U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Office of Professional Responsibility
Inspections and Detention Oversight
Washington, DC 20536-5501

Office of Detention Oversight
Compliance Inspection

Enforcement and Removal Operations
New Orleans Field Office
Orleans Parish Prison
New Orleans, Louisiana

February 13- 15, 2012

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY.
This document may contain sensitive commercial, financial, law
enforcement, management, and employee information. It has been written for the express use of the
Department of Homeland Security to identify and correct management and operational deficiencies. In
reference to ICE Policy 17006.1, issued 09/22/05; any disclosure, dissemination, or reproduction of this
document, or any segments thereof, is prohibited without the approval of the Assistant Director, Office of
Professional Responsibility.

COMPLIANCE INSPECTION
ORLEANS PARISH PRISON
NEW ORLEANS FIELD OFFICE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................... 1
INSPECTION PROCESS
Report Organization ............................................................................................................. 6
Inspection Team Members ................................................................................................... 6

OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Internal Relations ................................................................................................................. 7
Detainee Relations ............................................................................................................... 7

ICE NATIONAL DETENTION STANDARDS
Detention Standards Reviewed ............................................................................................ 8
Access to Legal Material ..................................................................................................... 9
Admission and Release ...................................................................................................... 10
Detainee Grievance Procedures ......................................................................................... 11
Detainee Handbook ............................................................................................................. 12
Environmental Health and Safety ...................................................................................... 13
Issuance and Exchange of Clothing, Bedding and Towels ............................................... .14
Post Orders ......................................................................................................................... 15
Staff-Detainee Communication ......................................................................................... 16
Suicide Prevention and Intervention .................................................................................. 18
Telephone Access .............................................................................................................. 19
Use ofForce .......................................................................................................................20

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Office ofProfessional Responsibility (OPR), Office ofDetention Oversight (ODO)
conducted a Compliance Inspection (CI) of the Orleans Parish Prison (OPP) facility in New
Orleans, Louisiana, from February 13- 15, 2012. OPP is a parishjail facility and is operated by
the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office (OPSO). U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE),
Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Field Office Director, New Orleans, Louisiana
(FOD/New Orleans) detains aliens pending immigration proceedings in the OPP Templeman
Phase Five (OPP/TP5) complex pursuant to an intergovernmental service agreement (IGSA).
ICE, formerly the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service, has housed detainees at OPP since
October 1, 1996. Orleans Parish provides medical and food services. The OPSO contracts with
Tiger Correctional Services for detainee commissary amenities. OPP is currently accredited
through the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC).
OPP is comprised of multiple buildings situated within a 24-block area of mixed residential and
commercial properties in the Mid-City section ofNew Orleans. The Sheriffs Office uses five of
those buildings for detention purposes. During the Cl, ODO verified that OPP houses ICE
detainees exclusively at OPP/TP5, a 123,000 square foot facility that opened in 1994 to house
city inmates. The remaining four buildings at OPP are scattered throughout the 24-block area
and are not authorized by FOD/New Orleans to house ICE detainees.
On August 29, 2005, prior to Hurricane Katrina, OPP had a capacity of 6,500 inmates and
detainees. The hurricane irreparably damaged some buildings within the complex and reduced
maximum capacity to 3,276. OPP/TP5 has the capacity to hold 316 inmates and detainees, and
is currently approved by ICE for use as an over 72-hour facility to house ICE detainees. OPSO
reserves 30 beds for ICE detainees at OPP/TP5. The FOD/New Orleans is funded for a
maximum of 50 beds at OPP/TP5, should the need arise. The Assistant Field Office Director
(AFOD) stated that the average length of stay (ALOS) for ICE detainees at OPP/TP5 is 2.7 days,
and the average daily population (ADP) is 12 detainees. At the time of the ODO inspection, 13
male detainees were housed at OPP/TP5.
Male detainees of classification levels one (lowest threat) and two (medium threat) are housed in
unit A-1 at OPP/TP5. Level III (highest threat) male ICE detainees are housed in unit A-2 with
other maximum security federal inmates. Although OPP/TP5 is authorized to detain female ICE
detainees, FOD/New Orleans does not house females at OPP as a matter of local policy.
FOD/New Orleans personnel coordinate with ERO officials in Oakdale, Louisiana to arrange
alternate housing for female ICE detainees.
Recently, officials representing the Department ofHomeland Security, Office of Civil Rights and
Civil Liberties (CRCL) visited OPP and the FOD/New Orleans to review the circumstances
surrounding the July 2010 suicide of an ICE detainee at OPP. During the CRCL site visit at
OPP, CRCL visited the House of Detention (HOD) building to observe the Special Management
Unit (SMU). CRCL cited numerous standards violations to ICE HQ and raised several areas of
concern regarding the conditions in the HOD SMU. The FOD stated local ERO officials were
not provided the opportunity to explain to CRCL that ICE detainees are not held in segregation
or under any other circumstances within OPP/HOD.
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During this CI, ODO confirmed that OPP/HOD is used exclusively to segregate OPP inmates
requiring isolation for suicide watches, disciplinary actions, or administrative reasons. There is
no SMU or segregation area in the OPP/TP5 complex for ICE detainees. FOD/New Orleans
does not authorize placement ofiCE detainees in the OPP/HOD. In the event an ICE detainee
requires segregation, OPP management immediately contacts the FOD/New Orleans and the
detainee is immediately transferred to another facility within the State of Louisiana; the average
response time is estimated at between five and seven minutes.
The FOD/New Orleans is staffed to current funded levels and has no vacancies. The FOD/New
Orleans area of responsibility (AOR) is comprised of five states: Louisiana, Arkansas,
Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. There are 21 offices staffed with personnel responsible
for carrying out the ERO mission throughout the AOR. The Deputy Field Office Director
(DFOD) is physically located approximately 200 miles west ofNew Orleans in the ERO office
at the Oakdale Federal Detention Center in Oakdale, Louisiana. Oversight ofiCE detainees at
OPP/TP5 is the responsibility of an AFOD physically located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The
AFOD is augmented by(b)(7)e Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officers (SDDO),(b)(7)e
Supervisory Immigration Enforcement Agent (SIEA) (b)(7)e Deportation Officers (DO), and(b)(7)e
Immigration Enforcement Agents (lEA). Ofthis staff, (b)(7)e EAs and(b)(7)eDO address issues
regarding detainees and detention standards at OPP/TP5.
As with the other four buildings used for detention purposes at OPP, a Warden oversees
detention operations at OPP/TP5. The Warden reports to the Chief of Security. The highest
ranking official is the Sheriff, assisted by a Chief Deputy who oversees the Chief of Security.
In addition to the Warden, staffing at OPP/TP5 consists of an Assistant Warden, (b)(7)eCaptain,
(b)(7)eLieutenants (b)(7)e Sergeants (b)(7)e Corporal, and(b)(7)eCorrectional Officers. The Warden
stated that OPP/TP5 has (b)(7)e vacancies, but all critical positions are filled.
In October 2011, the ERO Detention Standards Compliance Unit (DSCU) contractors, MGT of
America, Inc., conducted an Annual Review ofthe ICE National Detention Standards (NOS) at
OPP/TP5. The facility received an overall rating of"Acceptable," and was found to be in
compliance with 34 ofthe 35 applicable standards reviewed. Three standards were not
applicable to the facility. Inspectors found one repeat deficiency under the Environmental
Health and Safety standard.
During this CI, ODO reviewed a total of 21 NDS. ODO reviewed previous inspection reports,
detainee complaint referrals, and information from DHS CRCL based on their recent site visit
related to the ICE detainee suicide that occurred in July 2010. ODO verified OPP/TP5 is fully
compliant in ten of the 21 NDS reviewed. ODO noted 19 deficiencies in the remaining 11
NOS: Access to Legal Material (3 deficiencies); Admission and Release (2); Detainee
Grievance Procedures (1); Detainee Handbook (2); Environmental Health and Safety (2);
Issuance and Exchange of Clothing, Bedding, and Towels (2); Post Orders (1); Staff-Detainee
Communication (3); Suicide Prevention and Intervention (1); Telephone Access (1); and Use of
Force (1).

