jailer shall accomplish a jail booking

report in for copies, attaching thereto the photograph of the
inmate to be distributed as follows:
- BJMP Central Office
- Regional Office
- Provincial Administrator’s Office
- Jail Office
The newly admitted inmate shall be thoroughly strip-searched
followed by a careful examination of his clothing contraband.
He shall be checked for body vermin, cuts, bruises and other
injuries.

The Jail Physician or the Local Health Officer shall immediately

conduct a thorough medical examination of the inmate.
When it is possible for the Jail physician to be in attendance
during the admission of the inmate, the receiving officer shall
observe the mental alertness, overall appearance and any
abnormalities or appearance of rashes or scratches or other
identifying marks of the individual and note them down in the
inmate’s jail booking report. The inmate observed to be
suffering from any contagious disease shall immediately be
isolated.
A medical record shall be accomplished by the Jail Physician or
Local Health Officer showing the condition of the inmate or
detainee at the time of admission and to include, if possible, his
medical history.
A social case study shall be made by a social worker as basis
for the inmate's classification and proper segregation.
The sentenced prisoner shall be provided with jail clothing. His
personal clothing should be receipted, cleaned and stored
safely until his release. The detainee, for his own safety, may be
allowed to wear civilian clothes.
As soon as possible, the inmate should be briefed or oriented
on the jail rules and regulations.
The Warden shall established and maintain a jail record of all
inmates consisting of information concerning the inmate's name
and alias,
if any; weight, height and body marks or tattoos, if any; nationality
and, if naturalized Filipino, his previous nationality; previous
occupation/profession; prior criminal conviction; and previous ento
place of residence. In the case of a prisoner, the record shall also
indicate the crime for which he was convicted; the sentencing
court, his sentence and the commencement date thereof;
institutional behavior and conduct and the date he was received for
confinement.

In the case of a detainee, the record shall indicate the

Investigation Slip number of his case, if pending with the
prosecutor’s office; or the criminal case number in the trial court
where the case is on appeal and the status of the appeal; or the reason
for this detention. The jail record shall be signed by the Warden.
Upon completion of the reception procedures, the inmate shall be
assigned to his confinement.
If available the inmate should be issued all the materials that he will
be using during his confinement.
A jail may be used for the safekeeping of any fugitive from justice
from any province, and the Warden shall in such case be entitled
to receive the same compensation for the support and custody of
such fugitive from justice as is provided for other offenders, to paid
by the officer demanding the custody of the prisoner, who shall be
reimbursed for such outlay as part of the costs of the prosecution.
prisoner, who shall be reimbursed for such outlay as part of the
costs of the prosecution.
Detainee is presumed innocent and shall be treated as such. If
possible, he shall be segregated from convicted prisoners.
Upon receipt of a detainee who is accused of an offense before
a court, he shall be appraised, preferably in the dialect which
he understands, that under Article 29 of the Revised Penal
Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 10592, his preventive
imprisonment shall be credited in full in the service of his
sentence consisting of deprivation of liberty with the whole
period he is detained if he agrees voluntarily in writing to abide
by the same disciplinary rules imposed upon convicted
offenders. Provided: That, he is not a recidivist, or has not been
convicted previously twice or more times of any crime; and when,
upon being summoned for the execution of his sentence, he
surrendered voluntarily.
If the detainee agrees to abide by the same disciplinary rules
imposed upon convicted prisoners, he shall be asked to
manifest his “Agreement” in writing. Otherwise, the Warden
shall issue a certification under oath to the effect that detainee
was appraise of the provisions of Article 29 of the Revised
Penal Code, as amended, and that the detainee refused to
abide by the rules imposed upon convicted offenders.
A detainee who signs an “Agreement shall” be treated as a
sentenced prisoner in so far as work and discipline are
concerned. Any failure or neglect to perform his assigned work
shall be considered sufficient cause for the cancellation of the
“Agreement” and he shall thereafter not be treated as a
convicted prisoner and cease to earn the privilege granted.
A detainee who is not covered by a “Certification” shall not be
required to work but he may be made to polish his dorm and
perform such other work as may be necessary for hygienic or
sanitary reason he shall be credited with the service of his
sentence with four-fifths (4/5) of the time during he was
detained.
The warden shall submit the “Agreement” or “Cancellation”, as
the case may be, to the proper court before the dates set for
the arraignment of the detainee and the same shall form part of
the records of the case.
The same procedure shall be followed with respect to all
accused persons who have been convicted but whose cases
pending appeal before a higher court the “Agreement” or
“Cancellation”, as the case may be, shall form part of the
records of the case.
Full credit for the preventive imprisonment shall commence
from the date of the “Agreement”
CLASSIFICATION BOARD
Conduct background investigation of inmates to determine
the work assignment, type of supervision and degree of
custody and restrictions under which an inmate must live in
jail.

