Chapter DOC 376

DOC 376.07(2) (2) Only the minimum force that is reasonably necessary to achieve a proper objective may be used. Excessive force shall not be used.

DOC 376.07(3) (3) Staff may use non-deadly force against youth only if the user of force reasonably believes that it is immediately necessary to accomplish one of the following purposes:

DOC 376.07(3)(a) (a) To subdue a youth who poses an immediate threat of bodily harm or death to oneself or another.

DOC 376.07(3)(b) (b) To regain control of all or part of an institution during a disturbance as defined in s. DOC 376.20 or an emergency as defined in s. DOC 376.21.

DOC 376.07(3)(c) (c) To prevent the escape of a youth.

DOC 376.07(3)(d) (d) To control a disruptive or dangerous youth who threatens the security of an institution.

DOC 376.07(3)(e) (e) To apprehend a youth who has escaped from an institution.

DOC 376.07(3)(f) (f) To change the location of a youth who refuses to cooperate and the refusal threatens the security of the institution.

DOC 376.07(4) (4) Staff may use the minimum physical force reasonably necessary to apprehend or gain control of a youth. Minimum force shall be exercised in the following way, if reasonably possible:

DOC 376.07(4)(a) (a) Staff shall not attempt to physically handle a youth until sufficient staff are present for a show of physical force.

DOC 376.07(4)(b) (b) Staff shall ask a youth to voluntarily return or to voluntarily cease the threatening or disruptive behavior.

DOC 376.07(4)(c) (c) If a youth refuses to voluntarily comply, one or more staff may physically restrain the youth.

DOC 376.07(4)(d) (d) Staff shall restrain a youth as necessary for the protection of the youth or others.

DOC 376.07(5) (5) After the use of non-deadly force, the youth and staff who were involved shall be checked for injury, medical services provided as appropriate and a written report submitted to the superintendent regarding any medical services provided.

DOC 376.07(6) (6) If force is used, each staff member involved shall submit a separate written report regarding the apprehension to the superintendent.

DOC 376.07(7) (7) Staff may use deadly force only if staff reasonably believe that its use is immediately necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to oneself or another. If deadly force is used, each staff member involved shall submit a separate written report to the superintendent regarding the use of deadly force. The superintendent shall promptly report the use of deadly force to the administrator.

DOC 376.07(8) (8) Staff may not use deadly force to control a youth if its use creates a substantial danger of harm to an innocent third party, unless the danger created by not using deadly force is greater than the danger created by its use.

DOC 376.07(9) (9) Youth may not use force at any time.

DOC 376.07 History History: Cr. Register, June, 2000, No. 534, eff. 7-1-00.

DOC 376.08 DOC 376.08 Use of incapacitating devices and chemical agents.

DOC 376.08(1) (1) Regulation.

DOC 376.08(1)(a) (a) Incapacitating devices or chemical agents may be used under the circumstances listed in s. DOC 376.07 (3).

DOC 376.08(1)(b) (b) In order to ensure that incapacitating devices and chemical agents are used appropriately, staff shall utilize the following use of force continuum, if feasible, before actually employing an incapacitating device or a chemical agent:

DOC 376.08(1)(b)1. 1. Make a video and sound recording of the events as authorized by the superintendent.

DOC 376.08(1)(b)2. 2. Communicate with the youth to calm the youth.

DOC 376.08(1)(b)3. 3. Wait a reasonable period of time, unless there is a risk of harm to the youth or another person, the situation would further escalate or waiting would threaten the security or safety of the institution.

DOC 376.08(1)(b)4. 4. Make a show of force to the youth.

DOC 376.08(1)(b)5. 5. Use the minimum non-deadly force that is reasonably necessary.

DOC 376.08(1)(c) (c) When s. DOC 376.07 (3) permits the use of force and staff know of a youth’s history of violent behavior in similar situations and reasonably believe that the youth is about to become violent, an incapacitating device or chemical agent may be used after the procedure in par. (b) has been followed, but before the youth makes a credible threat to use physical force.

DOC 376.08(1)(d) (d) Incapacitating devices or chemical agents may not be used by staff if any of the following apply:

DOC 376.08(1)(d)1. 1. It is clear that the incapacitating devices or chemical agents would have no physical effect on a youth.