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This report details all deficiencies and refers to specific, relevant sections of the ICE NDS.
OPR will provide ERO a copy of the report to assist in developing corrective actions to resolve
the 19 identified deficiencies.
Overall, ODO found there is very good communication between OPP/TP5 personnel and the
FOD/New Orleans staff. The short length of stay and low average daily population prevented
ODO auditors from practical verification of some components ofthe NDS. When that occurred,
ODO compared facility policy and procedure with the NDS to determine consistency and
compliance. OPP/TP5 policies and procedures do not compare well with archetypes referenced
in the NDS, and the OPP/TP5 organizational structure departs from traditional models as well.
As an example, each facility within the OPP complex has its own Warden. In most facilities
encountered by ODO, there is (b)(7)eWarden in charge of the entire facility.
ODO observed sanitation conditions within the facility to be lacking and finds this to be an area
of concern. ICE detainees stated during interviews that OPI?/TP5 personnel instructed them to
clean their living areas the day before ODO commenced the CI. ODO observed cobwebs on the
ceilings and dust collected in the comers ofthe floors and walls in living areas. Living areas
were also littered with trash, and the walls were in need of a thorough cleaning and a fresh coat
of paint. Some bathroom hardware had rust; however, all plumbing was in proper working order.
Air circulation vents were clean and free of obstruction throughout the complex. ODO did not
observe any sanitation issues in the food service area or the medical unit. Both areas were clean
and free of vermin. An exterminator was on-site at the time of the inspection providing routine,
scheduled pest control treatments. Though the state of cleanliness was observed to be lacking,
ODO did not find it posed a risk to the health and safety of detainees. ODO recommends
implementation of a comprehensive, on-going sanitation program.
OPP has an effective grievance system that allows for informal and formal grievances; however,
the detainee handbook lacks instructions for detainees on how to contact ERO in the event they
want to discuss a grievance with an ICE official. ODO verified there have been no formal
grievances filed by ICE detainees housed at OPP/TP5. OPP/TP5 and ERO staff stated this is due
to the short length of stay at the facility, which ranges from two to four days.
ODO observed a five gallon container of tile adhesive (a caustic substance) that had not been
secured properly, creating a potential safety risk. Once made aware of the issue, OPP/TP5
personnel took immediate corrective action and properly stored the dangerous substance. ODO
also reviewed the OPP/TP5 fire evacuation plan and confirmed it had not been filed with the
local fire department. OPP officials pledged to remedy this issue.
ERO officers conduct regular scheduled and unannounced visits to the housing units weekly.
ODO confirmed this via a review of Staff-Detainee Communication records and the
computerized liaison visit database used by the facility to document visits by Deportation
Officers assigned to the FOD/New Orleans. Detainees stated they were familiar with the ICE
officers who visited them daily, and were satisfied with the level of attention received from ICE
staff. ODO noted ERO officers are completing routine ICE paperwork thoroughly and correctly
relative to staff-detainee communication; however, there were no written procedures to route