Chairman - Deputy Warden

Members:
1. Chief, Custodial/Security Office
2. Medical Officer.Public Health Officer
3. Jail Chaplain
DISCIPLINARY BOARD
The Disciplinary Board shall be organized and maintained by
jails for the purpose of hearing disciplinary cases involving
any inmate who violate jail rules and regulations.
Chairman - Deputy Warden
Members:
1. Chief, Custodial/Security Office
2. Medical Officer.Public Health Officer
3. Jail Chaplain
4. Inmates Welfare and Development Officer
5. Inmates’ Representatives
Disciplinary Sanctions that can be imposed on
Inmates
Inmates are human being and still entitle to human rights except
for those rights being limited or deprived as a consequence of
detention or imprisonment.

However, discipline is an important element of correction hence,

imposition of disciplinary sanctions by the Disciplinary Board is
allowed, but only upon observance of procedural due process.
1. Reprimand
2. temporary or permanent cancelation of some or all recreational
privilege.
3. Cancellation of visiting privileges
4. Extra-fatigue duty
5. Close confinement in a separate cell, which shall not exceed
seven (7) days in any calendar month provided that the punishment
shall be imposed only in the case of an incorrigible inmate, when
other disciplinary measures had been proven ineffective
6. Forfeiture of Good Conduct Allowance to be earned for the
month and subsequent months depending upon the gravity of the
offense.
TREATMENT OF INMATES WITH
SPECIAL NEEDS

As the general rule, inmates with special needs should not be held
in jails with other regular inmates. However, given the reality of
budget constraints, increasing inmate population, insufficient
facilities and inadequately-equipped detention homes, Wardens
and Jail Officers shall endeavor to provide the best arrangement
they can for such inmates, in keeping with the rule. It is assumed
that inmates have been properly evaluated and classified for this
purpose.
FEMALE
a) The women’s quarters should be fully separated from the male
quarters
b) All handling and supervision of female offenders/detainees must be
done by female jail staff
c) In larger jails, services may be provided by a resident matron who
shall keep the keys to the women’s quarters and should be available at
any time
d) No male offender shall be allowed to enter the women’s quarters
e) Only work suitable to their age and physical condition should be
assigned to female inmate
NOTES:
There shall be a special accommodation for all pre-natal care and
treatment. Arrangement shall be made whenever practicable for
child to be born in jail; this fact shall not be mentioned/stated in the
birth certificate.
Where nursing infants are allowed to remain in the institution with
their mothers, provisions shall be made for nursery staffed by
qualified persons, where the infants shall be placed when they are
not in the care of their mothers.
The inmate-mother has the right to be with her child inside the
institution until the child first year birthday.
DRUG USERS/DEPENDENTS
a) Inmate found to be drug dependents should be segregated from other
offenders, especially during the withdrawal period
b) Close supervision of inmates should be maintained to prevent attempts to
commit suicide or self-mutilation
c) Only a qualified physician shall prescribe sedatives/stimulants deemed
necessary for the inmates’ treatment
d) Appropriate measures should be taken to enable inmates to follow
strictly the jail physician’s advice regarding diet and other medical
intervention/treatments during the withdrawal period; and
e) Conduct a regular search of the inmates’ quarter and maintain constant
alertness to prevent the smuggling of narcotics and other dangerous drugs.
ALCOHOLICS
a) Alcoholics should be placed in a comfortable quarter separate from
other offenders and maintain close supervision to guard against suicide
attempts
b) Any symptom of abnormal behavior among offenders should be reported
to jail physician
(c) Close supervision should be maintained to guard against the smuggling
of liquor and other intoxicating drinks or products containing alcohol