DOC 376.08(1)(d)2. 2. It is medically contra-indicated for the youth or another person who would be affected.

DOC 376.08(2) (2) Selection. The incapacitating device or chemical agent most appropriate to the situation shall be used by staff, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the training provided to the staff using the incapacitating device or chemical agent.

DOC 376.08(3) (3) Application. Only trained staff under the immediate supervision of a supervisor may employ incapacitating devices or chemical agents. Each institution shall ensure that staff authorized to use incapacitating devices or chemical agents are properly trained in their use.

DOC 376.08(4) (4) Medical attention and clean-up.

DOC 376.08(4)(a) (a) As soon as possible after an incapacitating device or chemical agent has been used, staff shall apply corrective remedies as prescribed by the manufacturer to all youth and staff exposed to the incapacitating device or chemical agent and shall obtain medical assistance as needed for persons exposed. Staff shall provide individuals exposed to a chemical agent with an opportunity to shower and change clothes. If living quarters have been exposed to a chemical agent, staff shall require the area to be properly cleaned and bedding and mattresses to be changed and thoroughly cleaned before being reuse.

DOC 376.08(4)(b) (b) Staff shall promptly notify medical personnel of a youth’s exposure to a chemical agent. Medical personnel shall determine if medical assistance is required.

DOC 376.08(4)(c) (c) When area clean up is necessary, staff shall follow directions as prescribed by the manufacturer.

DOC 376.08(5) (5) Incident report.

DOC 376.08(5)(a) (a) As soon as possible after an incapacitating device or chemical agent has been used, all staff who were involved shall submit an incident report to the superintendent and the administrator. A monthly report of the use of incapacitating devices and chemical agents shall be submitted by each institution to the administrator.

DOC 376.08(5)(b) (b) Each incident report shall include all of the following:

DOC 376.08(5)(b)1. 1. The youth’s name, the date and time of the incident, names of staff present when the incapacitating device or chemical agent was used, reasons for using the incapacitating device or chemical agent and treatment given.

DOC 376.08(5)(b)2. 2. A description of the incident which caused the use of the incapacitating device or chemical agent.

DOC 376.08(5)(b)3. 3. The steps taken prior to the use of the incapacitating device or chemical agent and why those steps did not control the incident.

DOC 376.08(5)(b)4. 4. The type of incapacitating device or chemical agent used and method of application.

DOC 376.08(5)(b)5. 5. The youth’s response to the incapacitating device or chemical agent.

DOC 376.08(5)(b)6. 6. Any actions taken following the use of the incapacitating device or chemical agent.

DOC 376.08 History History: Cr. Register, June, 2000, No. 534, eff. 7-1-00.

DOC 376.09 DOC 376.09 Mechanical restraints.

DOC 376.09(1) (1) Types of mechanical restraints. Mechanical restraints include, but are not limited to, handcuffs with restraining belt or chain, restraining chains, leg restraints and leather and plastic restraints.

DOC 376.09(2) (2) Use of mechanical restraints. Mechanical restraints may be used in any of the following situations if the superintendent determines that the use of mechanical restraints is necessary to protect staff, youth or the public or to maintain the security of the institution:

DOC 376.09(2)(a) (a) To transport a youth within or outside an institution.

DOC 376.09(2)(b) (b) For a youth who is in security status while the youth is outside the place of confinement or for a youth who is out of control.

DOC 376.09(2)(c) (c) To protect staff, youth or other persons from a youth who poses an immediate risk of physical injury to others unless restrained.

DOC 376.09(2)(d) (d) To protect a youth who poses an immediate threat of physical injury to self unless restrained.

DOC 376.09(3) (3) Approval for use of mechanical restraints. A youth may be placed in mechanical restraints only with the authorization of the superintendent.

DOC 376.09(4) (4) Prohibited use of mechanical restraints. Mechanical restraints may not be used in any of the following ways:

DOC 376.09(4)(a) (a) When the use of mechanical restraints is medically contra-indicted.

DOC 376.09(4)(b) (b) About the head or neck of a youth in a manner not prescribed by the manufacturer.

DOC 376.09(4)(c) (c) In a way that causes undue physical discomfort or inflicts physical pain to a youth.

DOC 376.09(4)(d) (d) As a method of punishment.

DOC 376.09(4)(e) (e) To secure a youth to a motor vehicle.