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detainee requests to the appropriate ICE official, nor was there a log to document and record
detainee requests to ICE.
ODO reviewed(b)(7)epersonnel training records and verified (b)(7)e staff members did not receive
periodic training in: recognizing signs of suicidal thinking, including suspect behavior; facility
referral procedures; suicide prevention techniques; or responding to an in-progress suicide
attempt. With regard to suicide prevention and intervention, ODO inspectors observed the cell
where an ICE detainee committed suicide in July 2010. The cell is a typical residence room
within the housing area where Level I and Level II detainees are assigned. ODO inspectors
noted nothing remarkable about the cell, and it was currently in use by ICE detainees at the time
ofthe CI.
ODO reviewed facility policy and training files, and interviewed staff regarding uses of force
against ICE detainees at OPP/TP5. There has never been a use-of-force incident at OPP/TP5
involving ICE detainees. Electro-muscular disruption devices are not used in the facility. All
staff members receive use of force training; this training includes confrontation avoidance.
Review of the OPP Use of Force policy confirmed the use oftear gas, mace, and irritant dust is
permitted by local policy. According to the NDS, these are unauthorized, non-lethal force
devices. Prior to completion of the Cl, OPP management added an addendum to the local Use of
Force policy prohibiting use ofthese devices on ICE detainees. Subsequent to the change, only
oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray/foam is authorized for use on ICE detainees.

(b)(7)e

ODO noted the following area of concern. OPP policies, standard operating procedures, and
position descriptions were disorganized and some documents were dated as far back as 2005, or
were undated entirely. Command staff provided ODO with policies and procedures later
determined to be outdated, and staff had difficulty identifying the most current versions. OPP
management stated an OPSO committee has submitted revisions to the OPP legal department for
review. To support compliance with the NDS, ODO recommends all policies applicable to ICE
detainees be reviewed by ICE.

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ODO noted no deficiencies with regard to the Medical Care standard. The medical unit at
OPP/TP5 is accredited through NCCHC, and received an award from the accrediting body for
its outstanding Disaster Planning Program.
Regarding medical procedures, current policy allows Keep-on-Person (KOP) distribution of
psychiatric medications to stable OPP prisoners in seven-day blister packs. As this population is
at significant risk for medication non-compliance and potential overdose, single-unit dose
administration is advisable. ODO recommends OPP revise its policies to prohibit KOP
distribution of psychiatric medications to ICE detainees.

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INSPECTION PROCESS
ODO inspections evaluate the welfare, safety, and living conditions of detainees. ODO primarily
focuses on areas of noncompliance with the ICE NDS or the ICE Performance Based National
Detention Standards (PBNDS), as applicable. The NDS apply to OPP. In addition, ODO may
focus its inspection based on detention management information provided by the ERO HQ and
ERO field offices, and on issues of high priority or interest to ICE executive management.
ODO reviewed the processes employed at OPP to determine compliance with current policies
and detention standards. Prior to the inspection, ODO collected and analyzed relevant
allegations and detainee information from multiple ICE databases, including the Joint Integrity
Case Management System (JICMS), and the ENFORCE Alien Booking Module (EABM) and
Alien Removal Module (EARM). ODO also gathered facility facts and inspection-related
information from ERO HQ staff to prepare for the site visit at OPP.

REPORT ORGANIZATION
This report documents inspection results, serves as an official record, and is intended to provide
ICE and detention facility management with a comprehensive evaluation of compliance with
policies and detention standards. It summarizes those NDS that ODO found deficient in at least
one aspect of the standard. ODO reports convey information to best enable prompt corrective
actions and to assist in the on-going process of incorporating best practices in nationwide
detention facility operations.
OPR classifies program issues into one of two categories: deficiencies and areas of concern.
OPR defines a deficiency as a violation of written policy that can be specifically linked to the
NDS, ICE policy, or operational procedure. OPR defines an area of concern as something that
may lead to or risk a violation of the NDS, ICE policy, or operational procedure. When possible,
the report includes contextual and quantitative information relevant to the cited standard.
Deficiencies are highlighted in bold throughout the report and are encoded sequentially
according to a detention standard designator.
Comments and questions regarding the report findings should be forwarded to the Deputy
Division Director, OPR Office of Detention Oversight.