MENTALLY-ILL
a) The mentally-ill should be under the close supervision of a jail physician
b) The mentally-ill should be placed in the individual cells and special
restraint rooms provided for violent cases
c) Close supervision should be maintained to guard against suicide attempts
or violent attacks on others
d) The mentally-ill should be transferred to mental institutions for proper
psychiatric treatment.

SEX DEVIATES

a) The homosexual should be segregated immediately to prevent them from

influencing other offenders or being maltreated or abused by other inmates;
and;
b) The other sex deviates, likewise, should be separated from other inmates
for closer supervision and control
ESCAPE-PRONE INMATES
a) The escape-prone inmates should be held in the most secured quarters,
preferably in single cells
b) Their conduct should be closely supervised and their actuations observed
during and after visiting hours
c) Their quarters should be search frequently and subject to frequent strip
search
d) Their telephone calls should be restricted and its use should be allowed
only if monitored on an extension

SUICIDAL INMATES
a) The suicide risk prisoner/detainees should be given close and constant
supervision;
b) Search their quarters and premises for tools/ material that can be used
for suicide; and;
c) They should be subjected to frequent strip searches

THE HANDICAPPED, AGED AND

INFIRM
a) The handicapped should be housed separately and closely supervised
to protect them from maltreatment or abuse by other offenders
b) Special treatment should be given to these prisoners who shall be
required to work only in accordance with their physical capabilities for
their own upkeep to maintain the sanitation of their quarters and
surroundings.
NON-PHILIPPINE CITIZEN
INMATES
The Warden shall report in writing to the Bureau of Immigration and the
respective embassies of the detained foreigners with the following
information:
The name of jail
The name of the foreigner;
His nationality and the number of his/her Alien Certification of
Registrationif any;
Age and sex
The offense charged;
• Case Number
Court/Branch • Status of the Case
 CHAPTER 6: JAIL
CUSTODY, SECURITY,
CONTROL AND
DISCIPLINE OF
INMATES
CONCEPT OF JAIL SECURITY
The concept of jail security operation encompasses
both prevention and rehabilitation. These two efforts
are inseparable as neither can be accomplished
without the other. Jail security is necessary to
safeguard the live of people residing within the
vicinity, those managing the jails; and inmates whose
lives are to rehabilitated to become constructive
members of society.
SECURITY AND CONTROL
The following guidelines should be strictly observed in jail,
security, and control:

Maintain strict control of firearms. Never permit any firearms

inside the jail except in some areas where firearms are
authorized.
Maintain 24-hour supervision of inmates
Maintain a system of key control which shall include an
accurate listing of all keys and receipting them. Never
permit any inmates to handle keys or to study them.
Secure firearms and anti-riot equipment in the armory where
they shall be within easy reach of the jail guard and yet
afford maximum security against access by inmates.
Supervise the proper use of tools and other potentially
dangerous articles such as bottles, acids, kitchen knives,
etc., and keep them out of inmates’ reach when not in use.
Conduct regular inmates’ count at least four (4) times within
the 24 hour day period. Establish procedures which will
ensure beyond doubt that every inmate is physically
present or accounted for, at every count.
Conduct frequent surprise searches of inmates and their
quarters to detect contraband.
NOTE:
Operation Greyhound is the term used by the BJMP in
relation to this surprise searches. The BuCor on the
other hand using the term Operation Galugad but with
the same meaning of Operation Greyhound.