DOC 376.09(5) (5) Use of full body restraints. Full body restraints may be used only for the following reasons with authorization from the superintendent:

DOC 376.09(5)(a) (a) To protect a youth who poses an immediate threat of physical injury to self unless placed in full body restraints.

DOC 376.09(5)(b) (b) To protect a youth in a health emergency that requires full body restraints.

DOC 376.09(5)(c) (c) To protect staff, youth or other persons from a youth who poses an immediate risk of physical injury to others unless placed in full body restraints.

DOC 376.09(5)(d) (d) To immobilize a youth in full body restraints, because the youth’s conduct significantly disrupts the security or function of the institution and less restrictive ways to control the behavior have failed.

DOC 376.09(6) (6) Procedure for placing a youth in full body restraints. When staff place a youth in full body restraints sub. (5) (a) to (d) all of the following apply:

DOC 376.09(6)(a) (a) The shift supervisor shall be present and shall notify the superintendent, a health services professional and the psychologist on call.

DOC 376.09(6)(b) (b) A minimum of 3 staff shall be present when the youth is placed in full body restraints.

DOC 376.09(6)(c) (c) A video and audio recording shall be made as directed by the superintendent.

DOC 376.09(6)(d) (d) A staff psychologist or psychiatrist shall arrange for an on-site evaluation within 3 hours after the application of full body restraints unless the superintendent authorizes an extension, which may not exceed 8 hours.

DOC 376.09(6)(e) (e) The psychologist or psychiatrist shall recommend to the superintendent whether the youth should remain in full body restraints and what actions should be taken to protect the youth.

DOC 376.09(6)(f) (f) A health services professional shall conduct a physical examination as soon as possible, but not later than one hour after application of full body restraints. A physical examination shall be conducted every 4 hours thereafter by a health services professional.

DOC 376.09(6)(g) (g) Staff shall directly observe a youth immobilized in full body restraints at least every 15 minutes.

DOC 376.09(6)(h) (h) Youth may be partially released from full body restraints if it is safe to do so to perform bodily functions and for meals. Three staff members, one of whom shall be a supervisor, shall be present before and during the release.

DOC 376.09(6)(i) (i) The youth shall be released immediately if it becomes apparent that full body restraints present a medical risk to the youth.

DOC 376.09(7) (7) Record of use of full body restraints. A record must be kept of youth placed in full body restraints under sub. (5) (a) to (d) which shall include the following:

DOC 376.09(7)(a) (a) The youth’s full name and identifying number.

DOC 376.09(7)(b) (b) The date and time of immobilization.

DOC 376.09(7)(c) (c) Names of the staff members and supervisor present when the youth was placed in full body restraints.

DOC 376.09(7)(d) (d) The reasons for placing the youth in full body restraints.

DOC 376.09(7)(e) (e) The dates and times that the youth was observed by staff as required by sub. (6) (g), the name of the staff making the observation and comments on the youth’s condition and behavior while in full body restraints.

DOC 376.09(7)(f) (f) The dates and times full body restraints were removed.

DOC 376.09(7)(g) (g) Medication given and the time it was given.

DOC 376.09(7)(h) (h) The dates and times that the youth was observed by clinical staff, a health services professional or a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist, the recommendations made by those persons and whether staff implemented the recommendations.

DOC 376.09(8) (8) Release from full body restraints. The superintendent may authorize partial or complete release from full body restraints at any time.

DOC 376.09(9) (9) Time in full body restraints. No youth may be immobilized in full body restraints for longer than 12 hours, unless the youth is examined by a psychologist, psychiatrist or the crisis intervention worker, who shall make a written recommendation to the superintendent as to whether the youth should continue to remain in full body restraints. An examination by a psychologist, psychiatrist or crisis intervention leader shall occur thereafter at least every 12 hours that a youth is in full body restraints. The superintendent may authorize the use of restraints for more than 12 hours. The superintendent shall notify the administrator of the decision to continue the use of full body restraints beyond 12 hours and every 12 hours thereafter.

DOC 376.09(10) (10) Transfer to a mental health facility. Staff shall initiate a transfer to a mental health facility under s. 51.35 (3), Stats., if appropriate. Staff shall not retain a youth in full body restraints under sub. (5) (a) to (d) for more than 24 hours, unless a transfer to a mental health facility has been initiated by the institution.