INSPECTION TEAM MEMBERS

(b)(6), (b)(7)c

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Special Agent (Team Leader)
Special Agent
Special Agent
Contract ·Inspector
Contract Inspector
Contract Inspector

6

ODO, Phoenix
ODO, San Diego
ODO, Houston
Creative Corrections
Creative Corrections
Creative Corrections

Orleans Parish Prison
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OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
INTERNAL RELATIONS
ODO interviewed the OPP/TP5 Warden, the Chief of Security and the ERO AFOD. During the
interviews, all personnel stated the working relationship between OPP and ERO is excellent, and
morale is high among OPP and ERO officers.
The Warden stated that sufficient personnel are assigned to handle the current ICE detainee
population at OPP, and ERO officers consistently visit the housing units and communicate with
ICE detainees to address their issues or concerns.
The AFOD stated the length of stay for ICE detainees at OPP could not be further reduced,
because the facility already maintains a short ALOS. The AFOD has instructed his staff to
conduct facility liaison visits every Friday to assess all mandated postings within the housing
units. ERO officers verify the operability of the detainee telephones, and assess and address any
specific detainee concerns. The AFOD has initiated a weekly lEA inspection to assess the level
of sanitation in the housing units, the food service area, all common areas, and the showers. The
lEA documents findings and any corrective actions taken. The AFOD has instructed the SDDO
to conduct follow-ups within 24 hours on any issues reported during these inspections.

DETAINEE RELATIONS
ODO interviewed 13 male detainees at OPP/TP5 to assess the overall living and detention
conditions at the facility. All had been housed at OPP/TP5 for less than a week at the time they
were interviewed. None ofthe detainees complained about staff-detainee communication,
issuance of personal hygiene items, telephone access, sending or receiving mail, food service,
medical care, religious services, recreation, visitation, or treatment by OPP/TP5 staff. Detainees
stated OPP/TP5 officers are courteous and respectful. Detainees stated ERO officers regularly
visit the housing units to communicate and interact with them.
Two detainees stated they had not been provided with outdoor recreation since being admitted to
OPP/TP5, but that was due to rain and cold weather. Two detainees stated the facility was dirty
when they arrived, and OPP/TP5 staff had instructed them to clean the living areas prior to the
ODO inspection.

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ICE NATIONAL DETENTION STANDARDS
ODO reviewed a total of21 NDS and found OPP fully compliant with the following 10
standards:
Detainee Classification System
Detainee Transfers
Detention Files
Food Service
Hold Rooms in Detention Facilities
Hunger Strikes
Medical Care
Special Management Unit- Administrative Segregation
Special Management Unit -Disciplinary Segregation
Terminal Illness, Advance Directives, and Death
As these standards were compliant at the time of the review, a synopsis for these areas was not
prepared for this report.
ODO found deficiencies in the following 11 standards:
Access to Legal Material
Admission and Release
Detainee Grievance Procedures
Detainee Handbook
Environmental Health & Safety
Issuance and Exchange of Clothing, Bedding, and Towels
Post Orders
Staff-Detainee Communication
Suicide Prevention and Intervention
Telephone Access
Use of Force
Findings for each ofthese standards are presented in the remainder of this report.

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ACCESS TO LEGAL MATERIAL (ALM)
ODO reviewed the Access to Legal Material NDS at OPP to determine if detainees have access
to a law library, legal materials, courts, counsel, and equipment to facilitate the preparation of
legal documents. ODO reviewed policies, interviewed facility staff, and assessed equipment
used by detainees to access legal materials.
ICE detainees have access to an area designated as a law library. The size of the law library is
sufficient to accommodate the population of ICE detainees. The facility had not posted a list of
the library holdings in the law library (Deficiency ALM-1), and the latest version ofLexis-Nexis
had not been installed on the library's computers (Deficiency ALM-2). ERO and OPP personnel
performed a Lexis-Nexis update prior to the completion ofthe inspection, which corrected the
deficiency. Rules and procedures governing access to legal materials had not been posted in the
library as required by the standard (Deficiency ALM-3). Providing the library rules and
procedures to detainees ensure they are aware of the procedures for using the library, as well as
the legal materials available in the library.