Conduct frequent inspections of security facilities to detect

tampering or defects.
Guards against escape, assault on jail personnel and
inmates’ disturbances,
Develop plans dealing with emergencies like escapes, fire,
assaults, and riots. Make plans known and understood by jail
personnel.
Never allow a jail guard to open the inmates’ quarter alone.
At least another guard should be present.
Select carefully the inmates to be assigned as orderly or
aide and maintaining rigid control over activities. No
inmates should be allowed to assume any of the authority
which belongs to jail staff or shall any inmate be allowed to
exercise authority, supervision and control over the inmate.
INMATES‘ COUNT
It is a part of institutional procedure that at specified times
during each 24 hour period, all inmates are physically counted,
for this type of count, the general procedures ate as follows;
Each inmate is counted physically at specified times;
During the count, all movements of inmates shall cease until
the count is completed;
The count must be accurate. A positive verification must be
made to ensure that the inmates are physically present.
Counting a man on the basis of seeing any part of his
clothing, hair, shoes is not a good counting procedure;
INMATES‘ COUNT
Report of each count of a group of inmates is
submitted to the Warden and/or Deputy Warden;
and
If the total jail inmates’ count does not tally with the
total jail population at any given time, another count
shall be made. An immediate report shall be
rendered to the Warden and/or Deputy Warden for
any unaccounted inmates.
SECURITY PROCEDURES
Security must be considered in the serving of food inside
the cells quarters. A jail officer should not enter the
quarters of the inmates to distribute food unless another
officer is available to handle the keys and control the
entrance door. When the feeding is to be accomplished
with only one officer on duty, it is essential that food shall
be served without unlocking the door if there is danger of
being overpowered by the inmates. If not, the door may be
opened but he must be on the alert always.
DINING ROOM SECURITY
As a general precaution, individual mess utensils of inmates
shall be made of plastics.
When dining rooms are provided, the inmates should be
marched in column of two’s along designated routes under
the supervision of one or two jail personnel. Other officials
may be stationed along the route to direct the orderly
movement of inmates to and from the mess hall.
There must be a roving supervisor to handle occasional
disturbances or settle complaints
DINING ROOM SECURITY

After meals, all utensils used by the inmates should be

collected. This should be strictly supervised by jail
personnel to be sure that no utensils are brought out of the
dining room.
Forks, spoon and other kitchen utensils should be checked
and accounted for after every meal.
MAIL CENSORSHIP
To give the inmate a respite from the restrain of prison life,
he should be encouraged to maintain wholesome contact
with friends and relatives through correspondence. A mere
personal source of knowledge about happenings in the
outside world will tone down the depressive mood that
develops when someone is shut off from the outside world.
However, the privilege of sending and receiving mail
extended to inmates should be properly supervised and
handled to obviate the possibility of smuggling contraband
and using this as a means of illicit communication.
 PROCEDURES WHEN
CENSORING MAILS
1) Mail shall be secured until such time 3) Letter containing currency, checks or money
that the censors are ready to examine should be marked with the amount enclosed and
deposited with the Trust Officer/Property Custodian.
them The receiving officer should list down the amount
received on a receipt from in duplicate

2) The inmate's mail shall be opened All greeting cards should be carefully examined
and searched only by qualified, and fillers of any kind found therein should be
trained and authorized jail personnel collected for laboratory examination
 PROCEDURES WHEN
CENSORING MAILS
5) Photographs clearly within the scope of
the jail regulations should be marked on the
reversed side and placed in the envelope
6) Any item or correspondence or enclosure that
does not conforming with the regulations or are
detrimental to security, order and discipline of
the jail should be brought to the attention of the
jail warden
7) In the censoring of mail, prison slang, unusual
nicknames and sentences with double meaning
should be carefully studied and analyzed to
determine their real meanings
All letters containing statements concerning the
security or reputation of the jail, like attempts of
escape, smuggling/trafficking of contraband and
statement that may affect the rule and policies,
etc.
 9) All letters passed by censors should bear
the sensors stamp at the top of each page and
on the envelope. The letters should be placed
back in the same envelope and released;

10) A listing of mail for inmates should be 12) Contents of the offender's mail
properly posted in a conspicuous place this should not be discussed with other jail
will also form part of the records of the jail personnel, except for official purposes;

11) If the inmate fails to claim his letter 13) All outgoing mails shall pass
within 24 hours after it has been posted, through the normal mail facility of the
the mail should be delivered to him; jail subject to the usual censorship.
FIRE
PREVENTION
RULES
Fire does not only cause financial losses but also loss of
lives and property. To prevent occurrences of fire in jails
and minimize its effect if such occur, the following rules
should be allowed
 1) Inmates should be kept aware of the 4) Keys to all emergency exits, cells, brigades,
and storage
Lorem places
ipsum dolor sitof firefighting
amet, equipment
consectetur adipiscing
hazards caused by the careless handling of
should
elit, sed be
do made available.
eiusmod tempor Such keys ut
incididunt should
laborehave
et
cigarettes, inflammable materials, fuel, tags, marked
dolore distinctly to avoid confusion during
magna aliqua.
welding equipment, etc emergencies

2) Fire extinguishers should be placed in 5) Portable floodlights should be

close proximity to all abousing units and
available in the control Center for
should be located in strategic places in
buildings and work areas; night fire;

6) Government equipment should be marked

3) Empty drums and cans should be
priority tags or symbols to determine which
filled with water and some with sand and should be first for evacuation during an
placed In strategic places for ready use; emergency.
 EMERGENCY
PLANS
Emergency plans for fire or conflagration, riots or violent
disturbance, jail breaks and other such occurrences should
be formulated to suit the physical structure and other
peculiar to the individual jail. Hence, herewith are suggested
steps or activities, which may be considered for warden's
planning. Fire plan and like should become a part of the
operational plans which every jail is expected to maintain in
the office files. It is important that each participant must know
his particular role.
 06

PLANS IN CASE OF FIRE

OR CONFLAGRATION
1) Fire crew, consisting of jail personnel and inmates
3) At the first sign of fire, the Control Center shall
chosen according to the degree of the custody,
immediately sound a pre-arranged alarm either by a
intelligence, interest and training should be formed
siren, bell, or any means available. At the same time,
and trained to man the fire fighting truck
it shall notify the Fire Department,

4) The Desk Officer or the person in-charge of the

2) The inmates who are selected should be keys to the storage for firefighting equipment,
separately housed in close proximity to the fire truck emergency gates and gates of different
and other equipment cells/brigades, should distribute the keys to the
responsible personnel concerned;
 If it is necessary to evacuate the jail population, they
5) All inmates in the affected area shall be required to
should be an orderly manner, using the closed vans
help in putting out the fire, using water and sand in the
and other vehicles, or evacuated in means, to pre-
drums and cans, the fire-fighting equipment, fire
arranged buildings or detention centers for their safe
extinguishers and such other things available to put out
the fire
and temporary confinement under strict security

6) The fire crew shall immediately respond to 9) When the all-clear alarm is sounded, first aid
the scene to put out the fire while the other shall be administered to the injured, an
jail personnel shall station themselves institution-wide count of inmates should be made
according to priority and under proper guard and immediately followed by a security check

7) If there is a necessity to evacuate
government records, supplies and equipment,
they should be evacuated to a safe place
according to priority and under proper guard;
10) If the inmates were evacuated and the
jail is still intact, they should be returned to
the institution and continue normal jail
activities;
11) Through investigation relative thereto should thereafter
be conducted and report thereon be submitted to the
Provincial Jail Administrator and copy furnished the
Assistant Regional Director, the Chief, Jail Bureau, and the
Stationed or Sub-station Commander.
PLANS FOR RIOTS
AND VIOLENT
DISTURBANCES
No matter how efficient the jail administration is, there will always be
occasional riots or disturbances that require immediate emergency
action. While it is not possible to foresee the exact nature of the
disturbance and when it may occur, there should be pre-determined
and well-defined plans of action to cope with such emergencies, like
the following:

At the sound of the first pre-arranged alarm, all inmates must be

locked up inside their respective cells/quarters. Inmate’s work
crew should be brought immediately into designated areas by
custodian for accounting and subsequently locked after the
inmates’ count;
If the disturbances occur during visiting period, all visitors should
be immediately ushered out of the visiting premises to the most
secured portion of the jail previously pre-determined for this
purpose. They should not be permitted to get out of the premises
until proper accounting of inmates shall have been made;