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY ALM-1
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Access to Legal Material, section (III)(C), the FOD must
ensure the law library shall contain the materials listed in Attachment A. [ICE] shall provide an
initial set ofthese materials. The facility shall post a list of its holdings in the law library.
DEFICIENCY ALM-2
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Access to Legal Material, section (III)(E), the FOD must
ensure the facility shall designate an employee with responsibility for updating legal materials,
inspecting them weekly, maintaining them in good condition, and replacing them promptly as
needed. The facility shall notify the designated contact person at [ICE] Headquarters if
anticipated updates are not received or if subscriptions lapse. The facility shall dispose of
outdated supplements and other materials when it receives new materials.
DEFICIENCY ALM-3
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Access to Legal Material, section (III)(Q), the FOD must
ensure the detainee handbook or equivalent shall provide detainees with the rules and procedures
governing access to legal materials, including the following information:
1. that a law library is available for detainee use;
2. the scheduled hours of access to the law library;
3. the procedure for requesting access to the law library;
4. the procedure for requesting additional time in the library (beyond the 5 hours per week
minimum);
5. the procedure for requesting legal reference materials not maintained in the law library; and
6. the procedure for notifying a designated employee that library material is missing or damaged.
These policies and procedures shall also be posted in the law library along with a list of the law
library's holdings.
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ADMISSION AND RELEASE (AR)
ODO reviewed the Admission and Release NDS at OPP to determine if procedures are in place
to protect the health, safety, security and welfare of each person during the admission and release
process. ODO interviewed staff and detainees, observed the admission and release of detainees,
and reviewed active and inactive detention files.
The facility creates a detention file for every detainee admitted into OPP/TP5 during intake
regardless ofthe length of stay at the facility. During the admissions process, detainees are
classified by OPP/TP5 staff, and funds and personal property are inventoried in their presence.
Detainees are also issued personal-hygiene items, clothing, and blankets during intake; however,
they are not provided with sheets on which to sleep (Deficiency AR-1). Sheets protect the
mattresses from stains, dirt, and debris, and are able to be washed when dirty or when the
mattress is reassigned.
OPP/TP5 staff closes and deactivates the detention file for archiving when a detainee is released
or transferred from the facility; however, detainees are not fingerprinted by OPP/TP5 staff when
they are released or transferred from the facility (Deficiency AR-2). Fingerprinting detainees
prior to release or transfer provides proof that the correct detainee has been released or
transferred to another facility.

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY AR-1
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Admission and Release, section (III)(A)(2), the FOD must
ensure staff will issue every arriving detainee personal-hygiene items, clothing, sheets and
blankets appropriate for local weather conditions (see the "Issuance of Clothing, Bedding, and
Towels" Standard).
DEFICIENCY AR-2
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Admission and Release, section (III)(J), the FOD must ensure
staff must complete certain procedures before any detainee's release, removal, or transfer from
the facility. Necessary steps include completing and processing forms, closing files,
fingerprinting; returning personal property; and reclaiming facility-issued clothing, bedding, etc.
[ICE] will approved [sic] the IGSA release procedures.
NOTE: There are two "J" sections within part III of the Admission and Release NDS.
Deficiency AR-2 relates to the second "J" section.

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DETAINEE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES (DGP)
ODO reviewed the Detainee Grievance Procedures NDS at OPP to determine if a process to
submit formal or emergency grievances exists, and responses are provided in a timely manner,
without fear of reprisal. In addition, the review was conducted to determine if detainees have an
opportunity to appeal responses, and if accurate records are maintained. ODO interviewed staff
and detainees, and reviewed policies and the OPP/TP5 local detainee handbook.
The facility encourages detainees to use the informal grievance procedures before submitting a
formal grievance. If a detainee chooses to file a formal grievance, the process begins when an
"Inmates Grievance Form" (Form ARP-1) is completed, or when the grievance is written on a
plain sheet of paper and submitted. The written grievance must contain the sentence, "[t]his is a
grievance under the Administration Remedy Procedure." Detainees requiring assistance to
prepare a formal grievance can obtain help from facility staff.
Detainees who are not satisfied with a facility grievance decision can appeal it to the Warden.
According to an OPSO Major, detainees who are dissatisfied with a facility response to a
grievance can communicate directly with ERO. The OPP local detainee handbook does not
provide procedures for contacting ERO to appeal a facility decision (Deficiency DGP-1).
Providing all grievance procedures to detainees ensures they are aware oftheir rights when filing
and appealing grievances.

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY DGP-1
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Detainee Grievance Procedures, section (III)(G)(4), the POD
must ensure the facility shall provide each detainee, upon admittance, a copy of the detainee
handbook or equivalent. The grievance section ofthe detainee handbook will provide notice of
the following [among others]: The procedures for contacting [ICE] to appeal the decision ofthe
OIC of a CDF or an IGSA facility.

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DETAINEE HANDBOOK (DH)
ODO reviewed the Detainee Handbook NDS at OPP to determine if the facility provides each
detainee with a handbook, written in English and any other languages spoken by a significant
number of detainees housed at the facility, describing the facility's rules and sanctions,
disciplinary system, mail and visiting procedures, grievance system, services, programs, and
medical care. ODO interviewed staff and reviewed the facility's local detainee handbook.
The facility did not have copies of the ICE National Detainee Handbook in Spanish; the sitespecific detainee handbook distributed by the facility had not been revised since 2009. Since the
2009 revision of the handbook, various changes and updates to policies have been released, but
have not been included in the site-specific handbook. ODO verified there were no records
establishing procedures for communicating these changes to staff and detainees (Deficiency DH1). The facility has not conducted annual reviews of the handbook following reviews and
revisions by facility department heads or the Warden for OPP/TP5 (Deficiency DH-2).
Providing staff and detainees with current facility policies and procedures ensures they are aware
of facility rules, and are able to access the services offered at the facility.
Guidance for detainees requesting protective custody is addressed in a section of the detainee
handbook describing emergency grievances. The detainee who committed suicide was moved
three times due to a claim that his gang affiliation was creating conflict with other detainees.
ODO recommends procedures for requesting protective custody be more clearly addressed in the
handbook, and that staff receive training in identifying when transfers from OPP/TP5 for
protective custody are advisable.
The index ofthe facility handbook did not coincide with the contents ofthe book. Further, the
medical section in the handbook titled "Medical Services" is preceded by the sub-section "Initial
Assessment," which should follow the "Medical Services" title. ODO observed facility staff
members distributing the English version ofthe ICE National Detainee Handbook to Spanishspeaking detainees. This area needs improvement.