Simultaneously, all members of the security group out on post

shall immediately report to the Desk Officer and shall make
themselves available for emergency deployment. All critical posts
shall be covered according to the PLAN to prevent escapes. Do
not rush into the scene. The most senior officer present
automatically take command of the force and make assessment of
the situation;
 The Control Center shall take into consideration the readiness of all
communication lines emergency calls to the outside. At the moment,
the operator should not entertain incoming calls except purely official
calls;
The Desk Officer or the Armorer should make an immediate
preparation for the issuance of the necessary anti-riot equipment and
firearms;
On his judgment and proper assessment of the prevailing condition,
the Officer in command may cause the division of the available force
into three (3) groups as follows:
1st group - to compose the initial anti-riot assault contingent whose main
objectives is to disperse the rioters and get their leaders and shall be
armed with wicker shields, protective headgears, gas masks and night
sticks or batons, when these are available.
2nd group - to serve as back-up force to support the first group and
for this purpose shall be equipped with tear gas guns and gas
grenades.
3rd group - to compose of guards trained on proper handling and use
of firearms who shall be ready to fire when the lives of the guards are in
peril on orders of the Officer-in-Command.

When everything is ready, the Officer-in-Command shall, with the

use of a megaphone or microphone or any public address system,
direct the inmate to acts, the known leader should be called by
their names and asked to stop the cease and desist, return to their
respective cells or face the consequences of their rioting or
disturbance.
The second alarm shall be sounded when all efforts of the Officer-in-
Command had failed. By this time, all guards shall be prepared for the
assault. The first group shall now enter the compound followed by the
second group at a discreet distance the third group shall be in strategic
position, ready to fire when and if the guards are in danger.
The first group shall be tasked with quelling the riot and getting the
leaders of the rioting group and, if meet with stiff resistance, should
withdraw on orders of their leaders;
The second group shall not use riot control gases, except in orders of
the Officer- in-Command. Gas should be used and in such quantity to
have the desired effects. When the area is saturated with gas, the first
group with gas masks shall attack using their batons to force the rioters
back into their cells and get the leader. Used of pressurized water from
the fire truck may be resorted to.
On instruction of the Officer-in-Command, initial alarm shall be
relayed to the Superintendent, Station or Sub-station Commander
and/or the nearest police station or unit giving assistance to quell
such disturbance in the jail;
When conditions become critical and the disturbance has reached
full scale, the Officer-in-Command shall cause the sounding of the
third alarm. At this instance, Control Center shall notify all nearby
police agencies for assistance and then all other plans in
connection with jail uprisings shall be executed. Nearby hospitals
shall also be notified if the situation demands;
As the last resort to prevent mass jailbreak or serious assault upon
members of the custodian forces, the selected marksman of the
third group may be ordered to fire, by the Officer-in-Charge, only
after due warning shots. Here again, reasonable caution, to insure
the safety of individuals, is imperative. The order to fire should be
given only as a last resort, not necessarily to kill but only to aim at
designated targets, not at innocent by-standers, fellow officer or
some other employees; and
Finally, after any such incident, the following steps should be
undertaken:
Administer first aid to the injured
Conduct inmates’ count;
Segregate ring leaders and agitators;
Finally, after any such incident, the following steps should be
undertaken:
Check security of the institution;
Conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. Prosecute
those who have violated the laws, rule and regulations;
Repair damages
Adopt effective measures to prevent repetition of similar
incidents; and
Submit reports to the Provincial Jail Administrator and copy
furnished the Central Office of the Jail Bureau, and the Station
and Sub-station Commander.
PLAN FOR ESCAPES OR JAIL BREAKS
Since escape basically occurs without warning, it is essential that the
jail shall have well-developed plans or procedures that may be placed
into effect quickly. Time is of the essence in blocking off the
movements of escapees and effecting recapture.
BASIC GUIDELINES IN DEALING WITH
JAIL BREAK IN PROGRESS
The Control Center shall immediately sound the alarm and the
Warden or Desk Officer shall be notified;
At the first sound of the alarm, all inmates shall be locked in their
respective cells while those in work detail should be marched in on
orderly manner to their cells;
All jail personnel, custodial or non-custodial shall make themselves
available for emergency development with the exception of those
previously assigned. The Desk Officer or the Armorer shall issue
firearms to members of the custodial force who shall be
immediately dispatched to strategic posts according to the PLAN;
Personnel who have inmates under their supervision, assigned to
essential maintenance posts such as powerhouse, kitchen, hospital,
fire station, etc., must remain on duty take their accounting at the
time of the emergency alarm and report thereon submitted to the
Control Center;
A simultaneous institution-wide count shall be made to determine
the number of inmates who escaped and their identities
established;
A simultaneous institution-wide count shall be made to determine the
number of inmates who escaped and their identities established;
Radio and television stations and other news media shall be notified and, if
possible, furnished with the escapees photographs for possible publication
and flashing over the television screen;
Recovery team shall be ordered to proceed to all known liars, hangouts,
residences, and houses of immediate relatives and friends for the
immediate recapture of the escapees;
In case of mass jail break all members of the custodial force shall be
immediately issued firearms and assigned to critical posts to block the
escape routes while the pursuing teams should get out of the jail premises
to recapture the escapees. The rest of the jail personnel and custodial
force who are off-duty shall contacted by cellular phone or through the
fastest means available to require them to report for duty immediately;
If an officer or any member is held hostage, reasonable caution
should be taken to ensure his/her safety;
If the warden is held hostage, for all intents and purposes, he
ceases to exercise authority and the next in command or the most
senior officer present shall take over;
If there are no hostages and the inmates are still inside the jail
compound and continue to defy orders given by the Warden or the
Officer-in-Charge, procedures shall be activated immediately
according to plan;
Maximum force shall be deployed for escapees found holding on
an area to pressure them to surrender and overt their movements;
and
An investigation shall be conducted to determine any flaws in the
Security Plan for possible correction to be submitted to Assistant
Regional Director, copy furnished the Central Office of the Jail
Bureau, The Station or Sub-station Commander.

PLANS FOR OTHER EMERGENCIES

If facilities and personnel requirements are available, a jail shall
have emergency plans in case of power failure and natural
disasters, such as flood, earthquakes present, security and other
calamities. The plans cover the specific roles of jail personnel alarm
system to be used, emergency power units to be utilized, kind of
to be provided and such other measures as are necessary to ensure
the safety and security of jail personnel and offenders.
Likewise, the plans shall also include detailed procedures for the evacuation of
prisoners in cases of floods, earthquakes
and other calamities, if such evacuation is necessary.
Separate SOP’s to this effect should be issued.

Man-made
Natural Calamities
Calamities/Disturbances

a. Riot
b. Jailbreak
a. Fire
c. Noise barrage
b. Flood
d. Hostage-taking
c. Earthquake
e. Epidemics
d. Tsunami
f. Food poisoning
e. Landslide
g. Rescue
f. Typhoon
h. Bombing
g. Volcanic eruption
i. Power failure
h. Others
j. Water shortage
k. Others
MOVEMENTS/TRANSFER OF
PRISONERS/DETAINEES
To appear as witness or as accused, before any court of justice or
prosecutor’s office during preliminary investigation, arraignment or
hearing of a criminal case;
To appear as witness with leave of court in any investigation or
formal inquiry being conducted by a government agency;
To view with leave of court the remains of a deceased relative
within the second degree of affinity or consanguinity; and
To undergo with leave of court medical examination or treatment in
an outside hospital or clinic.
TRANSFER TO ANOTHER
INSTITUTION
An inmate may be transferred to another institution only upon specific
order of the Court having jurisdiction over him, except in cases of
serious illness where hospitalization is necessary and the detainee
immediately taken to the nearest hospital with the court subsequently
notified.
In any emergency or other compelling situation/necessities, when the
transfer to other jails of inmates involved is necessary to ensure safety
and security of the inmates and the personnel, the warden can
recommend to the Regional Director verbally or in writing, their
immediate transfer to another jail within the region provided that, on
the first hour of the following working day, the court concerned must
be informed of the said transfer.
VIEWING OF THE REMAINS OF A
DECEASED RELATIVE
For those inmates who wish to view the remains of a deceased relative,
leave of court shall first be obtained. However, the warden may request
for reconsideration from the court to recall and disapprove said order
under any of the following grounds:
The deceased relative is lying-in-state in a place beyond 30 kilometer
radius from the place of confinement of the inmate or, in any case,
where the inmate cannot return to said place during daylight hours;
The detainee has a record of escape; and
The detainee is classified as high risk/high profile and the jail has
inadequate resources to ensure his/her safety and security.
 Before leaving the jail for the authorized destination, the inmate shall
turn over to the Warden such amount that may be necessary to pay for his
transportation and meal expenses and those of the jail officers escorting
him.