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENT FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY DH-1
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Detainee Handbook, section (III)(H), the FOD must ensure the
handbook will not be immediately reprinted to incorporate every revision. The OIC will instead
establish procedures for immediately communicating such revisions to staff and detainees:
posting copies of the changes on bulletin boards in housing units and other prominent areas;
informing new arrivals during orientation process; distributing a memorandum to staff, and so
forth.
DEFICIENCY DH-2
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Detainee Handbook, section (III)(I), the FOD must ensure an
appointed committee will conduct annual reviews of the handbook, after the annual reviews and
revisions by facility department heads and the OIC.

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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (EH&S)
ODO reviewed the Environmental Health and Safety NDS at OPP to determine if the facility
maintains high standards of cleanliness and sanitation, safe work practices, and control of
hazardous materials and substances. ODO toured the facility, interviewed staff, and reviewed
policies and documentation of inspections, hazardous chemical management, and fire drills.
The facility has a system for storing, issuing, and maintaining inventories of hazardous materials.
OPP/TP5 personnel provided Material Safety Data Sheets and a complete master index of
chemicals, as well as documentation of review in accordance with the standard. Staff conducts
monthly fire drills on each shift, and the Safety Officer maintains appropriate documentation.
Reports for water testing and pest control are current. The facility produced documentation
confirming the air handling system had been repaired since ERO's last annual inspection. Upon
inspection, ODO found the system in good working order; ventilation grates and screens in the
housing units were clean.
ODO observed an unattended five gallon can of tile adhesive (a caustic substance) in a hallway
(Deficiency EH&S-1). Maintaining strict control of all chemicals protects the detainees, staff
and visitors. ODO notified a supervisor, and the deficiency was corrected during the review.
The facility's fire protection, control, and evacuation plans had not been filed with the local fire
department (Deficiency EH&S-2). This deficiency is explained by the long-term absence of the
OPP Safety Officer, who has now returned to duty and will take corrective action.
ODO observed sanitation conditions within the facility to be lacking and finds this to be an area
of concern. ODO recommends that floors be stripped to remove dirt, grime, and wax build-up
along baseboards and in comers, walls be washed from floor to ceiling, and windows, sills, gates,
and grills be thoroughly cleaned. ODO further recommends implementation of a comprehensive,
on-going sanitation program.

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY EH&S-1
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Environmental Health and Safety, section (111)(0)(1), the FOD
must ensure all toxic and caustic materials must be stored in secure areas, in their original
containers, with the manufacturer's label intact on each container.
DEFICIENCY EH&S-2
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Environmental Health and Safety, section (III)(L)(3)(g), the
FOD must ensure every institution will develop a fire prevention, control, and evacuation plan to
include, among other thing [sic], the following: Accessible, current floor plans (buildings and
rooms); prominently posted evacuation maps/plans; exit signs and directional arrows for traffic
flow; with a copy of each revision filed with the local fire department.

Office of Detention Oversight
February 2012
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Orleans Parish Prison
ERO New Orleans

ISSUANCE AND EXCHANGE OF CLOTHING, BEDDING, AND TOWELS
(I&ECBT)
ODO reviewed the Issuance and Exchange of Clothing, Bedding, and Towels NDS at OPP to
verify that detainees are afforded clean clothing, bedding, linens, and towels upon arrival, and
detainees receive regular exchanges of clothing, linens, and towels for as long as they remain in
detention. ODO interviewed staff and detainees, and reviewed policies and the OPP/TP5 local
detainee handbook.
ODO confirmed OPP/TP5 personnel provide ICE detainees with clean jumpsuits appropriate for
the temperature and environment in the facility. During colder months, staff provides laundry
exchange three times each week for clothing. As a matter of policy, OPP does not issue socks or
underwear (Deficiency I&ECBT-1). The facility also does not issue sheets or pillowcases
(Deficiency I&ECBT-2). Providing undergarments and sheets to detainees provides for comfort
and sanitary conditions.
MGT inspectors cited these issues in the 2011 Annual Review report to ERO. The Uniform
Corrective Action Plan (UCAP) filed subsequent to the 2011 annual review demonstrated that
OPP management did not intend to change these policies. To date, facility officials contend that
ICE detainees may purchase socks and underwear through the commissary, unless they are
indigent. OPP issues these items to indigent detainees upon request.

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY I&ECBT-1
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Issuance and Exchange of Clothing, Bedding, and Towels,
section (III)(B}, the FOD must ensure all new detainees shall be issued clean, temperatureappropriate, presentable clothing during in-processing.
DEFICIENCY I&ECBT-2
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Issuance and Exchange of Clothing, Bedding, and Towels,
section (III)(C}, the FOD must ensure all new detainees shall be issued clean bedding, linens and
towel [sic]. Detainees shall be held accountable for these items.

Office of Detention Oversight
February 2012
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Orleans Parish Prison
ERO New Orleans

POST ORDERS (PO)
ODO reviewed the Post Orders NDS at OPP to determine if the facility has established post
orders for each post that are available to all officers and specify the duties, procedures, and
responsibilities of each post. ODO reviewed policy and procedures, and interviewed facility
officials.
OPP/TP5 does not use the term "post orders" to describe assigned duties. OPP/TP5 has written
position descriptions that specifically apply to the duties of personnel assigned to the facility.
The position descriptions detail the duties and responsibilities expected of each deputy at each
post within the facility.
Position Descriptions (Post Orders) for armed posts, and for posts that control access to the
institution perimeter, do not clearly state that
(b)(7)e
(Deficiency
PO-l).
OPP
officials
corrected
this
deficiency
on-site.
(b)(7)e
ODO noted the following area of concern. OPP policies, standard operating procedures, and
position descriptions were disorganized and inconsistently formatted. Some documents were
dated as far back as 2005, or were undated entirely. Numerous memoranda modifying policy
content have been issued, but not incorporated into the policies themselves. This makes changes
difficult to track. Command staff provided ODO with policies and procedures later determined
to be outdated, and staff had difficulty identifying the most current versions. OPP management
stated an OPSO committee has submitted revisions to the OPP legal department for review. To
support compliance with the NDS, ODO recommends all policies applicable to ICE detainees be
reviewed by ICE. Approval and promulgation should be expedited.

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY PO-l
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Post Orders, section (III)(F), the FOD must ensure post orders
for armed posts, and for posts that control access to the institution perimeter, shall clearly state
(b)(7)e

Office of Detention Oversight
February 2012
OPR 201204926

15

Orleans Parish Prison
ERO New Orleans

STAFF-DETAINEE COMMUNICATION (SDC)
ODO reviewed the Staff-Detainee Communication NDS at OPP to determine if procedures are in
place to allow formal and informal contact between detainees and key ICE and facility staff; and
if ICE detainees are able to submit written requests to ICE staff and receive responses in a timely
manner. ODO interviewed staff and detainees, toured and observed housing units, and reviewed
ERO visitation records.
The facility allows detainees to have informal and formal access and interaction with OPP/TP5
and ERO staff. Detainees have the opportunity to submit written questions, requests, or concerns
to OPP/TP5 and ERO staff by asking for a request form. Both OPP/TP5 and ERO staff advised
that ICE detainees housed at OPP/TP5 have never filed or submitted formal requests to staff due
to the short length of their stay at the facility. According to OPP/TP5 and ERO staff, the average
number of days an ICE detainee is housed at OPP/TP5 ranges from two to four days.
ERO supervisory staff periodically conducts unannounced visits throughout the facility to
observe detainee living conditions at OPP/TP5 and to communicate with detainees. However,
ERO does not have a policy or procedures in place to ensure unannounced visits conducted by
ERO supervisory staff are documented (Deficiency SDC-1). The FOD and the AFOD both
advised ODO they will create a written policy instructing and requiring all ERO supervisory staff
to document unannounced visits conducted at OPP/TP5.
ERO officers conduct scheduled visitations on a weekly basis to communicate and interact with
detainees. ERO officers document their scheduled visits by completing the Facility Liaison Visit
Checklist. ODO verified and confirmed scheduled visitations are conducted by ERO officers by
interviewing OPP/TP5 staff and by reviewing visitation records maintained by OPP/TP5.
According to the OPSO Lieutenant, OPP/TP5 does not have written procedures to route detainee
requests to ERO (Deficiency SDC-2). This deficiency was corrected on-site during the
inspection. The Lieutenant provided ODO with a copy ofthe written procedures for routing
detainee requests to ERO, which had been approved and signed by the Warden.
The Warden stated the facility maintains a single electronic log to document and record detainee
requests and grievances. All detainee requests are documented and recorded in the grievance
log. OPP/TP5 does not maintain a log specifically for detainee requests (Deficiency SDC-3).

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY SDC-1
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Staff-Detainee Communication, section (III)(A)(l), the FOD
must ensure policy and procedures shall be in place to ensure and document that the ICE Officer
in Charge (OIC), the Assistant Officer in Charge (AOIC) and designated department heads
conduct regular unannounced (not scheduled) visits to the facility's living and activity areas to
encourage informal communication between staff and detainees and informally observing [sic]
living and working conditions.

Office of Detention Oversight
February 2012
OPR 201204926

16

Orleans Parish Prison
ERO New Orleans

DEFICIENCY SDC-2
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Staff-Detainee Communication, section (III)(B), the FOD must
ensure all facilities that house ICE detainees must have written procedures to route detainee
requests to the appropriate ICE official.
DEFICIENCY SDC-3
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Staff-Detainee Communication, section (III)(B)(2), the FOD
must ensure all requests shall be recorded in a logbook specifically designed for that purpose.
The log, at a minimum, shall contain:
a. The date the detainee request was received;
b. Detainee's name;
c. A-number;
d. Nationality;
e. Officer logging the request;
£ The date that the request, with staff response and action, is returned to the detainee; and
g. Any other site-specific pertinent information.
In IGSAs, the date the request was forwarded to ICE and the date it was returned shall also be
recorded.
All completed Detainee Requests will be filed in the detainee's detention file and will remain in
the detainee's detention file for at least three years.