NOTE:
Documents necessary for the request of an inmate to view the remains of a
relative:
Death Certificate of the deceased relative duly certified by the
attending physician or local Civil Registry
Burial permit; and
3. The appropriate certificate as indicated after the name of each
deceased relative:
a. Spouse - marriage contract
b. Child - Birth Certificate of the deceased child and Marriage
Certificate of the inmate;
c. Brother or Sister - Birth Certificates of the inmate and his
deceased brother or sister;
d. Father or Mother - Birth Certificate of the inmate
e. Grandparent - Birth Certificates of the inmate and his parent
who is the son or daughter of the deceased;
f. Grandchild - Birth Certificate of the deceased and the
inmate’s son or daughter who is the father or mother of the
deceased
RULES TO BE FOLLOWED DURING
MOVEMENT/TRANSFER OF INMATES
The responsibility for the security of the inmate being
moved/transferred shall transfers shall be made during the
day. Any movement or transfer of inmates shall remain with
the custodian until received by another custodian.
Whenever possible, be treated confidentially.
Prior to the movement/transfer, all jail officers shall be
given detailed instructions on their duties and
responsibilities, to include specific instructions that the most
direct route to destination must be followed.
An inmate being moved/transferred shall be handcuffed.
When two or more inmates are transported, each must be
secured to the other. In no case shall an inmate be
handcuffed and secured to any part of the vehicle during
transit to avoid being trapped in case of accident.
Before any movement/transfer, all inmates shall be
inspected and searched for dangerous weapons or objects
which may be used for escape or self-destruction.
As a general rule, inmates under escort shall always be
under the watchful eye of the jail officer. The jail officer
shall always be close enough to the inmate being escorted
to be able to respond effectively in case of emergency.
BASIC SECURITY PRECAUTIONS THAT
SHALL BE OBSERVED DURING THE
TRANSFER/MOVEMENT OF INMATES
Do not allow inmates to tinker with the handcuffs;
Always ascertain that the inmate does not have crippled,
deformed or very small hands that will allow him/her to
“slip” the handcuffs off;
Regard all inmates being moved/transferred as extremely
notorious, to avoid being careless;
Adjust the cuffs properly for tightness to avoid the need of
adjustment while on route;
A jail officer shall always walk one step behind and never in
front of an inmate. The inmate shall always precede the jail
officer into an automobile;
A jail officer shall be extra careful not to sit, stand or walk
next to an inmate while carrying a gun, as it can be easily
grabbed from him;
Stopping along the highway while in transit is highly
discouraged, especially when moving/transporting inmates
by vehicle hired solely for the purpose; and
Personal vehicle of the inmates shall not be used for their
movement/transfer.
NOTE:

In case an inmate is moved/transferred from one jail to

another facility or correctional institution, his/her carpeta
must be forwarded to the jail where he/ she is to be
confined and duly received by the designated Records
Custodian.

CARPETA – refers to the institutional record of an. inmate which

consist of his mittimus/commitment.
THANK YOU
FOR
LISTENING!