Office of Detention Oversight
February 2012
OPR 201204926

17

Orleans Parish Prison
ERO New Orleans

SUICIDE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION (SP&I)
ODO reviewed the Suicide Prevention and Intervention NDS at OPP to determine ifthe health
and well-being of detainees are protected by training staff in effective methods of suicide
prevention. ODO reviewed the suicide prevention and intervention policy, medical and facility
staff training records, and interviewed the Clinical Director (CD), Health Services Administrator
(HSA), and medical staff.
The training officer stated the facility uses the Lockup USA video and training guide, "Principles
of Suicide Prevention," to train staff. ODO verified the curriculum covers all elements required
by the standard, including recognizing signs of suicidal thinking, facility referral procedures,
suicide-prevention techniques, responding to an in-progress suicide attempt, identification of
suicide risk factors, and the psychological profile of a suicidal detainee.
A random review o (b)(7)edeputy staff and all medical stafftraining records confirmed (b)(7)e of(b)(7)e
non-medical staff had not received training in suicide prevention and intervention after the initial
orientation (Deficiency SP&I-1). ODO recommends the HSA and CD become more involved in
training to ensure all staff members are trained in, and aware of, suicide prevention and
intervention policy and procedures.

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY SP&I-1
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Suicide Prevention and Intervention, section (III)(A), the FOD
must ensure all staff will receive training, during orientation and periodically, in the following:
recognizing signs of suicidal thinking, including suspect behavior; facility referral procedures;
suicide-prevention techniques; and responding to an in-progress suicide attempt. All training
will include the identification of suicide risk factors and psychological profile of a suicidal
detainee.

Office of Detention Oversight
February 2012
OPR 201204926

18

Orleans Parish Prison
ERO New Orleans

TELEPHONE ACCESS (TA)
ODO reviewed the Telephone Access NDS at OPP to determine if the facility provides detainees
with reasonable and equitable access to telephones to maintain ties with family and others in the
community. ODO toured the facility, reviewed policies and procedures, and interviewed
detainees and OPP/TP5 and ICE/ERO staff.
ODO verified telephones are available to detainees, and the number of telephones is adequate
with respect to the detainee population. The telephones are in good working order. The rules
and procedures for using the telephones are posted in the housing units and are also included in
the detainee handbook. OPP/TP5 personnel monitor telephone calls at the facility, and a notice
stating that telephone calls are subject to monitoring is posted near the telephone banks. ICE
employees assist detainees with legal calls and communications with consular officials.
OPP/TP5 does not have a policy or procedure for detainees to make an unmonitored call to a
court, legal representative, or for the purpose of obtaining legal representation
(Deficiency TA-l). Establishing the procedures for an unmonitored call to legal representatives
ensures detainees' privacy rights are protected while discussing legal matters.

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY TA-l
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Telephone Access, section {III){K), the FOD must ensure the
facility shall have a written policy on the monitoring of detainee telephone calls. If telephone
calls are monitored, the facility shall notify detainees in the detainee handbook or equivalent
provided upon admission. It shall also place a notice at each monitored telephone stating:
1. that detainee calls are subject to monitoring; and
2. the procedure for obtaining an unmonitored call to a court, legal representative, or for the
purposes of obtaining legal representation.
A detainee's call to a court, a legal representative, or for the purposes of obtaining legal
representation will not be aurally monitored absent a court order. The OIC retains the discretion
to have other calls monitored for security purposes.

Office of Detention Oversight
February 2012
OPR 201204926

19

Orleans Parish Prison
ERO New Orleans

USE OF FORCE (UOF)
ODO reviewed the Use of Foree NDS at OPP to determine if necessary use offeree is used only
after all reasonable efforts have been exhausted to gain control of a subject, while protecting and
ensuring the safety of detainees, staff and others, preventing serious property damage, and
ensuring the security and orderly operation ofthe facility. ODO toured the facility, reviewed the
local policy and training records, and interviewed OPP personnel.
OPP management stated there have been no use-of-force incidents involving ICE detainees at
OPP/TP5. If a calculated use of force against a detainee became necessary, the OPSO Special
Operations Division would be contacted. Review oftraining files verified that staff members
receive initial and annual training on uses of force.
The OPP Use-of-Force policy permits the use of gas, mace, and irritant dust, which are nonlethal options not authorized by ICE (Deficiency UOF-1). Prior to completion of the review,
ODO was provided an addendum to the policy prohibiting use of these items on ICE detainees.
ODO recommends formal implementation ofthe policy addendum, and training ofstaffto ensure
compliance.

STANDARD/POLICY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFICIENT FINDINGS
DEFICIENCY UOF-1
In accordance with the ICE NDS, Use of Force, section (III)(M)(l-4), the FOD must ensure that
the following non-deadly force devices are not authorized for use:
1. Saps, blackjacks, and sap gloves;
2. Mace, tear gas, or other chemical agents, except OC spray;
3. Homemade devices or tools; and
4. Any other device or tool not issued or approved by [ICE].

Office of Detention Oversight
February 2012
OPR 201204926

20

Orleans Parish Prison
ERO New Orleans